Chapter 116

A mythical tome containing every spell ever created now rested in my hands: the Grimoire from the Gold Tower.

“Huff…huff…hack!”

My trash-tier body was so agitated that my heart raced and breathing became labored, but nothing could dampen this exhilaration.

‘It’s on par with the encyclopedia… No, it might even surpass it.’

In Ardenia, there were several treasured books of note. The Ming Dynasty’s Encyclopedia, the Holy Empire’s Scripture of Light, the Crystal Alliance’s Book of Yggdrasil and Steel Flame Technical Manual, and…

The Grimoire.

Mysticism wasn’t just knowledge in Ardenia; it represented power, and in this brutal world, power equaled authority.

‘The reason why the most influential group in the Eight Kingdoms isn’t the royal families but rather the Gold Towers.’

The Gold Towers were academic and military organizations consisting of over 1,000 mages, exerting their influence across the entire continent. The Grimoires were considered their ultimate treasures.

“Sigh.”

I regulated my breathing, chose what I needed to say, and entered Ardenia.

“Login.”

I sat on the throne, looking down at the mages below me. Among them, the eyes of an old man kneeling at the front sparkled brightly. Saruman High Magic—his name alone made it clear that he was a mage, specifically the strongest mage in Ardenia and the master of the Gold Tower.

“You should know this magic holds no value for me.”

The mages who were initially respectful towards me now showed anger on their faces at my words.

Woooom…

Their simultaneous surge of magic power created a resonating sound.

Clang!

Naturally, the knights standing nearby also became more aggressive, with some even placing their hands on their swords.

However, Saruman, the guild master of the fourth-class Gold Tower, acknowledged my statement without any hesitation or change in expression.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I heard that you trained over a thousand mages within just one year.”

“A thousand? That can’t be true.”

”…I must have been misinformed.”

Saruman’s lack of challenge surprised me internally.

He is really bowing low. As the headmaster of the Gold Tower, he should possess enough authority to address kings informally.

Considering the great monster raids and the grandeur of Iron Castle at Guild Tower, it made sense that jae-yeon held such sway here. However, considering how mages were regarded in Ardenia, this was still quite remarkable.

I guess only someone incredibly gifted could become the greatest mage on the continent.

jae-yeon’s rise from being considered trash to becoming a fourth-class master mage proved his extraordinary talent. In fact, “extraordinary” didn’t even begin to describe him; he was nothing short of a genius.

Wait, hold on.

A sudden thought crossed his mind.

“Log out.”

Once back on Earth, he searched fan sites for answers. It didn’t take long to find what he was looking for.

White Sage (Legendary)

“Ah, it is there indeed.”

The class of Revenge encompassed all possibilities that existed in the past, present, and future history of Ardenia. It was natural for such a genius to have this class.

“If the era and circumstances were favorable, he could’ve potentially become legendary. But now, due to his age, it might be challenging.”

Of course, there was a solution. If I gave him the Legendary Class: White Sage card, just like Haze, he would instantly possess legendary abilities. However, naturally, I had no intention of doing so.

“Log in.”

Once again, from my throne, I looked down at the mages.

“Smile, how’s the mage training progressing?”

Smile, positioned at the front of the mage battalion, responded promptly.

“As of now, there are 7,413 apprentice mages who have started to handle magic power. Among them, 3,217 have achieved 1st class by circling, 117 have reached 2nd class, and four have attained 3rd class.”

“The numbers decrease too much from 2nd circle onwards.”

Smile responded awkwardly, “Well, many of them haven’t received basic education yet… but it will be resolved with time.”

Dozens of mages stirred at Smile’s answer.

“W-What… 7,000? 3,000?”

“Moreover, how can there already be 3rd class mages?!?”

Their reaction was understandable, despite being somewhat impudent given their surroundings.

‘It couldn’t be any other way.’

In the Land of Midgard, reaching 1st class made one an official mage, achieving 2nd class designated someone as a proficient mage recognized anywhere, and attaining 3rd class conferred the status of high-level mage.

It was common knowledge that even talented individuals needed at least ten years to master magic circles. Therefore, training thousands of mages within just one year seemed like nothing short of a disaster to them.

Yes, it truly is a disaster.

It had to be considered as such. Previously, they could hold their heads high and receive special treatment wherever they went simply for being mages. However, this development meant their status would plummet to rock bottom. They likely anticipated receiving lavish hospitality upon arriving here with only dozens of mages, but those expectations were utterly misplaced. While having more mages wouldn’t hurt, it wasn’t something the Human Empire desperately sought either.

“The Human Empire currently teaches magic fairly to all at Magic Academies located in Iron Castle and Wild Boar. Our ultimate goal is to establish academies in every castle.”

In Revenge, the difference between mages and warriors was simply whether they dealt magic or physical damage, but reality was different. Unlike aura wielders, who had limited use outside of combat, mages were incredibly versatile to the point where it’s difficult to list all their applications. Mass-producing mages would not only bolster the Human Empire’s military power but also greatly influence technological advancements and convenience.

”…”

Despite hearing such enticing words, Saruman closed his eyes tightly. The expressions on the faces of the prostrate mages behind him brimmed with anger.

Non-humans shall not learn. This monopolization of knowledge under a seemingly reasonable pretext wasn’t something new; they upheld this strict rule through bloodshed, not mere persuasion.

Yes, there’s a reason why I didn’t share my knowledge of qi manipulation and sword techniques.

Even during my unexpected arrival in Ardenia twenty years ago, I had already mastered numerous qi manipulation methods. If I wanted to, I could have created the most powerful mercenary army in all of Ardenia. However, I only taught these techniques to Stonestone and Swordsman, whom I trusted not to betray me, instead of disseminating them widely. It wasn’t because I was reluctant to share future knowledge.

It’s due to the inherent risks involved.

If my subordinates became exceptionally strong at an unprecedented pace, and it was discovered that this rapid development stemmed from advanced qi manipulation techniques beyond Ardenia’s comprehension, we would’ve been targeted by those in power seeking to possess such knowledge, ultimately leading to our demise. This is precisely why I couldn’t reveal the world-shaking technique known as Quick Advances.

‘Of course… I planned to gradually use this knowledge after becoming a feudal lord.’

However, even then, I intended to teach it under extreme security to only a select few. But all that became irrelevant once gates started opening and people realized they could log out of life.

“Your Majesty, the knowledge of Mago is not for everyone. How dare you bestow such precious wisdom upon those lowly beings?” Saruman admonished me calmly. However, his words made me scoff internally.

“Weren’t you defeated by monsters and lost everything precisely because of such narrow-minded thinking?”

”…!” Saruman flinched at my response. The mages behind him momentarily forgot their surroundings, mouths agape.

“How dare you be so impudent…!”

“Mago’s exclusivity isn’t about being narrow-minded; it’s about adhering to principles!”

“If you give power to someone with character flaws, it will cause harm to everyone!”

“The hierarchy is overturned and order collapses…”

He boldly shouted despite numerous blades aimed at him. It seemed he was willing to risk his life because he believed he was speaking the truth.

However…

Domination, Pressure, Opening Heavy Gates.

The majesty of the emperor.

Vroom!

As soon as I activated the Chakra technique, silence fell over the throne room on the 20th floor of the guild tower. They couldn’t be persuaded anyway, so I simply shut them up.

‘Yes, persuasion is impossible.’

It wasn’t because they were irredeemable villains; logic becomes useless when personal interests are involved. After all, strength rules the world.

In fact, if it wasn’t for this current situation, I would’ve limited the spread of spells and techniques myself. It was because they could become weapons against me.

However, that didn’t apply to me now.

‘There is no need.’

It didn’t matter if I unleashed spells, classes, or authority indiscriminately because I was strong.

Would factions form? Would nobles gather to create private organizations? Would someone emerge from behind the scenes, plotting to manipulate public opinion? None of it mattered as long as the Flying Emperor existed, capable of wiping out armies numbering in the tens of thousands with a single strike.

‘By the way, being an emperor has its perks.’

While not essential, it provided convenient luxuries.

‘Since there is a starting point, I can make various magic spells. Thanks to my position as emperor, I am growing rapidly without much training.’

Despite it being the first use, I was satisfied with the effect and said, “Humanity is facing an unprecedented crisis. It isn’t the time to wield petty selfishness for vested interests. That’s why I revealed the knowledge of the heavenly library.”

My words forcibly closed the mouths of the mages, their eyes shaking.

“That…”

”…Oh God.”

“The heavenly library…” Groans broke out among the mages. On the other hand, my minions including Flower and Smile weren’t disturbed at all.

‘Well, this setting has been established for quite some time.’

The Heavenly Library…

It was a heavenly place where all knowledge of the world lay dormant.

‘In Revenge, it’s just an event dungeon where skill books frequently drop…’

However, according to Ardenia’s mythology, it was described as something more magnificent, and I utilized that myth.

“I copied the books written by the God of Magic from the Heavenly Library. As you can see from the results, this magic reaches a different level compared to human magic.”

“O-Oh… Ohhh…”

“Knowledge of the gods… Divine grimoires…”

The mages couldn’t hide their astonishment, while the mage soldiers proudly watched them, causing me to sigh involuntarily.

‘Well, well. It feels like being some sort of cult leader.’

However, it couldn’t be helped. I couldn’t tell them that I had learned these spells myself or that they originated from Earth, could I? To explain my granted abilities within their understanding, this setup was essential.

I held up the Grimoire with my right hand and casually flipped through its pages. “Let me reiterate: The spells written in this book hold little value to me. However…the history and tradition embodied by this book are commendable. I will accept the exile of Saruman the High Mage along with the other 88 mages. If you pledge your loyalty to me, I shall provide you with security and knowledge.”

Despite not granting any special privileges, the mages bowed immediately, as if they had been waiting for this moment. Their minds were already captivated by the existence of the Divine Grimoire.

“I will be loyal, Your Majesty.”

“I will be loyal!”

“I will be loyal!”

As the mages bowed to me…

[A Thorns Orc has applied for a siege!]

[Target: Letman Castle]

Then I received a personal message:

[A siege application has been made against your castle!]

[Target: Letman Castle]

[The siege must begin within a maximum of 6 hours!]

I frowned automatically.

‘No way, these bastards are making me busy.’

Setting an alarm, I turned around.

“Smile, please guide the mages about their future lives here.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Well then.”

I opened the wall of the Guild Tower using the building tab.

Hwioo~!

As I faced the gale-force winds, I sprinted across the floor of the throne room.

“Ahhh…?!”

“What—?!”

Screams erupted from among the mages, but I paid them no heed.

“Come forth, Kasim.”

Fwip!

The white drake materialized out of thin air and landed safely on my back.

“Rrrraaahhh!” With his roar came the flapping of wings, and we instantly soared away from the cityscape below.

Ah, how much longer do I have to deal with these guys before they stop attacking castles?

I sighed as the wind whipped against me. Being emperor truly was exhausting work.

“Oh…my goodness.”

Even after the emperor disappeared, the mages remained completely overwhelmed and frozen on the spot. Naturally, this was due to Kasim’s presence.

“Is that…is that the legendary one?”

“Yes, it’s a Legendary Pet, White Drake Kasim.”

Jae-yeon, who had already obtained a Myth-class rank, might not have felt its full impact, but the energy emanating from Kasim was truly astonishing. Even brave knights swayed uncontrollably with just one rumble from Kasim. While the knights were somewhat accustomed to his presence, for the mages witnessing Kasim for the first time, the shock was overwhelming.

The magnitude of their astonishment was evident as even Saruman, the former headmaster of the Gold Tower, stammered.

“Aren’t Legendary Pets…the prize for winning the competition?”

“That’s correct, Headmaster.”

“To think such an incredible being is merely for writing…” Saruman sounded bewildered by this reality.

A mage from one of the established magic towers within the Human Empire spoke up:

“There’s a rumor that the emperor’s authority seems to be linked to literature…”

“Write.”

“Pardon?”

The unexpected command caught everyone off guard, but his firm voice drew their attention. However, Saruman remained solemn-faced.

“I said, write.”

Jae-yeon had anticipated that mages would become fully engrossed with the new magical system, and her prediction was accurate. The Earth-based magic captivated them, as it far surpassed Ardenian magic. In the past, wars were fought over just a few spells, so it wasn’t coincidental that many mages joined forces within the Human Empire.

However, there was an issue Jae-yeon, the empress, hadn’t fully considered.

Unlike magic systems, whose true value hadn’t been fully realized yet…

The existence of legendary pets was clear for all to see.

“But literature is just…”

“Are you suggesting we should write books instead of researching magic?”

Despite their protests, their voices were weak. They couldn’t help but gaze at Kasim as well. The sight of the massive white drake completely captivated them.

Saruman spoke up, “We are the most intelligent beings on this continent. Isn’t it obvious that our writing would far surpass those ignorant commoners?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“It’s not rocket science! We can simply write novels or essays!”

Seeing the excited mages, Saruman responded calmly, “Indeed.”

His eyes gleamed coldly. “That legendary pet belongs to us.”

Thus, the Gold Tower, now aligned with the Human Empire, embarked on a new endeavor: writing literature.