Chapter 691

【It was a dark-skinned woman with eyes that were also shockingly black.】

Tohsaka Rin: "Phew, it's finally resolved."

Kayneth: "Flow magic, is it? That's rare."

Sola: "Flow?"

Kayneth: "As the name implies, it is magic that controls the concept of flow. Although it is troublesome to cast, the effect is quite strong."

Kayneth: "Look at the video; that woman made the monster's blood flow backward, causing it to lose its combat capability."

Waver: "Didn't she kill the opponent?"

Kayneth: "That is a precious asset of the Department of Sealing Designation; how could it be killed so easily?"

【"... Thank goodness, it's still alive."】

【After the woman inspected the monster, she let out a sigh of relief and then looked at Waver and the others.】

【Waver: "Was that just now flow magic?"】

【Woman: "Yes, because I often fought this kind of mutated chimera in the labyrinth in the past. It's been a long time since I teamed up with him like this."】

【"I am Ashira Mistras from the Materials Department. I am truly sorry for this, Lord El-Melloi II. This was our negligence."】

【The chubby staff member also bowed apologetically: "I apologize for the late greeting. I am Karger Islay from the Management Department of the Department of Sealing Designation. Please treat me well."】

【Immediately, Ashira led them into an undamaged room.】

【"... These two are the disciples of Heartless that I had an appointment to meet."】

【On the way, Waver whispered a telepathic message to Gray.】

【Gray was stunned; she hadn't expected it to be these two.】

【After all, their style of handling things didn't look like magi at all; they were more like civil servants.】

Tohsaka Rin: "Huh! It's these two?"

Waver: "Heartless's disciples, it really is for this."

Shishigou Kairi: "If we can find them before they go missing, we might be able to get some clues."

Waver: "That's hard to say."

【"I would like to ask you two about something."】

【Taking a light sip of black tea, Waver also got straight to the point.】

【Ashira: "About our teacher?"】

【Karger: "Unfortunately, we haven't seen Teacher Heartless since ten years ago."】

【Waver: "Speaking of ten years ago, was that when Dr. Heartless left the Modern Magecraft Department?"】

【Karger: "Exactly. Later, the Modern Magecraft Department operated for a while with the department head position vacant. Of course, that was until you took office as Lord."】

【Waver: "What kind of person was Dr. Heartless before?"】

【Karger: "Well, we really can't say we understand everything about that person... but, let me think, he was very caring. Whether it was toward survivors like us or his original students, he treated everyone equally."】

【Waver: "But I heard that the five survivors, including you two, were treated well as Dr. Heartless's disciples."】

【Karger: "Haha, 'treated well' is an exaggeration. After all, we are outcasts. As I said just now, perhaps treating us equally might be considered 'treating us well' in the eyes of others... Ah, as a department head of the Zhong Ta, he was incredibly gentle."】

【Well, it really is impossible to tell they are talking about the same person.】

【Heartless, what is the true face of this guy?】

Tohsaka Rin: "It feels like they aren't talking about the same person."

Caules: "Is that cunning and ruthless Heartless actually so gentle in the hearts of his students?"

Fiore: "Did something happen afterward that caused his personality to change drastically?"

【Ashira: "Teacher Heartless was also particularly dedicated to education among the twelve departments... Let me think, I feel he looked at things differently from other lecturers."】

【"Dedicate your life to the most brilliant things. This was the teacher's catchphrase."】

【"We are closely connected beings. Since we are magi running single-mindedly toward the past, we must constantly face those who are already connected to us and be aware of those who will continue to be connected to us. However, you are still uniquely you. Then, at the very least, you must dedicate yourself to the things you consider brilliant."】

【Hearing this, Waver was stunned.】

【This way of living is exactly the same as someone else.】

【Recalling the words Heartless left on the Rail Zeppelin, did he discover something brilliant during the Holy Grail War?】

【Waver: "What we should pursue is always the Root, right?"】

【Karger smiled bitterly: "Of course, that is exactly it. Even if many magi, including myself, are indulged in the struggles of the Zhong Ta and have lost their sense of justice. However, that person seemed to be looking at something even more different... That's what I feel."】

【Waver: "... I see."】

Tohsaka Rin: "I'm increasingly feeling like it's two different people."

Shishigou Kairi: "If his personality didn't change, then this person is hiding too deeply."

Waver: "If that's the case, then it's too terrifying."

【After a long silence, Waver finally got to the main topic.】

【"By the way, do you two know the news about the disappearance of Dr. Heartless's disciples—the survivors like you?"】

【The scene fell into silence again for a moment.】

【Karger: "... Of course I know. Because the recently missing 'Jorek Kurudes' was not only in the same team as us before, but he is also my younger brother."】

【Waver: "I see. Please excuse my rudeness—"】

【Karger: "No, this is understandable; he has a different surname than mine. After my brother left the labyrinth, he was registered into the Kurudes family of the Rank of Fes."】

【Waver: "So that's how it is. It is very common for survivors whose strength is recognized to be adopted by families without heirs."】

【Karger: "Yes, my brother is very excellent. When we were in Albion, he saved my life more times than I can count."】

【Waver: "In any other team, you wouldn't find a partner with such perfect rapport as you and Jorek."】

【Karger: "If that's the case, it would be truly gratifying."】

Shishigou Kairi: "It seems he is intentionally avoiding this topic."

Waver: "He really knows something, but it looks like he doesn't want to say it."

Waver: "Unfortunately, we are going to return empty-handed."

【They chatted like this for about ten minutes, and it was nearing the end.】

【Karger: "Lord El-Melloi II, I would also like to ask a question, would you mind?"】

【Waver: "Of course I don't mind."】

【Karger hesitated repeatedly and said: "You must have made a name for yourself because you survived that Far Eastern magecraft ritual called the Holy Grail War."】

【Waver: "... What about this?"】

【Karger: "No, I just think you are a bit like survivors like us. From this perspective, you are the most successful person in the new generation of the Zhong Ta, right? How about it? What is your opinion on your current status? Did becoming a Lord and achieving success make the world seem more brilliant to you?"】

【"..."】

【After pondering for a moment, Waver said seriously: "I only feel very tired."】

【Karger: "... Is that so? Is that how things are?"】

【Although the answer was brief, it seemed to have touched him in some way.】

【Waver: "This might not count as a decent answer."】

【Karger: "No, that's enough. Thank you, Lord El-Melloi II."】

【The conversation ended there, and Waver and the others took the elevator and left the Department of Sealing Designation.】

【After they left, Karger muttered: "... Do you think the disappearance of Geshelz and the others was directed by the teacher, Ashira?"】

【"It couldn't be unrelated."】

【Ashira said lightly: "That person should already know what we have done. He not only appeared on a public stage after ten years, but the team has also become like this; it would be a miracle if there were no connection."】

【"Magi shouldn't say that word easily."】

【Karger said bitterly: "If that's the case..."】

【Ashira: "... That's right. Goodbye, Karger."】

【Karger: "Are you leaving here? However, this is the safest place in London, you should know that."】

【"Even so, I have to go."】