Chapter 44: Sage
Chapter 44: Sage
“Welcome, heroes.”
Curious to see just how great the Sage was, Kerry activated the Goddess's Eye.
But the Sage's stats were the last thing he noticed.
[Name – Von Altesman]
[Occupation - Sage]
[Status – Aroused]
Aroused? Is this guy nuts?
On the outside, he looked like a typical archmage from a fantasy story. But what was with that status? The title of 'Sage' was weeping.
Next to the Sage was a woman who appeared to be his secretary. Her face was flushed.
Having been burned once by the Sage, Kerry felt a nagging suspicion and used the Goddess's Eye on the secretary as well. A bad feeling is never wrong.
[Status – Excited]
Birds of a feather flock together. What a pair of perverts. The secretary looked so demure, too.
“Now, now, don't just stand there. Have a seat.”
“Then we shall take you up on your offer.”
We sat around a circular table. The secretary remained standing behind the Sage.
It was then that Kerry felt a strange energy coming from the Sage. It wasn't just because he was a pervert; it was something genuinely unusual.
It felt like a small thread was unfurling. Was this mana?
Focusing a little, he was sure of it. It was mana. A thin line of mana was forming around the Sage.
That line of mana was slipping under the secretary's clothes, teasing her.
The line of mana slipped through her clothes to touch her breast, then slid down under her skirt to caress her clitoris.
Judging by how red the secretary's face was, she was getting quite excited. It was impressive she was holding it in.
To think he'd do something so bold right in front of the hero.
The Sage before him was the 'real deal'.
The Sage continued the conversation as if nothing was happening, all while still toying with his secretary's body.
“My dear, please bring us something to drink.”
“Yes, Sage.”
“I heard the hero and her companions were coming, but seeing you in person, your dignity is truly extraordinary.”
“You flatter us.”
The Sage was sincere. Every single one of them was an exceptional individual. Lina was a given, but even Natasha and her grandmother were far from ordinary. Victoria was no different.
His name was Kerry, wasn't it? That man... hmm.
Among them, he saw a man who looked ordinary, with no discernible aura.
But he had already received a report about this man.
That the hero had been about to refuse the Magic Tower's invitation until this man spoke.
But there was something strange about Kerry's gaze.
Wasn't he looking at him, the Sage, with eyes full of immense admiration? And this was the first time they'd ever met.
Of course, countless trainees looked at the Sage with admiration, but this bizarre fervor was different from their pure gazes.
The Sage tried his best to ignore Kerry's strange look and continued his conversation with the hero.
“Come, come. Let's talk slowly over some tea.”
It was then that the secretary beside him let out a loud moan.
“Hah...!”
“Oh? My dear? What's wrong?”
The Sage feigned ignorance.
But Kerry knew. He knew that sound was caused by the line of mana.
“I-I'm sorry. I suddenly felt a chill... I'm so sorry.”
“Oh dear... It happens. As long as you're not sick, it's quite all right.”
The secretary bowed her head repeatedly.
Kerry watched the Sage, stunned. In that moment, a preconception lodged deep in his mind shattered.
To think someone who uses magic like this actually exists!
The shock was so great that he felt pathetic for only ever thinking of using his beloved magic for combat.
To think he'd been so satisfied with the simple dream of using magic that he never even imagined a better path.
Kerry began to look at the Sage before him with respect.
“First, I would like to thank you all for accepting an old man's invitation and visiting the Magic Tower. Furthermore, for your efforts on behalf of the continent...”
The Sage welcomed the hero's party with a speech as dull and long-winded as a school principal's.
To summarize the Sage's words, he was saying that if they encountered any trouble on their journey, he would go out of his way to help them at any time.
He managed to stretch that boring story out for over an hour.
Even the ever-exemplary Lina occasionally dozed off, her head drooping! She was still beautiful even when she was nodding off, though.
“When you go outside, you will find a gift I have prepared. May Elena's blessing be with you all.”
The party stood up and said their goodbyes, looking as if they'd finally been set free.
They looked like they were fleeing, afraid the principal's speech might start up again.
But Kerry didn't move.
“Husband? Aren't you coming?”
“You all go on ahead. I have something to ask the Sage.”
Even the Sage looked puzzled, but Kerry just told the others to go first. And finally, only Kerry and the Sage were left.
“Is there something you wish to say to this old man?”
“That was incredible, Sage. Is that the power of that ring?”
[Arachne's Ring]
[Grade - Hero]
[Summary – A ring that grants the power of telekinesis. Increases mana control when worn.]
The Sage's sly expression, which he'd worn since they first met, hardened for the first time.
He seemed to be wondering how to handle this, but seeing the certainty in Kerry's eyes, he appeared to give up on making excuses.
“Hmm... You're the first person besides myself I've ever met who could sense that.”
The Sage tried to act calm, but inwardly, he was extremely surprised.
To think there was someone else who could sense such a minuscule line of mana.
Even the hero hadn't noticed.
This wasn't a matter of skill level. It was an innate sense, a sensitivity to mana. In other words, a natural-born talent.
Perhaps, in terms of talent alone, the man before him might even be his equal.
“To think of using a magic item in such a way. The title of Sage is no empty boast, I see.”
The Sage smiled at Kerry's favorable attitude. It seemed his worries were unfounded.
“It is merely an old man's secret hobby. I am truly impressed by your talent in noticing it, Sir Kerry. You are indeed a worthy companion for the hero.”
Compliments were exchanged. The two men sensed it.
The scent of a kindred spirit.
Finally, the two of them looked at each other and burst into laughter.
“Heheheh.”
“Hahahaha.”
Then they shook hands.
“I've lived a long time, but I've never met someone with the same... aura as myself.”
“The same goes for me. To think there was someone who could use their talent and magic in such a magnificent way.”
“Well, well. This won't do. I'd like to have a much deeper conversation with you, Sir Kerry.”
Kerry had a gut feeling he had just met his role model.
*
Sometime later, Kerry finished his talk with the Sage. When he emerged from the Sage's room, there was a ring on his hand.
[Arachne's Ring]
[Grade - Hero]
[Summary – A ring that grants the power of telekinesis. Increases mana control when worn.]
To think he'd so generously give away a Hero-grade item as a gift.
When Kerry showed how much he liked the Arachne's Ring, the Sage gave it to him without hesitation.
As he gave him the ring, the Sage had said this to Kerry:
[Brother. If you ever need my help, just say the word. I will gladly assist you. As for the other items you wanted... I need them myself, so I cannot give them to you right now. But for a brother, I would gladly lend them... First, get used to that ring and enjoy yourself, one step at a time.]
The Sage was a truly good person.
The secret storeroom the Sage showed him was filled with magical tools, and Kerry couldn't help but marvel every time he heard of their lewd applications.
[Even the same magical tool can have vastly different effects depending on the user. The Arachne's Ring is no different. In the hands of a mage with ordinary talent, it's just for telekinesis... but when used by someone with special talent, like you or I, brother, it becomes a supreme treasure.]
With the Arachne's Ring, Kerry was able to perfectly replicate the technique the Sage had used.
He drew out a thread of mana just as fine as the Sage's.
[A magnificent talent! To think you could copy it in a single try. It's a shame you didn't learn magic sooner, brother! You will become a great mage. I guarantee it.]
...Thank you for your teachings, Sage.
Kerry descended to the first floor of the tower and went outside. A cool breeze blew past.
Nice weather.
He had sent the party on ahead, telling them his conversation with the Sage would likely take a while.
Kerry arrived back at the inn alone. The moment he stepped inside, he was greeted by a room full of grim faces. What's with the atmosphere?
“Husband. You're back.”
“What happened? Why does everyone look so glum?”
“Well...”
The party told him what had happened. They had been attacked while riding in the carriage provided by the Magic Tower.
Fortunately, no one in the party was injured, but a few of the Magic Tower's mages were hurt while protecting them.
“...You must have all been very frightened.”
“Hmph. Magic suddenly started exploding everywhere, papat! It was really scary.”
Natasha whined, hugging Kerry tightly. Though with Natasha's strength, it was unlikely most magic would even affect her.
Lina wore an expression that said this was to be expected.
An attack. Who on earth holds a grudge against us enough to attack?
As if answering my unspoken question, Lina began to speak.
“I was hesitant to say this until now... but it might be dangerous to trust the Magic Tower blindly.”
“What do you mean, it's hard to trust them...?”
“I believe there's a spy from the organization we're hunting within the Magic Tower. And they obviously don't like us.”
So that's why she tried to refuse the Magic Tower's invitation at first.
It made sense. The only thing we'd done to earn anyone's grudge was get in that organization's way.
Barikmeteo also threatened us, telling us not to interfere if we valued our lives. Was this his doing? That pisses me off.
“Lina. Do you have any idea who the traitor in the Magic Tower might be?”
Kerry was certain it wasn't the Sage. He was a pervert, sure, but he didn't seem like that kind of sinister person.
Lina shook her head. It meant she didn't know who the traitor was.
Lina is a terrible liar.
When she lies, she unconsciously looks away or stutters.
This time, it felt like she genuinely didn't know. Does that mean she couldn't identify the traitor in her past life either?
Being a regressor doesn't mean you know everything.
Then it's my job to find out who the traitor is. And I happen to have a useful information network.
“Then let's keep our distance from the Magic Tower, at least until the mastermind hiding within is revealed.”
“Yes. That would be best.”
Kerry made an excuse about having an errand to run and left the room.
Given the risk of another attack, he didn't go out alone. Even if he wanted to, Natasha would never have let him.
“Husband, where are you going?”
“I'm going to see if I can find any useful magical tools that could help protect us.”
“Oh, I see.”
That was a lie. There was no way such a convenient item would be common in this world, and even if it existed, it would be incredibly expensive.
Besides, Kerry had a regressor. He had Natasha.
He could guarantee that it would be hard to find anyone skilled enough to get past those two's guard.
Still, there was a reason Kerry had come outside, even bringing Natasha with him.
It was to make contact with Madam's information network, the Black Rose. She had told him he could use it if he ever needed help.
He'd heard from Madam that the Black Rose's contacts, beggars, were scattered all over the continent.
Beggars with a black rose tattoo somewhere on their body, was it?
Kerry walked through the slums of the Magic City. For all its splendor, every city had its dark side.
“Spare a coin, sir. I haven't eaten in two days.”
“My lord, please spare a coin.”
As Kerry walked by in his relatively fine clothes, beggars pleaded with him.
Natasha's glare kept them from getting too close, though.
A beggar with a black rose tattoo... a beggar with a black rose tattoo... Found one!
He spotted a middle-aged man with a black rose tattoo below his ear. Kerry approached him.
“Here, buy yourself some bread with this. I hear the barley bread is good these days.”
When Kerry mentioned barley bread, the beggar's eyes narrowed slightly. It was the contact code. The beggar quickly accepted the money as if nothing had happened.
“Oh, thank you, my lord.”
“Natasha, I knew it. There's no way we'd find a decent magic tool shop here. Let's look somewhere else.”
“I told you so, Husband. Let's get out of here. This place is so unpleasant.”
Kerry and Natasha walked away from the beggar. The beggar who had received the money opened his hand.
In his palm was the coin and a folded note. The beggar unfolded it.
[Tell Madam that Kerry wants to know if there are any heretics in the Magic Tower who practice human sacrifice.]
It wasn't long after that.
Kerry's message reached Madam quickly.
After receiving it, Madam sat on her sofa and laughed.
“Huhu. Is our cute little hero who saved our village trying to save the Magic Tower this time?”
Shortly after Madam spoke to herself, Ellie, who had been staring at the sky by the window, ran over to her.
“Did you hear from Sir Kerry? Really? He said he missed me, right? I knew it!”
Ellie asked Madam, her eyes sparkling. Madam couldn't bring herself to say no to that look.
“Y-Yes. He said he misses you, Ellie, and that he has a favor to ask.”
“Ahh. I knew Sir Kerry hadn't forgotten me. Madam, I want to see him, too. It's been so long.”
“I feel the same way. Shall we go together after all this time?”
“Yes! Please, Madam.”
Madam was already worried about Ellie, who did nothing but stare out the window all day, saying she missed Kerry, so she thought this was for the best.
But there was another reason Madam was going herself. She couldn't forget her memories with Kerry.
Madam licked her lips, imagining Kerry's cock.