Chapter 7
Chapter 7
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: No More Scoundrel (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“You know my talent, don't you, old man...?”
I paused for a moment. The instant the word 'talent' left my lips, I didn't miss the way Risefield's eyes sparkled. Grinning, I opened my mouth to continue.
“How about making the youngest archmage in history?”
It was an offer too sweet to resist. The Azure Tower Lord's gaze wavered. What if the Fifth Prince's talent was combined with our 'secret transmission'?
After all, he held the authority over the transmission, so there wouldn't be any issues.
“And we have to uphold the Two Thousand Years' Oath, too.”
The Azure Tower Lord, who had just been appraising the Fifth Prince highly, let out a short sigh at those words. This was a chain that had firmly latched onto him.
On the first day, it was decided to pass down a few key elements from the Azure Tower's 'secret transmission'—things like the mana cultivation method essential for training and growth.
Contrary to the rumors of being a scoundrel, His Fifth Highness possessed exceptional comprehension. Teach him one thing, and he'd grasp ten, then even apply them creatively.
On the second day, His Fifth Highness had fully comprehended the Azure Tower's secret transmission mana cultivation method.
True training began in earnest. Due to his reckless attempt to expand his mana circuits, His Fifth Highness collapsed, vomiting blood.
His Fifth Highness implored us not to inform His Majesty the Emperor.
On the third day, the imperfect mana circuits achieved perfect form.
Even for a genius, this would normally take at least six months.
I had no choice but to revise my initial assessment. The confidence His Fifth Highness displayed was no mere arrogance.
It had solid grounds.
On the fourth day, it's unbelievable.
His Fifth Highness stands on the cusp of junior mage realm.
On the fifth day, Azure Tower Elder Philid discovered that I'd taught the 'secret transmission' to the Fifth Prince.
Things just got complicated.
I barely slept for four days straight. Meals were down to barely one meager serving a day as I threw myself into training without respite.
Each mage tower has its own unique secret transmission, passed down only to one direct disciple of the tower lord or someone they deem worthy.
These are closely guarded secrets, each one potent enough to cause massive ripples if revealed.
The Azure Tower Lord hadn't taught me everything—just the secret transmission's mana cultivation method and a few basics.
But,
Now I see why they call it the secret transmission.
The secret transmission mana cultivation method was maximizing the talent latent in my body. The junior mage realm already shimmered tantalizingly close.
No way I'd share something this good. That's why it's a secret.
The best things are for me alone.
Call me selfish all you want—I'll do whatever it takes to survive.
“Your Fifth Highness.”
I was deep in mana cultivation training when footsteps approached, followed by the Azure Tower Lord Risefield Dior's voice.
I paused my training and turned toward the sound.
“What is it, old man?”
It might have seemed like an interruption, but it wasn't really.
Risefield had been waiting for three hours, timing his approach perfectly for when my focus waned and the cultivation stalled. No major disruption.
“You've gone days without a proper meal, Your Highness. If you collapse again, I'll be in real trouble.”
The Azure Tower Lord spoke frankly. If the Fifth Prince's health deteriorated, he wouldn't be able to face the Emperor.
Plus, he genuinely worried for the prince's well-being.
Sleep averaged under two hours a day. Even that one daily meal was barely a single piece of bread.
All other time went to training. Even Risefield, who had endured hellish days to become an archmage, was astounded by the intensity.
“Is it lunchtime already?”
“Yes, Your Fifth Highness.”
“Guess I should eat properly today. Lead me to the dining hall.”
Day five. With the junior mage realm in sight, I could afford one decent meal.
“The dining hall for the tower lord and elders is on the upper floors. I'll take you there.”
I followed as the Azure Tower Lord led the way.
Moving from the top floor to the upper section, I spotted occasional Azure Tower elders and high-realm mages.
All were at least advanced mages, with only a rare high mage among the elders.
The meal was excellent—not quite Fifth Prince's Palace level, but delicious. After light dessert, I headed back to the training hall.
But someone guarded the entrance.
“Azure Tower Lord?”
He greeted the tower lord first, before me, the Fifth Prince.
I don't like this guy.
I frowned. As Alex stepped forward in annoyance, the old man's gaze shifted to me.
He spoke with an inscrutable expression.
“Your Fifth Highness is here as well.”
“Shouldn't you introduce yourself first?”
“My apologies for the discourtesy. I am Philid, elder of the Azure Tower and high mage.”
Philid introduced himself with exaggerated courtesy, his gestures dripping with sarcasm.
“What do you want?”
“When the Crimson Tower and Imperial Tower backed the Third Prince, you stayed put. Now you suddenly show up with the Fifth Prince—curiosity brought me here.”
“His Fifth Highness is standing right in front of you!”
Alex caught the blatant mockery: We didn't back the Third Prince, so why side with the Fifth?
Imperial Knights, likely the Third Prince's lackeys, had been kept at bay by the tower, so none were present.
“Tch, a mere squire dares be insolent? Do you know where you are? Even His Fifth Highness says nothing!”
Philid channeled mana as he spoke. The sharp pressure made Alex groan and stagger.
Unable to watch, I released a sliver of the Spear of Sacrifice's aura—a technique from the secret transmission, usually concealed.
“Hm?”
Alex's expression eased, but Philid's eyes gleamed as he sensed the intangible aura.
Risefield, seeing this, foresaw trouble and sighed.
“No way His Fifth Highness has reached a level to contain such aura... Tower Lord, did you pass the tower's secret transmission to him?”
“And if I did, what then?”
Risefield answered for me. Philid's gaze flicked to me briefly before fixing on the tower lord again.
Scoundrel or not, openly ignoring me without Imperial Knights around was infuriating.
“Even if you hold authority over the secret transmission, proceeding without consultation? Did you take some drug?”
His words grew ruder.
He probably wanted to say, Don't pin false hopes on the Fifth Prince.
Unable to say it outright, he hurled barbs at the tower lord instead.
“Did you see potential in His Fifth Highness? If so, it better rival the magic genius Third Prince.”
The barrage intensified. As Risefield opened his mouth, I cut in faster.
“Not a difficult feat.”
“Pardon? If I may, Your Fifth Highness... could you repeat that?”
A smirk played on Philid's lips. He heard me fine. I'd say it again.
“I said it's not difficult, Elder Philid.”
“The Third Prince reached advanced mage in his late twenties. By my knowledge, Your Fifth Highness has no talent for sword or magic yet.”
The more I heard, the worse it got. No respect for imperial blood.
He wants to back the Third Prince, I see.
Crimson and Imperial Towers supported him. Philid wanted Azure Tower to join.
Then I swoop in and snag the secret transmission—like a thorn in his eye.
“Are you saying I'm lacking talent for the 'secret transmission'?”
“Perish the thought.”
He grinned slyly. Alex trembled beside me.
I raised a hand slightly to hold Alex back and spoke.
“Then proving that talent should suffice?”
“Care to demonstrate?”
“Do you have a junior mage among your direct disciples?”
If my memory of the old setting docs held, one existed.
“One, yes.”
“Bring them in two days. I'll prove it in a duel.”
“Are you sure?”
“Doesn't matter. Bring them in two days.”
“Very well.”
Philid smiled, relishing the chance to humiliate the Fifth Prince officially.
“I need to train.”
Dismissal.
“Yes, Your Fifth Highness. Good luck.”
He shot a nasty glance, bowed, and left. I withdrew my gaze from his back, opened the training hall door, and entered.
“Your Fifth Highness, Elder Philid will send his third disciple—a junior mage on the verge of intermediate.”
“Is that so?”
“You can't win. Why agree to such...”
“Enough.”
I cut off Risefield. It was too frustrating to hear more.
“Nothing is impossible.”
I paused, but my gaze stayed on him.
“I keep my promises. By duel day, I'll reach junior mage realm. Now leave.”
Dismissed, the Azure Tower Lord had no choice but to withdraw.
I scrimped even on sleep, immersing in training. Mana depleted? Elixir down, recover.
Collapse? Rise, manipulate mana again.
Even as my body tore with pain, I never stopped mana control.
No time for sleep. It was too precious.
And in that agony, finally...
I ascended to junior mage realm.
Two days later, the seventh morning dawned since arriving at the Azure Tower.
After an all-nighter in training, I changed with Alex's help, left the training hall, and headed to the duel arena.
Scarcely in the corridor, Azure Tower Lord Risefield followed.
Imperial Knights trailed at a distance as instructed—not too close—but their watchful eyes lingered.
“Congratulations on reaching junior mage realm.”
Risefield said softly and calmly. I smiled sharply.
“Guarding the training hall all night?”
“Yes.”
“They say old folks need less sleep.”
I grumbled, but felt good.
“Wait just a bit. I'll smash Elder Philid's disciple and save your face.”
“Can I expect that?”
“Of course.”
Chatting, we arrived at the arena.
“Your Fifth Highness, we must accompany you this time.”
One of the four trailing Imperial Knights approached briskly. Face familiar.
One of Third Prince Aloken's men.
He'd retreated behind during my prior Third Prince meeting. Requesting to join meant rumors had reached Aloken.
Probably ordered an investigation on me.
My gaze chilled toward the knight.
“Accompany us, then.”
“Thank you for understanding our position.”
Fine if it reached the Third Prince. I'd claim prior magic training.
A non-mage hitting junior realm in a week? Even his report, Aloken wouldn't buy it.
Just don't draw the Spear of Sacrifice.
Blowing another hole in the tower? Risefield's repair bill terrified me already.
“Open the door.”
Azure Tower Lord Risefield commanded sternly. Two tower knights guarding the entrance swung open the duel arena doors. Tower knights were hired free knights handling minimal physical defense.
“Let's go in.”
I crossed the threshold calmly. Inside, besides Philid and his disciple, only a few tower elders as witnesses.
“His Fifth Highness.”
Alex announced me. Mages rose, bowing lightly in courtesy.
Philid did too, but his smirk remained cold.
Beside him stood a young female mage with striking blonde hair and blue eyes.
Third disciple?
Sensing my gaze, she smiled brightly.
“Desia Heli. Nice to meet you.”
Desia Heli?
She's here already.
Never thought I'd meet the protagonist's companion this soon.
She was a novel companion, genius mage reaching archmage by volume 3's end. One opportunity I must steal from the protagonist.
Right, Azure Tower origin.
A forgotten detail resurfaced—her backstory was sparse.
Details fuzzy, but she'd trained under three years, already nearing intermediate.
A key opportunity I should've remembered, yet oddly overlooked.
Why?
I racked my brain, but no answer.
True to archmage bloodline.
With a brief admiration, I stepped to the center.
“Likewise.”
An Azure Tower elder refereed.
Raymond and Desia reviewed rules before the elder, swore fair play, then separated.
“Your Fifth Highness may use training sword and shield.”
The referee elder said, unaware of my junior realm, assuming sword use.
With secret transmission concealing my mana, no surprise.
“No need.”
“You'll regret it.”
Philid's mocking voice, ignored. I raised mana; gallery elders' eyes lit with curiosity.
“Oh? His Fifth Highness walks the path of mana.”
“Not what I expected, with all those bad rumors.”
“Junior entry-level, but Desia's nearing intermediate... Outcome unchanged.”
Whispers drifted. Intrigued gazes, but none bet on me.
Ignoring them, I shaped mana into a long spear.
Desia narrowed her eyes, watching me.
Mana waves rippled around her. Attack or defend? I was certain: defense.
That's Desia's specialty.
Absolute Defense—her nickname for protecting others.
That's her setting, her life.
Even now, she'd default to it against attacks.
Habits die hard.
“Huu!”
Tension froze the air.
Five minutes of silent glaring. Me with mana spear, her mana poised, eyes sharp.
'Today, I'll teach Your Fifth Highness the simplest attack spell from the secret transmission.'
Advancing slowly on Desia, I recalled Risefield.
'Easiest of secret transmissions, but no guarantee in two days.'
Those words had tensed me then, fearing difficulty.
But I did it.
Not perfect, but enough to mimic.
“Desia Heli, sorry, but I hate betraying expectations.”
I kicked off, soaring skyward as blue mana exploded from me.
Seated elders shot up.
“No way—the scoundrel Fifth Prince with that?”
“That's...”
“Impossible!”
Amid shock, blue mana danced.
Today is the start.
Cold eyes locked on Desia.
No more scoundrel.
Time to shed the stigma and shine.