85 Mystic Eyes

Pushing open the heavy door, what they saw was not an empty room but a bare metal wall.

"Hmm?" Roy was taken aback; he didn't sense any magical energy from the wall.

Was it just a purely physical construct?

No, that wasn't very realistic. It was unreasonable to find a purely physical object in a place like the Clock Tower, where magus congregated.

This iron wall was probably some kind of special mystic code.

"Please... wait a moment..."

Eulyphis said respectfully, then used his withered hands to stroke the metal wall. Next, he pressed his cane against a specific spot on the wall, creating a deep hole.

Immediately after, he drew the sharp end of his cane across his palm, letting the blood flow into the hole. As time passed, when the blood had flowed to a certain level, he furrowed his brow.

He then inserted his ornate cane into the hole and twisted it like a key. With a click, the heavy metal wall opened in response.

*Creak*

The harsh sound of the door opening resonated as a gap appeared at the top of the wall, bright light radiating from within.

As time went on, the thick iron wall slowly began to crack open from the middle, the scene inside reflecting in Roy's eyes.

It was a hidden chamber at least the size of half a sports field. Inside, hundreds of special stone platforms of various sizes were neatly arranged, the floor made of black marble. The ceiling of the chamber was adorned with continuously burning white spiritual flames. In addition to the jars containing integral fossils or magical materials that magus would kill to obtain, the bookshelves on the other side were filled with numerous precious magical books.

The magical aura and the age emanating from it clearly indicated its precious value.

To have so many valuable treasures displayed so openly in this room, one could only imagine how many layers of defenses and prohibitions were in place.

Looking up at the dozens of autonomous puppet sentinels hanging from the dome, it was clear that anyone who dared to enter here would be torn apart by these puppets the moment they stepped foot inside.

And that was just what was visible. Roy had already begun to speculate on what traps might be hidden beneath the floor.

"Lord Roy... please follow me... the gift I have prepared for you is deep within the room."

Eulyphis spoke in a low voice, then led Roy through the area to the correct spot.

After a long walk, they finally arrived at the center of the hidden chamber, where the gift Eulyphis had mentioned was located.

It was a concealed room hidden at the edge of the main hall.

"These really are a pair of beautiful and powerful eyes... as captivating as sapphires... am I right, Lord Roy?"

Looking at the pair of eyes sealed in the stone pedestal, which resembled sapphires and was now just inches away from him, Eulyphis couldn't help but express his sincere admiration.

No matter how many times he had seen such a mysterious treasure, Eulyphis could never resist being moved by it.

"Yes, these eyes are as beautiful as gemstone, equally enchanting and intoxicating..."

Roy also gazed at the beautiful mystic eyes encased in the jar, voicing his recognition.

"Are these Jewel Rank mystic eyes, Lord Eulyphis?"

The green eyes, so close at hand, emitted a sparkling light, and even through the jar, one could sense the extraordinary power contained within.

Although the rank of mystic eyes can be judged by their color, this method is not very reliable. The main reason is that the criteria for mystic eyes are inherently vague.

According to common differentiation methods, the rank of mystic eyes can be classified by color. Typically, ordinary mystic eyes emit red or green light, while powerful ones shine gold, and high-rank mystic eyes can even flicker with a rainbow glow like gem.

From this perspective, a rainbow glow is emitted by the jewel. So, if a type of mystic eye emits light like a gemstone, would it be considered Rainbow or Jewel Rank?

Ultimately, the rank of mystic eyes does not solely depend on color; it is more closely linked to what the mystic eye can achieve. In other words, it relates to the kind of mysteries the mystic eye can manifest.

Although Roy didn't know exactly what mysteries were contained within these mystic eyes, he could sense that the green mystic eyes were very well-suited for him. The magical aura they emitted resonated with the nature of his magical power.

It was a resonance akin to compatibility.

These mystic eyes were tied to the realm of the soul and were very suitable for him. He could confidently say they were even more fitting for the Third Magic.

"Just as expected of you… to be able to discern the essence of these Jewel Rank mystic eyes in just an instant."

Upon hearing Roy's inquiry, Eulyphis nodded and answered seriously.

"You are correct… these Jewel Rank mystic eyes contain mystery related to the soul…"

"According to specialized magus' estimates… the effects they possess can enhance spiritual sight… and they exhibit a very high level of suppression against spiritual beings… making them the nemesis of spirits. Moreover, once equipped with these mystic eyes… the user's mental power and various abilities can experience considerable enhancement. Without a doubt… these are genuine Jewel Rank mystic eyes."

"Lord Eulyphis, is this the gift you prepared?" Roy glanced in surprise at the old man standing beside him.

It was unexpected to receive such precious Jewel Rank mystic eyes so readily.

"That's right… Lord Roy… these mystic eyes are a token of sincerity from the Department of Spiritual Evocation."

After saying this, Eulyphis approached the stone pedestal, took out a uniquely shaped key from his cane, and inserted it into the keyhole. With a crisp click, the lid of the container on the pedestal opened.

He turned to Roy and said, "This treasure was collected by the previous lord of the Department of Spiritual Evocation… my father, when he was young. To acquire it… both our family and the Department of Spiritual Evocation paid a significant price…"

"Later, after being identified by specialized magus, it was discovered that the tier of these mystic eyes actually reached the legendary Jewel Rank… and they were named the Mystic Eyes of Soul Binding. Since my father's passing… these mystic eyes have not found a suitable person to activate them due to issues regarding their magical properties and ownership."

"So… I have sealed them here… as the foundation of the Department of Spiritual Evocation."

"Not long ago… I heard from my son-in-law… that you are searching for a suitable pair of mystic eyes… and that you are preparing to board the Mystic Eyes Collection Train. So… I am here to present you with this gift."

"With soul mystic eyes of Jewel Rank specifications… I believe it will certainly meet your needs… In this era… aside from those that only exist in myths… or the rumored mystic eyes…"

"These mystic eyes have reached the highest specifications currently available in the mysterious realm… only eyes of this level are truly worthy of your status…"

As he spoke, Eulyphis carefully took out the sapphire-like mystic eyes from the container, then retrieved a special storage box from his pocket, waving his hand to place the mystic eyes inside for safekeeping.

"Lord Roy… I wish to offer these Jewel Rank mystic eyes as a token of my sincerity… I hope that in the future… it will bring you more favor."

Seeing the mystic eyes presented right in front of him, Roy paused for a moment and deeply glanced at Eulyphis.

If such a precious pair of Jewel Rank mystic eyes was only meant to gain favor, it felt a bit excessive.

The old man's ambitions were laid bare; Roy felt that he surely had other intentions. So, he didn't take the box but instead asked directly,

"What is it that you truly seek, to pay such a price? Just gaining favor feels too ambiguous… What do you really hope to obtain from me?"

"…"

Eulyphis sighed.

"Nothing else, I want my family and the entire Department of Spiritual Evocation to be under your name, inheriting your reputation and wisdom, becoming the orthodox branch of Magician."

"You want the Third Magic?"

This answer surprised Roy.

Goodness, your ambitions are a bit too fervent; do you think you can exchange a pair of Jewel Rank mystic eyes for one of the Five True Magics? That seems rather fanciful.

"I wouldn't dare… The Five True Magics are miracles beyond our reach… I wouldn't dream of such extravagance… All I seek is an official title."

"Whether as… your student or as your subordinate… we only desire a name."

"I see…"

At this point, Roy understood Eulyphis' intentions.

He wanted to gain an advantage by receiving recognition from Roy, a promise from the Magician of the Third Magic so that he could secure more benefits amid the chaos and division of interests that would follow at the Clock Tower.

In that case, it was acceptable.

Roy pondered for a moment, then reached out to take the box, saying, "Then let it be as you wish."

"Thank you for your… generosity…"

At that moment, a look of joy appeared on Eulyphis's aged face, and the dry corners of his mouth spread into a smile.

The moment Roy accepted the box, he knew the deal was done. With the acquisition of an official title, Eulyphis's standing in the new faction was clear, and he had secured the largest piece of the cake.

Exchanging a pair of Jewel Rank mystic eyes for the orthodox identity of the Magician of the Third Magic was an absurd trade, but it was worth it.

Although the value of Jewel Rank mystic eyes was incredibly precious... there may be only a few dozen pairs in the entire world... within any mystical circle, they were considered top-tier treasures that could not be measured in money or other means.

Similarly, the orthodox identity recognized by the Magician of the Third Magic was singular. If this identity were deemed useless, it would merely be a title. However, in the right hands, the value that this identity could wield could far surpass that of Jewel Rank mystic eyes. Eulyphis was clearly among the latter; in the upcoming power struggles, he would fully leverage this orthodox identity to reap even more benefits.

'Oh, my dear son-in-law… I shall gladly accept this orthodoxy…'

Eulyphis held the staff embedded with precious jewels, a smile curving at the corners of his mouth.

...

"Hachoo..."

While enjoying a lovely morning tea with his fiancée, Sola, Kayneth suddenly sneezed.

Sitting nearby, Reines and Sola, who was across the table with her red tea, both looked at him in surprise.

"Uncle, are you feeling unwell?"

"Do you have a cold? Kayneth, you've been overworking yourself lately; you need to take care of your health." Sola asked with a hint of concern.

Due to various factors, in this timeline, Sola had never encountered Diarmuid, and naturally, she had not been subjected to his charms.

Additionally, Kayneth had changed significantly since returning from the Holy Grail War; his formerly sharp and ostentatious demeanor had become more restrained and composed.

During their recent interactions, Sola's fondness for Kayneth had noticeably increased.

She gradually felt that marrying Kayneth might not be such a terrible thing after all.

Moreover, her father, Eulyphis, had recently become more supportive of Kayneth, constantly advising her to visit the El-Melloi family more often, to spend time with Kayneth, and even to stay there if necessary.

"Make sure to spend more time with Kayneth and take good care of him; he is your future husband. It's best if he doesn't leave the El-Melloi household unnecessarily."

Although Sola didn't fully understand her father's intentions, she followed his advice to keep Kayneth company.

"I'm fine, Sola. I might just be a bit tired lately."

Kayneth gently said as he held Sola's outstretched small hand.

"I'm sorry, Sola. I haven't been able to spend much time with you recently, and instead, you've come here to specifically find me."

"You've really gone through a lot."

"It's okay, Kayneth; I don't mind these things." Sola shook her head.

Seeing his fiancée become increasingly gentle with him filled Kayneth with joy, and for a moment, he felt a bit lightheaded.

He immediately promised, "Sola, once I'm done with this busy period, I'll take you on a trip. I'll make sure to properly compensate you then."

"Ahem, then I'll look forward to it, Kayneth." Sola smiled serenely.

"Okay... I definitely won't let you down."

Kayneth was already overjoyed, completely forgetting about everything else as he picked up his teacup and continued to enjoy this peaceful and beautiful morning tea time with his fiancée.

Reines, who was sitting nearby furrowed her brows at her uncle's happy grin and her aunt's smile.

"Hmm..."

Despite being the nuisance mosquito between the two of them, she was also happy to see her uncle and aunt's relationship becoming so good.

However... she couldn't shake the feeling that something strange was happening, as if something was about to unfold.

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