A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Emperor (1)

The Floating Island of Mages is a community that floats 1,500 meters above the ground, made entirely of magic and magitech. Known for its pioneering research, there's a saying that "All magic on earth passes through the Floating Island." However, it's an independent district where the extreme individualism of mages is most evident.

With few exceptions, only mages can enter the Floating Island. Even then, those below the rank of Monarch must pay a hefty entrance fee of 1,000 elne. Most visitors to the island gather around the central core, known as Megiseon.

Simply put, Megiseon is an ark containing a vast amount of magic and knowledge, enough to rebuild the continent in a century if it were destroyed. The creators of the Floating Island have a fanatical tendency to document and collect all magic, and Megiseon is the most positive manifestation of this trait.

One of the greatest honors for mages is having a spell named after them inscribed in the uppermost echelon of Megiseon. Currently, an auction is underway in the VIP Academic Auction Room on the ground level of Megiseon.

“We will restart the auction at 36,000 elne, as 1,205 people have already bid 35,000 elne.”

Since this is an auction on the Floating Island, the items up for sale aren't treasures but documents. Specifically, they are the midterm exam questions on Understanding Pure Element Magic, questions 1 through 8, from the Mage Tower of the Empire.

"... We will resume the auction at 37,000 elne."

A total of 10,000 mages, including remote participants, are involved in this auction. However, auctions among mages are extremely quiet. There is no chatter or shouting, only the faint sound of pens writing.

“Alright. With exactly 1,000 bidders at 40,000 elne, the final bid is 40,000 elne.”

The Pure Element exam questions crafted by Deculein drew significant interest from the mages on the Floating Island. Their quality, difficulty, and the promised artistic reward for solving all eight questions made them highly desirable. This type of item wouldn't sell anywhere else but on the Floating Island.

"The 1,000 winning bidders will receive their exam papers after providing a blood sample."

The blood sample ensures that only the buyer can access the exam papers, providing basic but strict security. This fundamental system of magical rights is rigorously enforced within the mage community, even in the illegal magic den known as the Ashes.

The protection period varies from one month to fifteen years, depending on the grade of the magic. Naturally, higher-level magic and records have longer protection periods. Deculein's exam received a high rating and was given a protection period of three years, which is exceptionally long for a university midterm exam.

"The auction is now officially closed."

The auction concluded quietly. Kreto, second in line for the throne, stayed until the end. He stood up, satisfied, to review the list of successful bidders.

“Ah, I see some familiar names of Addicts. Is this that popular?” Kreto asked his knight, Fassbender. As an imperial escort knight, Fassbender could enter the Floating Island despite not being a mage.

“Yes, it seems so. There were also remarks from Madam Adrienne...”

The Chairwoman of the Ethereal-rank praised the final question, highlighting Deculein's reputation as a Genius of Spell Interpretation. The fact that the eighth question was considered a work of art only added to its appeal.

"Additionally, Addict Rohas, who reviewed it in advance, offered high praise for the exam's potential value."

Addicts are individuals who live on the tenth floor or higher of Megiseon, literally addicted to magic and numbers. They assess the value of magic and records, track and manage the achievements of mages globally, and oversee the crucial promotion exams.

"Really? That sounds interesting," Kreto said with a grin as he moved to the auction room. He provided the required blood sample for the exam papers without the usual royal reluctance. "But will I be able to solve this?"

"Of course, Your Highness. Your magical talent is exceptional."

“But it’s a midterm exam paper. I didn’t study Pure Elements under Deculein.”

“It will be fine, Your Highness.”

“Only one out of 150 achieved a perfect score... Well, it doesn't matter whether I can solve it or not.”

Whatever the outcome, a new challenge was always welcome to Kreto. No matter how difficult it might be, as long as it was fun to solve, that was enough. If it brought new magical insights, even better.

“I'll give it a try. Fassbender, get the answer sheets ready.”

"Right now, Your Highness?" Fassbender hesitated briefly.

Kreto smirked, nodded and said, “I understand the situation, but it doesn’t matter. It's tradition. I saw Father last month, so a letter will suffice. I need to do this.”

At that moment, the exam papers were ready. Kreto took the thick stack of documents and breathed in their scent.

“... Ah, the smell of magic paper is always so pleasant.”

Just then, a tall man appeared in the hallway. Seeing him approach Kreto, Fassbender instinctively stepped forward. It was Deculein von Grahan-Yukline. His well-fitted suit revealed an athletic physique that rivaled most knights.

Deculein addressed Kreto, “While the questions may not be perfect, it is an honor that Your Highness has personally purchased them. I trust you will find them challenging, and I hope this experience proves beneficial for you.”

His sudden display of etiquette was impeccable, showing deep respect without lowering himself and exuding a full measure of dignity. Known for his stern demeanor, Deculein seemed almost deferential to someone of noble blood like Kreto.

Momentarily flustered, Kreto shook his head and said, “Th-there are no titles here on the Floating Island.”

“They do not apply to the royal family,” Deculein replied with a faint smile.

Kreto glanced at Fassbender and asked, "Is that so?"

“Yes, Your Highness, that agreement was made about eight years ago,” Fassbender confirmed.

“Ah, I see,” Kreto said, clearing his throat and then continued with pride, “I’ll do my best to solve it.”

“Thank you,” Deculein replied with a respectful nod before taking his leave.

As Kreto watched Deculein walk away, he muttered, "He seems better than the rumors suggest."

“... Your Highness, I advise caution regarding appearances,” Knight Fassbender said, choosing his words carefully, aware of the history between Yulie and Deculein.

***

After completing the auction and getting back to the Mage Tower, I sat in my office and reviewed the deposited funds.

[40,000,000?]

It was a much larger sum than expected—forty million elne. Yeriel's advice to limit supply and create a naming premium had proven more lucrative than flooding the market. Notably, there are no taxes or fees on Floating Island auctions. Truly, the Wealthy Magnate does not lie.

However, it's too early to celebrate. I picked up the newspaper lying on one side of my office. Today’s emergency bulletin from The Journal, the Empire's largest news agency, contained only one line on a single page.

The 18th Emperor, Crebaim Bedeo Yudra von Eggers Gifrein, has passed away.

This was a major turning point. In three days, the palace gates would open, and I would likely visit the palace. Nine days after that, the succession ceremony would take place.

Following that, numerous significant changes were set to occur. Key figures had to be kept alive, specific locations had to be secured, various laws would be revised, and both minor and major events would unfold.

While Yeriel could handle the locations and laws, the most crucial person to save was... Maho, a kingdom’s princess with an independent storyline equivalent to a main quest.

Though she was currently staying in the capital under the guise of studying abroad, her death event would trigger immediately upon the Emperor's ascension. I knew this well from my time testing the game as a knight.

I did not want her to die. Beyond my personal attachment from using a keyboard and mouse, and the fact that I had designed and modeled her character, she was a fundamentally good figure who would become a great ally.

I was also curious. Wondering if the princess’s Escort Knights, like Charlotte, who performed escort duties in the game, would be the same in reality or not.

Knock, knock—

There was a knock at the door. Using Telekinesis, I opened it to find Allen standing there, just as I had expected.

"Professor, you have a lecture invitation!" Allen said, looking unusually excited. I wondered why he was so worked up over a lecture until I noticed it was for the Floating Island.

"A lecture on the Floating Island?"

“Yes, y-yes, sir! They requested you to give a lecture on the exam questions in about a week!”

The fee for his lecture was one million elne, about one billion won. While this was small compared to forty million, Allen’s red face showed that being invited to lecture on the Floating Island was a great honor for a mage. It was a significant achievement.

[Event Quest: Lecture on the Floating Island]

◆ Mana Point +30

My heart pounded because of Deculein’s temperament, and the system was even pushing me toward it. These Event Quests occasionally reward stat points. The type of reward usually varies by location. The Floating Island rewards magic power, the knights order rewards a mix of stamina and magic power, and adventurer groups typically reward stamina.

“Let them know I’m considering it favorably.”

It’s only thirty points, but it’s better than nothing.

"Yes, sir!" Allen responded enthusiastically.

***

After the Emperor's passing, many changes had occurred. Executions were halted, a temporary prohibition was enacted, and all schools were closed. Festivals and parties were postponed, and even underground activities like gambling dens and thief guilds went silent.

The Empire was eerily quiet. In a desolate annex of the Imperial Palace, Princess Maho's escort knight, Charlotte, was deeply troubled.

"Wow, really?! Really?! What did Grandfather say?"

"Hmm? But we don’t have much money, do we?"

"Hmm..." Maho pondered before rummaging through a drawer and pulling out a cute little treasure chest. "I have some money too~ I saved my allowance, and I have a lot of jewels we could use—"

"Sob... sniff..."

"Ah yes, we do have that history as well," Deculein nodded, reminiscing about the old days.