Chapter 3

Chapter 3
## Chapter 3
[You have gained access to second-level magic.]

[You have acquired the second-level spell Echo.]

*

From that day on, Katia took Derek under her wing, teaching him various spells. Initially, she only planned to provide him with a solid foundation, but Derek’s talent far exceeded her expectations.

Katia had no ambition to train a great disciple or to cultivate future generations. She simply saw the potential problems Derek might face and could not ignore them.

“You’ve been through enough to know that being a mercenary isn’t easy. But there is a way to survive.”

Katia taught him how to efficiently perform minor monster-hunting tasks and other simple jobs. When tasks were light, they strolled through the picturesque surroundings of Ebelstein, enjoyed quality tea together, or haggled for ingredients at the market. She wanted to broaden Derek’s horizons as much as possible.

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During those moments, she passed on various magical knowledge to him. As the seasons passed, Derek listened and assimilated everything Katia taught him.

Soon, everyone in the mercenary circles knew of the old woman and the young man who followed her. Throughout the journey, Katia continuously emphasized that excessive talent could be a curse.

“There have been commoner mages who have reached the fourth level.”

“Really?”

“But most did not have a good end. One must always be aware of the consequences of our actions.”

Even among the most prestigious noble families, there were usually few fourth-level mages. Reaching that level required more than just a good lineage.

Fifth-level mages became heads of families or key imperial assets, and sixth-level mages were so rare that only a few have existed in history.

For common people, regardless of their talent, the limit was usually the third level. Katia stressed this to Derek with a worried voice.

“Nobles usually hold their initiation ceremony at eighteen. If they have already mastered first-level magic by then, they are considered talented. If they have started with second-level magic, the family elders take notice of them.”

“…”

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Derek was now fourteen years old. He needed to understand the significance of his achievements.

Katia took Derek to her modest house on the outskirts of the commercial district. It was a small room, almost devoid of belongings. Although sufficient for one woman, it was a far cry from the luxurious noble mansions she had once known.

But Katia had already grown accustomed to that life. The room was dusty and had little furniture. Mercenaries had to be ready to move at any moment, so she kept her belongings to a minimum.

She settled Derek on the stiff wooden bed, then sat on a creaking chair and spoke calmly.

“Considering your age, try not to use magic recklessly. In crowded places, limit yourself to first-level spells. Even that is a great achievement for your age.”

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“Master, what level were you at during your coming-of-age ceremony?”

“…That was so long ago I barely remember. I think I could handle a few first-level illusion spells.”

The Flameheart family, while not a renowned magical house, was still noble. Katia, highly respected among the nobility for her magical prowess, had only reached that level during her adolescence. Derek’s skills were undoubtedly impressive.

“Taking me as a reference isn’t so simple. I was also raised to be a proper lady, not just a mage.”

“Was it difficult to be a noble lady?”

“Are you interested in noble culture?”

“…I’m curious.”

Katia took a sip of water, meeting Derek’s gaze.

Was it pure curiosity? Although Derek seemed mature for his age, his eyes reflected the reckless curiosity typical of youth.

Katia felt a strange sense of relief seeing this and spoke in a lighter tone.

“There are many rumors about noble ladies among merchants and mercenaries, right?”

“There aren’t many good ones. They say half are rude and the other half are clueless.”

“I can understand that sentiment, but it’s a harsh judgment. Different environments shape different values.”

Despite always talking about mercenary work or magic, it was good to take a break from such serious topics. Looking at the starry sky and reminiscing about the past, Katia continued with a soft tone.

“Most noble ladies are different, but they share similarities. Especially around the time of their coming-of-age, preparations for their social debut make them feel like the center of the world.”

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“Debutante?”

“It is the gateway to high society.”

Katia leaned back in her chair, recalling old times.

Dressed in beautiful gowns and versed in the rules of etiquette, they head to the imperial capital to meet the Emperor. Then, they host a grand ball at their home, thus marking their debut in society. That is when noble ladies shine in their maximum splendor.

“I’ve heard of that.”

“In those days, noble ladies had much to learn and prepare for.”

Katia’s voice was like a bedtime story. She closed her eyes, remembering the past.

They learn to have an elegant posture and gait, the etiquette among high nobility, and general knowledge to enrich conversations. Art, history, politics—they have to learn it all. Additionally, they need refined hobbies like flower arranging, embroidery, horseback riding, and playing musical instruments.

“Did you enjoy it?”

“Not at all. Judging by my life as a mercenary, you can imagine I was a tomboy.”

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Derek laughed. It was a relief to see that the boy could still laugh. Katia continued.

“We also had to practice dances for the gala balls and learn about our family’s history and traditions. But magic was the most important thing.”

“That makes sense.”

“But noble magic is different from what you think. While your magic is practical, nobles place great importance on etiquette and discipline.”

For the nobility, magic was not just a demonstration of power or a tool; it was an art and a refined hobby.

They recited spells as if they were poetry, designed magic circles like works of art, and their manuals were luxurious, with elegant illustrations and prose.

“I can tell you think it’s all excessive.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“You might think it’s impractical, but I believe it has its value.”

“If you say so, I’ll try to think that way too.”

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“No, don’t force yourself. That makes me look bad.”

They looked at each other and laughed. Despite their differences in age, background, and values, they felt a deep connection.

Katia brushed the dust off her robe and spoke with a softer voice.

“Derek, one day you might think differently. Noble ladies, with their poise, look like flowers in full bloom. There is a reason why so many strive to be like them.”

She stroked Derek’s messy hair and smiled sweetly.

“I hope one day you understand.”

*

“I can no longer teach you magic.”

The farewell with Katia took place the following year. After completing another minor commission and returning to her house, she suddenly broke the news to him.

It could have been a joyful announcement indicating there was nothing left to teach, but Derek was only just beginning to master second-level spells. His understanding of first-level magic was almost perfect, and he had learned many more spells of that level. It was evident that he would soon master second-level spells with ease.

“…”

Katia looked determined but tense. She was the one who worried most about Derek, but there was a reason why she had to give him this news.

“I received a letter from Count Elvester. He wants me to be a private tutor at his estate.”

“Count Elvester?”

“Yes, the most famous hero of the eastern region. His daughter is preparing for her social debut and they need a tutor.”

Count Elvester was no ordinary noble; even the Grand Duke of the capital respected him. Katia could not easily refuse.

“I had rejected similar offers before, but I never expected the Count himself to write to me. Surely word got out that I was teaching magic to a boy from the slums.”

Finding a teacher like Katia was nearly impossible. Her unique background and the fact that she had turned a slum boy into a competent mage contributed to her reputation. While Derek’s talent played a significant role, people considered it an achievement of Katia’s. Without a doubt, she was an excellent teacher.

From an outside observer’s perspective, this was a great opportunity. Being a private tutor at the Count’s estate meant wealth and prestige. Furthermore, Count Elvester’s daughter, Lady Freya, was known for her grace and elegance.

“…”

But it wasn’t hard to understand Katia’s somber expression. Staying at the Count’s estate in eastern high society meant she could not bring a commoner from the slums with her. It was time to say goodbye.

In the months leading up to her departure from Ebelstein, Katia was very busy.

She used part of her savings to buy Derek proper equipment. He would no longer have to wear his old, worn-out clothes or use second-rate magical supplies. She provided him with quality mercenary gear.

She also offered Derek the use of her house for as long as he needed and gave him a book on basic magic theory. Such books were valuable; Derek’s first master had died trying to steal one. Derek knew its value and was surprised when she gave it to him.

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“You should be able to finish this book in a few years. It’s not as effective as direct teaching, but given your talent, there won’t be a problem. When you master it, you can sell it for income.”

“Master, but…”

“Once I’m at the Count’s estate, I won’t have to worry about money. Take it.”

Two months later, on the day of her departure, Katia adjusted her gray robe and picked up her simple bag.

As always, the streets of Ebelstein bustled with activity. Katia would soon blend into the crowd and leave the city.

Despite having done everything possible during those two months, her face still reflected concern. Derek, seeing this, smiled calmly.

“Don’t worry so much. You taught me for years without expecting anything in return.”

“Derek.”

“Look at me, Master.”

Derek raised his arms and spoke confidently. At fifteen, he was still young, but he had matured since his days in the slums.

In a high-quality leather tunic, a wool robe, clean pants, and a shiny belt, he no longer looked like a starving street child.

“I am of age now. I can take care of myself.”

Although still young, he was very different from the boy who once ate hard bread in a corner of a tavern. His reliability was evident.

Katia knelt down and hugged Derek’s shoulders.

“You don’t have to mature too fast, Derek.”

Even if harsh realities have forced you to grow up, never forget the innocence you preserved even in the worst circumstances.

After saying these words, Katia waved and disappeared into the crowd.

“Goodbye, Master.”

Derek waved back in a low voice.

*

Upon returning to Katia’s old house, Derek found it empty. A small space with a wooden bed and a rickety table—and now, only silence reigned.

For the first time since arriving in this world, Derek was fully aware of the silence. This world had been to him just part of an old game, but now he knew it was a real place.

“…”

He drank some water and sat at the table. In the silence, he took out the magic book Katia had given him and began to read.

– Scratch, scratch, scratch.

The pages turned smoothly, and time continued its course.

[List of Acquired Magic]

✦ Combat Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Magic Missile
★☆☆☆☆☆ Surge
★★☆☆☆☆ Fireball

✦ Transformation Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Light Creation

✦ Illusion Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Silence
★★☆☆☆☆ Echo

✦ Summoning Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Summon – Guide Fairy

✦ Detection Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Sense of Direction
★★☆☆☆☆ Clairvoyance

-Thud.

Derek reviewed his magic list and closed the book.

“I must get moving if I want to meet the commander on time.”

He finished his daily study, stood up for his afternoon appointment, and tied his boots. With a sandwich in hand, he opened the door. Sunlight flooded his room.

In just one year, Derek had taught himself two more second-level spells.

At just sixteen years old.