Chapter 88: Battle of Wits (3)
yPWAnyone immersed in the world of magic would recognize Alpheas as a man chosen by the gods. The problem was his tendency to flaunt his talent indiscriminately, regardless of time and place.rb26AtT
uEWf0tqOnce embroiled in a debate, he would see it through to the end, relentlessly digging into even the slightest mistake made by his opponent to extract an admission of defeat.iHgyL0W
4AGI6PTOnly a few, like Klumph, knew that Alpheas’s actions weren’t driven by malice. He wasn’t arrogant; he was simply too passionate, which often exhausted others.E03PjZ4
OypRkIn truth, Alpheas would graciously acknowledge his own mistakes and celebrate the victory of others. The problem was, such instances were rare.ZZpVxd
sLCOmihAlpheas, seemingly bored even while waiting for his beer, wandered around the tables engaging with others. Klumph watched him, worried about potential trouble but too drained to intervene.YowuD
7PYcmNX“Saroph! You’re having a drink in broad daylight?”2qmubvF
hppPJLXAlpheas greeted Saroph, a native of the capital and one of his few rivals. Although always defeated in debates, Saroph was considered the most promising in the photon field if Alpheas were out of the picture. Saroph’s feelings towards Alpheas were understandably complex, but Alpheas, unfazed, approached him.PywhuwB
GwJQEfK“Right, Saroph, I heard you submitted a paper to the palace recently? I read a bit of it, quite interesting.”TOpid
SbeM“What? Why did you read my paper?”i0U2u
BexEa“Isn’t it obvious? I’m also specialized in photons, and the royal librarian is my avid follower. Anyway, I enjoyed it.”EHZ4
7b33Saroph brightened at the praise but Alpheas didn’t stop there.YCIL
pBHuDo3“But there was one error. About the wave nature of light. That’s a clearly wrong theory.”NnUBj
kHm8g“What are you talking about? Light being a wave is a fact proven by experiments.”2Hb
ZWD“That may be, but I disagree. Recent experiments suggest that light cannot be explained by wave theory alone. Perhaps light is closer to particles.”Z70h
qUEKPS“Hah! Alpheas, now you resort to gossip? Critics have pointed out errors in particle theory experiments! If light is a particle, how do you explain its wave nature? They’re completely different concepts!”6IoY
DtKEJ7The debate over light being a particle or a wave was a hot issue in Alpheas’s time. Although wave theory was prevalent, some scholars, including Alpheas, continually challenged it.4rwaD
6Imf2“Do you really trust those critics? I’ve seen the documents about errors in particle experiments too. But their approach wasn’t scientific. Isn’t that the real error?”Kj3tOp5
E3wK6eSaroph, already suffering from insomnia due to his paper, was infuriated by Alpheas’s provocation.fN5
ZOm1kD“Enough! Who asked for your opinion? If you’re so confident, why don’t you publish your nonsense and amuse the world!”JWB9D8
kVuHWre“I’m concerned, that’s why I’m saying this. Even if it’s rejected now, you can improve it later, right? What matters isn’t the paper but realizing the truth.”UgbHlHH
C2CHjUnable to bear it anymore, Saroph exploded.JLm
nLG“Get lost! I won’t even talk to you anymore!”pEE
GjfX2lAlpheas returned to his table, unfazed by the conflict. He saw debates with rivals as mutually beneficial.gKt
HZEV1sVBut Klumph worried for him.DHNK7A6
2ZX8KW6They first met at a Bashuka inn. It had been a year since Klumph came to the capital from Creas and joined Alpheas.vTk
rLbTH0Frankly, Alpheas was unpopular. If even Klumph, a swordsman, thought so, imagine the feelings of rival mages?4tn0Qr
18NnQQT“Alpheas, are you looking for a fight? If others can’t do it, just leave it at that. Why must you correct them?”hw9f7gI
1hDwM“There’s no ‘others’ in this. Wrong is wrong, and it should be corrected. That’s true intellect.”vCeBP
RwG“Really now. Do you know what people call you? ‘Proud Alpheas.’ That’s your nickname these days.”v17Kz
2tfK7“Ha ha! I like that! Much better than the cringy ‘Light of Myrhe.’”JE7
Rr6niOCMagic was a realm of talent, and Alpheas was bestowed with more than his share. No matter how much he tried to hide it, his talent shone through. To him, humility was nothing but pretense.tGzW7t
BWppe2r“Such is the fate of a genius. Now, come on, don’t worry so much and have a drink. Hey, Laphne, take special care with the appetizers. This guy eats more than a bear.”zSfDq6
MF26C3“Ho ho! Anything for Alpheas! You seem to have everyone swooning.”PzVr1c
8wPwThe waitress Laphne gazed at him adoringly. Klumph, who had little luck with women, felt a headache coming on.V0Bnp
iaeQPAlpheas wasn’t deeply involved in any serious relationships. Just flirting with women left and right, causing countless men to miss their chances. Not limited to magic, Alpheas was a public enemy among the local men.lZh
TXw“Now Laphne too?G3sO
UxwUXWhy don’t you have a proper relationship? What are you thinking?”JaY
IsW“Well, as you know, I am a lover of all. And it’s not like I’m trying to seduce them. They just melt at my killer smile.”acu4f
zLWcIoAlpheas grinned, demonstrating his charm. Klumph, unfamiliar with flirting, tried to imitate the smile.e9GR
OcoL“How’s this? Do I have a killer smile too?”hXOH7ua
lJEjgJQ“Ah, that’s right! A real killer smile, huh? A murderer’s smile. Haha!”0AtK
piNu“Are you asking for a beating?”M3XVa
bNT“Hahaha! Just kidding. Actually, it looked pretty cool. Remember to wear that smile at the party later. The ladies will fall for it for sure.”VtuCzZA
3BdMeQ“Party? Do I really have to go? I’m not even a mage.”pUq
ajafwJTonight, the Bastadd family was hosting a party titled ‘A Night for Young Mages.’ Although the family had little to do with magic, holding such events was a way for nobility to assert their status at the time.pRff9
UnvCxRk“There’s no rule saying only mages can attend. It’s a social gathering for various circles, so you should build some connections too. Skills are important, but so are connections.”rK9v
QlXcb“Coming from you, that sounds funny.”z4jSQw3
LAN“Well, what can I do? You need to climb high to spread your wings. Anyway, just come along. Who knows, you might find your other half there.”8Eyvn
qvftGiXKlumph, brimming with zeal for swordsmanship, had no interest in networking. But the last remark intrigued him.ijkW2
Vcwm16rWho knows? Maybe the rustic swordsman from the countryside might fall in love with a sophisticated city girl.QFx7KFM
A3ectdDSuddenly struck with a cough, Klumph cleared his throat repeatedly.GqB
tm7bR3W“Ahem! Well, why not take a look around?”lDhi
xNNzThe Bastadd family’s mansion, one of the wealthiest in the capital, was opulent and dazzling, nearly crossing the legal line that no noble’s residence should outshine the palace itself.keB
iui8rWhThe hall was adorned with 300 crystal chandeliers, and the marble tables with gold trim were lavishly set with delicacies from around the world.D9Yh
linWOJTo the accompaniment of musicians, nobles danced with their partners, while elder politicians chatted over wine on the side.di7Hd
snp“Hello? My name is Klumph Ogent. Are you here alone?”0kg
Vsj8BAY“Kyaa!”lHAd2Nm
k2SwznAAt the sight of Klumph, a woman screamed and ran away. How could she not be frightened by a man looking like a cattle thief, grinning creepily? It was indeed a killer’s smile. Shocked, Klumph froze as Alpheas approached, laughing heartily.jOfpQ
VpuY“Hahaha! You actually did it? Oh, my sides!”z2GOK
f6n5Ov“Damn it! It’s my fault for trusting you. By the way, where have you been until now?”obpv
X3yhO“Just chatting with some lovely ladies over there. Had to keep them company, you know.”Rgc
XaCtkiKlumph looked where Alpheas pointed. Elegant city women were glancing at Alpheas, blushing.R7A
XTL2SH“Damn. They’re all looking at you, not me.”7KOM
u5ZiGRv“Haha! Don’t worry about it. Let’s just enjoy the feast.”fvw02A
fVfTYTIntrigued by the exotic dishes he couldn’t find back home, Klumph decided to indulge himself, ignoring the women and heading towards the tables. Alpheas chuckled. He liked this simple yet positive friend.dXAbFi
5F3As Klumph devoured the food, Alpheas was busy attending to nobles approaching him every five minutes. When the head of the Bastadd family came to converse, all the nobles’ eyes turned to Alpheas.VhwgA
RrSauwY“Pleased to meet you. You must be the renowned Alpheas.”jmV
nwmT1ch“Honored to be recognized, sir. Thanks for inviting me to this splendid party.”g07
VBc21“Ho ho! Mixing with young intellectuals is my pleasure. Let’s see more of each other in the future.”9eAcF
5IX“Of course, I’d be delighted to attend any invitation.”CO7
6cNThe conversation was brief, but for the head of the Bastadd family to engage a young mage in more than a couple of sentences was a significant sign of favor.tnH
qm9EgNpPleased, Alpheas turned back to find Klumph stuffing his face with meat, causing him to look bewildered. Clearly, Klumph was venting his unstoppable energy on the food.RHrP
gK8Q8w“Doesn’t your jaw ever tire? Where does all that food even go?”Iyvz
JvHfwPointing to his biceps, Klumph mumbled through mouthfuls of meat. Alpheas shook his head, amused. He felt the gazes of numerous women but found them merely tedious. Then, his attention was caught by a woman darting between tables across the hall.bGYd8z
EhbR“Huh?”MYRWV
V9WHis first thought: definitely not a mage. She wore a simple dress, not the usual flamboyant gypsy-style attire, and her long black hair defied the short style symbolizing intellect. Carrying a plate and fork, she hopped around, completely out of sync with the decorum and dignity of the setting.5vnZa
DB5Fv5“Hey, isn’t that the eldest daughter of the host?”aF0YolL
Wpp5wh0At Klumph’s words, Alpheas became intrigued, only half-turning to ask.M9bEs
hsdrRRm“The host’s eldest daughter?”8gEZ0ME
ay7“You came to the party without even knowing that? You really lack manners.”CuHYT
ejydcV“I didn’t know. Go on, explain.”p9ym
hw21dHu“Her name is Erina Bastadd, 19 years old. She’s the sole troublemaker of the Bastadd family.”0w8ZFx7
ZAd3“Troublemaker? Because she’s boisterous?”7CENR7I
HzDDIp“No. She’s a bit slow.”glUc
X2Wu68Alpheas turned fully to Klumph, likely believing him. Klumph wasn’t the type to joke cruelly.2TaZ
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