LTTH C89

Chapter 89

“Worth trying, isn’t it?”

“…Are you saying that in earnest?”

The Tower Master was the one who had suggested the alternative, yet his expression soured as if he regretted speaking. Perhaps he truly hadn’t expected Hansol to accept. Or perhaps, with Kassie present, he’d hoped the suggestion would be rejected so Kassie would be left behind. It was a more than plausible theory—those two magicians mixed about as well as oil and water.

“When we traveled together before, only Hansol-nim was separated, correct? I believe the same is likely to happen again.”

The Tower Master voiced a very rational concern. Hansol exchanged a glance with Kassie.

“Well… England has changed a lot. So this time, I think we can move together.”

“…Yes. As Hansol said, England is very different now. If it’s just one or two additional people, we might be able to cross together.”

“Hm.”

Their eagerness to justify traveling together was stiff to the point of awkwardness. And if anyone on earth could detect awkwardness, it was the Tower Master—the sharpest mind among magicians. His eyes narrowed suspiciously, fixing on the two of them.

“Darling, is there something in England? Or did something change about you?”

“…There is something surprising in England.”

Even James—whose intellect ranked decisively beneath the Tower Master’s—had picked up on the fact that Hansol was hiding something. Clearly, Hansol was not destined for acting.

[If only Hansol-nim ends up in England again, will you be able to return immediately?]

“—!”

The Tower Master’s voice pressed directly against Hansol’s ear.

Whisper…?

It was the same Whisper spell Isaac had used in England—though the Tower Master’s version sounded clearer. It must have been a related magical branch.

[I will redirect your return coordinate to the Tower, not the Association. If you arrive alone, you must come straight back.]

The follow-up whisper carried firm warning. Hansol hesitated only briefly before giving a small nod—his silent promise. Only then did the Tower Master’s expression ease.

The pocket watch’s mana is already fully charged, so returning will be easy.

The pocket watch, now fully Hansol’s artifact, sat comfortably in his inventory. He wouldn’t need it for the trip to England—he’d be using the Tower’s teleportation circle. Only the return trip required the artifact.

He should also check whether England was still safe—whether another gate break had occurred, whether anyone had been hurt. And afterward, he would hand Kassie back to Isaac.

“Hansol, I don’t know what you’re plotting, but it won’t go the way you think.”

“…What?”

How does he know what I’m thinking?

Hansol, mid-simulation of his plans in his mind, froze under Kassie’s knowing smile. Was there a mind-reading spell among mage skills?

“The Saint is waiting in England too, remember?”

“…!”

That was right. When Hansol’d been leaving, it wasn’t Kassie clinging to him—everyone else had grabbed him. Faces on the verge of tears rushed into his memory.

If I just tell them I’m fine and promise to return… won’t that be enough?

Settling in England wouldn’t have been a bad choice—but there was too much to do. He had to visit at least seven countries. Check and purify their remaining infected. Meet the person Radi had mentioned. Mountains of tasks awaited. They all understood it would take time, but Hansol felt compelled to finish everything as quickly as possible. Not exactly a debt—but like having an assignment lodged in his heart.

“…Should we check the infected first before going anywhere else?”

“A fine idea. And while we’re at it, we can test whether installing purification zones works better than direct purification.”

As expected of a magician—the Tower Master’s eyes sparkled with academic excitement. Hansol privately hoped the purification zones alone would be enough, but… somehow he doubted it.

“Then, starting with the U.S., we’ll visit the nations with remaining infected in the optimal route. Will that be acceptable?”

“Yes, that works. Thank you.”

Hansol nodded at the Tower Master, who had already begun briefing him like a perfect secretary. It felt almost criminal to exploit the Tower’s master like this.

As long as they don’t lock me inside the Tower, I should repay them however I can.

Hansol made the quiet resolution to himself.

Purifying the remaining infected in the United States—Hansol did not take it lightly, but he hadn’t expected it to be especially taxing either. He pictured it going like last time: slip in, purify quietly, and slip back out.

His prediction was spectacularly wrong.

“Messiah, a crowd gathered, but we’re prioritizing your safety. Please don’t worry.”

“Oh… yes…”

Really? Because it looks like someone might leap at me any second.

Hansol wiped sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief as he followed Mac, who led the way.

Things had been calm up until they stepped off the Tower’s teleportation circle in America. Hansol recognized the staff members greeting him—they were the same ones from before. The trouble began once they moved toward the purified dark zone.

“Messiah! Please, over here! Look this way just once!!”

“Move! Move! Messiah!! This is H.T. Channel! A quick interview, please!!”

“Messiah!! Please! My son—please purify him, I beg you!!”

“Savior of God!!!”

“Kyaaa—! Oppa, take this please!”

That last voice… clearly belonged somewhere else entirely.

Chaos. Absolute chaos. Hansol felt dizzy as the roaring crowd pressed from all directions. Fortunately, some Hunters had volunteered to act as guards, holding the people back. Without them, the crowd would have swallowed Hansol whole.

“Haah… I’m sorry, Messiah. We tried to keep it quiet, but word must have leaked.”

At last, Mac stopped in front of the massive wall enclosing the area. He panted as he offered his half-apology, half-excuse.

“Since the dark zone was purified, workers have been going in and out for restoration, so the location probably spread as well…”

“It’s fine. Things like that happen.”

That entire wasteland had been restored—of course crews had begun rebuilding. It was their effort to return life to the people as soon as possible. None of this was Mac’s fault.

But with every added person involved, secrets inevitably spread. “Just keep it to yourself” never stayed within one set of ears.

“Please… Messiah, please save those still inside…!”

“Let us pray! Let us pray until the Messiah performs a miracle!!”

Those gathered near the sealed entrance were different from the crowds on the road. Their desperation was palpable—likely families of those still trapped inside.

They had not given up. Hansol could feel the heat of their pleading. He wanted to answer it.

“…I’ll purify every single one of them without exception.”

For the first time, he spoke directly to the crowd.

“Th-thank you! Thank you—oh heavens, thank you!”

“Messiah! Messiah!! Our salvation!”

Leaving behind the overwhelming gratitude, Hansol followed Mac inside. Even as the heavy gate closed behind them, the chorus of thanks continued.

“Messiah, most of the dark zone has already been purified, so the remaining infected are gathered in one place. But the sight is… not pleasant. I wanted to warn you beforehand.”

“…Is it that bad?”

“It’s best if you see for yourself.”

Mac chose his words carefully. Hansol swallowed. James, the Tower Master, and Kassie were all at his side. With them, there was nothing to fear.

“Hansol, don’t worry.”

“Even if a monster appears, you will not be harmed.”

“I’ll stake my life to shield you. Just stay behind me, darling.”

As if reading his anxiety, the three of them spoke one after another, boldly and reassuringly.

The heavy pressure of dread disappeared without a trace.