CHAPTER 50: THE NEW ORDER

The book looked ancient—its leather cover was cracked and faded, and the edges of the pages were yellowed like brittle parchment. It felt more like a relic than something meant to be read.

"By the way, Lord Louis," Viola said, breaking the silence as I carefully turned the book over in my hands, "are you not interested in books other than old ones?"

I blinked. "Other books? Like what...?"

"Well, there’s philosophy, novels, even treatises on magical theory..." Her voice picked up speed as she spoke, her tone brightening with genuine enthusiasm.

It was the first time I’d seen her talk like that—eyes gleaming, words flowing without hesitation. She wasn’t the calm, reserved noble lady I usually saw. She actually looked... alive.

Watching her go on like that, a thought suddenly struck me.

Right. She’s a magician.

If anyone might know something about the strange markings on that golem’s body, it’d be someone like her.

I’d completely forgotten, but the reason I went to the library earlier today was to study the magic circuits I’d seen carved into the dungeon golem.

"Actually," I said, cutting in when she paused to take a breath, "I’ve been trying to learn about magic circuits. But honestly, they seem too complicated for me."

"Magic circuits?" she repeated, tilting her head slightly.

"Yeah. Do you know much about them?"

She thought for a moment before answering. "It’s not my area of expertise... but I do know a little."

Oh? That was more than I’d expected.

Feeling a bit hopeful, I quickly pulled out a folded piece of parchment from my pocket—the rough sketch I’d made earlier. I laid it flat on the table between us.

"Then maybe you could tell me what this is?" I asked.

Viola leaned closer, her eyes narrowing in concentration as she studied the intricate lines and symbols. For a few moments, she was silent. Then suddenly, her expression shifted.

"If my memory serves me correctly," she said slowly, "this looks like a magic circuit that was primarily used by alchemists."

"...Used?" I repeated.

She nodded. "Yes. It’s an old design. Hardly anyone uses it anymore."

That didn’t make sense.

The golem I’d fought in the dungeon wasn’t just functioning—it was powerful. Incredibly so. Its movements were smooth and fast, and it could even fire concentrated beams of light.

"Why would they stop using something like that?" I asked, frowning.

Viola hesitated, her gaze dropping back to the parchment. "It was a well-known circuit in its time—admired for its stability and adaptability. But..." She paused, her tone turning more serious.

"It had one fatal flaw."

Safety and versatility—two of the most important factors in any magical device.

So, what kind of flaw could possibly outweigh all those benefits?

"The problem was that the materials capable of containing this magic circuit were extremely limited," she explained.

Ah. That made sense.

It had excellent performance, sure—but if it could only be used with a handful of rare minerals, then it was basically useless to most people.

Because the circuit only reacted properly to specific ores, it couldn’t be widely applied. And if one of those minerals happened to be rare or difficult to process... well, that was a death sentence for any practical use.

For alchemists—who were already constantly strapped for funds—if the cost of drawing even a single magic circuit skyrocketed, then no one in their right mind would continue that line of research.

That’s why it eventually became an abandoned technology, left to fade into obscurity.

"Wait," I muttered to myself, realization dawning. "Does that mean the golem’s body wasn’t just made of ordinary steel...?"

Up until now, I had simply assumed it was.

But now that I thought about it, that couldn’t be right.

If its magic circuit required a special mineral to function, then the golem’s entire frame must have been forged from that same rare material.

"Damn it..." I groaned quietly. "If I’d known, I would’ve tried to salvage some pieces."

A wave of regret hit me hard.

But it was too late for that now.

The dungeon had already vanished the moment I destroyed its core—taking everything inside with it.

"Thank you for today," I said, forcing a polite smile as I bid her farewell.

Even as I spoke, I couldn’t shake the bitter taste of missed opportunity.

I left the women’s dormitory and stepped outside. The sun was already sinking low, painting the sky in deep shades of orange and violet.

Somehow, weekends always seemed to fly by faster than normal days.

Half the day was already gone before I even realized it.

"Well... I guess I’ll just rest tomorrow," I muttered to myself, exhaling a tired breath.

With lighter steps than before, I made my way back to my quarters—finally looking forward to a proper, peaceful day off.

*****

The alleyway smelled of wet stone and old smoke. No one else was around. A hooded woman paused at a plain wooden door and rapped twice—soft, deliberate knocks that barely sounded over the distant city hum.

"Who’s there?" a muffled voice asked from the other side.

"Red Wolf," she answered.

"Come in."

The door opened a crack and a man with a wide-brimmed hat motioned her through. Inside, the room was lit by a single lantern; chairs sat empty around a battered table, their occupants conspicuously absent. The hat-man didn’t bother with pleasantries.

"You’re late," he said.

"Where is everyone?" she asked, scanning the empty seats with a practiced flick of her eyes.

"On missions," he replied. "All over. You know how it is." He slid into the chair opposite her and steepled his fingers. "We couldn’t risk bringing everyone together."

She clicked her tongue. "Then why call me alone? If it’s just chatter, I don’t have time." Her voice was sharp; she was not one to tolerate games.

He pushed a folded map across the table—careful, businesslike. The paper creaked as she unfolded it. The academy’s walled grounds were drawn in crude ink. A single finger tapped the courtyard with quiet emphasis.

"The day has come," he said, voice low and steady. "Orders from the top. All previous operations are canceled. New priority: the academy."

She frowned, brow tightening. "The academy? What are we supposed to be—raiding a school now?"

"Not raiding." He met her eyes. "Kidnap the princess."

----

Author Note:

Volume 1 comes to end with this Chapter.

I know that many of you is dissatisfied with Lousi but that will be change from the next volume.

This volume doesn’t have much but it gives basic idea of the story.

Also, Pacing is going to fast from next volume.

Bye.