Chapter 81
Chapter 81
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Myriad Forms Dragon
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I paused in crafting Arcana's Erkamon and turned to gaze at Durel. Even in his neat attire, an undeniable air of nobility emanated from him. I'd fed him well and dressed him properly. The movements of a mage from a prestigious family carried an unconscious air of mystique.
His physical growth was flawless, as was his progress as a mage. The second Mana Circle had settled smoothly into his heart. He'd entered a stable phase. It seemed fine to attempt forming the third Mana Circle soon.
Satisfied, I smiled and glanced to the side. There was the Dracain, Shimoda, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed.
They called his kind the nobles of the night. Born with beauty, pale skin, and fine hair. The description fit perfectly. In truth, Shimoda worried me more than Durel.
Even after completing his first Mana Circle, its size showed no sign of growing. He was making a faint attempt to shape mana for the second circle, but the blood flowing through his body was interfering.
He was thrilled that his blood magic proficiency was rising, but if he stayed like this forever, he wouldn't be able to use any other magic. The same went for the magic tool I'd made for him. There was no immediate solution, but I couldn't leave him in this state indefinitely.
'The magic of the Infinite Archive School must be omnipotent.'
It was designed for anyone to learn freely and to harmonize with all magic. Shimoda's issue was something I had to resolve.
Founding a school was incredibly difficult. The thought crossed my mind unbidden. I recalled the diverse paradigms of the mages I'd encountered. They were the results of creating and systematizing the world of mystery into academia. Worlds refined over long ages by many hands deserved respect in their very existence.
Teaching brings enlightenment. If I recognized shortcomings, I just needed to embrace them and improve.
"Indeed... is it because of the golem's size? No monsters are approaching...!"
Olbern, who had been continuing her translation work, let out an exclamation of admiration as she peered out the turtle golem's window. She was handling three tasks at once. With one hand on the translation, she'd suddenly inspect the turtle golem's core as if struck by an idea.
Sometimes she'd nod while gazing at the scenery outside. It looked hectic at first glance, but Durel and Shimoda paid it little mind. Because she was a mage.
This went on for a while. As Olbern flitted about restlessly, we reached the midpoint of Muradin Mountain after leaving the capital. That's when Olbern screamed.
"Th-this is...! What in the world... this core... it's collecting natural mana on its ownnnn!"
So shocked was she that Olbern couldn't stay still for a moment. As if determined to heed my warning not to touch it, she'd extend her hand toward the golem's core only to pull it back. She fidgeted, paced in circles, and kept glancing at our group—especially me—without pause.
"Unbelievable! A golem absorbing mana on its own? This is a perpetual motion device! But it's right here before my eyes, so I must believe... Surely, this... this is the secret art of the Infinite Archive School?"
Her rapid-fire questions turned toward me. Her gaze burned with fervent desire. Suddenly, she dropped to her knees in a formal bow.
"You said you designed this golem's internals yourself. I remember it clearly... Lumi, I have one question for you."
Her speech had grown even more deferential. I tilted my head slightly and asked back.
"What is it?"
"This golem... it's not the form widely distributed in human mage society, is it?"
"Of course not. There's only this one golem I made."
"I-I see...! Then, have you perhaps presented the research results of this golem to mage society—I mean, the Academy?"
I shook my head. This golem was born during our journey. There hadn't been time to present anything to human mage society. No one had even examined my golem, so only the four of us here knew of its existence.
"That expression 'too astonished for words' comes to mind... Well, words are coming out fine, but anyway. The moment you reveal information about this golem, something monumental will happen. If golems like this start being mass-produced and distributed, it would cause a cataclysm... Terrifying, yet thrilling!"
"I figured it'd be something like that. But I have no intention of making it public."
"Wh-what...? Why? If you started selling these golems, you could amass unimaginable wealth...!"
I might consider selling if I needed money, but not right now. At my response, Olbern, who had been staring in dismay, swallowed hard as if resolving herself, then bowed her head.
"When I saw the internal design, I could only gasp in awe. It felt profoundly improvisational, built on momentary inspiration, yet the ring-shaped magic engraved at the center... I couldn't even guess its meaning. It was like facing the heavens themselves. Thus, I humbly beseech you... Impart the knowledge of the heavens... Please bestow your teachings upon this ignorant scholar. Your wisdom shines alone like the sun, so please illuminate this dwarf's path..."
By the end, it bordered on a prayer. I sensed a subtle reverence from the bowing Olbern. It was a bit burdensome, honestly, but there was no reason to refuse.
Durel and Shimoda seemed to quietly approve of her as well, so accepting wouldn't be an issue.
"You want to join the Infinite Archive School?"
"If you permit it, I shall serve you my entire life."
"Do you know what it means to join a specific school? It means learning that school's magic. You'd have to abandon the foundation you've built your whole life. You're willing to discard it all just from seeing the golem's design? And you'd have to leave your home to travel with me. Can you do that?"
Olbern still didn't know the advantages of the Infinite Archive School. All she'd seen was the golem's modified Mana Circle. And yet, to seek instruction meant abandoning everything she'd built as a mage and starting from scratch.
"If that's what you wish, so be it."
She'd give it up. Everything as a mage. A glint of madness flickered in her slightly visible eyes. A true zealot. After a moment's thought, I rubbed my dry face and spoke.
"Stop with that strange speech."
"Understood... I mean, got it..."
"You don't need to abandon your magic."
"What...?"
"I'll explain later. But first, a question."
Olbern raised her head at my words.
"Why are you hiding your appearance?"
In that instant, Olbern's expression filled with panic. Her eyes darted about as she swallowed dryly. The girl disguised as an old man finally nodded and dispelled the illusion cloaking her body.
Saaaaah—
The blue mana composing her form faded slowly, revealing the girl hidden within. Her pale golden hair swayed gently in the hazy breeze.
Our group's ages and genders had shifted. Durel and Shimoda, sitting in the corner, widened their eyes. Despite their sensitivity to mana, they hadn't detected Olbern's disguise. Realizing it only now meant it was flawless deception.
"A girl...?"
"I had no idea... How in the world...?"
Having regained her true form, Olbern blushed and fiddled with her bangs. She seemed deeply embarrassed to show herself. Leaning against the window, I pressed on.
"Any reason for hiding your looks?"
"Well... In this form, mages tend to subtly look down on you..."
"Hm."
I nodded. I could somewhat relate.
After a brief ponder, I beckoned Durel. Quick on the uptake, he hurried to my side. As expected of my most reliable disciple.
"Durel. This is your junior. Teach her about our school."
"Understood. Do you teach Mana Circles too?"
"No, I'll handle that."
Unless the school's members grew beyond what I could manage, I had to oversee the Infinite Archive School's magic lessons.
Durel nodded and moved aside with Olbern.
"I'll now explain the history and characteristics of the Infinite Archive School. Listen well and commit it to memory."
"Yes...! Senior!"
"Senior... Nice."
"I see...!"
Olbern was a pretty dwarf girl. Back in her true form, her eerie speech had turned girlish for her age. Her oversized robe dragged on the floor, which was a bit annoying, but she didn't seem to mind. Standing with Durel, she actually looked quite good together.
"...And so, Master... the wrath of the heavens... then lightning struck..."
"Ooh..."
Durel's sporadic voice faded into the background. I needed to craft Arcana's Erkamon. Once done, there were Erkamons left for the third Mana Circle, and even the fourth.
I couldn't neglect personal training either, so my mind had to keep turning without rest.
As I focused my mind, all sensations swiftly settled.
And in the next moment.
I had arrived in the vast library existing in my mindscape.