Chapter 637: Idol Worship (3)
As Roderick, the Archpriest, departed, people began to return.
The ones who came back were none other than Burke, Kevin, and Mari. They started questioning Oliver about everything that had just happened.
"Are you alright, Director?"
"What on earth happened?"
But out of the three, the one who appeared the most serious was Burke Post, the Administrative Chief of the Tower of Magic.
"Idolatry… I need a detailed explanation."
Unlike the concerned Mari and Kevin, Burke's demeanor was firm, even somewhat hostile. His behavior was entirely different from his usual self.
Indeed, while Burke seemed calm on the surface, he was actually in a state of considerable turmoil internally.
And the turmoil didn't end there.
Confusion, anxiety, worry, agitation, fear… Burke’s mind was awash in a bloom of negative emotions.
It was understandable, given he had just heard that Black Mages from across the sea were worshipping Oliver. And the source of this information was none other than an Archpriest. This wasn't something that could simply be laughed off.
If this escalated, it might not just affect Burke’s own career but could endanger the Tower of Magic as a whole.
No matter how much people proclaimed it was the Age of Industry or the Age of Magic, the influence of the Church of Pater in the present day was undeniable.
‘Especially considering what His Grace Roderick mentioned regarding his theory…’
Therefore, it was entirely reasonable for Burke to press Oliver with a scowl on his face. If things took a wrong turn, they could all be branded as heretics, cultists, or even demon-worshippers, which might lead to bloodshed.
"Zenon, you need to give an explanation."
"Look here, right now—"
—Tak.
Just as Mari was about to vent her anger at Burke’s attitude, Oliver held her hand.
Mari froze.
Mari and Oliver locked eyes, and without a word, Oliver gently shook his head, signaling her not to speak.
Though he was grateful that Mari was prepared to express anger on his behalf, Oliver hoped she wouldn’t, especially at a time like this.
After all, whether she liked it or not, Mari would soon have to interact with the Tower of Magic regularly and would play a central role in supporting the Black Magic School.
Whether Mari understood Oliver's silent plea or not, she bit her lip and swallowed her words.
Thankfully, Burke observed this and regained a bit of his composure.
"...I apologize."
“No need. You have every right to act as you did, Chief. You took risks to help me, and now there's this unsavory rumor… I am sorry.”
Oliver acknowledged Burke’s contributions to the establishment of the Black Magic School.
It was true that Burke, while not actively supportive to an extreme degree, had indeed offered significant help at personal risk, going as far as to risk his life and career.
Had Burke not been willing to help from the beginning, none of this would have been possible.
The proof lay in the fact that anyone within the Tower perceptive enough already knew that Burke had been assisting Oliver.
And now, news came that Black Mages were worshipping Oliver? This was akin to a bomb exploding among their ranks.
Thus, it was only fair that Oliver offered at least a brief explanation.
“To put it briefly, a faction of Black Mages in the Central Continent has begun to worship a new ‘Finger,’ someone they claim to be a savior for Black Mages.”
"And this new ‘Finger’ would be…?"
“It’s the Woodcutter Dave.”
Oliver finished the sentence Burke had left hanging.
It felt strange, describing himself as if he were a third party.
Then again, perhaps it wasn't that odd, considering "Zenon" and "Dave" weren't his real names to begin with.
Just as Burke was about to speak, Oliver raised a hand.
“First of all, I must clarify something. I am not a Finger, I swear. I’m not affiliated with the Black Hand. The title of 'Finger' is simply something certain people call me on their own.”
Burke didn't argue with Oliver's explanation.
He was aware of how the title "Finger" had evolved over time.
Originally, "Finger" referred specifically to the core members of the Black Hand, the Black Magic Federation, but over the years, it had become a title given to any powerful Black Mage.
While there hadn’t been many Black Mages called Fingers over the centuries, with two of them now dead and a new one emerging, it wasn’t surprising that an event like idol worship might occur.
After all, the renown of Woodcutter Dave, who had helped the Archive slay sea monsters, fought the Puppet faction on equal footing, and even repelled the Pied Piper, was indeed that impactful.
"Even so, you know this isn’t over, don’t you?"
"Yes, I do. Even if that isn’t the case, the fact that people believe it could be dangerous."
Oliver acknowledged that perception sometimes overshadows reality.
Burke seemed satisfied with this response.
"As long as you’re aware… Does the Archpriest believe your words?"
“His Grace Roderick knows I am not involved.”
“Are you certain?”
Burke’s tense expression brightened in an instant.
This was no trivial matter; depending on Roderick’s stance, Oliver could be in immediate danger.
"Yes. When I told him I wasn’t involved, he said he believed me. He attributed the incident to recent confusion in the Central Continent and a few recent events I’ve been involved in.”
“If he truly understood, he wouldn’t have come here, especially so suddenly.”
Kevin, who had been listening silently, interjected.
Being the type to speak only when necessary, Kevin quickly identified the flaw in the logic.
If the Archpriest genuinely believed Oliver to be innocent, he would have no reason to come in the first place. The fact that he had, implied he had other intentions.
“He does believe me, but he asked me to travel to the Central Continent and assist in purging the Black Mages there… He mentioned that doing so might prevent further misunderstandings.”
“Not a bad idea.”
“Playing the role of a hunting dog, is it?”
"How can you even...!”
Burke, Kevin, and Mari each had different reactions.
Burke was satisfied, Kevin saw through the underlying motive with a cold gaze, and Mari was indignant.
To Oliver, their responses were quite impressive.
Hearing the same proposal, each had a different reaction. It was likely due to their respective positions and relationships.
It was indeed a complex and delicate issue. Challenging, yet fascinating.
“Are you… planning to go?”
Mari asked Oliver cautiously, her emotions visibly clouded by a sense of reluctance. It seemed she disliked the idea of Oliver being used in such a manner.
Seeing this, Burke tried to persuade her.
“It’s a reasonable suggestion, Miss. If Zenon agrees to it, it could prevent further misunderstanding. If the misunderstanding is linked to something as severe as a cult, it’s a profitable decision in the long run.”
A rational judgment worthy of a mage.
However, Mari did not agree.
While part of her resistance stemmed from revering Oliver as a deity, the idea of acting as a servant to the Church of Pater played a significant role as well.
Some might argue he had already done something similar in Gallos, but that was far from the truth.
In Gallos, while Oliver had indeed purged some Black Mages, those were notorious criminals or deranged individuals with bounties on their heads. The rest had been persuaded to join his ranks willingly.
What Armand had requested was not an extermination but rather management and order.
Roderick, on the other hand, had demanded Oliver eliminate Black Mages to prove his loyalty to the Church, an act akin to stepping on a crucifix.
As Kevin had put it, they were asking him to act as a hunting dog.
Kevin, who had first identified this, turned to Oliver.
“Do you understand their intentions?”
Burke cut in.
“Intentions? What intentions?”
“It’s well known that the Black Mages in the Central Continent are fierce and influential. But not to the extent that the Holy Knights would need external help.”
“That’s… true.”
“So, if they’re asking for help, it could only mean they have another motive. They might be trying to offload their dirty work, bind him with shackles, or conveniently get rid of him. The possibilities are endless.”
A grim interpretation, almost pessimistic, but not impossible.
Burke’s expression hardened, and Mari’s face darkened.
At that moment, Oliver spoke up.
“I can’t say for sure what their motives are, or what they specifically intend.”
Everyone’s attention turned to Oliver.
“However, I don’t believe His Grace holds any ill will towards me.”
“What’s your basis for that?”
“Well, he spoke openly with me.”
His limited faith, his view on God, his philosophy… Roderick had openly discussed topics that were sensitive for him.
While it might seem trivial, it wasn’t.
Most people, Oliver included, rarely revealed themselves so transparently.
This was particularly true for someone like Roderick.
Whether Roderick genuinely liked Oliver was uncertain, but one thing was certain—he had engaged with Oliver sincerely.
"Sincerity doesn't guarantee good intentions. Even con artists pour their hearts into their scams.”
Kevin remarked, and Oliver somewhat agreed.
Roderick had indeed conversed sincerely, but he had also tried to persuade Oliver using that sincerity and even highlighted mutual benefit.
‘But then again, that’s no different from what Armand or most people do.’
An ambiguous conversation with no definitive end.
Then, Kevin questioned again.
“What do you plan to do? Are you going to accept the Archpriest’s request? You’ll have to give him an answer, be it yes or no.”
Mari’s face reflected disapproval, while Burke’s expressed satisfaction.
Oliver replied to Kevin’s question, and Mari looked disappointed, while Burke appeared pleased.
“I think I’ll comply.”
“There’s no way to avoid this? Couldn’t you seek help from the Archpriest who’s already supporting you?”
Kevin brought up Armand.
Armand, the Archpriest and Chancellor of Gallos, had first extended a hand of support to Oliver.
He had once taught Oliver that failing to do what was right, when capable, could lead to children working in mines and impoverished mothers selling their love for their children.
Armand, as another Archpriest, could potentially intervene and offer Oliver an excuse to evade the request.
However, after a brief contemplation, Oliver shook his head.
“It would be difficult.”
Recalling Roderick’s reply and the emotions he displayed when Oliver first brought up Armand’s name, Oliver responded.
Armand had sincerely stated he would be willing to allow it, and that wasn’t a lie. There was no reason for Armand, another Archpriest, to stop Roderick.
Yet, even if Armand intervened, the fact that Oliver was currently being worshipped as an idol would only result in negative consequences.
Therefore, Oliver concluded that cooperating was the best option for now.
“Director…”
Guilt began to wash over Mari's face, gradually replacing her other emotions.
Though she hadn’t expressed it openly, she understood why Oliver had made this choice.
He now had people to protect—the Chosen Ones, the Fighter Crew, and the Redevelopment Coalition.
In short, he had responsibilities.
Had he still been the lone Solver from before, this situation wouldn’t have arisen. Back then, if push came to shove, he could simply discard his current identity and start anew.
In fact, that was his original intention when he created a false identity.
However, somewhere along the way, Oliver had accumulated one thing after another to carry on his shoulders, things that now shackled his wrists and ankles.
As Mari felt her guilt rising from her chest to her throat, Oliver drained his coffee, stood up, and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
It was awkward yet kind, firm yet warm.
“It’s alright. I bought us some time.”
“What do you mean, time?”
“Time to investigate. Is the elder currently at the Life School Tower?”
“Of course, he’s the Grand Master. Why do you ask?”
“I have something to inquire about.”
...
Murmurs filled the vast grounds of the Tower of Magic, which was dotted with towers that each bore unique designs reflecting the distinct identities of the various schools.
For instance, the Life School, adherents of hierarchy and eugenics, occupied a bizarre, conical structure that narrowed as it rose.
Meanwhile, the Moirai School was based in a colossal tower fused with a world tree.
The Alchemy School resembled a massive terraced farm, while the Golem School’s tower resembled an industrial factory rather than a magical tower.
Distinct appearances, befitting of mages.
However, the most peculiar was the Elemental School Tower, which housed five schools within a single, colossal structure, arranged in the shape of a cogwheel.
This unusual, majestic design was symbolic of the Elemental School's founding under the forceful integration led by Merlin, before he became the Archive.
It was an establishment created with resolute, uncompromising power.
The five schools—Gaia, Enlil, Skadi, Mjölnir, and Agni—were housed within five grand towers, each represented by their respective Grand Master.
Today, as the Archpriest’s sudden visit caused a stir across the Tower of Magic, another, perhaps even more shocking, figure quietly arrived at one of the Elemental School’s towers.
"It’s noisy outside."
"That’s because of the Archpriest’s visit."
In the office of the Skadi Sub-School Grand Master within the Elemental School, two elderly men engaged in conversation.
One was Tilda Ice-eye, the Grand Master of the Skadi School, who owned the office.
The elderly man sitting across from her was—
"...Yet, you seem rather unfazed."
“I have an even more shocking visitor here. So, what brings you here, Black Mage?”
Tilda directed her question to the Black Mage—or rather, the Eternal Puppet of immortality.
Tilda’s voice held a sense of gravity and resolve.
In contrast, the Puppet responded in a voice that was calm, even leisurely.
“A conversation.”