Infinite Mana Exorcist
Chapter 42: Party Registration

Chapter 42: Party Registration

Thanks for the castle

The large throne room, with its towering arched ceiling stretching over two hundred feet high, exuded an air of grandeur and authority. The dark stone bricks that made up the walls held a foreboding presence, their obsidian-like sheen reflecting the dim light from the numerous golden and crystal ornaments hung in elaborate patterns. The floor was draped in luxurious red carpets, their deep crimson hue contrasting starkly against the cold, unyielding stone beneath.

Despite the vastness of the space, it was brimming with people—figures of power and prestige, all gathered for one purpose.

The throne room of the Exorcist Kingdom had become the epicenter of an important gathering. Representatives from the six most powerful exorcist families, each ruling over their own respective kingdoms scattered across the globe, had assembled at the grand golden table positioned at the heart of the room. These families were renowned for their mastery over exorcist arts, their influence extending far beyond their lands. However, despite their prominence, they were still bound by the authority of one woman—Queen Melissa, the sole ruler of the Exorcist Kingdom.

Seated upon an elevated platform at the far end of the chamber, Queen Melissa gazed down upon her subordinates with an expression of quiet dominion. Her throne, crafted from gold and adorned with intricate carvings, loomed high above the gathered nobles, reinforcing her supreme authority. She was not merely a queen by title but by right—her rule secured through her late husband, Vance, the original heir to the throne. Through him, she had borne children who, in the eyes of the kingdom, were rightful heirs.

Yet, Melissa ruled with an iron grip, not only over her subjects but over her own offspring. If the other families ever dared to challenge her reign, she would not hesitate to strip them of their power. Sentimentality had no place in governance.

At the table, the six noble families sat in composed silence, their hands either folded before them or resting on their laps, awaiting the queen’s command. Their guards stood at attention beside them, ever watchful, while others lingered near the doors, ensuring the security of the meeting.

Melissa let the silence linger a moment longer before she finally spoke, her voice carrying across the vast hall with an undeniable sense of control.

"Shall we begin the meeting, starting with the minor matters?"

Almost immediately, every head in the room bowed in silent reverence before they straightened back up, ready to engage.

"Firstly, I would like to extend my greetings to all of you," she continued smoothly. "And as for the matter of my children’s future... I have received and reviewed all of your submissions regarding their betrothals. After careful consideration, I have made my final decision on whom they shall be wed to..."

The air in the throne room grew heavier. Some of the noble representatives stole glances at one another, curiosity and tension flickering in their eyes. The implications of this announcement were immense.

**

Morning came again, casting a golden glow over the rugged ravine. Sunlight spilled across the landscape, its warmth seeping into the earth, dispelling the lingering chill of the previous night.

A newly formed party of four rode steadily across the uneven terrain, their horses moving at a measured pace. Their eyes remained sharp, ever watchful for any movement along the path. Yet, for some time, nothing stirred in the wilderness.

It was a well-known truth—monsters seldom showed themselves in broad daylight. At least, not most of them.

Asher rode at the forefront, leading the group, while the others followed closely behind. The usual silence that accompanied such travels had been disrupted by one particular individual—Logan. Unlike their previous encounters, where he had seemed more reserved, here, on the open road, he was far more talkative.

His voice carried an energy that made the journey feel less daunting.

"Orcs are nasty creatures," Logan began, his tone lighthearted despite the grim nature of his words. "They hunt in packs, which makes them a real pain to deal with. They’re not as mindless as you’d expect either—some of them can even speak the general tongue. But that doesn’t stop them from tearing into humans like it’s their favorite meal."

He paused, chuckling as he recalled a memory.

"I remember my first encounter with them. I was on a B-rank squad, young and cocky, thinking nothing could shake me. Then we ran into a group of those hideous beasts. That was the first time I came close to death. A nasty experience, I’ll tell you that!"

Fey, who had been quietly listening, narrowed his eyes slightly.

"In the ranking system, Orcs are barely classified as a level two threat," he mused. "But considering they attack in groups, I suppose that bumps them up to a level three. Truly a feat, I guess. Hahahah!"

Malvarick, who had remained silent up until now, tilted his head slightly as he spoke, his tone slow and deliberate.

"So, Fey, what’s your own feat?"

Fey hesitated, his fingers instinctively tightening around the reins of his horse. His mind raced through the years, searching for something that could be considered a feat. After a moment, he finally responded.

"Well... let’s just say it wasn’t a singular feat, but I once saved a friend from a spirit—"

"Woah, you exorcists are really mighty," Logan cut in, his eyes gleaming with admiration.

Fey blinked at the comment, slightly caught off guard.

"Being born an exorcist is a blessing on its own," Logan continued, undeterred. "You guys get to see things normal people can’t even dream of. You have mana, soul blades, soul arts, and soul abilities... It’s incredible! Can I see yours, Fey?"

A heavy silence fell over the group.

Fey’s hands fidgeted with his reins, his throat tightening as he swallowed hard. Asher, who had remained focused on the road ahead, suddenly turned his head. His eyes, dark and unreadable, held an unmistakable trace of concern—directed at Logan.

Had he overstepped? Logan replayed his words in his mind, but he couldn’t pinpoint what had gone wrong. He had simply voiced his curiosity... hadn’t he?

Fey inhaled deeply before speaking.

"Well, you see..." He hesitated, his voice quieter than before. "I don’t have a soul ability. I am not an exorcist by birth."

Logan’s eyes widened slightly.

Not an exorcist by birth?

It hit him then. That meant Fey was adopted. He wasn’t just different—he was an outsider among the very people he stood beside. Logan could only imagine what he must have gone through, the struggles of trying to be accepted in a world that likely looked down upon him.

But that only raised another question—what about Asher Vance? The prince of the Exorcist Kingdom... why was he keeping Fey so close?

A shift in the atmosphere prompted Asher to act.

"Let’s increase our pace," he suddenly commanded, urging his horse forward. "We need to register as a party today before we confirm our lead."

The others wordlessly followed, matching his speed.

A sudden notification appeared before Asher’s eyes.

{There is doubt in the heart of a member. Be wary of the enemy.}

Asher’s gaze darkened slightly.

His thoughts immediately drifted to Logan.

He would have to take a more cautious approach around him.

At least... for now... Because doubt in the heart of a member could lead to death.