Chapter 115: Fina (2)
Wp8“Sorry, Dereck. I inquired, focusing on Count Elvester’s side after hearing your request, but I couldn’t find a master who could teach you 4-star magic.”CLD
ix4ED“Don’t be too discouraged and try to reach new heights through your own contemplation of the world of magic. I am an insufficient master, so it seems difficult for me to help you further.”hszr
U5qepMM“Always take care of your health, and I wish you constant happiness. – Katia Flameheart”rcQz
IAteO***VGLCl
llm“Now, the breathing technique is important. Inhale-exhale, inhale-exhale, inhale-exhale. Follow me. Inhale-exhale.”pW4h4
UuV“…inhale… exhale…”5OJrO7
9z0sx6“If you do it like that, it will be even harder. Even if you are short of breath now, keep the breathing technique. In the long run, it will help you conserve energy for longer. Come on, inhale-exhale.”5ihRVoZ
cePHgdtWhat is a holiday? It means a day off.G8w
3ZCN3uHEven though it was a day without classes at the Ravenclaw Training Center, Fina couldn’t understand why she had to run up the hill behind the mansion, alongside Dereck.wsVcC0r
LCIDR9The path itself felt like a gentle trail, but running for so long with her small body was extremely difficult.YCv
Rdw4AAs always, Dereck spoke to her with a refreshing expression.rPgYth
shWQSB“How is it?”R3lF
F2c4“It’s… it’s hard…”tQTrZK
5kd“Yes, it’s hard.”m5gZwEo
QrE“…”bkzkz
NM37GIs he crazy?zhakp
DodZQThose kinds of thoughts crossed her mind, but she couldn’t say them out loud.Ugb
rdT9k3At least until she found a clue about the advanced necromancy she was researching, it was not convenient to attract public attention.pEbPM57
WSWAlthough Fina was overwhelmingly superior to Dereck in terms of power, she couldn’t harm him for that reason.j2OX1
r036S4However, whether conscious of Fina’s suffering or not, Dereck spoke brightly with a clear voice.DNtmsYI
rRM“That feeling of difficulty is important, Lady Fina. Humans grow through adversity, so it is good to enjoy that feeling.”rZ25zuv
lY8“Enjoy the difficulty… what kind of nonsense is that…?”dFOfmGj
YRc“Ah, no complaining.”k1ZJ3
ACBN4r“But… even so… your words… don’t make sense… huff… huff…”8YR5EEm
n5ZcCsz“Inhale-exhale, Lady Fina.”UB1U
l4HGa“Sniff… sniff… Cough! Cough!”EeVVFtj
pCuAfter completing the basic physical training, Dereck finally allowed a moment of rest only upon reaching the heart of the quiet forest.v9J5
gTgecZThe forest, in the early afternoon, was a place full of life.TnWh
TkJWAs she leaned against a rock, gasping, she could hear the sounds of animals moving among the bushes and the whisper of the leaves.QS7
4DPv89oThe chirping of sparrows echoed among the trees, and Dereck began stretching his body on the other side of the rock.zEOhU3F
KqPfc“For a warm-up, that was pretty good.”PHlrTiN
a9i6“A-a warm-up…?”E5acBgu
0TTrn“Weren’t we coming today for a magic lesson?”0kL
SwjEU“…”JXR4e
GNZaRDereck changed strategies.cpQ2
g6GtlPHe thought that if he scolded and criticized Fina over and over like a madman, she would eventually get fed up and leave on her own.b6a5a
sJZMxHowever, Fina’s mental fortitude, determined to completely hide from the public eye, was stronger than he had anticipated.B2IE
zWvAfter living hidden in that way so many times, it was no wonder she became skilled at it.YiL9t
aAlZRealizing that this approach would lead nowhere, Dereck had no choice but to devise a new strategy.ICH9
M6mTX41If expulsion was not an option, then graduation would suffice.a600
iSt2xh“In fact, I have observed Lady Fina’s eyes several times during classes.”prB313w
hKbl“Your eyes…?”ngye
Ef8Pa“Lady Fina is diligent in everything she does and seems to devote much time to mastering magic. Other young women who study with you often praise you, saying that you are very dedicated and that they have much to learn from you.”IKdZD5T
EWQK“Huff… huff… T-thank you for the compliments. I was just doing what I had to…”bta
fkDe“But…! I have seen the true nature of Lady Fina.”IA0Qs
LwKXZjRThe most renowned magic master of Ebelstein.yRXZ
kEc9WmFina couldn’t help but wonder if that reputation was undeserved as she looked at Dereck.bvkZ
sdWuC“Lady Fina is hiding her true abilities.”I3zR
L0ZgR6At that, Fina’s fingers trembled slightly, and a chill ran through her gaze.7PAgH6
PkRkgHe had hit the mark.FzK
3cGWIf Dereck had really noticed Fina’s true identity, then many assumptions wavered from that point.jDH8P
cmFwhitFina rarely left alive those who discovered her identity. In this era, a master of necromancy was treated the same as a criminal who should be executed immediately.RptH06
jHv“Hiding my abilities…? What do you mean by that?”KDNh
T85“Even if you speak calmly, I have already noticed everything. The bored look in your eyes during classes, the kind smile you show everyone, but with an emptiness hidden beneath it—I have felt it all.”ZrKo3M
mXheM“…”1kEF20Z
kU0“There is a naturalness in the way you handle magic during training, something only veterans possess. I wonder if Lady Fina is aware of that.”RV1
757His tone was somewhat theatrical and pompous, but he had certainly struck home.GXMP
Jml1y1BFina was someone who found it difficult to take deep interest in worldly matters, even in trivial conversations. Although she currently pretended to be the naïve daughter of a rural baron out of necessity, she could not erase the emptiness ingrained within her.T96
uqlD9KTHowever, she was surprised that this man had noticed it.Pu1lx
tjUt6She had considered him frivolous, meddlesome, and old-fashioned in his way of thinking, but he had an unexpectedly perceptive side.2G7
WvMA“In fact, it is not unusual for young noblewomen to hide their abilities. Some do not want to reveal their exceptional talents due to family internal circumstances.”66P7J
qVLNuIn reality, Denise had hidden for years the fact that she was a second-class exploration mage.RAcoej
fbnQFrom Dereck’s perspective, he was not lying.QFhxo
FZFQkKX“So, I will not ask why Lady Fina is hiding her abilities. However, isn’t it a shame? You came all the way to Ravenclaw territory, and it is a waste to simply pass the time.”tSoXhn
w8K8“…”sY7vy2
W6JUNm“That’s why I will teach you higher-level magic.”yIZ4
A1rzAt those words, Fina sneered inwardly.iOvU
EdzSxAxIndeed, this man had noticed that she was hiding her abilities. His insight was admirable.CN0Dp
ZooRmdBut he still thought she was only a second-class mage. That was natural.VLNICsz
B0dMIt was too unrealistic to imagine that the only daughter of a rural barony family, whose name was barely known, was in fact a 6-star necromancer.4Jy60T
E1GnHtThe most reasonable assumption was that she was a girl who had reached the level of second-class.sfE
K6y2g‘It seems he has not discovered my true identity.’jfBW2
bzdnNzThere was no need to cause a commotion by using her power. As Fina took a deep breath and leaned against the rock, Dereck pulled out the staff strapped to his back and manifested his magic.rprb1S
heAx0HThe entire area of the forest, covered with vegetation emanating life energy, froze completely.bQS673
ZkwNILP***d3e
kMazz9In life, there are moments when one comes across extraordinary people.rLkkK
FiJlWP1It is not just about talent or early achievements. Those who fit the description of “extraordinary” usually give the impression of being, in essence, different as human beings.orJNHi
4r5JILlHaving lived a long life, Fina had crossed paths with all kinds of people, including many mages considered exceptional.vtqh
v4a1LIn particular, she was the only one who had met almost every known six-star mage, including those who were already dead or missing.KntkC
JYnSometimes they were individuals who had already fully developed and dominated the world, sometimes they were growing talents who had yet to shine, and other times they were children who could not even read.P2aR2Q
jEyHowever, regardless of age, the raw material of mages destined to dominate the world was different from the beginning.FV6Rm
dLPhiuQMelverot learned fourth-class magic shortly after his coming-of-age ceremony.Dc0z
6YayDrest, born a commoner, reached the rank of high-level mage without anyone’s help.sJ4U
0fRKohella reached the fifth star before turning thirty, and the following year created a fifth-rank magical weapon.55nFhYT
YloJdNTBeing extraordinary is something like that. It goes beyond being superior—it must be incomparable.LHx
zAIThere is no sense in distinguishing between first and second place. If one is truly extraordinary, they must run so far ahead that the second place cannot even be seen.5Na2Rts
CpJjKOnly people like that can advance to the level of five stars or higher.qcoGwc
XeZm7Fwoosh!tXr7vj
5TgCrack!H8mN
a4xAcPAnd the young man before her, who seemed to have just reached adulthood, was already casting a fully mature third-level magic without blinking.hOFTY
im8e7MWith the third-level combat magic “Freezing,” he had frozen all the trees in the area, bringing winter to the forest ahead of time.NSYv
WUkdA scene that created the illusion of a change in season.8h8
M2zP1G9The level of magic that this young man, without a single wrinkle on his face, could employ was by no means something an ordinary youth could perform.66nd
i8wfAs she observed his demonstration, Fina narrowed her eyes.i3CXBr
yrsRwWr‘Using third-level magic at this age?’AEYS2r
sH1uFina shook her head, crossing her arms.4Aua2
nxY3fX‘He’s not just a charlatan…’UAJ
a0z0fwAAfter being tormented by Dereck’s meddling for several days, Fina’s internal evaluation of him was already at rock bottom.yVAWh
ukPE7LLHe was sincere about magic, but he talked too much and was annoying with his unnecessary ramblings.3ub
B9HHowever, she had no choice but to acknowledge Dereck’s magical ability.vbkTf9R
wUb‘It’s not just an imitation of third-level magic. He already wields it skillfully… he is a true third-level mage.’zqP3a
UfY6LMJOf course, Fina had sensed that Dereck was not an ordinary person.hWFny
woLvFor a mercenary from the slums to be recognized in the cold aristocratic circles, he had to have solid abilities.lv9
6Pl66But Dereck’s magical level went beyond good—it had reached a degree that could be called extraordinary.8GY5
GAoYY‘Wasn’t it at this age when Melverot mastered fourth-level magic? He’s almost at that level.’RLvaXO
ehSfLFina looked at Dereck, who was calmly brushing the dust off his neck, with a serious expression.J2U2
HqQ5The arrogant aristocrats of the center seemed not to notice, but at this level, one could say a new force was emerging on the fringes of the continent.A8y
eA7pIxConsidering Dereck’s potential, it would not be surprising if one day he wielded influence comparable to Melverot’s.Y16
XWJThough his power was still weak and had not yet been seriously monitored, if he began to take interest in politics or power struggles, the situation would completely change.obO7
bbUtThat man is now at his lowest point.YrViaTd
4qOvMcAlthough she was convinced of that, in truth, it was another matter entirely.qiaTH
u7zVY9o“The third-level combat magic Freezing that I just showed you is useful for stopping approaching enemies and buying time for chants. Though it may lack the elegance of orthodox theories, its practicality is truly excellent.”x4j
Eo0j9“Amazing. As expected, Sir Dereck’s magical skills are formidable.”gsSm2f6
YD68tFina pretended to praise him with a cunning smile.JZIkP
jIf1rWHowever, she had already reached the level of six stars in necromancy, and in other types of magic she was between the fourth and fifth star.TD8CG0T
G5FThe level of magic Dereck used was something Fina could easily master with a bit of practice.JV2
CZXpUI“If you only admire, it will be difficult. I am sure that Lady Fina will be able to use this level of magic before leaving the training center.”BSkiW5u
R9DHOJ“Yes, yes? Well… how could I use that level of magic in just half a year?”jnUxuv
a5Ic7be“I believe it is possible. Is there anything that cannot be achieved with determination?”jn2
AqP9IDereck spoke to Fina with a serious look.eiaG
89ePNFina thought he was joking with something boring. In this era, even manifesting one-star magic before the coming-of-age ceremony was already considered a great talent.4no3FH
YYh8bThat a girl who had not even formally debuted in society could wield three-star magic was an anomaly that would attract everyone’s attention.fnnLOR
8Pk4The number of people who manifested three-star magic before coming of age could be counted on one hand, even searching the entire continent, not just in Ebelstein.8lW
W7u8XIn the southwestern part of the continent, there was only one lady—Siern.ZAJ1h
Y0ZQdaDereck surely knew that, and yet he looked at Fina with unshakable confidence.DA1
sZbzQvIt made her curious where that confidence came from.YAb
T1gtFYtConfidence.dEX72s
XELSpeaking of confidence, a great mage who had risen to the rank of hero with nothing but that came to her mind.j9H
4wdThe six-star combat mage, Kalimford.wUI6
PDd85fEven near fifty years old, he smiled like a child while casting magic.jAbE6
khD85It was said that his youth as a combat mage had been just like that.oFi
KR3WuHe thought only of magic, indifferent to everything else.QiTd
AdHXXG8It was the most important trait shared by extraordinary mages.QKZ6I
7ehQ7Q2Fina’s face, which had been showing the expression of a naïve country girl, began to harden little by little.T7O
lwsFFinally, she narrowed her eyes with a piercing gaze, straightened her back, and spoke.8VC79B
YtPqE“Sir Dereck.”oZctL
wvoy5“Yes.”WPwS7i
AGP7n“Sir Dereck… you are already a fully formed three-star mage.”nX0699
2ZEqVaHer tone had lost all its liveliness.sZRVp31
oGsGVHA heavy sensation, as if descending into a deep pit. It felt as if the immortal necromancer, tempered by time, was peeking out—a chill swept through the forest.fxrZ9NG
9rj7A coldness, as if a vengeful spirit resided in her light purple eyes.Foh2P
ZTgkp0She looked silently at Dereck and said.soMT9
n73QQ“Do you want to become a four-star mage?”cxG
mMKDFoJDereck frowned for a moment.fv17C
DR2h8NHe did not expect Fina to ask that question so suddenly.PIt
o3XFH0It was the first time Dereck, who had struggled with everything related to Fina, fell into deep reflection.lLWas5A
3xAkOFinally, he nodded.RMGkG
qvRC“Isn’t it obvious? Every mage dreams of surpassing themselves.”FsSmijk
6NMY7“The four-star rank is completely different from the previous hierarchies. One must be able to implement magic on their own and wield magical power infused with their own attributes.”qfgF
zRZAEUp to the three-star rank, one walks along paths already explored. But from the four-star rank onward, one must expand and develop their own understanding of magic.bH0NbdD
9npzThe method is extremely difficult, so it is common to receive guidance from a high-ranking mage. Having such a mentor is also a blessing.HQ0Fe7
niMEven those born with excellent lineage cannot be certain of reaching that level before dying.cNtcbmQ
Zz6yFor a vagabond from the slums, reaching that level is more than difficult—it is practically impossible.PSxVN
Kaac8H6And yet, she knew that there were those who had achieved it. The wandering ghost of the continent, Drest Wolftail.CmL
AnJQNfThis man seemed to possess Kalimford’s confidence and certainty, Melverot’s passion for magic, and Drest’s strength to overcome adversity.nHJm
G8JIn terms of potential, he already seemed complete.ufhyc98
gvyQhbB“By repeating such feats, how far do you intend to go?”1E8U
GMo8Q“Of course, to the top.”JVW
wlbDyqThe highest level a human can reach. The six-star rank.Lckp8
cJtsVR1Could it be that he intends to reach that level, which only four people in this vast continent have attained? The ragged beggar from the slums who used to gaze at the stars in the sky.onMaHni
aDH9yRQBut in reality, he had climbed and climbed until he became a territorial noble.Yy5FT
oxLaCpdHe was not just speaking of ideals—he was silently climbing that mountain.f3vVU
HgDj“Haha… I see. Sir Dereck, are you really trying to become a six-star mage?”VZqO2
8kLh“…Huh?”UOw4C4
fOsf“You just said it. You are aiming for the top.”lkin
Zmwslcm“Yes. I just said it.”GEf
AF4Dereck, as always, responded calmly as he put away his staff.NrD
IIZt“I am aiming for the top.”oARCnD
qwJHAt those words, Fina’s expression hardened for an instant.z3e9ZxC
7HIWhere is this man looking?u7g3
pEgkThe six-star rank, the limit of human ability. But even that is not the “top” for this man.h6wAaYy
cgvgc***4CR
vs3aOuQThe great mage Adelbert, who was the first to compose the entire magical system, divided the ranks while looking at the constellation of the Big Dipper in the night sky.GRA
nQ8QO7yIn the end, the summit is beyond those stars. It would be the North Star, the center of the firmament.QbYH
9UaNVAnd, after immeasurable time had passed.hR9G36w
fph6dSIn a corner of a stream attached to the slums. Late at night, when not even the crickets sing.YjVEmj
4GtdA disheveled child, with white hair, dressed in rags, looked up at the Big Dipper in the starry sky and extended his hand.SXI0
zND6GAFrom the deepest bottom of the world, where only darkness dwells, toward the highest peak of that starry sky.jTk4DgZ
IHp8The upper realm, whose very existence is still uncertain. That is the place where that man’s gaze is directed.T0cFl1
UAnb7kzIt is not about idealistic phrases like a man must have great ambitions or that aiming high helps achieve more.PElIwS0
dNvThat man’s eyes are completely serious, without a single trace of exaggeration.mJGtkQM
Mdv8The man who always spoke grandiosely and meddled unnecessarily now does not say a single word.3KE
y94t4bUHe is simply stating the truth as it is.TWX
GFQ0VYL***6h9X
BRW8cx7A forest full of life. Ironically, not a pleasant place for a necromancer who deals with death and souls.QbNU4MH
33VD2aThe six-star necromancer, who remained seated in silence among the spaces of life, looking at Dereck, finally spoke in a cold tone.Wg3xDq
jpSG8A“You truly are a curious man.”5pQ3
yspA8Dereck’s eyebrows arched for an instant.nVY
4RdLnmUAt some point, Fina had stopped using honorifics with Dereck.LJJ
sI0OAnd her eyes were also much sharper than before.lXbH
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