Chapter 47: Value (1)
L34IValue (1)fuy2Gn
jLOPWKtJayden was, at times, a man who wielded a greatsword and marched into battle.KxY
uHk1rMHe could spend his days lounging around, polishing glasses in a corner of the tavern without trouble earning a living—but he had ambitions.0hFRi
cKqXEThe Dawn War, which broke out when the giant northern monster Zvet emerged from a labyrinth.SK7bVT
7xKSince then, after wandering through countless battlefields, he found peace only amid a sea of blood, not in the home where he was born and raised.jSF4x1j
zPG8pp“Growing up, I earned my living by the sword, devoting my life to the battlefield with no company and no worthy descendants. To me, my friends were my family.”IBD
BsePUYIThat’s why it wasn’t strange that he harbored the ambition to form a respectable mercenary group. The battlefield was part of his life; his goal was to gather and retain as many wandering souls as possible.qP7
QoUX8However, life on the battlefield was like walking a tightrope and could end at any moment. He had seen many comrades lose their sanity.s7Pfyt
4wVuv6“This time, it almost got my neck. Luckily, I escaped with just the loss of an arm. Seems my luck hasn’t run out yet, hahaha.”GlcZ
YJNwiTw“Boss, you’re a veteran. I never imagined the White Zone Labyrinth would be so dangerous.”QZ2
FaUg“I was ambushed by a giant sandworm hiding underground. If I’d been any closer to the wall, my head would’ve flown off in one hit.”xeVS
9K7TXfc“A sandworm showed up?”U3Ihy
BIZHkV2Even during the horrific Dawn War, they were among the monsters that claimed the most lives.XPvXmh
b9nNEPITo the sandworms swimming beneath the earth, humans who entered underground labyrinths were nothing more than prey voluntarily walking into their jaws.uPT0b
qWK“Even so, I managed to slice its neck properly. After getting revenge, my heart felt at peace.”eigqeOc
NrKSy“You took it well… It’s a serious wound, and the aftereffects will be significant. It’s amazing you can laugh in a situation like this.”dsRFBG
9lc“I’m not too happy about it, since I’ll have to shut down the tavern and rest. But it’s better than not getting revenge at all.”eSlIvh
WgBQJayden was a man who could laugh heartily even after losing an arm.
Dereck looked at Pheline, who shook her head in disbelief.MmjfpP
d2P2Even at his age, Jayden’s desire to wander the battlefield was admirable, but it was inevitable to worry about such a serious injury.B93
jRcChez“Lately, since the Duplain family began leading the White Zone clean-up, other nobles have been sending more expedition requests, Dereck.”CelFM
qRg3RsiThis seemed to be Jayden’s main point.O5MxUR
pdim4The official cleanup of the White Zone was led by the Duplain family’s troops. However, as new areas were opened, other factions began to emerge.davf
WCuaoTMajor houses like the Beltus family were drooling at the prospect of conquering the White Zone, but they needed the Duplains’ permission to proceed. The story was different for minor nobles and mercenary groups.JJGyO3N
O58xXHThey began exploring smaller labyrinths on the edges of the White Zone, using the routes opened by the Duplains.A2s
XJQ6XControlling these groups wasn’t easy, and the Duplains didn’t interfere with minor movements, especially when it wasn’t necessary—often resulting in unfavorable consequences.MgwFMhW
mtM0VfeAdventurers with questionable skills who challenged the White Zone often lost their lives.uZD
Zm1CZEven Jayden, a survivor of countless battles, had to sacrifice his arm in that perilous labyrinth. If luck wasn’t on their side, those dreaming of fast riches found only a grave.kWeDl
AuN11“Dereck. If any request to explore the White Zone comes your way, turn it down. I’ve seen it with my own eyes—something’s not right. We need to observe the situation for a while.”354f
6HLrkGJ“What do you mean by ‘go’?”HgHtfR
Ou2“I’ve visited almost every labyrinth since the Dawn War, but I’ve never encountered one so unstable and unpredictable. Unless you’re using troops with four-star mages like the Duplains, and advancing in large numbers… almost no labyrinth is penetrable by adventurers.”UadUF
6QetBcHe had read plenty about the dying vegetation and foul aura of the White Zone in books.FWHC
IjPMwDereck rested his chin on his hand, listening intently to Jayden’s words.NMstxo
HGZWauo“I couldn’t bear to see you die, Dereck.”mio8c
HABIfrr“…”Ysuqja
R9BEven missing an arm, Jayden was still spouting nonsense. That was the kind of man he was—a seasoned old mercenary.och
NF8FBGU***SrLY57
wCM59A golden opportunity like this—without Dereck’s presence—was rare.IQGRp
GW4Denise sent a letter to the Duplain family through Bella, her most loyal maid. Alone in the mansion’s garden, she sat with a satisfied smile on her face, basking in the unusual silence.j5oSJO
wxbDiella, upon reading the letter, might hesitate, but in the end, she would surely challenge Denise to a magical duel. After all, Diella would stake everything to take Dereck away.Ffk
nLCSo the plan was to intentionally lose the duel—a bitter and sorrowful act, but a promise was a promise, and Dereck would be handed over.FhZRqf
TtrNXbThat way, she could reclaim these peaceful days.pTHsY
UhJjXAmIt meant finally escaping from the magic instructor who, even with the slightest push, was constantly at her heels all day long.MQiqYE
IEzlNA“The blame for losing the most promising magic instructor in Ebelstain’s social circle… it’s inevitable, but I’ll bear it. I’ll have to earn a similar reward some other time.”RAYZ
EFl2q6Though the plan was set, a persistent pressure lingered in her chest. Time passed into the evening, the sky soaking with tranquil, drifting clouds.3XPG9
8IXZAs summer approached, the center of the garden warmed, occasionally attracting insects.S9u1De
o75QfASStill, Denise remained outside, gazing at the sky instead of retreating indoors.8Xq
uUvpHLx“Is a day really this long?” she mused, feeling the contrast with the recent days that had flown by like arrows.GYAQb
jYtMBXWithout Bella and Dereck, her faithful companions, the silence felt even deeper. They had always been there to speak with her.NPmj
MJTlBella exchanged lighthearted banter, while Dereck grumbled or delivered ominous prophecies.Qxz
zWvAfter a day full of chaos, now alone in her free time, old memories stored deep in her subconscious began to stir—memories of the past.B6UD
dH2z3kThe elders of the Beltus family stroked her hair and smiled. They rejoiced at her magical achievements, saying she would one day be the family’s pride, their wrinkles deepening with joy.aSTXB
LGgw5S3Noble ladies competed to speak with her, even quarreling amongst themselves.qQlyRO
SUSA1TThe incompetent heir, Robenalt, felt inferior and envious of his skilled sister, but in the end, he admitted it sincerely.AcmkI
8OX5Since childhood, she’d seen notes from her mother tucked between magic books:EngEr3f
3QaJuQ“Always loved, the pride of our Beltus family.”7rz
gEhfgSrThe handwriting radiated familial pride.qG9
N010“It’s meaningless, really.”5KWr88
8KBVN0JSuddenly, Denise let out a bitter laugh, reclining in the garden’s elegant wooden chair.H3fVN
AJ6YdHShe knew well that all the admiration could turn into disappointment with a single misstep. She didn’t have to look far—other family members had experienced it.wtf
wnY2sklCountless once-praised prodigies had fallen and vanished into obscurity.oZ2dT2W
qUhWPBXHope always carried the possibility of disappointment. Denise only wanted to be free of that exhausting pressure. One couldn’t live off achievements alone.Pcit79
bYlbkoPreparing for failure was essential for a stable life. The same applied to the expectations of others.uTvMjeN
pZCX5BmIt wasn’t that nothing was expected of her, but it wasn’t a devotion bordering on worship either.etRWD
f1ZZGShe wasn’t lacking in achievements, but neither was she a heroine in her lineage.mMXvA
Z1GRLNot too much, not too little. Somewhere between hot springs and cold baths, in that incomprehensible warmth, Denise finally felt the desire to swim.sE2
3LAShe suddenly remembered the most noble lady of the Duplain family, adored by all, always standing tall.hk4Z
JlSUp“…”ZqAOCl
vlXB0B8Denise could never be like Aiselin.SrtU
rRETheir fundamental mindsets were completely different.fJMP
vSC8ms“Sigh…”CqW7ar
Mn8Driven by a vague restlessness, Denise rose from her seat. She could’ve returned to her bedroom and enjoyed her favorite books, but instead, she raised her hand toward the void, sensing magical energy. That distance compelled her to manifest magic—even just once.3VH
cV1The magical energy at her fingertips fused into a single point, then spread throughout her body. The magical flow that Dereck always emphasized. In truth, attuning to that feeling was Denise’s forte.QN3b
tr5MW41Born into the Beltus family, she was never lacking in innate magical power. What she lacked was technique and will. Denise’s greatest flaw was her lack of will.tB2jwL
rK3X2yDereck knew this well—that’s why he constantly pushed her. Once pushed, one had to start running, even if only at a light trot. That’s human physiology.rzMJz
xxbAnd once you started trotting, your body adjusted. What someone like Denise needed was strong consistency, even if she resisted to the end.hRm
ojFjvSwish.KKMiJL
JwX8UThe magic emanating from Denise’s fingers began to fill the surroundings. The hem of her beautiful dress fluttered, and the surrounding grass swayed. In the midst of that magical wave, Denise clenched her fist and cast it forward.9Vx
cTVz“Oh, magical flow that watches all—”RQGu6
IwKPHer silvery-gray hair swayed several times. Soon, Denise’s fully-constructed magical formula filled the surroundings.69TC
PzLysM3It was the second-tier detection spell: “Surveillance.” It covered the area with magical circle energy, detecting any anomaly, magical fluctuation, or physical movement—missing nothing.K7gF
nuwThe range of this ability varied by the magician’s skill. It was said that Drest, a six-star seeker mage, could cover several large castles.PaQbv
n6RDenise’s magic barely covered a corner of the garden. However, within that range, anyone with magical ability below hers would be thoroughly exposed.EoYP8BY
TwrDXNLThe true value of detection magic lay in its informational superiority. Once caught in a seeker mage’s web, there was no escape.pC622Y
x27SC“Gasp… Ah… I can… do it.”SorVnv
FWBlDenise panted.zmH
shLhTdFor her, manifesting a second-tier spell was a strenuous task.S1zHq6
l7oIt didn’t last long, so it was almost useless for surveillance. But the fact she could do it was amazing.8Yh
FFRQpKDidn’t the entire duel shift in Aiselin’s favor simply because she cast the second-tier spell “Fireball”? Denise could do the same if she gritted her teeth and pushed herself. But she chose not to show it.s0SF7qD
bM9QThat was Denise’s essence.m2BUQ
d1n“Phew… Ah… It’s hard, but… at least this much—”25hTs
zbh4YB“The outer layer of your magic formula is disrupted. It’ll create a blind spot in your detection range.”oeSlPg
GDWYtfDenise nearly stopped breathing.62AGw3y
QgSmxeHaving deployed her “Surveillance” spell, this area was her territory.NfmTXd5
278YZYet Dereck’s voice came from right behind her. Turning around, she saw him fixing his clothes after finishing his task.sjp
c27yyyEven within a magical web like this, she hadn’t sensed his presence at all.ZwrsT
FZYrFnO“You—you… When did you get here…?”Wmj4FwZ
ZMkj0“If you lose focus, your magical energy will entangle and drain you faster. Maintain the spell.”dub
wMGACKtDenise tried to speak, but Dereck locked eyes with her and stepped forward, releasing his own magic.XDQ
V16zVThough Denise had expertly manifested a second-tier detection spell, Dereck didn’t show any sign of confusion.Vl8U9a
E5qHgHe’d already gauged Denise’s abilities in previous sessions.
He had known for a while that she wasn’t using her full strength.wRrDsyu
z0d1EwYThat’s why he kept pushing.Qxit
d6JhayClench!TzzKjqB
FBqWhen Dereck closed his fist, Denise’s magical formula trembled.mtno8dA
0SsThe magical energy he unleashed made it difficult to maintain her spell.8mu
0suHe was deliberately interfering with her magic.cKXU
nuh“In the end, detection spells often face off against other detection spells. Only a higher-tier detection spell can counter another.”VJS6Y1
1muTWsb“Dereck… how do you… manipulate this magic formula…?”wnBQ
aj7“From now on, I’ll intentionally interfere with Lady Denise’s magical formula. The more you resist, the more you’ll strengthen your ability to withstand external interference.”yMo61YR
Ppj0With another jolt from Dereck, her formula shook violently.J0BvR
GKu8a0rDenise, out of habit, mobilized the magical energy within her body to resist. But Dereck’s power didn’t wane after a single clash.1KC
f03rIgBWhen detection spells collided, they competed to devour each other’s territory.KGNBK
JQj“I’d heard that, in large-scale wars, battles between seeker mages over territory often determined the outcome of the battlefield.”TahSka
BXFvHOUntil now, it had only been rumors—but facing an opponent using magic so directly, so powerfully, was a first for her.3OCDLeX
7bG2NADEven as an instructor, no one had truly engaged in magical combat with a noble lady like this before.giHgMZW
tKnsEBut the mercenary-turned-instructor knew nothing of such decorum.IxlRec
xfcvDPVDereck was extremely pragmatic and didn’t revere Denise’s noble lineage.bIDgOk
w71geTo him, she was a noble lady deserving of basic courtesy—but essentially, just another student. As their magics clashed, that truth became more evident.sJCvjv
X08u3rMost nobles would’ve felt insulted, yet strangely, Denise’s lips curled into a smile.vgD9
hd2mHwh“Don’t regret this.”xPTB0FF
ushCDenise summoned all her magic with sincere effort. After all, she didn’t need to show restraint to an instructor she’d soon dismiss.eBpa9C
zP2CAfter a full day of absence, she was determined to unleash her magic on the instructor who had just reappeared.fYF
NAIM4GShe rarely exerted her full power—maybe once or twice a year at most.s2Im
LQ4Dereck accepted her magic nonchalantly.pOg
tGde4It was the first time Denise smiled during training.28n48cL
VqxgTDE***IanB
b7kVfz“It’s oddly comforting when the trap is so blatantly obvious.”xVyQOHw
YUiAsIn the Duplain family chambers.VyTp
IRMQlyFSitting alone, honing her magical senses, Diella snorted as she read the letter from Denise.OmfGnn
eew93H“I’ll wager something valuable and challenge you to a magical duel. I’ll lose on purpose.”rlR
030Diella found the story nearly impossible to believe, yet the letter’s content was completely sincere.r93
2QTXbD2Denise had handwritten the letter beneath the open sky, brimming with honesty. But to Diella, always on edge like a porcupine, those lines felt like a declaration of war.KTP4fJ
mQKJkrWIn short, Denise seemed to pretend she’d hand over Dereck by accepting the duel, only to defeat Diella, take what she wanted, and destroy her pride. Diella, openly provoked at the Rose Hall, had likely irritated her deeply.LWe
9LGlK3Diella was furious.Q85x
vHRTSince being instructed by Dereck, her anger had grown colder than any fiery outburst.lRUKuf
DgIiGjHer lips trembled slightly under her frozen expression. Denise had blatantly scratched at her pride.kP77O
5CduNo one would want to fall into such an obvious trap, yet Diella accepted the offer gleefully.dp5I
gPtmiy“How amusing. Do you think I’d lose to a salon magician?”rdG8jJ2
peuVDiella was determined to surpass not only Aiselin, but Valerian too.09t
f94Bang!cMdqlnI
Xh8As she sharpened her magical senses, she unleashed her great power, filling her chamber.VKbRMc
UeAN1nSoon, countless thorny bushes spread and covered the entire room. Though not a spell of high concentration, its scale and level were remarkable.6k4rg
9cXThe burning thorny shrubs seemed to protect the noble rose within.fwo
85A4idAmid them, Diella clenched Denise’s letter in her hand and rose from her seat. The fierceness in her eyes resembled that of a wild beast. Rather than let Dereck fall into the hands of such a snake, she would drag him to the Duplain family by force.jcV3
8tol3XNAt least, Diella was certain of that.RoP0y
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