Chapter 41
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Translator: MJK
Chapter: 041
Chapter Title: Message from the Federation Council
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After Andy met with Dietrich, he returned to the reception room.
"I'm sorry, Mage. I appreciate the offer, but... it's not the right time for me to take on a mentor."
Andy conveyed his refusal to Bryce, the senior mage.
He had rejected the man's proposal to take him on as a disciple and teach him.
'I thought it over... but this is the right choice.'
In truth, Andy had wrestled with the decision right up to the end.
Should he accept Bryce's offer and become his disciple, or turn it down?
After much deliberation, he had settled on rejection.
'Growing fast under a senior mage's eye sounds great, but eventually, I'd get swept up in their faction's schemes.'
Bryce had promised immense support from his family and mage tower if Andy became his disciple.
That support would include vast quantities of mana potions, rare secret knowledge, and even the faction's protection—tangible and intangible benefits alike.
Accepting meant effectively joining his family and mage tower.
It would certainly accelerate his growth.
With faction backing, he'd have no trouble acquiring everything needed to advance.
He could progress at a pace worlds apart from now.
But was it all upside?
No.
'No kindness comes without strings attached.'
He'd have to grant favors to the affiliated family and mage tower, use magic as they demanded.
Sometimes, it might involve things he didn't want—like killing people.
That's why Andy turned down Bryce.
To learn and wield magic free from anyone's interference.
To live entirely on his own terms.
He chose future freedom over immediate gains.
And so, Andy rejected Bryce's offer.
Crisp.
The boy cautiously gauged Bryce's reaction.
'After refusing... he'll be mad, right?'
Andy expected Bryce to be furious.
Even if not outright angry, at least displeased.
A senior mage of the 5th circle had offered discipleship to a mere 1st-circle boy and been rejected.
It was only natural for his pride to sting, his face to fall.
Andy tensed up.
But for some reason...
"Hm. I figured as much."
"...?"
"I had a faint hope, but... yeah, you're turning it down."
Bryce showed no hint of regret toward Andy.
If anything, he seemed to have anticipated the refusal, responding with calm indifference.
Why?
"Makes sense. With talent that brilliant, you wouldn't want someone middling like me as your master."
"...Pardon?"
"Can't blame you. I'd do the same... Still, it's a shame. Meeting a kid with such overflowing talent, only for my skills to fall short as a teacher. If I'd known, I would've pushed harder to reach 6th circle instead of coasting. Now I pay the price."
Bryce apparently believed himself unworthy to teach the boy.
In truth, Andy's refusal stemmed not from Bryce's qualifications, but fear of faction meddling.
The senior mage had no inkling.
Andy was stunned inwardly.
'How highly does he rate my talent?'
Andy vaguely knew his talent stood out.
From others' reactions over time.
From common knowledge about mages in books.
He knew his achievements far exceeded his age.
But not to this extent.
A 5th-circle senior mage blaming himself for failing to become Andy's teacher?
'Feels weird.'
A 5th-circle senior mage held an exalted position.
Among mages, top-tier—and a major power in this world.
For such a figure to lament not measuring up to him...
Suddenly, it struck the boy.
Maybe the one undervaluing his talent most was himself.
'Hard to say.'
Unlike other mages, he hadn't trained in a normal environment, making it tough to gauge his own potential accurately.
Meanwhile.
Bryce swallowed his regret and spoke.
"Though my skills weren't enough to be your master, it'd be a shame to cut ties completely. If you ever head to the Federation's central region, seek out the Heltor family. Mention my name, and they'll treat you well."
"The Heltor family?"
"My family. A respected mage lineage. They'll have no trouble helping you."
Andy nodded at Bryce's words.
He wasn't sure if he'd ever leave the north for the center, but the future was unpredictable.
For now, he committed the family name to memory.
His business at the count's castle was done.
He'd met Count Demian, senior mage Bryce, and unexpectedly reunited with Dietrich.
Time to head home.
"Shame I can't go back with you, Andy."
Dietrich, seeing him off, said this.
"I've started working for the family, so I can't leave the castle grounds. Please pass on my regards to the others."
"Sure. Everyone's been wondering about you, Mayor. They'll be thrilled to hear you're safe."
Dietrich had ultimately decided to work for the family.
His father, the count, refused to let him go—half-forcing him into it.
He'd serve as an administrator in the great city of Karius.
Buried in paperwork inside the castle all day.
From now on, he'd be addressed as Administrator Dietrich, not Mayor.
"And... take this."
Dietrich handed over something: a pouch of fine fabric, heavy in Andy's hand.
"This is...?"
"The reward I promised for the mid-tier beast you hunted. I should've given it sooner... but better late than never. Take a look."
At Dietrich's urging, Andy opened the pouch and checked inside.
'Three magic books.'
Three spellbooks lay within.
The remaining ones from the four basic elemental tomes he'd requested.
Water, wind, and earth magic books.
Mastering these would let Andy wield all basic elements.
He looked up at Dietrich gratefully.
"Thanks."
"No need. I just delayed what I owed. Oh, and the items from my father will take some time. They're rare."
His father, Count Demian, had promised a mage's robe, mana potions, stacks of spellbooks and scrolls.
Not easy to procure, so it would take a while.
"Well... farewell then. Once I settle in, we should grab a meal sometime, Andy."
"Yeah. See you later."
"Safe travels."
Andy shook Dietrich's hand and turned away.
He passed through the castle gates and walked the streets.
This visit to the count's castle had yielded great gains.
Andy headed back to his inn room.
"..."
In the count's office atop the castle.
Count Demian gazed out the window.
Below, a boy exited the castle grounds.
Andy.
His friend, senior mage Bryce, called him a genius beyond even a senior mage's measure.
The boy walked lightly homeward.
The count watched his retreating figure intently.
Then murmured softly.
"I told you to win the boy's favor."
Bryce had advised him: court the boy's goodwill, stay on close terms.
Destined for 6th circle at least—maybe even the legendary 7th.
If a senior mage said so, the talent must be extraordinary.
Winning him over could aid the family in future crises.
Count Demian instructed his attendant.
"Procure a mage's robe and mana potions. Make the robe the finest available—ideally from a dungeon."
"As you command, my lord."
Mage robes and mana potions.
As a northern Federation lord and high noble with vast influence, he could obtain what others couldn't, without much delay.
Hopefully, this would earn the boy's goodwill...
As he pondered by the window—
*Knock knock knock.*
A knock sounded.
The count, eyes still outward, replied.
"Enter."
The door opened with a click, and one man entered.
The count turned to see him.
The only resident of the castle not under his command.
A middle-aged man in a uniform of foreign style, unfit for the north.
'Federation liaison.'
Federation liaison.
Not mere messengers—they were inspectors monitoring the territory.
Watching local nobles for disloyalty.
Dispatched by the Federation, they resided in noble castles, using communication crystals to report to the Council.
Conveying the Council's will to lords while surveilling them.
That was the Federation liaison.
The man spoke.
"Lord Count. I bring the Federation Council's recent resolution."
Evidently, the Council had decided something and sent word.
Count Demian nodded, and the liaison drew documents from his robes, reading aloud.
"Count Demian Karius! The Council conveys its will to you, faithful noble of the Federation!"
The Federation Council's message.
The liaison announced the Council's decision.
He read on with emphasis.
"The Empire's legions have pressed south all winter. Countless cities and villages have fallen, and myriad Federation subjects slaughtered by their forces. Thus, the Federation Council has resolved to dispatch reinforcements!"
"...!"
"To Karius City: Federation 12th and 13th Legions, the Aktus Knight Order, and the Ardor Battle Mage Corps!"
The count clenched his fist.
'Finally! Those damn Council bastards are sending troops!'
Since the front lines broke, he'd begged for reinforcements repeatedly.
Each time, the Federation stalled: "Wait."
Winter mobility issues.
Council undecided.
Seven kings not aligned.
Just "wait," no action.
Now, had they grasped the crisis?
At last, troops were coming.
Two full legions, one knight order, one battle mage corps—a massive force.
Enough to halt the Empire's winter rampage, counterattack, reclaim territory.
The liaison continued.
"From Karius City, halt the enemy advance, counterattack, and march north! Reclaim lost lands and restore the front! Leader of Karius, Demian Karius, heed the Federation's will and cooperate fully. For the Federation! For the united seven kingdoms! End of transmission."
Snap.
The liaison finished and stood at attention.
The count nodded excitedly.
"Message from the Federation Council received and acknowledged. Troops at last... Now we can drive out those Empire scum."
How many had died from the Empire's advance?
How many homes lost?
They could take them back.
Lost territories, cities, villages—reclaimed.
The northern frontier ravaged all winter by Empire forces.
At last, Federation reinforcements arrived.
The count brimmed with hope.
The Federation's massive reinforcements were on their way.