Chapter 201
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 201
Chapter Title: Ranes (2)
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In truth, it was utterly astonishing that Ranes had come to find Jun in person like this.
Even for someone who took a keen interest in talented mages, the position of leading an entire faction carried far more weight than that.
So when she announced she would visit him herself, not only the disciples of the Mage Tower but even the elders were stunned.
And they had asked him the exact same question as he was now.
"Why go to such lengths for me?"
"It's my nature. Teaching talented mages. I can't just stand by and watch skilled mages wither away without blooming."
"......"
Jun had a rough idea of who this woman Ranes was, but he knew nothing of the finer details of her past.
'Even in the game, it seemed like she had her own circumstances.'
Even recalling with [Exceptional Memory], there was no related information.
"And your talent surpasses any I've ever seen."
It wasn't just because of the [Demon God Body].
No, of course that accounted for about half the reason.
The other half was perseverance.
Or perhaps tenacity was the better word.
'Such intricate 6th Circle magic at her age. Even I wasn't at that level back then. And beyond the circles, there's another power. Incredibly hot yet precise. Fire affinity?'
True to her status as an 8th Circle mage, Ranes saw through Jun's condition at a glance.
'And she reached that realm all on her own, without any master.'
She wondered if such a thing was even possible.
It couldn't be achieved by talent alone.
It had to be a realm forged by surviving near-death experiences time and again, clawing up from the gutters of harsh reality, relentlessly self-flagellating to push forward.
If there existed an artwork sculpted by the gods themselves, wouldn't it be the being standing before her?
It was praise so effusive it would make even the listener bow their head in embarrassment.
Anyone watching might think it ridiculous for a first meeting.
But this was the awe from Ranes, who far exceeded ordinary standards.
And impatience began to stir in her heart.
'This one could do it. She's the material to reach that domain I myself gave up on.'
The realm even Ranes, who called her own talent transcendent, had to abandon.
9th Circle.
This young mage before her could surely reach that supreme domain.
The problem was that this young mage was a wildflower.
Even if typhoons raged around her and the world turned upside down, all one could do was watch from afar.
Reach out rashly, and she might wither away.
'She's already deeply tied to the Imperial Family, as expected.'
No matter how good an impression Jun had left on the two imperial princes, the empire with its long history was no place that couldn't crush even such talents at will.
That only fueled her urgency even more.
"I don't know what you see in me to say such things."
"Any mage with a shred of sense would want you as a disciple."
"The mages I've seen weren't like that."
"How many sane mages are there in this world?"
"Hm."
Jun fell silent, unsure how to respond.
But Ranes was different.
She knew better than anyone how rotten mage society had become.
"It's awkward to say this as a fellow mage, but mages are all mad. And that includes me."
"Why is that?"
"They hole up in cramped rooms, obsessed with research. They become selfish, prioritizing only themselves. They fear leaking their work, so they don't share achievements with disciples, believing only they can solve it."
"Huh."
Jun was somewhat aware of this already.
But he never imagined hearing it straight from an 8th Circle mage.
"Under such mages, young ones suffer, learn that pain, and repeat the same mistakes with their own disciples. Countless geniuses fall because they can't endure it."
Was there some story behind it?
A faint sadness flickered across Ranes's face.
This was astonishing.
For an 8th Circle grand mage to show such human emotion.
'To reach that height, a normal life is impossible. Perhaps her very growth stems from those values.'
Ranes looked at Jun again after speaking.
"I've long told mages to experience the outside world, but they ignore me. But you—your existence might shatter their prejudices."
So that's why she wanted to take him along.
Jun had a vague sense of her intentions.
Yet he still felt negative about it.
The reason was simple.
'Too optimistic.'
Would all mages change just because one superior to him walked a different path?
If so, they would've rushed out after seeing Ranes alone.
Noticing Jun's expression, Ranes smiled wryly.
"I know my thinking is naive. But at least I can give them a reason to look back."
"Still, you're overestimating me. As you know, my knowledge of orthodox magic is sorely lacking."
"That's what makes it fascinating. You've proven there are ways to grow mages beyond the orthodox path those fools worship."
"But I'm not under the same conditions as ordinary mages."
Jun's growth owed much to bone-deep effort.
But most of it was thanks to [Demon God Body].
Other mages using magic like him would've burned out their circuits, become crippled, or worse, died.
Jun reached this point through effort, experience, and coincidence stacking up.
"So, you're refusing?"
"Hm."
But her asking again made him hesitate.
No, the situation itself was absurd.
An 8th Circle grand mage was proposing to take him along.
Any other apprentice would've clutched their heart and fainted.
'Well, Ranes isn't the type anyway. And with my Imperial ties, she can't be reckless.'
With her earlier fervor subsided, Jun viewed her offer more objectively.
"What's your deadline?"
"Until the end of this season would be fine."
"Until the season ends... Understood."
Only then did Ranes's expression brighten.
For an 8th Circle mage, it was remarkably human.
'Maybe that's the normal reaction.'
Thinking of his own master or Sergei made Jun shake his head.
"When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow. I have other appointments now."
Her gaze turned to where Dexter and Havier were staying.
In other words, she'd come to him first, before seeing the two princes.
'I knew it, but she means it.'
Curious about her obsession anew, Jun saw her off.
"Well, Havier. It's been a while."
"An honor to see you like this, Lady Ranes."
"Haha. To think the little boy has grown so much. How's your magic studies?"
"Truthfully, I haven't been dedicated."
"I can tell at a glance."
In the past, when Havier was a child learning magic, it was Ranes who taught him.
She'd recognized his talent and helped despite his position.
But the period wasn't long.
Because Havier's mother, Benes, didn't want it.
—This should be enough for self-defense. Thank you so much, Lady Ranes.
Havier had been passionate about magic, so Ranes tried convincing Benes, but she dismissed it.
To Benes, Ranes was just a loser who'd fled the power struggle.
"So, what brings you to summon me?"
Given that history, Ranes found Havier's letter puzzling.
Had his mindset changed?
Even after, she'd checked on him through informants; he didn't seem well.
Depressed when alone, mask-like around others.
A doll who couldn't voice opinions.
But now he was different.
Resolution shone in his eyes; something had shifted.
"I want to learn magic from you, Lady Ranes."
"From me?"
"Yes."
"Tell me why."
But Ranes wasn't one to yield easily.
Though she'd shown unusual interest in the mage Jun.
Frankly, Havier lacked that level of talent.
Objectively a prodigy, but not comparable to Jun.
At least, that's how Ranes saw it then.
"Before that... I want to apologize for the past."
"Hm?"
Havier stood, bowing deeply—not just his head, but his waist—with formal words.
Ranes wondered what this was but let it be.
"In the past, my mother disrespected you. And I just watched."
"Hmm."
"I won't call it childish impulsiveness. I'm sorry."
"Well... Honestly, it soured my mood then."
She was a 7th Circle powerhouse then.
Her influence in Blackout was no small thing.
Yet they'd summoned her, taught minimally, and dismissed her.
She'd avoided Imperial ties even more after.
Just moments ago too.
If not for Havier's letter—or Jun's presence—she wouldn't have come.
"Even so, I have an impudent request."
Time had passed, she felt.
Havier, waist bowed, lifted his head with clear emotion.
The 'will' to achieve something.
From his childhood.
Overlapping with the boy who'd laughed freely, enjoying magic as a subject.
"Teach me once more."
"Not difficult."
"......!"
"If you can convince your mother."
"......"
"Can you?"
"Yes. I will."
"Hoh."
The boy who'd flinched at his mother's voice.
Now stood tall, shoulders back.
Waist straight.
Absurdly, Ranes sensed imperial majesty from him.
'Blood is blood, after all.'
She wondered where this change began.
From what she'd heard, it tied to the mage she'd just met. Jun.
"Tell me in detail. Why learn magic now? And the trigger."