"So that settles it…"
A handsome young man with ink-black hair sat upright on the sofa, a thick dossier pinched between his fingers.
The pages detailed the entire situation of the Yggdmillennia family—secrets buried so deeply they bordered on taboo.
In this world, only a handful of people besides him were even qualified to see such material.
His name was Darnic Preston Yggdmillennia. "Yggdmillennia" marked him as the head of the family, while "Preston" denoted the branch from which he originated.
Though nearly a century had passed over his life as a magus, Darnic still wore the appearance of a sharp, perceptive young man.
This was not mere preservation of youth.
It was the result of something far purer—and far darker.
Among magi, the concept of the "spirit body" was steeped in Mystery. Heroic Spirits could absorb human spirit bodies to replenish their mana, but magi themselves were unable to exploit them directly. At best, one could embed spirit bodies into a Mystic Code to enhance its autonomy, as certain directors once had.
Darnic was different.
He possessed a unique method.
The head of Yggdmillennia held knowledge so dark it was rarely spoken aloud.
He devoured spirit bodies, converting the spirits of others into nourishment, gaining immense magical power and an unnaturally long lifespan in return.
Even with Darnic's mastery, he had only performed such a ritual three times in his life. Each was executed under flawless preparation, and each target had been an unknowing infant. The backlash was negligible.
Even so, he could go no further.
To force another attempt would give birth to "another self"—a mass formed from the refuse of the consumed spirits. It would gnaw away at his will, devour his consciousness, and erase "Darnic" entirely.
And so, whether for the prosperity of his family, the honor of all Yggdmillennia magi, or simply his own survival, Darnic had no choice but to raise the banner of rebellion against the Mage's Association.
Yggdmillennia was a congregation of failures.
A massive lineage assembled from families on the brink of extinction, houses with shallow magical foundations, or clans shattered by defeat in the Holy Grail War. To the aristocrats of the Clock Tower, it was little more than a dumping ground. Decades of contempt pressed down upon the family, leaving Darnic no option but confrontation.
Fortunately, he had found the perfect moment—and an unshakable foundation.
The Holy Grail.
And the Heroic Spirits residing beyond the world, within the Throne of Heroes.
Darnic intended to summon seven Heroic Spirits and use their power to stand against the nobles of the Clock Tower.
That was his true objective.
As for using the Holy Grail to grant a wish and deepen the family's foundations—that could come later.
Yet the documents in his hands had thrown his calculations into disarray.
"Rhodes Frain Yggdmillennia…" he murmured, doubt and hesitation threading his voice. "I don't care which gutter you crawled out of. If Yggdmillennia blood flows in your veins, then you'll contribute to the family's prosperity."
"Proclaim!"
Darnic rose abruptly. His words rang high and fervent, echoing through every corridor of the castle, reaching the ears of every magus within.
"In the name of the Yggdmillennia family head, I hereby welcome the newly appointed Radiant Gold, Lord Rhodes, back into the fold—to stand as strength for Yggdmillennia!"
"Glory has no end. Resolve shall awaken again!"
"Our branches stretch like the world tree itself—"
"For the next thousand years, I extend my hand to my kin!"
◇◇◇
Through the transmission of magecraft, less than half a day passed before Rhodes received an intelligence dossier still carrying the scent of fresh ink.
With news of Yggdmillennia's declaration in hand, he also learned that Barthomeloi had marked him with a Sealing Designation.
And so—
The scene from the opening chapter played out again.
Sealing Designation enforcers led by Alba launched a surprise assault on Rhodes' workshop—and succeeded only in fertilizing the flowers out front with their own flesh and blood, making a modest contribution to Earth's greenery.
"So they've declared war?" Rhodes narrowed his eyes, a foxlike, cunning smile creeping across his face.
"Hardly a surprise."
"That works out nicely. Heroic Spirits are what I actually want to study."
A light knock sounded at the workshop door.
"Master, the trash has been taken out."
The girl's clear voice carried a faint edge of cruelty. "Twenty-two Sealing Designation enforcers, including Cornelius Alba, have become fertilizer for the flowerbeds."
"Well done, RyuZU."
The corner of Rhodes' mouth lifted into a thin, cold curve. He chuckled softly. "There's an old saying in the East—courtesy demands reciprocity. If those magi discover the bomb Marianne buried beneath the Clock Tower, all the better. If not, then let modern technology smear the Clock Tower's honor."
"You really are cunning, Master."
RyuZU smiled gently, though worry lingered in her gaze.
"Hmph. If I weren't trying to avoid tearing things open too early, I'd have planted a 'Big Ivan' instead."
Rhodes' smile remained calm. His words carried a playful tone. "Let those arrogant nobles savor a rising sun. That could even be called mercy."
His expression never changed. Yet if it came to it, Rhodes would follow through without hesitation—even if it meant sacrificing eight million Londoners to overturn the aristocratic order of magi entirely.
"I see…"
RyuZU forced a smile. She heard the resolve beneath his words and, for once, held back her usual barbs, silently worrying for London's citizens.
"Prepare to withdraw," Rhodes said lightly, mockery flickering in his eyes. "We may have allies in the Clock Tower, but those nobles are not easy prey. I've already prepared our 'transport.' I think you'll like it."
"And Miss Yuudachi?"
"She's already at the harbor, getting the 'ship' airborne."
Following Rhodes' unhurried steps, RyuZU entered the garden behind the manor.
The brilliant flowers were gone, replaced by open green lawn. A colossal construct of metal reflected the sunlight, its silver surface etched with countless patterns filled with liquid gemstones.
"That is…"
RyuZU murmured, stunned.
"A modified Harrier vertical takeoff and landing fighter," Rhodes said, patting the cold fuselage with satisfaction. "I imagine it'll give us a comfortable trip. With their capabilities, how are those nobles supposed to catch an aircraft flying at nearly Mach one?"
"If they can, let them shoot down a plane for me to see."