translation by mourningmoor
“No, it’s not that it’s inaccessible, but it’s still blurry. It’s still not easy to read.”
That day, the Archmage barely managed to access Lim Jingyu’s memories and discovered an important fact about the magic circle.
Those who possess the magic circle must offer a part of their soul to the owner of the circle in exchange for its power. It’s a kind of slave contract.
In return, they can borrow the power of the magic circle to achieve what they desire.
Depending on their efforts, they could amass wealth and fame and shake the world.
This was the information we gathered from Lim Jingyu’s memories.
A soul exchange for a magic circle?
It felt like there was another Demon King in this world, not just a mage. That’s the kind of thing a Demon King would do.
But the truth was different.
What’s exchanged for the magic circle isn’t the soul.
―So, if it’s not easy to read, does that mean you eventually read it?
“Not perfectly. But I read enough of what was necessary.”
―Really? Then hurry up and tell me. I’m really busy.”
Hey. Hey.
You’re the one who asked for the favor, but now you’re acting like I’m the one clinging to you.
“Look here, Jesquière. If you want the information, ask nicely. ‘Please tell me, sunbaenim.’ Like that.”
Then, the other end of the line fell silent again.
He’s pissed. What a temper.
“You’re the one who gave me this crappy task, and you can’t even do that much? That’s the least you can do to make this partnership worthwhile.”
Honestly, I don’t know how long I can keep up this alliance with this arrogant and disrespectful being.
Noah let out a thin sigh and spoke as if complaining.
“But if we’ve formed an alliance…”
This time, not even a breath could be heard.
“Jesquière? Did you hang up? Hey. Jess.”
―Please tell me. Respected Noah Sunbaenim.
It was unexpected.
His voice was blunt, devoid of any respect, but it wasn’t bad.
I could almost hear the unspoken ‘Are you happy now?’ but I didn’t mind.
It was clearly a sarcastic, soulless remark, but it was oddly touching.
“What’s exchanged for the magic circle isn’t the soul.”
―Then what?
“Mana.”
―What?
“The magic circle continuously drains the mana emitted by the person.”
The contractors believe they’re giving up a part of their soul in exchange for the magic circle, but that’s not true.
The magic circle is more like a transmitter, supplying mana to the owner of the contract.
The magic circle is enchanted to cause spontaneous combustion if rejected, and once someone accepts it, they can’t remove it from their body unless they want to die. They must faithfully serve as a mana supplier until their death.
―So, the mage is collecting mana like that?
“It’s the Demon King’s method. It’s similar to collecting souls.”
―It’s similar to the Demon King.
Noah pondered the Archmage’s words and fell silent for a moment.
Then, he spoke in a nonchalant voice.
―It’s nothing special.
His voice was laced with sarcasm.
―A mage who can’t absorb mana on their own? How pathetic.
I expected this reaction.
This is a man who could easily dominate a world but was content to stay at the top of the Magic Tower.
Was it humility? No, it was arrogance.
Even if he took over the world, it would still be boring, so he stayed in the tower.
Only when the world was on the brink of destruction did he finally step out.
He’s that powerful, and that arrogant.
Even now, with his body changed and numerous restrictions limiting his power, he hasn’t lost his arrogance or confidence.
―Well, I guess there’s no need to worry too much. A being that imitates the Demon King but can’t even reach that level.
“Still, you should be careful, Jesquière. This world is ruled by a force more terrifying than magic.”
―A force more terrifying than magic?
“Money. This is a world ruled by money.”
This is the most defining characteristic of this world.
With no other supernatural abilities, they’ve decided to move the world with money. And it actually works. Even intangible currencies have emerged, gathering all the greed of this world.
“As expected, Chairman Lim Jingyu also has ties to the SS Group.”
The opponent seems to have some connection with the SS Group, a global corporation. The more we chase the magic circle, the more likely we are to encounter the SS Group.
A mage who uses the magic circle to gather mana, a mage cruel enough to burn those who escape his grasp. And now, this mage has gotten his hands on money, the greatest weapon of this world?
Isn’t that an overwhelmingly formidable opponent?
“That’s why recovering your magic power is the top priority.”
In the end, the only thing we can hope for now is for the Archmage to fully recover his former abilities.
―I’m working hard. I’ve probably surpassed the 7th Circle by now.
“The 7th Circle? What can you do?”
―Anything. More than you can imagine.
His voice, tinged with a faint laugh, was arrogant. But that’s also part of the Archmage’s charm.
“I’ll look forward to it. Please keep working hard like this, partner.”
―Then, thank you for the advice, Noah Sunbaenim.
With that, he disappeared from the other end of the line.
Suddenly calling me sunbaenim?
I let out a small laugh and hung up.
* * *
After hanging up, I cast a cold glance into the dark break room.
I had moved to the break room next to the studio to have a cup of coffee while talking to Noah.
It was a little past 2 AM.
A few trainees were still on other floors, and Jaewon and Roa were on the 3rd floor, practicing their choreography. Everyone else had gone home, so why was this guy here?
“What are you doing?”
I turned on the light and glared at the unwelcome face.
It was Seo Hanul.
“Didn’t you say you were going home earlier?”
Seo Hanul scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.
“I was about to leave, but…”
As he spoke slowly, I skimmed his thoughts.
So, he was curious if I, his rival and role model, was really staying up all night working.
“I couldn’t leave because the light in Ichan-ssi’s studio was still on…”
This guy has been like this from the start.
From the first day of <Survival, Music Genius>, he’s been filled with curiosity about me. It was a curiosity mixed with admiration.
I’ve let it slide because I know his pure curiosity isn’t malicious. If there was even a hint of disrespect, I might’ve dealt with him before Tae-.
But this guy says something unexpected.
“I thought Ichan-ssi was a hardworking genius like me? Staying up all night, immersed in work.”
His eyes, sparkling with curiosity, held a faint smile.
It was a somewhat mischievous smile.
“But Ichan-ssi is just a natural genius.”
What kind of nonsense is this?
“Were you playing games instead of working? With Noah Sunbaenim?”
Playing games? Unbelievable.
While I was choosing my words, Seo Hanul excitedly rambled on.
“But a genius who plays games is much more human than one who only works.”
I was so dumbfounded that I couldn’t respond immediately.
In the meantime, he continued.
“You’re definitely on another level. Playing games with Noah Sunbaenim of ARCHE.”
I couldn’t even say that wasn’t true.
So, he must’ve overheard me talking to Noah about the Demon King, magic, the 7th Circle, and all that.
And he concluded that the only thing we could’ve been talking about was games.
“Well, sometimes… Not always.”
What’s even more ridiculous is that I’m making excuses to this guy.
That’s probably why my voice had a sharp edge to it.
“Anyway, why don’t you head home now?”
Seo Hanul’s face fell.
“The buses and subways have stopped, so I can’t go home.”
“Well, who told you…”
To stay here this late?
As I was about to suggest he check the company’s overnight room, Seo Hanul, who had quickly regained his smile, made a suggestion first.
“Since you’re done with games, and if you have time… do you want to work with me?”
“You’ve already finished?”
“Yeah. Roughly.”
He nodded with a shy expression.
I thought about refusing, but I was also curious about his song.
Having watched him through the 3rd round, Seo Hanul is a fairly talented singer-songwriter. If I hadn’t participated, he might’ve taken 1st place.
“Alright. Let me grab a cup of coffee.”
And so, the work began.
We ended up pulling an all-nighter.
The song Seo Hanul chose for me to produce was ARCHE’s <Shadow>.
He took the vocal parts of a typical hip-hop dance track and rearranged it into a soulful ballad.
At first, I was reluctant because it was ARCHE’s song, but it turned out to be a really good track, so I ended up enjoying the work.
We finished the first demo recording before PD Pyo came to work.
“You want me to listen to this?”
When I handed the file to PD Pyo in his office, he frowned.
“Listen to it first, then talk.”
PD Pyo, looking displeased, fiddled with the USB and stared at me.
“Are you really going to do this?”
Honestly, PD Pyo doesn’t like Seo Hanul much. Mainly because Go Dajin teamed up with Seo Hanul and ended up eliminated in the 3rd round.
He provided the studio and filming space solely to strengthen cooperation with TVH. Of course, it was also good for securing more screen time for me and Jaewon.
But he drew a clear line beyond that.
He strictly prohibited staying late to use the studio and severely restricted their movements.
“Even if you’re the one singing the song, a rival is still a rival. You should know your limits.”
“It’s not overstepping.”
Such a petty man.
PD Pyo’s petty tendencies might be why Blade Entertainment hasn’t grown bigger.
As the CEO, he should have a broader perspective.
“Let’s listen to the song first. You said a musician should speak through their music, right?”
That’s what you said.
So, please listen to the song first, then talk. Okay?
“I’ve already heard Seo Hanul’s music on the broadcast. That’s enough.”
“Uncle! PD Pyo!”
Even after saying all that, you’re still not going to listen?
I was getting annoyed.
“Just listen to it!”