Chapter 118: What’s Wrong with You…? (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 118: What’s Wrong with You…? (5)
Alon, who had successfully subjugated Receiver Basiliora thanks to Heinkel’s help(?)—though he wasn't quite sure how she’d done it—began receiving lessons in magic from her.
Five days.
It was a period that could be considered long or short depending on one's perspective, but for Alon, it was incredibly beneficial.
Though Heinkel did not deal in Phrases or Sentences, her magical knowledge elevated Alon’s abilities—which had only just reached the 4th Tier—to the level of a seasoned master of that rank.
Furthermore, he was now able to use magic he hadn't even dreamed of attempting before due to mana efficiency issues. He had learned how to utilize his current mana pool with far greater precision.
Of course, Alon wasn't such a genius that he could perfectly apply everything he learned instantly; it would take time before he could operate these techniques fluently. However, even with just a bit of coaching, he had already managed to reduce his consumption rate significantly compared to how he used to manifest magic. That alone was a massive gain.
But above all, the greatest help he received was...
"Whew—"
This.
Hum—
Alon looked at the magic manifesting before his eyes.
Or, to be more precise, it was the visualization of a mana array. Like a strand of DNA, the helical mana array formed a geometric pentagram.
It wasn't perfect yet, but it was undoubtedly what he had been aiming for. A deep smile spread across his face. This was the very reason he had sought magical instruction from Heinkel, and this was the result.
‘I didn't expect to be able to manifest it this quickly.’
The moment he let go of his concentration, the array shattered into tiny fragments. Nevertheless, Alon let out a satisfied breath.
What he had created this time was one of the 'Characteristics' that mages could use in Psychedelia.
Characteristic (特性).
In the game, these were unlocked upon entering specific Labyrinths. Once a mage reached the 4th Tier, they could use the knowledge gained from a Labyrinth to grant their magic a unique Characteristic.
Though called 'unique,' in the game, it simply meant choosing from about ten limited options.
Regardless, Alon had manifested this 'Characteristic' without even setting foot in a Labyrinth. It wasn't because he was particularly special. In truth, anyone could use them if they knew the mana array—the overall shape, order, and positioning of mana—and how to insert it into a spell.
Of course, unless someone else personally entered a Labyrinth to discover them, Alon would be the only user of these undiscovered Characteristics.
‘...Besides, at this point in time, the Labyrinths haven't even appeared yet.’
The Labyrinths that granted Characteristics only began to emerge through Rifts after one of the Sins descended.
‘I think I’ll be able to handle it perfectly with just a bit more practice.’
He felt a surge of satisfaction as he thought of the magic he would soon possess—a spell with a unique Characteristic unlike any other mage, one that would be immensely helpful to his current self.
Just then.
"Marquis."
Alon turned his gaze at the sound of Evan’s voice.
"What is it?"
"Oh, I was just wondering what your plans are, since the Magic Society is drawing to a close."
"Hmm. How many days are left?"
"About three days, I believe."
Alon pondered Evan’s question for a moment.
‘...I think I heard we can stay for about a week after the Magic Society ends. Still, receiving more lessons from this point on might not be very meaningful.’
Heinkel’s teaching had certainly given Alon an incredible gift. However, regardless of that, Alon reached a point where he couldn't receive more instruction even if he wanted to. Or rather, it was more accurate to say that even if he continued to learn, he wouldn't be able to utilize it.
The physical limitation of his Mana Hole was starting to turn Heinkel’s advanced teachings into a hollow prize.
Therefore...
‘...Now that I’ve gotten what I can, should I try to increase my mana even by a little?’
It was at the moment Alon thought of an item that should have appeared near the Central Tower by now—one that could slightly increase his mana capacity.
"Ah, by the way, Marquis. Have you heard? Things are chaotic outside right now."
Evan abruptly changed the subject.
"Chaotic? Did something happen?"
"Well, it’s not so much that one specific thing happened—it’s more like there are a lot of 'incidents' occurring."
"...Meaning what, exactly?"
Evan trailed off with an "Um..." before continuing.
"Lately, all across the United Kingdoms, mountains have been suddenly exploding and splitting apart, and natural massacres have been occurring within the territories of the Principalities."
"...In the mountains and the Principalities?"
"Yes. They say there have already been over eight cases in just one week. In particular, Temax Mountain near the Kingdom of Rosario has been turned into a complete wasteland."
"The reason?"
"The cause is still unknown. At least, that’s how the rumors are circulating."
"Is there any commonality between the locations?"
"From what I’ve heard, the locations are sporadic."
A quiet sense of crisis set in. On the other hand, a question arose.
‘...If it were the appearance of an Outer God, it wouldn't be exploding sporadically in so many different places like this.’
Alon tilted his head in confusion. But only for a moment.
‘Still, I should look into it.’
Intending to move personally, he gave Evan his instructions.
‘I’ll have to leave soon.’
He decided it was time to wrap up his stay at the Magic Society.
* * *
That night.
As usual, Alon practiced his magic alone after listening to the day's lesson. Heinkel watched him with a peculiar expression.
At first, she had been repulsed by his mere presence, but lately, she had grown quite interested in him. Part of it was because he followed her instructions surprisingly well, but more than anything, it was because the magic he used was incredibly strange.
Alon was using 'Primitive Magic,' a form that had been practically extinct even in the era Heinkel lived in. Furthermore, his use of it was so natural that it was only natural for her to be curious.
Or rather, her curiosity was directed at the 'magic' he employed.
‘...I want to ask him to teach me.’
Unfortunately, a 'Master and Disciple' dynamic had already been established between her and Alon. Given her personality, asking Alon to teach her something now was a bit difficult.
However, Heinkel’s magical curiosity easily outweighed her pride. As a mage once known as the Primordial Cup, her thirst for knowledge was immense.
In fact, she had tried to bring up the topic of Phrases to Alon a few days ago. ...But the moment she uttered the word 'Phrase,' she had reflexively shut her mouth, and the conversation went no further.
She couldn't help it. It was because of the entity existing in the other world behind Alon.
‘...Whenever I try to talk about Phrases, it stares right at me, so I can't even ask.’
While teaching him magic, Heinkel had already gained some understanding of Alon and that Eye which must not be perceived.
Alon was unaware of the Eye’s presence behind him. In fact, it would be stranger if he did notice it. That entity couldn't be seen by anyone who hadn't achieved Awakening. To even glimpse what was hidden in the other world, one would need a level of enlightenment and strength similar to her own.
And above all...
The Eye itself, which appeared whenever magic was utilized, was avoiding being perceived by Alon.
"..."
Even as a spirit, Heinkel felt the hair on her body stand on end. For some reason, the 'Eye' that rejected Alon’s perception showed a clear reaction to Phrases as well, even if it wasn't to the same extent.
While she couldn't say for certain that it was avoiding the topic, her survival instinct screamed a violent warning.
Do not bring that up recklessly.
"...I shall take my leave for today."
[Uh, right. See you tomorrow.]
"Yes. Thank you, as always."
She knew that poking around wouldn't lead to anything good. Nevertheless, her curiosity stimulated her mind like madness with each passing day.
‘...Isn't there a good way?’
Even after Alon left, she pondered deeply until a thought struck her.
‘Come to think of it, the Eye didn't particularly react when that fellow recited Phrases... If I don't ask him to teach me directly, but the 'Eye' side offers to tell me first, wouldn't I be able to hear it?’
Heinkel knew the likelihood of that scenario was low. However, her brain was already consumed by curiosity.
‘...How can I make him bring it up first?’
As she began to worry...
"You damn old geezer!!! I know you're hiding here, so come out!!!!"
She frowned at the loud shouting that echoed through the entire library. How insolent, who would dare...
"...Hmm?"
But a moment later, she recognized the owner of the voice.
Penia Kraysinne.
To Heinkel, who wandered the Central Tower whenever she was bored, Penia was an impossible person not to know. Her name was mentioned countless times among the mages. Moreover, just recently, there had even been rumors about her and the Marquis of Palatio...
‘Wait, hold on?’
A path seemed to open up. Penia, if Penia...
‘...If she really is in that kind of relationship with the Marquis of Palatio?’
A small plan began to form in her mind.
* * *
Penia Kraysinne was in a state of extreme rage.
And for good reason. Originally, she had no intention of participating in this Magic Society. It was only recently that her magic supplies had finally started arriving properly, allowing her to resume the experiments she had put on hold.
The reason she had come to the Central Tower was...
"That damn old geezer—!!!!"
Because of the rumors spread by the Blue Tower Master.
‘Oh, don't be shy—why didn't you just tell us?’
‘Wow—I didn't know you’d already finished the introductions—’
‘To think the Vice Tower Master is getting married—I guess you really never know what life will bring.’
Grit!
Penia gnashed her teeth as she recalled the professors who had barged in while she was conducting experiments to spout such nonsense. And she was even more furious at the fact that the source of those rumors was none other than Selaim Mikardo—the man who usually dumped all his work on her and wandered around as if he didn't have a care in the world.
She couldn't just let it slide. She had to punish that old geezer immediately.
Penia had rushed to the Magic Society in a single bound, and while scouring every corner to find the man who had already hidden himself, she arrived at the library.
And there...
[Who is it?]
"...!?"
She encountered a girl in spirit form. Or rather...
"The Primordial Cup, H-Heinkel...?"
The Primordial Cup, Heinkel.
[Ho—to think you know my name. How interesting.]
At the affirming voice, Penia froze in shock, completely forgetting her original purpose.
* * *
Penia had known about one of the rumors regarding the Central Tower’s library: the legend of the 'Primordial Cup, Heinkel.'
The story was simple. If you visited the library at night, Heinkel would appear and pass on her magic. However, almost no mage believed it. It made no sense for Heinkel, who should have died hundreds of years ago, to suddenly appear in the library.
Still, Penia had visited the library at night after hearing that rumor. Her childhood dream had been to become a great mage like Heinkel.
So, it was only natural for Penia to recognize Heinkel instantly. She had looked at the portraits of Heinkel in books and statues countless times.
[Tell me your name.]
Penia, who had been staring blankly at her childhood idol, snapped out of it.
"I-I am Penia Kraysinne...!"
She answered, her heart racing. Her chest throbbed with the realization that she had met the person she had admired for so long.
However...
[Penia Kraysinne... I see. So you're the one who’s in that kind of relationship with the Marquis of Palatio?]
"Pardon...?"
Strange words flowed from her idol’s mouth. She couldn't help but scowl instinctively. Having been plagued by rumors for the past few months, her threshold for such talk was non-existent.
"That is a huge mis—"
She tried to clarify reflexively, but...
[I have a condition for you. If you fulfill it, I shall personally teach you magic.]
"What?"
She shut her mouth at the ensuing proposal.
[It is as I said. I have a favor to ask regarding the Marquis of Palatio. If you are in that kind of relationship with him, it shouldn't be too difficult. What do you say?]
Even though she heard something clearly bizarre...
"You’ll... teach me magic?"
[Yes.]
"The Primordial Cup herself?"
[I do not say things twice.]
She couldn't argue. Countless memories flashed through her mind. Every single one of them was a memory of suffering related to the Marquis of Palatio.
Starting from the memory of slaving away to make potions for him.
Being dragged away by pirates while traveling with him.
The memories of being stressed day in and day out because of the rumors linked to him passed through her mind one by one.
Honestly, Penia wanted to wipe the slate clean regarding the rumors about the Marquis. That feeling remained unchanged even now. No matter if she could be personally tutored by the Primordial Cup, Penia’s stress had long since passed its limit.
Therefore, Penia prepared to speak the plain truth—
[Or perhaps, the rumors were spread incorrectly?]
—The truth...
"No. Not at all."
[Then.]
"W-With the Marquis of Palatio—"
"—We are in that kind of relationship. Yes. That’s right."
...She did not speak it.
Instead, she gave a bright smile and smoothly affirmed Heinkel’s words.
...The stress that had been gnawing at her entire body for months could not defeat Penia’s thirst for magical knowledge.