Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Ferda made his way up to the crest of the Lonely Mountain. He had requested that Ruri escort him to the high peak for a single objective: to observe Valdrova in combat.

A deafening roar split the air, rattling the earth and skies.

On this day, she had single-handedly checked the advance of more than a hundred monstrous beasts. In the past, the mere presence of such a legion would have left Ferda paralyzed with dread, but he now watched the violence unfold with the calm detachment of an observer gazing at a distant landscape.

The draught he had consumed held incredible potency. His instinctive terror toward dragons had been completely erased. Even the oppressive aura of Fear naturally exuded by their kind—a weight capable of breaking the will of the resolute—no longer held any power over him.

Though fascinated, he wondered how the rest of the household managed to endure such an overwhelming presence within the stronghold.

Ruri explained that they relied on specialized relics. She drew a silver band from beneath her skirt, simple in structure yet etched with intricate runes that Ferda could not decipher. She explained that these rings tracked the staff’s whereabouts while dampening the dragon’s oppressive aura, allowing up to a hundred retainers to dwell and labor within the fortress without succumbing.

Ferda asked if the ring produced an effect identical to the wine he had tasted.

Ruri clarified that the artifact was far less potent, leaving a lingering trace of anxiety in the wearers’ spirits.

Ferda acknowledged the extensive measures they had undertaken.

She remarked in a dry tone that they had engaged in far too many pointless precautions.

Ferda paused to consider her statement, then asked why she had not simply provided him with one of the rings from the beginning.

When she confirmed he could have worn one, he questioned why she withheld it.

Ruri’s gaze shifted aside before she offered an indifferent shrug, noting that he had never requested one.

Ferda realized just how deep her antipathy toward him had run before his betrothal was finalized, suspecting she still held little affection for him.

However, dwelling on past grievances served no purpose. Ferda directed his attention back toward the valley below.

A change occurred in Valdrova’s behavior. Instead of retreating directly to her cavern upon vanquishing the horde, she turned her massive head toward the peak. He observed the front set of horns sweeping outward alongside the second pair reaching skyward. Her imposing silhouette, embodying the essence of an absolute sovereign, stood clear against the terrain. He felt her luminous golden eyes lock squarely onto his position.

He could sense the bond distinctly. Ever since partaking of the ceremonial wine, a subtle connection seemed to link him to Valdrova. Whenever that invisible thread resonated, a spontaneous smile crossed his face.

Yet, as though turning away from his gaze, Valdrova pulled back and retreated toward the shadows of her den.

Ferda wondered if he had caused her discomfort once more. Despite their betrothal, they had never exchanged a single spoken word. Every time he attempted to draw near, she deliberately kept her distance, leaving him with no choice but to observe her from afar.

He found himself wondering if she suffered from severe timidity. To anyone watching her annihilate a monstrous army with primal ferocity, the notion of her being shy would seem absurd. Yet to Ferda, the memory of her silent, hesitant demeanor came naturally to mind.

She possessed an undeniable knack for stirring an ache in his chest. She resembled a refreshing spring in an arid waste, or the flicker of a warm flame against eternal ice—so close at hand, yet completely out of reach. He felt akin to Tantalus enduring his torment, gazing upon nourishment he could never consume and water he was forbidden to taste. His simple desire was to sit before her and converse.

He asked Ruri if she still refused to speak with him.

Ruri confirmed that her master’s instruction was for him to remain patient and wait.

The perception of time for an ageless entity differed greatly from that of a mortal. Despite understanding this reality, a seed of restlessness began to sprout within Ferda’s thoughts. He reasoned that it was a partner’s duty to wait until his lady gathered her resolve, deciding to exercise patience.

Ruri, who had been scanning the distant perimeter, abruptly turned her focus elsewhere. She informed Lord Ferda that an arrival had reached the estate.

Ferda inquired about the visitor.

Far beneath them, near an entryway Ferda could not clearly see, a long retinue had assembled before the fortress gates. Ruri reported that Marquis Burnell had reached the castle.

Upon their meeting, Marquis Burnell appeared in even poorer shape than before. Though his debts were settled and the underworld figures were no longer pursuing him, his mental composure remained shattered.

Hesitantly, Burnell began to explain his deliberations.

Ferda cut him off firmly, demanding the final decision without unnecessary preamble. Part of his coldness aimed to keep Burnell from faltering, but it was also because the Red Circle within his core was rotating vigorously, and he refused to waste his heightened concentration on the man’s vacillation.

Burnell conceded that, as Ferda had argued, producing armaments was the proper course.

Ferda asked if he had discarded his previous ideals.

Burnell denied abandoning them, explaining he had come to see that forging weapons served as a means to preserve stability, admitting he had merely feared public condemnation. Glancing at the formal document in his hands, Burnell declared he would construct weapons to eliminate the monstrous threats in the distant East. However, he expressed his sincere wish that these armaments would never be turned against fellow mortals, at least during his own lifetime.

Ferda bluntly stated he could provide no such assurance, offering cold truth over false comfort.

Burnell asked if that was truly the case.

Ferda told him there was no reason to be burdened by remorse. He asked what must be forged in response when an adversary crafts a blade.

Burnell replied that one must manufacture shields and armor to withstand the blow.

Ferda pressed further, asking if an enemy creates a weapon capable of piercing that defense, whether it would be right to surrender, remain idle, and permit ruin to follow.

Burnell realized the logic, answering that one would simply have to construct superior armor and sturdier defenses.

Ferda emphasized that while he was designing weaponry, he was simultaneously forging the realm’s armor. To avert conflict, advancement had to remain continuous, because halting progress would allow rivals to seize the advantage.

It marked the beginning of an endless struggle. A grim future Burnell had long avoided contemplating was taking shape. The familiar scents of tea, roasted beans, and manuscript ink still clung to his memory, and he deeply longed for his previous life in Escoleia, where his modest quarters had encompassed his entire world.

Yet retreating was impossible; the realization of Magitech was a vision he could not abandon.

Ferda added that if circumstances permitted later, he would grant permission for Burnell to explore alternative applications. For now, however, the absolute priority remained developing instruments capable of pushing back the eastern borders. If that goal was accomplished first, he would raise no objections to secondary research.

Burnell accepted the terms.

Moving to practical matters, Ferda asked what supplies were required to commence the endeavor.

Burnell replied that before acquiring equipment, he required the remains of monsters to conduct preliminary examinations.

Ferda repeated the request with interest.

Burnell gave an awkward chuckle while scratching his head, remarking that having a living specimen would accelerate the work significantly, though capturing a living monster was an unrealistic task.

Ferda listened in silence before nodding, asking if all that was required was securing a living beast.

Burnell reacted with shock, asking if he genuinely meant to capture a live creature. Overwhelmed, he thanked him, addressing him with formal reverence.

Ferda corrected him, stating his formal title was Regent, and dismissed the need for gratitude. Rising to his feet, Ferda instructed Burnell to prepare for departure within three days.

Startled, Burnell asked where they were heading.

Ferda replied that they were setting out to capture a live specimen, as requested.

Burnell’s eyes widened in sheer disbelief as he asked if they were personally embarking on the hunt.

Ferda questioned whether Burnell expected to sit idle while others delivered it to him. He dismissed the notion of letting dozens of soldiers perish merely to indulge a scholar’s ambition, stating that in such matters, one had to participate directly.

Patting Burnell’s shoulder, Ferda remarked on the academic belief that truth grants freedom to mankind, adding that one could not expect discovery to fall into one’s hands without physical exertion.

Burnell groaned in despair as Ferda instructed him to prepare his physical condition. The scholar’s face went pale with dread, lamenting his decision to accept the invitation, knowing full well there was no turning back.

Ferda and Burnell traveled onward on horseback. Reaching an intersection, they encountered a contingent awaiting their arrival. Thirty disciplined soldiers stood in formation, headed by a mounted commander clad in half-plate armor.

The leader was Arwen, assigned to serve as Ferda’s scout. Dismounting gracefully, Arwen offered a respectful greeting and asked if the instructions had been correctly conveyed, stating he understood they were setting out to hunt a beast.

Ferda corrected him, clarifying that their objective was not to slay the creature, but to capture it alive.

Arwen apologized, suggesting the written directive had been misread to him. In truth, the order had sounded so absurd that Arwen had assumed an error in communication while seeking verification.

Ferda waved off the issue and asked for the location of the quarry.

Arwen gestured into the distance, explaining that scouts had tracked a distinct abnormal presence emanating from that direction.

Ferda inquired about the pack size.

Arwen replied that based on the creature’s recent territory, it appeared to be an isolated specimen.

Ferda concluded that securing a lone target should prove straightforward.

Arwen warned in a somber tone that the beast’s proportions exceeded those of an immense bear, making it a target that even seasoned warriors would struggle to execute, subtly cautioning that attempting a live capture was reckless.

Ferda dismissed the caution, remarking that greater size would only serve their goals better. Tapping Burnell’s shoulder, he noted that a large specimen would greatly aid the scholar’s research.

Burnell forced a strained laugh while screaming internally at Ferda’s boldness. Looking toward the retinue, Burnell felt the hostile, resentful glares directed at him by the troops, who clearly blamed him for the perilous task of taking a massive beast alive.

Arwen took the point. Eventually, the party tethered their horses to avoid alerting the creature with their scent.

Moving alongside Arwen, Ferda questioned Burnell regarding his magical proficiency.

Burnell admitted his capacity halted at the 3rd Circle.

Ferda asked if he possessed a Blue Circle.

Burnell confirmed this, noting that mages typically wielded a Blue Circle, before asking with surprise if Ferda utilized a Red Circle.

Ferda affirmed his affinity.

Burnell quickly covered his mouth, apologizing for prying into the matter.

Ferda brushed the apology aside and asked if Burnell could cast Mana Shot.

Burnell explained that he could generate and project the kinetic spheres, though his range was limited.

Ferda clarified that he only required him to manifest them, asking how many he could produce.

Burnell estimated he could sustain twelve standard spheres, or four if enlarged.

Ferda remarked that an average 3rd Circle practitioner could command fifteen, noting that Burnell lagged behind the typical standard.

Burnell offered a self-deprecating chuckle, acknowledging the harsh truth that his early ambition had been the path of magic, yet his only true talent lay in academic study—which he had derailed chasing Magitech.

Ferda assured him that his capability was sufficient, stating he merely needed to offer supporting fire.

When Burnell asked for clarification, Ferda told him the role would be simple enough for a child to follow.

Burnell then hesitated and asked what Circle the Regent possessed.

Ferda answered that he held the 2nd Circle.

Burnell gasped in disbelief, unable to fathom how a leader with such meager magical depth intended to handle the beast, wondering if the modest aura he had sensed earlier was truly Ferda’s full strength.

Before he could ponder further, Arwen raised a hand to halt the group, reporting that the target was nearby.

Ferda commended him and instructed the unit to remain behind until summoned for the final restraint.

Arwen asked in confusion if the soldiers were not intended to engage the beast directly.

Ferda rebuked him lightly, stating the troops were brought solely for reconnaissance and transport, praising Arwen’s valor while reminding him not to throw away his life needlessly, as he was a valuable knight of Count Consilus and the Archduchess’s domain.

Donning leather gloves from his coat, Ferda ordered Burnell to follow and prepare for the capture signal.

Ferda advanced with calm, upright posture, hands resting behind his back, exuding the noble poise of a lord strolling through a private garden. To Burnell, however, the man looked like a herald of doom leading him straight to the grave.

Advancing through the thicket, Burnell finally laid eyes upon the monstrosity.

It was a Contaminated Being.

The entity had not been born naturally; it was a bear that had been horribly warped and overwritten by an alien force, twisted beyond recognition into a grotesque aberration that defied natural reason.

Burnell gagged at the sight.

Ferda warned him to suppress his nausea to avoid alerting the beast.

Stifling his revulsion, Burnell focused as Ferda instructed him to conjure Mana Shots upon his fingertips. Burnell obeyed, forming glowing spheres of energy.

Ferda then commanded him to gently toss the mana spheres directly toward Ferda one by one upon his signal.

Burnell asked in absolute astonishment whether he was truly supposed to target the Regent instead of the corrupted beast.

Ferda confirmed the command.

Shutting his eyes tight, Burnell released a sphere toward Ferda as ordered.

In that very breath, an astounding transformation unfolded.