Side Story: A Conversation

"Isn't that the problem? We're not you..."

Galan didn't continue, afraid that he might say something wrong and anger Serie again, which would be troublesome.

After all, he didn't bring anything back from inside, although the Dungeon was indeed very dangerous, but it still didn't meet the other party's expectations.

"Let's not talk about that anymore. Where's what I asked for? Was there absolutely no artifact from the past in that Dungeon?"

Compared to other matters, Serie was clearly more concerned about her own problems. After all, she had initially asked Galan to participate in this matter so that he could help her find any antiques that met her criteria.

Based on the information submitted by the Adventurers Guild, the Dungeon must be very ancient. In that case, it's not impossible to find one or two interesting items.

... antiques"

Galan rolled over in bed, feeling an inexplicable weariness.

I didn't actually find any antiques...

"Didn't find it?"

"Um."

Since she couldn't afford it herself, buying any random antique to fool Serie was clearly a irrational choice.

From the moment I entered until I escaped, I didn't see any antiques that I could take with me.

Unless you include those stone pillars.

Even if I could actually bring back an ancient stone sculpture, I doubt Serie would be very interested in it.

After all, there was no special information left on it, and it didn't seem to be related to magic.

So, you didn't bring anything back?

"I really didn't find anything, so you can't blame me!"

Galan could tell that Serie's voice was clearly unhappy.

"Logically speaking, with your strength, surviving in Dungeon of this magnitude shouldn't be difficult, yet you still haven't found any treasure."

"It's because of that monster that can create mist. From the moment I went in, I could barely see anything. Under these circumstances, it's impossible to find the antique you're looking for."

Seeing that Serie didn't refute him, probably considering that he didn't have any means to see through the fog and felt it was indeed a problem for him, "Later, after I cleared the fog in the Dungeon, I was chased by the Water Mirror Demon Copy. Under those circumstances, I was also taking care of a group of wounded soldiers, so I had no choice but to retreat."

"Anyway, it's not that I didn't want to find someone for you, it's just that my circumstances at the time really didn't allow it."

Galan explained to her sincerely, but he didn't know how much she would listen to or whether she could understand him.

To be honest, given Serie's eccentric temper, it's already a miracle she didn't make fun of herself directly.

"Are you thinking right now, 'If I don't bring back what Serie wants, she'll definitely kill me'?"

"Soft?"

Suddenly, Serie's words in his mind startled Galan.

Really? It can sense my thoughts from this far away?

Did she really not implant any other magic into me?

"Hehehe, to be honest, involving you in this matter was just a spur-of-the-moment decision. Actually, I don't really care whether you bring anything back in the end, since I don't have the energy to deal with anything else right now."

To his surprise, Serie didn't mock him or get angry. From her words, she didn't seem to care about the matter at all.

No way?

If you don't care, why are you asking me to jump into this pit?

Isn't this just creating trouble for me?

"On the contrary, that [Fallen King’s Tomb]... might come in handy in the future."

"Use? What use could a Dungeon possibly have?"

"Who knows? You can let your imagination run wild and think about it. Perhaps using it as a training ground would be a good choice."

"A trial? You're using that Dungeon as a test? That's way too difficult!"

As someone who experienced it firsthand, Galan knew very well that the Copy created by the Water Mirror Demon were essentially the same strength as the originals.

Under such circumstances, no matter what the trial she sets, she cannot avoid the threat from the Copy.

Naturally, I had some doubts about Serie's idea.

"If you don't have this much strength, you wouldn't even be worthy of my attention... But I was just saying that casually... After this, my focus will still be on establishing the [Continental Magic Association]."

"Won't anyone be upset if we just establish an association like this and take over the management of Mages?"

Galan was somewhat worried. Although he was certain that the Continental Magic Association would be successfully established in the future, he couldn't guarantee that Serie wouldn't encounter any external pressure or obstacles along the way.

Serie is indeed powerful, powerful enough to ignore many things, but when it comes to politics, she may not be as capable as some seasoned veteran politicians.

"After all, if it were you, once the [Continental Magic Association] is established, with your prestige and the allure of your [Privileges ], it would definitely attract the vast majority of Mages. Would the Empire be happy to see that?"

Even if the Empire approves, what if someone else has ulterior motives regarding your actions...?

The more Galan thought about it, the more he felt that establishing an association seemed like a very risky thing.

He still had some recollection that decades later, a murder targeting Serie would occur, and the perpetrators would be the remnants of the [Shadow Warriors ].

Well, even though it's none of my business, Galan is still a little worried about Serie's safety.

She doesn't have enough supporters around her right now, and if she continues to fight this battle alone...

What do you take me for?

Seemingly feeling looked down upon again, Serie's tone suddenly turned much colder, even colder than when she heard that Galan had failed to bring her anything back.

"If I want to do it, no one can stop me. I remember telling you that before. It seems your memory isn't as good as I thought."

Sensing her displeasure, Galan refrained from saying anything further that might provoke her.

Well, anyway, if it's her, she can definitely handle whatever happens, right? There's no need for me to provoke her any further. Actually, Galan felt a bit of sympathy for this incredibly arrogant grandmaster.

Although I still kept my distance from her somewhat domineering way of doing things.