Chapter 43: Vol6 Intermission (2/2)

“I see. Is that why you look so happy, Gramps?”

“Of course. In the past 200 years, I have not seen an arcane magic caster who was as powerful or more powerful than myself.”

“Was there someone like that over 200 years ago?”

Driven by curiosity, the Emperor asked his question, and the Imperial Court Wizard began perusing his memory.

“Well, now. I have only ever met one person like that. One of the Thirteen Heroes from children’s stories, the necromancer Rigrit Bers Carau. Ah, although I think the other magic casters among the Thirteen Heroes were quite exceptional too.

“Then, is there a more skilled arcane magic caster than yourself out there, Gramps?”

Fluder’s eyes wavered, as though looking into the distance.

“That is hard to say… I believe I have surpassed her by far now, but… I cannot be certain. That is because it is difficult to determine superiority in the field of magical theory.”

He slowly stroked his beard and his words were humble, though his tone overflowed with confidence. Then, he quirked up an eyebrow.

“I hope that Ainz Ooal Gown gentleman is a more outstanding person than myself.”

Jircniv smiled in satisfaction, then picked out a sheet of paper and placed it before Fluder.

Fluder seemed surprised, but he accepted the piece of paper and quickly scanned it.

“Oh.”

That was his opinion. However, a great change came over Fluder’s sagely countenance. His eyes lit up with an ardent flame and he looked like a starving beast.

“I see, so this is why Your Imperial Majesty asked me to investigate Ainz Ooal Gown’s actions. How interesting. Two people against what appears to be dozens of the Theocracy’s special forces operatives… Kuku. I would like to sit down and discuss magical knowledge with this gentleman.”

The paper contained Gazef Stronoff’s testimony to the King, and even the recorder’s personal opinion.

“Then, Your Imperial Majesty. Have you sent anyone to this village?”

“Not yet. Sending someone over would attract attention.”

“…Perhaps one of my disciples… no, if this missive is trustworthy, it would be best to build friendly relations with him.”

“I disagree, Gramps. If he is a man of power that we can control, I would like to invite him to the Empire.”

“I believe that would be excellent. In order to plumb the abyss of magic, we need knowledgeable people from many disciplines… It would be best if I could meet someone who blazed his own trail.”

His voice was filled with desire.

Jircniv knew Fluder’s dream.

Fluder wanted to gaze into the abyss of magic. Therefore, he wanted someone who had been there before to teach him.

Those behind him only needed to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors — Fluder, for the most part. They walked the best and most efficient path, using that to fully realize their potential.

However, Fluder — as a lonely pioneer — did not enjoy such good fortune. He had to feel around in the dark by himself, and much of his growth was wasted effort. If he could have saved that trouble and fully cultivated his talent, he would probably be a more potent magic caster.

Fluder understood that, which was why he desperately wanted to meet someone who could guide him. His talent was limited. He did not want to waste more of it.

Fluder had trained up disciples in the hope that someone who surpassed him would appear and guide his development. Unfortunately, his wish had not yet been granted.

That was the only thing Jircniv could not help him with. Therefore, he decided to change the topic.

“Also, I wish to learn about some adamantite-ranked adventurers who appeared in E-Rantel. Could you help me?”

“Of course, Your Imperial Majesty.”