Chapter 172

Chapter 172
### Chapter 172: Spiked Chair (1)

However, obtaining magic lessons directly from Kalimford, who possesses the highest prestige even among 6-star sorcerers, represented an unrepeatable opportunity. The step toward 5 stars would not be easy to climb, but, at the very least, his magical faculties would progress notably in the process.

Derek was extremely pleased with such a scenario.

‘If I manage to boost my magical capabilities as much as possible while I have this opportunity…’

6-star wizards make up an elite group of top-level mentors, of which there is barely a small group on the entire planet. However, not all of them possess the same character or discipline. As an individual’s level of magical mastery rises, their particular theories and interpretations become more dominant.

Depending on the identity of the guide, the student’s magical values will inevitably be transformed, forcing them in the end to adopt the master’s currents upon crossing a certain threshold. In fact, even the noblewomen Derek instructed manifested a freer handling of mana and a more indomitable spirit compared to the wizards of the School of Discipline of that era.

Because mentors mark the gaps between the different schools, achieving absolute mastery in all magical disciplines is an almost unattainable task. Furthermore, Derek’s previous instructor was none other than a necromancer named Phee. Although he obtained vast knowledge from Phee, her lessons harbored a deadly danger: the loss of his own identity.

Being pointed out as the pupil of a dark wizard constitutes an absolute taboo among all taboos. Necromancers, who profane mortal remains, enslave souls, and despise human integrity, have suffered constant persecution in any era or territory.

‘The magic I have received from Kalimford is safe from those risks. At the very least, I will be able to try to reach 5 stars in the proper way, following orthodox paths.’

Settled in his quarters, Derek stroked his chin with a thoughtful air. He rhythmically closed and opened his fists. Despite having regained his physical vigor, Kalimford had made his superiority clear. The 6-star level remained seared into his mind. It is a plane where the simple act of observing can nullify a rival’s will to fight through an extraordinary dread.

Even Derek experienced that overwhelming pressure when facing Kalimford’s power. He noticed a slight tremor in his fingers. Derek almost never allowed panic to become visible; his ability to remain calm in any circumstance was what allowed him to survive the hardships of his life as a mercenary.

Even so, witnessing that 6-star marvel caused him genuine joy. That is the essence of such an achievement, the state that Derek longed to reach. And his master stood right in front of him.

“Honestly, I don’t see myself capable of achieving it with my current ability.”

That 6-star battle wizard was capable of summoning meteorites naturally. Confusion wizards go beyond the perceptible to deceive anyone, transformation wizards build tiny worlds, detection wizards glimpse the future, and death wizards govern the final transition.

Derek had crossed paths with 6-star experts from almost every branch, with the exception of Confusion Magic. Each possessed the strength necessary to devastate an entire continent. To be part of that circle, constant study was not enough; something that transcended the path he was walking was required.

Despite having been blessed with a prodigious innate talent, Derek still felt an emptiness.

‘If I were to look for Phee… perhaps I could reach that step.’

She was likely hidden in the Tigris area right now. If Derek were to humbly ask to be her apprentice, she would never reject him. However, Derek shook his head to banish the idea. The dementia and that disturbing fervor in Phee’s gaze gave him a bad gut feeling. She could lead him to 6 stars, but he did not know if the result would be what he desired.

‘In essence, Phee is an eminence in the necromantic arts.’

However, she never taught Derek a single spell from that branch. Conscious of what that forbidden art implied, she avoided imposing that burden on him. But what would happen if she decided to teach him? Perhaps he would succeed: entering into that realm that all souls obsessed with the arcane revere.

“You seem to be submerged in your musings.”

Four days had passed since his arrival in the Rochester area. Kalimford approached Derek while he was catching his breath after his practice. Since he began his instruction with Kalimford, his magical perceptions, which he believed were perfect, began to evolve again. Every finding was revolutionary, leaving him dumbfounded. However, in his leisure time after lessons, strange ideas sprouted in his mind. Kalimford detected that internal conflict immediately.

“Do you think looking for Phee will facilitate your ascent to the 6-star rank?”

Derek remained silent.

“You already understand that that is not a very intelligent choice, right?”

The reason why Melberot had the busy Derek called to Rochester was simple. After the return of his former comrade Kalimford, he wished to boast about his daughter, Sirine. Although Melberot was visibly annoyed by bothering a nobleman with personal matters, refusing any contact with the reborn Kalimford seemed like an act of cruelty… and so he agreed. Finally, Derek understood that it was not something negative; on the contrary, it was an opportunity to learn from the legendary Kalimford.

“Perhaps she has already seized the Tigris region. However, there are no reports of conflicts, and that worries me.”

“Phee has unlimited time. Unlike us, finite beings who value every day, a necromancer does not distinguish much between a day and a year.”

Derek evoked the image of Phee. Resting on the living room sofa, enjoying the maid’s sweets while reviewing papers in her office. Despite everything, she always projected absolute calm.

“But don’t think that her inactivity will be permanent. She will seek to influence you in any way.”

“For a being who has subsisted for centuries, wouldn’t a single year seem like something unimportant?”

“That is true. But the durability of that vessel is not eternal. The ‘Image of the Cycle’ has a limit of twenty years before mana saturation destroys it, forcing a new rebirth.”

Phee had detailed it to him. Each cycle was less than two decades; sometimes it concluded at ten years and in rare cases it reached twenty-five. As a noblewoman, the end reached her shortly after her debut in society. Sometimes executed upon revealing her witchcraft, others consumed by the Mark: that loop of death and return defined her life. That was the “eternal youth” product of her sacrifice. Her existence revolved only around being a young aristocrat of great beauty. It was unknown if that was truly her desire.

“By the time Phee perishes and reincarnates again… you will already be in your maturity.”

“By then, my magical domain should be superior. Wouldn’t it be more logical for Phee to wait?”

Derek’s goal was 6 stars and even going further. If she trusted in his success, why not wait? Kalimford shook his head.

“Look at it from her perspective. How ephemeral and empty this human life is to her. After so many rebirths, she has seen everything fade away again and again.”

A couple who swore to love each other forever died the next day in a train derailment. Those who begged for their lives died soon, while others lived a century without desiring it. Human destiny never follows the script. How many times has she awakened from the grave to see those who were supposed to live, dead, and vice versa? That is why Phee would not let Derek walk away just like that. She would not risk being reborn and discovering that he is no longer there. She is trying to secure him now.

“If her desperation is real, she could carve the sign of the Cycle into your own skin. What do you think? Would that stigma be a gift or a calamity for you?”

Derek wiped the traces of blood from his body. After meditating on it at length, he fixed his gaze on Kalimford.

“To be honest, I don’t know.”

“Usually it is not.”

“But, for the moment, I have a request.”

Derek held the great wizard’s gaze.

“If I am forced to leave for the Tigris region, will you be by my side?”

That future was foreseeable. Questioning Phee’s domain in the Tigris meant a direct clash. At that moment, would he receive Kalimford’s support? As the hero he was, devoted to justice and redemption, Kalimford did not usually speak untruths. Holding his staff with his worn hands, Kalimford bowed his head.

“I regret it. I… I cannot do that.”

Derek nodded in silence. He did not ask for explanations. If the world is divided between light and shadow, Phee embodies the latter. The Kalimford of old, who punished evil, would not hesitate. But now he was holding back. However, in the past, Kalimford had defeated and crushed Phee, plunging her into desolation. And even so, she brought him back so he could see Sirine. She helped defeat the Great Demon Noir. Everything that allowed Kalimford to be there came from Phee’s power.

For Kalimford, Phee was a mixture of clarity and gloom. A young woman passionate about magic who received the gift of 6 stars, but whose psyche was fractured by the Cursed Engraving. For that reason, he could not wield his weapon against her.

Derek remained silent at his mentor’s melancholy. If he had to face Phee in the shadows of the Tigris Mansion… what path would he take? He still had no resolution.

—

Subsequently, Derek dedicated most of his time to training at the Rochester residence. He continued under Kalimford’s wing, reformulating his magical foundations. This gave him constant revelations on how to apply 5-star magic, allowing him to polish his current 4-star spells.

— Kwaang! Kwaang! Kooong!
— Woof! Woof!

The Rochester area vibrated with the echoes of Derek’s high-caliber practices. To not saturate the duel area, he used to practice outside. Fortunately, the snow-covered fields of the north are vast and lonely, sometimes serving as a refuge for magical beasts that served as practice subjects. It was the ideal site for rigorous training. Although the sessions with Kalimford left him exhausted and wounded, Derek did not stop smiling despite the pain.

Denis branded him a magic maniac. Sirine, observing from the mansion’s window, agreed with him with her gaze. Derek was strict when teaching, but he was even more so when learning. It was no wonder; he put a lot of effort into his lessons. Sometimes Sirine watched him practice with her chin rested and curious eyes. Finding someone like that was a treasure. For Sirine, Derek was someone out of the ordinary. And now, Derek also enjoyed being the pupil.

Despite their differences, they shared a unique connection. Derek had become vital to the group and his absence generated unease. While she watched him, Sirine suddenly felt a flush rising to her face.

‘Am I… falling ill again?’

She climbed down from the wall and ran into the house to rest. Having returned recently, she wanted to speak with Melberot before leaving for the Ravenclaw Area.

“I had a bit of a fever, so I came to rest. Maybe I got too excited about being back in Rochester.”

“I don’t want to get sick again and be a burden. That would only take away my work time.”

“I’ll be careful.”

Sirine understood her father’s affection behind his sharp words. Melberot looked serious when she entered barefoot in the middle of a meeting with the judges, showing his concern.

“A fever, however mild, can be serious. Don’t ignore it.”

“Rest if you don’t feel well. And put on some shoes.”

“It’s okay… although it already passed. It’s strange. I feel heated… could it be that I was in the cold for too long?”

“Your mana looks stable. I was told you used transformation magic to protect yourself.”

“Y-yes, but… my body has been feeling weird lately.”

“I will call the doctors.”

“I-it’s not necessary! I’m fine now… it just happened to me outside.”

Melberot put aside the papers and asked with severity:

“What were you doing outside?”

“Well… I was walking a bit, watching the snow… and watching Derek’s training.”

“His training?”

“Yes. It’s incredible how he practices every day in this cold to improve himself… and it doesn’t feel as cold as it seems… I saw things about him that I didn’t expect…”

Sirine evoked the image of Derek with joy. His gentleness in escorting her to Rochester, his care when she was sick, and his dedication to both the territory and magic. Suddenly, feeling heat again, she started to fan herself.

“W-what? My temperature is rising again… what a strange thing…”

“So suddenly?”

“W-when I think of Derek… my body burns… it’s very strange…”

Hugging herself and stomping a little, Sirine made a quick bow and said goodbye.

“Anyway… I’ll go lie down before it becomes something serious. You should also rest, Dad.”

Touching her flushed cheeks, Sirine retreated down the hall. The room was left in deathly silence.

— Zash!

A winter gust entered through the door she left open. However, the chill the people present felt was not from the northern climate. They had been on edge the previous night over Sirine’s cold, with Kalimford and Melberot acting as if the end of the world were near. But that seemed like nothing compared to what had just occurred.

“My lord. T-this… this is…”

The judge was livid.

“……………State of emergency.”