Chapter 98
Chapter 98
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 98
Chapter Title: The Second Heart (1)
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Erzsebet, who had been rubbing below Ronan's wing bones, stopped her hand. She tilted her head and asked.
"...Ronan-nim. Did you originally have a core?"
"Huh?"
Ronan furrowed his brow. He wondered what nonsense she was spouting in the middle of applying the medicine properly.
A core? Wasn't that a lump of mana that even those not afflicted by that damn curse took over a dozen years to form? Ronan shrugged his eyebrows and shook his head.
"Don't have one."
"Pardon? Then what's this...?"
Erzsebet spread her palm again and touched the same spot. There was definitely something inside Ronan's body. She could vividly feel the mana pulsing from the clump beating to a different rhythm from his heart.
'It's different from a normal core. What is it...?'
However, it felt different from any core she'd seen so far. The way it operated mana was similar to a core, but the way it accumulated it was closer to a circle.
And if she wasn't mistaken, Ronan's core wasn't integrated with his heart but separate. It was like he had two hearts beating. She'd never seen anything like it. She was furrowing her brow in thought when...
"Hot."
"Eek! Sorry!"
Erzsebet hurriedly pulled her hand away. She'd been so focused she'd forgotten to apply the potion.
She quickly applied the rest to the remaining wounds. Every time the contours or elasticity of his muscles transmitted through her fingertips, her face burned. She just couldn't get used to the sensation.
'So firm!'
Soon the treatment was done. Ronan's wounds had all healed in less than five minutes after applying the medicine.
Not only the burns, but even the minor bruises and scrapes from before had vanished cleanly. Like a mad lion. Seeing his skin without a single scratch left, Ronan let out a hollow chuckle.
'The smell of money is making my head spin. Gotta discuss this with Marya later.'
This was something even major workshops rarely produced. If he fixed the production system and found the right buyers, he'd be drowning in gold coins for sure. Ronan, now dressed again, looked at Erzsebet and smiled.
"Thanks. You saved my life."
"Ahem, it was nothing."
"You applied it so thoroughly. I figured a young lady like you would shy away from this, but you surprised me."
"H-helping a commoner in distress is a noble's duty...!"
Even as she said it, Erzsebet couldn't meet Ronan's eyes. Her ears, peeking through her deep purple hair, were bright red. She cleared her throat again and spoke.
"Ahem, anyway, Ronan-nim. Something's off."
"Off how?"
"That core I mentioned earlier... You should get it checked."
Erzsebet explained what she'd discovered. In short, there was some tumor-like thing near his heart that wasn't quite either. And it was alive, wriggling.
'That damn rag...!'
Ronan's eyes widened. Suddenly, he recalled the foreign sensation inside his chest right after grabbing Bajura. He placed his hand over his heart and opened his mouth.
"...Am I gonna die now?"
"N-no, probably not. It's just so unusual, so when we get back to Phileon, we should..."
"You've kept us waiting."
Erzsebet was midway through her sentence. A familiar voice came from behind. Turning around, they saw Aun Fila approaching with heavy steps, his robe half-burned.
Aire and Tower Lord Lardan flanked him. Aire, back in human form, held a bundle of books. Ronan waved.
"Ah, you're here?"
"Sorry for the delay. So much to clean up."
"No worries, I know you worked hard."
"Compared to you, it was a mere trifle."
Ronan shook his head. Aun Fila, who had fought the massive blaze all night, looked utterly exhausted, as if a breeze could topple him. Makes sense—ten bodies wouldn't have been enough. Aun Fila said,
"I don't even know where to start. First, accept my bow."
Suddenly, Aun Fila dropped to one knee and bowed his head. Ronan's face hardened. Erzsebet cried out in shock.
"T-Tower Mage-nim?"
"Thanks to you all, we can greet the dawn once more."
Aire seemed caught off guard too, so it wasn't pre-planned. Only Tower Lord Lardan stroked his beard with a seasoned smile. Ronan, scowling fiercely as if ready to kick his ass, growled.
"Damn it, get up already? The acting tower lord making a fool of himself like this?"
All eyes were on them. Mages in the midst of repairs stood frozen, staring at the tower mage bowing to the boy and girl.
Aun Fila stayed bowed for a long while before rising. Meeting Ronan's eyes, he spoke.
"Thank you for saving Dawn Tower."
"Stubborn as ever."
"I offer my thanks once more. I couldn't properly greet you amid the chaos at sea."
Lardan stepped forward and gave a solemn nod. He'd returned after a brief absence, now in a plain shirt and pants instead of the tower lord's ornate robe. Realizing the meaning, Ronan twisted his lips.
"...Couldn't find it?"
"Yes. But no regrets. I gave it everything."
Lardan chuckled ruefully. Having lost all his mana, he planned to hand the tower lord position to Aun Fila once things settled. He'd originally intended to turn himself in for breaking Bajura's seal, but the other mages' desperate pleas had granted him a temporary reprieve, he added. Aun Fila said,
"Once things wrap up, we'll hold a grand banquet. You'll be the stars, of course. Rest well until then."
"Ah, that might be tough. Heading back today."
"What...? Can't you stay a few more days?"
"Student life, you know. Already late—if I delay more, the nagging beast will shove me in the oven with cookies."
Ronan gave a patched-together excuse for needing to leave. Truth be told, he'd already secured his grades, so a few more days wouldn't hurt, but he didn't want to burden these busy folks further. Erzsebet nodded in agreement beside him. Aun Fila sighed.
"Then... no helping it."
"We'll party hard next time. I'll show you what a real banquet is."
"At least take this."
Aun Fila rummaged in his robes and pulled something out. It was an exquisitely crafted case for precious jewels, containing two sun-shaped badges inside.
The badges, seemingly carved from solid diamond, shifted colors with the light. Price aside, the aura emanating from them was no joke. Erzsebet's eyes went wide.
"Th-this is a Grade 1 Dawn Tower medal...!"
"Something good?"
"Y-you can't even put it in those terms. Almost no one in my family has one...!"
It was awarded to those making monumental contributions to the tower, regardless of status. Erzsebet stammered like a kid, listing the perks: access to most Dawn Tower facilities, entry to the elite exchange 'High Remien' for high mages... Most of it went over Ronan's head.
"Anyway, it's good stuff."
Ronan shrugged. Seeing even Acalusia's lady freak out like this confirmed it was no ordinary item. Aun Fila pinned a badge to Ronan's collar and said,
"Of course, this changes nothing about Dawn Tower's bond with you. But you'll come to see it someday—most memories stem from material things."
"I get that."
"I've engraved a few spells on them too—use them well. Please accept."
He pinned one on Erzsebet as well, smiling softly. Ronan nodded.
"Won't say no then. Oh, Aun Fila, one favor."
"Of course. Anything within my power."
"This book. Give it to me."
Ronan pulled Bajura from his back pocket. Everyone else's eyes bulged.
"No way...!"
"Yep, Bajura. Was gonna take it anyway, but conscience got me."
"W-wait. That's not okay. You know it's no ordinary book."
"It's just a normal book now. See?"
Ronan grabbed the cover and shook it wildly. No sinister aura emanated from the limp black tome. Sensing its presence truly gone, Aun Fila cautiously asked,
"...What do you plan to use it for?"
"Just... looking for something."
Ronan didn't mention chasing the demon who wrote it. They were too worn out for that bombshell. Aun Fila sighed, hand to forehead.
"...Fine. Take it."
"Worthy of next tower lord."
"Just return it to the tower when done. Even without ego, it's dangerous."
"No need to tell me twice. Trust me."
Ronan patted his chest and stuffed the rolled-up Bajura back. As they moved to board the airship...
"Wait, I have something for you too!"
Aire, who'd been quiet, thrust forward her bundle. The adult-sized sack bulged with ancient tomes, centuries old at least.
"All written by Sarante. Good ones in there—take 'em and read."
"Sarante's?"
An unexpected gift. Books based on her vast knowledge had to be useful.
"Thanks. What now? You're free."
"Thought it over. Gonna keep librarian gig. Sarante's request, and... well..."
"And?"
"Books suit me best."
Aire grinned. Sarante would've loved that. Ronan chuckled and took the bundle.
"Good for you."
"Come back. I'll recommend fun ones."
"Prefer curse-free, if possible."
With that, Ronan headed back to Phileon. Erzsebet stayed for her remaining survey, waving alongside Sion de Grancia.
"Safe travels! And check that core!"
"That's your sister's fiancé?"
"Wh-what? Adeshan-unnie's my only one...!"
Erzsebet lightly tugged Sion's cheeks. Sion tilted her head.
"Aheh?"
The sisterly sight drew a hollow laugh from Ronan. Hard to believe these were ladies from rival houses Acalusia and Grancia.
'Hope they bond over this.'
To face the end, alliances were vital. By chance, he boarded the same airship, Western Wing, as before.
The captain, recognizing him, seated him in VIP like royalty. When Ronan offered payment, the captain bellowed if he wanted to see him jump overboard. No arguing that.
No fireballs this time. Aun Fila, as a firebird, escorted until they cleared the airspace.
Ronan arrived in Phileon the next day around noon. Well-rested, he wasn't tired.
He submitted his club activity report with ease. Ronan felt joy at his improving writing with each line.
-Piii~
Dream Bird Marfez, belly full, was blissful. In Baren Phanasir's office, only Baren was unhappy.
Seated at their usual table, they discussed the club activities. After scrutinizing the report, Baren faced Ronan.
"Good, Ronan. So... you were at the center of the Dawn Tower incident."
"Pretty much."
"Stumbled into forbidden section, nearly devoured by Bajura of Destruction—one of the three grimoires—survived top-tier flames like Hell Prominence... That's my understanding?"
"Spot on."
Ronan nodded confidently. Baren sipped tea with trembling hands and took a deep breath. He pointed his fluffy finger at the black book on the table.
"That book's... Bajura of Destruction."
"Yep. Plainer than expected, right? After the hell I went through..."
Ronan launched into the tale of capturing Bajura. Vivid and thrilling, but none reached Baren's ears.
Crash! His teacup shattered on the floor. Consciousness fading, Baren's massive frame slumped forward.
"Aaaah..."
"What? Suddenly?"
Baren gripped the table and stood. Ronan approached concerned. Seeing Bajura in his hand, Baren leaped back.
"Hah! Get that away!"
"Jeez, why yell? Scared me."
"Th-that... How?! How do you go on a research trip and bring that back?!"
"Potion worked great, Baren. Killer effect."
"Don't change subject! This time we settle it—sit!"
Baren nearly whimpered. Deeply distressed. Ranting on student and school safety, he cradled his face and curled up.
"Sniff, ugh... What if something happened..."
"Damn. Too soft-hearted for this? With that bear build."
Baren didn't reply. Only muffled sobs from under his mane. Ronan knew this lasted at least an hour.
'No choice.'
Ronan left a prepped gift and exited. Exactly two hours later, Baren recovered. Ronan gone, a book on the table.
"...Hm?"
An ancient, yellowed tome titled plainly Basics of Herbalism. Below, the author's name.
"Sarante... Lemation?"
Elven surname. Wiping his eyes, Baren opened it.
"Th-this...!"
Each page widened his eyes. The yellowed parchment detailed herb uses and cultivation methods beyond his wildest dreams.
'Hope he uses it well. Good book.'
Leaving Baren's office, Ronan headed to the club building. Bajura of Destruction, once terrorizing the empire, now dangled like yesterday's news from his back pocket.
'Those brains will figure something out.'
Ronan planned to toss Bajura to Asel or Ophelia. He'd read it en route, but it was gibberish to him.
'Oh yeah... gotta ask about this tumor too.'
Recalling Erzsebet's words, Ronan frowned. Naviroje or Zarodin might know.
He still feared it was just a nasty illness. Born from something so ominous, unease lingered.
'...Wait. If it's a core, can't I draw mana?'
Curiosity struck; he stopped. Joy or despair depending on mana manifestation, but better to know now.
Just check quick. Drawing Ramancha, Ronan assumed stance.
Hiss... A strange breath escaped. Trying mana breathing, he felt the new presence in his chest clearly.
'Good.'
He drew from the chest lump, not his usual heart. Easier than expected, senses attuned.
Soon, pale energy crept up Ramancha's blade. Ronan cursed, brow furrowed.
"...Fuck?"
White mana cloaked the blade. Amid the fog-like flow, a familiar sparkle emerged.
Twinkle. Identical to Nebula Klazie's mana. Ronan's mind went blank.