Chapter 17: The Black Crystal’s Secret

Satan’s Castle

The massive castle at the heart of the capital dominated the skyline, visible from anywhere in the city. At its center stood the imperial palace, home to the royal family, surrounded by four distinct structures. Among them, the most striking was the tower on the east side, an old-fashioned, clock tower-like building known as the Magic Tower.

The Magic Tower served as the domain of the court magician and his disciples—a laboratory where magic and mysteries were studied day and night. Today, Lucy visited this very place. With only two weeks remaining until the entrance exam, she sought advice regarding the upcoming practical test.

Fortunately, most court magicians were graduates of Edem Academy. Given that entry into the Magic Tower required elite status, it was only natural. This connection worked in Lucy’s favor—those who had once taken the exam themselves would be well-versed in its details.

She entered the Magic Tower accompanied by Rubia. The first floor resembled a vast reading room, its walls lined with towering bookshelves. Several robed wizards sat at wooden desks, scribbling notes onto parchment, some surrounded by traces of potions and magical experiments. So engrossed were they in their work that they barely noticed Lucy and Rubia’s arrival.

Feeling awkward in the silence, Rubia cleared her throat a few times. At that moment, a green-haired man rushed toward them, slightly out of breath. His disheveled hair and glasses gave him an intelligent air, though his hurried demeanor suggested otherwise. Brushing off the herbal residues clinging to his robe, he knelt before Lucy.

“I’m Gwen, the librarian of the Magic Tower.”

“Where is the court magician?” Lucy asked.

“The court magician is currently in the combat zone, so I’m overseeing matters in his absence.”

“I see…”

“If you’ve come regarding the entrance exam, I believe I can assist you.”

Gwen had anticipated Lucy’s visit. A brooch pinned to his robe confirmed that he was a graduate of Edem. With practiced ease, he led Lucy and Rubia down a winding staircase to the underground laboratory.

The underground chamber was a circular space, its thick stone walls designed to contain powerful magic. It was primarily used for testing destructive spells. Gwen guided Lucy to the center of the room and retrieved an old wooden box from a nearby shelf. Inside lay a crystal ball, roughly the size of a human head.

“What is that?” Lucy asked.

“This measures magical power. It’s a standard tool used in the entrance exam.”

“Magical power measurement… Are there other tests as well?”

“Yes, three others: magical power control, magical herbivory, and finally, a test to determine a wizard’s qualities.”

“A test on qualities?”

“Indeed. A wizard must possess curiosity and problem-solving skills. The test changes each year, but past trials have included escaping a magical maze or taming a demon.”

Gwen’s detailed explanation was enlightening. Lucy had no concerns about her magical reserves, control, or basic spellcasting. However, the final test gave her slight pause. Still, given her level, she was confident she could manage.

Noticing Lucy’s contemplative expression, Gwen suggested a mock test. Though she doubted she needed practice, she accepted out of respect for his effort.

Gwen first instructed her to measure her magical power. “Hold the crystal ball with both hands. It will react to your magical energy and display a corresponding color.”

The scale ranged from white (weakest) to red (strongest), with intermediate shades of orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Gwen casually mentioned that his own magic registered as green.

“Oh, by the way, our court magician scored red,” he added.

“Then what about black?” Lucy asked curiously.

“Black? I’ve never seen that before—huh?!”

The crystal ball in Lucy’s hands turned pitch black. Gwen adjusted his glasses, staring in disbelief. Even with over a decade of experience in the Magic Tower, he had never encountered such a phenomenon.

After a moment of contemplation, he declared, “It’s broken.”

“Really?” Lucy responded, feigning indifference.

“Yes, let’s move on. We’ll skip the measurement and proceed to the basic magic test.”

Dismissing the odd result, Gwen retrieved a spellbook and set up a target at the center of the chamber. “I have a book on basic spells prepared. Do you need it?”

Lucy suppressed a laugh. “No, I’m fine.”

Gwen smiled knowingly. “As expected.”

The basic magic test required Lucy to demonstrate the spell she was most proficient in. While she would have liked to show off Fantasy Valley (Ultimate), that was out of the question. Revealing such an advanced spell would be absurd. Instead, she opted for the classic Fireball.

‘Even though it’s a basic spell, if I use one at the peak of its power, I’ll score highly,’ she thought.

Gwen and Rubia stepped back as a precaution. Lucy extended her hand toward the wooden target and chanted:

“Magic Skill. Fireball.”

A blazing sphere of fire formed at her fingertips before shooting forward. The explosion obliterated the target, sending a shockwave through the underground chamber.

Gwen adjusted his glasses, and Rubia covered her mouth, both visibly stunned.

‘Was that too much…?’ Lucy wondered briefly.

But her worry was short-lived as the two burst into applause.

“Incredible! At your age, wielding such powerful destructive magic—”

“If that’s the level of your magic, you’ll undoubtedly receive full marks in the practical!”

Their admiration was genuine. Just as in her previous duel, Lucy benefited from the assumption that, as a child of Satan, her strength was simply expected.

Accepting the praise with a composed nod, she responded, “Is that so?”

Imperial Garden

After completing her tests, Lucy strolled through the imperial garden, admiring its vibrant floral arrangements. Gwen had assured her that she would pass the entrance exam effortlessly. Having also prepared thoroughly for the written portion, she felt more relaxed than she had in days.

Enjoying the tranquility, her steps grew lighter. Despite her outward confidence, she had harbored a small fear of failure. Now, that concern seemed unfounded.

Her eyes landed on a terrace nestled within the garden. With the pleasant weather and picturesque setting, it was the perfect place to rest. Sensing Lucy’s interest, Rubia suggested, “The weather is lovely. Shall we have a picnic here for lunch?”

“That sounds nice.”

“Then please wait on the terrace. I’ll ask the court chefs to prepare a meal.”

Lucy nodded, and Rubia headed off to the palace. Left alone, Lucy sat on the terrace, gazing at the colorful blooms. Running a hand through her silver hair, she reflected on her circumstances.

A week had passed since she was transported into this world. In that time, she had mostly adjusted—aside from some minor inconveniences. This world was a blend of game mechanics, mysticism, and reality. To return home, she needed to break through the Barrier of Light.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a group in temple attire approaching the terrace. Leading them was the priest she had met at the Satanic Church. Bowing his head, he greeted her.

“It’s been a while, Lady Lucy.”

“Indeed. What brings you to the palace?”

“You generously donated to the temple. We came to express our gratitude.”

Behind him stood four children.

“Thanks to you, the children of the temple won’t have to starve for a while. Now, children, hurry and thanks to the princess.”

Thank you for helping us, Princess..” the children said in unison. Their pronunciation was stiff, as if dictating from a textbook, perhaps because they were nervous.

As they bowed, Lucy noticed something odd.

“Huh? Blood?”

A girl in the group had a crimson liquid trickling down her forehead.

“This isn’t blood, it’s sweat. I guess she’s nervous because she’s in front of the princess.”

“Sweat?”

“Yes, princess.” the priest assured. “She belongs to the Red Slime race.”

A rare race capable of mimicking others’ appearances. Lucy’s mind whirled with possibilities.

Fixing her gaze on the trembling girl, she made a decision.

“Priest, I have a request.”

“Anything, my lady.”

Lucy’s lips curved into a slight smile. “Can you give me this child?”