Chapter 116: Fina (3)
xvWIcBy experiencing multiple deaths over countless reincarnations, the weight of death itself naturally becomes lighter.0cl
8voDOHkThat is why the girl sometimes walked through the communal cemetery of the Tigris Barony and reflected.Q146b
A3nLDeath is nothing more than the final fate that comes equally to all.Eyktmk8
gu0EdbAll humans are beings who one day will end up in a grave and take the rest called death.c0BP7oE
B5q9p0Thinking like that, her life felt like a journey without a destination.oNLLsk
vwFB1KTWhat meaning could a life have that only drifts, carried away by the currents with no direction?76ofhLb
uI7bNow, her self from the first life, buried in a past so distant she barely remembered it—why had she studied necromancy?SydV
FXPJIn the end, all that remains is emptiness and meaninglessness.0f8RYYO
XL6oA cold wind blew through the communal cemetery of the Tigris Barony.cqjrf4M
6cvZRQmAmidst that wind that stirred the girl’s hair, she thought of only one thing—the appearances of the few six-star mages who still existed in this era.NzYcW
GPCmVkMelverot, who lived to fulfill a promise to a friend long dead.ID6IE4
03cp87Kohella, who lived driven by a pure desire for magical knowledge.3xqXhyq
SNXPEkVDrest, who lived remembering happy times.jczxN0s
A0w4But for Fina, nothing remained anymore.loYzeg
8y1What futility.vPBV4
MswqA life that simply continues and repeats endlessly cannot have meaning.eogTyYO
8yuOccasionally there are some extraordinary ripples, but even those are nothing more than faint tremors before the enormous wall of time.BgAk8F
LiWp4mvAnd it is only then that the girl understands.nLdC68X
c4eC1AA person’s life has value precisely because it has an end.9uFv8IN
1XDV***bcba
QBft“I am a seeker who pursues the pinnacle of necromancy, devastating both the living and the dead.”z8o
8BxDereck stood still, watching Fina with his staff lowered.JwWdAZB
YGM5feBehind Fina, who was sitting on a large rock, an ominous aura began to emanate. It was, indeed, a concentration of vengeful spirits, and its energy was clearly abnormal.ZVOBj
HF09rcWhen Dereck furrowed his brow, Fina let out a scornful chuckle.cNCym
QPmj“I am a master of necromancy, that art everyone on this continent despises and shuns… so you are truly unfortunate.”MvX6cUS
aFXDereck simply remained standing, looking at Fina. He needed to organize his thoughts on how to handle the situation.Rr5wDCS
GqJICxKFina, a six-star necromancer, rarely revealed her identity until she reached her objective.VCX4sT
qZO0EBut seeing her so naturally manifest power infused with vengeful spirits before him made it clear she had no intention of hiding herself.DOiq
86oyirAfter putting away his staff, Dereck adjusted his posture and spoke.KdjSn
wCV“…Is what you say true?”swT9l
PfJ5qS6“Your reaction is so bland—you’re like boiled water.”kzFjK
1X1KnSwFina clicked her tongue, and with her white hair tinged with a faint lavender hue fluttering in the wind, she floated up to the top of the rock.1Je79
7fUSitting there, legs crossed and chin resting on her hand, she looked exactly like a queen.lQXWWy
wO0DyB2Fina Raffaella Tigris. The Witch of Tigris.KtPVmG
z9pA six-star necromancer completely different from Melverot, Drest, or Kohella. It was impossible to predict her mood or behavior.JeVK
64RCapricious. Emotional. Vicious. Cruel.LhgyFv
uPQMore like a demon than a human, those who came into contact with her rarely met a happy end.TdwSRLY
EM44iFBDereck did not fully understand why she had revealed her identity, but he decided to remain calm.AJHJu8y
8Kn“If what you say is true, I have committed a great discourtesy.”QWF
gmALzN“Yes. Indeed, you have been very discourteous to me.”yNryc
eQRF“…”calO7Eu
zJ6a“Every chance you got, spouting third-rate philosophy, meddling in everything, throwing cheap criticisms around, and passing off your shallow wisdom as universal truths. I felt like my patience was being tested.”ZQODx9A
2CK“I did it with the best intentions for Lady Fina.”ufc
kpBa7“What a funny man!”PUEx
3tVtFina shuddered, her small body trembling.4sl9B
OrTMDereck’s condescending attitude, into which he had put his full effort, had clearly struck deep, for as she recalled everything, her expression showed a trace of agitation.1SBLpOe
1lWwXcWThen she again rested her chin on her hand and swung her crossed foot as she kept speaking.aXJDtL
CJGtS5“Watching you use magic, I can see you have talent. But why do you only bother me? Am I supposed to get angry or not? You act normal with all the other ladies in the training center…”hGwMr91
yL1m5“Still, I did not expect you to reveal your identity so suddenly.”BcyS97
Q89nBDB“Well, it wasn’t just because of that—it’s just that, since things came to this, I wanted to say it. Why are you only strict with me…?”fiSWi
mvMBKIt was because Fina knew Dereck was a mage. A rival. A threat.tYs
0oShNeOf course, Dereck could not tell her the truth, so he improvised quickly.ghW
JQYym“Lady Fina, perhaps you did not notice, but considering the way you handle magic, your understanding of basic magical theory, and your reaction speed during practice, it was clear you were not an ordinary mage. I already mentioned that I noticed how you reserved your power.”5XRY
f3yS4i“So you knew my true identity?”s1QboY
6j2g7“Not to that extent. I only thought you had exceptional talent. One cannot teach the ordinary and the extraordinary in the same way. When you have high expectations, you also demand more. That is why your education was different from the others.”yeXhwg
4lYeHis words flowed like a river.vtdU9
4gRAnd he was not entirely lying. Fina was a mage on a completely different level compared to the others, and it was possible that even in her casual behavior, hints of her true skill slipped out.Cp1e
1a8lqWPWhat Dereck was saying was that she was so excellent that he only wanted to teach her more seriously.IkUrRtr
OM3hMcFHearing that, Fina looked pleased, swinging her crossed leg with an amused air.bT0gEd
jSbyqgA“Well. Even though you have that annoying condescending attitude, you have a good eye for people. Recognizing even a flicker of my power means you have some talent.”kR3z
oXr4It seemed Fina was naturally arrogant and proud, and quite sensitive to praise.wwqFZ
6KzvtXIndeed, Fina, who laughed with a nasal melody, seemed in very good spirits, and she did not give the impression of wanting to kill Dereck immediately.Zzw
FXZAfter laughing for a while, she spoke again with narrowed eyes.mL1P0
zelYo“I have lived through countless eras you cannot even imagine, and I have met all kinds of people. Some of them you surely know only from history books.”f0hPN
g0SEVu“I see.”u81ft36
b2n“But like you, I have not seen many. Above all, someone so sincere with his magical achievements.”JcopnXG
DX9“That should be normal. A mage always looks upward.”ThDO
y7nbU2“Yes. You are not a heap of straw chasing empty dreams. You have talent, at least in my opinion. But you seem stuck before a wall.”FazQr
xTwwCUtFina smiled slyly, and her lavender eyes glowed with a reddish tint.9oq
LXi0zhrAt some point, the wandering spirits around her turned the forest’s atmosphere more gloomy.feJ3O1
4WYIt was said that the path walked by the Witch of Tigris was always marked by the traces of wrongfully killed souls.Drq6J6
AlXPEDereck understood that this was not merely a metaphor from games or novels. It was pure reality.uiS0an
6UUOShe was a fearsome witch who guided spirits and fed on corpses.giZn1C
dtxTg“I can teach you and raise you to the rank of a four-star mage.”qJet9lZ
Hkr“…”A6eROQI
x80eXP3“Trying to break through that barrier alone is absurdly inefficient. The best way is to explore the method of utilizing your own magic alongside someone with enough experience. And in that regard, I have no rival.”YRO
vYVkR2LThe old vagabond who had taught him one-star magic, Katia Flameheart who had taught him two-star magic, Drest Wolftail who had taught him three-star magic.LN856w
xl8aOAnd now, at the four-star level, a legendary necromancer whom the entire continent wished to see beheaded—thinking about it, this could indeed be considered quite a dangerous situation.2rSdP1b
g1DnxuU“It would be an honor, but it is not a favor I can accept so easily.”1lKac
GbQKEB6Dereck spoke in a calm voice. Fina kept her chin-in-hand posture and let out a “hoh.”E7oD7t
EGzEven with a six-star necromancer before him, he showed no sign of fear.3kulS
7YyaZ0hThose born with a firm heart do not lose their composure before anything.RxH
vo1Fina liked that attitude a lot, and she spoke again with a crooked smile.wKrEg
zMDs“Do you not want to take me as your teacher?”e9ofjp
mEAVRk7“I see no reason. A six-star necromancer who does not even appear when the royal family of Kohella seeks her personally—why would she present herself before me and help me reach level 4? This situation only leaves me with questions.”MiiA
2wFDereck continued to look at Fina coldly.ROGqOMw
bafQ“Lady Fina has no reason to help me. Accepting a favor without knowing the motive rarely ends well.”S8V
sma“Yes. It is fine that you are so cautious. Do not worry. Teaching you magical achievements directly, even if we have no connection, is for my own good.”ijCCha
ojJu8HWFina did not erase her sly smile. It had something hypnotic, like a mischievous girl and an authoritarian queen at the same time.mxDv
8KgXv“Of course, I am not obliged to explain that reason. But I know. You are someone who would do anything to achieve magical accomplishments.”uxN
5PZw“It seems you know me well.”h2z
zHRi“I have a good eye for people. You are insane. You are insane for magic.”4OGfUg
pmPFinally, Fina’s seductive eyes glimmered again.1bO9
DDc0HrThe figure of Dereck was already engraved in those pupils. As if trying to see through his very essence.sKq2fa
DHRw“No magic-mad man would reject the teachings of a six-star mage. Even if you say no, you are calculating how much learning you could obtain from me. Do you think I do not know?”C9Oc5
Gp4fM“…You have a good eye. That perception truly is worthy of a six-star mage.”ZgfH
pvtaS4“Mhm. You had better not underestimate me.”m0zgA
c5GYx6When Dereck acknowledged it sincerely, Fina hummed in satisfaction and lifted her chin again.gySWoV
1C5zwSXBy this point, Dereck already understood clearly. This girl was vulnerable to flattery.S3tX5
7Sz5“But you must at least know this.”ffd7
HkwdOyWSometimes she smiled with the innocence of a young girl, but immediately her eyes shone again with ominous energy. And each time she spoke seriously, the spirits around her trembled and stirred.eppSYK
XyG“I am a villain.”9l9
Nt0YH“…”dl6wX
8060“I kill people, desecrate corpses, and knead blood and flesh. I take life from others and commit evil acts to satisfy my own selfishness. I violate death, ignore taboos, and break laws without hesitation.”BAIy7
xp13d1Fina lived a life steeped in the stench of blood.j06YM0p
6UKZIn that process, she killed many. It would not be strange if the blood on her fingers formed a river.muhYmu
CIX5oMx“I am the witch who dwells in the Tigris Barony. I do not know if the fact that you learn magic from me will be beneficial or not for you. Well, that is not my concern.”srRf
WqeDU6V“I too have killed many people.”AP03
8IE0“The number is not the same as mine. I am accustomed to looking at the world from atop a mountain of corpses.”EPuNe
3VGxDereck was sitting on a rock, watching Fina with satisfied eyes.1ADg
P8RSeeing her hair float, carried by the energy of the vengeful spirits, it felt as though he were looking at a ghost rather than a person.gk24c
Mt9w2tWhat does it mean to learn magic from the Witch of Tigris?RLyUk
hIGwWXiDepending on the situation, if that fact became public, Dereck could also become an enemy of the empire.aMGv
qX6F“I am not sure that learning necromancy is a wise choice.”62A5jsE
MlO2p“Hahaha, I do not even intend to teach you necromancy. And let me warn you—it is better not to touch it out of curiosity.”h0P6
q40That was an unexpected declaration, and Dereck tilted his head.UuM
roGBXXAHe thought that Fina, who had dedicated her entire life to the study of necromancy and had become a master, would naturally try to spread the greatness of that magic.cfi
85h4However, Fina wore a complicated expression and, while still swinging her legs, said.0cA3
GrDQl“I do not care about the commoners of the Isle who cannot even understand half of my writings. But you, who have a deep understanding of magic, great capacity for learning, and the potential to become someone great in the future—you should not touch my writings nor my magic.”i25GvyG
LlO“May I ask why?”uDSaq6
ZXljAJx“Necromancy beyond the level of 5 stars is a curse, not a blessing. Usually, it ends up devouring even the one who uses it. Well, if you truly desire it, I have no reason to refuse to teach you.”bKnWeY
h07WlFina said that and then smiled mischievously, offering no further explanation.V0C
0uNm0Dereck watched her in silence and nodded, asking no more questions.UI6
uqV“I am a person with merciful and kind aspects. If you accept my offer, I will help you achieve your goals in every possible way, to the point that you will shed tears of gratitude.”X522
jeW2“…What are the conditions? Lady Fina does not seem like someone who works for free.”3Dy
7ydM“How perceptive. Well, it is not even a bad condition for you.”qF3k
8VspFina chuckled and said:13DNCL
bctOG“In the future, if you manage to become a talent of level 6 stars—you must grant me one request without conditions.”L3E8jq
dfRyBQm“A request?”Gs1kN8P
hHDBxku“It will not be anything difficult. If you are worried, I can formally promise that my request will not negatively affect your life, status, body, or soul in any way.”i2G1Tl
ZeOGDereck listened to Fina’s words and could not help but tilt his head.7LwFm
LZXqs3CFrom any angle, it was a favorable proposal for him.YPHDOXw
UrxVBAnd when things sound too good to be true, his principle was to be suspicious.F8h
3zpijHowever, in reality, he had no choice.Fl2KF
vV5KFina had already revealed her true identity. If Dereck refused now, it was unpredictable how she might react.0bGt
higmMiIn any case, Dereck was also stuck, blocked by the barrier of the 4-star rank.U4HSZXz
dIzmitSince it had come to this, perhaps it was best to steer things in a direction that was also beneficial for him.9Heuwu5
BIYD“This is also something good for me. However, there is something that must be promised for mutual stability.”AKs
5LdAJ“Are you proposing a negotiation with me? Your courage is admirable, but I do not see why I should accept it.”rcoyDrh
dSu7uFc“Well, Lady Fina, you cannot ignore this. After all, are you not hiding from the eyes of the Empire?”7kp3aBB
N5TlyGeDereck continued with a serious look.QUVZ
DreOR“It is good for me to serve Lady Fina as a teacher and receive her teachings. But we must take public perception into account. To the world, I am the director of the Ravenclaw Training Center, and you are a young noble from the outskirts who came to receive instruction.”CxL
F9XGv06In reality, Fina was an overwhelmingly powerful figure, a great mage without equal who dominated the world.iBJH
AbBBBut her hidden identity was nothing more than that of a low-ranking noble lady from the remote Tigris Barony.2P2sB
ltUaKKoFor Dereck, serving her as his teacher would raise suspicion among those around them.UYA
umTFina listened in silence and then nodded, as if in agreement.TxxxF
nMICWx“Yes. Although I may be your teacher, we cannot ignore appearances.”gIB
rCPmZtl“Exactly. Therefore, during the day, I will act as the master of the center, and when there are no curious eyes, you, Lady Fina, will teach me as my teacher.”ZCy
i2gaNq“It is a reasonable suggestion. I also agree. When there are many eyes upon us, you will be my teacher.”xxOM
lgiRPerhaps it was not a conventional master-disciple relationship, but given the circumstances, it was the best they could do.jBTW4Qb
9mhr8“At least during the day, when the center is active, I will act as the master. When the sun sets and all sleeps, Lady Fina, you will teach me as my teacher.”vHy
f11“Hehe… it sounds like roleplay, which is rather fun. I am starting to get excited. Yes, I will also be one of the nobles attending the training center.”pGanWbp
xxunWaYFina jumped down from the rock where she had been sitting and landed softly on the grass.opcEmyO
TzDHer movements were so fluid it seemed as though gravity barely affected her.lgIJr8
EIbdS“The magic classes in the center are terribly boring, but the etiquette and culture classes have some value. Perhaps my values have become outdated with the years, but I find the tea ceremony and history interesting. That girl, Aiselin, has quite a persuasive way of speaking.”J0nNiD
NPp“Oh, really?”FhxP
IW9El“Yes. So playing the role of disciple during the day and enjoying the roleplay does not seem so bad. If you have something to teach me, go ahead.”rdr
ULL8Her satisfied smile and the way she puffed out her chest arrogantly were striking, but in truth, it was an absurd demand—to teach anything to a 6-star mage.xGzZ
53yRE7As Dereck looked troubled, Fina again raised the corners of her lips.iSAT9Oe
U0RwBK“The most renowned magic master of Ebelstein and pioneer of noble education seems worried. I thought you had a great sense of professionalism—I am disappointed.”WVWcZQ
RMMLFIv“Lady Fina, you are a very special case.”QD2
0fHmL“Although my past is complicated, it is still a fact that I am a noble lady. Did you not always say that there are no bad girls, only wrong ways of teaching?”IAfb
l83d9yFina put her hands on her waist and looked at Dereck with narrowed, seductive eyes.UNWuqN
b5YDxkHer relaxed attitude was like that of a stray cat that had settled into its territory.dszbuJ
Ih3M“Yes—in a way, perhaps I am the one who will test your values.”UzuYMPU
HZS“…”hwSbO
VQ4VKn“They say there are no bad girls in the world, but I am the living proof that contradicts that motto. Did I not tell you? I have no qualms about killing people, desecrating corpses, or doing anything for my own benefit.”iOjJsKD
d4xt9gFFina let out a loud laugh, then returned to her seductive smile and continued speaking.KdmkN7
tLF8o“I am a villain.”dHwglWl
UuTfMhMThere was not a shred of hesitation in the girl’s words.Webdq0n
XB18X“Yes. The most renowned professor of Ebelstein tries to rehabilitate someone like me?”kpaBln
850OFina’s confident smile had clear foundations.LV2lz
CXkJIn the entire vast continent, only four people had reached the level of 6-star mage.aPO2nc
VOzb8BConsidering the monstrous 6-star mages Dereck had encountered in his life, it was understandable that Fina showed such confidence.XoOQJ
mQhw9kDWhile Dereck thought about how to respond, Fina spoke in a slightly softer tone.uKOpbO
6jmORxH“Well, I think we have reached a conclusion. And it seems an unexpected guest has arrived, so let us leave it here.”2lv0
j1MSwoosh.c73Jy
d9qu“Oh! There you are, Sir Dereck! There was a change in next week’s schedule and I need your confirmation. Forgive me for disturbing you on your day off!”pJIE
wkJAs soon as that voice was heard, the ominous energy that permeated the forest vanished instantly.sPrl
5qpo4The peaceful scenery of lush vegetation returned to normal, and Aiselin appeared through the bushes, carrying a bundle of documents in her arms.zDc
VIsy***DMt3g
LIyBlhH“Ah, were you exercising? Just the two of you, Lady Tigris…”SVy
ZucXSt“Lady Aiselin. I am sorry to have made you come from so far. If you had left it in the office, I would have reviewed it later.”nbj5a
owS“No, it is a rather urgent matter.”E2JR
tfQDFor her part, Fina had already erased her arrogant air and had resumed her elegant and confident demeanor as Lady Tigris.Jfl
d3jO9UGMaking a polite bow to greet Aiselin, she was the very image of a refined noble lady.HmwfX
4VFTTGA“Forgive me, Lady Aiselin. My lack of talent has made Sir Dereck use part of his day off on me.”fLIOhHs
qu6wDh“It is nothing, Lady Tigris. It is something that should be done from the Ravenclaw Training Center. By the way… you are sweating a lot…”uC3iar
LPZLn“Yes, yes… I am not used to physical exercise…”jkBwa
S0ej2“I see…”XH9kJF
QEspsaAiselin looked alternately at Dereck and at Fina, nodding nervously.zyXaE64
0IuAfter finishing fixing his staff, Dereck spoke to Aiselin.oTHmW
FE0M0A“It seems there are quite a few documents, so it would be better to go to the office to attend to them. I am sorry, Lady Fina, but we will have to end today’s supplementary lesson here.”flj
g00yxq“Do not worry, Sir Dereck. I have learned a lot and I am very grateful to you.”PN2b71
gdDQFina showed a refreshing smile along with her usual elegance. Despite the great incongruity, Dereck took a deep breath and said:zCkcH
Ggn“Then we will finish by jogging back to the baron’s mansion. Do you remember the breathing technique? Haha… you must not forget that rhythm.”Uh1T
j54b“…Excuse me?”c60
hO26KyFina did not really know the man called Dereck.dvR8d
UwHwvzHe was the most renowned mercenary of the tavern district of Ebelstein, and his motto was to do everything properly if he was going to do it.YYd
T4OkqufHe never did anything half-heartedly, not even the smallest task, and that seriousness had earned him the affection of many clients. That seriousness and diligence were the secret of Dereck’s success.9ljn
5cpclu7During the day, Dereck was the teacher, and during the night, Fina was.jL7C
5ClWAnd now, the sun was high in the sky.7R8mqR
tRN4GbWithout a doubt, as a teacher, Dereck never did anything halfway.Isa8U5
iIq“Ah, I do not mean… I am too tired now… besides, I have never been good with physical activity…”Amqn
lEfrNN“Oh, Lady Fina. Have you not rested enough already? If you keep avoiding this type of endurance training, you will remain stagnant forever.”HwG
Ig1LBDz“No… it is just that…”br0cx
paBn3t7Fina hesitated, casting a glance at Aiselin, but Dereck spoke firmly, showing no mercy.XaeQLz
Dlg“Come on, let us run. Let us run together. Haha.”UZrVV8d
BusG“…”SskBO8
4XwkFina was dumbfounded, but Dereck did not care in the slightest.wia7T2
BQkliOHis inflexible character could not be changed even with a bit of fear.E5ceu
E4dZ9WxIn fact, Fina knew it too.ZUDq9
txRdjPeople with extraordinary talents often had their peculiarities.6Y1ovDW
OHFhAAnd Dereck was no exception.PcI2
VcKib“Let us go, we have work to do, Lady Fina!”CzcQ2M5
rwpHW8That afternoon, Fina had the chance to thoroughly learn what true muscle pain meant.tQL
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