Magician (1)
Chapter 17
Core and Circle.
The two power sources rooted in mana were chosen by knights and mages respectively due to their differing natures.
A core is a condensed form of purified mana created within the heart.
Mana emanating from the core is highly stable and unchanging.
Knights use the mana from the core to enhance their bodies and weapons, cutting down enemies with ease.
On the other hand, a circle is less of a power source and more akin to a mana processor.
The circle that rotates around the heart changes fluidly, manifesting wondrous phenomena according to the caster’s will.
While cores and circles are typically artificially generated power sources, there are rare cases of individuals born with an innate circle—a sign of genius.
However, Ray couldn’t be sure if Luna belonged to such a category of “genius.”
A circle is a ring of mana that revolves around the heart.
It’s a ring with a radius roughly the size of two fists combined, centered on the heart.
But to Ray, who had partially awakened his sight, the faint light swirling around Luna had a radius exceeding three meters.
Bang!
Ray stomped on the wall and unleashed a burst of mana, propelling himself forward.
A magical sigil began to form on the ring of mana rotating around Luna.
Luna had never learned magic.
Thus, this process was merely an imitation of what Alesya had done.
Even with the same magic, the vessel’s size differs.
Even with the same magic, a mere campfire flame could become a blaze covering the sky.
Of course, it was possible that Luna, with her innate sense, could calculate and achieve the desired result.
But she didn’t care.
Ray was determined to stop the manifestation of magic itself.
For a moment, a flash of blue light flared across Ray’s sword.
Aiming at one corner of the inscribed circle, Ray landed near Luna.
Tsuk!
Upon contact with the sword aura that distorted space, the magical sigil suffered damage.
As Ray planted his foot into the ground, the disrupted spell surged back, blasting out a massive gale in all directions.
Kwaang! Haaaaaaak!!
*
Children, deeply captivated by the mysteries of magic demonstrated by Alesya, paid little attention to whether or not Luna approached the campfire.
However, as the heat became more intense and the once-peaceful fire began to twist unnaturally, the cheers ceased, and all eyes turned toward the spectacle.
Amidst the swirling winds, red hues spread.
At that moment, a streak of lightning fell between the campfire and Luna.
Kwaang! Haaaaaaak!!
“Uwaaa?!”
Caught off guard by the sudden gust, the children tumbled and rolled on the ground, struggling to maintain balance.
After some time, when the wind subsided, the children finally got a clear view of Ray, who had descended like lightning into the center of the playground.
A brief silence followed.
Then, the cheers of the children erupted all at once.
“Woooww!!”
Their appreciation was simple: It was awesome!
There were flashes, a fierce storm, and it was utterly impressive.
When Ray, the leader of the orphanage, displayed something greater than noble magic, the children felt their hearts race as they jumped around excitedly.
Though it might have seemed gratifying, Ray remained expressionless as he raised his right fist.
“Everyone, quiet.”
…
With mana-laden voices, the children instantly shut their mouths.
Ray, holding his knee joint that had been strained, slowly straightened up.
“Since we may have important guests visiting the orphanage, finish washing up and change into clean clothes. Wait until further notice.”
“Ray, is the important guest maybe…?”
“Personal questions later. If everyone understands, proceed.”
“Proceed!!”
Though they didn’t know exactly what was happening, the children, having witnessed an incredible scene, snapped to attention and rushed inside the orphanage.
Wiping his face, Ray muttered,
“Phew, that was close.”
It was really a narrow escape.
He almost threw himself into the flames and risked turning into a lump of charcoal.
Taking a deep breath, Ray looked at the remaining children.
“Alesya, Karen, Luna. Why are you playing with fire so early in the morning?”
“That’s because, Ray!”
Alesya stepped forward and chattered on about how Karen kept provoking her and how much patience she had shown.
Having heard the entire story, Ray nodded.
“Young Miss, listen carefully.”
“…Huh?”
Startled by the sudden change in address, Alesya hesitated.
“Why, why are you doing this?”
“Karen has simply fulfilled her role for your sake, Young Miss.”
“Wh-why are you siding with that commoner? She insulted me, a noble!”
“Karen did not insult any noble. Until you leave this orphanage, you are not a noble but a commoner.”
“But I am not a commoner; I am a noble!”
“Young Miss, this was agreed upon with the Count’s family, wasn’t it? We’ve discussed it many times.”
It would do no good if word got out that a noblewoman was staying at the orphanage.
Thus, under the consent of the Count’s household staff, Alesya was given a fake commoner identity.
“Young Miss, because of your tantrums, things have gotten complicated… Regardless, we want you to act like a commoner, and my treating you as one is for your protection. Do you understand?”
“I-I suppose I understand…”
“Now, Young Miss, let’s review. Why were we trying to treat you like a commoner?”
“…To protect me?”
“Yes. Beating you with a stick, slapping the back of your head, picking fights, or ignoring you—all these were part of the process of treating you like a commoner.”
“Is, is that true?”
“So Karen’s actions were merely a means to protect you.”
“To… protect me…”
Alesya, confused as if caught in a whirlpool, tilted her head before suddenly shouting,
“Ray! You’re trying to deceive me again!”
“While you blindly trust the books written by Lucilia, why are you so suspicious of me?”
“Do you think I’ve tricked you just once or twice?”
“Alesya.”
Bowing his head as he took the punch Alesya swung at him, Ray said,
“If you’re hurt, I’ll apologize on behalf of whoever upset you. Let’s not hold onto any grudges since it was all a misunderstanding.”
Stopping her punches, Alesya crossed her arms and declared,
“Ray! What do you take me for?! Don’t worry. Unlike some commoners, I’m not petty! I’ll try not to dwell on anything that happened here at the orphanage!”
Letting out a light laugh, Ray turned to Karen.
Karen still stood silently, staring at Ray’s feet with reddened eyes.
Swallowing the words he originally intended to say, Ray instead forced a smile.
“Karen, go inside, wash your face, and rest for a bit.”
Although Karen had acted impulsively and irresponsibly this time, Ray felt he hadn’t properly taken care of her.
Rather than getting angry immediately, he wanted to pick a day to talk and resolve any lingering issues.
Finally, Ray faced Luna with a suddenly serious expression.
“Luna.”
“…”
Narrowing the distance until he was practically surrounding Luna, Ray whispered into her ear,
“Never, ever attempt to use ‘that’ recklessly again. Not without my permission. Promise me, Luna.”
“…I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“We’ll discuss the details later. For now, go inside.”
After sending Karen and Luna inside, only Alesya remained with Ray.
Ray roughly tore off the bandage stuck to his face.
Scabs fell off the wound that ran across half his face, and the stopped blood flow started again.
Alesya gasped in shock.
“Re, Ray! What are you doing?!”
“Count Philips will soon be arriving nearby.”
“That’s good news, but what does it have to do with you removing your bandage?”
“It’s just a bit of showmanship before negotiations.”
Something along the lines of, “Your daughter nearly cost me this scar,” aiming to gain sympathy.
*
Count Philips didn’t want a hundred-plus children bowing and kneeling en masse, so he stopped his carriage a short distance away from the orphanage and summoned Alesya and Ray.
Jimy, accompanied by a knight, entered the orphanage.
Making eye contact, Jimy and Ray both mouthed insults to each other about not handling things properly but then shook hands with smiles on their faces.
The knight knelt on one knee before Alesya and spoke.
“It’s fortunate you’re safe, Young Miss. Please follow me.”
Two carriages were parked nearby.
“Ahh!! Dad!!”
Alesya, running energetically toward the count, slowed down after a short distance and eventually stood still, bowing her head low.
The count spoke sternly.
“Get inside the carriage.”
Only now realizing the extent of her misdeeds, Alesya dejectedly entered the smaller carriage.
Approaching the count, Ray was about to kneel on one knee and place his sword far away when the count waved his hand dismissively.
“That’s enough. You’ve done me a great favor, Ray. Is that scar on your face from saving Alesya?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Trying to appear modest after flaunting your injury in front of me.”
Both Ray and the count shared a chuckle.
Despite the disparity in age and status, the two got along quite well.
After exchanging pleasantries, Ray noticed an odd sensation and turned his gaze.
A man dressed in a robe stood quietly beside the carriage, his eyes fixed on the sky.
Knowing it might be rude, Ray asked anyway,
“Who might that gentleman be? May I inquire?”
“Oh, allow me to introduce him. This is Mr. David.”
Without taking his eyes off the sky, David announced,
“I’ll excuse myself for a moment.”
“…Understood. Please return safely.”
Though his unilateral announcement seemed irritating, the count nodded with minimal displeasure evident.
After David left, the count added with a slight narrowing of his eyes,
“He may be a bit self-willed, but he’s a remarkable mage who has reached the sixth circle.”
Sixth circle.
A level where one officially becomes classified as a high-ranking mage.
Looking at the sky, Ray recalled that while knights are less sensitive to external mana, mages become fully awakened long before reaching the fifth circle.
What color would the sky appear through eyes that had completed full awakening?
Would traces of the mana that had swirled violently remain in the sky?
Ray’s face stiffened subtly.
“You’ve probably sensed it already, but David is temporarily in charge of Alesya’s magic lessons.”
“The young miss has a fine teacher.”
“Neither of us is fond of excessive formalities, so would you care to have a private conversation inside the carriage? There are too many watching eyes to properly commend your efforts.”
Though Ray had hoped for this, the sky continued to bother him.
Briefly excusing himself, Ray requested,
“Jimy, Matthew, could you please watch over the orphanage while I’m gone? Something feels uneasy.”
Though unexpected, Jimy and Matthew nodded in agreement.
Expressing his gratitude, Ray entered the large carriage the count had arrived in.
Thud!
The carriage door closed.
