Book 14 Chapter 17

Episode 32

Whether long or short, every story's conclusion seems to require a fitting finale and an adversary.

Even for this small chapter of leaving the North.

That finale began on the day Lyrista and I arrived at Stella Great Bridge to cross the Eleanore Great River.

"Hmm, Stella, is it?"

Stella Great Bridge.

"She wasn't the strongest mage, but being a disciple of the first mage certainly earns her bonus points."

Sval glared.

"What's that look? That look that says 'how dare someone like you give bonus points to a historical figure'? Want to go hungry today?"

"Kyukyukyukyut!"

"You want me to let that go? I'll let it go for three 'Strongest!'"

"Kyut! Kyut! Kyut!"

The great bridge, built by Stella (a 4-star mage of her time), one of the disciples of the first mage, Emitsa Page, boasted a vast scale with two-lane traffic allowing four carriages to pass simultaneously.

As nearly a thousand years had passed, its condition had weathered considerably, but traces of meticulous renovation and maintenance by the Magic Alliance were visible, as it was one of the major cultural heritage sites under management.

Since the administrative district changed from the North to the Central region starting from this bridge, this place was like a border.

"Stop. Identification?"

Northern guards, sternly clad in fur armor, were crossing their halberds, thoroughly checking the identities and belongings of passersby.

Hmm…

I suspected it might be because of the [King's Flesh]. I heard that many individuals were illegally crossing the border for flesh collection.

"Tch, the strongest mage shouldn't need something like an ID card."

"Lynn, isn't that not 'the strongest' but just a criminal?"

It's just a pity that I'm still so inexperienced.

I believe that, as a rule, the strongest mage should not need an ID card. Their skill itself should be proof of their existence.

However, since I also have the status of a mage in the hero's party, I quietly presented my ID… Hmm, oh? Huh?

Huh, did I not bring it from the magic tower?

As I fumbled through my pockets and paused, the guards' eyes suddenly turned stern. It felt as if they would point their halberds at me any moment.

"Alright~ Just a moment."

Lyrista stepped between me and the guards and pulled something emitting a mysterious radiance from her pocket.

It was light.

It was as if light had taken form.

I later heard that it was a wondrous gem called Gwanggeum (Light-Gold), said to be crafted by the Dragonkin by carving out a part of their own soul.

In short, forgery was impossible.

Possessing that gem proved that Lyrista was acting under the command of the Papal State. The guards' attitude changed 180 degrees. They bowed their heads.

"We have been rude. Please proceed."

Oh~ What a cool development. I vowed that when I become the strongest mage, I should make myself a similar emblem.