Chapter 273 – In the Underground of the Tower

The core of the Sages’ Academy was a massive stone tower.

Pushing open the door and stepping inside, the entrance hall came into view. Straight ahead was a staircase leading upward, while circular corridors extended to the left and right, following the outer perimeter.

Soldiers rushed up the stairs and dispersed along the left and right corridors. Given the tower’s immense size, if hostages had been taken and a siege situation had occurred, it would have become quite troublesome.

“By order of His Majesty Eberhart, to prioritize the safety of the elders, I have been instructed to guide you to the section where the elders are being held,” said the messenger from King Eberhart, turning to face us.

“You’ll guide us?”

“Yes. We’ve selected those familiar with the tower’s interior from among the surrendered individuals and extracted information from them. There should be few delays. While it may take some time to secure the entire tower…”

…I see.

“Understood. Once we locate the elders, I’d like to remain on guard duty in the basement until the tower is secured.”

“That would be helpful. Depending on the situation, healing might be necessary…”

Indeed. Since we’re the ones who treated King Eberhart, having us stay in the basement would be convenient as we could handle both escort and healing duties.

Just then, a messenger soldier came running up. The soldier whispered something to the messenger before hurriedly running off again.

“It seems we’ve obtained information about the path to the basement. Let me guide you,” the messenger said, then began walking ahead to lead the way. We followed behind.

After ascending the stairs and proceeding straight ahead, a large door came into view. Touching the sphere on the wall caused the door to open automatically in response to magical power. …This kind of mechanism really gives you the feeling of a major magic nation.

Stepping through the door—we found ourselves in a grand library built in the tower’s central section. Desks and chairs for research were placed in the center of the room, while bookshelves lined the inner walls of the cylindrical room. It was open to the upper floors, with balcony seating installed at what appeared to be the second and third floor levels. The structure seemed to be similar up to about the fifth floor.

“This is quite… intriguing,” Rosemary murmured while looking around the grand library. Given time and permission, Rosemary would probably want to scour through the books here.

The messenger looked around the grand library and said, “They mentioned there’s a door here that leads down to the basement…”

“Let’s search for it.”

Even though Zadias and his group had used this as their base, there would likely be people coming and going in the grand library. While Zadias apparently claimed to be protecting the elders whose memories were sealed, I doubt he would make security too lax. There should be a hidden door leading to the basement at least. Releasing Caduceus, I began carefully examining the library’s back areas for any suspicious spots… and soon discovered what appeared to be a hidden door seam in the wall behind one bookshelf.

“…Found it.”

“Already?”

The messenger’s eyes widened.

“Mathius is good at this sort of thing.”

“Well, that’s…”

Sheila’s words left me somewhat at a loss for a response.

Given my history of creating various things like underground passages and hidden doors, it’s hard to deny. Grace is smiling too since she knows I found Mother’s hidden room.

“…I think there might be some mechanism in this bookshelf.”

Regaining my composure, we all went to the bookshelf.

Pushing or pulling a specific book would be the classic approach, right? As we divided up tasks and began manipulating the books—pushing, pulling, tilting them—Marlene, standing on her toes, pushed a book that seemed to be the right one. There was a sound like a latch releasing, and the bookshelf opened inward. Beyond it was a staircase leading downward.

“Thank you.”

Marlene nodded at my words and showed an untroubled smile.

“Shall we go then?”

We descended the spiraling, winding staircase. …People who knew Mother are ahead. Just thinking that made me feel slightly unsettled.

At the bottom of the stairs was a sturdy iron door. …A dungeon cell, perhaps.

“I don’t sense… any magical power.”

Holding my hand near the keyhole to check for any magical presence. Compared to the building’s overall aesthetic, the iron door felt somewhat newer. It seems the door itself was added later. Probably to keep things out of sight, either Zadias or Volheim must have renovated the basement.

It’s irritating to think Zadias made this. I’d like to smash it open, but there might be traps, and if those traps were the kind that harm those imprisoned inside to protect secrets, it would be unbearable to watch. Though my emotions are somewhat agitated, I should proceed carefully here.

Sheila took out her Thieves Guild tools and began carefully examining the keyhole. I created a magical light to make her work area more visible.

“No traps. I’ll pick the lock.”

Sheila inserted a wire-like tool into the keyhole and began the unlocking process.

Is it really just for confinement? Well, if their memories are sealed, they probably can’t use any magic at all.

“It’s open.”

As Sheila stepped away, the door swung inward.

“Thank you, Sheila.”

“Mhm.”

“You’re quite skilled…”

The messenger, who had been watching, spoke in an impressed tone.

“We explore labyrinths in Termwills, you see.”

“Ah. So you’re accustomed to exploration.”

“That’s right.”

Stepping into the dungeon cell. …The atmosphere was much brighter and more spacious than the impression the word “dungeon” conveys. It was well-lit by magic tools.

There was a hall-like open space, with round tables, chairs, and even a water-creating magic tool—enough space to relax somewhat.

Rather than a dungeon, it would be more appropriate to call it a large-scale house arrest.

“If they’re here… it doesn’t look like they were treated harshly.”

“That might be true. Their memories are only sealed, after all.”

Claudia sighed with some relief, while Ashley nodded with a bright smile.

Since they were made unable to remember, torture would be pointless, and considering their goal was to eventually restore memories and extract information, there shouldn’t be any reason for excessively rough treatment. By claiming they had taken care of them without violence until now, they probably had in mind the possibility of winning them over after their memories were restored.

King Eberhart also said he couldn’t speak with the elders due to circumstances, but Zadias might have claimed it was for therapeutic isolation or something similar.

“If they’d resorted to violence, even their excuses wouldn’t hold water.”

Finding a corridor at the end of the hall. Proceeding further, I saw wooden doors lined up.

…Probably the elders’ private rooms, I suppose. Starting with the nearest one, I knocked and called out to check if anyone was inside.

“Is anyone in there?”

“…Yes.”

A reply came. A woman’s voice. The sound of a lock being opened from inside was heard, and the private room’s door opened.

Was the iron door the only thing serving the confinement function?

The person who showed her face was a young woman. She didn’t have the aura of an elder… but since they’re of the Ancient Bloodline, she might be a family member of an elder.

“You’re not the usual woman, are you? Are you newly arrived?”

“…No, that’s not it. I’ll explain the situation, but first, could everyone here gather in the hall over there? Would that be alright?”

“Yes. Understood.”

“…Ah, before that, I’d like to ask about your circumstances a bit.”

I want to understand what they’ve been told and how they comprehend their own situation. I’d like to avoid a situation where distrust arises after gathering everyone.

“Is it something I can answer?”

“Just what you know, just what you can answer is fine. Do you know why you’re here?”

“Um. There was a failure in a magic experiment, they said. All of us lost our memories in the accident, and in Silvatoria, they’re searching for a way to restore our memories… They said they want to research treatment methods for that purpose.”

…I see.

“There was a locked door at the entrance—do you know anything about that?”

“Honestly, it doesn’t quite make sense to me… but they said we’re important people and there’s danger of being targeted… to prevent intruders from entering…”

As she said that, the woman’s expression clouded.

“Ah, no. We have absolutely no intention of causing harm. Whether you stay here or leave is entirely your choice.”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

After looking at our group, the woman nodded. Well, given our apparent age range, we don’t look particularly intimidating. They might be wondering what kind of group we are.

After asking a few more questions, it seemed that while under escort—or rather, surveillance—they were allowed to take walks within the Sages’ Academy grounds.

Well, you could say they were just deceiving people who had lost their memories, that they were only after the magic these people possessed… but this situation is infinitely better than being treated harshly.

But anyway, I understand the circumstances now. Let’s divide up tasks, call out to people in the rooms, and have them gather in the hall.

But that means… even if we brought the magician who was on Elliot’s ship, we couldn’t mix him in here. Is he imprisoned somewhere else?

“Here you are.”

Just then, the messenger soldier from earlier came running up, out of breath.

“What’s the matter?”

When the messenger asked, the messenger soldier saluted while catching his breath and answered.

“They’ve discovered a magician-like man on the upper floor who appears to be under Subjugation Magic.”

“…Probably someone related to the people here. Elliot, do you remember the face of the magician who was on the ship?”

“I think I’d recognize him if I saw him. We fought together against the Black Knights.”

I see… If he still had his memories because he escaped from the Academy, he could have fought the Black Knights, and by placing him under Subjugation Magic, they could force him to work for Zadias.

“…Please bring him here. Be sure to treat him with respect.”

“Understood.”

The messenger soldier turned on his heel and ran back up the spiral staircase.

Now then. Back to the task of guiding the Ancient Bloodline magicians. Though it’s just knocking on doors, calling out, and having them come to the hall. Everyone is relatively cooperative, so it doesn’t take much effort. They don’t even seem suspicious… probably because they’ve lost their memories and have been here all along.

“Is this everyone?”

“Yes, that should be all.”

Just as the guiding was completed, soldiers returned from above bringing a man wearing a robe. A pattern indicating Subjugation Magic was visible on his neck.

“Long time no see. Do you remember meeting on the ship?”

When Elliot spoke to him, the man’s eyes widened. It seems this is indeed the person in question.

“You… from that time. You’re alive?”

“Yes. I’m glad we’re both safe. We’ve come to free you.”

“I see…”

The man sighed as if looking up at the heavens.

“Please wait a bit longer for the Subjugation Magic to be removed.”

“…Ah. I’ve waited for years. A little more patience is nothing.”

When I spoke to him, the man narrowed his eyes and smiled.

Good… Now then, let’s begin. Turning to face the magicians with lost memories gathered in the hall, I took a deep breath before beginning.

“Please listen without being startled. Actually, I know the Spell Formula to restore memories. I’m going to restore everyone’s memories now.”

When I said this, a stir arose among them—they had been watching to see what would happen.

“Is that… really true?”

The woman who had first spoken asked.

“Yes. I understand it’s a sudden story and you must feel anxious… The reason I can use this magic might be better explained after your memories are restored. Of course, if you insist on an explanation first, I’ll answer to the best of my ability.”

When I said this, they looked at each other. Eventually, the woman from earlier stepped forward and said.

“…We know almost nothing about the outside world. So… we have no way of knowing what’s right and what’s wrong. If you say this is how it is, we have no choice but to believe you.”

…I suppose so.

They’ll obediently listen to what we say, but they must still feel anxious inside.

“But all of us have always wanted to regain our memories. So your story makes us both happy and anxious. If possible… could you start with me?”

Saying this, she stared intently at me.

“…Understood. Please sit in that chair and make yourself comfortable.”

After we looked at each other for a moment, I answered, and she nodded.

Holding my hand over her head as she sat with closed eyes, I took one deep breath and deployed the Magic Circle.

The magic that Mother and another magician protected to the end. As the Spell Formula took effect, another Magic Circle automatically appeared in front of the woman’s forehead.

Memory sealing through magic, and unlocking. When the Magic Circle I deployed shone particularly brightly, the woman’s Magic Circle showed behavior as if rotating and disassembling from the center. The other Magic Circle completely broke apart and disappeared. My Spell Formula completed almost simultaneously.

“…How is it?”

I asked. As everyone watched with bated breath—the woman slowly opened her eyes, looked up at my face, and showed an expression as if about to cry. Then she hugged me.

“Ah… I can tell from your eye color and features. You—you’re Patricia’s child, aren’t you?”