Chapter 77
Chapter 77
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: Aldran
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Aldran
Like other major cities, Aldran was home to both magic towers and noble houses. Unlike the great cities of the East, where various sects coexisted and competed, most Western cities took this form.
Leading Aldran's noble houses was the Maybeld Family, owners of the airship docks. Even those who owned airships had to go through the Maybelds to use the docks, so the countless merchant caravans visiting Aldran for trade had no choice but to watch their step around them.
"They probably won't even take money."
Estor said from the driver's seat with a bored expression. He had driven the carriage alone for half the month-long journey from Pantheion to Aldran.
Feeling bad about making him drive so much, Yuri had offered to take turns several times, but Estor had refused. He claimed sitting idle made him antsy.
It wasn't much in return, but Yuri occasionally sparred with Estor. It wasn't a hassle. Though Yuri had won their serious sparring matches, Estor was strong. Limiting their internal energy made the bouts mutually beneficial.
"Not comparable to the Ascard Family, but the Maybelds have amassed immense wealth. All the families in the 'Pride' are like that."
Among the Cartel's countless houses, only the most prestigious were called Pride. They ruled cities without being kings, wielding laws, collecting taxes, and dominating citizens.
"Having money doesn't mean they won't take it."
"True. If the Maybelds waive the boarding fee, it's because of me."
It was a shameless claim, but Estor wasn't one to care.
"Or maybe not? They might waive it for you. Building ties by treating you well is worthwhile."
Estor turned to Yuri with a grin.
The nickname "Cloud Dragon" bestowed by the Sword Emperor and Fist King had already spread. The Orsia Family had publicly announced the sparring results.
In the witnessed bout, the Sword Dragon lost, and Thunder Cloud won. Thus, Thunder Cloud became a dragon... That was the headline.
"Apart from the Maybelds, Aldran has the Haberth Magic Tower."
Ha-ryeong spoke up from atop the carriage roof, citing the fine weather. She had been examining the edge of her honed dagger, but now lowered her gaze to Yuri's head.
"They say the tower lord Iron Fortress's prized disciple is exceptional, though she rarely appears in public, so rumors abound. Do you know of her, Estor?"
"Silverwood, you mean?"
The answer came instantly.
"I've only heard about her through Selvis Tower Lord. She's a year younger than me and Yuri, and already at the late 4th tier."
"Impressive talent."
Even compared to Elena, another mage, late 4th tier at 21 made her a genius without question.
"..."
Estor gave Yuri a strange look. It was impressive, sure—but who were you to say it?
"You shameless..."
"What."
"Never mind. As you say, impressive talent. The Rosta Family promised a massive fee to hire Iron Fortress for the Bernok conflict, but he refused, citing the need to teach his disciple. That's how cherished she is."
Estor let out a short laugh before continuing.
"Well, it wasn't solely for her sake."
"Even for Iron Fortress, getting involved in the Bernok conflict would be burdensome."
"Probably. Hiring on with Rosta would pit him against the Apex outright."
The Apex was the paramount among tower lords, revered by all. Iron Fortress of Haberth Tower was no lightweight by age alone, but not on the Apex's level.
'In the game, he was basically a punching bag.'
Depending on the build, a wailing wall of a boss, but great matchup for Yuri's character.
"Bernok right now is so brutal even a tower lord can't guarantee survival. Etherium's tempting, but who knew the conflict would escalate this far? Honestly, I don't get it."
Instead of replying, Yuri stared at Estor's face. Ha-ryeong did the same. Estor tilted his head, puzzled by the stares from behind and the side.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Your sword isn't made with etherium?"
"Not the whole blade, but it's mixed in."
"How much?"
"No idea on price. It was from the family..."
"Let's not talk anymore."
Ha-ryeong shook her head.
"Hmm, no clue why you're reacting like this."
Estor truly seemed baffled. Smacking his lips, he turned to Yuri.
"Anyway, once we reach Aldran, I'll be busy with greetings everywhere."
Estor was Orsia Family heir and Sword Emperor's grandson before being Sword Dragon.
Even as Pride's lead house, visiting another city meant paying respects to its lords.
"First to the Maybelds for greetings and to request passage on an Eastern-bound airship... Then Haberth Tower. After that, the Earth Church temple for offerings."
The church's grand cathedrals were in the Religious Federation city of Union, but local temples dotted major cities.
Aldran's was the Earth Church, long allied with Haberth Tower.
"You sure you don't want us along?"
"If I go alone, it's quick with folks I know. With you, it drags on."
Predictable. With rising star Cloud Dragon, greetings would turn into long talks.
"Aldran has a magic expo now. You use magic, right? Go enjoy it with Ha-ryeong. Here's pocket money."
"..."
"Why the face?"
"Just... thanks."
He puzzled over reacting to "pocket money to go play," then said thanks honestly.
"Pocket money for me too? Thank you. I'm not one to refuse gifts from juniors."
Aldran's walls neared, slowing the carriage.
*
Aldran, with its airship docks, was a hub linking West and East.
Two other Western cities had docks, but the expo was Aldran-exclusive for various reasons.
The expo made airship tickets scarce now. Estor claimed no ticket fee even without him—humble. Without him, "Cloud Dragon" alone might not secure one.
The expo showcased mages' spells. Purely, yes—but dig deeper, and complications emerged.
Magic cost a fortune. Some mages took guild quests or shady jobs for cash, but many eccentric ones shunned non-magic labor.
Guild quests barely covered living; spellbooks and research materials were out of reach.
Thus, mages thirsted for patrons—especially freelance ones.
This expo was a hunting ground for steady sponsors. A pitch: "With enough backing, I made this—imagine what more I could do."
Competitive too: Tower mages openly scorned freelancers. A peaceful battlefield—no killing with magic.
"If possible, back tonight, but don't wait up."
This was a luxury inn in Aldran's heart. No need—Maybelds or Cartel powers would host Estor lavishly.
But he declined. Fine for him, but considerate of Yuri and Ha-ryeong's discomfort at other estates.
"Fee's paid—relax. Meals provided; ask for more if needed."
Estor tossed Yuri a small pouch. Light, but appearances deceived. Advanced spatial warp and assorted magics hid cash and gems inside.
"Use if short, but don't splurge. No useless buys."
"Uh... yeah."
Yuri nodded, fumbling, cradling the near-weightless pouch.
"How much?"
After Estor left, Ha-ryeong whispered close.
Yuri was curious too. Swallowing, he opened it.
"Gasp..."
"Eek..."
Ha-ryeong's old Lutran tease: 3.5 billion man.
This held more... Even Namgung Jin needed days for 1 billion cells cash. Orsia outclassed Namgung Clan in wealth.
"Th-this... run off with it?"
The sum shook even Ha-ryeong's stoicism. Yuri eyed her incredulously, silent.
"Don't misunderstand, Yuri. I'm no greedy fool."
"You yapped about money since we met."
"Misunderstanding. Not for my gain."
"Then why?"
"Professionalism."
"Pro...?"
"Yes. Then, I was a contracted pro assassin. Benevolent or not, pros don't act sans contract or fee."
"Then why suggest running now?"
"Even detached from greed, such a sum tempts momentarily. Pure jest—no sincerity."
Really? Yuri eyed her dubiously, pocketing the pouch.
"Better I carry it?"
"No."
"Don't treat me like a thieving cat, Panties."
Estor gone, room just them—but that nickname needed correcting.
"I'm not Panties."
"Indeed..."
"I said no. So, plans?"
"For Estor's sake, running greetings, we should enjoy fully. Magic bores me, but spending others' money intrigues."
Out, then. Yuri shared expo curiosity. No new spells needed, but sponsor demos interested.
Not just mages sought sponsors there. Alchemists desperately—even more cash-intensive than magic.
"New robe?"
Ha-ryeong smiled faintly. Yuri glared briefly, ignoring.
"Good dagger would be nice."
"Oh? Thought you'd forgotten post-Pantheion."
"Didn't."
Her lips curved more.
*
The expo hall bustled.
"This tiny thing's a bomb?"
Claimed no magic interest, but alchemy items differed. Ha-ryeong eyed the fingernail-sized orb eagerly.
"Yes. Burst Orb."
The Deebly Alchemy Workshop booth man added swiftly.
"Usable by non-mages. Channel minimal 2nd tier energy—activates."
"Power?"
"Enough to blow a person apart."
Gruesome, but Ha-ryeong listened intently.
"You don't need this."
Her qi-infused dagger outpowered it. But she tsked, shaking head.
"True, but tools aid convenience."
"Exactly. Unsatisfied? Custom orders. Explosions or other effects."
"Flare or signal orbs?"
"Yes, stocked..."
Even cold-blast freezing types available. Yuri eyed those.
Not all lethal. Nearby: wound potions, wrinkle creams—wonders galore.
Sketchy unproven stuff too, but crowded major workshops felt reliable.
Alchemy row clamored intros, hawkers everywhere—days wouldn't suffice booth-by-booth.
"Take long?"
"Yes."
Ha-ryeong nodded, scrutinizing alchemical hidden weapons seriously.
"Heading to daggers now?"
"No."
"Then don't worry—browse yourself, Yuri."
No immediate move.
"Meet here in an hour."
"Yes. Upset splitting, Yuri?"
"See you."
Ignored tease, walked off.
'Check magic side...'
Leaving alchemy for magic hall.
"Yuri?"
Distant voice crossed crowds. Yuri halted, turning.
Amid robed mages, a white-gowned woman.
"Right, Yuri?"
Leysi Yuzha. Yuri gawked, speechless. Derusia Tower mage. Elena's senior. Possible possessor...
Her profile flashed—'Elena’s senior' jolted most, not possessor bit.
'No way.'
Elena here too? Heart pounded over noise. Composed face.
Leysi alone visibly. White gown, odd necklace, bizarre hat, huge glasses. Hands full of shopping bags.
Not here looking ridiculous—hat tagged new, necklace etc. shiny fresh.
Full expo enjoyment, then.
"Wait."
Before Yuri spoke, Leysi stiffened, rushed, grabbed his wrist.
"Come with me first."
"Huh?"
"Please."
Caught ridiculous look? But her desperation seemed deeper.
Led to private room—for rest, testing bought spells/items.
Few rooms—only big-shot mages or owners.
Irrelevant for Leysi. Here for interest, but as Derusia Lord's proxy. Orca eyed new mages' catalogs, alchemists' items.
"What's this about?"
In room, Yuri glared warily. Hard to read sudden wrist-grab to private room.
'She gonna interrogate me?'
Doubtful—her face desperate, sweat beaded; eyed surroundings guardedly pre-entry.
"Wait, just a sec."
Leysi stammered. Click. Door locked. Inspected room spells, drew curtains, silenced sound.
"What the hell?"
Yuri's glare hardened. Suspicious overkill, despite her focus.
"Look."
Satisfied, Leysi sighed, sat.
"I want to keep a good relationship with Elena."
Out of nowhere—stunned Yuri. Why Elena here? Frowned; she sighed again.
"I haven't been... dutiful to her till now, but I don't want bad blood."
"What's that mean suddenly?"
Nonsense—her finger pointed.
"If word gets out I met you here, how's that look for Elena and me?"
Still nonsense. Why Elena? Yuri wanted to ask outright, but her name stuck thorny in throat.
"What're you implying?"
Face paling, Yuri asked. Leysi sighed once more.
"You're a possessor, right? I was under heavy suspicion too—less now. If our chance meeting leaks, Elena might misunderstand?"
Not all—months back, tower lounge. Elena raged at Yuri-Ha-ryeong article; late intervention saved Arist from her lightning.
But they weren't strangers—clean end to Killing Guard Sect contract.
Some rage at possessor truth, others accept casually.
Elena had ties to 'real' Yuri as childhood friend—rejection understandable. Ha-ryeong knew only possessor Yuri.
'Jealousy? Betrayal?'
Various emotions.
"Aren't you the one misunderstanding?"
Yuri frowned, glaring.
"Possessor? What nonsense is that?"