*Ordinary.*
That was how ltas assessed Risir's magical potential.
While Risir’s achievent of the 3rd level was certainly noteworthy for soone of illegitimate status, it was not extraordinary. Many commoners his age who had reached similar levels could barely approach the threshold of the magic towers.
Without the Normalization Power, ltas would never have taken an interest in Risir.
**“You say this happens sotis. What do you an by that?”**
He had only looked away briefly. Sohow, Risir had already reached the 4th level.
A feat that typically took months, even for the most gifted, had occurred in re minutes.
**“Did you secretly drink so elixir on the way here?”**
ltas wasn’t just surprised—he couldn’t even process the situation.
**“Well, you know, my... ability.”**
Risir hinted at his Normalization Power, causing ltas's expression to shift.
**“That ability? And what does that have to do with this?”**
**“It seems to trigger this phenonon occasionally.”**
**“Can that even happen? For a power like that to cause sothing like this?”**
**“Didn’t you ntion how unusual it is, Lord ltas? If it operates under different rules entirely, it may not be so far-fetched.”**
**“Hmm... I doubt it's that simple…”**
ltas struggled to reconcile this developnt. But one thing was clear: his perception of Risir had changed drastically.
What he once saw as an *ordinary mage with a rare ability* had transford into *what on earth is this?*
**“This, that, and the other—could you talk in terms I can actually understand?”**
ltas snapped out of his reverie at Marina’s voice, realizing he’d been lost in thought. He glanced at her with an expression as if rembering sothing.
**“Even if I told you, you wouldn’t understand.”**
This was a familiar pattern—Marina often barged into his study to boast about her own disciple, only to dismissively say, *You wouldn’t get it,* whenever ltas tried to engage.
**“Ah, I see.”**
Marina nodded, folding her arms and casting a critical eye over Risir.
**“What school are you from?”**
**“You don’t have to answer, Risir.”**
**“I wasn’t asking you, ltas.”**
**“And I wasn’t speaking to you, Marina.”**
Risir, caught in the middle, could only glance awkwardly between them, realizing he was a bystander in a personal battle.
**“Well, the face is agreeable, I’ll give him that. Looks noble, but has a relaxed air about him—other n could learn from that. Why they always walk around with stiff necks and clenched jaws, thinking it adds charm or masculinity…”**
**“Judging soone’s looks to their face—how courteous of you, Marina. Quite the example for the young mages of the tower.”**
**“Oh, co on, ltas. Just because you don’t get it doesn’t an the rest of us can’t appreciate a bit of eye candy.”**
She threw Risir a teasing smile, subtly leaning forward to highlight the curve of her exposed neckline.
**“Risir, just a word of caution—not to be deceived by appearances. Marina’s actual age is—”**
Marina’s handkerchief suddenly appeared in her hand, tossed at ltas in a silent declaration of challenge. Without a word, he turned away, and she tucked the handkerchief back with a smirk.
**“So, what’s the big deal, then? Asking about one’s school is standard—he’ll hear it constantly once he’s in the tower anyway.”**
In truth, it was customary for mages to inquire about each other’s background, much like nobles asking about family lineage.
Marina was assessing Risir, sizing him up as a mage… and as a potential competitor for her own disciple.
**ltas and Marina.**
The two were rivals, bound by years of competition. They had joined the tower in the sa year, both reaching the 6th level at the sa ti, and were recognized as elite mages together.
Their rivalry had recently taken on a new phase.
*“So, now we’re taking on disciples? About ti, don’t you think?”*
Marina had returned from her research trip with a disciple in tow.
Rumors spread rapidly.
*“Have you heard about Lady Marina’s disciple?”*
*“Heinia Mastien, right?”*
*“You could tell just by looking at her—a highborn noble, with talent to match!”*
The rumors highlighted Heinia’s remarkable progress, attributed to Marina’s guidance. Heinia, a prodigy who had reached the 4th level within a year, began to eclipse ltas’s reputation. ltas had long intended to take on a disciple himself, but now it was essential he find one that could rival Heinia.
That very morning, ltas had all but given up hope of finding such a talent.
Until he encountered Risir and his peculiar power.
---
Marina continued to probe Risir about his background and skills, but each ti, ltas advised him not to answer, which he dutifully followed.
Marina didn’t seem bothered, confident that her disciple was superior. It was the assurance of one who had the upper hand.
Yet one thing nagged at her.
**“Marina, would you mind stepping aside? I have company, as you can see.”**
ltas’s behavior was different from his usual evasiveness when it ca to discussing disciples.
**‘What’s this about?’**
Marina cast another scrutinizing look at Risir. He was undeniably talented for his age, though still far from Heinia’s level.
That was when she heard a familiar voice.
**“Master.”**
Risir turned toward the speaker, struck by the vividness of her appearance—her golden hair pulled back, eyes like green peridots, and skin as fair as alabaster. She almost seed to glow.
**“Ah, Heinia. Did you get it?”**
**“Yes.”**
The girl called Heinia held out a silver ring to Marina.
**“Why aren’t you wearing it? Don’t you like it?”**
**“It’s an artifact for mana recovery. I planned to wear it during rest periods.”**
Heinia’s tone was clear and concise.
**“But why not try it on now?”**
**“I tried it on at the shop. I took it off because it doesn’t suit my style. Master, as I’ve said, I don’t need material support. If there’s sothing I require, I’ll let you know. I can obtain it myself.”**
**“So cold. You don’t understand your master’s desire to give her disciple more?”**
After exchanging a warm smile with Marina, Heinia turned to greet ltas.
**“Hello, Lord ltas. Nice to see you here.”**
**“Indeed, a pleasure, Lady Heinia.”**
Finally, Heinia looked at Risir. Marina took the lead in introductions.
**“I’ll introduce you. ltas, you won’t mind, will you? Heinia, this is Risir. He’ll be ltas’s new disciple.”**
**“?”**
*I’m ltas’s disciple?* Risir looked at ltas in confusion.
**“Ahem. Marina, you’re making him uncomfortable.”**
**“Why should he be uncomfortable? Anyway, the two of you might as well introduce yourselves—you’ll be seeing each other often.”**
Before Marina finished speaking, Heinia extended her hand to Risir. Her movents were precise, her handshake firm.
**“I’m Heinia. Rember as Lady Marina’s disciple.”**
**“I’m Risir. You can simply rember as… Risir.”**
Risir grasped Heinia’s hand, planning to release it, but she tightened her grip.
**“Lady Heinia?”**
**“So, you’re a 4th level?”**
**“Yes. It appears you’re the sa, Lady Heinia. Quite impressive for soone your age.”**
His complint was genuine, acknowledging the achievent of reaching the 4th level so young.
Yet Heinia’s expression tightened—Risir’s praise felt uncomfortably equalizing.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that he was challenging her.
**‘Is that it? You want to compete?’**
As Marina’s disciple and ltas’s supposed protégé, competition seed natural.
Smiling, Heinia tightened her grip further.
**“So, should I return the complint? You’re impressive too, reaching the 4th level at our age?”**
**“No need.”**
**“You’re right. Not all 4th levels are equal. You’ve just entered, after all. I’m well past that stage.”**
**“Oh, is that so?”**
Confused by Heinia’s sudden intensity, Risir responded awkwardly.
Heinia launched into an impromptu lecture on her magical influences, the wizards who inspired her, and the foundational texts that shaped her skill. Then she questioned Risir on his background, making it a silent duel of magical expertise.
Heinia’s triumphant smirk grew as Risir fell silent, having no response.
Ti for the finishing blow.
**“Didn’t I say? Not all 4th levels are alike. Do you know why?”**
With a flourish, Heinia extended a single finger.
**“One year. That’s how long it took to reach this level.”**
Her pride was pure and confident, her gaze unwavering as it settled on Risir.
**“How about you?”**
**“A month,
perhaps?”**
Risir answered truthfully.
**“Then shall I say it took a week? Let’s be serious here.”**
Naturally, Heinia didn’t believe him.
**“Well… around a year, I suppose.”**
He reluctantly exaggerated his answer.
Heinia scrutinized him, then chuckled.
**“I see. Not bad.”**
**“Your words don’t match your expression.”**
**“Oh, did it co across that way? My apologies.”**
Suddenly, Heinia clapped her hands as if inspired.
**“Risir, I just had an idea. Hear out?”**
**“Go on.”**
**“I’ve never t another mage so close to my level. That applies to you too, doesn’t it?”**
**“Didn’t you just say not all 4th levels are the sa?”**
**“Oh, co on! We’re both first-years. How about a duel, then?”**
**“A duel? Just like that?”**
**“Yes. You know how rare it is for people like us to find a sparring partner at our level. It would be a great way to broaden our skills.”**
Risir found himself nodding. The offer was unexpectedly appealing—a chance to test his growth and evaluate his abilities.
**“And, let’s make it interesting. The loser has to grant the winner a favor. Sound fun?”**
**“Agreed.”**
After agreeing on the duel’s ti and location—the courtyard of the Gray Tower the next afternoon—Risir parted ways with Heinia and continued on to the Gray Tower with ltas, who led him to a private study.
Once there, Risir imdiately pulled sothing from his belongings and showed it to ltas.
**“What’s that?”**
**“An elixir.”**
**“What?”**
ltas could hardly believe his ears. Why did Risir have an elixir?
**“Pardon , Lord ltas, but is there any place in Bondales better suited than your study for consuming an elixir?”**
**“Quite abrupt, but… no, there aren’t many places better suited.”**
**“Precisely. So, Lord ltas, would you mind assisting with the elixir’s consumption?”**
The visit to the tower had an additional purpose—to consu an elixir. According to a note from his ntor, the tower was the ideal place for such an act.
**“Did you happen to drink an elixir between here and the shop?”**
**“What are you suggesting?”**
**“Forget it. Why now, of all tis?”**
**“I want to maximize my chances of winning the duel.”**
**“You talk about it like it’s a casual snack.”**
ltas was beginning to find Risir a little unnerving.
Reviews
All reviews (0)