Palrag had a habit of reflecting on his memories whenever he hit a wall in his thought process.
It was to identify any overlooked factors and reach a more reasonable conclusion.
For the same reason, Palrag began reflecting on his memories at the moment.
Where should he start?
Well. Since he couldn’t gauge, he’d start from the beginning.
Step by step.
“When I arrived at the gathering place, there was a hostile atmosphere toward Rishe…”
“When Drey acted familiarly with Rishe, that atmosphere flipped…”
“Korsia panicked and revealed that the criminal organization, Third Arm, had ordered him to harm Rishe, and Drey and I said we’d handle it…”
“Afterward, the gathering went smoothly, and we confirmed that Rishe had appropriately acquainted himself with the other attendees, so we moved locations with Rishe…”
“Once only the three of us were left, I immediately brought up that topic with Rishe—”
“About what reward he wanted for his previous sparring victory…”
“And what Rishe asked for was insight into ‘Ilenization’…”
Palrag then displayed a flow of mana that solely encompassed the subtleties of Ilenization, neither more nor less.
Enough to make Rishe feel an intense thirst for knowledge.
Enough to make him yearn for more learning and perhaps the position that Morina once held.
But then, unexpectedly, his magical power surged drastically.
The magical power that had lingered at the lower end of the 6th Tier suddenly broke through a barrier, reaching the 7th Tier.
Palrag was confused about where to even begin questioning.
After merely glimpsing the “lump of Ilenization,” Rishe was now adeptly handling its subtleties?
The wall of the 7th Tier, which countless people couldn’t surmount despite dedicating their entire lives, shattered as if it didn’t even exist?
Or—
“There’s no need to be surprised! I merely replicated the magical power surge incident that happened to Moria during the sparring match!”
That sentence, which resisted all understanding?
“Guh…!!!”
It was bad.
He’d reflected, but instead of his questions being answered, his confusion only deepened.
It was so chaotic that he might even experience Mana Reflux.
Then, what should he do?
As someone who investigates the principles of magic, how should he accept this being who ruthlessly tramples the principles of magic?
“…Ah, you could do that as well!”
The Great Mage had reached their own conclusion.
To perceive the man not as a mage but as a separate entity.
He is Rishe.
So, it’s possible that within his psyche lies a powerful existence; he can wield both sword and magic; and he can freely traverse across multiple tiers.
-Not really. No matter how you look at it, isn’t that preposterous—…?
The Great Mage struck down the head of reason that was attempting to interject arrogantly.
All the recent confusions about Rishe swirling inside Palrag’s mind were suddenly resolved.
The feeling of satisfaction was akin to obtaining a magical epiphany.
Palrag briefly felt self-loathing for the profound sense of fulfillment he felt upon gaining the realization: “Ahaha, so that’s why, because you’re Rishe…”
“Lord Palrag, what do you mean by that? Please explain so that I can understand as well—”
“What explanation? How do you explain something like that? Just accept it and move on. You’ll feel better.”
“Ah.”
Ultimately, the Great Noble nodded in agreement.
Had some old master of a mage tower witnessed this, they would have surely been delighted by the sight of these juniors.
“Huff… Huff…!”
At that moment, another change occurred within Rishe’s body.
The magical power that had reached the 7th Tier realm regressed back to the 6th Tier.
The ability to temporarily elevate one’s tier.
Normally, both the talent seeker and the Great Mage would have been utterly astonished.
“Ho ho.”
“Hey.”
However, the two who had gained such invaluable insight could now watch this rare phenomenon with ease.
What could you even do if you were astonished?
Could you analyze it? Could you try to replicate it?
How?
“Hoo… Hoo…”
It was during this that they noticed Rishe was employing the BlueBreath.
If judged solely by the purity of his breathing, it would be fair to consider him as a pure 6th Tier swordsman.
And yet, he was simultaneously handling the subtleties of Ilenization alongside this advanced technique.
Something like this wasn’t something you could analyze or imitate.
Finally, Rishe completed his breath.
“Cough!”
He spat blood out of every orifice on his face.
“Oi, my goodness.”
“Rishe, are you alright?”
“Yes, My Lord. I thought I had improved, but I must’ve pushed it a bit too hard just now.”
“That’s fine, that’s fine. If not now while you’re young, when will you push yourself? At that age, we all grow through such experiences.”
“Ah, so Lord Palrag has experienced frequent overloads as well?”
“Hahaha, absurd talk. Do you think overload is like a hangover or something? You’re the only one who treats it that way. Nevertheless, you’re maintaining your body well despite undergoing frequent overloads.”
“While training my swordsmanship to strengthen my body, I’ve also experienced spontaneous increases in magical power, which has been quite helpful.”
“Haha, spontaneous increases in magical power. That’s quite the blessing. It suits you well.”
“Hahaha, I agree.”
“Ho ho ho, the increase in magical power, isn’t that like when you consume an Elixir?”
“Hm?”
“Ho ho ho! Look at my face, Lord Palrag! Isn’t this a face of someone asking an obvious question!”
“Ho ho ho! True, you did ask a foolish question!”
“If that’s the case, then Rishe surely wouldn’t even glance at the Elixirs every mage covets?”
“Hahaha, who wouldn’t want them if they’re available? They’re still excellent.”
“If that’s the case, then they’re quite amusing indeed, Lord Palrag.”
“Hee hee hee, yes quite amusing!”
“…”
In the corner of the room stood the bespectacled young lady.
Macy, Drey’s secretary and bodyguard, watched their otherworldly conversation with a look of utter exasperation.
***
“Alright, then—”
After indulging in a round of enjoyable (?) laughter and chatting, Palrag and Drey…
Ray had shifted the mood.
Before meeting Rishe today, they had resolved to do whatever it took to make him one of their own.
But that resolve had changed.
They had decided to let Rishe go.
Though their interest and curiosity in him hadn’t diminished—rather, it had only grown—they couldn’t shake the lingering thought:
‘Can we handle that?’
Drey and Palrag were the type who demanded absolute control over those beneath them.
They pondered: Could they truly bring Rishe under their complete control?
The answer was clear even before they finished thinking about it. Just the feeling of their intelligence dropping in real-time during their recent conversation with him still lingered vividly.
Thus, they revised their approach. Their new goal was to leave a good impression on and build a positive relationship with this enigmatic individual.
The Grand Mage and the Great Noble, who had always made others quake in fear, now found themselves in the unusual position of being the ones trying to impress.
How to get closer to this enigmatic man was beyond their grasp.
However, as they cautiously conversed, they surprisingly found his personality to be rather agreeable.
In a good way.
He didn’t overly cower in their presence, but he also showed impeccable etiquette.
It was a level of maturity rarely seen in young nobles of his age. The two quickly grew to genuinely like Rishe as a person.
Their faces naturally lit up with smiles during their conversation with him.
Maisy, Drey’s secretary, who had been observing nearby, couldn’t help but feel somewhat astonished.
Drey and Palrag were the types who often brought ruin to those they crossed.
They treated others as if appraising objects, and their criteria were notoriously stringent.
That two such men would express pure admiration was rare, no matter how much the person’s capabilities justified it.
Rishe’s presence was becoming firmly etched in their minds in various ways.
In the midst of this, Dhangealion cleared his throat and proclaimed:
“Like insects drawn to light, those fools are captivated by the radiance of Lord Rishe and can’t escape! Oh, Rishe, I too wish to become a great fiery flame like you! I can only offer my utmost admiration!”
Rishe himself was also experiencing a peculiar kind of bewilderment. He hadn’t expected to earn such favor from the Great Noble and the Grand Mage.
“Perhaps the real reward wasn’t joining their gathering but what I gained right here in this room.”
The warm and pleasant atmosphere continued until it was time to depart.
“Rishe, I plan to stay here at Guse Manor for a while longer. Let’s meet often. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I, too, hadn’t planned on staying long, but this city of Bondales has piqued my interest. When you require further guidance, you’re welcome to visit. Though by then, you’ll need to at least consider joining our school.”
After parting ways and returning to his room, Rishe wore a contented smile.
Not only had he completed the “strengthening” ability, but he had also managed to forge connections with two powerful figures.
It was an incredible harvest.
***
In truth, the mansion where various guests congregated and exchanged countless tales lived up to its reputation. Stories of Rishe and the two giants spread rapidly—it seemed like everyone in the mansion now knew.
“Sir Rishe, Filana YoungLady has arranged an evening gathering. If you’re available, would you honor her gathering with your presence?”
“Why this ‘Sir’?”
Even when alone in his room, people continuously visited to invite him elsewhere.
“Oh, Sir Rishe!”
“If you don’t mind, would you join us? We were just speaking about you.”
“Why the ‘Sir’?”
Everywhere he walked, people recognized and approached him.
-Surprising.
“Clanar?”
-I sense excitement from you. I thought you were uninterested in this kind of thing.
Clanar was right; I was somewhat exhilarated.
“I may look unassuming, but I’m a bastard, am I not? I’ve always harbored a certain fantasy about being treated like a noble.”
-You’re a bastard?
“Yes? Did you not know?”
-Your appearance and behavior suggested you were undoubtedly from a high-ranking family.
“Oh, my family is just barely classified as high-ranking, right at the bottom tier.”
-No, that’s not what I mean—anyway, it’s quite unexpected.
-Weaponless wench!!! How dare you describe our Lord Rishe as merely ‘noble’ and ‘elegant’ in such a vulgar manner! That reveals your own limits!
“Woah, woah. Let’s not fight on such a lovely day.”
When I heard through Pamon that Bondales intended to grant me a position, a sudden concern arose.
‘Can someone of no status like me truly uphold the dignity expected in a prominent role within a city as grand as Bondales?’
My skills in magic and swordsmanship had steadily improved, and my network of connections was expanding smoothly, but—here I was, still just a powerless, resourceless bastard.
In this sense, the current situation where esteemed guests of a grand merchant referred to me as ‘Sir’ and treated me with such respect felt particularly meaningful.
As if the power and influence I possessed had finally taken on tangible form.
‘Wow, Rishe. You’ve really come this far.’
Recalling the times when I was dismissed and waited patiently for a chance to escape a certain estate, or when I worried about where I’d stay in Bondales—those moments felt as recent as yesterday.
It was all rather nostalgic.
With such pleasant thoughts, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the garden when someone approached, waving.
“Hey there, Sir Rishe.”
“It’s you—”
An imposing woman approached, deliberately accentuating the sword at her waist as she walked confidently.
Brienne.
Pamon had mentioned she was a renowned swordsman from Central Continent and ranked 7th in the world.
‘A 7th-ranked swordsman…’
My interest was piqued. Now that I thought about it, I had never encountered a 7th-rank swordsman before.
Especially after witnessing a 7th-rank mage’s spell cast by an 8th-rank mage yesterday, giving me deep insights, I couldn’t shake the desire to see her swordplay.
“Taking a stroll?”
“You can call me Rishe casually. I’ll call you Brienne as well.”
“Aha~ That’s fine by me. So, you’re buddies with the Frozen Breath and the Talent Collector huh?”
Brienne said this with a smile, lightly tapping my forearm as she spoke.
At that moment, her gaze shifted toward my waist.
“Do you usually carry a sword around?”
“Huh? Ah, yes. Even if it doesn’t look like it, I’m still a mage, am I not?”
“Aha~ a mage, I see. Though, I’ve never seen such a terrifying ‘one strike’ in all my life.”
“Haha, it’s an honor to receive praise from a renowned swordsman like you.”
“Honor, you say? Do you truly think so?”
“Of course.”
“Oh~ How about this then? Just wait a moment.”
Brienne.
She returned from stepping away briefly with two swords in her hands.
She handed one of them to me and said:
“How does a glorious opportunity sound?”
“Uh?”
“I’m challenging you to a sparring match.”
“Ah…”
What kind of unexpected fortune is this?
I’ve been wanting to observe the skills of a 7th Rank Swordsman, and now here it is: a sparring offer from the master herself.
Without hesitation, I accepted the sword.
“Aha~ so you like the straightforward approach? So that’s why those two fell for you?”
With a mischievous laugh, Brienne drew her blade.
Thus, the miraculous sparring session that came about due to the coincidence of mutual interest was just about to begin when—
“Lord Rishe, there you are.”
A distinctive businesslike voice called me.
The young lady with glasses, who was the secretary and bodyguard of Drey—
Macy, was looking at me there.
“Macy young lady? What brings you here?”
“Macy is fine. You may call me informally if you prefer.”
“I find that more convenient. There’s a rhythm to calling you that—it’s invigorating, isn’t it?”
“…”
“Ah, if I’ve offended you, I apologize.”
“Not at all. Please feel free to call me as you wish, without being bothered.”
Macy adjusted her glasses and continued.
“Lord Rishe, Master Drey requests your presence.”
“Right now?”
“That’s correct.”
“Dear…”
Giving up the chance to observe the techniques of a 7th Rank Swordsman.
What kind of unexpected misfortune is this?
However, rejecting a summons from such a noble family is impossible.
Besides, he wouldn’t have called me for no reason.
There must be something big waiting for me there.
With regret, I spoke to Brienne.
“Brienne, I’m sorry. We’ll have to postpone our sparring match.”
Brienne raised both her hands, shrugging her shoulders. Though her reaction seemed playful, I could tell she was just as disappointed as I was.
“Disappointing. I really wanted to see that terrifying one strike again with my own eyes.”
Even a bit annoyed, Brienne turned her back and left immediately.
***
I arrived at one of the rooms in the manor, following Macy.
There sat Drey, greeting me while facing someone.
The lady Drey was facing wasn’t seated; she was standing as if it were more comfortable for her that way.
‘Is it because she’s wearing armor?’
Her gaze followed Drey’s hand and came to rest on me.
‘Compared to her, Macy is probably the more lively one.’
She bore an icy demeanor that made me think that.
Drey continued the introduction.
“Rishe, let me introduce you. This is Towah of the Devilan family, the second daughter of the Devilan family and the captain of the Devilan Knight Order’s Special Unit.”
“…”
The title “of” signifies the most noble lineage.
The second daughter of a great noble family.
Moreover, the position of Captain in the Knight Order.
Indeed, she radiated an extraordinary presence.
This was a massive figure.
“I am Towah of the Devilan family.”
“Ah, I’m Rishe. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
That was all there was to our exchange. She redirected her gaze back to Drey.
“So, what’s the matter? Why are you suddenly introducing me to this person?”
“I already told you. I know a friend with extraordinary abilities. Do you know? This friend might be able to help you.”
“Help?”
In response to my spontaneous question, Drey answered immediately.
“Towah is currently trying to find someone who has infiltrated Bondales — a person that cannot be caught using ordinary means.”
“What kind of person is that?”
“A hero killer.”
“…Hero killer?”
“A killer of the Champions. This person has already murdered one of the six Holy Sword champions, the hero who possessed five swords.”
Even though the scale of this conversation was staggering and left me bewildered, I tried to keep the conversation going.
“If such a heinous crime has been committed, this person’s face and name should be common knowledge all over the world. Yet, it seems he has managed to hide well.”
“That’s the problem.”
“Pardon?”
“The face and the name. This person can freely change them at will. He is known as a Face Thief — have you ever heard of him?”
“No, I haven’t.”
At that point, Towah continued the explanation.
“The former Master of the Assassin Guild. This person has the ability to steal not only the face and voice but also the techniques of his opponents. According to intelligence, in his current state, he is said to be able to perfectly mimic not only the appearance and voice of a 7th Rank Swordsman but also his unique sword skills.”
“Can… He can perfectly mimic the unique sword techniques of a 7th Rank Swordsman? Is that even possible?”
“It shouldn’t be possible, and it shouldn’t be able to happen. However, this person possesses the ability to make it happen.”
“Indeed…”
I couldn’t hide my astonishment at Towah’s words.
And Towah, observing my reaction, nodded slightly before turning to Drey.
“Drey. As I said, this is a matter related to the Face Thief. We cannot involve such a young mage.”
“…”
“What’s that look for? Did I say something wrong?”
“No, it’s not that —”
Drey looked at me with a furrowed brow.
“Rishe, why are you surprised?”
“?”
“?”
Both Towah and I revealed our confusion in response to Drey’s actions.
