4
Chapter 4- His Own Way.
Four months had passed since Yurik formally began his study of magic.
As the days grew colder, the forest shed its leaves and became bare.
Yet, beyond the fallen leaves and shorter days, there was no greater change.
In those four months, Yurik had already devoured half of the introductory book.
He had grasped the principles of magic on his own and could now even cast spells.
Though they were still beginner-level spells, his learning speed and flashes of brilliance were unparalleled.
Master Hene was occasionally astonished by how quickly his magical abilities grew.
…While rapid growth wasn’t inherently bad, the problem was immaturity.
History was filled with examples of mages who, having reached a high level too quickly, succumbed to arrogance and boredom, leading them down the wrong path.
Master Hene realized that the worries the Grand Matron had once expressed to her were now the same worries she had for her disciple.
Reflecting on the past, she wondered if she had perhaps not been the best disciple to the Grand Matron.
The errands for daily necessities, which had previously been entrusted to Monika, were now Yurik’s responsibility.
Thus, he visited the village of Arpenheim at least once a week.
Of course, at first, he received many cold stares, but now he had become something of a local attraction in Arpenheim.
Mature for his age, friendly, and handsome…
Especially among the young mages, he was a figure of attention.
The young mages of Arpenheim held a monthly magic gathering, and Yurik had been required to attend since he started visiting the village.
They would discuss a specific topic each month.
Usually, the discussions were led by young mages around twenty years old, who were about to be promoted to full mages.
The younger mages, who hadn’t yet begun independent research, listened, took notes, and learned how to lead discussions.
For mages, talent was undoubtedly important, but equally crucial was the ability to convey and persuade others of one’s ideas.
Without this, even the most talented mages wouldn’t be recognized as first-rate.
After all, the transmission of knowledge was paramount in the world of magic.
Through these gatherings, Yurik realized that eloquence and social skills were essential for living as a mage on the continent.
In this regard, having a handsome appearance was a significant advantage.
It was why mages, despite their busy lives of research and daily chores, never neglected their appearance.
On his visits to the village, Yurik would often explore the ateliers lining the streets.
The sight of various items displayed in shop windows was a spectacle he could never have seen in his rural village.
They sold items related to their research or family trades, using them to attract young apprentices.
A century ago, Arpenheim had been inhabited solely by mages, but now many outsiders also frequented the village.
However, the only area open to outsiders was the atelier street.
The rest remained off-limits.
After finishing his exploration and purchasing the daily necessities Master Hene had requested, Yurik was on his way back to the cottage when someone called out to him from behind.
“Yu-rik!”
Turning around, he saw a familiar figure with red hair tied in twin tails.
She was Rilke, the fourth disciple of the Grand Mage Ophelia, and one of the young mages Yurik had met and befriended at the gatherings.
At eleven years old, she was two years older than him.
Ophelia’s atelier was nearby, and it seemed Rilke had spotted him passing by.
“It’s great to see you! Come with me. Hurry!”
“I need to get back to the cottage…”
“It’ll just be a moment!”
Unlike the calm and quiet Monika, Rilke was the type to grab Yurik and chatter away about her achievements whenever she saw him.
Influenced by her master, Ophelia, who always used honorifics regardless of age or status, Rilke also had the habit of speaking politely to everyone.
Rilke grabbed Yurik’s wrist and led him through the streets.
After walking for a while, they entered a building on the outskirts of Arpenheim.
It looked like a warehouse filled with all sorts of miscellaneous items.
Inside, a spacious area had been cleared out in one corner.
With a carpet on the floor and various pieces of furniture, it looked quite presentable.
“Ta-da! This is my research room.”
Since she hadn’t yet gained independence, she hadn’t been given her own atelier and had instead cleared out part of the warehouse for her research.
This was Yurik’s first time seeing another mage’s research room besides Master Hene’s, so he explored the space with curiosity.
True to being a disciple of Ophelia, who researched ancient magic, the room was filled with what appeared to be ancient artifacts.
Alongside them were books with titles that made his head spin…!
“This is amazing, really.”
“I set it up not long ago. …You’re the first person I’m showing it to.”
Yurik thought to himself, shouldn’t we be having a housewarming party?
But then he paused, wondering what a housewarming party even was.
“When I get tired from researching, I can sit here and rest.”
She sat on a plush sofa in one corner.
Yurik’s eyes were drawn to an artistically crafted desk lamp.
Powered by magic, it looked expensive at a glance. Truly the disciple of Grand Mage Ophelia.
“I’m envious. Researching in a place like this would definitely improve your skills quickly.”
“Oh, would you like to see this?”
Rilke brought out an ancient artifact she was currently researching, along with her research notes on its historical value.
Of course, Yurik, who hadn’t even finished the introductory book, couldn’t possibly understand its historical significance, but he still expressed admiration as if he did.
“This is incredible, Rilke.”
“…Well, it’s not that big of a deal for me.”
“You’ll be recognized by Ophelia in no time. I hope I get the chance to learn about magical history from you someday!”
Yurik’s praise was genuine, but he also sprinkled in a bit of flattery. This was the social skill he had learned in Arpenheim.
When Rilke brags, just go along with it.
Her lips curled into a pleased smile at his compliments.
For her to show such an expression meant she was truly delighted.
Sensing it was time to leave, Yurik said, “Ah, I think I should head back now. If I’m too late, my Master might scold me…”
“Okay, I’ll walk you out.”
They parted ways in front of the building.
The sky was already tinged with the colors of sunset.
Yurik wanted to finish the introductory book quickly and start his own research, like Rilke.
History, crafting, magical development, or even lost ancient magic—he found it all fascinating.
He didn’t want to limit himself to just one field; he wanted to explore everything.
Lost in thought, Yurik soon arrived at the cottage in the forest.
He entered and poured the contents of his bag onto the living room table.
A considerable amount of daily necessities spilled out.
He organized the items and prepared dinner.
Shortly after, Master Hene emerged from her study.
After dinner, they had a brief tea time.
During this, the master and disciple engaged in a deep conversation about his progress.
“The way magic works differs from person to person. Take combat, for example. Some are skilled with swords, others with axes, and yet others with spears.”
Yurik understood exactly what Hene was getting at.
“You’re saying I should use the introductory book as a foundation but find my own way.”
“Exactly. The introductory book is universal, but it’s not the answer. No one knows the answer except yourself. That’s why mages study and research—to find their own answers.”
“I see.”
“But that doesn’t mean you should neglect the introductory book. It’s the result of a thousand years of accumulated and verified knowledge. The answers mages seek are usually built upon it. That’s why I want you to fully master the introductory book. It’s the path magic has walked so far.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Hene smiled faintly and gazed at Yurik’s profile.
Since taking on a disciple, she felt as if a second life had begun for her.
Though the only change was one additional human relationship, the resulting impact was beyond imagination.
After the conversation with his master, Yurik remained lost in thought, unable to rise from his seat even as the night deepened.
His own way.
The phrase shook his mind and heart.
At the same time, Yurik pondered who he was.
Then, at some point, he felt a clarity in his mind and stepped out of the cottage into a nearby clearing.
In the dim forest, illuminated only by moonlight, he closed his eyes, considering it the perfect stage.
With the world as my canvas,
And myself as the brush,
I send this to the universe.
If magic is a form of expression,
Then magic can also be a painting.
My magic.
My painting.
Yurik decided to paint his own picture and make a plea to the universe.
The runes in his mind flowed out one by one.
He wove the runes into a painting.
In a state of ecstasy, he spread his arms wide.
- Grant me light.
A small sphere of light appeared in the air.
According to the introductory book, this should have been the end.
But the sphere began to grow, as if unsatisfied.
It swallowed the clearing, the cottage, and eventually part of the forest.
The universe answered.
Yurik answered.
- Let there be light.
The sky was pierced.
Something that shouldn’t exist, something that mustn’t exist.
A pillar of light descended upon the earth.
As if the radiant finger of a transcendent being had struck the ground.
Yurik finally understood.
This was magic.
This was the universe’s answer.
The pillar of light lingered for a moment, leaving behind a faint glow before disappearing.
Having used himself as the charcoal to wield the runes, Yurik’s mana was nearly depleted by the overwhelming magic.
Sensing the intense mana reaction, Hene rushed out of the cottage and quickly caught Yurik as he collapsed.
While it was good that he had used magic in his own way, he had completely failed to control it.
Feeling the need for improvement, Yurik fainted in his master’s arms.