Recently, Syria has been sticking unusually close to me, even in Atlerina, and it’s been bothering me a lot.
‘What did I do in my past life to deserve this?’
“Olivia, you’re too close. Back off, Syria.”
I pushed Syria away, who had been clinging to my side.
“Stop using formal speech with me; it doesn’t suit you. Besides, Olivia as a character rarely uses formalities with others anyway, does she?”
The cunning, wicked magician smirked and silently threatened me.
Now that my true identity is exposed, there’s nothing I can do about it.
Honestly, there’s no reason for me to speak formally to her either.
‘How does she know everything about me so well? It’s impressive and unsettling.’
“You’re really sly, you know that?”
Syria replied with a mischievous grin.
“Actually, I’ve been preparing something for a few days, but I haven’t told you yet.”
‘What has she been up to now?’
“What is it?”
“Would you like a wizard’s robe?”
“Is that even possible?”
The wizard’s robe is a symbol of being a certified wizard.
If you don’t officially hold the title, wearing it could bring trouble.
Technically, it’s not impossible to wear it, but if you’re caught without proper credentials, you’ll face heavy criticism.
Syria’s proposal seemed to be asking if I wanted to step into the role of a wizard officially.
“If you desire it, Olivia, I can provide it for you,” Syria said with an almost too-generous tone.
‘Syria offering it to me freely? Something about this feels suspicious.’
‘What is she planning?’
“I feel like there’s something sneaky going on here.”
“Oh, come on. There’s nothing sneaky about it,” she said with a sly smile, jabbing my side with her elbow.
“Wait a second. Isn’t wearing a robe from the Mage Tower equivalent to becoming part of the Mage Tower?”
Joining the Mage Tower would mean dual nationality with the Empire.
Moreover, Ashtar has its own independent mage division.
The Mage Tower is technically neutral but is still located within the Empire’s territory.
“Why? If I pull a few strings, getting you in isn’t a problem at all.”
“But I’d have to work under you, wouldn’t I?”
“Oh, come on. Is that such a big deal?”
So that’s what she’s aiming for.
‘She thinks I’ll just fall for it and join her. No chance. Not happening.’
Even if I wanted to join, the circumstances won’t let me.
The Mage Tower emphasizes skill above all, so technically, I could join.
But public perception is the issue—especially since I’m also a saintess.
“Besides, I’m from Ashtar,” I added, highlighting the biggest issue.
“Oh, right. Doesn’t Ashtar already have its own mage division?”
“Yeah.”
While it’s not impossible for me to join the Mage Tower, it would definitely cause complications.
The Mage Division within Ashtar’s territory isn’t as prestigious as the Mage Tower, but it’s shown exceptional strength during wartime.
“It’s tricky for someone from Ashtar to join the Mage Tower, isn’t it? Why did you have to become Olivia of all people?”
“Do you think I wanted this? I just have to be content with being alive again.”
While my mana circuits aren’t as strong as they were during Noah’s time, I’ve regained enough to potentially match him with a bit more training in mana fusion.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to join Ashtar’s Mage Division?”
“I’ve thought about that, but it feels like I’d be too tied down to Ashtar if I did.”
‘I’ve done a lot of thinking recently. ‘
‘At this point, I don’t really need Ashtar’s support anymore.’
‘Katarina seems to be planning to pass her guild on to me, but if I join Ashtar’s Mage Division, I’d never be able to leave Ashtar’s influence.’
‘Not that living as part of Ashtar is bad, but it limits what I can do, and I don’t like that.’
As I’ve said before, with the Four Heavenly Kings still around, living as a mere noblewoman or a low-level wizard isn’t an option.
“Besides, as a saintess, you hold a pretty important position, don’t you?”
“Exactly, which is why it’s not realistic.”
***
“That creates a problem,” Syria muttered with a troubled expression.
“What problem?”
“During your time as Noah, you could’ve gradually climbed the ranks of the Mage Tower if you wanted to.”
“True.”
“Back then, I couldn’t fully pursue the path of a wizard because I was tied to the Hero’s Party.”
“That’s probably why it’s even harder for me to establish myself as a wizard now.”
“On top of that, I didn’t follow the standard routes for swordsmanship or divine magic (holy magic) either.”
“At the time, you were from the Land of Ruin and part of the Hero’s Party, so it wasn’t possible. Now, though, you’re tied to Ashtar and the role of saintess, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
This is starting to make me nervous.
“The Mage Tower probably won’t accept you, considering you’re of Ashtar’s lineage.”
‘Damn it.’
“Ah.”
“Of course, as I said, I can help you if you want. But you wouldn’t want to rely on me, would you?”
“Exactly. I’d prefer to do it on my own.”
Even if Syria had no ulterior motives in getting me into the Mage Tower, I’d still refuse her help.
“And as a saintess of Ashtar, you can’t just switch your allegiance to another kingdom or country to become a wizard, can you?”
“That’s true.”
“You can use all types of magic, right?”
“Technically, yes, but my stamina is lacking. I haven’t fought the Demon King or the Four Heavenly Kings, so I’m not sure if this body can handle them.”
I managed to absorb the shard, but as I said, it’s just a shard—not the Demon King himself.
Even though my power has increased significantly, it’s only pushed the limits of what this body, as a woman, can achieve.
‘How far can I use magic with this body?’
“How much of your previous abilities can you still use?”
“I can probably use most elemental magic.”
I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s not impossible with my current state.
“Without much effort?”
“I’m not sure. If I use something on the scale of Meteor or Thunderstorm, I’d probably collapse after one use.”
I might get exhausted after just one spell.
Using magic as a battle mage isn’t my specialty either.
While I have the strength to deliver heavy attacks, I’m not particularly skilled in close combat.
“Meteor can destroy an entire city, right? If it struck the capital, the Empire would have no choice but to consider relocating it.”
She said it so casually, even though she’s never experienced it herself.
‘But seriously, why does everyone believe in my Meteor while refusing to acknowledge me as an Archmage?’
“Wait, does the Empire know I can use Meteor?”
“Even I wasn’t aware of that.”
“No, they’re just speculating. They said if Noah had fully committed to the path of a wizard instead of deviating into swordsmanship and priesthood, that’s how strong you’d be.”
‘Should I be offended by this?’
“Half of the military personnel are from Ashtar’s territory, aren’t they?”
“Should I go over and beat some sense into them?”
“Honestly, what’s the point? Even Noah couldn’t use Meteor recklessly.”
“If I tried, I’d probably die in the process.”
“You just need to stick to controlling your bear golems. If you set up mana circuits correctly, you can make them far more effective.”
Syria has been working on artificial mana cores for her bear golems.
The Mage Tower elders said if she perfects them, she could control tens of thousands at once.
Thinking about it, I’m envious of Syria.
If I had possessed Syria instead of Olivia, I could’ve started as the Mage Tower’s leader.
“Why are you staring at me like that? Have you finally fallen for my charms? Don’t worry; I’m not opposed to it.”
“It’s not that. I was just wondering how things would’ve turned out if I were Syria instead of Olivia.”
“What if Noah’s soul had merged with Syria’s instead of Olivia’s?”
“Of course, Syria would never have been in that situation, nor is she the type to be used as someone’s plaything.”
“Oh, so you’re saying you want to become one with me—soulfully, that is.”
“That’s not what I meant, and don’t make it weird.”
I could already see her thoughts wandering in the wrong direction.
“The answer might be joining Ashtar’s Mage Division,” Syria suggested.
“Is that the best option?”
I’d have to keep it as a last resort.
“Honestly, Olivia, does it really matter at this point? You’ve already kicked the Crown Prince to the curb, and as a saintess, marriage is pretty much off the table.”
“What?”
‘What is she implying? That I’m unmarriageable?’
“Do you even want to get married?”
“No, but that’s beside the point.”
“There’s a big difference between choosing not to marry and being unable to.”
“There isn’t a man in the Empire who’d reject you, Olivia.”
“The same goes for women, but it’s irrelevant.”
“Marriage isn’t even on my radar at the moment. I’m practically a sworn bachelorette.”
But suddenly, Syria seemed upset.
“Then what am I to you, Olivia?”
“Uh… a bear golem enthusiast?”
Syria lowered her head.
‘I mean, I appreciate her affection, but she really does seem obsessed with those bear golems.’
“Whatever. Let’s not get sidetracked. Joining Ashtar’s Mage Division might give you more freedom since they’re a major house. With your influence, you could operate more independently.”
“True, but my mother is trying to pass down the assassination guild to me, and that’s the issue.”
“Ah.”
***
An assassination guild is an assassination guild for a reason.
Lately, it’s been shifting to other types of commissions as the Empire stabilizes, but it’s basically become Ashtar’s private army.
Yeah, a private army—a military organization, to be exact.
Not that the Church hasn’t raised its fair share of unnecessary fighters either.
‘While they’re useful for fighting the Demon King’s army, wouldn’t it be better to focus on magic?’
“On top of everything, I’m essentially a mix of Noah and Olivia—a third entity who’s also a saintess. It’s complicated.”
“So what? You’re still Olivia. Even if you’re a blend, that doesn’t make you less entitled to claim Olivia’s rights. You called her your mother naturally, didn’t you? That proves you’re both Noah and Olivia.”
“I know that. It’s part of why everything feels so convoluted.”
“But don’t you see? If I inherit the assassination guild, it means I can’t focus on becoming a wizard.”
“You don’t have to run it directly. Just manage it behind the scenes like Katarina did. She was the lady of Ashtar and secretly led the guild too.”
“And?”
Surely, she’s not suggesting I follow Katarina’s example.
“Olivia, let’s be honest. Becoming a perfect wizard is unrealistic now. Just accept your fate.”
“What?”
“You’re already a saintess in title only. You can juggle that with joining the Mage Division.”
It’s not that simple.
The Empire’s Church is based in the capital, while Ashtar’s Mage Division is in Ashtar’s territory.
‘Teleportation makes it technically possible, but is it worth the hassle?’
‘Does the Mage Division even handle external matters?’ If they do, it might work out since I’ll need to roam outside to confront the Four Heavenly Kings.
“Seems like you’re having an interesting conversation. Do you have time for me, Olivia?”
A familiar voice interrupted.
I turned my head slightly to see Prince Aslan, with Yuria standing beside him.
I hadn’t seen him recently, but he looked more radiant than ever.
‘Why is he here?’