Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: Roommate Russel
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'That guy's training his ass off every day.'
It was the tenth day of dorm life.
Every day, I stopped by the imperial library to get a rough grasp of the history, geography, and culture of the Kaliyan Continent.
And back in the room.
I spotted Russel on his bed, practicing mana breathing techniques.
'So what if his upper dantian is open? If it's not a proper breathing method, building it up is insanely tough.'
The upper dantian that ordinary people couldn't open even in a lifetime of death and rebirth.
That made training methods for it all the more difficult.
Unless someone like my brilliant master taught him a special mana breathing technique like mine, he'd never break past a certain limit in his life.
'To summon spirits, you need help from a spiritist who can commune with them? Plus a spirit summoning magic circle, spirit stones, and magic stones too?'
Information on spirits I'd learned at the library.
The spirit summoning magic circle wasn't that hard.
A 3-circle mage had enough mana to complete one.
'Who said magic circles are easy? Anyway, those fantasy authors...'
Who was it that said you could draw one if you knew a few formulas and methods?
It was vastly different from what I'd read in fantasy books.
Even a genius in mana theory couldn't complete a magic circle without enough circles.
For example, if a 5-circle mage wanted a 5-circle magic circle, they had to stabilize it with 5-circle mana after completion.
To extend its effects, you'd need mana from a high-circle mage.
'To summon a spirit, I need that guy's help, a spirit stone, and a magic stone.'
The formula for the spirit summoning magic circle was pretty simple.
But the issue was the spiritist's help.
Affinity with spirits was needed too.
'My mana pool is more than enough. Even if I haven't confirmed it yet, if my affinity is good, I should be able to summon one too.'
I needed an ace up my sleeve.
With swordsmanship, magic, and spirits, I could handle any crisis.
"Huu!"
Russel, noticing I'd entered, let out a long breath to finish his closing breaths.
His soft face and red lips were attractive enough to pass for a woman.
"You're back?"
After sharing a room for a few days, we'd gotten pretty close.
He opened his big eyes wide, pretending to be happy to see me.
"Let's go out."
"Huh? Where to?"
"Where else? Gonna show this country bumpkin around the imperial capital."
"The imperial capital?"
"Once classes start, we won't be able to go out freely. So before that, let's hit the town, grab some drinks, buy whatever we need. Your big bro's treating big time today!"
"..."
Instead of answering, Russel just blinked his big eyes blankly at me.
"Heh heh. What, you don't like it? I'll carry you out on my back."
"N-No! I'll get ready right now!"
For some reason, Russel really hated physical contact.
He'd get all serious if I even approached.
'This kid's got a bad case of mysophobia or something?'
His pathological avoidance, even with another guy.
He threw on his cloak in a flash and was ready to go out.
"Let's go, buddy~!"
"Y-Yeah. Let's go!"
I'd asked his age—he was eighteen, a year older than me.
'But why's that guy's ass so bouncy?'
Not that I was a perv like he said, but Russel's pert little butt kept catching my eye.
Not huge, but the way it swayed was no joke.
'Gotta get properly drunk today. Heh heh.'
The crisp beer I'd tasted at Elmar's Rest House.
It was afternoon now.
Buy some magic items, have a beer, and be back before curfew—perfect.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Clop clop.
"Skyknight trainees?"
"Whoa, cool."
The roads were a bit slippery from the light morning snow, but riding felt refreshing.
Plus, the jet-black cloaks symbolizing Skyknight trainees drew everyone's eyes on the street.
'Heads turning.'
Even the soldiers guarding the capital saluted us when they spotted us.
A mere trainee, yet treated like a quasi-noble above knights—the Skyknight trainee title.
The world really did favor the elite.
'This must be where the magic tower branches cluster.'
Before heading out, I'd asked the inner castle guards about Honau, getting the location.
And learned about the magic tower branches.
As befitting an empire, it was a magic district with massive towers famed across the continent, plus minor ones.
Not just for mages, but to serve nobles and merchants needing magic items or materials.
"This isn't a magic tower branch?"
Russel, who'd been quietly following, asked in front of a building flying flags of various towers.
"Need something specific."
'Gonna give him a gift. Then he can't refuse to help.'
Nothing's free in this world.
And "free" usually came with hidden costs.
"This looks good."
I stopped in front of the grandest four-story building while strolling the magic tower street.
"Gauss Magic Tower... Quality's good, but prices are steep."
'Huh? He knows about magic towers?'
No, I'd be the fool if I didn't.
Seven giant towers on near-equal footing with the empire.
Human limit 7-circle mages as tower lords, training hundreds of underling mages.
Military might aside, elite mages were untouchable powers.
If they lent power to an enemy nation, the opposing empire or kingdom would be in crisis.
'Magi towers stay out of politics?'
One fact I'd learned.
Due to that danger, empires, kingdoms, and towers had treaties.
Mages entering politics temporarily lost disciple status, becoming mere individual mages.
"Let's go in."
"Yeah."
Such a soft-spoken guy.
Tied the horses out front and entered.
"What are you looking for?"
The mage asked politely, unfazed by our Skyknight trainee uniforms.
White robe sleeve embroidered with two gold threads for 2-circle mage.
'Ah, all this is magic goods?'
Interior rivaled Korea's top Apgujeong Emperor Department Store.
Magic chandeliers lit the center ceiling, and the hundred-pyeong space brimmed with magic items.
From dozens of knight armors, various swords, to women's jewelry—everything.
"What auxiliary gear do Skyknight trainees usually wear?"
Even a 2-circle mage from a tower, dealing with nobles—better ask straight than pretend and look dumb.
"You haven't gotten Air Plates yet?"
'Air Plate?'
The mage spouted something I didn't know.
"Haha! Just enrolled, haven't received them."
Only trainee uniforms so far.
"Then I recommend shield-type items that block Blessed Spears. Women Skyknights need strength boosters, but men fight more frontline melee, so shields are popular."
'Blessed Spear? Melee?'
Skyknight trainee sounded cool, but I only knew riding wyverns stylishly.
"How about it? Pick one you like."
"F-For me?"
Russel, eyes darting curiously everywhere, asked in surprise.
"Friendship gift. True friends give without holding back, right?"
"...Yeah, but..."
'Kid, just ask for one! Heh heh.'
Must be how I felt when Master baited me with "free."
"How's this? Top auxiliary gear. Made by our standout Gauss Magic Tower—even 4-circle Wind Shield with just incantation. Unlike others, usable 10+ times unless shield breaks."
Sensing the gift, the 2-circle mage pulled out a pricey-looking blue bracelet.
'4-circle magic item? Must've taken serious work.'
Installed in bulky armor? Easy—no need to compress circle.
But compressing 4-circle into five-centimeter bracelet for activation? Tough.
At least per magic theory in my head.
"Like it?"
"Uh? Yeah... but isn't it too expensive?"
The faintly glowing blue magic bracelet.
Took it from the mage, examined closely.
Nail-sized green magic stones embedded around, adding flair.
"How much?"
"Excellent choice. Most Skyknight trainees use this level. And for Bazran Empire trainees, 10% discount—7,200 gold from 8,000."
'Gonna be pricey, circling like that.'
The mage eyed us like pigeons, greed in his gaze.
Ting-a-ling.
"Haha! Lady Luciera, this is the Gauss Magic Tower branch."
"Thanks for escorting me daily. Lord Alfonso's kindness will spread through high society."
'Those bastards...'
A pair of ugly cockroaches barging in at the worst moment.
Skyknight trainee uniforms—wanted to drag 'em to an alley, beat 'em, then one more for good measure.
The brats strutted in oozing sleaze.
"Welcome. Thank you for visiting Gauss Magic Tower branch."
Another mage greeted with a bright smile.
"Hey! You?"
"Hmph!"
Alfonso hadn't expected me, face twisting like he'd eaten shit.
His bitch Luciera huffed poison too.
"Haha! Long time no see. Starting to feel fondness for your ugly mugs."
Waved enthusiastically.
"Grr!"
Alfonso ground his teeth instead of replying.
Seeing his crumpling face blew away my earlier annoyance.
"Luciera, right? Bolder than you look? How do you go out without makeup on that face? Tsk tsk, brave and stupid fits—half-formed pretenders are top-tier posers."
"W-What?"
The two trash already marked by me.
Now it began.
"Russel, say hi. More you see 'em, more they kill appetite. Avoid 'em in the cafeteria. One sight ruins your day."
"You bastard!"
"What, wanna go?"
No fear now.
Skyknight trainees got quasi-knight status by imperial law.
Draw sword, and it was his death.
"Skillless punks with attitudes. Heh heh."
Alfonso and Luciera's faces couldn't crumple more.
"Hey! That bracelet?"
Amid it, Luciera spotted the one in my hand, gasping.
"Isn't that the one we reserved yesterday!"
"Sorry. Gauss policy—no reservations. Due to magic items' rarity, understand."
Young trainee mage firm even to nobles.
'Oh ho, came for this?'
They'd come pre-enrollment for magic items too.
"Sir, 8,000 gold, 10% off—7,200 gold."
"Gah!"
The trainee mage's evil price, slaughtering unshaven chickens.
'7,200 gold for this?'
Knew magic items were pricey, but not insanely so.
'Cost at most under 100 gold.'
Looked unremarkable.
With my skills, I could make better.
"Puhahaha! Poor commoner trash."
"Hohoho! Thinks being Skyknight trainee makes him rich noble."
The pair burst laughing at my groan.
"See? Told ya it's expensive."
Russel chimed in, looking sheepish.
'Argh, these punks.'
Couldn't let them revel in my fury.
Kang Hyuk the man.
Never lived looked down on for money.
Never would.
"Haha! Cheaper than I thought. Good. Paying now."
"..."
Casual "pay" froze their laughs mid-cackle—two cockroaches stiff.
"Can't carry gold bags, so go to Rubis Merchant House branch. Say 'Kayer, connected to head merchant'—they'll dispense."
With that, pulled the iron plaque from bosom—issued by manager, up to 100,000 gold credit, from Jamer.
"Ru-Rubis head merchant!"
Alfonso blurted unconsciously.
As noble, he knew the continent's five great merchants best.
"Got it. Right away."
Trainee mage, thinking unexpected jackpot, took plaque with slight bow.
"You... bastard."
"Huh? Leaving already?"
Grinding teeth, faces flushed beet red, they turned.
My friendly words ignored, they slammed out.
Ting-a-ling.
Clear bell chime like entry.
Black rage aura trailing, the ugly nobles vanished.
'Next, this guy's seeing me as pigeon?'
Trainee mage dashing to another mage with my plaque.
Examined bracelet interior.
Hundreds of thin magic lines connected.
Rustle.
Suddenly, bracelet's weakness popped in my head.
'Bit of mana here—cause overload.'
Precision mana items had circuits.
Excess mana on circuit = overload, loss of function.
Pop.
Carefully surged mana, overfed key circuit spot.
'Done! Heh heh.'
Even average mages wouldn't spot flaw in intricate circuit quick.
"Wait!"
Stopped trainee heading out with plaque.
"Yes?"
Trainee much softer post-plaque.
Rushed back at my call.
"Even so, inspect before paying? What if flaw shows in crisis—tower take responsibility?"
"Haha! No worry. Gauss never sold defective item once."
"Huh, people err. Especially Skyknight guarding empire—life precious beyond assumptions. Inspect first, then pay."
Mimicked seasoned adult, stern face.
"If insist... we'll check. But activation drains magic stones—limits uses."
Trainee mage slight scare.
"I'll handle that."
'You guys are caught.'
"Then, activating."
Annoyed look, took bracelet.
"Wind Shield~!"
Wore on wrist, injected mana, chanted brightly.
"..."
"Huh!"
But no activation.
Trainee paled, gasping.
"Oh no!"
Maxed effect, faked shock.
"Wind Shield!"
Chanted again.
"..."
Silence only greeted him.
"What is this! Gauss selling defective goods! And pricey 8,000-gold one!"
Yelled loud for all to hear.
"W-What's wrong??"
My mana-amplified voice drew a 4-circle mage—sleeve four gold threads.
'Time to act deep. Heh heh.'
Inner evil laugh, but face stone cold.
Tower trying to screw me.
Met their match today.
"In emperor's capital, selling defective magic to frontline Skyknight guardians! You mock Bazran Empire!"
Invoked emperor, went full aggro.
"N-No, it's..."
"Speak if you can! If trusted in battle, wounded or dead—who answers? If I hadn't checked?!"
Shut trainee's excuse with roar, sweat beading.
"Seems misunderstanding. Calm down."
Mid-forties 4-circle mage.
Seasoned, tried defusing.
'Calm? Strike harder now. Kek.'
Who'd play dumb?
"Calm? Lives aren't two or three—one! Toying with it? And 8,000-gold junk!"
Veins bulging, amped voice hard.
"Call branch chief! Daring toy with Skyknight lives!"
All-in, no holds barred.
"Calm anger. Replace with another item now."
'Am I a chump?'
"Joking now? This vile branch unforgiven on Skyknight honor! Reporting to knight school, palace! No—tell every noble, citizen passing!"
"Gasp!"
Citizen-power era me unbeatable.
Plus mid-tier quasi-knight status.
Threats turned mages' faces shit-yellow.
"P-Please, inside. Urgent talk."
4-circle eyed signal, urged inner room.
'Bite bait, risk scammer label.'
No easy yield to my screwers.
"Silencing me? Haggling lives?"
"N-No. Just... talk to resolve peacefully. Briefly."
"Not me~! Honor-living, honor-dying Skyknight trainee Kayer!"
Drew out end, strong pose again.
"Yes. Skyknights true knights of honor."
4-circle bootlicked awkwardly.
"If understand... hem, talk inside to resolve."
Terrorized, strode in demanded.
"Thanks. This way."
"Kayer..."
"Russel, sorry—wait bit."
"Y-Yeah. Got it."
My brutal threats cowed even Russel.
Step step.
Followed 4-circle deeper, clutching evidence bracelet from trainee.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
"I'm Harrison, vice-branch manager of Gauss Magic Tower's Bazran Empire branch."
In quiet chamber, he formally introduced.
"Skyknight trainee knight Kayer."
Gripped sword hilt, stressed name.
"Apologies for unexpected displeasure today. Never had such issue... truly sorry."
Bowed head politely.
4-circle lived honored—yet bent stiff neck.
"..."
Silent, signaled fury.
"People err, especially big towers like ours. Forgive, and let me compensate."
'Right, you get life.'
No grudge, but their fault trying to pigeon me.
"You know I'm not after compensation."
"Of course. How heal honor-valuing Skyknight trainee's wound with paltry goods? Just true regret—small token amends."
Could've been top merchant, not mage—Harrison.
"That attitude... let's hear."
Never loosen guard.
Elite mage, merchant-trained in tower.
"Your 4-circle Wind Shield item—discontinued production."
'What? Stock item?'
"Instead, our tower's masterpiece: double shield item, at cost."
'Cost? Not free?'
"Truth... minor issue passable, but stained your honor. Max concession in my power. More? Only appeal palace direct."
'Oh? Pushing back?'
Over taut bowstring snaps.
Brain signaled stop.
"Sigh, agreed. I overexcited. As you said, happens living."
"Grateful."
"But double shield cost?"
"...Just 500 gold."
'500 gold! Wow, real thieves.'
"Absolute secrecy. If price leaks..."
Stern, sought promise—Harrison.
"Haha! Naturally. Kayer, honor Skyknight."
'Honor my ass!'
When invoking honor, sorta meant it.
Like today—could live honorably daily for jackpots.
"Trust you, Kayer."
"Thanks, resolved well. This bracelet—mine?"
"Why that...?"
"No worry. Not evidence for trouble. Artistic value even sans magic—keep it."
"...If so, fine."
'Rotten, 8,000 gold for worthless junk? Fuck these robbers!'
Cursed inwardly.
"Heading out then."
"Thanks for concessions today."
"Haha! Concessions? Good's good."
"Y-Yes. Good's good. Ahem."
Harrison winced slightly at my words.
'Muahahahaha! Saved gold!'
Double shield worth 10,000 market.
Even making it'd cost that.
Bonus too.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
"Now, drinks?"
"Kayer, thanks."
"No biggie. We're buds, right?"
Handled 500 gold quietly via Vines Merchant plaque, gave Russel new 10,000-gold double shield item.
Russel gazed at golden bracelet on wrist, face full of emotion.
"But 10,000 gold..."
'Kid, moved by pocket change.'
Show loyalty to me, 10,000 gold nothing.
'Nice weather!'
Clear winter sky.
Perfect for booze.
'Got spirit stone, magic stone—finish with drinks, summon spirit~! Heh heh.'
Could say outright, but didn't wanna shred Russel's young heart.
Struggling with mid spirits—he'd freak at my prowess.
Nah, not ready to reveal true self to world.
'Argh, where find 6-circle guy?'
5-circle mastered, but this place deadly dangerous.
Over a dozen 7-circles, plenty Blade Masters too.
"Welcome!"
Lost in thought, arrived at Elmar's Rest House.
"Inside."
"Yeah."
Russel's answers always "yeah"—pure innocent.
'Gah! Why heart pound just eyeing that ass?'
Thighs taut descending horse, heart raced.
This wasn't it.
No taste for forbidden love.
'But really no sis?'
Flawless skin, refined features—could pass for girl.
Russel's no-sister claim bugged me.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
"Drink up—this beer's killer."
"..."
Russel gripped huge wooden mug, lost in thought.
"One shot!"
"O-One shot?"
Shouted "one shot" mug-high—Russel's cute wide-eyed face at unfamiliar word.
If not guy, would've bitten.
"Man downs first mug one go. Respect to god Erpos."
Kaliyan gods from library.
May-ruling chief god Erpos: booze and arts.
But Russel pondered deeply mug in hand.
"You a man?"
Poked pride slight.
Gulp gulp.
No sooner words out, Russel grimaced like death-row, chugged beer.
"Yes! Guzzle it down~!"
No age limits here.
Learned booze's true savor like life's.
Gulp gulp!
"Kuh!"
Cool beer's flavor sliding throat.
Raw live draft, not pasteurized.
Like sitting wheat field, drunk on wind-borne aroma.
"One more!"
'Kid overdoing.'
Face flushed post-mug—Russel bold, ordered another.
'Knight school pay soon starts.'
Eager for empire knight school classes.
Curious elite diff from high school.
Thud!
"Gasp!"
Mid-thoughts, thud shook table.
"Ru-Russel!"
Another mug ordered, empty mug gripped—Russel face-planted floor.
Barely one bottle equiv, yet blackout drunk.
"Sheesh."
Wanted deep talk over drinks tonight—but roommate down.
"Snooore... zzz."
Soon Russel snored deep sleep.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
'Why so light?'
Boyish but lighter than looked—Russel's body.
Couldn't drag blackout-to-beer to school—booked old fave suite.
Drank two more beers, carried to room.
'Face properly ripened.'
Russel's fair skin apple-red ripe.
Breath wafted sweet beer scent.
'Mood total honeymoon.'
Fantasy: scoop beloved bride, plop on bed.
If Russel not guy, exact vibe.
'Sleeping good.'
Dream-smiling soft face—long womanly lashes striking.
Swoosh.
Gently laid Russel on bed.
"Night, buddy."
Stroked short glossy hair lightly.
'5-circle crushes 4-circle in power, intensity. Top wind spell Spiral Tornado razes dozens meters.'
Magic awed deeper known.
Bedded Russel, sat cross-legged floor, meditated.
Daily magic grind—no days off.
Knowledge gushed head, but daily practice for crisis power.
Russel's calm breaths backdrop, recalled 5-circles one by one.
Imagined arena battles.
Practical visualized—blasted spells, stabbed foes.
Just enough skill guard one life.
Effort alone secured peaceful future.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
"Ah!"
Heavy belly feel woke Russel—low groan.
'W-Where...'
Unfamiliar room.
Last memory flashed.
'N-No way...!'
Jolted awake, checked body quick.
"Whew!"
Still in trainee uniform—relief sigh.
"Mmm..."
Grab.
"Eep!"
Suddenly, defenseless Russel's waist crushed in Kayer's strong arms.
Hand clamped mouth, stifled gasp.
"Mommy..."
Deep-sleep Kayer.
Mumbling mom, hand slid from waist to chest.
Chin!
Russel's flushed hand grabbed Kayer's.
Tremble.
Russel quivered like drenched bird.
First time feeling man's warm body heat grains.
Clothed tight same bed—first experience.
'Kayer...'
Roommate Kayer inwardly.
Unique black hair, always cool smile—manly.
No noble training, yet passed Skyknight exam—skilled.
Ten days room-shared, true power hidden.
Rustle.
Unconsciously, left hand stroked Kayer's hair.
For fallen house revival, years nonstop—Kayer shared warm kindness.
Frozen heart toward world melted softly.
Flinch.
'What am I doing?'
Gift pricey magic, warm—yet unknown Kayer.
Steadied shaken heart, carefully rose.
'Dad, Mom...'
Absurd treason—parents slaughtered faces recalled, tears streamed.
Born noble lady, live rough man—Russel.
Must revenge.
Thrust blade enemies' hearts who ruined house, self.
Till then, live as man.
Discard Luminia de Ases...
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
'Something off?'
Dream mom's vivid touch.
Only son privilege—occasional boob grabs, remembered warm embrace clear.
But slept with Russel last night—felt like mom's arms illusion.
"Russel, did I mess up sleeping?"
"What?"
Calm reply horseback.
"Grab body or..."
"Pervert."
Ice-cold "pervert" pre-sentence end.
'Kid ends every with pervert.'
Ancestor bad perv experience?—Russel pervert-mouthed.
"Yaawn~!"
Horseback, stretched arms long.
Crisp cold air filled lungs, invigorated body.
'Gotta grind hard.'
This world, only trust my power.
Clop clop clop!
'What now those?'
Nearing palace inner—wide avenue, galloping riders.
'Skyknight trainees?'
Dust-coated winter march—group.
Black cloaks flapping—Skyknight trainee gear.
'Beat up somewhere? What mess?'
Grim faces screaming "nearly dropped spoon"—hardship etched.
Under thirty.
'Still cool.'
Dust-shrouded, mixed men-women Skyknights.
Disciplined faces wind-whipped cloaks—viewer awed "cool."
"Senior trainees back from winter training?"
"Winter training?"
"Heard first-year trainees do hell training winter months. Over half drop to regular knight school, towers, or spiritist path."
'Eh?'
News to me.
'Why beggar looks.'
No idea brutality, but spite, grit, wretchedness-heavy Skyknights.
"Nice. Wyvern link and mana link done—Skyknight."
'Mana link? What's that?'
"H-Hey, Russel."
"Yeah?"
"Wyvern mana link exact meaning?"
"..."
Pure curiosity question.
"Kayer..."
Russel met eyes quiet, called soft.
"Yeah?"
"Who'd trust birthing you?"
"..."
Sudden Russel attack.
"Skyknight trainee not knowing wyvern mana link? Makes sense? Worship ignorant orc bro fine."
'O-Orc!'
Master's orc shit second—Russel linked me orc kin again.
Unbearable.
"Russel!"
Called strong.
Pity-eyed Russel gaze.
Stared hard his pupils.
Shouted firm word.
"Fro-om... now..."
Accented each.
Sword-swallowed Russel at words, mood.
Stuttered.
"P-Please treat well~!"
No bullshitting "know unknowns"—not our kind.
Sages say: elites teach something.
'Sigh, if only Ney there.'
21st-century internet sea Ney.
Definitely there.
Search "Skyknight training"—tons expert tips.
Missed search bar bad now.