On a small island called the Inn, one of the many that orbited the Floating Island, Sylvia sat in a dining hall with a hundred seats. Her hair was disheveled, and her face showed clear signs of exhaustion. Across from her, a woman studied her intently.0

“I didn’t expect you to succeed,” the woman stated. “I must admit, the blood of Iliade runs strong…”2

Sylvia listened in silence, barely registering the words as she glanced out the window. Beyond the glass lay only clouds and sky. This Inn was, in fact, a small island—just large enough to serve as a resting place for mages traveling between the larger islands.0

“… Are you paying attention?”1

“Yes,” Sylvia replied.0

“If you’re truly intent on pursuing the title of Archmage, tell me—who is the most likely candidate at present?”0

“Chairwoman Adrienne.”0

“Correct. She’s a master of destructive magic,” the woman replied as she lit a cigarette, an ember flickering in the air to ignite it. “If that Chairwoman ever truly lost her temper, she could bring down a portion of the continent. Few could stand in her way.”4

Sylvia asked, “Is she that powerful?”0

“Not just powerful. An Archmage of destruction magic is especially challenging to handle.”0

In this world, there were mages who stood above the rest—Demakan, the only Archmage; Murkan, Demakan's brother; Rohakan, the Black Beast; Drjekdan, the Great Elder; and Adrienne, the Chairwoman…1

"And myself," the woman said, gesturing to her chest as she exhaled a plume of smoke into Sylvia’s face.0

Sylvia bit her lip, feigning indifference. Though her manners were rough, Sylvia knew the woman’s reputation well. Idnik, known as the Merchant, was one of Demakan’s three disciples and had been a close friend of Sylvia’s mother, Cielia.0

“... You’re holding your breath, aren’t you?”0

“Ang nott hongding… it,” Sylvia replied, her voice nasal from pinching her nose.0

Idnik chuckled and said, "When times get tough, you should consider smoking. Properly refined tobacco isn’t harmful to a mage. And with your wealth, you could afford Dukelec. A pack costs around 500 elne, but it’s well worth the price."10

Exhaling another puff of smoke, Idnik resumed the conversation,...0