Chapter 79
Chapter 79
----------------------------------------------------------------- Translator: crow Chapter Title: System (2) -----------------------------------------------------------------
⚔ STATUS ⚔
, Master of the Holy Sword (A) , Blessing of Purified Blood (A) , Mistress of the Forest (A) , Empty Vessel Filled with Purity (A) , Pure Chaos (A)
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⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Listing target's information] ... ... [Target's stature is too high]
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📰 Breaking News
Title: Wow, trash game Content: Now even viewing the status window drains HP and mana.
💬 Comments
— Anonymous
That happens from late game when viewing fate quest boss mobs or named ones lol
— Anonymous
[Target's stature is too high]
— Anonymous
Ta rget sta ture
— Anonymous
Damn, I thought of that name again, now I have to praise it
— Anonymous
Why are these people’s levels like this?"
I didn't know exactly what those numerical levels signified. But one thing was clear: judging by my own level, my companions' standards far exceeded my expectations. I already knew my master and friends were tremendous figures. My master, who could topple a family single-handedly. Roera, the genius who bore the family's expectations. Fienne, the True Ancestor managing a family-scale fish farm. And even Perrin, who had the elf princess in a tizzy. But seeing that greatness quantified as levels and confirmed directly left me dumbfounded. 'I'm level 42 at 6th circle, so what's 50? Surely not 7th circle?' Most striking of all was that I was dead last. Even Lona, who laid the floor, had insane growth. Just recently, she'd failed as a demon and qualified as human, losing all abilities, yet now she'd caught up right below me. Suddenly, I recalled the "Traits" I'd glimpsed in passing. Checking them one by one felt like my brain was being tenderized with a meat mallet, so I couldn't examine closely— 'They all had something called ???'s Aura.''Maybe that's the secret to their explosive growth?''Do I have it too?' I was lost in such thoughts about the status window when— Knock knock. A knock came from the front door.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Chuguljujuri, hello!"
Opening the front door, Verbandes scampered over and greeted the guest at the door. Chuguljujuri. Sir Melthas himself. Chugu referred to the wrinkles all over his face, and juri to his braided hair and beard. It exuded pure, affectionate vibes and was surprisingly intuitive, but the downside was it was awfully rude. Tok. I lightly tapped the head of the little sand girl with my knuckle and said, "Tch! Verbandes! That's no good! Say it right. Sir Melthas."
"Me, Merutadesyu Knight!?"
"Sir Merutadesyu, sorry. I trained her to pronounce her own name properly, but now she mangles every difficult sound like that. Classic downside of cramming education."
"Hoho, it's fine. Chuguljujuri, eh? Quite cute, isn't it? I rather like the name."
"Really? Then, Sir Chuguljujuri, what brings you here?"
"Call me properly."
"Come inside first?"
"No need. It's a quick matter, so I'll be brief. Do you know the councilor Lan?"
For wise Bondaress social life, I'd memorized most of Bondaress's persons of interest. Lan was on that list. The City Council, the real rulers of Bondaress. Lan was the eldest daughter of the Pelloso Family, one of the five council families, managing the family in place of their bedridden head due to illness.
"You mean Lan of the Pelloso Family. I know she's one of the most powerful figures in Bondaress as a councilor."
Councilor. Not even the politically independent mage tower masters in the city, nor great nobles ruling vast territories near the Empire, dared treat Bondaress councilors lightly.
"That powerful city figure has a personal request for you."
"For me?"
I'd handled requests from merchants several times, so outsider commissions were somewhat familiar, but this felt awfully sudden. Councilors were usually the ones granting favors, not requesting them. Was there anything a Bondaress councilor couldn't handle with their power? If anything, matters involving other councilors.
"Feels fishy. What does she lack that she'd ask me?"
"I agree. Councilors rarely incur debts to our mage tower. Know why?"
"Worried about the tower gaining political influence in the city?"
Sir Melthas looked at me with surprise.
"You know your stuff. Common concern, but you're remarkably mature for your age."
"Aw, you're overpraising me for nothing."
"You say that because you don't know your peers well. You wouldn't understand. Hearing no idiotic 'It hurts my pride!' from you relieved me greatly."
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. Indeed, many young nobles fit his description. By his standards, maybe, but by mine, they weren't fools. I wasn't in a position to judge others' intelligence. If anything, they were stubbornly prideful. Forcing their world of honor and face on others. I'd seen plenty back in Bendel.
"Anyway, as you said, the council fears the tower gaining political sway, so they never give us leverage. They don't need to—they can summon mages from outside easily."
"Yet she commissioned our tower."
"Not just that—she specifically named you."
"Any reason? Maybe my back-alley friends again?"
"If you have trouble with those back-alley friends, a councilor is who you'd seek."
"True. So why?"
"I asked ahead for the same reason. Nothing more regrettable than a promising mage tangled in politics."
"Hah, as expected. What'd she say?"
"She got advice."
"Advice?"
Sir Melthas paused before continuing.
"From my investigations, Lan's lately enamored with some suspicious figure called the 'Saint.'" "Saint?"
"Yeah. Apparently treats Bondaress slums' sick for free."
"Sounds good."
"Sad state of the world to say this, but Rishir—beware those who give kindness without reason."
"Truly lamentable. I half-agree. Those claiming no greed for money are usually mad for it. So this saint advised Councilor Lan to ask me for help?"
"What do you think?"
"Likes me, so maybe surprisingly good?"
"Master! Likes Master, so good person! That's why Chuguljujuri's good too!"
Verbandes, who'd been eyeing Sir Melthas's beard from below, shouted. A grandfatherly smile spread on Sir Melthas's face as he looked at her.
"And Lan's reputation is solid from what I know. Hope of the councilors, you might say."
"Fairly incorruptible for one. Though weaker for it."
"Then it's settled. I'll go hear her out. Chances to score points with a councilor aren't common."
The mage tower's influence in Bondaress was surprisingly limited.
"I'm a mage tower mage" might get 50% bows.
"I'm a councilor's friend" would get 95%. No wonder Sir Melthas brought this shady tale to me. This was a huge opportunity. To solidify my position in Bondaress and noble society. I seized it, accepting Sir Melthas's proposal.
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⚔ STATUS ⚔
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◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The place Rishir headed to meet Councilor Lan Pelloso was a grand mansion in District 2, Bondaress's wealthiest residential area. In a reception room larger than most houses, they had gathered.
"Lady Lan, Honorary Mage Rishir has arrived."
The moment Rishir entered the reception room guided by the butler, all eyes focused on him. The emotions in those gazes were mostly complex. Even those smiling with curiosity weren't entirely friendly. Rishir soon understood why. 'I'm the only rookie here.'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Councilor Lan had gathered people to solve her pressing issue. They were all heavyweights qualified for her courteous invitation.
"Talrod of the Crimson Mage Tower."
A sharp-eyed man declared.
"Red Spear, pleased to meet you."
A beastkin woman with red ears and tail followed.
"I am Shakan of the Sky Step Tribe."
"Honored to meet the descendant of great warriors."
"And you?"
"Malddad."
"Cardum's demon hunter. Heard of you."
With the hooded man's introduction indoors, they all wore satisfied expressions. Renowned names across the continent. Except for the rookie who spoke first. Honorary mage of the Gray Tower, Rishir? Never heard. Taking on a vague figure due to politics? Otherwise, why not invite Gray Staff Melthas or Flowing Star Marina? As dissatisfied glances turned to Councilor Lan, she cleared her throat and began.
"Thank you all for coming."
"You called us for that, I presume?"
Cardum's demon hunter Malddad pointed to the table in the reception room's center. A black crystal orb sat there.
"Yes. A demon sealed here holds info our family wants. But no matter begging or threats, it won't answer. So I ask you all."
Demon. The air grew heavier at the word.
"Better one experience than a hundred explanations. Shall we check?"
Councilor Lan cautiously gestured at the orb.
"Hm~" The beastkin warrior Shakan leaned back, glaring at the black orb. Soon, she approached, placed her hand on it, and said, "Hey."
"..."
No reply. Next, Crimson Tower Master Talrod stepped up.
"Demon, I ask your name."
"I have no name to reveal to you pathetic worms."
Watching it all, Cardum's demon hunter Malddad crossed his arms and sighed. Even from afar, the alien aura felt vividly on his skin. Clearly no low-rank demon. It saw humans not as interesting but as utter contempt. Extracting specific info from such a demon? Pure and unaltered? He sensed this commission wouldn't be easy. Shakan and Talrod tussled with the black crystal a while before returning. As they all grew grave and prepared to discuss— "Master! Master! I wanna talk to the blackie too!"
A little girl popped out, grabbing the black orb. As they belatedly panicked to stop her— "Blackie! Answer when Master asks! Got it!?"
"... With pleasure."
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⚔ STATUS ⚔