Episode 87
Episode 87
What Perkuntra had attempted was Elemental Conversion.
A kind of trick used to demonstrate one's formidable power among spirits.
The method was simple.
Converting one element into another.
It sounded straightforward, but it was absolutely not a simple feat.
Flames into ice.
Ice into lightning.
Lightning into darkness.
Any accomplished mage would know how astonishing it was to transform an existing element into another.
Summoning a new element from scratch would have been easier—arbitrarily altering an existing element was a whole different level of difficulty.
Moreover, this was an element summoned by a mage.
If this was possible, it meant one could even take a fireball hurled by a mage, arbitrarily change it into an ice spear, and send it right back.
In other words, it was proof of a formidable power—the ability to directly interfere with the conceptual essence of an element within magic itself...
......
But since it had failed, there was no proof to speak of. Lee Han and Yoner were now whispering seriously about what Perkuntra had just attempted.
"Was he trying to show us lightning?"
"Lightning...? It was certainly an impressive lightning bolt, but what does that have to do with summoning the Fire Element?"
"Maybe he was trying to amplify the lightning's power to make a bigger impact? If lightning strikes fire, the flames would scatter violently..."
"Is that it? Doesn't seem very effective, though."
Behold! This very lightning is my power!
Perkuntra hastily changed his words.
Even he had his pride—he couldn't admit failure in front of young mages.
At the spirit's words, Lee Han and Yoner nodded in understanding.
"So he really was trying to show us lightning."
"But summoning fire alongside it doesn't seem very effective."
"Shh. A spirit's sensibilities might be a bit different."
Perkuntra gritted his teeth.
The young mages' genuine consideration only made the mighty spirit feel even more humiliated.
'Why in the world...?'
Perkuntra stared at the flickering flames.
Under normal circumstances, he would have seized control of an element summoned by a mage far more experienced than the one before him and transformed it at will.
Yet here he was, unable to wrest away even a single flame summoned by this young mage.
'!'
It was only then that Perkuntra realized something was off about the flames Lee Han had summoned.
On the surface, they appeared to be ordinary flames, but within them, mana so volatile it seemed ready to explode was condensed, seething in a dormant state.
This was practically akin to dragonfire—flames that could take any form according to the mage's will.
For the first time in a long while, a chill ran down Perkuntra's spine.
Young mages were prone to mistakes and accidents.
Even when casting simple Fire Magic, they often lost control—raising the heat beyond what they could endure or failing to maintain the flame's shape, causing explosions and the like.
The reason these young mages remained relatively safe despite such blunders was that the amount of mana they channeled into their spells was minimal.
With such small quantities, even if the magic went berserk, it wouldn't become dangerously catastrophic.
But the young mage before him was different.
What if this young mage lost control of his flames now, even by accident?
This sealed punishment room would melt away in an instant, and the two mages would likely perish on the spot.
'Why would he do something so reckless...?'
As Perkuntra cursed inwardly, he soon realized the culprit.
...The culprit was himself.
He had urged the boy to gather mana, then pressed him again to convert it into a destructive element.
Naturally, the young mage, following the spirit's instructions, must have channeled as much mana as possible to create these devastating flames.
And then Perkuntra had tried to seize control.
When someone attempts to take control of a mage's spell, their instinct is to grip it tighter.
That was undoubtedly why the mana had surged uncontrollably in response.
'I messed up...! I should have accounted for the sheer volume of mana!'
Now, Perkuntra's pride was the least of his concerns.
The most important thing now was to cancel the flames without startling the young mage.
You... you've seen the majesty of my lightning, haven't you?
"Yes. It was truly magnificent. So if you could just open the way now..."
Only about half of Lee Han's words were sincere.
The other half was flattery born from his desperate desire to leave.
Perkuntra wanted to curse up a storm, but with the mass of flames still blazing before Lee Han, he couldn't afford to.
If he curses -> young mage gets emotionally agitated or angry -> anger affects the flames -> flames go berserk!
Wait! I'll open the path. I swear on my honor.
"Really?"
Lee Han was puzzled.
The spirit was being more amiable than he'd expected.
He'd thought there'd be more stubbornness...
'Well, spirits aren't professors, after all.'
Maybe he'd judged the spirit too harshly.
So don't panic. Stay calm. Absolutely don't get scared. Understood? If you understand, say you understand.
"...??"
"???"
Perkuntra had no talent for diplomacy. Both Lee Han and Yoner immediately sensed something was off.
'Why is he acting like this?'
"Is there some problem?"
There's no problem! I said there's no problem!
Lee Han tilted his head in confusion and waved his staff, shifting the flames to the side.
Perkuntra was so startled he nearly screamed. He barely managed to restrain himself.
Do... don't wave your staff.
"??"
Lee Han was baffled. Wondering if it was because of the wood spirit dwelling in the staff, he lifted it to take a closer look.
Don't wave it...! ...I said don't wave it!!
Perkuntra barely swallowed back a shout. If Lee Han got startled now, it'd be even more dangerous.
"Why?"
Perkuntra was genuinely frustrated. He desperately wanted to explain just how dangerous those flames were.
But if he did, the panicked young mages might cause an even bigger disaster.
I... don't like it when you swing your staff in front of me.
"......"
"......"
Lee Han and Yoner exchanged awkward glances. Perkuntra could guess exactly what they were thinking.
They thought he was some eccentric, weird spirit!
But there was no time to argue.
The longer those flames remained, the higher the chance they'd go out of control. He had to get those flames canceled by any means necessary.
'How in the world?'
No matter how much Perkuntra racked his brain, nothing came to mind.
If he told them to cancel the flames...
They'd ask why -> young mage gets emotionally agitated -> agitation affects the flames -> flames go berserk!
I've... changed my mind.
"???"
I'll make a contract with you!
"......"
Lee Han was starting to seriously doubt the mental state of the spirit before him.
'Does it have mood swings?'
Of course, this wasn't the time to be picky, but he wasn't eager to befriend a mentally unstable spirit.
"Might I ask the reason?"
Perkuntra genuinely wanted to smite him with lightning.
When you should be grateful...!
But time was running out. He had to convince the young mage somehow.
I see boundless potential in you!
"Huh? What exactly did you see..."
Perkuntra's clumsy praise only made Lee Han more wary.
Even the red-haired mage was looking suspicious now.
"He seems shady..."
"Right? We've barely talked."
Your mana! The mana you possess is monstrous—something no ordinary mage could hope to match. You know that, don't you!
"But earlier, you said you wouldn't make a contract because of my mana levels. You don't make contracts with people you don't know well..."
I didn't know back then! Now I do! Hurry! Hurry and make the contract!
Growing frantic, Perkuntra shouted impatiently. The flames could go berserk at any moment.
'Does it really have mood swings...'
Lee Han pondered.
Though he was a bit suspicious of the spirit's mental state, he had to admit the opportunity to contract with a spirit was tempting.
Since Parakis had recommended him, he must indeed be a spirit with outstanding abilities.
Why he had initially refused and sulked only to suddenly change his mind was unclear...
But perhaps this was an opportunity.
The only time a spirit with such a temperamental personality might soften could very well be now.
"...Alright! I'll make the contract."
'Good choice. Open your soul and accept me!'
Perkuntra sent an incantation toward Lee Han's soul.
At that moment, Lee Han could perceive Perkuntra's true name.
The Spirit of Lightning, Perkuntra!
That was his name.
'Ah. So he's a lightning spirit. Is that why his mind is so unstable?'
-Now that we've contracted, your doubts are felt by me too! Cut it out!
'Oops.'
Their souls intertwined, marked by the contract.
-I acknowledge you as my companion. You have the right to summon me. But remember this. I am not your servant, and you are not my master.
-I never even thought of it that way.
-Good. You'd better be careful when summoning me. Even if you summon only a part of me, your mana...
Perkuntra suddenly stopped mid-sentence. Upon reflection, mana wasn't the issue here.
-...If you thoughtlessly summon me, you won't be able to call upon me when you truly need to.
Just because he had contracted with a spirit didn't mean he could summon him on a whim.
Theirs was a relationship built on mutual respect.
And especially with a powerful spirit like Perkuntra, pride ran deep. Frequent summonings would be unacceptable.
-Don't worry. I won't summon you unless absolutely necessary.
Lee Han wasn't keen on frequently meeting a spirit with an unstable mind either.
Perkuntra, sensing the emotions behind Lee Han's words, nearly cursed but held back.
There was something more urgent.
Now that the contract is complete, I'll show you my power!
"What are you planning to do?"
This!
With a shout, Perkuntra merged into Lee Han's arm.
Then, with all his might, he suppressed the flames.
Quickly, disperse those flames! Cancel them!
"??"
To Perkuntra's dismay, Lee Han effortlessly scattered his mana and extinguished the flames without difficulty.
Only then did Perkuntra let out a sigh of relief.
You... you! Do you even realize how reckless you were being, you foolish young mage?!
Fuming and ranting, Perkuntra left the two young mages bewildered.
Even in his confusion, Yoner managed to ask the crucial question.
"But... weren't you the one who told him to gather mana and convert it into the most destructive element?"
......
'Speechless.'
'He's speechless.'
Lee Han and Yoner could sense that Perkuntra had nothing to say.
Just don't ever do that again! It was truly dangerous!! This entire punishment room could've melted away!
Perkuntra's warning was filled with genuine concern.
From that sincerity, Lee Han could grasp just how perilous the situation had been.
As Professor Garcia had warned, fire magic might still be too early for Lee Han.
'I nearly walked the path to the afterlife.'
Professor Garcia hadn't warned him for nothing. Uncontrolled fire magic could kill the caster himself.
Lee Han vowed never to recklessly channel mana like that again.
I see you understand now. Remember this. No matter how exceptional your talent, it means nothing if you're ruled by it...
"Wait a minute. If you hadn't told me to gather it like that in the first place, none of this would've been dangerous."
Lee Han pointed it out again.
If Perkuntra hadn't instructed him to do so, they both would've been safe.
He had tried to gloss over it, but Lee Han wasn't having any of it.
"Now that we've contracted, I have a question. Why did you tell me to gather mana and convert the element like that?"
I'll open the way for you. Look! Here's the exit. How about that?
A wall parted, revealing a new staircase, but Lee Han remained unfazed.
He was genuinely curious.
Cornered, Perkuntra blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
You two young mages! The sun is rising outside—aren't you going to attend your classes?!
"!"
"!!!"
Lee Han and Yoner were horrified.
They had <Basic Imperial Geometry and Arithmetic> lecture on Friday mornings!