158. Soul Amulet (2)

[Survivor 12/100]

As the game reached its final stages, a tension-filled survival game, comparable to the tournament finals, known as 'TOP 10', began.

In the heightened atmosphere, the audience cheered on the Top Ten players, shouting cheers, and the players responded by showcasing all their skills and magic, gearing up for the tournament, but....

Sadly.

This year's Top Ten players were not receiving any attention at all.

All the audience's interest was focused on the battle between Baek Yu-seol and the Dark Mage.

In fact, on most of the screens installed in the arena, scenes of Baek Yu-seol and the Dark Mage's battle were being broadcast instead of the Top Ten players' match.

Overwhelming viewership.

Was there ever a battle that received this much attention before?

-Bang!

Every time black flames erupted on the screen, some sighed while others tightly shut their eyes.

There was no cheering. Everyone now knew.

The intense fight unfolding on the stage was real.

For some reason, the game did not stop, and the announcer was at a loss for words.

...It was an incredibly irrational fight.

To think that one side could unilaterally deliver blows.

Moreover, the Dark Mage seemed to be quite skilled as Baek Yu-seol was falling behind a little.

Hope seemed to be lost.

Baek Yu-seol, who was gradually falling behind, seemed to be trying to respond by invoking artifacts, but it was still impossible to make an effective hit.

-Whoosh, thud!

An intense exchange of blows traversing the earth and sky. The Dark Mage, with inherently superior physical abilities compared to humans, could maneuver swiftly, while Baek Yu-seol could freely navigate the fourth dimension through teleportation techniques...

Although everyone remained silent, subconsciously they couldn't help but think.

More thrilling and exciting than any game seen before.

Certainly, there is fun in a magical battle with a single powerful destructive spell. Definitely.

There is fun, but...

The issue was that the fight between those two was far more entertaining.

Their battle, flying through the air and colliding without the constraints of terrain, was an incredibly rare scene that couldn't be seen anywhere else.

Even though their lives were potentially at risk, the audience taking their sweat-drenched hands to the popcorn bucket was an inevitable physiological response.

They engaged in combat quite three-dimensionally, with the location continuously changing.

Baek Yu-seol, who could only be attacked unilaterally, seemed exhausted first, attempting to flee, but ultimately, there was a limit.

Of all places... they arrived at the edge of a cliff, a precipice.

"Oh no..."

"Dammit, why aren't they stopping the match right away!"

"Isn't that really dangerous...?"

Around that time, people began to express their dissatisfaction more directly. The player they were rooting for was truly in a life-threatening situation.

The audience turned towards the Stellar officials.

Amidst the eggs, popcorn, and trash being thrown while jeering, the staff could do nothing but silently endure the onslaught without any reaction.

However, in the midst of this chaos...

Suddenly, the jeers died down.

"...Huh? Wait a moment."

"What's that...?"

Inside the stage, something... like a bright, white radiance was spreading across the sky.

Upon closer inspection, it was thunderbolts. The only difference was that it wasn't just a single bolt, but hundreds...even thousands of thunderbolts striking down.

While different natural disasters occurred every year during the games, the catastrophic "Curse of Hailges" had never appeared. The audience was left speechless, their mouths agape at the immense spectacle and overwhelming production.

Even from a distance, the ominous atmosphere was palpable. Baek Yu-seol, facing the disaster from afar, stood at the edge of the cliff...smirking at the Dark Mage.

-...!!

A thunderous roar, then silence.

The calamity that unfolded on the colossal stage was so immense that it couldn't be conveyed to the audience, leaving only a blank white screen in its wake.

"Oh...!"

Despite the timing for the triumphant expulsion of the Dark Mage, nobody spoke for a while.

Truly, for quite some time.

As the thought of the white color covering the entire world crossed his mind, Verunkal tightly shut his eyes.

It was a sort of instinct.

To protect his corneas from the intensely burning light that seemed to engulf the entire world.

To escape from the shower of lightning bolts that seemed intent on tearing apart all beings on Earth.

Everything under the sky was blanketed in white, and when he opened his eyes again...

[You have died.]

"Oh...?"

Transported to the gathering hall for the eliminated survivors of the survival game, Verunkal looked around with a dazed expression.

"Dark Mage Verunkal. You are surrounded."

Dozens of elite Stella magic warriors pointed their wands in his direction, gazing at him with hostile eyes.

"Oh, this is...!"

He hesitated, attempting to retreat, but behind him as well...

There were also wizards.

"Verunkal. You are not granted any rights, authority, or voice."

"If you resist, you will die painfully. If you do not resist, you will die less painfully. The choice is yours, so choose wisely."

"Now, wait a moment... There seems to be some mistake..."

Before becoming a Dark Mage, Verunkal was a true elite student. Despite being unable to progress further due to the barrier of the 4th class, he had always lived a privileged life, wherever he went.

Trying to leverage the prestige of his school to escape his predicament.

"A mistake? I've never seen such a despicable Dark Mage like you before. Do you even know what you are right now?"

"Oh...?"

Finally, Verunkal touched his forehead. The sharply protruding horn was clear evidence that he had chosen to become a Dark Mage.

In cases where one is forcibly turned into a Dark Mage, they can potentially return to society through purification magic...

A wizard who chooses to become a Dark Mage by contracting with the otherworld is sentenced to death no matter what.

"Did you enjoy preying on students in the Magic Survival? Well, now..."

A Stella magic warrior pushed his wand against Verunkal's neck and said, "How about we have some fun with you?"

✧ ✧ ✧

The tumultuous school showdown had come to an end. Naturally, Stella received immense protests.

A Dark Mage barging in during the competition? This incident shattered Stella's pride into countless pieces. The largest festival-like event, the main event of the school showdown, had been ruined by a Dark Mage.

Regardless, the award ceremony still took place.

- Magic Survival, Champion: Raimel.

- Magic Survival, Runner-Up: Samaran.

Prominent figures such as the Grand Magicians from the Magic Association, Stella's Headmaster Eltwin Eltmon, the Elf King, and the Dwarf King, all graced the ceremony with their presence.

However, the expressions of the players receiving medals and trophies at the awards ceremony were far from cheerful.

Their lack of attention despite clearly winning the tournament was the cause.

Not only had there been Baek Yu-seol's one-man show throughout the Magic Survival, but also the expulsion of the Dark Mage?

If Baek Yu-seol had wanted to escape, he could have easily done so at any time.

But knowing that other players would undoubtedly suffer if he fled, he persisted until the end, ultimately choosing to be eliminated alongside others, allowing the remaining players to finish the game safely.

Despite being the overwhelming favorite for victory, he disregarded everything and fulfilled his duty as a magic warrior!

Even with just that, it was no wonder that Baek Yu-seol was considered the true winner of the competition.

Therefore, when all the award ceremonies were over and it came time for the final announcement, his name was also called.

- Stella Academy's Baek Yu-seol, Special Recognition Award.

At the direct summons of Eltmon Eltwin, Baek Yu-seol raised his head.

Since he had almost no aftereffects immediately after the battle, he appeared quite well enough to attend the ceremony, but his inner thoughts were a different story.

"Ugh, what a bother..."

In reality, he had planned to stay in the hospital for about a week as an excuse for this incident. However, for some reason, as if the events in the virtual world had no effect, there was not a single wound left. He was discharged immediately for the award ceremony, and in the end, he received an award he didn't even want.

Baek Yu-seol initially participated in the Magic Survival for the rewards up to 10th place.

But unfortunately, at the moment of elimination alongside Verunkal, he was precisely ranked as 11th, which dashed his hopes of the 10th place reward.

Of course, a special recognition award was planned for him... but then what's the point? Baek Yu-seol wasn't getting the reward he desired.

"Sigh."

Amidst the gaze of tens of thousands of spectators and hundreds of Elites from thirty-odd prestigious schools, Baek Yu-seol ascended the stage in disarray.

The transparent magic glass-crafted stage was needlessly beautiful, contrasting with Baek Yu-seol's melancholy mood, yet dazzlingly bright.

"Well, at least I saved many people...."

Positive mindset. Positive mindset.

As much as possible, with positive thoughts in his mind, Baek Yu-seol finally ascended the stage, where Eltmon Eltwin, though appearing slightly melancholic, wore a bright expression as he awaited.

"Welcome, Baek Yu-seol. It's fortunate that things didn't escalate into a major incident because of you."

"I just did what needed to be done."

At first glance, it seemed like a typical exchange of words and responses, but at least for these two, it was sincere.

Baek Yu-seol truly wanted to ensure that no harm came to the other students, and Eltmon genuinely felt grateful to him for sincerely preventing the incident from spreading further.

It was Eltmon who used the audience as an excuse to hastily create the special recognition award.

Of course, the process of creating the special award was not smooth sailing.

No matter how skilled he was at repelling dark magic, it was something that a magic warrior was expected to do, which made the Association a bit hesitant.

However, for some reason, the Elf King's aide, Orenha, actively supported Eltmon's opinion, allowing them to present the special award.

"You're only a first-year student, but you're exceeding my expectations. I feel lucky to have met you on that day."

When Eltmon mentioned 'that day,' it probably referred to a meeting with the 'past Baek Yu-seol' rather than the current one.

Hmm...

Although memories of that time kept surfacing in his mind, he forcefully pushed them away.

He didn't want to deliberately recall the memories of the other Baek Yu-seol, as they were not his own.

"I look forward to working with you in the future."

After speaking softly, Eltmon infused mana and exclaimed loudly:

- To the pride and glory of all sorcerers, and to the place where magic is tested, a dark mage dared to intrude! Yet our magic warriors did not yield to him and fought bravely in unreasonable circumstances, proving their mettle as sorcerers!

At that, the entire audience rose, cheering and applauding.

Defeating dark mages as a magic warrior was a given, regardless of what the Association said.

However, the situation was exceptional.

In the midst of the festival, in a situation where no one knew which student might come to harm, Baek Yu-seol sacrificed himself for the safety of his competitors by giving up his own match.

Moreover, he was the youngest participant in Magic Survival history...

If this isn't special, then what is?

- "Hence, I shall bestow a special award upon Baek Yu-seol, a freshman! Let everyone rise from their seats and welcome him with applause!"

The cheers that erupted were even more thunderous than during the winner's award ceremony, and the students receiving medals couldn't help but freeze with surprise.

Baek Yu-seol received the award with a nonchalant expression, but he was taken aback by the overwhelming cheers that followed. He had never expected such a strong reaction.

For someone who had lived an ordinary life, this kind of response felt quite unfamiliar and strange to him.

"Hmm... Well, good things are good things."

The reception itself didn't make him feel bad. As a gesture of gratitude, he waved his hand towards the audience, and the cheers grew even louder.

Finally, at the moment when Eltmon was about to hang the medal around his neck...

"...Wait a moment."

Someone who had quietly approached Eltmon suddenly intervened.

It was Orenha, the Elf King's aide.

Eltmon Eltwin, after confirming Orenha's face, stopped his hand with a stern expression. As the situation began to take a strange turn, the cheers gradually subsided.

After scanning the audience for a moment, Orenha turned his gaze back to Baek Yu-seol. Then, he spoke abruptly.

"Today, Baek Yu-seol, even as a freshman, undoubtedly displayed remarkable achievements. Showing exemplary prowess as a magic warrior at such a young age, once again, I am impressed by Stella's excellent educational policy."

At that moment, after a brief pause, Orenha continued, addressing Eltwin.

"However, our folk will raise doubts about his identity."

As those words left his lips, most of the sorcerers anticipated what might come next from Orenha's mouth.

Yet Eltmon, as composed as possible, responded calmly.

"....Doubts? Did you say doubts?"

"Yes! Why do sorcerers not question his identity? Because from him..."

Orenha flicked his finger, and a shimmering light materialized in the air, forming tiny, translucent fairies that began swirling in the sky.

The fairies sprinkled white powder over Baek Yu-seol, which transformed into a dazzling golden hue upon touching his body.

At first glance, it might seem like fireworks for blessings, but the significance of that golden powder was nothing other than 'divine energy.'

Only a few sorcerers who caught on to Orenha's intentions widened their eyes in shock, realizing the gravity of the situation.

"S-So, could it be...?"

"If it's such a potent divine energy..."

"An entity, a slayer of spirits...?"

Humans could never possess such a concentrated divine energy. Even if they contracted with high-ranking entities, they couldn't emit the unique magical scent of humans.

But there was one way.

"To consume the heart of a spirit."

In exchange for bearing the curse of a spirit slayer... the sorcerer who consumed the heart would gain immense longevity and the abilities of the spirit.

"What...?"

Eltmon, bewildered by what he had just heard, shouted out in confusion.

"Stop! There is still no evidence! How could a spirit slayer, possessing a murky soul and dark energy equivalent to a Dark mage, go unnoticed?"

In response, Orenha smirked.

"That... didn't the headmaster see it too? Dark mages can now conceal their magic and their skills are enough to deceive even you."

Eltmon, struck by a realization, widened his eyes. Despite focusing his own powers on Orenha, he couldn't stay silent. If he did, the controversy surrounding Baek Yu-seol would only escalate.

Orenha subtly turned his head,

gazing at his king.

'Why...!'

Florin, looking extremely flustered, stood with her hands tightly covering her mouth as she observed the situation.

This might not have been the development she had hoped for, but it was inevitable.

Due to political reasons, Stella had to assert her authority at least once.

Originally,

Eltwin Eltmon was not fond of this. Despite the disgusting nature of human beings, daring to approach his lady with friendly diplomacy and holding frequent private meetings, it all felt repulsive.

'Elves are fine on their own.'

It would be better if, on this occasion, he severed ties with humans altogether, returning to the forest to live in harmony with the fairies once again.

"Is it true? Baek Yu-seol is a spirit slayer?"

"It's unbelievable..."

"But wasn't it a bit strange?"

"Yes, he has achieved too much at a young age. It's like an old person who rejuvenates and pretends to be a child..."

"I personally agree. It's time to reveal the truth."

As the audience and sorcerers began to murmur, Orenha paused for a moment. It was to sow doubt among them.

And when the tension reached its peak, Eltmon urgently spoke.

"There's nothing good about this. As I said before, not being able to distinguish Dark mages isn't just my issue, but the elves might be the same. On what grounds are you pushing a student to be a Dark mage?"

Accusing a sorcerer of being a Dark mage without reason was a serious violation of their honor, so it was strictly forbidden. Therefore, in Eltmon's eyes, Orenha's reckless behavior was absolutely unacceptable.

At that moment, something suddenly dawned on him.

"Could it be...!"

And as if confirming his suspicion, Orenha smirked and exclaimed.

"Evidence. That's a good story. Unlike your human sorcerers, elves have a special ability to discern a target's soul. And we have imbued the 'Soul Amulet,' a treasure that materializes this ability, into the body of student Baek Yu-seol."

Upon hearing this, Eltmon was left speechless.

While staring at Baek Yu-seol, who remained unchanged, Orenha continued.

"Well then. If you are truly innocent, as Headmaster Eltmon claims... the Soul Amulet will emit a bright light, right? Conversely, if the soul is corrupt, it would be engulfed in darkness."

He pointed his index finger at the pendant hanging around Baek Yu-seol's neck.

"Why don't you... take it out? That pendant hanging around your neck."

Baek Yu-seol silently bowed his head, removed the necklace, and took out the pendant.

With a click!

Upon opening it, he revealed what was inside.

"Here! So, you are indeed...?"

Orenha, who was about to speak with an expression of anticipation, stopped mid-sentence as a burst of light erupted from within.

The dazzling array of light was so intense that onlookers had to shield their eyes, almost blinding in its brilliance.

That was... evidence that Baek Yu-seol possessed a soul as pure and white as that of a spirit or an angel.