84 Eulyphis

"So tired…"

On the third day after returning to the Clock Tower, Waver appeared at his usual spot, looking utterly exhausted... the place that gave him daily stomachaches from the endless overtime.

During his long stay at El-Melloi Mansion with Roy, the work at the Clock Tower had piled up, with no one handling it. And Kayneth had no intention of reducing his workload.

So when Waver returned to his office, he was greeted by a mountain of documents and a jam-packed schedule. His head spun at the sight, but under Kayneth's arrangement, all he could do was take his stomach medicine and dive headfirst into the work.

This was the path he had chosen, and even if it killed him, he had to see it through.

Seeing this, Roy could only shake his head in resignation.

He had wanted to help Waver with some of the work, but after picking up a document and seeing the dense, incomprehensible ancient language on it, he quietly put it back.

"Sorry for bothering you."

He knew his limits.

This wasn't the kind of work he should be doing. If he forced himself to stay and help, it would only make things worse.

After delivering some fruit to Waver, he left. He knew there was nothing more he could do, so there was no point in lingering.

His destination was once again the library. Just as he had stayed in the grand library at Kayneth's manor, he now spent most of his time in the Clock Tower's underground library.

The trivial matter of arranging dormitories didn't concern him in the slightest.

In his current state, Roy's body could function perfectly well without sleep or food. Kayneth was well aware of this too.

So, Kayneth had given Roy a special key to a room in the underground library, a place he himself had once requested while studying. Hardly anyone went there, and Roy could live without being disturbed. It was far better suited for him than the student dormitories.

Kayneth had also sent over the books for Roy's next phase of study. If Roy had any questions, he could ask Kayneth or Reines after class.

The Department of General Fundamentals was the foundational subject for Western European magus. At the Clock Tower, any student who wanted to formally enter a specialized classroom first had to complete their studies in the Department of General Fundamentals and pass certain exams to qualify.

This curriculum included key subjects like Fundamental Source Studies and Magical Energy Flow Studies, crucial aspects of the Magus Path.

However, for someone like Roy, with his peculiar and mysterious nature, these fundamental magecraft theories and knowledge didn't really apply. Kayneth had thus fast-tracked his graduation from the Department of General Fundamentals, with the help of other Lords, and placed him directly into a designated department.

Roy checked the time... London Time: 9.00... and saw that his next class was in the Department of Spiritual Evocation.

The Lord of the Department of Spiritual Evocation was Rufleus Nuada-Re Eulyphis, Kayneth's teacher and father-in-law.

Waver had mentioned this Lord to Roy not long ago.

The Lord of the Department of Spiritual Evocation, Eulyphis, was an elder who exuded an atmosphere like that of a dead man, fitting for someone who commanded countless spirits.

He held a position in the Clock Tower on par with Lord Trambellio, with immense respect and presence. Kayneth held him in high regard both as a mentor and as a father-in-law.

The Department of Spiritual Evocation held great significance in the Clock Tower and the entire World of Magecraft. It was an essential field of study, and even the summoning of Heroic Spirits in the Holy Grail War was essentially a type of spiritual evocation. It was obvious that this department would be a perfect match for Roy, which is why Kayneth had enrolled him there with careful consideration.

As the Lord of the Mineralogy Department, Kayneth would have liked to keep Roy there, but he knew that Roy's unique abilities and mysterious nature couldn't be confined to just one department.

Compared to Mineralogy, Spiritual Evocation suited Roy better. Plus, Kayneth's close ties to the Lord of that department, his father-in-law, meant that Roy would be in good hands.

The appearance of a Magician of the Third Magic would undoubtedly change the power dynamics at the Clock Tower, and Kayneth was prepared to ride the wave of this shift.

...

Near the classroom of the Department of Spiritual Evocation.

*Tok* *Tok* *Tok*

As Roy passed by, a strange knocking sound came from a door in the corner.

"Who's there?" Roy called out.

There was no response, only the creak of the door opening, revealing a pitch-black room.

*Thud* *Thud* *Thud*

From the darkness came the sound of slow footsteps, and soon, a tall figure emerged, leaning on a cane.

As the figure came into full view, it revealed an elderly man in his seventies, dressed in the manner typical of a magus.

His chest was adorned with jewelry set with several jewels, and each of his bony fingers bore two rings.

Despite the abundance of jewels and rings on his person, the man didn't give off the impression of a vulgar show-off. Instead, he exuded a dark and gloomy aura, as if these were offerings for the dead rather than adornments for the living.

With his frail appearance and the aura of death surrounding him, the old man reminded Roy of a melancholic, decrepit goat.

"Let me... welcome you back, the Wizard Marshall's esteemed disciple, the newly ascended Magician of the Third Magic, Lord Roy."

The old man greeted Roy with a noble bow, his demeanor respectful.

He seemed to believe that Roy was Zelretch's disciple.

Perhaps he'd come to this conclusion based on rumors within the Clock Tower. Roy didn't bother to correct him, allowing the old man to continue speaking. The man then introduced himself.

"And you are?"

"I… am Rufleus Nuada-Re Eulyphis, one of the twelve Lords of the Clock Tower, Lord of the Department of Spiritual Evocation."

Facing Roy, Eulyphis kept his posture humble, addressing him not as Kayneth's teacher but as a Lord of the Department of Spiritual Evocation speaking with the Magician of the Third Magic.

Magic took precedence over familial ties here.

Roy listened to Eulyphis' halting speech but said nothing, responding only when necessary.

"So you are Lord Eulyphis of the Department of Spiritual Evocation. I've heard much about you. Professor Kayneth often speaks highly of you, saying you're a mentor he deeply respects."

"If we're going by seniority, I suppose I should be calling you Grandmaster."

"Please… I am unworthy of such a title… Neither I nor my son-in-law deserve to assume such a role in front of the Magician of the Third Magic. That would be… too impudent…" Lord Eulyphis shook his head, refusing the title.

"So, are you here on Professor Kayneth's request, or is there something else you wish to discuss?"

"...Indeed." Lord Eulyphis paused before speaking again. "It is my son-in-law's… arrangement."

"With your upcoming studies in the Department of Spiritual Evocation, you needn't attend the usual lecture hall. I have… already made other preparations for you. Please follow me; I have prepared a gift for you…"

With that, Eulyphis gestured toward the dark room behind him, inviting Roy inside. "...Everything you need has already… been prepared."

A gift, huh…

"Is that so? That's quite considerate."

Seeing this posture from Eulyphis, Roy naturally understood that Kayneth had briefed his father-in-law. This person was also trying to tie himself to Roy to get a piece of the pie.

Having just returned to the Clock Tower, Roy knew that there were many people aware of him, probing into his affairs. Eulyphis was the first to approach him, but he certainly wouldn't be the last.

However, there was no reason for him to refuse this convenience. He didn't dislike this mutually beneficial relationship; it was reasonable that contributions would yield returns.

"I look forward to the gift you have prepared."

Roy nodded, "Then please lead the way, Lord Eulyphis."

"…I wouldn't dare to take credit; it's all part of what I should do."

Eulyphis nodded.

Then, Roy followed Eulyphis through the door into the back room.

Meanwhile, those who thought they were stealthily tailing him emerged from the shadows.

Although he had sensed them earlier, there were simply too many to manage, so Roy paid them no mind. As long as they didn't do anything out of line, he would turn a blind eye; if they wanted to follow, so be it.

At this point, as Roy entered Eulyphis' domain, they could no longer follow and had to return to report their findings to their respective masters.

Walking into the exclusive activity room of the Department of Spiritual Evocation, the dark room was nothing special... just a windowless lounge with no lights on.

*Creak!*

With Eulyphis operating on the bookshelves, the wall lined with numerous elegant tools slowly opened, revealing a tunnel whose destination was unknown.

"…Please, come in."

"Alright."

Roy walked into the tunnel without changing his expression, stepping inside.

Eulyphis followed suit.

As they entered the dark tunnel, Roy glanced at the magical seals and traps scattered around and couldn't help but look at him before saying, "Lord Eulyphis, this tunnel leads to something significant, doesn't it?"

"…Yes, Lord Roy. This tunnel leads to the most confidential place of the Department of Spiritual Evocation, where important texts are stored…"

"The secrets of this place… are known only to a few in the Department of Spiritual Evocation, and even my… daughter and son-in-law have never been here…" 

"Hmm?"

"Is it really okay to bring an outsider like me to such a confidential place?"

"It's nothing… Since we wish to earn your trust, we naturally need to show our corresponding… sincerity. However, mere words won't convince you…"

"The rules of the Clock Tower… have always been strength-based. The power of a family or a magus's strength can serve as leverage, and your… assets are sufficient for us to go all in."

"So there's no need to hide anything. You can have everything; when the… time is ripe, all that we have… will naturally belong to you, as long as you are willing. Even leading us… would not be met with any grievances." Lord Eulyphis answered with a calm yet serious tone.

"Leading you means establishing my faction in the Clock Tower, doesn't it? That sounds quite appealing."

Roy glanced at the old man and said, "However, it's unnecessary. I'm not aiming for that, nor do I want to remain a lord in the Clock Tower indefinitely."

"Nevertheless, since you treat me sincerely, I will naturally reciprocate. My name is fine; or anything else, feel free to use it. If you wish to establish a larger faction, go ahead; I won't interfere."

"Thank you for your… generosity. Please rest assured, I won't trouble you with the minutiae. Let us handle those trivial matters; your support from behind us… is the greatest help."

Upon receiving Roy's consent, a hint of a smile appeared on Eulyphis' shadowed face, and he continued, "I believe you have already noticed that the other lords of the Clock Tower… have also caught wind of certain things about you. They are currently searching for your… clues from various leads."

"Indeed, there are all sorts of prying eyes lurking in the shadows every day. But there are too many flies, and they can't catch up, so let them be."

"Hehe… Please don't worry. We have sent our subordinates… to teach those who dare to pry into your affairs a lesson. I believe they will receive it soon. I assure you… they will not dare to disturb you in the coming days."

Roy nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your concern."

"No, this is what I should do… It is our honor to serve you…" Lord Eulyphis continued.

Those standing behind Eulyphis were not merely a faction or a simple family, but a massive force composed of multiple factions and powers interlinked. Their alignment indicated a clear stance.

Kayneth and Eulyphis had only revealed a portion of this to them, and they had all chosen to bet on this new Magician.

People are greedy, and magus are no exception. Everyone is dissatisfied with the status quo and wants more.

This was a chip as large as Zelretch's, equally immovable; when the chip becomes large enough, the Clock Tower can only revolve around him.

Eulyphis was convinced that with Roy's support, the rise of a new faction that could break the inherent balance of power in the Clock Tower was a certainty.

Kayneth and Eulyphis took full advantage of their knowledge of his identity and value to immediately make a decision, sparing no effort to invest in this new Magician. While the other lords had some suspicions, it was already too late to act. When the truth was revealed, they would find that the two largest pieces of the pie had already been taken.

Thus, what Eulyphis and Kayneth needed to do now was to secretly pull their trusted forces into their ranks to continue to divide this pie while also acting as the watchdog of this pie, deterring other forces from taking rash action.

At this moment, the Magician of the Third Magic was truly the master of the Departments of Spiritual Evocation and Mineralogy; they were merely stewards managing the wealth, also waiting to become stewards of even more wealth.

"Please, come in… Lord Roy… everything is prepared for you inside." Lord Eulyphis elegantly performed a noble gesture and then said.

"I believe you will like… the special gift I have prepared for you…"

"Thank you for your trouble."

Roy nodded and pushed open the stone door in front of him.

He was first greeted by blinding white light piercing through the darkness, accompanied by a bitter smell, and the room retained a decayed odor, indicating it hadn't been cleaned in a long time. The scene in the room gradually revealed itself.

"This is…"

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