Aozaki Aoko Case File

Although Kayneth was an exceptionally talented magus, even he found the pressure overwhelming in an environment saturated with the Age of God Ether. The fact that he could move freely within the Albion's Heart region at such a young age was a testament to his extraordinary skill.

For modern magus, true ether from the Age of God is akin to poison. The magical energy within the Albion's Heart, while not identical to that of the Age of God, is likely quite similar. Even the slightest deficiency in a magi's abilities would result in immediate poisoning, leading to rapid deterioration of bodily functions and eventual death.

Albion represents not only ancient times but also regions untouched by the influence of the Human Order. In other words, its history follows an alternate path where the Age of God never ended, and the separation between humans and gods never occurred—a "what-if" for pan-human history. This is the greatest legacy of the London Mage's Association and the foundational premise for its existence.

Beyond the corridor formed by the magic circuits of a long-dead dragon lies the meeting room for the Grand Council. A massive circular chamber, illuminated by strange magical light, houses a round table made of indiscernible material—not something brought from the surface. Over the centuries, this table has borne witness to countless meetings of the Clock Tower lords, each decision sealing the tragic fates of many magus.

Now, all the participants had arrived, and the Grand Council was about to commence.

Seated on the left side of the table were the lords representing the democratic faction, led by McDonell Trambelio Elrod, Lord of the Department of Fundamentals. An empty seat beside him once belonged to Lord Valualeta, who is now deceased—a key topic of today's meeting.

On the right side sat the lords of the aristocratic faction: Kayneth El-Melloi Archibald of the Department of Mineralogy, Rufleus Nuada-Re Eulyphis of the Department of Spiritual Evocation, May Riddell Archelot of the Department of Botany, and Lord Gaiuslink (full name unknown) of the Department of Zoology. The Lord of Astromancy, Marisbury Animusphere, was absent due to an important experiment, delegating his voting rights to Lord Barthomelo, Lord of the Department of Policies, also of the aristocratic faction.

The neutral faction lords occupied the front of the round table, though several were absent, including the enigmatic Lord of the Department of Curses, Lord Jigmarie.

Presiding over the Grand Council was Barthomeloi Lorelei, head of the Barthomeloi family. Though she appeared as a mere teenage girl, none of the assembled lords dared underestimate her. She was unequivocally recognized as the pinnacle of contemporary magus.

Without possessing any particularly unique magical type, Lorelei excelled as a traditional magus, mastering all aspects of the magecraft with a universal magical attribute. Her magic circuits, in both quantity and quality, represented the zenith of human potential. Born as a "complete product," she was the ultimate heir of the Barthomeloi family. The family's unique method of nurturing heirs ensured that only perfection left the family—a process that made Lorelei an embodiment of nobility, indifferent to familial bonds or affection.

Yet, she was not a malicious exploiter. In Lorelei's view, the ruling and working classes were essentially the same; she cared only for an individual's abilities and attributes. Thus, when she learned that Aoko, a fledgling Magic user, had slain Lord Valualeta, she was struck with profound curiosity.

Lorelei deeply understood Lord Valualeta's cunning strength. Even for her, eliminating that old fox would have been no easy feat. That Aoko succeeded so decisively earned Lorelei's genuine recognition—this was no mere reckless successor of the Fifth Magic.

The only dissatisfaction Lorelei harbored about the incident was Aoko's decision to leave immediately afterward without consulting her, the Clock Tower's leader, a slight that tarnished the organization's dignity. Otherwise, the outcome was a boon for the Barthomeloi family, and Lorelei could only regard it as favorable.

"As always, the same old faces gather for these meetings," remarked Lord Trambelio, his tone tinged with lament.

"It's hardly ideal for us elders to keep holding these seats, wouldn't you agree, Lord Eulyphis?"

"Hmph," scoffed a hunched, gray-haired elder with yellowing teeth. "What nonsense are you spouting, McDonell?"

"Oh, I was simply suggesting that if Lord Valualeta were still alive, she might have expressed similar sentiments," Lord Trambelio replied nonchalantly.

"She always believed that even magus needs a cycle of renewal, did she not?"

"And now she's dead, leaving her position vacant," Lord Eulyphis sneered darkly.

"In a way, she stayed true to her beliefs—one could say she died fulfilling her ideals."

"That's quite disheartening," Lord Trambelio sighed theatrically.

"Still, as her colleague for many years, I offer her my respect on behalf of the Department of Fundamentals."

"I despise that about you democrats," Eulyphis retorted disdainfully. "Your hypocrisy."

"Enough!"

Lorelei's voice cut through the room, silencing the bickering lords. "Let's not waste time with idle chatter. The Grand Council begins now."

At the leader's command, the lords ceased their squabbling and turned their attention to Lorelei.

"The first agenda item," she announced gravely, "concerns the redistribution of cursed body quotas following the death of Lord Valualeta. Please speak in turn."