Chapter 3: Dereck (3)
Tvy5f[You have gained access to second-level magic.]lM9ECqu
L43[You have acquired the second-level spell Echo.]d4H
DxqAFnD*kxYPPG4
L7Q1HFrom that day on, Katia took Derek under her wing, teaching him various spells. Initially, she only planned to lay a basic foundation for him, but Derek’s talent far exceeded her expectations.rxO
dnA6cFKatia had no ambition to cultivate a great disciple or nurture future generations. She simply saw the potential trouble Derek might face and couldn’t ignore it.OZ02vd3
o9e7“You’ve been through enough to know that being a mercenary isn’t easy. But there’s a way to survive.”lpRr
zaf54TKatia showed him how to handle minor monster-hunting tasks and other small jobs efficiently. When the tasks were light, they would stroll through the scenic outskirts of Ebelstein, enjoy high-quality tea together, or haggle for ingredients at the market. She wanted to broaden Derek’s horizons as much as possible.bAn
bkM7DDuring these times, she imparted various magical knowledge to him. As the seasons changed, Derek listened and absorbed everything Katia taught him.LCf
BhtjFZSoon, everyone in the mercenary circles knew about the elderly woman and the young boy who followed her. All through the journey. Katia continually emphasized that excessive talent could be a curse.GUsesHL
nFsw“There have been commoner mages who reached the fourth level.”fq9VRef
BRN9S“Really?”PguL9dj
PI65iR“But most of them didn’t meet a good end. Always be mindful of your actions.”88s
IZqEven among prestigious noble families, there were usually only a few fourth-level mages. Reaching that level required more than just a good bloodline.e0Qx
nhXK9ByFifth-level mages became family heads or key imperial assets, and sixth-level mages were so rare that only a handful existed in history.cYZ
dML3QrhFor commoners, no matter how talented, the limit was typically the third level. Katia emphasized this to Derek with a worried voice.OGUUk
a7j69O6“Nobles usually have their coming-of-age ceremony at eighteen. If they’ve mastered first-level magic by then, they’re considered talented. If they’ve started on second-level magic, the family elders take notice.”RyiCp
qqu4C“…”YcTlJCT
xGyebDerek was now fourteen. He needed to understand the significance of his accomplishments.QBhKCD
Ns4irAKatia brought Derek back to her modest house on the outskirts of the commercial district. It was a small room with almost no possessions. Though sufficient for one woman, it was a far cry from the luxurious noble estates she once knew.JLP
QuqFL8SBut Katia had grown used to such a life. The room was dusty and had few furnishings. Mercenaries had to be ready to move at any time, so she kept her belongings minimal.BqufCV4
vLbaBUAShe seated Derek on the stiff wooden bed, then sat on a creaky chair, speaking calmly.RditS
uiuWDAl“Considering your age, be careful not to use magic recklessly. In crowded places, stick to first-level spells. Even that is a great achievement for your age.”mOV
Lmu9p1W“Master, what level were you at during your coming-of-age ceremony?”oZg
tbc“…That was so long ago I barely remember. I think I could handle a few first-level illusion spells.”Ap0d
rvOm2JiThe Flameheart family, though not a renowned magical house, was still noble. Katia, who was highly regarded for her magical prowess among nobles, was only at that level during her coming-of-age. Derek’s abilities were certainly impressive.qZx4dkG
rt5S“Using me as a benchmark isn’t clear-cut. I was also trained to be a fine lady, not just a mage.”RKY9ER
CPBEa1“Was it difficult being a noble lady?”jgM3C
EMiJhvc“Are you interested in noble culture?”LbjOQ
M44cx“…I’m curious.”2iVS
Q57QKatia took a sip of water, meeting Derek’s gaze.H90y
BPlQLWas it pure curiosity? Though Derek seemed mature for his age, his eyes showed the reckless curiosity typical of youth.t0FBp
yhwCPKatia felt a strange sense of relief seeing this and spoke with a lighter tone.jsm
PTO“There are many rumors about noble ladies among merchants and mercenaries, right?”v2zI
1xolsGq“Not many good ones. They say half are rude and the other half are airheads.”6eJ
eQVb“I can understand that sentiment, but it’s a harsh judgment. Different environments shape different values.”G72Q
1r3fDespite always talking about mercenary work or magic, it was good to take a break from heavy topics. Looking up at the starry sky and reminiscing about the past, Katia continued in a gentle tone.ZpPBD
31Ehu“Most noble ladies are different, but they share similarities. Especially around their coming-of-age, preparing for their debutante makes them feel like the center of the world.”LXwxQ8
21qPm9“Debutante?”Xeey
cPD“It’s the introduction to high society.”CRSMeq
NBch5pVKatia leaned back in her chair, reminiscing.VKzi0R8
ZpGnmF“Wearing beautiful dresses, armed with etiquette, they go to the imperial capital to meet the emperor. Then they host a grand ball at home, marking their debut in society. It’s when noble ladies are at their most glamorous.”keR3
LeX“I’ve heard about it.”0EqL
cT58VW“At that time, noble ladies have a lot to learn and prepare for.”HLq
ge94kKatia’s voice was like a bedtime story. She closed her eyes, remembering the past.JPR
DoQynu4“They learn graceful posture and walking, etiquette between high nobles, and general knowledge to enrich conversations. Arts, history, politics, they have to learn it all. Plus, they need refined hobbies like flower arranging, embroidery, horseback riding, and playing instruments.”yngrzh3
9Hg5rwu“Did you enjoy it?”GHaP
HjJvZ9e“Not at all. Judging by my life as a mercenary, you can guess I was a tomboy.”w4VA3q
P4NVJhSDerek laughed at that. It was a relief to see the boy could still laugh. Katia continued.cvO8rz
O3bqkoy“We also had to practice dances for balls and learn about our family’s history and traditions. But magic was the most important.”7IbM5T
dCCKkOf“That makes sense.”i4Izf
AdCKbKC“But noble magic is different from what you think. While your magic is practical, nobles emphasize etiquette and discipline.”K3N
sgrXZmFor nobles, magic wasn’t just a display of power or a tool; it was an art and a refined hobby.KDlm04l
zO2They recited spells like poetry, and designed magical circles as art pieces, and their manuals were luxurious, with elegant illustrations and prose.ofJ
QFdHC“I can tell you think it’s all excessive.”Qm0sJ
vKuc“…Is it that obvious?”WbTR3
t2Rm“You may think it’s impractical, but I believe there’s value in it.”ZJHdc
DCs9“If you say so, I’ll try to think that way too.”Jyx42Wg
tNGhi“No, don’t force it. That makes me look bad.”lyoIhVk
cg7WqbNThey looked at each other and laughed. Despite their differences in age, background, and values, they felt a deep connection.HLGZSEd
OxdksKatia dusted off her robe and spoke in a lighter voice.gLUK9
2gdyUf“Derek, one day you might think differently. Noble ladies, with their poise, look like blooming flowers. There’s a reason so many strive to be like them.”VeOf
WafqShe stroked Derek’s messy hair and smiled softly.zUe
i5Ljl5“I hope you’ll understand that someday.”xFJv
pM1S*41tkM
oATY4“I can’t teach you magic anymore.”WoIWf
MSLqThe farewell with Katia came the following year. After completing another minor commission and returning to her home, she suddenly broke the news.PN8TFjH
8rcaPIt could have been a joyful announcement that there was nothing more to teach, but Derek had only just begun mastering second-level spells. His understanding of first-level magic had become nearly perfect, and he had learned many more first-level spells. It was clear he would soon master second-level spells proficiently.MTyJSg2
8r5DWh“…”G8MiR5
1tyJWBeKatia looked determined yet strained. She was the one most concerned for Derek, but there was a reason she had to deliver this news.F4Fy
oysF8L9“I received a letter from Count Elvester. He wants me to be a private tutor at his estate.”A4g1St
PdJn“Count Elvester?”Vjk
DOG7vRj“Yes, the most famous hero in the eastern region. His daughter is preparing to debut in society, and they need a tutor.”bmX504
3hLI32Count Elvester wasn’t just any noble; even the grand duke in the capital respected him. Katia couldn’t easily refuse.0JhQ
GPJv“I’ve turned down similar offers before, but I never expected the Count himself to write. Word must have spread about me teaching magic to a boy from the slums.”1bpkW
m7l6ii5Finding a teacher like Katia was nearly impossible. Her unique background and the fact that she had trained a slum boy into a competent mage added to her reputation. While Derek’s talent played a significant role, people saw it as Katia’s achievement. She was indeed an excellent teacher.7Xd
BiyGN64From an outsider’s perspective, this was a great opportunity. Being a private tutor at the Count’s estate meant wealth and honor. Moreover, Count Elvester’s daughter, Lady Freya, was known for her grace and poise.UrbrxbJ
Kenjc“…”ZuGEL
TpNkBut it wasn’t hard to understand why Katia’s expression was heavy. Staying at the Count’s estate in the eastern high society meant she couldn’t bring a commoner from the slums along with her. It was time to say goodbye.3bai1oN
EpWWyyrIn the months before leaving Ebelstein, Katia was busy.REnXhk
Tw5I1sShe used some of her savings to buy Derek proper equipment. No longer would he wear his old, worn clothes and use second-rate magical supplies. She provided him with quality mercenary gear.oQ0oYG
AUO8LaqShe also arranged for Derek to use her home as long as he needed and gave him a book on basic magical theory. Such books were valuable; Derek’s first teacher had died trying to steal one. Derek knew its worth and was astonished when she gave it to him.aQ6Oq
wgJ“You should be able to finish this book in a few years. It’s not as good as direct teaching, but given your talent, it’ll be fine. When you’ve mastered it, you can sell it for funds.”OxgejfV
ZyEI“Master, but…”2Rk43X
YXIecKH“Once I’m at the Count’s estate, I won’t need to worry about money. Take it.”8NAWRv
3uEsTwo months later, on the day of her departure, Katia adjusted her gray robe and picked up her simple bag.VlY64h
QwhRthAs always, the streets of Ebelstein were bustling. Katia would soon blend into the crowd and leave the city.7a6IyN
Uf1kymDespite doing all she could in those two months, her face still showed concern. Derek, seeing this, smiled calmly.Ztq8
RRa2qS“Don’t look so worried. You taught me for years without expecting anything in return.”xk9
7Ite384“Derek.”zXn
tcjLk9v“Look at me, Master.”YcOQyw
WK2n2gDerek raised his arms, speaking confidently. At fifteen, he was still young, but he had grown since his days in the slums.XyWaaV0
Qz2uAmUWith high-quality leather robes, a wool tunic, clean trousers, and a shiny belt, he no longer looked like a starving street kid.Gt6GX
HzTd62“I’m already an adult. I can take care of myself.”nTwa
lFteLThough still young, he was much different from the boy who once ate stale bread in a tavern corner. His reliability was evident.oO7
K2bCYVKatia knelt and hugged Derek’s shoulders.IbkDJ
g1hJWy“You don’t need to grow up too fast, Derek.”NvM
wstpf5Though harsh realities have forced you to mature, never forget the innocence you held even in the worst circumstances.o2i0KQU
bjXpieLLeaving these words, Katia waved and disappeared into the crowd.jSvCwll
8opgXpU“Goodbye, Master.”nvCa
iTKDerek waved back quietly.FdWqhh
QnQS*2JAM
89M7KReturning to Katia’s former home, Derek found it empty. A small space with a wooden bed and a rickety table, and now, only silence remained.EBROiP
filCkJFor the first time since arriving in this world, Derek was acutely aware of the silence. This world had once been just a part of an old game to him, but now he knew it was a real place.KYA03
il6“…”iCPs6i
cUPsRVOHe drank some water and sat at the table. In the stillness, he took out the magical book Katia had given him and began to read.kP7bZb
2QBVJD8– Scritch, scritch, scritch.ker
Ky8kThe pages turned smoothly, and time flowed on.BJA2
qcv5[ Acquired Magic List ]X9ed
yGK✦ Combat MagicBNHg
HKY9RX★☆☆☆☆☆ Magic MissileE46Tzm
OTV8★☆☆☆☆☆ Power SurgeTfyZa
AztFLAb★★☆☆☆☆ FireballCjmgd7
NEWbZ✦ Transformation Magic7cVzm
MZef4W★☆☆☆☆☆ Light CreationzOuuv
jK26lXk✦ Illusion MagicbnhuDWW
MEwmor★☆☆☆☆☆ SilencexynelQ
ZRpj★★☆☆☆☆ Echois0l
z6s✦ Summoning MagicPIg
7TTN5★☆☆☆☆☆ Summon – Guide FairydAb
e54✦ Detection MagicjuDx
QyJcGB★☆☆☆☆☆ Direction SenseGdxzKbq
1Wu9x★★☆☆☆☆ ClairvoyanceNrWTWtG
bd5A-Thud.uK3
1LvmaDerek reviewed his magic list and closed the book.wOa
XSY90us“I should get going if I want to meet the commander on time.”WGkZE
KpkHe finished his daily study, stood up to leave for his afternoon appointment, and tied his boots. With a sandwich in hand, he opened the door. Sunlight streamed into his quarters.AiodT
LDrIn just one year, Derek had self-taught himself two more second-level spells.Kdz
eDKv71At just sixteen years old.1UN
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