6
Chapter 6- Adrian's Cabin.
Mana circuit design was an incredibly profound and mysterious field of study.
It was already known that communication with the universe was possible through runes, but mana circuits were a process of fine-tuning that communication to an even more detailed level.
However, in this case, it felt like assembling Lego blocks without an instruction manual.
“……Lego blocks?”
Yurik felt something flicker in his mind.
It was probably another memory from his past life.
But he didn’t force himself to recall it.
After all, a past life was just that—a past life.
Even if memories of it returned, nothing would change.
If anything, it might only bring more resentment and longing.
Even after completing the three-day intensive training with Ingris, Yurik made sure to visit her lab at least two or three times a week.
She had said that mana circuits were something one could study and master for a lifetime and still not reach the end.
In the grand scheme of things, she herself was still learning.
The deeper Yurik delved into mana circuits, the more he realized how right she was.
The combinations of mana circuits were literally infinite.
And with that infinity came infinite possibilities.
However, since the mana a mage possesses is finite, no matter how infinite the combinations are, there is a clear limit to the usable combinations.
Therefore, mana circuit researchers considered it revolutionary if they could find a way to save even the slightest amount of mana from existing runes.
The more mana one could save, the more new combinations could be derived from it.
After familiarizing himself with mana circuits to some extent, Yurik returned to studying runes and finally understood their greatness.
The highly efficient circuits that had been refined and compressed over hundreds of years to the point where further improvement seemed almost impossible.
Especially the few dozen runes developed in the early days could be considered the epitome of mage history.
Just how many years of geniuses had been poured into those tiny runes?
Just imagining it was dizzying. …But at the same time, exhilarating.
A life devoted to something.
Mages are such people.
Those who rely on a small boat on the infinitely vast sea of magic.
They yearn and yearn until they finally throw themselves into that sea and drown….
But who would dare point fingers at those who have drowned!
Yurik, too, felt an even greater thirst as he gazed upon the endless sea, as if he had tasted its waters.
He wanted to learn more.
He wanted to know more.
He wanted to see the end of this vast sea.
As if he had been deprived of learning for so long, he threw himself into his studies.
While diligently studying the introductory texts, Yurik became interested in a new field after mana circuits: alchemy.
A modern discipline that began with the goal of creating the Philosopher's Stone, a legend passed down since the mythical era.
“Master, who is the most renowned alchemist in Arpenheim?”
“So you’ve taken an interest in alchemy?”
“Yes, I’d like to delve deeper into it.”
Master Hene fell into thought for a moment.
Of course, there were names that came to mind.
But among them was a grand mage notorious for her eccentricity among the mages.
“In terms of skill, there’s Grand Mage Adrian. But it would be difficult to learn from her.”
“Why is that?”
“She has been in seclusion for a long time. It’s not easy to make a request of her.”
“…I see.”
“Still, I’ll try asking her once. But if she refuses, look for another mage.”
“Understood. Thank you, Master.”
And so, Hene personally visited the remote cabin in the woods where Grand Mage Adrian resided.
Her unkempt hair and a cold, almost ruthless expression sent a chill down even Hene’s spine.
“What brings you here?”
“I’ve come to ask a favor of you, Senior.”
Hene politely explained her disciple’s situation.
Surprisingly, Grand Mage Adrian, who seemed likely to cut her off mid-sentence and refuse, listened to the end.
Though her expression remained far from pleasant.
“……I see.”
Contrary to expectations, Adrian accepted Hene’s request and swiftly retreated into her cabin.
She didn’t say when to come or go, but it could be interpreted as allowing the disciple to visit at any time.
Though it was a lukewarm acceptance, it was still an acceptance, so Hene told her disciple to visit the senior’s cabin whenever he wished.
“She’s a sensitive person, so be careful.”
“Yes, Master. I’ll be mindful of my behavior.”
Yurik also informed Ingris, who was like a second master to him, that he had decided to study alchemy. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Alchemy? ……Don’t tell me it’s her?”
“Who do you mean…?”
“Adrian.”
She didn’t even use the title ‘senior,’ perhaps harboring some ill feelings toward her.
“Yes, it’s Senior Adrian.”
“She agreed? She said she’d teach you?”
“Yes.”
“……Oh dear. My advice is, don’t get your hopes up. She’s not an easy person to deal with. Honestly, I’d rather you didn’t go.”
Of course, Yurik didn’t understand why Ingris was saying this at the time.
…But the moment he faced Grand Mage Adrian at her cabin, he began to grasp the meaning behind her words.
“I have no intention of teaching you anything.”
“……Pardon?”
“Are you deaf?! I said I have no intention of teaching you alchemy or anything else!”
The disheveled mage’s furious shout startled even Yurik.
“You’ll just do my errands. That’s why I accepted you. Understood?”
Yurik was a bit taken aback, but he couldn’t dare argue with a grand mage.
If he had any complaints, he’d have to take them up with his master.
“…Understood.”
“Now, go fetch these things. Take it!”
Yurik took the paper the mage handed him.
It listed everything from herbs to daily necessities.
At least she had the decency to include money.
He went to the village and did as Adrian asked.
She yelled at him to leave the items at the door and get lost.
‘Alright, I’ll leave, Senior.’
Even for a mage who hadn’t yet gained independence, this treatment was too much.
Yurik was deeply hurt.
Of course, he hadn’t always been treated kindly, but this level of blatant dislike and contempt was a first.
Returning home, Yurik flopped onto his sleeping bag. ……And then he began to mull over the recent events.
His hurt quickly turned into determination.
…A mage who must endure decades for the sake of research wouldn’t crumble over something like this!
And from then on, Yurik visited Grand Mage Adrian’s cabin every other day.
He didn’t care if she ignored him and didn’t come out.
He didn’t care if she threw tantrums and shouted.
He faithfully carried out her errands, and on days without errands, he sat in her yard, drawing or carving.
After three months, Yurik actually found the place comfortable.
He had time to truly immerse himself in drawing, something he had neglected due to his studies.
When he drew, he felt like he was escaping this world and entering a new one.
In those moments, he forgot about magic, alchemy, and even himself.
Sometimes he left his carvings on the cabin’s railing.
If she threw them away?
…That was fine.
He’d just place another one there.
Before he knew it, his determination had faded.
There was no anger.
Was there even a need for it?
Yurik understood Adrian.
She must have her reasons.
Even if she didn’t, it was fine.
Humans are beings who need affection.
It’s just that Senior Adrian hadn’t had anyone to give her affection.
Senior Adrian wasn’t a hopeless villain.
She was just a bit eccentric.
All it took was a little patience to embrace that.
If it were his brother, he would have surely given love even to someone like Senior Adrian.
The younger brother, who had received boundless affection from his brother, was now ready to give.
Yurik wanted to paint Senior Adrian’s portrait.
But not as she was now.
He wanted to paint her dressed elegantly, sitting gracefully with a warm smile.
And so, two more months passed.
One day, when the full breath of spring had settled over the woods.
The firmly shut door opened.
“……Come in.”
Yurik, who had been drawing, looked up in surprise at Adrian.
“What are you dawdling for? Get in here!”
“Ah, yes…, yes!”
Yurik gathered his drawing tools and hurried inside.
The cabin’s interior, filled with the scent of herbs, was unexpectedly cozy.
It felt like visiting a grandmother’s house.
“Sit.”
Adrian offered Yurik a chair and served him a cup of tea. It was warm, with steam gently rising.
“You want to learn alchemy?”
“Yes, Senior.”
“……Stubborn brat. You endured five months and seven days?”
“You were counting.”
“Hmph…. What kept you going?”
“I just wanted to be by your side.”
“……What?”
Yurik smiled brightly.
“Sometimes, just being there can help. I just wanted to do that.”
Adrian opened her mouth to say something but stopped.
The boy was only ten years old.
For a child to show such patience, mocking him would be the worst thing to do.
“…I understand your intentions. Starting tomorrow, I’ll teach you alchemy.”
For the first time in decades, Grand Mage Adrian had bent her stubbornness.
…In fact, her stubbornness wasn’t so great that it took only five months and seven days to break.
But Yurik was the first to wait those five months and seven days.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t be late. I have things to do too.”
“Understood!”
Yurik bowed and was about to leave when he turned back, rummaged through his bag, and carefully handed something to Adrian.
It was a splendid landscape painting of Adrian’s cabin.
“I really wanted to give this to you.”
Adrian didn’t refuse.
It was a fitting payment for teaching alchemy.
“……Now go.”
And Yurik left Adrian’s cabin.
Now, the door was wide open.
A cabin in the heart of spring.