Chapter 76: 76 Clock Tower
At the Clock Tower, the Lord of the Department of Mineralogy, Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, was a renowned prodigy in the world of magecraft from a young age. His family was one of the oldest and most distinguished among all the magus families even in the present day.
Thanks to his abundant resources and exceptional talent, Kayneth became the Lord of the Clock Tower's Department of Mineralogy in his early twenties, managing it along with the Aristocratic Factions of Barthomeloi, Eulyphis, and Animusphere.
Naturally, when Roy became Kayneth's disciple, he was automatically associated with this aristocratic faction.
In fact, it wouldn't be inaccurate to say Roy was now part of the El-Melloi family, as the relationship between master and disciple in the world of magus was deeper than he initially thought.
After all, reaching the Root required the continuous legacy of magecraft passed down through generations.
"It's been a while, Roy. Seeing you safe and sound is truly something to be happy about." Kayneth was the first to speak when Roy appeared before him again after three months.
"When I saw you use the Jeweled Sword to pry open the Grail's hole and then vanish completely that night, I thought you were dead. But luckily, just like that underachiever Waver, you were resurrected by the power of the Grail."
Kayneth didn't know the true reason behind Roy's resurrection and merely attributed it to the miracle of the Grail. In his eyes, the Grail had revived many people that night, so Roy's revival seemed natural.
"You did well this time. Your courage and talent have been proven. You make me proud, my disciple."
Kayneth patted Roy on the shoulder, expressing his praise without hesitation.
At the end of the Holy Grail War, whether it was Roy's courage in risking his life to dive into the Grail's hole in Kayneth's stead or the outcome he changed, both deserved such praise.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Roy, single-handedly, prevented a massive crisis of magecraft exposure and turmoil in the moonlit world.
Although no one aside from the Servants present that night and Kayneth knew about Roy's bravery, Kayneth felt that such praise was entirely fitting for him.
After experiencing the Holy Grail War together, Kayneth grew increasingly satisfied with this new disciple.
This was far better than that so-called El-Melloi II.
"You're too kind, Professor Kayneth. I didn't do anything particularly remarkable. Even if I hadn't acted that night, you would have done it better." Roy responded with a humble smile, maintaining his respectful attitude despite the praise. He didn't let the changes in himself or others' compliments make him conceited.
Despite now being a Magician of the Third Magic, Roy, who had only learned the craft for a few months, still saw himself as a beginner on the endless path of magecraft. With his humble mindset, Kayneth, with his vast knowledge of magecraft, remained his best teacher.
"..."
Kayneth chose not to respond to Roy's words.
He knew that he himself would have struggled to do better that night.
For example, the wish that was made.
Giving up on the omnipotent wish-granting machine to revive all those who had died was an action that could even be called foolish. Yet the hidden resolve and determination behind such an act were equally immeasurable.
Was it noble or foolish? Kayneth wasn't sure, but he didn't question the answer any further.
According to the rules of the Holy Grail War, Roy was the final victor, and how the Grail was used was entirely up to him.
"Back to the matter at hand, Professor Kayneth. Thank you very much for inviting me to study at the Clock Tower."
"Hmph, something like this doesn't need any special gratitude. You must remember that you are now the disciple of Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald, bearing the name of the El-Melloi family as an aristocrat of magecraft. Studying at the Clock Tower is only natural for you."
"Besides..." Kayneth snorted coldly and, with a serious expression, continued, "Roy, you possess extraordinary magical aptitude. Coupled with the Matou family's magic crest, as a first-generation magus, your future is limitless. Such a prodigy in magecraft must not be wasted in some rural backwater. I'll take good care of you from now on and fully unlock your potential."
"Kid, my teaching is quite strict, so be prepared."
As Kayneth said, Roy's magical aptitude and talent were in no way inferior to the heirs of families with over five generations of magecraft lineage.
Moreover, Roy had achieved this level of mastery as a first-generation magus. If his bloodline continued, it was unimaginable what heights it could reach in time.
Faced with such a situation, Kayneth's affection for Roy, combined with his desire to see the El-Melloi family flourish, meant he absolutely couldn't let Roy slip through his fingers.
So he decided to bring Roy to the Clock Tower for further training, binding him closer through the master-disciple relationship and slowly drawing out his potential for the benefit of the El-Melloi school. He also intended to incorporate Roy's bloodline into the family, creating a new and promising branch that would make the family even more prosperous.
However, Kayneth didn't voice this plan directly, as he knew such matters had to progress naturally. Forcing the issue would only backfire, and besides, Roy had saved his life, so gentle guidance was the best approach.
"Let's go. I've already had Reines arrange everything you need for your studies. Just find her at my office when you arrive."
"For now, let's head to the Personnel Department to handle your enrollment at the Clock Tower. Follow me."
Why Reines and not Waver, who was more familiar with the procedures? Well, the reason was obvious to those who understood.
Kayneth wanted to give Roy and Reines more opportunities to interact, hoping to bring Roy into the family through a match with her one day.
Another reason was that Waver Velvet was still buried under the mountain of additional assignments and materials Kayneth had tasked him with.
Since the end of the Holy Grail War, Kayneth's opinion of Waver had changed.
After observing him personally, Kayneth had to admit that this fool, whom he had once disregarded, did indeed possess a certain unique talent.
So, Kayneth had set a test for Waver. If Waver could pass, Kayneth would recognize him and allow him to join the El-Melloi faction, giving him the chance to prove that thesis of his, which Kayneth had once dismissed as garbage.
And the result? Waver hadn't disappointed Kayneth over the past three months. He had completed every task with precision, leading Kayneth to realize that Waver did indeed have remarkable academic talent.
Adhering to the principle of making the best use of people, Kayneth promoted Waver to assistant professor at the El-Melloi classroom, helping to lighten his own workload while giving Waver the chance to prove himself.
From then on, Kayneth had much more free time, while Waver began working tirelessly to the point of exhaustion, heading down the path of overwork.
Not only did Waver take on 40% of Kayneth's academic responsibilities, but he also faced constant review from Kayneth. Such a life would continue until Waver fully took over Kayneth's academic research, at which point he would inherit the El-Melloi classroom and finally receive Kayneth's full recognition.
In other words, Waver had a long and challenging journey ahead, possibly even a never-ending one.
But it wasn't impossible. Compared to the past, there was at least hope now... a chance to prove himself.
With that in mind, Waver Velvet buried his head and continued his relentless work.
"By the way, Professor Kayneth, does the Clock Tower have holidays?"
Kayneth responded, "Since it's a school, of course there are holidays."
"Is today a holiday then?"
"Hmm? Why are you asking that?"
Roy glanced around. In the vast academy, neither the square nor the corridors showed any signs of students.
"Because since I entered the Clock Tower, I haven't seen a single student. Even if there were classes, it's impossible for all students to be attending at the same time. Isn't that strange?"
"Sharp observation. It seems you've noticed something unusual. As you said, normally there would be teachers and students greeting me, but today, no one is here."
Kayneth scanned the empty corridors and courtyard with a hint of confusion.
"But I've checked along the way. The Clock Tower's patrol familiars and bounded fields are still operating normally. There's no sign of damage or tampering. It is strange."
"What on earth is going on?"
Kayneth looked around, equally puzzled. This eerie situation was something he'd never encountered before.
*Buzz*
At that moment, a certain colorful jewel hanging around Roy's neck began to vibrate slightly, emitting a glimmering light. He had a rough idea of what was happening.
"Sigh… I suppose someone has come looking for me." Roy sighed softly and then glanced at Kayneth.
"What is it?"
Kayneth looked curiously at Roy, who had suddenly stopped walking.
"No, it's nothing. Just, Professor Kayneth, I'll be needing your help later."
"Help with what?" Kayneth had no idea what Roy was talking about.
Roy didn't elaborate, merely following Kayneth into the main building of the Clock Tower.
As soon as the two of them entered, the dense crowd and the quiet atmosphere caused Kayneth's face to stiffen suddenly.
Because in front of them stood several Lords... Lords of Zoology, Astronomy, Creation, and even his own father-in-law, the Lord of Spiritual Evocation... lined up in a row.
Seeing Kayneth walk in with Roy, none of them said a word. They remained in their places, standing respectfully next to a tall, robust elderly man.
Following their gaze, at that moment, Kayneth realized the reason behind the strange situation.
He was equally shocked... the ever-elusive Magician of the Second Magic, the pinnacle of magecraft, the Wizard Marshal, Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, had personally arrived at the Clock Tower and openly entered.
No wonder it was so quiet today.
With the Magician of the Second Magic present, who would dare to move freely? The Lords had dispersed all the students in advance. Only the upper echelons of the Clock Tower or the Lords themselves were allowed to stay.
They did not even dare to show any disrespect in front of the Magician of the Second Magic. It was as if they were students facing a strict teacher, barely daring to breathe.
Similarly, a cold sweat dripped from Kayneth's forehead. He was more nervous than the other Lords.
After what had happened recently, his respect for him was mixed with fear.
He revered the boundless power and mastery of magecraft that Zelretch possessed, but he was also terrified that Zelretch might come to correct the history where Kayneth was supposed to have died.
Roy had already informed him that the Jeweled Sword had shattered in a direct confrontation with the False Angel. This sent a chill down Kayneth's spine.
The Jeweled Sword lent to him could no longer be returned, and he feared Zelretch would come to settle the score. The sword's value was far beyond anything he could ever repay, even if he sold everything he had.
"Greetings…"
As Zelretch's imposing figure approached him, Kayneth became so nervous that his speech faltered.
To his surprise, Zelretch paid no attention to Kayneth's inner turmoil. He merely glanced down at him and then nonchalantly walked over to Roy, extending his hand.
"Kid, where's my mystic code?"
So, he was here to settle accounts.
Kayneth's anxiety deepened.
"Sorry for your sword shattered... completely. I gave some of the remaining fragments away, but all that's left is the core."
Roy sighed inwardly, raised his hand, and removed the jewel necklace from around his neck, handing it to Zelretch.
"It broke, huh…" Zelretch blew at his mustache, glaring at Roy. "Hmph. So, kid, how do you plan to compensate me?"
"Apologies, Lord Zelretch. I don't have anything on me that could make up for it."
Roy remained calm and composed, undaunted by Zelretch's imposing aura.
"So, you don't intend to compensate me?"
"No, it's not that. I just have no way to repay you. If there's anything I can do to make it up to you, just let me know."
Upon hearing this, a glint flashed in Zelretch's eyes, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"That's better. Let me think about how you can make it up to me."
It was clear that this was the answer Zelretch had been waiting for.
What is going on here?
Watching Roy converse with Zelretch... practically as equals... Kayneth's face twitched.
He knew that Zelretch had come to reclaim his mystic code.
Roy had already reported to him over the phone about the Jeweled Sword being shattered, most of it lost in the chaotic flow of magical energy from the Holy Grail explosion. There was no way to recover it.
Although Zelretch had been furious when he heard the news, Kayneth knew it was beyond Roy's control. The collision of Third and Second Magic had unleashed unimaginable power. He had intended to apologize in person when Zelretch eventually came.
But why had Zelretch bypassed him and gone directly to Roy? And why were the two of them conversing as if they were on equal footing?
This didn't just shock Kayneth; the expressions of the other Lords standing by were equally stunned.
They were astonished at the identity of the young man Kayneth had brought. How could he be so familiar with Zelretch?
The dynamic between them was like no distance or disparity in status.
"Here's the deal, help me with five tasks, and I'll forget about my mystic code. I'll even throw in some extra compensation. How does that sound?"
Roy looked at the five fingers Zelretch held up in front of him, shook his head slightly, and raised two fingers in return.
"That's too many. I can only do two."
"Heh, you wish, kid."
Zelretch snorted, dropping one finger to make it four. "Four tasks. No room for negotiation."
"Two tasks, take it or leave it. Otherwise, I'll just keep it. Better watch out... I might just disappear on you."
"Four tasks and I won't budge. Even if you run and hide, I'll drag you out of wherever you go."
"Don't forget who else is in there. Think about whose side she'll take."
"Using someone else's power to act tough, huh? You little brat, hiding behind someone else... what kind of skill is that?" Zelretch huffed, clearly irritated, but in the end, he took a step back.
"Fine, then. Do three things for me. And don't haggle any further, or I'll turn on you, you little rascal."
"Deal."
After a fierce round of bargaining, they finally settled on a price both could accept. The back-and-forth haggling, reminiscent of a marketplace, left the onlookers utterly stunned.
"You sly little brat."
Zelretch blowing his beard. He wasn't entirely satisfied with the price he got in exchange for the Jeweled Sword.
"Nothing sly about it... you were the one who asked for an outrageous price first, old man."
"Same to you, little brat."
They exchanged a glance, neither backing down.
Given their respective statuses and connections, there was no need for any formalities between them.
"Let's leave this topic here for now."
After settling the price, Zelretch glanced at Roy, "Although you've successfully become one of us, you should be well aware that with your current knowledge, you can't fully grasp the scale of power you now possess."
"The strength you can currently wield is nowhere near the output capacity of that Aozaki girl. When you reach the next level, I'll come looking for you again."
With that, he prepared to leave.
"Wait a moment." Roy called out to Zelretch just as he was about to leave.
"What is it now, you little brat? Do you have more to say?"
"Yes, as you said, there are indeed many parts I still don't understand or cannot explain, and I'd like to get some answers from you."
"Oh ho? Now you're asking for help from this old man?"
"Those who are skilled should be respected. After all, you have walked this path first and only you can answer certain questions for me."
"Then ask quickly. I still need to get back to working on the Magical Girl 3.0 transformation system."
"..."
This old pervert.
Roy was speechless. His disdain for this old man, who at his age was still obsessed with magical girls, grew even deeper.
But he still had to ask what needed to be asked. Glancing at the onlooking Lords who were still observing the scene, his intention was clear.
"So you need a quiet place, huh? You really do have a lot of requests, little brat. Fine, follow me."
Zelretch waved his hand, opening a dimensional rift, and stepped through first.
"Apologies, Professor Kayneth. I have something to take care of with Zelretch. I'll explain everything when I return."
Before leaving, Roy didn't forget to bid farewell to the still-stunned Kayneth.
"You..."
Kayneth wanted to ask something, but there were so many questions swirling in his mind that they got stuck in his throat, unsure where to begin.
"Hey, brat, stop dawdling. Are you coming or not?"
"On my way."
Roy nodded and quickly followed, stepping into the dimensional rift.
As the rift closed, both of them vanished, leaving behind a crowd of bewildered onlookers who soon erupted into conversation.
"Who on earth is that young man? To speak with Lord Zelretch like that?"
"Three things... so, three tasks. And Lord Zelretch said that boy is like him. What could he have meant by that?"
"Dead Apostle Ancestor? Or... a Magician?!"
This thought arose in their minds, and their eyes filled with disbelief.
They all turned simultaneously to look at the still-shocked Kayneth.
"Lord El-Melloi, you brought that young man in. Do you know who he really is?"
Looking at these Lords, who usually never got along, now asking him questions in unison, Kayneth wanted to shout back at them, "How would I know?!"
But out of noble courtesy, he maintained his composure as an El-Melloi and calmly replied, "That's... my new disciple, probably?"
"Disciple? Probably?"
"I don't know the details either. Let's wait until they return to ask. Excuse me, gentlemen, I have other matters to attend to."
With that, Kayneth quickly left, not looking back.
He finally understood the meaning behind Roy's earlier words, "In a moment, I'll be troubling you."
That brat really had given him a shock.
But, like the other Lords, he was dying of curiosity. What secrets was Roy hiding?
What exactly had happened to him during that final period inside the Holy Grail?
He, like the rest, was nearly going mad with curiosity.
But Roy had already gone into the dimensional rift with Zelretch. All these questions would have to wait until he returned.
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