Make Dark Fantasy Great Again-Chapter 37: Parasite (2)

What’s with this guy?

Tulan scrutinized the man before her. He had disrupted the carefully orchestrated atmosphere she’d worked hard to maintain.

He’s not from the mage tower. Looks like a noble, but doesn’t seem high-ranking. His clothes doesn’t suggest wealth either. As for power, he’s barely reached the 4th rank.

After a quick assessment, Tulan dismissed him as insignificant. Even her apprentices, whom she had handpicked and carefully kept around her, were mages of equal or higher rank. Not to mention, they were the proud heirs of renowned families.

Tulan could be ruthless with such individuals. She often had her followers ostracize and undermine the standing of any mage tower associate who fell out of her favor. It was a strategy that had helped solidify her position within the tower.

You dare embarrass me in front of others?

The urge to retaliate surged, but she reined it in...for now. After all, Master Meltas was standing behind the man.

Meltas was a respected mage, even within the tower. Tulan would stop at nothing to win over such figures and use them to her advantage. That was her way of doing things.

In the first place, she assumed this was all a misunderstanding. What kind of moron would risk antagonizing a master to defend a half-demon apprentice?

And the apprentice in question was a dimwit who could barely speak in front of others.

Tulan was confident of clearing the misunderstanding and winning both Meltas and the man to her side.

“I’m sorry, I was lost in thought for a moment. Could you repeat that?”

“I said I’d like to ask Didoa for assistance with consuming the elixir.”

“How kind of you. You’re considering Didoa’s feelings. However, you are all my precious guests...though I never gave a formal invitation.”

A playful, friendly grin spread across Tulan’s face.

“You came to this lab seeking my help. As the owner and master of this lab, I want to offer you the best assistance possible. So please, don’t hold back.”

Smile and the world will smile with you, as they say. Tulan’s crafted expression was the perfect embodiment of this—the eyes of her followers sparkled with admiration.

Tulan was certain that both Risir and Meltas would react the same way.

“By best assistance, you mean—based on your vast alchemical knowledge, you’ll perfectly analyze the elixir and provide the most optimal advice?”

“Quite so.”

“Then, may I ask once more?”

Risir extended the elixir toward Tulan.

“What do you think of this elixir?”

“Hey, you.”

I can’t stand any more of this!

Sophia’s, one of Tulan’s followers, interjected sharply.

Sophia was a young noble on the verge of becoming a formal mage. Well-connected in both magical and noble circles, she commanded respect. Even the formal mages of the tower and Bondalles city aristocrats couldn’t treat her carelessly.

The man’s behavior was starting to irk Sophia. He simply didn’t seem like someone who could act so freely in this place.

She spoke again with subtle authority in her voice.

“You’ve really been overstepping yourself. Aren’t you being rude to Master Tulan, who’s being so kind despite your unannounced visit? And above all, shouldn’t you introduce yourself and your background before engaging in conversation?”

“...”

Risir observed Sophia with an intrigued eye.

***It happened again.

The moment Sophia mentioned Tulan, Risir felt a surge of black magic emanating from her.

Sir Meltas was fine at first, but after mentioning Tulan, I suddenly started sensing black magic from him too.

This energy resonated with the dark power surrounding them, emanating from the lab itself, as well as from Tulan and everyone else—everyone except Risir.

With his extensive experience in neutralizing mind manipulation using his normalization power, Risir was confident in his expertise on the matter.

He quickly formed a conclusion about the situation.

Tulan is manipulating everyone’s mind through the lab itself.

Risir was about to use his normalization power immediately, but he hesitated.

...No.

Through Sophia’s earlier reaction, Risir had pieced together the bizarre structure of Tulan’s mind magic.

It only activated when the target became aware of Tulan’s presence. Furthermore, it took on the properties of black magic only at the moment of reaction.

Risir focused on the dark energy resonating throughout the lab.

It’s stronger than before...but still not enough. If I do it now, the black magic might not be completely dispelled.

A hypothesis began to form in his mind. To be truly rid of Tulan’s black magic, he would need to fully draw out its essence. And the key to that was...

I need to make more people even more aware of Tulan.

...to draw out as much of the black magic’s power as possible.

***“Hello! Are you ignoring me?”

“...Ah, pardon me. I was lost in thought for a moment.”

Risir snapped out of his contemplation at Sophia’s irritated voice.

“I’m sorry for the delay in my introduction. My name is Risir. I have no formal affiliation, and I’m not permitted to reveal my family name.”

A bastard with no affiliation or family name to boast of?

Tulan’s followers began to stare all the more boldly.

“I’m Sophia of House Lerotin, affiliated with the Gray Tower. Risir, imediately apologize to Master Tulan for your rudeness, and make your request a little more politely.”

But then, Meltas interjected.

“Right. I apologize.”

“...Master Meltas?”

“I’m the one who brought him here. I was also the one who intended to introduce him to Master Tulan. So, any dissatisfaction you feel is entirely on me. Now then. How should I apologize to ease your minds?”

The aggressive followers were bewildered. Tulan, who had been outwardly troubled but secretly enjoying the spectacle, was equally surprised.

Master Meltas rarely approved of anyone. Countless mages in the tower had sought to become his disciples, yet none had ever met his high standards.

And yet, here he was, staking his name to defend this man—an illegitimate nobody with no affiliation or family name.

“N-not at all, sir...How could I dare...”

Looks like this man called Risir isn’t just any random bastard.

They weren’t Tulan’s followers for nothing. Quickly assessing the situation, they took a step back and lowered their eyes.

At this point, even Tulan had to let go of her friendly facade. Meltas’ defense of Risir was, in essence, a denial of Tulan’s own authority.

What’s gotten into this old geezer?

Tulan was considerably flustered as the atmosphere grew far more serious than she had expected.

It wasn’t just a misunderstanding. She felt that Risir and Meltas were outright antagonizing her.

Is the barrier...No, it’s fine. Then what the hell...Could it be—

Tulan’s eyes narrowed as she glared at Didoa.

Didoa stared at Risir, confused and unable to follow the unfolding events, but to Tulan, her bewilderment seemed entirely different.

Didoa...!

It clicked in her mind. Didoa must have done something.

“...”

Sensing Tulan’s growing agitation, Risir pressed on.

“Master Tulan. You still haven’t answered my question.”

Tulan was forced to make a decision.

“Sophia, could you fetch Master Farozan now?”

“Ma-Master Farozan?”

“Mhm. We were supposed to meet later, but it looks like things might run late. I’ll explain the situation to him myself.”

Tulan’s momentary fluster passed quickly as she regained her composure.

As things stood, Meltas might be able to use his authority to overpower her, but what if others were watching?

Would he dare antagonize her, a master mage, for the sake of a mere half-demon apprentice in front of another master? Could he justify his actions to someone else of equal rank?

Tulan was confident she could control the situation, as she always had. She watched Sophia leave to call for the other masters, a small smile forming inside.

Risir nodded inwardly as he observed her.

Both of them, their thoughts and purposes in conflict, fell silent. Tension settled within the lab.

Then a few minutes later...

“Master Tulan! What’s the matter?!”

Who knew what Sohpia had told him?

Master Farozan rushed in like a hero coming to rescue a damsel. The slightly plump, middle-aged man wiped sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, panting. Numerous students trailed behind him.

Tulan’s lab quickly became crowded with onlookers.

“What’s going on?”

“Who knows?”

“Maybe the half-demon wench caused trouble again?”

“Oh...”

“Tsk. I don’t get why Master Tulan doesn’t just get rid of that thing.”

“I know right?”

“She’s too kind for her own good.”

This was the ideal situation Tulan had been anticipating.

As if she’d been waiting for this exact moment, she began explaining the events in the lab, speaking clearly for everyone to hear.

Soon, all eyes turned to Risir’s group.

Farozan spoke on behalf of the others.

“Master Meltas, what is the meaning of this? Is this not Master Tulan’s lab? Even for someone of your standing, this is unacceptable.”

Few in the tower outranked Meltas, and Farozan certainly wasn’t one of them...but he made his stance known nonetheless.

No matter how high Meltas’ rank, it couldn’t surpass the collective influence of the many mages present.

“Ahem.”

Naturally, Meltas was significantly perplexed at how the situation had spiraled out of control. He leaned closer to Risir, whispering cautiously in his ear.

“Risir. You are certain Tulan is using black magic to bewitich others?”

“Do you trust me?”

“Of course! I saw with my own eyes how you defeated that vile black mage, necromancer, and assassin!”

“I never defeated an assassin, though...Anyway, I’m certain about the black magic. Thank you for trusting me. I swear to not let you down.”

“If this whole fiasco ends up with my resignation, you’ll have to make it official with me!”

“That sounds like you’re asking me to become your disciple. Did you really have to phrase it so gross?”

Once that exchange was over, Risir explained his plan to Meltas.

“We need to make everyone focus on Tulan as much as possible. So Sir Meltas, you should...”

Meltas nodded and stepped forward to address the crowd.

“Tulan. First, I apologize for the way we’ve conducted ourselves in your lab.”

Tulan felt a tingling thrill from hearing an apology from Master Meltas. But the sensation was fleeting.

“However, I must make one thing clear. This man, Risir, possesses a special power and has my complete trust. Therefore, I ask that you answer his questions with full sincerity.”

“Master Meltas!”

Farozan stepped forward on Tulan’s behalf.

“Even now, you still intend to defend him?”

“Defend? That’s an odd way to put it, Master Farozan.”

“...!”

Farozan flinched as Meltas fixed an unyielding stare on him.

“Tell me. Was Risir’s behavior truly so wrong?”

“H-how could it not be?! He denied Master Tulan’s capability and praised her assistant instead! This is an insult to Master Tulan!”

“Farozan. Where do you think we are?”

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“I could ask you that very question, Master Meltas! This is Master Tulan’s lab, and there are others watching. Shouldn’t you show her a little more respect?”

“That was the most idiotic answer you could have given.”

“What...!”

“This is a mage tower. It is a place to cultivate knowledge, not a stage for imitating rulers or proclaiming absolute authority.”

“...!”

“Here, authority should be a byproduct of knowledge, never the other way around. I simply cannot understand—how did this become so complicated?”

Farozan could do nothing but twitch his lips in vain, while the students gazed at Meltas with sparkling eyes. It was a speech befitting an exemplary mage.

But inwardly, Meltas was feeling quite ashamed.

Actually, we really are the ones at fault here...

Despite all his talk of pursuing knowledge, they were essentially causing a disturbance in someone else’s lab.

If Tulan weren’t a black mage, Meltas would never have cooperated with Risir.

At that moment, Risir stepped forward, taking the baton from Meltas.

He turned to face Tulan and spoke.

“Master Tulan, I apologize if my actions have offended you. But from where I stand, it was an unavoidable choice. This elixir is extremely valuable to me. Please understand that I am seeking the best possible option regarding it.”

“...But of course I understand. I’ll respect your wish to receive help from Didoa instead of me.”

Tulan gnashed her teeth inwardly, feeling humiliated. She silently vowed to pay them back for this disgrace.

“No, Master Tulan. I’m not particularly insisting on Miss Didoa’s help.”

“What exactly are you trying to say?”

“I’ve told you. I’m simply seeking the best option. I mentioned Miss Didoa only because you seemed reluctant to advise on this elixir, unlike her.”

“...”

“Now that it’s come to this, I must hear your advice, Master Tulan.”

This little bastard...!

Tulan finally realized Risir’s intention. He planned to compare her with Didoa in front of others—to belittle her and elevate Didoa.

“...”

It was Tulan herself who planned to strip Didoa of her identity as an alchemy master. She had diligently honed her alchemical knowledge to prepare for such situations.

Thanks to the power of black magic, her progress had been remarkable, and her achievements were almost enough to deserve the title of master. The problem, however, was that they paled in comparison to Didoa, who had even overcome her half-demon origins to make a name for herself.

Most of Tulan’s so-called achievements had been stolen from Didoa’s work after she had taken control of Didoa’s life.

-If you don’t work with me, you’ll never get your life back.

Tulan had mentally cornered and dominated Didoa, forcing her to comply with this unjust and irrational threat.

But now?

Tulan glanced at Didoa, who observed the situation from afar.

“...”

She was still watching Risir with her usual emotionless expression, but those eyes...they were shining brighter than ever before. As bright as when she had pride as a master, before she allowed herself to be robbed of it and fell from grace. Perhaps even more so.

Tulan grew certain at that moment—her plan, built on Didoa’s unstable mental state, was beginning to crack.

But it’s alright. I can still salvage this.

“Master Tulan, why aren’t you saying anything?”

“Why isn’t she saying anything? Because it’s unpleasant! Isn’t that obvious?”

“Being compared to that half-demon wench, how could she be okay?”

“Even if Master Tulan speaks up, it’s the half-demon wench who’ll be embarrassed...”

Authority took precedence over knowledge. Master Tulan was the top alchemist of the Gray Tower, so who could deny her expertise?

The moment Tulan voiced her opinion on the elixir, her words would become the definitive answer.

“Master Tulan will...”

“Master Tulan is...”

Tulan felt all the eyes focusing on her, and with it, the surging power of black magic. This was the source of her confidence.

“Well if you want my opinion that badly...”

Driven by that sense of power, Tulan extended her hand toward Risir, curtly gesturing for the elixir.

But Risir didn’t hand it over.

“Didn’t you ask for my advice?”

“Is there a problem? Miss Didoa handled it this way.”

“...That’s because Didoa—never mind.”

Tulan scrutinized the elixir closely.

“...”

Her brow furrowed—not from concentration, but for a different reason.

What the heck...?

It was unfamiliar. Complex.

Despite studying extensively with the authority of a master, she couldn’t recognize a single thing. All she could discern was the great power contained within.

The confusion was brief, as Tulan quickly realized this could work to her advantage. If she couldn’t identify it at all, others likely wouldn’t be able to either.

It would become far easier to mislead them with her authority.

“This is an elixir from the Derdal alchemists.”

“Derdal?”

“Yes. It’s characterized by extreme practicality, with no distinctive features.”

“Did you just say it has no distinctive features?”

A triumphant smile spread across Risir’s lips.

Feeling an inexplicable chill run down her spine, Tulan hastily defended herself.

“Are you nitpicking now? If this continues, I won’t tolerate it any longer!”

Didoa’s emotionless voice cut through the tension.

“Risir. Could you hand the elixir to Master Farozan?”

Risir obeyed, handing the elixir to Farozan.

“...”

So suddenly?

Despite his confusion, Farozan went along with it.

“Master Farozan, please rub the neck of the bottle.”

“...This is?”

“You’ll feel a subtle embossing. Aside from that...”

Didoa pointed out countless hidden details on the bottle.

This was a direct contradiction to Tulan’s claim that there were no distinctive features.

“...and for these reasons, it’s more accurate to say this elixir is from the Gosralta shamans, not Derdal.”

The crowd murmured among themselves.

Tulan was about to loudly refute Didoa, certain they would all side with her.

“Gosralta...Gosralta...Indeed, I think I’ve heard of their elixirs somewhere before.”

But Farozan’s muttering stopped her—Farozan, who had always been utterly devoted to Tulan.

Flustered, Tulan called out to him.

“Fa-Farozan...? Are you saying that Didoa’s opinion is correct and not mine?”

“...”

For a moment, Farozan looked blank, as if waking from a trance.

Then he answered.

“Well of course. You’re just an apprentice, and Didoa is...Huh? What’s going on here...?”

A sense of distorted reality spread like a plague.

“Huh? Why is Tulan wearing the master’s robe? Where’s Master Didoa?”

“Of course, that’s because Tulan is...Eh?”

Tulan realized too late that the power of her black magic, surging until just moments ago, had vanished without a trace.

Why?!

The answer came as Risir stared at her with a meaningful expression.

“Y-y-you—You little bastard...!”

Tulan lost her head.

It was the moment her mask completely fell off.