Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock

Heint stepped forward, gently pushing Lucion aside. His expression was tense, as though he was holding back the words he wanted to say to Hotram.

“Are you, by any chance, the Saint?” Hotram shifted his gaze from Shaela to Lucion.

[I hope you can manage your facial expressions without me having to remind you, right?]

Russell glanced between Lucion and Bethel.

―Does Ratta have to hold her breath too?

Ratta’s eyes widened in surprise.

[No. There’s no need to be conscious of it, Ratta.]

Russell shook his head.

He could confidently assert that among the warlocks, there wasn’t anyone who could hear Ratta’s voice.

“I apologize, but could you please step aside? My younger brother is quite shy,” Carson said politely, causing Hotram to panic.

“I-I’m sorry. I’ve never seen the person in question, so I spoke thoughtlessly.”

‘Right. He probably wanted to see what I looked like up close.’

Lucion felt his lips almost curl into a smile.

Hotram’s audacity was simply too amusing.

If he weren’t bound by this red thread, if he didn’t have the power to see the previous world, he might have found himself dead at that man’s hands after coming this far.

“Oh no, this isn’t what I meant to do; I was actually looking for Lady Shaela,” Hotram exclaimed

as he turned to Shaela.

“Me?”

“Yes. The Elder urgently called for you, but in the midst of dealing with a magic failure over there, I forgot to pass on the message.”

[This is so creepy. If I didn’t know this guy was the leader of the Hand of the Void, I’d be completely fooled.]

Bethel looked at Hotram with disgust.

‘Ah.’

At that moment, Lucion realized.

‘The spider has already woven its web.’

Hotram was prepared to kill anyone who came near, quietly ensnaring them in his spider web, manipulating the elder with black magic to align with his goals.

They were truly on the fifth floor.

It was the designated site for eliminating the prey that the warlock was luring in.

‘And… the prey has conveniently walked right into the trap, hasn’t it?’

Lucion mocked Hotram inwardly.

He must be eager to devour it.

After all the desperate attempts on his life that had failed, he was probably quite anxious.

‘If you want it that badly, I might as well oblige.’

Lucion could see through Hotram’s schemes clearly.

The magicians were likely scattered across several floors, except for the first floor.

And now that Hotram had obtained the black orb, he must be feeling quite self-assured.

‘But what a pity. His plan will crumble in an instant.’

Lucion suppressed the laughter that threatened to escape him.

“Sister.” Lucion lowered his voice and addressed Shaela.

“Just a moment. Yes, go ahead, Lucion.”

“I’d like to go to the fifth floor too. Is that alright?”

Lucion voluntarily decided to become prey for Hotram.

[Lucion?]

Russell gasped as he realized Lucion’s intentions.

But he couldn’t stop him.

What would happen if Shaela went alone?

[‘Oh, damn…!’]

Russell clenched his fists, trembling with anger.

Just seeing the glimmer of desire in Hotram’s eyes made his teeth grind in frustration.

“Is that alright?” Lucion asked Hotram instead of the speechless Shaela.

“Of course! The Elder will be very pleased to see you.” Hotram smiled broadly.

* * *

They arrived on the fifth floor using the transportation device.

[This is the main base.]

Russell remarked casually.

[Except for a few warlocks I sensed on the way up, it seems like everyone is gathered here, just as Russell said.]

Bethel swallowed hard and spoke up.

Lucion remained calm despite their words.

This was where warlocks could hide from the eyes of the mages, right under the elder’s nose.

He simply rolled his eyes, trying to familiarize himself with the layout.

Unlike the chaotic first floor with its construction, the fifth floor was predominantly gray and white, exuding an office-like atmosphere.

It was such a stark contrast to the exterior of the magic tower that, under normal circumstances, Lucion might have burst out laughing.

“I’ve heard a lot about the deeds of the Saint.”

“What have you heard?” At Hotram’s question, Shaela answered on Lucion’s behalf.

Hotram smiled at Lucion.

“You were rejected by the light, yet chosen by the divine beast to become a saint, right? That alone is impressive, and you even captured the traitor who bowed to the Neubra Kingdom.”

In the strange atmosphere, Heint adjusted the cloak attached to his armor.

He’s a warlock.

As Heint confirmed it, Carson naturally tucked his hair behind his ear.

It was a signal to prepare to draw out items imbued with light.

The knights of the royal family and Cronia did not hesitate at the signal.

They had already come prepared to confront the warlocks and their captive mages.

Rather, they maintained expressionless faces, knowing that any sign of agitation now might jeopardize their best chance to strike.

―Lucion.

Ratta called out to Lucion, her eyes shining with determination. She knew exactly what had to be done at that moment.

―Ratta will erase the dark magic. Ratta can do it!

“How nice,” Lucion said, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips as he gently patted Ratta.

Even without Russell’s input, Lucion could feel the black magic slowly spreading, like a net being cast wider and wider.

It was a vile, clinging sensation—oppressive, like sinking into a swamp. The feeling was completely unlike the radiant warmth he had experienced with Delos.

[Hume, don’t tense up. If you can follow Lucion’s thoughts, we’re in good shape,] Russell said, lightly patting Hume’s sturdy shoulder.

There were no corrupted warlocks among those on the fifth floor—this much was clear. Such unpredictable figures wouldn’t be allowed here unless they had already seized control of the magic tower.

“I didn’t think the news would travel this far already,” Carson remarked in a dry tone.

“I’m just an ordinary man,” Hotram replied, “so unlike the mages here, I have a bit more freedom to move around.”

Hotram walked calmly down the central path and stopped near the door, offering an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry, but could the knights wait here?”

“What’s the reason?” Heint asked, his hands clasped tightly together. His thumbs and index fingers curled into a zero—a silent signal confirming no warlocks were inside.

“The Elder dislikes unnecessary complications,” Hotram explained, glancing toward Shaela for support.

“That’s true,” Shaela agreed. “We can accommodate everyone, but since it’s just a brief visit, this arrangement should suffice.”

Despite her words, Shaela brushed her hair back—a motion identical to Carson’s earlier signal.

Prepare the light-imbued items.

Though everyone had seen Carson’s signal, Shaela’s reminder carried weight: the light must not reach Lucion.

[It needs to go well.]

Bethel clasped her hands together and looked at Lucion.

Lucion had dropped hints that allowed them to read the enemies’ plans.

One thing was certain—the enemies were unaware of their own vulnerabilities.

Their confidence stemmed from the assumption they could exploit Lucion, who had arrived by chance.

And, as fate would have it, three individuals from Cronia were present.

“If Shaela says so, I suppose I have no choice,” Carson said, feigning genuine regret as he looked at her.

“If that’s the case, then I can’t argue,” Heint muttered with a slight huff, casting a glance at Carson.

For the time being, Carson was in charge of this operation, and in reality, he held a higher rank than Heint.

Heint glanced back as Carson got ready to issue the command to stand by.

‘Stay safe.’

Heint chuckled inwardly.

‘Don’t die.’

He couldn’t help but laugh. While some labeled the 8th Order of the Knights as a disorganized and inept group, who would dare criticize them after witnessing their fearless charge toward the warlocks, like moths drawn to a flame?

Heint was the last to enter the room, holding his breath for a moment.

Though unintended, the light reacted almost instantly. It surged forward, as if announcing the darkness—much like the black magic that had afflicted the Fourth Prince, Owen.

‘Damn it.’

Click.

The door closed behind him with a soft locking sound.

That wasn’t the important part. When would the enemy strike?

“Welcome,” the Elder greeted warmly, his cheerful smile almost convincing.

But Heint wasn’t fooled.

‘Right now…!’

Trusting Carson, Heint surrounded his feet with light, leaped forward, and swiftly drew his sword. He enveloped the blade in light and slashed at the darkness aiming for Lucion’s neck.

Rumble!

The sound was akin to a wall cracking.

Hume bit his lip at the noise, preparing to intervene, but Bethel stopped him with a warning—he risked losing his hand.

“Oh, no wonder you’re the captain of the knights!” Hotram laughed, shedding his polite demeanor as he moved closer.

Darkness writhed at Hotram’s feet, and Heint’s eyes widened.

‘The light… has no effect?’

In the moment of Heint’s slight confusion, a flower bloomed in front of him. The scattered petals blocked his way, while a second flower flew toward Hotram, who was ready to attack.

Pow! Pow! Pow!

“The Elder’s magic manipulates space!” Shaela shouted.

Heint’s eyes darted toward Carson, who stood protecting Lucion.

“What are you doing?”

At Hotram’s urging, the Elder finally stood, abandoning his seat.

“How could we not extend a warm welcome to three from Cronia?”

Hotram’s lips curled into a grin.

[Something’s coming. Stay close, Hume,] Russell urged.

Hume moved closer to Lucion, whose complexion had turned deathly pale after being exposed to the light.

—R-Ratta is… um, um…

Ratta wiggled her toes nervously, raising a paw as her heart raced.

When should she act?

“Ratta. Wait.”

Seeing her hesitation, Lucion signaled for her to hold back, trying to calm his unsettled stomach.

―Okay! Ratta can wait.

Ratta said and smiled brightly.

[Ah.]

Bethel’s eyes widened in surprise before softening into a smile.

[Do whatever you wish, my lord,] Bethel said.

Lucion’s lips curved upward again.

He could sense the warlocks drawing closer to the knights outside, though he didn’t understand how he was able to feel this.

It felt as if all his senses had heightened, becoming razor-sharp.

This was the perfect opportunity for Lucion to leave—but he waited.

‘Not yet.’

Lucion waited.

Previously, Ratta’s power had only been strong enough to erase active black magic. But now, Lucion believed she could push further. After all, Ratta was a divine beast of darkness.

‘Still not.’

Lucion waited a little longer.

Flare!

As the Elder cast his magic, dark flames suddenly became visible in his eyes.

‘…?’

[…?]

Both Lucion and Russell, bound by their contract, were momentarily startled.

[‘Deception and enchantment magic… they’re not usually visible.’]

Russell quickly set aside his questions, focusing on the unfolding situation.

The area where the Elder stood began to disintegrate, as if pieces of a puzzle were falling apart.

“As expected, he’s quite useful,” Hotram said with satisfaction, watching from the space that had warped alongside the Elder.

It seemed that only Hotram and the Elder were now trapped in this detached space. This separation was intentional, a result of the Elder’s magic.

Even if they were outnumbered, their strategy was clear: divide and conquer.

‘Let’s isolate them and eliminate them one by one,’ Hotram thought, the corners of his mouth twitching with excitement.

He hadn’t anticipated all three members of Cronia would arrive together.

‘I made the right decision keeping the second one alive. Really well done.’

As the Elder’s magic continued to expand, glowing lines rapidly materialized across the room.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Shaela stomped her foot, and a tree burst forth from the ground. Its thick branches stretched out, entangling the glowing lines, which sizzled and melted away.

But as soon as they disappeared, new lines emerged in their place.

“This is the Elder’s room,” Shaela said, scanning the area. “The magic here operates under specific rules. It’s probably impossible to completely destroy it.”

The Elder’s magic—known as the ruler of space—was perfectly suited for the confines of the magic tower. Here, in this enclosed environment, he was practically invincible.

“If those lines keep multiplying, they’ll separate the space and trap us!” Shaela shouted.

Hearing this, Carson’s gaze shifted to the door, which had already been isolated. Wrapping his sword in aura, he turned to Lucion.

“Lucion, you remember, right?”

“I remember,” Lucion replied calmly.

“Heint,” Carson called, biting his lip.

The windows hadn’t yet been isolated.

“Got it,” Heint nodded.

“Please, Hume,” Carson said before rushing toward Hotram’s position.

“I’ll make a path!”

If no path existed, Carson would create one.

Shaela quickly grew another tree, using its thick branches to provide Carson with a foothold before the space could split further.

Heint reached out to Hume, who shook his head firmly.

“I’ll follow,” Hume said. “Please take care of the young master.”

Without hesitation, Heint grabbed Lucion by the waist.

“We’re going, Lucion. Hold on tight and brace yourself.”

With light swirling around his feet, Heint charged toward the window.

“Where do you think you’re going?!” Hotram shouted, casting black magic.

Lucion wanted to respond but couldn’t. The oppressive light had left a bitter, metallic taste in his mouth.

His resistance to light was still incomplete. Being hit by it at such close range sent his insides reeling, and blood trickled from the corner of his lips.

[Now, Ratta!] Russell called, sensing Lucion’s condition.

Ratta, who had been patiently waiting, took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes shut.

Hume, running beside her, instinctively covered her eyes—just in case.

—Hoo…!

A quiet wind rose around Ratta. It went unnoticed by everyone, but the power spread wide, erasing all traces of black magic in effect.

Hotram staggered, his balance disrupted.

Carson seized the moment, stepping forward and swinging his sword with precision.

Crack!

The darkness Hotram had hastily summoned to defend himself was torn apart by Carson’s aura, crumbling to the ground.

“I…” Carson’s voice was low, his eyes flashing with a blue light. “Do you think I’ll let you get away with this?”