The Hunting Spider (7)

The top floor of the United States Mage Tower branch.

This was where the Tower Master—the archmage Reynald Shellman, hailed as an S-rank mage—resided.

Known to the world as an archmage, he was such a powerful figure that even the President of the United States could not treat him lightly. Yet he was prostrate in his own room, begging for forgiveness.

"I'm sorry, O great being! I failed to accomplish what you commanded!"

The one before whom he was prostrating himself was a precious orb that looked like a mass of black matter.

The Orb of Wisdom. A Unique-grade treasure acquired from an American Red Gate. It spoke in a sinister voice as it gazed at the mortal prostrating himself before it.

「You foolish imbecile. You can't even manage a simple task. I taught you the truths of all creation and wisdom, yet you disappoint me.」

"I-I'm sorry!"

Reynald repeatedly slammed his head against the floor, begging forgiveness until blood flowed.

It was hardly the bearing of one called an archmage, but Reynald, addicted to the knowledge bestowed by the Orb of Wisdom, worshiped it like a god...