Ch. 197: The [Transgressors] and the [Ultimates]
The remaining events on the 2nd day of the Class Competition were canceled, and the students were sent home on temporary leave.
A few students remained including Igni, the Student Council, and Fray.
Mila: “So Igni, you’re telling me that they’re not at fault～? Really～?”
Igni: “No, I don’t believe so…….in fact, I believe it’s more accurate to say that they were out of options and were forced into taking action.”
Igni looked upon Gregory and Crein as he spoke.
Both had magic artifact restraints to prevent them from using any Spells and were kneeling in front of Mila.
Mila took a moment to reflect on Igni’s words as she observed all three.
Mila: “So the [Demon King], huh～... Igni, what do you think?”
Igni: “I believe it deserves some thought.”
Mila: “I see, I see…”
Igni: “........excuse me, but why are you consulting me about this matter?”
Mila: “Well, Igni, you lived in the [Demon King’s Realm], right? Then you would be the best one to determine if what they’re saying is true or not, no～?”
Igni: “I see…..”
Igni nodded his head in agreement.
It’s true that Igni spent 2 years training in the [Demon King’s Realm].
This was something he mentioned to Mila in the past.
If there really is something peculiar in the [Demon King’s Realm], then it would be fastest to consult someone who actually lived there.
Mila: “So, where are you two from? Why did you become [Transgressors]?”Gregory: “....................”
Gregory held Crein close as he remained silent.
He has not spoken a word since being brought before Mila.
Mila: “Do you want me to take a guess? I bet you two are from the Mercenaries’ Nation of Solondo, am I right?”Igni: “Where is that?”
Igni tilted his head hearing an unfamiliar country’s name as Mila continued to explain.
Mila: “Umm, well～ How long ago was that……..? 10 years? 20 years? I can’t remember exactly……..but it’s a country that was completely destroyed. It was located near the [Demon King’s Realm] and～ Monsters constantly invaded them, but there’s a reason why they were called the Mercenaries’ Nation, and their citizens were very strong～ The nation lent mercenaries in exchange for exported goods～”
Igni: “Why did the country fall?”Mila: “Hmmmー gradually, they began losing ground, and it became a lost cause. Well, the demise of the nation was foreseeable, and the surrounding countries even accepted refugees. But it was impossible to accept all the refugees though.”
Mila did not blink as she watched for any reaction from Gregory and Crein as she spoke.
Mila: “.....so, am I right?”Gregory: “........yeah.”
Mila: “We do sympathize for the fate of your country, but it still doesn’t excuse what you did here at the Rolmod Academy～”
Gregory: “I know….. I know that! But would you have believed us if we communicated through official means?! Don’t make me laugh!!”
It was clear that Gregory was referring to the return of the [Demon King].
And Gregory was right.
The Kingdom was unaware of the [Demon King’s] existence.
Even if all the [Transgressors] agreed to spread the word, it would have been brushed off and forgotten as the words from the insane.
Igni only believed Gregory because he sensed Gregory’s devotion to his mission - a devotion that bordered lunacy. That led him to believe that Gregory could be speaking the truth.
But regardless of what Igni believes, whether the people around him would believe it or remains a separate matter.
At the very least, Igni brought the two to Mila betting that she would be the most reasonable to hear them out.
Mila: “......hmmm～, well, you do have a point there. We would have to send someone to the [Demon King’s Realm] to confirm what you’re saying first, and then we would begin preparing….and that would take lots of time～”
Gregory: “Then it would be too late by then! The [Demon King] is already on the move! The world may be coming to an end! Don’t you understand?!”
Mila: “Well, we’ll just have to deal with it when it happens then～”
Mila was unfazed by Gregory’s desperate and furious retort.
Mila: “But well, we have some unbelievable people living in this country, so if it comes down to it, we can instantly go to the [Demon King’s Realm]. So just relax. It will all work out in the end.”
Gregory: “.......even so…….then that means….”
Mila only smiled as she let Gregory’s words hang and fade away.
Mila: “Hmm～ well, that is the difference between [Transgressors] and the [Ultimates]. You all underestimate the [Ultimates] way too much, you know～?”
Mila continued to smile as she pointed at Gregory.
Mila: “You all underestimate the [Ultimates] far too much. It’s true that [Transgressors] can use <Magic> like the [Ultimates], but not all <Magicians> can call themselves an [Ultimate], you know～?”
Gregory: “........yes, we know how strong the [Ultimate] Wizards are.”
Mila: “Nope, you don’t at all.”
Mila chuckled at Gregory’s words.
Mila: “If you did, you would never have come to the Kingdom, nor to the Empire or the Holy Republic or even Alelimenia. If you knew, you would never step into these domains. Never.”
Gregory fell silent as he sensed the weight in Mila’s words.
It was then that Crein’s face turned a shade redder as blood returned to her pale face.
After suffering the aftereffects of her Spell, she was finally beginning to recover.
Mila: “Do you all even know what an [Ultimate] is? An [Ultimate] is the final destination that man can reach. It is the limit of mankind. It’s already amazing that mere human beings can use the Spell of gods, but that alone will not take you to the Ultimate end of human beings～”
Mila was known in the Rolmod Wizard Academy as a Wizard who was closest to reaching the [Ultimates].
In other words, she was close to reaching the farthest depths of humanity.
Mila: “You cannot measure their strength of will…….in fact, they could probably endure being stuck in an empty vacuum for hundreds of years and still be perfectly fine afterwards. Even if they are dropped into an infinitely expanding abyss, even if you throw them into infinite parallel universes, they would have the mental fortitude to laugh it off. All Wizards who are [Ultimates] hold a Spell that can destroy an entire continent. Do you understand?”
Gregory fell silent at Mila’s words.
It’s true that [Transgressors] who are <Magicians> underestimate [Ultimates].
Because they thought they were standing in the same realm as the [Ultimates], they saw the [Ultimates] as lesser equals.
Mila: “So why not have more faith in the guardians of humanity?”
Gregory: “Guardians of Humanity? Which one of them came to save us in our time of need!”
Mila: “Well, yeah. Was there any merit in saving you?”
Mila’s answer was cold against Gregory’s anger.
Mila: “If you want someone to save you, you need to give them a reason to. There’s no such thing as heroes who will save everyone unconditionally, you know?”
Gregory: “................”
Gregory was quiet as he stared intently at Mila.
Igni thought about interjecting to say the exact same thing but remained silent as well.
Lucas saved Igni.
But 10 years ago or maybe 20 years ago, Lucas did not go to save a dying country.
Igni took these facts to heart as he continued to watch Mila and Gregory’s exchange.
Mila: “Okay, Igni. Let’s go clean up the mess outside.”
Igni: “What about these two?”Mila: “Hmmm, well, I’ll take it up with the Principal～ She’s an amazing Wizard too after all～”
The [Sage] Aria.
She is the first Principal of the Rolmod Wizard Academy, and one of the last living Party members of the Hero.
Mila: “Here, Igni, take care of this.”
And Mila handed Igni a headless body.
Igni: “........is this a Vampire’s?”Mila: “Can you burn it up～?”
Igni: “Oh, yes….”
And Igni used his {Fireball}.
