Memoirs of a Wicked Magician - Chapter 78

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 78
“Didn’t you know? I thought you came to steal my work again on purpose.”
“Oh my, steal? I simply thought you looked overworked, so I came to lighten your burden.”
“Is that so? How considerate of you.”
Just as she had invaded Stella’s space before and delivered a sharp rebuke, Caliona now showed herself to be equally unflinching in her attitude toward Stella.
“But I’m not the only one who takes pleasure in easing Cameron’s efforts. I’m managing perfectly well, so you’re welcome to leave.”
“Oh, don’t be shy. Even considering efficiency, it would be far better for me to handle it directly than for you.”
Yet the more Liriope listened to their exchange, the stranger it became.
It was like watching an immovable spear locked in combat with an impenetrable shield—neither side willing to yield an inch.
“As it happens, I’ve freed up time today and came out for some air anyway, so why don’t you return to your room and focus on your own development, which clearly needs work?”
“But are you truly certain, senior?”
Yet the advantage shifted far more quickly than expected.
As the smile on Caliona’s crimson lips deepened, Stella’s brow twitched slightly in response.
“Certain about what, exactly?”
“The 21st Floor Promotion Exam is coming up soon, so you must have little time to spare.”
The moment Caliona spoke those words, the slightest crack appeared in Stella’s smiling face.
“I’m only in my first year, so I’m in no rush, but you… surely it’s time you shed that ‘Lowest Layer’ label, don’t you think?”
This was no longer merely a dispute over the position of Guide.
What had begun as perhaps that much had now become a sharp clash of pride between the two girls.
“My, how thoughtful of you to worry about me—but I assure you I’ll manage just fine on my own. Why don’t you focus on minding your own business instead of offering unsolicited advice?”
They were both still smiling, but the invisible battle of wills between them had grown far more intense than before.
“Well, I’m confident.”
“And who isn’t?”
“It seems some people aren’t.”
“Isn’t that just your wishful fantasy?”
By now, not only Liriope but all the other children were watching the confrontation between Caliona and Stella in hushed silence.
“Enough! All of you, stop it!”
In the end, it was Cameron who stepped in to mediate.
He rubbed his forehead as if exasperated and brought order to the situation.
“No more of this exhausting verbal sparring. For today, you two will guide the recruits together.”
Though the real issue lay elsewhere, Cameron clearly found the girls’ pointless posturing tiresome.
Naturally, both Caliona and Stella seemed displeased with his resolution.
“Very well, we’ll do as you say.”
“Understood, Cameron.”
But recognizing that this was the moment to retreat, both girls accepted his decision without objection.
Though the glances they exchanged were sharp as frost.
In any case, with the matter settled, Cameron briefly introduced the two to the children.
“Now then, greet them properly. These are two of the most exceptional students I’ve taught in the Lowest Layer—only a handful can match them. I introduced Stella already, and the one who arrived later is Caliona. You’re fortunate she’ll be accompanying you to the Contaminated Sanctuary today.”
Cameron then called the children to gather on the Teleportation Magic Circle.
“Come on, don’t dawdle like slugs—everyone, move to the center quickly!”
Liriope glanced briefly in Caliona’s direction.
Whatever had been in her heart before, she clearly intended to ignore Liriope’s presence today as well.
Yet the fact that she had suddenly appeared as a Guide suggested she was definitely looking after Liriope in secret, helping her along.
[When we met not long ago and she confirmed whether I was supposed to go searching the Contaminated Sanctuary… that must have been why.]
‘Yes. You could say it’s just like her, in a way.’
At least Caliona had given her a rough explanation; without it, Liriope might have genuinely thought she was suffering from amnesia.
Then Liriope bit her lip lightly.
The thought grew stronger that Caliona must have been like this in the past before the time reversal—the time Liriope had no memory of.
From that day in her memories… ever since Caliona had smuggled her out from the mages’ hideaway, where they sought to seize the power of catastrophe, she had sensed this quality in her.
“Now then, once I activate the Magic Circle, you’ll arrive at Outer Zone 7 of the Contaminated Sanctuary. I’m entrusting full authority to these two, so if you want to live, follow their orders as if they were my own commands. Anyone who acts recklessly, interferes with the search, or attempts escape will discover what true regret means. Understand?”
With Cameron’s icy warning complete, a storm of black Mana erupted, swirling through the cramped space.
When Liriope opened her eyes again, a vast expanse of ashen-white plains stretched before her.
* * *
Whiiiii!
Slender, towering gray pillars that seemed to pierce the sky caught her eye first.
Around each one, a thick charcoal-colored mist swirled in eerie silence, emanating an overwhelming pressure like some catastrophic force beyond human reckoning.
The pale grass across the affected area rustled atop every blade, as if alive and breathing.
The sand beneath flowed in gentle ridges and curves before brushing past them as they stood.
The children, dropped defenseless into the vast expanse, trembled visibly.
Piiing!
“…!”
At that moment, Caliona wordlessly extended her arm, drawing a horizontal line.
Liriope immediately recognized that a Defensive Barrier Magic had formed, enveloping all the children.
“Everyone, calm yourselves!”
But the children, unaware of this, were first soothed by Stella’s gentle, comforting voice, perfectly timed to settle their anxious hearts.
“As I mentioned before, Outer Zone 7 is not particularly dangerous. Don’t let the Contaminated Sanctuary’s dark reputation frighten you into cowering before we’ve even begun. Come now—let’s take a deep breath and observe our surroundings together, shall we?”
The children began following Stella’s instructions without hesitation.
“Those pillars are Guardian Pillars, installed to maintain balance between the Contamination Level and Mana density in each zone. The energies around them are constantly surging with tremendous force. So if you don’t want to be caught in those waves and injured, it’s best to keep your distance.”
Despite her initial appearance of calculation, Stella kindly explained various details to the children experiencing their first step into the Contaminated Sanctuary.
“And that barrier there marks the boundary separating each zone. Since today’s objective is to search only Zone 7, we won’t be approaching the barrier—keep that in mind. Does everyone understand?”
“Yes!”
“And unless something extraordinary happens, if you find yourself separated from the group and lost, you can navigate using those Guardian Pillars. The deeper you venture toward the center of the Contaminated Sanctuary, the darker and more intense their color becomes, so to return to safety, simply seek out the pillars with lighter coloring.”
Fortunately, all the children had quickly regained their composure, reassured by Stella’s kind demeanor and measured tone.
When Stella had finished her basic explanation, Caliona, who had been quietly observing from beside her, finally spoke.
“Is there anyone here who knows how to use Purification Magic and Defensive Barrier Magic?”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————