Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Kaecilius Defection.
"Ultimate Body… so it really has this kind of ability? Is this a hidden bonus from the Ultimate Eye?"
Kurogai smiled, pleasantly surprised. He had assumed that his only advantage was the Ultimate Eye — a powerful ability on its own — but discovering that it had subtly enhanced his body as well was an unexpected gift. And he wasn't about to complain; every benefit was one step closer to his goal.
As he studied himself further, Kurogai came to an interesting realization: his body was starting to resemble the mutation of a certain X-Gene user — the one codenamed Darwin.
Darwin was known for adapting to hostile environments. But Kurogai's adaptation wasn't environmental — it was internal. His body had evolved specifically to handle the strain of high-level ocular abilities. A different form of evolution, yes, but no less impressive. His was a version of Darwin's adaptation, tuned precisely for the unique demands of the Ultimate Eye.
Unlike Darwin, his body couldn't automatically survive space or the ocean floor. But that wasn't the point. His advantage was deeper — built for magical resilience.
To handle techniques like the Eye of Magic, his body had been subtly reshaped. That's why his mana reserves were so massive — his body had adjusted itself to house and circulate a staggering amount of magical energy. And thanks to the Ultimate Body, he didn't suffer the usual side effects of magic overuse.
"No wonder I didn't collapse after using the Geass Eye so many times during the Hydra operation," Kurogai muttered to himself. "It was the Ultimate Body buffering me."
Back then, he had relied heavily on ocular magic with no repercussions. That should've been impossible. But now, everything made sense.
"This changes everything. Now I can use any eye-based technique freely — no side effects, no risk of overload."
He grinned.
For someone like Kurogai, who built his combat style around magical eyes and overwhelming energy output, this was more than just good news. It was a breakthrough. Better than any victory. He now had the perfect body to match his power.
Excited by the discovery, Kurogai immersed himself in studying the potential of the Ultimate Body, completely losing track of time. For once, he even forgot about his usual routine of visiting the library to further his magical studies.
But his research was interrupted by the sound of a massive bell tolling — its echo rolling across all of Kamar-Taj.
Danger.
Kurogai's eyes lifted toward the window. He had lived here long enough to know what that bell meant. Something serious had happened. And even though he was technically a guest, tradition demanded that all present come when summoned.
Without hesitation, he followed the other disciples to the main hall at the heart of Kamar-Taj.
The Ancient One stood at the center — her expression like stone, cold and sharp. It was the first time Kurogai had seen her truly angry.
"I have an announcement," she said.
Everyone fell silent.
"Last night, someone broke into the library. The librarian was killed… and a forbidden scripture was stolen."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Someone had dared commit such a grave offense — here, in Kamar-Taj, the most sacred stronghold of mystical learning? No wonder the Ancient One was livid.
"We have identified the traitor," she continued. "It was Kaecilius."
A wave of shock ran through the disciples.
The Ancient One's eyes narrowed.
"Spread the word. Whoever brings Kaecilius back — alive — will become my disciple."
The declaration sent a clear message: she wanted him caught, no matter the cost. Her fury was no longer hidden — and now the entire Kamar-Taj was mobilizing. Sorcerers leapt into action, activating spells and scrying portals, scattering across dimensions and continents in pursuit of the traitor.
Kurogai, meanwhile, stood still. His expression was dark.
He had spent the past year practically living in that library. The librarian… had been his guide, his teacher — the one who had first shown him which tomes to study and which paths to walk. Without that guidance, Kurogai might never have become what he was today.
And now, that man was dead.
His hands clenched at his sides.
Kurogai turned and approached the Ancient One.
"I want in," he said firmly. "Let me join the hunt for Kaecilius."
She regarded him quietly for a long moment. "You don't need to be involved in this. You're not one of Kamar-Taj's disciples."
It was true. As far as formal titles went, Kurogai wasn't a student of the Mystic Arts. Not officially. He had been allowed to train here — but he didn't owe them anything.
But the Ancient One didn't understand what this meant to him.
"This isn't about Kamar-Taj," Kurogai said evenly. "I'm going. I'm telling you out of respect, not to ask permission."
His gaze didn't waver. He wasn't a disciple, and that meant the Ancient One had no authority to stop him. This wasn't her mission. It was his.
The Ancient One looked at him again, this time with quiet understanding. After a long silence, she nodded.
"Go."
And just like that, she vanished, leaving Kurogai alone in the main hall — already preparing for the hunt.
---
Read up to 70+ chapters by becoming a patron
Patreon.com/Zphyr_