Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Spirit Mage (3)
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While the three men took a moment to grasp Galen's meaning, the woman chuckled as if she found it amusing.
"You're a mage, aren't you? Galen, was it?"
"That's right. And you are?"
"Redna. Just like you said, I'm a spirit mage. You don't seem to know me, so how did you figure it out?"
"Your chest looked particularly warm."
"Sharp eyes. Perfect timing, too. It was getting a bit hot."
Redna undid the front of her tightly wrapped coat. The ample curves hidden beneath the baggy garment came into view.
Her face was pretty enough, and with a figure like that, she could certainly be called a beauty. But no one had eyes for her looks.
If she'd been wearing a necklace, it would have nestled right in her cleavage—a fist-sized fireball hovered there instead. Who had time to appraise her appearance?
It wasn't just close; it was literally perched on her chest, yet Redna showed no sign of feeling the heat. Her clothes weren't even singed, let alone burning. Impossible for ordinary fire.
Freeman and Saker swallowed dryly. Terti asked quietly.
"How'd you spot that?"
"Call it a mage's intuition."
Galen gave a curt reply. He couldn't explain in detail, but it wasn't a lie.
The range of Water Flow Manipulation included not just visible water but moisture in the air. Even without casting, Galen's senses constantly tracked the flow of moisture around him.
He didn't know the principle controlling the heat, but it hadn't vanished. He'd noticed the moisture being pushed back by the flame's presence.
"I've never spotted another mage at a glance. You've got all kinds of strange senses."
Redna placed her hand on her chest and lifted it away. The fireball followed her gentle caress to her palm.
Playing with the flame like a toy, she stared straight at Galen.
"Show me yours."
"Show what?"
"Magic. It's unfair if only I show mine."
"You get upset over the weirdest things."
"Don't you want to?"
"Why should I?"
"Because otherwise, something bad might happen?"
With a playful tone, Redna casually brought her hand to her mouth. Like extinguishing a candle, she gently blew on the fireball in her palm.
That instant.
Spirit Flame
Massive forward blast
Whoosh!
The cute, child-fist-sized fireball erupted into flames dozens of times its size, surging forward.
"What the hell?!"
Freeman and Saker ducked in panic, while Terti sprang from his seat.
Galen, who'd felt an inexplicable dread just before, already gripped the handle of his large water mug—the one left for thirsty patrons.
They'd only been drinking beer, so it was nearly full. He swung it, splashing water ahead along the arc.
Water Flow Manipulation seized the flying water. It unfurled in midair like a sheet, forming a thin shield. Additional moisture from the surroundings thickened it.
Sizzle!
Steam burst as fire met water.
Redna had the edge in the first clash. The flames lost momentum, but the water shield evaporated entirely.
Of course, the vaporized water could be recycled with Water Flow Manipulation, so remaking the shield was no issue.
Or he could counterattack through the gap. In fact, that's what Galen planned.
If not for something appearing before his eyes right as he decided.
"...!"
Galen's eyes widened slightly.
Thoughts raced through his mind in an instant. He concluded: clash once more.
But as he moved to act, the flickering flames were sucked back into a fireball. In seconds, she'd withdrawn.
"What the hell was that?!"
Terti bellowed, voicing Galen's regret—though his was pure fury at the rudeness.
Grabbing his sheathed sword from the side, Terti growled savagely.
"Hurling magic inside a shop out of nowhere? Are you insane?!"
"What did I do?"
"What?"
"Nothing happened, right?"
"Nothing my ass!"
Terti, fuming, pointed at the shop's wreckage to continue.
But... there was nothing to say.
Tables and chairs stood between Redna's group and Galen's, and the flame storm should have swept them away.
Wooden furnishings that should've burned clean were pristine. Not a scorch mark. Eerily perfect.
Savoring Terti's stunned silence, Redna spoke.
"A spirit's flame burns only what I want. I just wanted to see Galen's magic— no reason to torch the shop. Though if he'd held out without using his, it might've been different."
"Hey!"
"But he did use it, so no problem, right? Good thing he heeded my warning about what happens if you dodge."
"...I get it. Your mindset's clearly off."
Galen gestured to calm Terti and spoke.
"Putting away the flame means you're done, right? Quit causing a scene and leave."
"That's the plan. I came because I was curious about you, and now I know."
Redna smiled—a victor's grin laced with smug superiority.
"The Gaud Family sent you an invite, right? Narok probably did too. Planning to join this mess?"
"Haven't decided."
"Don't come to Gaud. No room left."
"...What do you mean?"
"They sent the invite to snag a skilled mage for Narok—preemptive strike. But after today, looks like we don't need it."
"This bitch really—!"
Terti exploded, drawing his sword. Even good-natured, he was a mercenary at heart. No enduring insults. Galen had to grab his arm.
"Hold it, Terti."
"No need! Galen, let's do what she says. Gaud doesn't want us? Fine, Narok it is. Cut her head off first, deliver it later."
"Think you can? A mage who barely blocked my casual flame won't help much. You alone?"
"We'll see if fire's faster than steel."
"Enough provoking, Lady Redna."
A new voice cut the tense standoff. The man who'd come with Redna.
"I'm here to protect you from threats, not start fights for you."
"They drew first."
"You made them."
"That's—"
"Not here for petty arguments."
He cut her off curtly, sounding weary.
"Contract says no dragging in unrelated parties."
"From the sound of it, you're joining Narok now..."
"Fight when it's official. Not now. Innkeepers are watching."
"Fine, fine."
Redna pouted. Mentioning the contract was her leash.
"Not just today, Terti. We'll settle it later."
"Urgh."
Galen restrained Terti too. Grumbling, he sheathed his sword reluctantly.
The awkward silence lingered briefly. No reason to endure it, so Redna spun around.
"See you next time—if you're lucky. Better if we don't."
Scraping Terti's nerves to the end. The man sighed faintly, nodded politely, and followed.
"You with Gaud?"
As the man reached the door, Terti grumbled. He paused but didn't reply. Terti sneered anyway.
"Must be tough playing bodyguard or babysitter. We'll free you soon."
"...Won't happen."
The man murmured and left. The door chimed shut. Footsteps faded.
"Phew, thought we were dead."
Saker gulped his beer, exhaling held breath. Freeman wiped cold sweat.
Terti slumped back, muttering.
"Should've ignored her and cut her throat from the start."
"Would've been tough. Her guard would've blocked. They wouldn't assign a bronze-rank escort to a spirit mage of her caliber."
"True, but still..."
"And starting a brawl on a whim would've wrecked the place."
Galen sipped his beer calmly.
Of all elements, fire. Worst matchup for a wood-heavy inn.
Without perfectly nullifying it—impossible practically—damage was inevitable. Unless a river nearby.
"Damn, you're right."
Terti knew it logically. But emotionally? Especially Galen's nonchalance.
"You not pissed, Galen? After that crap from her?"
"Actually, I liked it."
"...Got a thing for that?"
"No, no. Not the insults. If she underestimates us, she's easier to handle."
Redna assumed his 'inability' to counter meant weakness.
Galen had chosen not to. Her gloating over it was laughable.
"She called it casual, but even heavy flames don't seem unmanageable. And we don't fight one-on-one anyway."
"So, Narok alliance wins. Got it."
"Yeah. Let's head there now."
"Perfect. I'm in. Gotta avenge today."
"Glad to have you. One request?"
"Shoot."
"Next time we meet her, let me take first shot."
"Obviously. You're the one insulted."
"Even if I spare her on purpose."
"Huh? Spare her?"
Terti questioned. Galen looked sheepish.
"Well... just that one clash sparked something. Magical insight."
"Ah, enlightenment?"
"Yeah. Rare chance against a spirit mage. One bout might yield results, but if not, a few more fights."
"Do it. Can't steal enlightenment. She'll rage knowing she's your stepping stone."
Terti grinned. Galen bowed slightly in thanks.
It was a plausible cover, but what struck Galen wasn't mere insight.
The moment spirit flame met water shield, halting him, was this.
A status window.
Just like when he first learned Water Flow Manipulation.