Traveler Starting from Type-Moon, Demon Lord Rimuru! Chapter 35

"I won't repeat the benefits of a Magic Crest, but I don't know if anyone has ever told you about its downsides: the locking of one's path caused by solidified mystery and the inherent nature of the crest itself."

"Take my own lineage, the Entpeste family's Magic Crest, for example. It contains a vast amount of knowledge regarding water and fluid manipulation, as well as techniques for imbuing fluids with life. But unfortunately, aside from the knowledge and a few basic water-based spells that allow me to reach a high level of proficiency, most of the magical system doesn't really suit my tastes. Well... it's because they are somewhat..."

"Not artistic enough?!"

A few soft chuckles came from below, but there were far more looks of envy. After all, even the smallest fragment of a Tempest Magic Crest likely contained a system of knowledge they could never research in their entire lifetimes.

Rimuru knew that his words sounded a bit like "why don't they just eat cake," but he was indeed trying to express a genuine thought: "At least for me, the greatest thing a Magic Crest has brought me is perhaps the status that many of you feel is unfair or makes you angry, right?"

"Because of this crest, I have gained the recognition of many noble houses, the respect of many people, and looks like yours... filled with envy."

"But in reality, if you strip away these external trappings and return to the essence of a magus—pursuing mystery, pursuing Akasha—I would much rather use things I have researched myself, whether it be magic or a system—"

"Of course, I could engrave my own magical system into it, allowing my disciples or descendants more choices." As he said this, many people immediately looked at Eler at the back of the classroom. Eler, who had been drifting in a daze, suddenly had her ahoge stand straight up. With a slap, she lifted her head, looking completely bewildered.

Eh? Did the professor just call me?!

"But obviously... Eler, who loves explosions, certainly wouldn't like my magical system, would she?"

Rimuru smiled helplessly. Eler looked around at the other students in confusion, then back at the professor, and thought blankly: "I like everything the professor does!!"

"But speaking of which, this is actually a bit off-topic. I am not telling you that you shouldn't care about Magic Crests. In fact, the inheritance of Magic Crests remains very important, even if you don't care about fame or status."

"What I really want to say is that the only minor drawback of a Magic Crest—the locking of one's path—is actually one of the few advantages you magi have, whose crests haven't been accumulated and solidified over generations."

"Why do I say that? The changes in the era are immense, children."

"The proliferation of the light of technology is accompanied by the decline of mystery. And I believe students who have studied the Department of Law understand the level of civilizational progress... it is getting faster and faster, changing from a step every thousand years to every hundred, and from a hundred to a few decades."

"With the discovery of steam power, electricity, the invention of the telegraph, the telephone, the automobile... more and more miracles are no longer miracles, and more and more magic is becoming mere trickery."

"To say something blasphemous, tradition means there is a possibility of being eliminated—children." Rimuru opened his eyes, looked into Christina's eyes, and smiled lightly: "There is already a subtle sense of division between modern magic and traditional magic, but what if one day in the future..."

"Human technological progress reaches a point where it is more convenient than magic?"

"That... couldn't be possible, right?" A few students muttered to themselves. Rimuru shook his head gently and said: "Magic power can record text to achieve information transmission, so why can't light, why can't electricity?"

"Alright, let's end the discussion on this topic here." Rimuru smiled softly: "So, make good use of this part. A path that hasn't been locked can lead to any field. If one direction doesn't suit you, why not try changing to another?"

"It has always been the era that creates heroes, and then heroes can influence an era. You only possess the future, and I also believe..."

"The future belongs to you."

As his words fell, Rimuru had expected countless debates, but to his surprise, he was met with silence—

"Then, are there any other questions, Christina?"

"Come to think of it, I have a few more things to say, which can be considered my dissatisfaction with your recent performance." Seeing the quiet classroom, Rimuru unhurriedly extended a finger and shook it: "That is, I have discovered that many people default to classifying magi who create their own schools as Wild Magus, or as losers and failures. This is clearly wrong."

"Although I admit that inheriting a Magic Crest allows a magus's level to leap forward significantly, and the inheritance of Magic Crests ensures the survival of the magical world, we cannot deny the contributions that magi who create their own schools have made to the entire magical world—as well as their potential for success."

"I have always believed that a hundred schools of thought contending is what makes a golden age. Therefore, I have always held a high regard for magi who create their own schools, because this path is difficult to walk. But precisely because it is difficult, those who dare to walk it appear great."

"And among you, there are also magi who have created their own schools." Rimuru swept his gaze over the many commoner-faction magi, watching them lower their heads in inferiority one by one. He shook his head gently: "Or rather, many magi who have only inherited one generation are actually no different from those who create their own lineages."

"I have actually noticed this many times, so I'll take this opportunity to say it: you don't need to feel inferior, and you certainly don't need to reject the help of other students."

"At least in my classroom, I believe you are great. You are struggling forward while bearing a level of difficulty that others cannot imagine."

"This has nothing to do with strength, nothing to do with level—" Rimuru smiled softly: "If possible, I still hope that when you encounter difficulties in magic, you will be willing to think of me and allow me to help you."

"And in the future, when you achieve success and fame, I also hope you will be able to proudly say that a professor named Rimuru once guided you."

"So, although I apologize for turning this class into a speech, time is up, and I must say—"

"Class dismissed."

The scattered crowd flowed away like water. Christina quietly picked up her textbook and looked back to see the group of four, who had been causing a stir for days, waiting for her quietly at the door.

"What do you plan to do?" Before she even reached them, Christina heard Mona's chirping, clear voice like an oriole: "Although I don't quite agree with Professor Rimuru's view, I do understand why Amosdon and the others want you to inherit the Magic Crest so badly. Are you really not going to consider it?"

"Have you defected from the camp just like that?" Christina tapped her forehead lightly, turned to look at the other three, and asked: "What about you guys? What do you think?"

Amosdon was the genius magus who had frozen the cup in front of her into a block of ice. The other young man was a golden-haired boy who had been looked down upon by Amosdon at first but could not be underestimated. He was from a minor family of the Gaiusling faction. Compared to Amosdon's genius-like trait changes, the golden-haired boy was completely clueless about the distortion of water-tempering-into-ice, but his control over fluids—pure water—was masterful. He was extremely skilled in elusive, transformative combat through the myriad changes and cutting power of water. Among the group, he had the worst magical theory and workshop combat capability, but his individual combat power was the most terrifying, and he was also the most bellicose.

According to him, his father sometimes suspected he was an Executor rather than a magus!

Because his family faction belonged to the Gaiusling, his understanding of Rimuru was even deeper than the others. He knew that Rimuru's water magic wasn't just simple flashiness, and that the Mystic Code Wuyin was perfectly compatible with his magical system. He had desperately tried to become Rimuru's disciple, but... since the students were already lined up to the yet-to-be-born Sakura, Rimuru didn't intend to take on any more disciples. This led him to start hanging out with Rimuru's closest assistant squad.

And his name was...

Nebula M78 756365104

PS: Please vote, I haven't had any votes these past few days QAQ

The speech isn't filler! It's not filler! It's the proof that I'm starting to reach into the modern magic curriculum and influence the students!

And Christina is the future leader of this faction... Wow, did I just spoil it? Boohoo!

By the way, this golden-haired youth actually has a prototype. I wonder if you can guess who it is.

Chapter 047, The Grand Resolution and the Dead Apostle Resolution!

"Interesting remarks."

In the Academic City of the Department of Spiritual Evocation, everywhere was filled with mysterious, religious-style architecture, exuding a cold and cryptic atmosphere—

In front of a shelf filled with the spirit mediums required for spirit evocation, several nameless spirits wailed as they bumped around inside a container. Behind the container, Yufilis, with his withered, gloomy face that resembled a necromancer, remarked offhandedly: "It is not that mages are too traditional, but rather... magic itself is tradition."

"Indeed, he is not the only one clamoring about his high hopes for the Department of Modern Magecraft, but so far, few have actually gone to that department to take over that mess." A clear voice drifted from the doorway, continuing with a conjecture: "It is likely a way to gain the support of commoner students in disguise. I can see the ambition and arrogance in his bones."

"We are the same kind of person, though he seems a bit more patient—"

"Tempest has the experience you lack, Kayneth." Yufilis turned around unhurriedly, frowning as he cleared away the spirits that had dissipated into nothingness, and added: "And after inheriting El-Melloi... it is even less possible for you."

Hearing this, Kayneth raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He knew what experience his mentor was referring to: the destruction and decline of a lineage.

But to be frank, if it weren't for the fact that Rimuru's displayed capability and methods were enough to catch Kayneth's eye, he had always felt that... those who allowed their lineage to decline were, in themselves, trash and losers.

However... a cold glint flashed across Yufilis's decaying, wood-like face. No winner can remain a champion forever. Kayneth's personality was far too sharp and exposed, a style of conduct that could be said to be the exact opposite of Rimuru's. Although both possessed the same desire for victory and a personality that pursued success in their bones, when compared... Yufilis still felt that Kayneth might suffer a minor setback.

After all... pride goes before a fall.

But so be it. Even if he told him this now, he wouldn't listen. Even in his arrogance, Kayneth had the capital to be arrogant. For this genius apprentice, Yufilis still held high expectations.

What's more... the Tempest Family faction now belonged to the Aristocratic Faction, so they were not necessarily enemies. It was just that... the other party was too close to Achelotte, which might pose a certain impact on his absolute leadership position.

"I didn't expect him to become a professor so smoothly... The three great noble families likely reached some agreement behind my back." Yufilis's gloomy voice echoed in the room: "I had intended to show a little favor, but the importance of giving him a push has instead been rendered moot."

It is laughable, really. As the three great noble families, the heads of the Twelve Lords, two of them belong to the Democratic Faction, while the only one in the Aristocratic Faction, Barthomeloi, has instead distanced itself from aristocratic ideology to serve as the Director's assistant in order to maintain neutrality.

However, it is precisely because of this that Yufilis was able to sit in the seat of the head of the Aristocratic Faction, and the Democratic Faction was able to contend with him because of the two great noble families—so Yufilis was still quite puzzled.

Why did those two old foxes directly take the lead in agreeing to Rimuru Tempest's proposal, instead making him the only obstacle and the big villain?

In the end, his agreement not only failed to become a favor or a way to go with the flow, but instead made it look like he was forced by the situation, unwillingly... Sigh, thinking of this, Yufilis felt he had been schemed against by the other two old foxes, and he was so angry his teeth itched.

Even icing on the cake is not as good as sending charcoal in snowy weather.

Yufilis finally finished his research, which could not be called a failure, and as he turned to walk toward Kayneth, he no longer wished to chat about Rimuru, instead suddenly changing the subject: "This time, for the Grand Resolution... you will come with me."

"It would be my greatest honor, teacher." Hearing this, Kayneth nodded. Although he also possessed the right to participate in the Grand Resolution, going with someone and going alone were clearly two different concepts.

The two walked out of the large classroom one after the other. Outside the door, a ghost carriage reinforced with magecraft was already waiting there—it must be mentioned here that the Department of Spiritual Evocation is a major department. Just as a university's biology department has over a dozen sub-disciplines, under the Department of Spiritual Evocation, there are the familiar Summoning and Necromancy departments, as well as everything related to summoning and spirit evocation, including the Familiar Department and even the study of how to enslave Phantasmal Species, which clearly conflicted with the Department of Zoology.

The location of the Grand Resolution was at the top of the British Library, which was also the outermost part of the Department of Law's large classroom. To be honest, it was quite far from his Academic City, but it was clear that Yufilis was not accustomed to riding in cars.

Kayneth helped Yufilis lift the carriage curtain and, as if suddenly remembering something, asked: "I heard that Department Head Sophelia had an accident?"

"Ah, that happened a few days ago." Yufilis opened his half-white eyes, pondered for a moment, and said: "Even her Magic Crest was sent back."

"Doesn't that mean... the position of Department Head of Spiritual Evocation is vacant?"

"Why... do you have ideas?" Yufilis slowly shook his head: "The El-Melloi faction already possesses the Department of Mineralogy. If you were to continue serving as the Department Head of Spiritual Evocation, Gaiusling and Achelotte would absolutely not agree. With the Grand Resolution at hand, it is best not to stir up any more trouble."

After speaking, before Kayneth could open his mouth, Yufilis continued: "The Director's intention is for me to take over the Department of Spiritual Evocation again. That way... there will be no need to hold any more Lord meetings."

"Is that so? It is within expectations." Kayneth chuckled upon hearing this: "I don't really have any ideas, I just thought that if I could intervene, El-Melloi would be willing to give up the Department of Mineralogy to inherit the position of Department Head of Spiritual Evocation—"

"...El-Melloi, or rather, you have a good plan." Yufilis closed his eyes. The El-Melloi faction was constantly deepening its relationship with Tempest and Achelotte on one side, while trying to strengthen its own relationship on the other.

This is trying to bet on both sides, wanting the best of both worlds?!

"However, it is not impossible..." Yufilis suddenly opened his eyes. The Department of Spiritual Evocation certainly could not be given to the El-Melloi faction... but Department Head Sophelia... didn't she have a daughter?

On the other side, in Cornwall—the White Knight Rimuru finally received an anonymous envelope.

The inside of the envelope was blank, containing only a piece of stationery with a sentence written in German in blood.

"The Grand Resolution has already begun."

Has it begun?

Rimuru smiled slightly. As the flames in his hand ignited, burning the stationery and envelope into ashes, Altrouge, who was elegantly drinking black tea mixed with blood, turned her head and asked curiously: "This news... who sent it?"

"Prepare to leave, we are going to Germany." Rimuru chuckled: "The other party is more patient than I thought."

Hearing this, Altrouge was slightly stunned, then instantly bared her fangs and snarled: "The White Winged Duke sent this to you?! I'm not going! If he has the guts, let him come to Cornwall; I will make sure he never leaves!"

"Don't make a scene..." Rimuru pointed helplessly at the black tea in front of her: "Two cups of blood-infused black tea."

Hearing this, Altrouge's face immediately turned bitter, and her little face became conflicted.

Ever since Rimuru made her angry last time, he had been offering her a cup of black tea mixed with his own blood almost every day to coax her, which had spoiled her appetite—although as the Princess of the Black and possessing the bloodline of a True Ancestor, she did not need to consume blood to maintain her existence, but... but... it was truly delicious!!

"Didn't you promise to go to the appointment with me? A dignified Princess wouldn't want to go back on her word, would she?!" Seeing her wavering, Rimuru quickly intensified his offensive.

"?! I promised to go to Austria!!" Altrouge said indignantly: "I didn't say I was going to Germany. Ugh, that's the other party's territory. What if we can't come back? It's very dangerous..."

"...Then what was that about you running around in Germany before?!" Rimuru's face darkened, and he said speechlessly: "Understood, five cups, is that enough?"

"You are so stingy... fine, deal. Let me finish this one first..." Altrouge naturally slumped back onto the table, preparing to continue enjoying her rare afternoon tea, when she suddenly felt her body lighten, and the table in front of her moved further and further away...

"Eh?!"

Altrouge raised her head in a daze, looking at her body floating in mid-air—she had actually been picked up by Rimuru so casually?!!

"Ahhhhh! I'm going to kill you!!"

"We have to leave immediately, understand?!"

"I don't care, I'm going to kill you!!"

"..." Rimuru looked speechlessly at the clawing Princess of the Black, then suddenly paused: "You know, you look... actually quite cute like this."

"Kill... eh?" Altrouge was stunned once again, a faint blush instantly creeping up her cheeks as she grew strangely quiet.

Hmm... Rimuru looked at the princess hanging obediently from his hand and suddenly realized a truth.

As expected, girls really do need to be complimented!

The initiation of the Grand Resolution did not seem to have much of an impact on Rimuru the magus. After all, as a top-secret meeting for the higher-ups, while every magus knew the name of the Grand Resolution, very few were actually eligible to participate. Most magi were only concerned with the outcome, and many did not even notice when it began.

If he hadn't keenly noticed that London was suddenly filled with many Executors from the Church and representatives from other factions—such as alchemists clearly belonging to Atlas Academy—Rimuru probably wouldn't have realized that the Grand Resolution had already... begun.

Among the grim-faced Executors, several high-ranking members of the Church nodded to one another and slowly stepped into the seats reserved for invitees. There, a figure long known as a rebel sat with her legs crossed, wearing a cold, mocking smile as she watched the "big shots" step through the doorway one by one.

Especially when Inorai Valuleta appeared—

"Yo, long time no see, sensei!"

"Aozaki... Touko." Hearing this, the elderly woman who had walked in alongside Barthomeloi and the others paused slightly. Upon seeing Aozaki Touko, she revealed her usual kind smile: "I didn't expect you to come."

One must know that Aozaki Touko was still under a Sealing Designation. However, as one of the few Grand-ranked existences and the immortal Puppet Master, Aozaki Touko certainly possessed the qualifications to be invited by the Mage's Association. Furthermore, since this incident concerned the conflict between the Dead Apostle Ancestors and magi, the main topic of this Grand Resolution was whether to cooperate with the Church to jointly oppose the Dead Apostles. The Mage's Association had sent invitations to most magi who could be called top-tier or representative.

However, it seemed that among those under Sealing Designation, Aozaki Touko was the only one who had come.

Because she was immortal, she was one of the few who dared to participate in the Grand Resolution without any fear.

"Ah, they invited me, so I came. I felt it would be interesting, don't you think?" Aozaki Touko narrowed her eyes and chuckled: "I heard they also invited my younger sister—but she refused because of me?"

The proposal to invite a Magician was originally intended to invite "Zelretch, one of the Dead Apostle Ancestors." However, considering that this meeting involved cooperation with the Church, the Church's attitude was exceptionally important. Thus, they did not choose Zelretch, but instead invited the Magician Aozaki Aoko as a forced alternative.

Yet, when Aozaki Aoko heard that Aozaki Touko would be in attendance, she had decisively and intuitively rejected the so-called supreme meeting. Theoretically... this was a resolution request that no magus could refuse, yet the Mage's Association could do nothing about it. While the meeting required all magi to set aside hatred and prejudice to work together for the sake of the agenda, not to mention that this was a family matter not easily judged, the mere status of a Magician was enough—if the Mage's Association had the guts, they could try issuing a Sealing Designation!

Come on, try it!

Regarding Aozaki Touko's gloating remarks, Inorai merely responded with a smile and shook her head gently, catching up to the pace of those in front and taking her seat on the inner side. As one of the three great noble families, their seats were at the very center, signifying their supreme status.

After hundreds of years of evolution, the Clock Tower had long been recognized by magi as the headquarters of the Mage's Association, while the Wandering Sea and Atlas Academy had been marginalized. Even so, seats were still reserved for them right next to the three great noble families.