Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Chapter 34 - 경쟁자
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Translator: crow
Chapter 34: Rival
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Ordinary.
Meltas evaluated Rishir's magical aptitude that way.
The bastard son's achievement of reaching the third circle was certainly noteworthy, but he was still a noble at the end of the day.
There were countless commoners of the same age who had also reached the third circle yet couldn't even set foot in the Magic Tower.
If not for the power of Normalization, Meltas never would have taken any interest in Rishir.
"It happens occasionally, you say? What do you mean by that?"
And yet, what was this?
In the blink of an eye, while he'd looked away for just a moment.
Rishir had become a fourth-circle mage.
An achievement that even those with exceptional talent needed months to attain—he'd accomplished it in mere minutes.
"Did you secretly swallow some elixir on the way here?"
Meltas blurted out what sounded like a joke, but in his bewilderment, it came out dead serious.
"You know, that thing of mine."
But as soon as Rishir alluded to the "power of Normalization," Meltas's expression changed abruptly.
"...That thing? What about it?"
"Well, it seems like it causes phenomena like this every now and then."
"...Does that even make sense? For a power like that to cause something like this?"
"Didn't you say yourself that it's an extraordinarily unique power, Sir Meltas? If we apply completely different standards from the start, it doesn't seem impossible, does it?"
"Hm... Somehow, it doesn't feel like that simple of a story..."
Meltas ultimately couldn't accept the phenomenon that had occurred with Rishir.
Regardless, his internal evaluation of Rishir underwent a massive revision.
From [an ordinary mage born with a special ability] to [What the hell is this guy?].
"That thing, this thing, whatever—it's a mess. Can't you explain it so the rest of us can understand?"
Meltas snapped out of it at the sound of Marina's voice. He then looked at her with a face like something had just occurred to him.
"You wouldn't understand even if I told you."
She'd barged into his lab uninvited to brag about her disciple. And whenever Meltas showed any sign of discomfort, she'd smirk and say, "Yeah, you wouldn't get it even if I explained."
It was Marina's usual routine with him.
"Ah. I see."
Marina nodded as if she'd understood, then crossed her arms with a pout and turned to Rishir.
"What school?"
"No need to answer, Rishir."
"I didn't ask you, Meltas."
"I wasn't talking to you either, Marina."
'What kind of situation is this?'
Caught awkwardly in the crossfire between these two giants, Rishir stood there stiffly, glancing back and forth between them.
"Well, your face is acceptable at least. Cute. Noble looks, but with a soft vibe—other guys could learn a thing or two from that. Why do they all walk around with their necks so stiff and their eyes bulging like that? Do they think it'll magically create some nonexistent charm or masculinity?"
"Critiquing his looks right to his face. How polite of you, Marina. The young mages in the Tower could learn so much from you."
"Oh, come on. It's just a comment on his appearance, and you're making a fuss. You aesthetically challenged types wouldn't get it, but handsome guys dress up like that on purpose."
Right?
Marina smiled sweetly at Rishir, subtly leaning forward just enough to accentuate the glimpse of cleavage.
"Rishir, just so you know, don't let the looks fool you. Marina's age is—"
Suddenly, a handkerchief appeared in Marina's hand. Throwing one was the most common way to challenge someone to a duel.
Meltas averted his eyes and shut his mouth. Marina tucked the handkerchief back into her bosom and continued.
"So, what's the big deal? Why all the fuss? Can't I at least ask about your school? You'll be hearing that question nonstop once you join the Tower anyway."
In truth, it was perfectly natural for mages to ask about each other's schools upon first meeting. Just like nobles inquiring about family lineages.
A way to gauge someone's rank.
For example, Marina was now gauging Rishir's rank right then. His rank as a mage.
His rank as a disciple.
'So this is the guy Meltas has marked as a disciple... my rival for the top spot?'
Marina's gaze toward Rishir filled with competitive fire.
Meltas and Marina.
The two were rivals.
They'd joined the Magic Tower at the same time, reached the sixth circle at the same time, and been recognized as elites by the Tower at the same time.
Their rivalry had begun when they received their first lessons from the same master, and it had persisted through the long years since.
Lately, however, their rivalry had entered a new phase.
-A disciple, all of a sudden? Aren't we about due to take one ourselves?
Marina, who'd been away from the Tower briefly for research, had returned with a disciple in tow.
-Hey, did you hear? About Sir Marina's disciple.
-Heynya, right?
-She looks extraordinary even from afar. Who'd have thought she was from a great noble house...!
-It was a family Sir Marina had been in close contact with, and she strongly advocated for her talent.
-They say she was only third circle before meeting Sir Marina?
-And that wasn't just any third circle!
-Self-taught, apparently? Just reading magic books on her own.
-Then one day, she meets Sir Marina, gets some guidance, and boom! Her talent explodes.
-Fourth circle in just one year of formal training... What have I been doing all this time? Maybe I should quit magic.
-Did you hear about it?
-Ah, Miss Heynya. I hear she's already showing achievements in resonance.
-That makes her a proper fourth-circle mage now.
-Feels like I hear about Miss Heynya once a day lately.
-Tell me about it.
-Meltas must be feeling the burn.
Ever since Marina took on a disciple, she'd been racking up points unilaterally.
The balance between the two, who'd always been equals, was starting to tip in her favor.
-This is driving me insane.
For Meltas, it was an utter embarrassment.
He'd already been thinking it was about time to take a disciple himself when this mess happened.
Now, he couldn't just take anyone.
Not now, more than ever.
He had to find talent that wouldn't pale in comparison to Marina's disciple.
-...How?
And so Meltas found himself in crisis.
Heynya Ye Mastien.
Born of a great house's bloodline, self-taught to the third circle, and reaching the fourth in just one year of formal training. Where on earth was he supposed to find someone to measure up to that treasure of a talent!
She was one of the few such geniuses in his not-insubstantial lifetime.
And he had to find a new one?
One without any prior claim?
Meltas had practically given up.
...Until this very morning.
The chance encounter with a certain Rishir.
And the chance exposure to his special power.
Meltas thought to himself.
Maybe he could do it.
Afterward, Marina asked Rishir not just about his school, but various other things as well.
Each time, Meltas told Rishir he didn't have to answer, so Rishir didn't.
Marina didn't mind much.
She was confident that no matter who Meltas brought in, they wouldn't measure up to her own disciple.
The leisure of the victor.
Just one thing that irked her.
"Marina. Mind stepping aside now? You can waste my time all you want, but as you can see, I have companions with me."
It was Meltas's attitude. There was a subtle air of composure about him.
A far cry from his usual self, where he'd grimace at any mention of disciples and desperately change the subject or excuse himself.
'What's this?'
Sensing something, Marina observed Rishir once more.
Early fourth circle for his age.
Not utterly ordinary, but not extraordinarily special either.
A bit too flimsy as a basis for confidence.
"Master."
Another voice interrupted then.
Rishir's gaze naturally followed it.
Golden blonde hair tied back swayed softly with her steps, like threads spun from gold.
Her green eyes were endlessly deep and clear, evoking jewels.
'It's like she has a different saturation setting altogether.'
Every element of her physique gleamed with vivid radiance.
"Ah, Heynya. Did you get the item?"
"Yes."
The girl called Heynya extended her hand toward Marina.
A silver ring lay in her palm.
"Hm? Why not wear it on your finger? Don't like the ring?"
"You said it's an artifact that aids mana recovery. I plan to wear it during rests."
Heynya replied in a crisp, no-nonsense tone.
"Still, why not try it on now?"
"I already tried it on when I received it from the shopkeeper. I took it off because the design isn't to my taste. Master, as I've told you many times, you don't need to provide me with material support. If there's something I need, just let me know. I can acquire it with my own power."
"So harsh. Doesn't a master want to give her disciple even more?"
After finishing her intimate exchange with her master, Heynya turned to Meltas.
"Sir Meltas. Fancy meeting you here."
"Indeed, Miss Heynya. Good to see you."
Heynya then stared at Rishir for a moment. Marina spoke up.
"I'll introduce him. That's okay, right, Meltas? Heynya? This is Rishir. The kid who's going to be Meltas's disciple."
"?"
I'm going to be Meltas's disciple?
Rishir shot Meltas a questioning look.
"Ahem. Marina, you're putting Rishir in an awkward spot."
"What's awkward about it? Anyway, why don't you two get acquainted? You'll be seeing each other a lot from now on."
No sooner had Marina finished than Heynya extended a hand to Rishir for a shake.
The stiff yet bold motion matched her clipped speech perfectly.
"I'm Heynya. Remember me as Sir Marina's disciple."
"Ah, I'm Rishir. Just remember me as Rishir."
Rishir took her hand and shook it lightly, then tried to pull away—but Heynya held on.
"Miss Heynya?"
"Fourth circle, huh?"
"Pardon? Ah, yes. You seem to be fourth circle as well, Miss Heynya. Impressive at your age."
It was sincere, not mere flattery. Rishir knew exactly how remarkable it was to reach the fourth circle at their age.
"..."
But despite Rishir's pure intentions, Heynya's expression twisted. And for good reason—Rishir was fourth circle too.
He'd unwittingly(?) broken into it just moments ago, so he had zero awareness of it as a fourth-circle mage.
Praise for the fourth circle from such a mouth.
Heynya pondered how to interpret it, then arrived at a fitting conclusion.
'Wants to test me, does he?'
It wasn't strange. She was Marina's disciple, and Rishir was Meltas's.
Heynya squeezed his hand harder and smiled.
"Should I say the same? That you're impressive for reaching fourth circle at the same age as me?"
"No need for that."
"Right. No need. Not all fourth circles are equal, after all. For starters, you're just at the very entrance, aren't you? I passed that point long ago."
Why is she suddenly picking a fight?
Whether she misread Rishir's awkward reaction or not, Heynya grew even more spirited.
"What books did you mainly reference for building your magical foundation? In my case—"
"...So, what do you think of Todrial's two rules?"
"Where does your magical imagery stem from?"
It was essentially a contest of magical erudition.
Rishir couldn't contribute a thing.
Soon enough, a victor's smile bloomed on Heynya's face.
Time for the finishing blow.
"I just said it—not all fourth circles are the same. Know why?"
Whoosh!
Heynya thrust her palm toward Rishir, then folded all fingers but her index.
"One year. That's all it took me to get here."
There was no arrogance, only pure confidence and pride shining in her eyes as she looked at him.
"And you?"
"...A month?"
Rishir cautiously stated the plain truth.
"Then should I change mine to a week? Don't mess around."
Heynya, of course, didn't buy it.
In the end, Rishir had to take drastic measures.
"...It's been about a year now, I suppose."
He'd inflated(?) his experience.
"..."
Heynya glared at him briefly, then let out a "pfft."
"Oh? Not bad yourself, then."
"Your words and expression don't match at all."
"Oops. Sorry if it came off that way."
Ah!
Heynya clapped as if struck by inspiration.
"Rishir. I've got a great idea. Want to hear it?"
"Sure."
"This is the first time. Meeting a mage on my level."
"Didn't you just say not all fourth circles are the same?"
"Aw, come on. Fellow first-years and all. So, how about a spar?"
"A spar? Out of nowhere?"
"You know how hard it is for people like us to find opponents on our level, right? It'll broaden our horizons a ton."
"..."
Rishir found himself nodding despite himself.
The more he heard, the more appealing her proposal sounded.
'A spar.'
A perfect chance to test his growth and gauge his current level.
Seeing his reaction, Heynya grinned mischievously.
"And plain sparring would be boring, so let's make it interesting. Loser grants the winner any one request. Sound fun?"
"What if I ask for your entire fortune?"
"You think I'd make a stupid request like that?"
"I would, if I won."
"..."
After a moment's thought, Rishir accepted.
Rishir set the time and place for the spar with Heynya, then parted ways.
The spar was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
The venue: the inner courtyard of the Gray Tower.
Afterward, Rishir headed to the Gray Tower with Meltas as originally planned.
Meltas first escorted him to his private lab.
He had much to discuss regarding recent events.
The moment they arrived, Rishir pulled something from his luggage and showed it to Meltas.
"What's that?"
"An elixir."
"?"
Meltas doubted his own ears.
The item's status popping up out of nowhere?
"Just to be sure, Sir Meltas—from Bondales to here, is there any place better than your lab for consuming an elixir?"
"Sudden question. But to answer, probably not many."
"I agree. So, Sir Meltas, could I ask for your assistance with consuming my elixir?"
That was another reason Rishir had readily agreed to the Tower tour.
A note from his master Pamon regarding elixir consumption. Per it, the Magic Tower was the best place for it.
"Just checking—you didn't drink it between leaving the lab and reaching the magic shop, did you?"
"What do you take elixirs for, Sir Meltas?"
"...Never mind. Don't worry about it. But why now, of all times?"
"Gotta win the spar. If I win and ask for money, it'd look pretty pathetic if I had none, right?"
"...What do you take elixirs for?"
Meltas was starting to grow genuinely curious about just who this Rishir guy really was.