Luxanna and the Prisoner of Nullstone Prison

Sylas's story isn't actually that long.

Once, Sylas was a poor boy from the border town. His family's conditions weren't even as good as Eno's, but even so, when he was discovered to be a Magic Corruptor, his parents convinced him to turn himself in to the Magic Seekers.

In that regard, you're much braver than I am, Eno thought to himself. At least when I discovered I could turn the water in my cup into ice, I didn't dare turn myself in to the Magic Seekers.

After turning himself in, Sylas detailed his Magic Corruption symptoms. Unlike Eno's intuitive control over frost, Sylas could see others' Magic Power—and this talent ultimately led the Magic Seekers to accept him, making him one of them, tasked with finding mages hidden among the populace.

Good thing I didn't meet him, Eno secretly rejoiced. That kind of ability... it's too terrifying.

Sylas, clearly unaware of Eno's thoughts, continued his story.

After becoming a Magic Seeker, he was forbidden from interacting with others; all communication had to go through his handler. Even as a member of the Magic Seekers, his identity as a mage was still feared.

However, after becoming a Magic Seeker, Sylas discovered an astonishing truth—magic was far more prevalent than people imagined. Even the estates of the most prestigious nobility often shimmered with magic's unique aura!

Are you sure you weren't mistaken? Eno found Sylas's claim hard to believe. Nobility uses magic?

I wasn't mistaken, Sylas scoffed. They slander mages with their words, but they don't hesitate to use magic themselves!

At that moment, Eno remembered the person who had coerced her into using magic—Codora was just like that.

Although that bastard didn't seem to understand magic, he still utilized it.

And then? Eno didn't question further. Did you expose this?

I'm not an idiot, Sylas shook his head, smiling wryly. Nobility and commoners are different. They can use it, but that doesn't mean I can speak about it. Even knowing this, I could only honestly continue being a Magic Seeker.

"..."

Later, during a mission, I discovered a granary brimming with Magic Power, Sylas said with a complex tone. I had never seen such astonishing Magic Power, like a brewing lightning strike—so I reported it to my handler and entered the granary.

"..."

Inside the granary, I saw a little girl, Sylas's story continued. She was probably less than ten years old, maybe not even eight—but the Magic Power she possessed was unlike anything I had ever seen. Seeing my blue robe, she tried to hide in the corner, attempting to suppress the arcs of electricity.

Eno remained silent, but her emotions were far from calm.

Un-aged Magic Corruptors like her are usually forced to drink Nullification Draught when discovered. That stuff mixed with Nullstone powder isn't pleasant, Sylas sighed again. But the Magic Power this little girl had was too incredible. If she were discovered, she would inevitably be exiled—and at her age, surviving away from her family would be difficult. So, I wanted to let her escape first.

"..."

I lied to my handler, but he saw through my deception, Sylas recalled the situation slowly. He tried to use Nullstone to control the little girl, but he failed—the long-brewing lightning exploded, completely consuming her, her father, and the handler who tried to capture her.

Sylas's story ended there.

After recounting everything, he leaned back against the railing, looking dejected.

Eno also remained silent.

The "junior class" of the Nullstone Prison fell into silence once more.

After a long while, Eno finally spoke.

Mr. Sylas, I sympathize with your experience, the little girl cautiously approached him. About your past, about your pain... Although I can't fully empathize, I can still understand.

Of course, you can understand, Sylas said with a wry smile. We are the same kind of people—the kind forgotten and abandoned by this glittering nation.

No, you're not, Eno said, though her face showed sympathy, she firmly shook her head. Demacia hasn't abandoned us. Just like you became a Magic Seeker, I became friends with Miss Lux.

You became friends with Lux? Sylas blinked in surprise, then couldn't help but laugh. Are you serious, little girl? You're saying you're friends with that noble lady?

That's right! Eno nodded. Mages just have unfortunate origins, like people with innate disabilities—

We are not disabled! Sylas interrupted Eno. Magic is a talent, not a defect—and being imprisoned has never been because of magic, but because we are commoners!

What are you talking about? Sylas's outburst surprised Eno, and she instinctively waved her hand, retorting, Magic is magic. Uncontrolled spells can only lead to tragedy! I know that very well!

Only commoners' magic is corruption! Sylas gritted his teeth. But for nobility, magic is just a minor issue!

How is that possible? Eno shook her head in disbelief. Before, a noble lord I knew was sentenced to hang for using magic. His noble status only helped him avoid beheading, leaving his body intact...

That's because he lost in a political struggle! Sylas sneered. Nobility's relationship with magic is far closer than you imagine—for example, Miss Lux, whom you consider your friend, is also a Magic Corruptor!

Miss Lux... a Magic Corruptor? Eno suddenly stood up, looking around before rolling up a scroll on the ground into a short staff, gripping it with both hands in a defensive stance. How dare you slander her as a Magic Corruptor?!

She is! Sylas's face contorted into a mocking expression. I clearly saw her dress sword. The hilt is the [Penitent's Artifact] from within the Magic Seekers!

The Penitent's Artifact?

Yes, a fine item that only nobility can possess. With it, one doesn't have to worry about losing control of magic or being exposed as a Magic Corruptor. Sylas's expression gradually twisted. My handler back then said that if I served the Magic Seekers faithfully, perhaps I could apply to use that artifact when it became available...

"!!!"

She's the little princess of the Crown Guard family, isn't she? Sylas's mockery continued. Nobility has its ranks. I remember that artifact had an owner—some minor noble, wasn't it? It's a shame it was useless. The little princess of the Crown Guard family needed it, so it had to be presented to that little princess...

Enough! Eno finally lost her temper. Shut your damn mouth, murderer! Don't taint Lux with your wickedness!

Taint? Hahahahahahahahaha—Next time she visits, ask her yourself. Maybe she'll be happy to share that secret with you?

"..."

Of course, it's more likely she'll feel a surge of panic and never want to see you again, or even take steps to silence you!

"..."

The friendship of a noble lady, hahahahaha, that's the funniest joke I've heard in ten years. Wake up, little girl. You are not of the same kind!

"..."

Never were!