Chapter 39

Chapter 39
## Chapter 39
[List of Acquired Spells]

✦ **Combat Spells**
★☆☆☆☆☆ Mana Arrow
★☆☆☆☆☆ Shockwave
★☆☆☆☆☆ Ice Spear
★☆☆☆☆☆ Fire Arrow
★☆☆☆☆☆ Manifestation of Full Power
★★☆☆☆☆ Fireball
★★☆☆☆☆ Shadow Bind
★★☆☆☆☆ Large-Scale Shield

✦ **Transmutation Spells**
★☆☆☆☆☆ Creation of Light
★☆☆☆☆☆ Attribute Imbuement
★★☆☆☆☆ Earth Wall
★★☆☆☆☆ Crystallization

✦ **Illusion Spells**
★☆☆☆☆☆ Sound Isolation
★☆☆☆☆☆ Illusion – Small Animal
★★☆☆☆☆ Hallucination
★★☆☆☆☆ Confusion

✦ **Summoning Spells**
★☆☆☆☆☆ Summon – Fairy Guide

✦ **Exploration Spells**
★☆☆☆☆☆ Sense of Direction
★★☆☆☆☆ Clairvoyance
★★☆☆☆☆ Magic Detection
★★☆☆☆☆ Life Detection

—

Dereck had learned the fundamentals of combat spells from an old man.

And he learned the appropriate illusion spells from a fallen noblewoman named Katia.

The influence of a mentor was undeniable. Even after that, Dereck continued to hone his own magic, but most of his achievements were focused on the advancement of combat and illusion spells.

He diligently practiced the arts of transmutation, exploration, and summoning spells. However, no matter how hard he tried, he sometimes felt his progress stagnate, as if he were hitting an invisible wall.

“I feel like I have fully understood the essence of exploration spells.”

How long had it been since he immersed himself in magic in this dark cave?

One day, Drest Wolfetail said something unusual: he commented first on Dereck’s magical abilities.

“…But I still feel a bit stuck.”

“The rest is something the boy must master for himself.”

Hearing those words, Dereck felt a bit disappointed.

Opportunities to receive direct teaching from a six-star exploration mage were not common. If the opportunity presented itself, he wanted to learn as much as possible.

Still, he knew that having a good mentor was just as important as personal reflection and the mastery of magical study.

“If someone could discover all the truths of magic sitting in a corner of a cave, then all the great mages of the world would be hermits, never leaving their rooms.”

“I’ve heard there are quite a few like that.”

“…Anyway, I think I’ve done everything in my power.”

Dereck raised his palm, clenching and unclenching it several times in front of him. He closed his eyes tightly and felt the flow of magical power once again.

By observing Drest Wolfetail’s spells and attempting to imitate them, he constantly measured that immense energy.

Gathering the magic that floated before his eyes and concentrating it in his chest, he released it into the world as if exhaling.

It felt as if one part of his body were burning, while another was freezing. Cold and heat merged within him, colliding and transforming into magical power.

Recently, he had experienced a similar sensation in the labyrinth.

That strange dissonance, as if the magical energy did not move according to his will.

The singular struggle of a mage transitioning to the next phase, unable to easily control such immense power.

He had often felt that in the past, while struggling to master the various exploration spells Drest possessed.

It was the repetition of days that took him beyond his current level, toward a realm that did not yet belong to him.

Time and again, he suppressed the feeling of fighting against an indomitable magic.

Like taming a wild beast, he controlled the sensation of the world’s wonders accumulating and becoming unruly, gritting his teeth. Finally, he concentrated the magic at his fingertips into a single point.

“…”

As if drawn by something, Dereck placed his hand on the cold stone floor and cast the spell as his heart dictated.

*-Vrrrm!*

With great determination and sincerity, he materialized his magic, but nothing changed around him.

“…”

It was a moment of emptiness that suddenly washed over him.

*–Rumble, rumble!*

*-Crash!*

A strong vibration began to spread throughout the cave.

The impact was not enough to shake the entire vast cavern, but it did stir a large expanse of open ground.

The tremors progressively intensified; some stalactites broke and fell, while cracks began to form in the walls.

*–Rumbling! Rumbling! Crash!*

Before Dereck could comprehend what was happening, Drest quickly cast a shield spell.

Using telekinesis, he pushed Dereck aside and headed rapidly toward the cave exit.

*–Whoosh! Bang! Crash!*

At the entrance of the Raspah Cave, Dereck sat, staring at the collapsed entrance.

The tips of his fingers trembled from the magic drawn from the earth. Drest, standing with his hands crossed behind his back, laughed dryly. Dereck was about to reach the age of majority for his initiation ceremony. However, the spell he had cast had completely destroyed the entrance to the Raspah Cave.

“Get up… Get up…”

Sweating profusely, Dereck stabilized his shaking hands and somehow managed to stand up.

He was about to ask what had just happened when he felt an aftershock.

**(Spell Acquired)**

**’Tectonic Disturbance’ – 3-Star Combat Spell**

Dereck swallowed hard. To find an average mage who had learned a 3-star spell at his age, one would have to consult historical records or the biographies of great figures.

As usual, the old mage with sagging skin placed his hand on Dereck’s shoulder from behind.

“As I said before, it seems there is nothing more I can teach you right now.”

***

The stars were clearly visible.

It is said that Adelbert, who first conceived the hierarchy of spells, was inspired by the stars that filled the sky.

Dereck sat near the campfire at the entrance of the destroyed cave with Drest, reclining in the darkness of the night.

Dereck looked at the palm of his hand with a confused expression.

He had just changed his environment.

A 3-star spell. Among the nobility, sorcerers with 3-star spells are called “Advanced Mages,” recognized as those who have mastered a specific aspect of magic.

When word spread that a commoner had become a three-star mage, even the nobles had to respect the effort, blood, sweat, and tears he had invested. Most three-star mages born into a commoner family had dedicated their entire lives to magic.

However, there had never been a three-star mage as young as Dereck. It was unlikely to evoke admiration for that reason. The tangible proof of this was across the fire: an old mage named Drest.

“I’ve said it before, but as a common mage, you cannot survive on ordinary talent alone.”

“…”

Though his words lacked emotion, the weight of years still permeated Drest’s speech.

Drest had lived as a common mage, sacrificing too much just to stay alive and to surpass the nobles.

“To be respected, you must be extraordinary. You must rise so high that no one can reach you. It is human nature to try to tear down anyone who seems to be within reach.”

“And how great is someone like that?”

If Dereck, at his age, had mastered a 3-star spell, most mages would be speechless with wonder.

However, Drest simply closed his eyes.

In the struggle against the world, it could be a crushing victory or a crushing defeat.

Drest looked at Dereck with a gaze clouded by time, reflecting a century of courage.

He seemed to project a fragment of his past onto Dereck’s growing existence.

“Judge for yourself.”

With that, Drest stood up, pulling away from his fragile body.

“Where are you going?”

“Just to get some fresh air.”

“…”

With that, Drest shook his robe.

The forest surrounding the cave was plunged into the darkness of night. To some, this darkness might seem like an infinite void.

Drest, now elderly and in the twilight of his life, did not radiate the grandeur that emanated from the world’s most famous mages.

Though he was one of the greatest, he had a completely ordinary appearance. His shoulders were thin, his limbs as thin as dry branches; wrapped in a tattered robe, he nibbled on food meant for common people.

He lived simply, and he would die simply.

Dereck knew that Drest’s end would not be as dramatic as his reputation. After a tumultuous life, he would wander until he felt death approaching, only to return to a quiet village on the outskirts of Count Jebelon’s lands.

In that now remote and silent field, he would quietly enter a house, sit in a worn-out chair, and rest his chin on his hand.

And he would close his eyes in silence, never to open them again. That is how he lived and died.

“The night air is still quite cold, Master. Please stay a little closer to the fire.”

Dereck said that.

Then Drest paused for a moment and, as usual, showed no expression.

“It’s fine.”

“…”

“Be careful with Cohela.”

After casting that cryptic warning into the air, he vanished silently into the night. And Drest did not return.

Dereck knew it was going to happen.

In the place where the old man had gone, Dereck sat alone, poking the fire with a stick. The crackling intensified.

Turning it over and over, in the end, as always, he was left alone.

The old beggar had done it, Katia had done it, Drest had done it… they were all the same. Those who embraced him like a cradle would surely abandon him one day.

Once you realize that, you begin to understand that parting is also a natural part of life.

It was one of the many truths of life.

***

After a long time, Dereck returned to his residence near the Ebelstain commercial district.

He cleaned himself up, washed all his clothes and his mercenary gear.

He sharpened the rusty knife. He greased it too.

He cleaned the dusty room and threw away all the spoiled food. He washed the blanket. He placed scented candles here and there around the room.

He repaired the worn door, got rid of the old furniture, and bought new pieces.

He carefully trimmed his thick hair and shaved.

He set aside the spellbook Katia had left at the back of the drawer. He no longer needed that grimoire.

Dressed appropriately, he checked all the stacks of letters. From mercenary groups, from the three great families, from Ebelstain headquarters, from employers seeking to hire Dereck directly. Many sought him out, but he responded to none.

After tidying up the basics, he stepped out onto the sunlit threshold. The delicious aroma of bread from the bakery across the street remained intact.

Ebelstain was still a city of a thousand faces.

It was Dereck’s home.

***

“We have received a message from Dereck. He has requested a meeting with His Grace, Duke Beltus. What should we do?”

Clerven, the head butler of the Beltus family, could not help but feel perplexed while reporting this. How could a commoner ask to meet the grand duke of a nation?

However, Dereck was a successful magic instructor. Renowned instructors sometimes made their voices heard, even among the nobility.

In fact, Dereck had sent several letters to the Beltus family, inquiring about various conditions.

“Has his magic training finished? It seems so.”

Dereck had shattered the pride of Grand Duke Duplain, who had confidently declared that Dereck would undoubtedly join the Duplain family. That alone filled Duke Beltus with joy.

As expected, he showed a satisfied expression, pleased that Dereck had chosen the Beltus family over Duplain or Belmierd.

“Denise will receive magic training, and since her magical development has stagnated lately, this is a good opportunity. If he is as competent as they say, he should obtain significant results, right?”

“Widespread rumors circulate that he has achieved exceptional results working with the Duplain and Belmierd families.”

“Exactly. Since it was Denise who convinced him, and he will instruct her, I will tell her to meet with him separately. There is too much urgent work in the domain, so I will leave this matter in Denise’s hands.”

Thus, Duke Beltus began writing a letter to send to Ebelstain, his pen dancing across the paper.

Seeing the satisfaction reflected on his face, the head butler felt there was no cause for concern.

***

“The magic instructor is supposed to visit the mansion today.”

“Eek…!”

As usual, Denise, hidden in a corner, swallowed hard.

After returning home, Denise remained silent in her room, slowly organizing her thoughts. She could not comprehend the mindset of a magic instructor who had rejected Aiselin and Ellen, insisting on teaching her instead.

After considering various theories and possibilities, she even began to wonder if this decision was a form of punishment.

After all, she had tried to manipulate the situation, pretending to be enthusiastic about magic that she wasn’t actually interested in. Some mages considered that an insult, so perhaps her teacher was doing something to get revenge on her.

How could a commoner harbor resentment toward a noble of House Beltus? But he was no ordinary commoner. He was a magic instructor highly coveted by the three great families.

Realizing how peculiar her situation was, she thought:

“If I, who have been accepted as a student by the legendary instructor who reformed Lady Diella, who has obtained Ellen’s recognition, and who has been chosen over Aiselin, do not produce any results…”

Even if he was just a mercenary from the slums, he was someone who had built a great reputation.

If no progress was made, who would be blamed? Most likely, the blame would fall on her, for having a great master and yet remaining stagnant.

She didn’t think she would fall into such a contradiction, but there was no possible escape.

“Bella… I just want to lie down and do nothing… Can’t I just dismiss him whenever I please…?”

“You know better than anyone: you don’t want to work… but the Grand Duke isn’t going to tolerate that…”

After splashing her face several times, Denise finally stood up. Staying like this wouldn’t solve anything.

***

“Good morning. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other.”

In the noble district of Ebelstain, at Denise’s residence.

Guided by the servants, Dereck walked down the hallway.

He approached, took off his cloak, and greeted Denise. As usual, his attitude was blunt.

But Denise could only stand there, eyes wide with disbelief. It was her first formal meeting with Dereck. Of course, she had seen him before from the stands of the combat training field, but the impression that brief encounter had left on her had long since faded.

In Denise’s mind, Dereck was a hermit, secluded in a remote cave that no one visited, with a gaunt face and neglected hair, completely consumed by magic.

Now, well-dressed and greeting her politely, she barely recognized him.

“Dereck…? Is it really you…?”

“Yes. I appreciate your help at the Raspah Cave. The supplies you provided were very useful.”

“Oh, I didn’t know… are you the type to follow formalities like those…?”

“Eh?”

“…”

Even if Dereck’s status wasn’t clear, he wouldn’t behave the same way in the nearly deserted Raspah Cave as he would in the lands of a noble house.

Of course, that was to be expected, but Denise found herself unable to adapt to Dereck’s transformation, and her mind momentarily blocked.

*Now is not the time for confusion. There are so many things I want to ask, so many intentions to convey.*

He was the one who had been secluded in a corner of a cave, training magic. His magical power must have grown.

Denise subtly gathered mana, materializing her detection spell in the corner of her eye. Her intention was to measure how far his mana extended.

“…”

However, Dereck’s mana could not be measured by Denise’s eyes. Whether the mana was too weak to be perceived or he had learned to hide it from detection spells…

If he possessed such a skill, it meant his mana could not be measured unless one belonged to a higher realm.

Evidently, he was someone with a broader vision than Denise.

Swallowing hard, Denise spoke.

“You have traveled a long way. I heard you have come to teach me magic?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Dereck wiped his hands several times and then sketched a faint smile.

“I heard you are quite disappointed with magic.”

“…”

*Honestly, wouldn’t that hurt your pride? Judging magic as good or bad without even glimpsing its realm is an insult to magic itself. After all, I have dedicated my life to it.*

“Perhaps I judged too quickly. I’m sorry. Are you satisfied now?”

“No. While I appreciate your selfless apology, doesn’t it seem regrettable to you? Living only with disappointment and resentment toward something so wonderful. That isn’t right.”

Denise held Dereck’s gaze. In his deep and captivating eyes flowed a strange and indescribable energy.

It seemed like an endless seriousness, but behind it all, there was a touch of madness.

*‘Eek…!’*

Denise realized. She had touched someone she shouldn’t have.

Before touching someone, one must ensure they can handle that person. It was common sense, but the divide between commoners and nobles sometimes made people forget it.

Regrettably, what’s done is done; that is how the world works.