In front of the mountain villa in the Funinggen Region.
Roland and Farn strolled beside a nearby lake, chatting as they went.
With its verdant mountains, clear waters, and gently swaying willows, it was an excellent place to relax and recuperate.
But Farn had no interest in admiring the scenery. His voice was heavy.
"Teacher, this incident came far too suddenly.
We had only just discovered that Augut XXXVI might be colluding with devils when he was assassinated...
There might be a hidden third party behind this, wrestling with Hell!"
Roland pondered for a moment, then said slowly, "You're right."
Farn said, "According to the reports, the Undead Mage might be involved."
He had no suspicions about the teacher before him. He was genuinely considering the possibility that the undead had become involved.
The demon invasion had already left Sinvira teetering on the brink.
If an undead catastrophe struck as well, wouldn't that only make things worse?
Surely two wrongs would not so easily make a right, with the demons and undead fighting each other while humanity reaped the benefits?
Just then, a figure approached from afar.
It was one of Farn's followers, hurrying over with an anxious expression.
Upon reaching them, the follower reported, "Lord Roland, Lord Farn, the academy has sent an urgent message."
Farn asked, "What is it?"
The follower said, "The academy is recalling you."
Farn glanced at Roland and said, "It seems the academy's senior leadership is worried about this too."
Roland said, "Then go back. You've almost fully recovered anyway.
But remember to be more careful in the future."
As Farn gave his assent...
Deep within Hell, in the Seventh Layer.
In a place filled with strange shadows and blazing hellfire.
A pool lay like a jewel set into the earth, profound and mysterious.