Chapter 603: Change of Command (4)
The head of the Magic Tower Administration, Burke Post, was not addressed as the Chancellor, but as the Head Administrator.
The reason behind this distinction was rooted in the Magic Tower's unique structure: rather than being led by a single Chancellor, it operated under the direction of several Grand Masters. This setup traced back to its founding, where it was established as an alliance of various factions.
An alliance formed when branches of the traditional schools unified into a single entity.
As a result, the Administration, responsible for coordinating these factions and managing the Tower’s overall operations, naturally held less sway compared to the individual factions comprising the Tower.
The factions formed the very foundation of the Tower, while the Administration merely served as their support.
However, as with many things, time brought change. Although the Magic Tower Administration remained relatively small in size and rank, its authority had not remained insignificant.
Even as a support entity, the Administration was tasked with overseeing all operations of the Tower, including balancing cooperation and rivalries between the factions, which had considerably expanded its power and influence over time.
Much like how greater responsibilities lead to a stronger voice, the Administration had, over time, gained authority over a substantial portion of the Tower’s budget and—while unable to directly drive initiatives—could shape public opinion.
Furthermore, though rare, the Administration held the authority to establish new factions within the Magic Tower.
This power naturally arose due to the Administration's independent status, free from any factional allegiance. The Moirai School, tasked with managing the World Tree, was a prominent example of this.
The current Head Administrator, Burke Post, took great pride in this accomplishment.
By founding the Moirai School, which specialized in the study of the World Tree, the Tower’s prestige had risen significantly, and simultaneously, the Administration demonstrated its growing power.
It was a perfect move that succeeded in achieving two goals at once.
Indeed, everything seemed to be going well—until now, as Burke found himself unable to respond sensibly.
“What?”
The unusual sound of shock was quite unlike the self-disciplined Burke, who prided himself on his dignified composure. Yet, unable to collect himself, he continued to gaze at the young man before him.
“What did you just say?”
“I am considering establishing a school within the Magic Tower to teach dark magic. I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter, Head Administrator.”
The young man in front of him—or rather, Dave Light, the fixer from T District in Landa, known as Zenon Bright within the Magic Tower’s ranks—spoke clearly and without hesitation.
As if confirming that Burke had indeed heard him correctly, Dave spoke again. Burke, half in disbelief, couldn’t help but laugh.
“Hah! Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
Oliver nodded. Rumors of him being a lunatic seemed to be true.
“Why are you bringing this to me?”
“Because establishing a new school requires the approval of the Administration. And the final decision rests with the Head Administrator, Burke Post. That is why I’ve come to you.”
Faced with such a frankly irrational and mad proposition, Burke struggled to know how to react. From the look of it, Dave wasn’t joking.
“You seem to misunderstand something—establishing a new school requires the approval of the Grand Masters within the Magic Tower.”
“I am aware. However, the final approval lies with the Administration, and I also know that the Administration has the capacity to sway public opinion.”
Burke’s gaze on Oliver shifted slightly.
“You certainly know your stuff.”
“I read the Magic Tower’s rules and guidelines on authority.”
“You must not have had much else to do.”
“I read it while working as a personal assistant to a professor. It seemed necessary for such an opportunity. And I can see it’s been useful. So, may I ask your opinion?”
“About what?”
“About establishing a school for the study of dark magic within the Tower. What do you think, Head Administrator?”
Despite Burke’s multiple attempts to divert the conversation, Oliver unashamedly pressed on. Realizing this was not a matter he could casually dismiss, Burke raised his voice intentionally.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“I had heard you were insane, but this is beyond what I imagined.”
“Is that so?”
“Perhaps you need to understand a few things. The Magic Tower Administration is an organization created to promote the safety and interests of the Tower. Although it’s often looked down on by ambitious individuals, I take tremendous pride in my position here. While the achievements of the Tower may belong to its factions, the Administration has always been at the forefront of its prosperity.”
“I’m listening, and I agree with you.”
“Then why bring such an absurd proposition to me? To make dark magic an official school within the Tower? … I met with you only because you’re a disciple of the Archive and an esteemed employee here, but perhaps that was a mistake. I’ll overlook this misjudgment, but I suggest you leave now.”
Burke spoke based on Zenon’s reputation and Dave’s track record. Although rumors painted Zenon as a hot-headed brawler or a mercenary with a rising reputation, Burke believed that, on the whole, he preferred dialogue over brute force and didn’t exploit advantageous situations.
In other words, he was viewed as a gentleman, not a schemer.
Thus, Burke expressed his displeasure openly, intending for Zenon to leave on his own. He expected Zenon would go quietly, not one to dig in his heels. However, Zenon’s response was unexpected.
“Forgive me, but may I clarify a few things?”
“What?”
“There are a few points that I believe were misunderstood. Firstly, the reason you granted me this meeting is not merely because I am a disciple of the Archive. While that may have contributed, it’s primarily because of my achievements within the Tower. Do you not agree?”
Before Burke could respond, Oliver confidently gauged his reaction and interpreted it as an affirmative answer.
In that moment, Burke felt a chill down his spine. Though a high-ranking mage himself, Oliver had read his emotions effortlessly.
“I assisted Professor Kevin and Lieutenant General Philip in rescuing students from the Lake Village incident caused by Theodore, and alongside Professor Kevin and Ms. Yareli, I fought against the Flesh Chef’s forces in Gallos. I also managed to secure Eve from outside Landa, and I even published research papers that drew interest among the Tower’s magicians.”
Oliver refrained from listing further accomplishments, as he felt this was sufficient—Burke could not deny his assertions.
“So, I believe my meeting with you today is not solely due to my connections. At the very least, I believe I am qualified to hear your answer to my question.”
Silence settled over the room until Burke finally spoke.
“… Do you really believe that requesting dark magic to be established as a recognized school within the Tower is a reasonable question?”
“I’m not asking that it be established immediately. I only want to know your opinion on the matter. Do you think it’s possible?”
“Most magicians wouldn’t agree to it.”
“Then some might agree, however few. After all, there have been those who researched dark magic in the past.”
“Do you believe it’s reasonable to consider a school based on the use of human bodies as resources?”
“Doesn’t magic itself often use human bodies as resources?”
Burke, feeling the pressure, responded sharply, but Oliver replied calmly, unfazed. Burke could offer no further retort.
Everyone knew that the Tower engaged in human experimentation—an open secret that elicited some voices of dissent, yet continued regardless.
Of course, the Tower’s leadership had prepared arguments to counter objections, but for some reason, looking at the young man before him, Burke found himself unable to speak.
It wasn’t simply because Oliver was a disciple of the Archive, or because he was a notorious dark mage now known as a "Finger"—titles that didn’t grant him power here.
And yet, Burke couldn’t find his voice. It was a feeling—a sense that the typical evasions and excuses would not suffice with him. Although he had no proof, his instincts, honed from years as Head Administrator, warned him that any casual dismissal might come back to haunt him.
Realizing this, Burke adjusted his posture, shifting from an authoritative stance to one of negotiation. Then, he spoke.
“Fine, let’s skip the wordplay and get to the point.”
Oliver nodded.
“Forget about good or evil, or right and wrong—let’s have a more realistic and productive discussion. Do you really think it’s possible to establish a school of dark magic in the Tower?”
It was an improbable idea. Dark magic was illegal, both legally and socially unaccepted, unlike the longstanding acceptance of traditional magic.
“Assuming it could be possible, what then? If a condition were met that made dark magic viable and beneficial to the Tower, would you permit it, in the interest of the Tower’s prosperity?”
Following Burke’s line of reasoning, Oliver responded. His words, sharp and persuasive, seemed to coil around Burke like a serpent’s tongue. But Burke, who had spent a lifetime honing his magic and serving the Tower, resisted the pressure, pondering carefully.
“If it caused no issues and genuinely benefited the Tower, there would be no reason to refuse.”
“Forgive me, but your answer feels vague.”
“When you’re in a position like mine, you often have to give vague answers. There’s a lot at stake. It may not sound decisive, but that’s a responsible answer.”
“Understood.”
Oliver nodded as though he had gained some valuable insight.
Not missing the timing, Burke then asked.
“So why this sudden interest in the Tower? I didn’t think you had any prior inclination.”
“For the tax benefits.”
Burke tilted his head at the immediate response, though Oliver seemed completely earnest.
The reason Oliver wanted to establish a school within the Magic Tower was none other than for tax benefits.
One of Landa’s primary industries was magic and its related fields, and to foster this industry, Landa granted significant tax breaks to the Tower and its subsidiary institutions, which generated high revenue. Oliver aimed to take advantage of these benefits by founding a school within the Tower.
“All for something as trivial as that?”
Burke muttered as if questioning the sincerity of the response. Of course, tax benefits in Landa, a city driven by capital, were not an insignificant advantage, but even so, the reason seemed far too humble for someone with the reputation of a prominent fixer in Landa.
He had assumed Oliver had grander ambitions, perhaps seeking power or influence, yet he couldn’t grasp his intentions at all.
“If I can save on taxes, I’ll have more to invest elsewhere. Besides, I personally think it would be better for dark magic to come out into the open.”
“Better for dark mages?”
“Not just for dark mages, but for everyone else as well. By pushing dark magic into the shadows, it only becomes more dangerous, which in turn poses greater risks for everyone. Integrating it under regulated safety measures would ultimately make things safer, wouldn’t it?”
“I understand your reasoning, but you’re overlooking a critical flaw. Suggesting dark magic be openly practiced by affiliating it with the Magic Tower is absurd. For that to happen, dark magic would first need to be accepted by society at large—something the Tower cannot accomplish alone.”
“I’m aware of that.”
“Then why even ask? This is a completely unproductive discussion.”
“It’s not unproductive at all. Just now, through our conversation, I’ve confirmed that if dark magic could be practiced openly and could genuinely benefit the Tower, you, Head Administrator Burke Post, would consider supporting it.”
Having discerned Burke’s sincere reaction and his intent through their exchange, Oliver spoke up. Burke quickly caught onto the underlying implications.
Oliver wasn’t speaking hypothetically—he was raising an issue that could realistically come to pass. Just as Burke was about to question him further, Oliver rose from his seat.
“Thank you for your valuable time, Head Administrator Burke. I’ll see you again soon.”
“Are you planning to return?”
“Yes, next time with a more feasible and productive topic for discussion.”
With that, Oliver exited the office. A few days later, rumors circulated in Landa’s underground network...
Dave, one of Landa’s leading fixers, had reportedly fought in Gallos, repelling remnants of the Flesh Chef’s followers as well as dark mages trying to seize the power left in his absence.
Following this rumor, discussions within the Magic Tower began to arise regarding the possible founding of a new faction—an official school led by dark mages, known as the Bright School.