In the end, Illyan couldn’t help but sigh with admiration. Whether it was feigned or sincere, even he didn’t know.

  “You are right. I feel the same way about it.”

  Just as he said that, Illyan’s eyes flashed with an indifference that he kept hidden all this time. He didn’t lie this time as he agreed with Korin’s mindset.

  To devote one’s life to one organization just because you entered it was crazy to him.

  Especially when it was an organization like Academic Institution that focused on teaching the young scholars.

  Of course, Illyan always had the idea of returning the favor but it was not like he got everything for free. There was no free dinner in this world.

  He had paid money to be able to study here. The ones who could not become academics in a short time had to work as assistants for the certified academics and had even less time to study to become one.

  It was an endless loop with no end.

  Thus, he truly believed that Korin didn’t owe them loyalty.

  And that also extended to him. He would not antagonize it without reason but he would also not jeopardize his interests because of it.

  Of course, it was also because he didn’t have any deeper connections with the people inside.

  For the Bakur Tribe, he risked his life despite the low chance of survival back then at Cold Sea. It was his most irrational act during his life.

  Yet he didn’t regret it. He paid off his due and he also smoothly cut off his emotional ties with them.

  Now he felt no obligation towards anyone.

  ‘Oww- How sad…’ He heard a mocking sad tone in the back of his head but he pushed it deeper inside of his mind.

  ‘You are just the manifestation of me anyway. Unless I turn mad from talking to myself for eternity, there is no way I will feel obligated toward my alter ego…’ Illyan thought while Zephyr, pretending to be sad with a smile, turned somber.

  ‘Unfortunately, the eternity you talk about will end soon…’

  A fading echo was whispering in his mind but he could only hear murmur.

  ‘What?’ He wondered if Zephyr who was silent for quite a while would say something.

  But no answer came back.

  On the other hand, Korin sat there as tension left his body with a smile plastered on his face.

  He feared that Illyan would not agree with what they were doing and would even cause a scene.

  If not for [Memory Loss Concoction] that could erase Illyan’s memory when needed he would oppose Vanda in trying to recruit him so aggressively with all his might.

  But it was him who was naive. Even Illyan was not a perfect person.

  Vanda was the one who could see through him.

  ‘Impressive, Miss Vanda.’

  “This makes our negotiation much more simple.” Korin said with a nod as he finished his tea.

  “So I didn’t misinterpret your personality, hehe. You are more and more likeable in my eyes Kaoran. After all, bad boys are my type.” Vanda smirked as she swirled her hair around a finger.

  “But this makes me wonder. Why did you become a physician with such a mindset? Helping people all the time is for the compassionate. It made it difficult to understand you, dear.”

  Vanda said as she leaned forward by supporting her chin with both of her hands against the table.

  Illyan almost snorted in amusement.

  “Why would a person choose a path where he is highly valued and respected?” He asked rhetorically.

  “Hmm, fair point. There are many people like Perus after all. But you don’t seem to be interested in money.” She pointed out with interest.

  “Money is useless if you can’t exchange it for things you truly want.” Illyan said with a serious expression.

  “And that is?” Vanda pressed.

  “Knowledge. Power. To be able to live differently than my ancestors. To be free.”

  Silence filled up the room as the three inside stared at each other.

  As Illyan stared into her eyes, he slowly opened his mouth, “And I believe that accepting your offer can allow me to get these things. Since the time Korin told me about Magisters, I knew that was the path that I wanted to take even if I don’t have the talent for it. I just need to work harder and to be willing to sacrifice things others would not. So, the question here isn’t if I would be willing to take on your offer but how much you are willing to offer.”

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Illyan’s eyes flashed with cunningness.

  This time, he went all-out as he told half-truths half-lies left and right.

  It was quite a risky move as he revealed that he was not just any naive peasant that would not be a threat.

  Especially since Brynjar already had some suspicions. But he trusted that Vanda would not reveal the content of this conversation to others.

  Firstly, she was quite engrossed in him. It could be temporary as he definitely was not special in this case. She probably ensnared many other men before him and sucked them dry.

  But for now, he was the toy she was most interested in and he would be a fool to not take advantage of it.

  Not to mention that while Brynjar was an ally, it could be only a superficial one where they work for a common goal. If they got a chance, they would probably tear each other apart.

  Illyan could not see a way for her to actually reveal his secret any time soon.

  At least not until there were even more lucrative benefits.

  “Heheh, that is the matter of course. We already have an offer for you in mind but we are very open to any negotiations.” Vanda said leisurely.

  “Before we start, please tell me what are the basic benefits, responsibilities and risks.” Illyan narrowed his eyes in ‘displeasure’.

  If he didn’t know the main content of the deal before nodding to it then he would be no different from a fool who willingly became a tool.

  “Of course, of course, how could I forget?” Vanda laughed softly as she snapped finger.

  That made Korin clear his throat as he took out small parchment.

  “What we can offer immediately is basic acolyte meditation techniques, mind techniques, magic scrolls, mana gathering resources and magic guidance. We can also supply you with books from the outside. Unfortunately, half of the equipment that acolytes usually have is unusable in this place as it would lose its effectiveness before they could even deliver it.”

  Illyan raised his eyebrows. He knew that they planned to give him a lot of benefits but it still was much more than he expected.

  “It would lose its effectiveness? Then this place truly has some kind of problem.”

  However, as mentioned by Korin, they could not give him items that would be drained of their energy in a few days.

  Acolytes usually had all kinds of items that stored energy, magic stones, charms and other things that made them much more formidable than the counterparts in Vanaras Kingdom.

  It was as if comparing a swordsman's power with and without a sword. The difference was indisputable.

  But of course, Illyan should not know about this. He wanted to reveal his ambitions and dark side, not the fact that he knew much more than they expected.

  Showing that he had hunch there was something wrong was already pushing it.

  “Yes, that's right. To tell you the truth, the Vanaras Peninsula which the Vanaras Kingdom is part of, is land with very sparse mana because of it leaking somewhere. It is to the point where this place was basically forsaken by those beyond the boundaries as even the magical aptitude or nature of people, animals and plants gradually faded away, which caused this place to be called, Land of No Magic. There is a certain secret that caused this and we think that it has a certain connection to the inheritance. It is quite bothersome but at the same time a blessing since weak people like us have a chance…”

  As Korin continued explaining, Illyan carefully listened. Most of the things he said were already known to him.

  Of course, some minor details were revealed only now such as this place being nicknamed as ‘Land Of No Magic’ but it was mostly irrelevant.

  However, it was the first time he heard that the reason for this place being so barren could be because of the inheritance they sought.

  But in no way could he imagine how that would be possible.

  He thought it was some kind of natural disaster or something.

  Because the inheritance was man-made in the end. No matter how he looked at it, the entire peninsula being stripped of most of its magical property was an impossible task for a normal human.

  ‘Well, the so-called Eternal Emperor was not a normal human I guess.’ Illyan chuckled at his own joke as Korin finished talking about this mysterious phenomena and got back on track.

  “We will also allow you to take a decent share of the inheritance. For that, we will also teach you all kinds of knowledge you will need to help us to obtain it. Normally, we would not bother you with that since there are already ones that focus on that but I see the desire for knowledge in your eyes. While the knowledge of deciphering ancient languages, archeology and interpreting history are not exactly exciting, it is very useful knowledge. Especially if you learn a magic spell [Memorize] that will help you to learn it all. The choice is yours in this case.

  We have also already studied alchemy for some time, especially Tami and Mufa. It is important to learn since without it, there is a chance we won’t be able to get the inheritance. Unfortunately, the alchemy knowledge is very guarded on the continent so it is very difficult. However, maybe your physician knowledge would be useful.”

  As Korin babbled on and on, Vanda started to get bored as her attention turned only to Illyan.

  However, Illyan was fully engrossed in the benefits that he was entitled to.

  And he was pleasantly surprised.

  ‘It is better than expected.’

  Feeling the opportunity that he got, his excitement grew.

  But he didn’t show it on his face as he kept a straight face.

  “What kind of share do you speak of?”

  Even though he planned to take the inheritance for himself, he decided to ask the most important thing if he was going to play by the rules as Korin and Vanda expected.

  “The share will be decided by the contribution of your help. But of course, things that can be shared among everyone like books will be shared without a question.”

  And in such a way, Illyan asked more questions as Korin calmly answered back. He mainly asked for his duties, what he could not do and what were the punishments if something went south.

  “How long will this deal be valid?”

  “Until we find the inheritance and divide it among ourselves or we give up on the inheritance with mutual agreement. The contract itself can be also nullified but it will be costly. Very costly. So unless you have no other thoughts–Korin.”

  As Korin warned Illyan, Vanda scolded him.

  He shrank as he apologized to her.

  “My apologies, Miss Vanda…”

  “Don’t take his words to heart. The cost is costly but it depends on the user. The weaker you are, the weaker are the penalties. Of course, it will still be bad but it won’t be as bad as these guys say. At most, your body would be ailing for a few years.”

  She said with a calming tone as if wanting to reassure him but Illyan felt she was actually feeling fun as she was scaring him.

  In the end, for a normal person, an ailing body definitely wasn't a minor thing.

  Especially when it was for a few years.

  “Sigh… You are making fun of me even at this time…” Illyan shook his head helplessly as he smiled softly.

  Then his face turned serious.

  “I heard most of the things I needed. I don’t need any time to think. Please show me the contract.”

  As if those words were the sign of the change, the lights inside of the room flickered erratically as the shadows danced on the walls.

  However, Illyan pretended to not care as he looked at Korin who showed a strange smile for a second before hiding it…