EFB Chapter 33: The Caig Mage Tower
Chapter 33: The Caig Mage Tower
Chapter 33: The Caig Mage Tower
“Master Balaka?”
Glia pitifully
“...”
Salana closed her eyes and surrendered herself to his touch.
“Mmm~ This feeling. I could get addicted to it. Should I just take it with me?”
“...My arm?”
“Oh seriously, what do you really take me for?”
Salana continued to enjoy Risir’s touch for quite a time after that.
For a short while, Risir thought she looked like a large puppy, moving her head to follow his hand.
“Alright, that’s enough. Risir. If the chance comes, let’s meet again someday.”
With that said, Salana left without looking back.
Bewildered, Risir took out the parchment from his pocket to check it.
“Remember this, young man. You must exercise the utmost caution when using that thing.”
A pale-faced Meltas offered a warning from the side.
“But of course.”
“Ahem. Well then, shall we get going?”
Meltas fiddled with his braided beard as he spoke.
“We...you said?”
“Why? Do you have other business after this?”
Risir recalled his plans before meeting Salana. Originally, he was going to have a meal with Fienne and then visit the Adventurers’ Guild after parting ways. Their common goal for the day had been to find a job.
Meltas cleared his throat and continued speaking before Risir could respond.
“Let me get straight to the point. I’ve taken an interest in you, Risir.”
“...”
Risir hugged himself defensively, his expression serious.
Meltas shot him an even more deadpan glare.
Risir uncrossed his arms, nodded, and carried on the conversation as if nothing had happened.
“What business could Sir Meltas have with this bastard?”
“...Ahem. I understand. You must be holding onto my initial attitude towards you. However, this could benefit you as well, so I hope you’ll listen with an open mind. Tell me, what do you think of the Caig Mage Tower?”
The Caig Mage Tower, also known as the Gray Tower.
This group, known for being the most liberal-minded among all mage towers, was one of the representative institutions of Bondalles.
“To be frank, I’d like to recommend you as an apprentice to the Caig Mage Tower. Let me be clear, you should realize this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Meltas was right, and that’s why Risir was taken aback.
“But I have no prestigious family or magical school to boast of.”
Few places were as particular about status and background as the mage towers. Even Meltas, who had been furious about an illegitimate child participating on equal footing, was considered open-minded compared to the mages affiliated with the tower.
“The minimum requirement for joining the tower isn’t about family or school. It’s about reaching the 3rd rank. You do barely satisfy that condition, don’t you?”
“As far as I know, the tower doesn’t accept just anyone who reaches the 3rd rank.”
“Of course not. Reaching the 3rd rank at your age is something anyone can do. It’s undoubtedly the realm of the ordinary. And the tower is certainly not a kind place for the ordinary. Yet, I intend to recommend you to the tower. Do you know why?”
“Is it my power of normalization?”
“Exactly! I’m glad you’re not so foolish as to not recognize the uniqueness of that ability.”
When the power of normalization was mentioned, Meltas’ demeanor visibly lit up with excitement.
“A power that can eradicate all negative energies regardless of type! Good heavens! I, Meltas Dradnov, have never heard of such a power in my entire life dedicated to magic!”
Meltas pointed a trembling finger at Risir.
“You have a duty! A duty to fully bloom that special talent as a mage. Surely you understand what I’m saying? As one who walks the path of magic, that is!”
“...I’m not sure if this is the right time to say it...but honestly, magic is just a way to make a living for me.”
“FWHAAT!!!”
Meltas froze, his shriek echoing like a death wail.
It took a long, long while for him to recover from the shock.
“Why did such a special talent end up on someone like this...!”
Meltas’ braided beard and hair trembled.
“Do you think someone like me could adapt to the tower?”
“...Ahem. Well, I suggest you come and have a look first. We shouldn’t rush this sort of matter.”
Risir gladly agreed. Building connections with the tower would surely be beneficial in many ways.
***“Oh wait, there’s a place I must stop by before reaching the tower. I have something to find there. Is that alright?”
“Sure thing.”
The two left the laboratory and headed towards the center of the magic district.
“Here it is.”
After walking a bit further, they arrived at Meltas’ destination: a magic shop called [Blue Traces].
“Meltas?”
As soon as they entered, a woman recognized Meltas and called out to him.
Oh...
Risir was inwardly impressed by her appearance. Wearing a wide-brimmed pointy hat and a flamboyant robe, she was the spitting image of a mage.
Interestingly, her robe was cut low at the chest, proudly displaying an overwhelming cleavage.
She must have immense pride as a mage.
As Risir was secretly admiring her, the woman looked him up and down.
“What’s this? You, bringing along such a youngster? Have you finally decided to take on an apprentice?”
“That’s none of your business, Marina.”
“Judging by your reaction, I guess he’s not your apprentice. I suppose it’s unlikely that a youngster who’s just entered the 4th rank at that age would meet your standards.”
“Stop talking nonsense and—Wait, what did you say?”
Meltas, who had been listening indifferently, looked at Risir with surprise.
“...!”
Then his eyes shot wide.
“Uh.”
A beat later, Risir also realized the change that had occurred in his body.
He tried to calm the shocked old mage.
“Don’t worry about it. This happens sometimes.”
Risir had definitely been at the 3rd rank before leaving the laboratory, yet somehow, he had reached the 4th rank.