Program fraud case (5)

This time, a [reduction] formula drawn with golden ether appeared around the prophet. The groaning of the exhausted people calmed a bit. The prophet’s 4D spectacular effect’s show was an excellent finish with an intense introduction, a terrifying middle, and a comforting end. However, because of its excessive splendor, the miracle stood out. Among the things that happened in the world, when things fit too well together, it usually meant fraud.

Promise popped up a welcome message for the first time tonight. The message rose above the head of a follower standing beside the prophet.

[Level 5 wizard]

Kleio raised Perception up. His vision zoomed in on the hands of the prophet and the woman reaching out for them. The petite woman approached the prophet like a follower and kissed his hand, slipping him a mana stone.

[Poppy Garnet: The mana stone of comfort and oblivion.]

In the meantime, the faint light of [reduction] was still illuminating the garden, definitely that of a 5th level wizard.

‘He had a colleague.’

The prophet naturally received the attention of the crowded people, then finally broke the mana stone in his hand to activate the magic again. A tremendous amount of purple ether spilled like a flood that overflowed in all directions. The light lasted almost a few dozen seconds. Despite being blinded for a few seconds, Kleio managed to see the woman’s face as she stood behind the prophet. It was a known face. A wizard with braided hair and a friendly expression engraved with a warm smile.

‘What?!’

Hester Ward was a member of the magic group who had followed Ezra’s special lecture.

‘…The crown prince said he hadn’t given the word to the magic group, but did he leave the work to them as well as us?’

Hester, the wizard who appeared as an assistant of the prophet, seemed to be a participant in the rally. As he made eye contact with the wizard, Kleio’s instincts told him that Melchior wasn’t lying to him. Rather, the crown prince didn’t know about this.

At the same time, the light of the purple ether vanished, and the night returned. The air fluttered as it rushed to fill the magical void that had disturbed the space. A strong wind raged across the garden, disturbing the prophet’s hood as he was about to leave the garden. Thanks to Perception, he was able to capture it. A tuft of light blue hair peeked out from the edge of the mask before the prophet pushed it back up and vanished silently into the darkness.

That was it.

Those who had fallen were lifted up by masked servants and moved inside, murmuring as if they couldn’t remember what had just happened.

“I felt like I saw something awesome.”

“I feel like I was born again….”

“Did you not listen to the great word?”

“Even though I’m exhausted…this feeling of fullness….”

Kleio frowned as he collected bits of people’s conversations. The details of what had happened during the prophet’s light show had been shattered, leaving only the tremendous excitement from that time.

‘That’s why it was difficult for Melchior’s subordinates to dig out what was happening. The finish is the poppy mana stone…religion is literally the opium of the people.’

Madame Lamor, who had vanished during the work, was now up on the stage clearing her throat.

“Everyone, I believe this night’s experience was something you couldn’t find anywhere else. Those of you who have come to this meeting more than once and would like to take a glimpse of the deeper secrets once again, please, show your sincerity.”

It was collection time once more. Participants caught in the fraudulent play began to hand out money and jewelry, from the trinkets they wore to the pockets on their waist straps. After this, there was no option not to participate in the next event. The servants mechanically moved as they collected jewelry and gold coins from the people. If you wanted an invitation to the next event, it wouldn’t be a small cost.

When a servant stepped before him, Kleio realized he was out of Aurum gold coins. He was almost in tears as he produced a piece of mana stone silver and handed it out instead. Only after accepting it did the servant hand back an invitation. This time it was an envelope written in blue-gold ink on black paper.

***

4:30 in the morning.

At the time when only a small corner of the sky had become blue, a small fire was lit in the Asel parlor. The twins had fallen asleep on the sofa after having insisted they should also be at the meeting. Even though they were terrific knights, they were still kids. Cel, Arthur, and Isiel were fine regardless of time, so Kleio was the only one suffering on the couch. Arthur clenched and refuted Kleio’s opinion.

“No, it’s no sneaky mission. Hester Ward sincerely hopes that the prophet’s magic will succeed. If she could make her emotions sound so sincere, she should be up on the stage as the main actress, not be a wizard.”

“Really?”

“I heard the two conversing before the ball started. The prophet was working on a plan, and she was to provide assistance.”

Arthur’s words were persuasive considering the process of the meeting.

“While Madame Lamor was inside, I caught a swindler and assistant waiting on the terrace behind the mansion. I don’t think they meant for it to be heard.”

Kleio, buried in the sofa, puffed up as his voice grew louder.

“No, such a dangerous thing…where was Isiel?”

“She was on the lookout so that I wouldn’t get caught.”

Kleio looked at Isiel with an expression of disbelief, and she responded while looking him right in the eye.

“I trust in Arthur’s premonition. I cannot explain it, but there are times when his feelings lead to surprising conclusions.”

“Thank you, Isiel. Look, Lei. Sometimes I ask you to trust me. This time, we’ve got this crucial information.”

As expected, the prophet was a wizard. And the reason he pretended to be a prophet and plucked away people’s money was to collect mana stones to do bigger things.

“If it’s like this, they’re excited that next time they’ll be able to use something they called ‘anti-magic.’”

“And Hester’s assisting him?”

“She was more excited than the scammer himself. ‘I beg you share this great word of God’s blessing, grace, and choice.’ She was like that.”

Kleio’s felt an ominous foreboding from Hester’s words. If the combined power of divine power, magic, and stigma existed in this world, would God neglect such a terrifying

‘Is this a coincidence? Do I have to fix it?’

“Well, it was a show that would pass. In addition to the brilliant etheric effect, it seems to have shown magical illusions to some people.”

Arthur looked confused.

“Magic? I couldn’t see anything outside. What did you do inside?”

Cel stretched out her arms theatrically.

“Huh, didn’t you see it? It shined so brightly.”

“Not at all.”

Isiel offered a further explanation.

“Outside the dome that surrounded the building and central garden, nothing seemed to be happening inside. Entry was blocked.”

“No wonder. He showed off that blinding magical show, but they don’t want to attract attention to these dark outskirts…the dome has a shielding function. What the hell is he doing with his magic? Lei, do you understand?”

Kleio explained to Arthur and Isiel what had happened inside in a fatigued voice. It was a vision that didn’t work on those with ether sensitivity and the magical effects that followed.

“…So, he showed them all about ten times the splendor of the snow magic I demonstrated before. I couldn’t figure out exactly what kind of magic he used.”

“If Lei can’t understand it, it’s very high-level magic. Hmm. It’s understandable that people would go crazy if you show them that.”

“But, why aren’t words of this spreading louder if it was such a magnificent and beautiful appearance?”

Isiel’s question was valid.

“It’s my guess, but it seems to have some suggestive device. Shining that bright light at the start seems to kick off the madness, and doing it one more time by the end seems to make them forget what happened.”

“Lei is right. Still, seeing something so amazing leaves them coming back like an addict.”

“So, they crave the mysterious experience and spit out a lot of money.”

Isiel frowned with evident displeasure.

“That technique is vicious.”

“It’s awful.”

“This guy is the best among scammers.”

“Even if it’s just for money, it’s too suspicious. But something they called ‘anti-magic…’”

“The name Marqion must be a pseudonym, but how did he come up with it?”

“I know he’s a young man, but his physique is mediocre….”

Cel, who was listening to their conversation, opened her eyes narrowly as if she thought something.

“By the way, Lei, doesn’t his voice sound familiar to you?”

Marqion’s voice had no defining traits, and the tone was also the standard language of Lundane.

“I don’t go out in the social world, so how would I know?”

“No, something to do with school, not a socialite. Not our classmate, but I think I heard it somewhere…ah, are there any more clues?”

Kleio suddenly recalled what he had witnessed at the end.

“The self-proclaimed prophet, his hair color was a little peculiar. A hazy blue color like a winter sky.”

“Light blue? How did you see it?”

“I was closest to him. His hood turned over when the wind blew.”

Cel’s face hardened as a fierce search took place in her mind.

Finally, Cel yelled out.

“Guilard Eclipsi!”

“Who’s that?”

“Arthur, you’re sometimes too stupid! That expelled student from the 975th class!”