Magician in Type-Moon

Page 660

As if by prior arrangement, the heavy footsteps treading on the damp mud, and of course, another one, came from another direction.

"Could you please... 'explain' the current situation, Lord Matou?"

Baron's voice rang out, as cold as the deepest waters of Lake Windermere.

He walked out of the woods step by step, leaning on his ebony cane. The end of the cane struck the ground with a dull thud, like the tolling of a death knell.

His face no longer showed the collapse of before, but instead a cold, frozen anger and doubt, eroded by immense grief.

His gaze was like a tangible knife, fixed firmly on Matou Ike.

The reason he came with the surviving maid at this critical moment was undoubtedly because, like Inolai, he had sensed the strange magical aura that had leaked from Matou Ike's fierce battle with the automaton and possibly from when Matou Ike activated her Mystic Eyes.

As the master of the Twin Towers, he was extremely sensitive to the magical anomalies in his territory.

Perhaps they actually came with Lord Inolei, only appearing a few steps later to make the performance more perfect?

But now, whether they were in cahoots or not, it doesn't matter what they say.

Faced with Lord Byron's chilling interrogation, Inola's tangible pressure, and the sad and doubtful gaze of the maid Regina, Matou Ike's reaction was unexpected.

He made no attempt to address the issue of the corpse, nor even glanced at the disturbing pool of blood; instead, he merely shrugged very slightly, as if the predicament before him were insignificant.

He raised his eyes, his gaze passing over Bai Longqing, as if scrutinizing the tower itself, and spoke in a tone that was almost casual, yet sharp and penetrating:

"Lord Bailong, you... seem to have no intention of hiding the core spell foundation of the Golden Princess... no, the entire 'Twin Towers System'?"

“…Ugh…!” This sudden question, which completely deviated from the topic of murder, made Bai Longqing stop breathing for a moment, letting out a muffled groan as if his vitals had been struck.

"W-what are you saying?" He tried to remain calm, but his momentary loss of composure had already been seen by everyone.

Matou Ike became increasingly enthusiastic in response to Byakuya's obvious reaction. He seemed to completely ignore the corpses and accusations around him, transforming into a scholar immersed in academic analysis, his tone fluent and clear:

“The Tower of the Sun, the Tower of the Moon; the Golden Princess and the Silver Princess—this naming correspondence is clearly a metaphor for the ancient cosmological dualism of ‘sun’ and ‘moon’ as ‘gold’ and ‘silver’.” He began his analysis.

"Furthermore, the 'foundation' of the entire technique appears to be built around the central idea of ​​'alchemy'."

His gaze swept across the surrounding forest, as if he could see through the magical foundation that built this place. "Using the 'sun' and 'moon' as core metaphors is a very common and classic pattern, especially in the Western alchemical system."

He delved deeper and deeper, revealing his ultimate purpose:

"And the original purpose of alchemy, as is well known, was to attempt to transform 'base metals' into 'perfect 'gold' through a series of complex processes—"

He paused, his voice carrying a cold, insightful quality.

"Within this ancient metaphorical framework, this process is 'viewed' as a 'grand project' used to 'transform' humans, who are 'tainted by the world' and full of impurities, into beings comparable to gods, and is called the 'great secret method'."

His gaze finally pierced through Baron, like a sharp sword:

"What does this 'represent'? Does it represent the 'ultimate beauty' displayed by the 'Golden Princess' and the 'Silver Princess'? Is this the essence of it?"

They are not creations of nature, but rather near-divine "living gold" and "living silver" that your Izeluma family attempted to forge using the "great secrets" of alchemy as a blueprint. They are the "manifestation" of the highest achievement of alchemy.

Matou Ike spoke fluently and meticulously, as if reciting a pre-prepared script, carefully 'chewing' and 'explaining' the essence of the Golden Princess's existence and the vast magical logic hidden behind it, word by word.

No, in the current situation, perhaps he is 'truly' 'chewing' and analyzing this spell in some way! His magic eye may be operating at high speed, reading the spell information and magic configuration remaining in the environment, and transforming them into specific theoretical explanations.

Because Bai Longqing had only listened to this seemingly irrelevant 'opening remarks' with a bitter and impatient expression.

But after hearing Matou Ike's increasingly precise and pointed 'lines,' his expression gradually changed—

From initial anger, to astonishment, and then to a pale expression of disbelief, even tinged with fear!

Matou Ike completely ignored the increasingly tense atmosphere of crisis and continued to calmly 'present' his findings as if giving an academic report, each word dissecting the mysteries of the Izeruma family with surgical precision:

"But after actually seeing the structure and location of the 'Tower of the Sun' and the 'Tower of the Moon' with my own eyes and feeling the unique rhythm they contain, I was truly amazed."

His gaze seemed to pierce through the tower's stone walls, looking directly at its core. "In the actual process of 'forming' the Golden Princess and the Silver Princess, what you did went far beyond a simple alchemical metaphor... You were trying to 'introduce' the macroscopic laws of 'planetary motion' 'microscopically' 'within the human body'!"

He pointed out the most crucial, and also the most shocking, core issue:

"The resonance between the microcosm and the macrocosm is a fundamental axiom of magic, however..."

His tone carried a hint of genuine amazement.

"Even if someone could 'think of' introducing this universal law into their 'living place' in everyday life, or even completely 'transform human life itself' into a grand 'concept' of 'planetary orbits,' the people who would actually 'implement' it and have the ability to do so would be extremely rare!"

His analysis began to delve into the private details of everyone who lived there:

“I dare say that the ‘people’ living in this Twin Towers—your ‘eating’, ‘sleeping’, and even your most private ‘defecation’ cycles—mostly strictly ‘follow’ this cosmic ‘cycle’, right?”

He cited broader examples to support the validity of his theory:

"Just like the famous saying from an ancient Eastern country, 'medicine and food share the same origin,' it is precisely what is 'ingested orally' that fundamentally 'constructs' the human body."

For example, the fact that Qin Shi Huang 'consumed mercury' in pursuit of immortality is 'not wrong' from a mystical perspective; it is even an experiment.

He then changed the subject, saying, "However, if a 'body' that can contain and transform mercury and operates harmoniously like a 'planet' cannot be formed at the same time, then mercury will only become a deadly 'poison'."

“And you, Izeluma, are ‘perfectly aware’ of this theory,”

His voice became incredibly certain.

"And you've taken it to the extreme! You've made 'food' and 'life,' and even the entire 'environment,' become one with your 'body'! Take this active 'spiritual vein' on this land as an example; it was not chosen by chance, but is an indispensable part of the entire technique!"

He even deduced more specific behaviors:

"You 'force' yourselves to use some kind of special footwork 'normally', right? Similar to the 'Yu Step' in 'Eastern' Taoist arts, or the unique one in 'XZ' esoteric Buddhism."

This is a technique used to 'draw magic from the earth'! Every step is about adjusting one's own frequency and that of one's cosmos, resonating with the earth's veins!

He provided a final summary, elevating it to a higher level:

The movement of the sun and moon represents the forces of 'heaven'; while food, daily life, and walking style represent the forces of 'earth'.

The power of heaven and earth converges and harmonizes here… In other words, the Golden Princess and the Silver Princess may not merely be man-made creations of ultimate beauty, but rather… beings that should be called the embodiment of this land!

His gaze was sharp and penetrating, settling on the deeper accumulation of the Byron family:

"Not to mention... your family lineage has been 'accumulating' such behavior 'generation after generation,' constantly adjusting its compatibility with the land and the stars... 'So'—"

"shut up!!!"

A shout filled with overwhelming resentment and rage suddenly erupted, violently interrupting Matouchi's explanation, and echoing intensely by the spring and in the forest!

Bai Longqing lost all his gentlemanly demeanor, staring at Matou Ike with a ferocious expression, his chest heaving violently with extreme anger, and the veins on his hand gripping his cane bulging.

That's the obvious reaction! For a magician, having their core magic, the essence of their life's research, so thoroughly 'disassembled' and analyzed in front of them is almost equivalent to having their 'soul' exposed! This is far more unbearable than mere physical harm.

Moreover, this was done in a setting where a monarch like Inola and other magicians were 'gathered'—

Even if these technologies cannot be easily imitated, the ideas, key points, and even the sources of inspiration they contain can be 'taken away' and borrowed by competitors, thus losing their unique advantages!

The magic patents tightly controlled by each faction are the inviolable privileges that are the lifeline of magicians!

Matou Ike's actions are tantamount to openly plagiarizing and broadcasting their family's most valuable asset!

"Alright, since Master insists... then I won't discuss it further."

Matou Ike obediently shrugged, immediately halting his astonishing analysis that could have dissected the very foundation of the Izeluma family, as if his groundbreaking remarks were merely a casual remark. He had precisely measured the degree of his actions, finding a delicate balance between thoroughly enraging the other party and demonstrating his own value.

Bai Longqing continued to stare intently at Matou Ike, his face as pale as a 'dead ghost'. His eyes were incredibly complex—anger, humiliation, fear, and a sense of powerlessness after being completely seen through.

After a long silence, a voice, extremely bitter and seemingly squeezed out from between teeth, rang out weakly yet clearly, like a wounded beast crawling on the ground:

"……Thanks."

There was no gratitude in that "thank you," only endless humiliation and forced admission—admitting that the other party did indeed possess knowledge that threatened the lifeline of his family, and at that moment, "mercifully" stopped the public execution.

“So,” Matou Ike spoke again, his tone as calm as ever, as if the silent storm that had just occurred had never happened.

"In consideration of this 'gratitude,' could you grant me some more 'time,' Mr. Bai Longqing? The real culprit is clearly still at large and continuing to commit crimes."

Chapter 685 Secret Treasure (4k)

After Inole, Lord Baron, and the grief-stricken Regina temporarily left "perhaps to arrange follow-up matters, or perhaps out of some tacit compromise."

Beside the spring, which reeks of blood, only Matou Pond, Arcueid, and the floating corpse remain for the time being.

Matou Ike approached the spring, ignoring the horrifying color the water had turned, and began calmly 'examining Karina's body'. His movements were professional and swift, his sharp gaze sweeping over every detail. The fatal wound was in her left chest, precisely piercing her clothing and reaching her heart.

"...Was the cause of death a clean and decisive 'single blow to the heart'?"

He muttered to himself, making a preliminary assessment. The wound was narrow and deep, with unusually smooth edges, indicating that the weapon was extremely sharp and that the user had perfectly controlled the force and angle.

“Even with a fairly high-level magic mark,” he analyzed calmly.

"For most organisms, once the heart suffers such a fatal injury, their vitality will be lost immediately, and they will quickly die."

The maid 'maybe knows a little magic' and has received some basic training, 'but that little bit of protection doesn't seem to be enough to save her life'.

“On the other hand,” his gaze grew even colder.

"This also means that the killer's intent to kill was very clear and resolute, with the goal of killing instantly without leaving any chance of reaction or survival."

This was not a mistake, nor was it out of control; it was an efficient execution.

His examination didn't stop. As his fingers carefully brushed against the maid's clothing near her neck, he touched something hard. "What's this?"

He gently removed a certain ornament from the inside of her clothes.

It looked like a necklace made by carefully polishing some kind of 'broken stone' and stringing it together with a simple 'rope'.

The stone has a unique texture and a deep color. It is engraved with intricate, wave-like, progressively layered 'swirling patterns' using ancient techniques, and these patterns are clearly not just for decoration.

Rather, it possesses a certain magical significance and power.

Matou Ike examined the item carefully, his knowledge base quickly matching relevant information.

"...It seems that this is some kind of 'talisman' originating from the 'Celtic' tradition."

He recognized it: "It's usually used to pray for protection, avoid misfortune, or strengthen the connection with natural forces. It's a pity..."

His tone carried a hint of genuine regret, "It seems it failed to 'come in handy' at the most crucial moment."

Either the perpetrator's power far exceeded the amulet's protective limits, or the nature of this attack was special and bypassed its protective range.

Looking at this relic that failed to protect its owner, Matou Ike's face showed a hint of grief for a moment.

Regardless of Karina's identity, she was a life that had passed away, and she had experienced immense fear before her death.

He solemnly closed his eyes to the corpse for a moment, which was the most basic respect for the deceased.

Then, he straightened up and, as if talking to himself, addressed Arcueid beside him:

"After this matter is settled, we should 'ask' them to 'arrange' a formal 'memorial' for her 'tomorrow'."