Chapter 83
Chapter 83
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 83
Chapter Title: The Evaluation Match
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Lee Si-woo looked troubled by Yahalong's offer to become one of his people.
“I appreciate your offer, Lord Yahalong, but as you know, I already belong to Lady Isabelle…”
Yahalong, who had expected Lee Si-woo to at least pretend to consider it before refusing, clicked his tongue and crossed his arms.
“Lady Isabelle, yes, there's no one better if you're looking for a sponsor. But Si-woo, you know it too, don't you? She has no intention of ever being in a serious relationship with you.”
“Well, I don't think I need to worry about whether she's serious about me or not. What's important is the fact that she wants me.”
Yahalong understood what Lee Si-woo was implying.
“…That your opinion doesn't matter?”
“Yes. If she tells me to do something, I do it. What choice do I have?”
“Alright, then let me ask you frankly. Your relationship with Lady Isabelle, is it really like the rumors say?”
It was a piercing question.
But Lee Si-woo answered instantly, without a moment's hesitation.
“Yes.”
Yahalong's expression twisted at Lee Si-woo's brazen lie.
Yahalong scrutinized Lee Si-woo's face with sharp eyes, but his insight wasn't keen enough to discern the truth.
“…You're really dating?”
“Yes. For your information, she confessed first.”
Since she wasn't here, Lee Si-woo decided to just go for it.
“No, I mean… Huh, really? That hellion really went for you? And she confessed first?”
Yahalong found it utterly unbelievable.
Considering Isabelle's pride, her temper, and her past, it was something that couldn't possibly happen, no matter how many times he thought about it.
The woman who looked down on human mages as if they were dirt, abused her power over them, and considered assault and verbal abuse the norm, was dating a human?
He'd sooner believe the sky was splitting in two.
“Ha, damn it. This is driving me crazy… I can't tell if you're telling the truth or lying.”
“There's no need to think too deeply. Before you question whether my words are true or false, you just need to consider whether I can become one of your people or not. And my answer is…”
“Right, that it's impossible. Well, fine. It can't be helped. Pressuring a friend to whom I owe a great debt for my own selfish desires is something even a shameless troll like me can't do. Hmm… then I'll make a second offer.”
“A second offer… you say?”
“Even if you can't be one of my people, I thought perhaps there's room to consider becoming my friend and ally.”
“A friend and an ally… Lord Yahalong, instead of beating around the bush, it seems you need something from me. What is it?”
“Hmph, you're a sharp one. Alright. The evaluation match is happening soon.”
Lee Si-woo's eyes sparkled at the words "evaluation match" that Yahalong uttered.
The evaluation match.
It was an event where all the mages in the Magic Tower were gathered in a dormitory to be assessed on their theory and practical skills.
The evaluation match was one of the most important of the Tower's quarterly events, as it was a stage for growth and opportunity where the affiliated mages' strengths were assessed, and their levels were raised through appropriate rewards.
“The evaluation match… is it happening already? I thought it was usually held around the end of the year.”
“That's right. It was originally an event to wrap up the year. But the problem is that too many low-Circle mages died in the Niam Mountains because of the Elemental Stones. To use a tree as an example, it's as if the roots were ripped out entirely, so we need to fill the empty spots somehow.”
“Then shouldn't it be a selection trial instead of an evaluation match?”
“We'll be holding selection trials too. On an unprecedentedly large scale. It'll probably be a golden opportunity for wandering mages. And for us as well.”
“True, an evaluation match is a good opportunity for growth. I heard the rewards aren't bad.”
“This time, the rewards aren't just 'not bad.' They're the best in history.”
“The best in history?”
“Those who place in the top three in the evaluation match will be given a Promotion Pill.”
-*Promotion Pill? Hah, my Lord. You must not miss this opportunity. A Promotion Pill is a high-grade elixir that can replenish half the mana of a 3rd-Circle magic root with just one dose. If you, a 2nd-Circle master, can get your hands on it, even if your growth is difficult as a six-root mage, you will surely be able to reach the 3rd Circle.*
At Harman's advice, greed stirred within Lee Si-woo, but he soon soberly assessed the reality of the situation.
“Well. The prize is tempting, but I'm not sure if it's possible for me to place in the top three.”
“It'll be tough. Especially since this time, we 2nd-Circle mages will be competing alongside the 3rd-Circle mages.”
“…Don't tell me the number of 2nd-Circle mages has dropped so much that we have to compete with 3rd-Circle mages?”
“Smart, you're exactly right. Right now, there are less than fifty 2nd-Circle mages in the Tower. That's less than half the usual number.”
Only then did Lee Si-woo realize just how absurd his actions in the Niam Mountains had been.
With a single choice, he had wiped out half of the Twelve Magic Towers' pillars.
The thought that the Twelve Magic Towers would grind him to dust and drink him if they found out sent a chill down his spine.
*'Still, this is too much. 2nd-Circle and 3rd-Circle mages competing together? Tsk, no matter how much I want that Promotion Pill or whatever, it's going to be hard to get my hands on it.'*
Lee Si-woo let out a dry laugh and said.
“No matter how good the prize is, it's just a pie in the sky. No matter how skilled the 2nd-Circle mages are, it's impossible to place in the top three against 3rd-Circle mages.”
“That's not necessarily true.”
A strange light flickered in Lee Si-woo's eyes at Yahalong's words.
“Not necessarily true? Don't tell me, are the evaluation criteria different?”
Dumbfounded by how quick-witted Lee Si-woo was, understanding ten words from a single one, Yahalong gave a bitter smile.
“Good grief, the more I deal with you, the more flabbergasted I am. You're right, the evaluation match was originally based on absolute evaluation. In other words, whether it was a duel or an exam, you were judged strictly on your performance and scores. But this time, it's relative evaluation.”
“Relative evaluation… that means they'll be weighing potential for growth more heavily than current skill.”
“Exactly. That's why I want to team up with you. No matter how I think about it…”
Yahalong stroked his chin and smiled meaningfully.
“Among the 2nd-Circle mages, and even the 3rd-Circle mages, there's no one as exceptional as you. It's only natural. After all, you're the guy who survived against an Ancient.”
Yahalong was one of the few survivors from the mountains who knew the detailed circumstances.
He had seen the Ancient chasing Lee Si-woo, and he had seen him survive against that monster.
Of course, he didn't know why the Ancient was chasing Lee Si-woo, but he had overheard something.
“Sorry, but I overheard in the ruins. You serve the Faceless One, right?”
When Lee Si-woo's face turned as cold as ice at his words, Yahalong quickly waved his hands and spoke in a gentle voice.
“Hey, don't look so serious. It's not like I was trying to eavesdrop. And I have no intention of getting interested in this Faceless One or whatever. I want nothing to do with something that's being chased by a being like an Ancient. Even if I'm an Elder's grandson, I know what's what.”
Yahalong cleared his throat once and continued in a calm tone.
“So, here's the point. I think you're someone special, and I'm sure you'll distinguish yourself in the evaluation match. So… let me tag along for the ride, friend.”
Lee Si-woo crossed his legs, pretending to be lost in thought, and brought out his 3-star Talent, Antennae.
Translucent antennae sprouted from the top of his head, discerning the colors of the emotions Yahalong held.
*'Brown, signifying friendliness and goodwill. Hmm, but there's a slight reddish tint... Ah, faint anger. Is it jealousy? He feels goodwill toward me, but at the same time, he harbors some uncomfortable feelings. Well, he was saved by a human, so it's not surprising he'd have some negative emotions. Still, this is trustworthy enough.'*
Lee Si-woo tapped the table with his index finger and said.
“Well. I'd love to work with you since we get along so well, Lord Yahalong, but… isn't there only one Promotion Pill, unfortunately?”
As Lee Si-woo subtly revealed his greed, Yahalong grinned.
“I like that you're not pretending to be modest. Don't worry. Second place gets two Promotion Pills, and first place gets three.”
“Hah, so we have to place second or higher? Hmm, doesn't that make it even more difficult?”
“Whether you're with me or alone, the difficulty will be about the same. No, in a way, it might even be better. Did I mention? One of the evaluation judges… is my grandfather.”
Lee Si-woo, having quickly done the math in his head, smiled brightly.
With a refreshing smile that could lift anyone's spirits, he said.
“I look forward to working with you, Lord Yahalong.”
“Don't mention it. The pleasure is all mine, friend.”
The two shook hands warmly.
* * *
Having formed a secret connection with Yahalong, Lee Si-woo immediately sent a text message to Isabelle to report it.
This was to prevent any unnecessary suspicion from arising later when the matter became known.
-Look at you. You already got information about the evaluation match? I was going to tell you later. You've found yourself a pretty good partner, haven't you?
Seeing Isabelle's favorable response, Lee Si-woo, thinking it was settled, immediately sent another message.
-It's all thanks to you, Lady Isabelle. So, since things have turned out this way, how about you use your influence a little?
-Oh? Are you telling me to rig the judging?
-Rigging the judging? That's too harsh a word. There's a much nicer term: bonus points.
-You little bastard. Your mind works frighteningly well for shady things. Well, it's a good idea, though. It doesn't hurt me if things work out for you. Fine, I'll pull some strings. If I mobilize my faction, which has grown quite powerful lately, it should be possible to get one or two of my people on the judging committee.
-Thank you as always, Lady Isabelle.
-Keep this in mind. I'll help, but it's impossible to turn a moron into a prodigy. Like you said, it's not rigging, it's bonus points, so you better get good scores to justify them. If a controversy erupts over this and tarnishes my already shitty image, I won't let you off the hook.
-I'll do well. Don't you worry.
-Well, at least you're not spouting some nonsense about 'trying your best.' I like that. Alright. Get some rest.
Watching Lee Si-woo finish his texts with Isabelle and smile with satisfaction, the white-haired half-elf, Autoreu, who had been quietly sipping his drink, spoke up.
“You seem quite pleased.”
“Of course. I was just in need of a catalyst for rapid growth, and a great opportunity like the evaluation match just rolled in.”
“The evaluation match, hmm… yes, it will be a decent opportunity for you. What's your goal?”
“My goal is to place within the top two.”
“Kekeke, you're quite confident, unlike my usual disciples. There will be more than a few who look down on you when you get there.”
“That's because of those blind fools who see you as a drunken, washed-up Elder. Their perspective would probably change a lot if they knew you were a member of a strange secret society.”
At the mention of a secret society, Autoreu simply kept tipping his cup with an expressionless face.
Lee Si-woo slid the empty cup sitting in front of him forward and asked.
“Why don't you ask me to join Dawn? You know I'm not in a position to refuse.”
Autoreu hadn't asked Lee Si-woo anything about what happened that day.
Not what the Ancient had been grilling him about, not what exactly had happened in the Faceless God's hollow, and not how he had managed to destroy the barrier, which circumstantial evidence pointed to him doing.
He hadn't asked a single question, only tended to Lee Si-woo's wounds.
“Because I know it's not something that can be forced.”
“But I owe you a debt.”
Autoreu said as he poured a drink into Lee Si-woo's cup.
“How can a master saving his disciple be called a debt?”
“A debt is a debt.”
“Kekeke, you're an inflexible one. Fine. Then let's just say this is my own way of teaching.”
“Teaching… you say?”
Autoreu said, his face flushed from the alcohol.
“You watch. How I act, how I live, how I die. And if there is something to learn from me, then learn it. My knowledge, my ideology. Well, my drinking etiquette would be good too.”
Autoreu chuckled heartily and shook the bottle. Inside the clear bottle, the clear liquor sloshed like waves.
“Are you telling me to watch and learn on my own?”
“Yes. I won't force my knowledge or ideology on you, nor do I wish for you to be like me. I will simply show you.”
Autoreu continued in a monotone voice.
“I show, and you watch. I let you hear, and you listen. In doing so, you will eventually find your own answers. Think about Dawn then. One should solve a problem before giving an answer. Presenting a problem and demanding an answer without any process is not my way.”
Lee Si-woo tilted his head. Among all the people he had met, none had such a unique perspective on education as Autoreu.
For better or worse, all the masters he had met had been desperate to dye Lee Si-woo in their own colors.
They forced their ideologies on him, wished for him to establish values similar to their own, and led him as if they themselves were the answer.
But Autoreu was different.
As Lee Si-woo stared at him with a curious gaze, Autoreu took something from his bosom and handed it over.
“Take it.”
Lee Si-woo's eyes wavered as he saw the silver knife Autoreu offered.
“This is the Ancient's…”
“Everyone knows you consumed the Elemental Stone, so you will surely get caught up in disputes during the evaluation match. Since your opponents will be 3rd-Circle mages, there will be plenty of life-threatening situations. Having this will be a great help in an emergency.”
It was more than just a great help.
Given Lee Si-woo's exceptional physical abilities, if he had the Dimension Knife, dealing with a 3rd-Circle mage might not be a difficult task at all.
However, it was best not to use the Dimension Knife unless it was a last resort.
Whether it was Isabelle or the Tower Master, they wouldn't be able to resist going crazy if they saw this spoil from an Ancient.
“…Why are you being so good to me? I may be your disciple, but we're still just strangers who met not long ago. So why give me such a treasure…”
As Autoreu silently moved to fill his cup, Lee Si-woo, without thinking, took the bottle from him and poured it himself.
As Lee Si-woo poured a drink into his cup for the first time, Autoreu chuckled heartily.
“Kekeke, I gave you a knife and received a cup of liquor. Not a bad trade.”
Autoreu, after downing the cup of liquor in one go, stood up and said.
“There's a little over a fortnight until the evaluation match, right?”
“Yes.”
“Come find me every night at midnight. I will teach you the Forbidden Arts.”
Lee Si-woo swallowed dryly at the words "Forbidden Arts" that came from Autoreu's lips.
The sixth magic root and the hexagram. A magic he suspected was related to his yellow eyes.
The Forbidden Arts.
As he had promised before, now that Lee Si-woo had reached the 2nd Circle, Autoreu was going to teach him the Forbidden Arts.
“Disciple.”
Was it because he had received so much he felt like he would burst?
Lee Si-woo's attitude had become utterly polite, as if he had never been insolent.
“Yes, Master.”
“I think it would be better to be first place rather than second. What do you think?”
“…I think so too.”
And a fortnight passed.