Spring Days Come
‘2nd class, huh...’
I’d visited the Mercenary Guild months ago.
The harsh cold was finally retreating.
Spring seemed to be on its way.
It was a comfortable life, like a warm spring day.
Time flew by so fast I barely noticed it passing.
The only nagging concern was that the ring-selling merchants' complaints had reached a boiling point.
‘So far, the mercenaries have had my back, but...’
The merchants had stayed quiet thanks to the mercenaries.
Our mercenary-friendly pricing had kept major risks at bay—until now.
It felt like we'd hit the limit, and that weighed on me.
Everything else was going smoothly.
My proficiency was rising steadily too.
Production, sales, and Sunogi deliveries had become routine.
Everything was going so well it almost felt wrong.
This was from checking my user info.
Inventor hadn't risen much since I wasn't developing new items.
Honestly, churning out Purification Rings like a machine—I hadn't expected Inventor proficiency to climb.
But Enchanter had shot up from all the enchantments, looping back to 2% after hitting 100%.
‘That means... I've become a 2nd-class mage?’
I'd lost sleep expecting some huge change when Enchanter hit 100%.
Nothing happened.
It just filled up to 100% uneventfully.
Thus, I reached 2nd class.
Disappointing.
But I couldn't complain about the mana flow in my body, faster crafting speed, or stronger spells.
Still, something felt off.
It was the unique ability in my user info.
S-Grade Crafting Hunter Knowledge(Legendary)
1st-Class Magic Knowledge(Rare)
The 1st-class part wouldn't update.
I'd assumed 2nd-class magic knowledge would appear automatically upon reaching 2nd class.
Guess I underestimated this world.
‘In other words, I need a 2nd-class spellbook.’
I sighed deeply.
No way to get one.
The barony seemed big, but no shops sold spellbooks.
I could ask Lord Sellevan, or even Gaiyon or Stain, and probably find a way.
But I didn't want to.
No need to owe them favors.
Debts like that could turn poisonous later.
‘No place in the baron's castle to learn 2nd-class magic...’
Another deep sigh, but the answer was set.
I knew it, just didn't want the hassle.
‘Count's territory it is.’
For a 2nd-class spellbook, I needed a bigger city than the barony.
The count's domain.
Winter's bite was gone, spring warming up—it was time to move.
Plus, stepping away might cool the merchants' tempers a bit.
“You want to go to the count's territory?”
“Yes. To learn 2nd-class magic.”
“2nd-class already? Wait, I thought you were 1st-class...”
I barely suppressed a twitch at Mage Theo's words.
It hadn't been long since he was introduced as 1st-class.
Reaching 2nd-class alone, without a master— that carried weight.
‘The Sunogi performance too... I messed up. Should've found a reason to keep him here. Was I too hands-off?’
Stunning talent.
Just 2nd-class now, but the potential shone.
Not just the Sunogi.
According to Administer Seize, he crafted efficient daily tools too.
Honestly, better for territory management than most mages.
I hadn't expected magical talent on top.
With gifts like this, I'd have hidden him away for the barony's growth.
Should've prepared 2nd-class spellbooks in advance.
I wanted to shelter Mage Theo and boost the territory.
‘Been distracted by bandits and undead lately... My mistake.’
Mage Theo complicated my thoughts.
But regrets over the past were useless.
Late, but I'd do my best now.
Tying him down would only make him want to leave.
I didn't want to send him off.
But now was the time to release—and show magnanimity.
“The count's territory... You mean Count Arno's Asterium. You should find 2nd-class spellbooks there easily.”
I hid my expectations for Mage Theo.
Dignity as a baron aside, never let him read my mind.
Especially someone I needed.
I pondered his request briefly.
But the decision came quick.
“Fine. Round trip should take three months, right?”
“Three months? I've never been, but... that should be plenty. Thank you.”
“The territory's stabilized thanks to you—this vacation's only fair. Ignore the complaints about Purification Rings.”
Lord Sellevan's reaction was softer than expected, thanks to the cheap rings.
He didn't even ask about potions—seemed he was shelving that.
But his final words carried weight.
“You must return.”
Obvious, but emphasized.
I had a workshop here, trade routes I'd built at a loss.
Sellevan Barony was solid inside, good people.
No plans to leave yet.
“Of course. I'll definitely come back. No need to worry.”
“Good. I trust you.”
“Ah, yes.”
For a moment, Lord Sellevan's eyes seemed misty at my promise.
I wasn't that attached, probably my imagination.
Next up:
‘Mercenary registration.’
The road to Asterium was rough.
With Lena, two of us wouldn't cut it.
Needed a group—mercenaries for an escort.
Especially paid ones.
Luckily, familiar faces at the guild.
Thanks to Purification Rings.
“Back again? New stock? Something like the rings...”
“Hey, Jacob.”
“Show us the goods.”
Jacob and I traded light jokes now.
Frequent trades built that.
“You think new products pop out like magic? Here for something else.”
“Huh? Not instant? That volume seemed endless...”
“What nonsense! You know the grind I'm in?”
After banter, I got to the point.
Explained, and Jacob lit up.
“Escort to Asterium? Perfect timing. Got a fitting job.”
Fresh posting: Grand Duke Layas.
Grand Perry Merchant Group's escort.
Destination: count's territory.
One issue, but Jacob fixed it instantly.
“They don't handle rings, so no worries.”
I grinned.
Jacob delivers.
‘Can't get better than this.’
Registered as mercenary right away.
Plates: gold, silver, bronze, wood.
Mage trust, but no record—got bronze.
Jacob's strict on merits.
But.
“That woman coming too?”
Jacob nodded at Lena.
Worried look.
“Yeah, together.”
“Hm. Gear up heavy then. Undead near the castle are cleared, but farther out... not yet.”
“Oh, really?”
“So, more rings...”
“Thanks anyway! See you, Jacob!”
I dodged the ring push and bolted.
Already ring-machine exhausted.
Everything has limits.
“Theo-nim! Departure's the day after tomorrow!”
While I bantered, Lena read the request.
Long journey in two days.
‘Lots to prep.’
Heading home, I thought.
No clue on Asterium spellbook prices.
So, big sales push before leaving.
Five minutes since vowing restraint.
Guess I'd bend a little.
“Lena.”
“Yes?”
“We're gonna be busy.”
A smile crept up.
Max Purification Rings in two days.
Mass Production Mode: Enabled
Estimated Output: 8 per hour
‘This should... suffice.’
Make the time count.
If I didn't want to hustle in Asterium for cash.
Two days of prep flew by.
Cleared all Purification Ring stock.
Several months' earnings: about 200 gold total.
Sold like mad.
Make, sell, make, sell.
Wondered if I was a ring-slave those days.
‘Next time, raise prices... Can't keep this up.’
Promotion solid.
Every city merc had one—proud moment.
“Theo-nim, should we pack these too?”
Lena handed bandit loot.
Untouched items piled up.
No time to sell some, others saved for ring materials.
“Yeah... let's take 'em.”
Might craft en route—packed all materials.
Space pouch could handle it.
‘Look for a bigger space pouch?’
Stuff growing, pouch at limit.
Check Asterium for a good one.
But shook my head.
‘No, can't just buy everything—gotta craft.’
Not a miser, but self-reflection time.
Preservation Box possible, but boxy—not travel-friendly.
Need to craft my own space pouch someday.
Hated wasting hard-earned gold on makeable stuff.
Better buy another spellbook.
“All set now?”
As Lena and I wrapped up.
Someone knocked on the workshop door.
Opened to a familiar face after ages.
2nd-class mage and alchemist, Stain.
She'd come in person.
“Long time! You leaving now?”
Stain acted chummy.
Probably from potions—built inner closeness.
I'd heard her voice via info-gathering magic doll too.
Felt oddly welcoming.
Still awkward with other mages.
Especially ones who'd seen my skills.
‘She better not suggest coming to Asterium. No way.’
I'd ditch the request first.
No suffering her company on the road.
Thankfully, not her intent.