Violetta felt relieved.
It wasn’t just because Yuric had shown good results in controlling index finger magic. He had also freed himself from the pressure and preconceptions surrounding ancient magic.
“I’ve been watching you all along.”
The Grand Mage began.
“Not all ancient magic is great, and not all modern magic is obsolete. While understanding the language of magic would be ideal, being too fixated on what you can’t do now is not good either. A true mage solves problems with what they have. Didn’t I clearly tell you that you already possess the qualities to become an excellent mage even without an index finger?”
Yuric finally understood why Violetta wanted him as her apprentice.
“I hoped you would realize this. Through your own hands… Still, you realized it much faster than I expected. I thought it would take at least half a year to grasp it.”
“Inadequate student has finally understood the great intentions of the master.”
“Of course, this doesn’t mean standing still. A mage must continue learning and progressing until death. I learn from everything… including you.”
That is what a true mage is.
“Yuric, create your own magic. What I can teach you is only this. Keep learning, accumulating, and moving forward. Then someday, you may reach where you want to be.”
“I will engrave the master’s words in my heart.”
Thanks to Violetta, Yuric could quickly get to this point. Without her, he would surely still be wandering lost in darkness.
He expressed his gratitude to her for not forgetting her kindness by bowing to her.
Although she seemed cold and distant on the outside, she was deep and warm inside. He sent another thank-you to the universe for bringing them together.
Looking at her youngest apprentice intently, she took something out of her pocket and offered it to him. It was a luxurious-looking envelope.
“Take it.”
Yuric respectfully accepted the envelope given by his master.
“What is this?”
“It’s an invitation.”
Yuric read the contents. It was an invitation from Baron Monsel, the lord of the city of Valenroad.
“I need to focus on the Codex seal right now. That’s why I intended to send Silson, but… it seems fine if you go instead.”
The letter invited him due to an urgent matter.
“I’m still an inexperienced mage with much to learn. Will I be enough alone?”
“You’re not alone. So don’t worry.”
Hearing he wasn’t alone, Yuric felt a bit less worried.
“Somebody stole a large number of corpses without permission. It likely involves magic. Investigate the details when you arrive.”
“Yes.”
“Make sure to prepare before departure. I’ll handle the costs.”
“Yes.”
Thus, Yuric headed to the magic sundries shop under Silson’s guidance. Silson chatted about how he used to travel on missions for his master.
“Are you nervous?”
“…Yes, a little…”
“Nervousness is normal at first. Proper tension can be a good stimulant.”
Before leaving, Yuric visited Gargo, the demon, in his lodging. The demon’s expression immediately soured since no mage had visited for days.
“I’m going on a trip. Came to say goodbye.”
“A trip! How wonderful! Have a safe journey!”
Gargo clapped happily. Yuric felt slightly annoyed by his reaction. …Perhaps he should have poked the index finger more. As if sensing his thoughts, the index finger reacted slightly. He left before poking further.
*
Bemberg’s dawn was always shrouded in thick fog.
Early in the morning, Yuric glanced through the misty window. He washed his face with cold water left out and rinsed with saltwater. Silson, awakened by his presence, sat on the bed and watched him silently.
After grooming himself, Yuric shouldered the bag he had prepared the night before. He bowed respectfully to his sleeping master’s room.
Silson escorted Yuric to the entrance of the accommodation building and pulled out a small money pouch from his pocket, offering it to him.
“Don’t worry about it, senior.”
“Why aren’t you taking it? Just say thank you when you receive it!”
“…Thank you.”
Silson patted Yuric’s shoulder encouragingly.
“Have a good trip. Don’t overdo it! First and foremost, your health is most important. Got it?”
“Yes. I’ll be back.”
After bidding farewell to Silson, Yuric looked up. Violetta’s silhouette was visible at the window.
‘She was awake.’
Yuric bowed respectfully to his master and then entered the thick fog. The accommodation building soon disappeared from view as the fog enveloped it.
Bemberg’s dawn was always so dreamlike. Yuric pondered how to capture this feeling in a painting.
He recalled the lives of those who walked this great bridge back then. There were probably more common citizens than mages here at that time.
Yuric’s feet reached the end of the great bridge. He could feel the bustling presence even through the fog. It was a carriage stop.
There were many coachmen holding signs for Valenroad, but there was only one he needed to board—a coachman holding a red flag.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Yuric. I came on behalf of Master Violetta.”
Yuric showed the invitation. The coachman politely gestured for him to enter.
The carriage, prepared by the Dawn Society, was no different from any other cargo wagon. Although invited, they needed to move discreetly.
Two people were already inside: a man and a woman. Both were mages, of course.
Yuric greeted them warmly as he boarded. The man inside smiled broadly and responded, while the woman barely acknowledged him.
“Then let’s depart.”
The coachman pushed the step into the carriage and started moving.
In the awkward atmosphere, Yuric stretched out his hand and introduced himself to those accompanying him.
“I’m Yuric, Master Violetta’s apprentice. Nice to meet you.”
The smiling man on top shook Yuric’s hand vigorously.
“Howell here. Apprentice of Master Wolberg… But, why isn’t Silson coming and you are?”
“Oh, I’m going this time. First time, but nice to meet you.”
“Alright, don’t worry!”
Howell looked at Yuric with a peculiar gaze. Despite his smile, Yuric felt a chill.
Yuric introduced himself similarly to the woman beside him and offered his hand, but she barely touched his fingertips as if handling a hazardous material.
“I’m Rochelina, the greatest disciple of Master Drogman.”
Drogman! However, she didn’t even look at him.
Yuric remembered that Master Drogman and Violetta were rivals. It seemed their rivalry affected their apprentices as well.
‘…Maybe I can learn some manipulation techniques?’
Yuric thought this was a perfect opportunity. Though her attitude suggested she wouldn’t easily teach him, perhaps perseverance would pay off!
At that moment, Howell’s eyes scrutinized Yuric’s entire body.
“Yuric, you’re quite remarkable. I’ve never seen someone with circuits running through their body like that.”
“Just a rare talent.”
Calling it a rare talent belittled its significance. While a skilled mage might be able to cast a single spell through such circuits, maintaining them constantly was another matter entirely. It required extensive training.
Moreover, the magic manifesting in Yuric’s body was far more complex than simple offensive spells. Refining mana through intricate circuits was no easy feat.
Howell’s gaze landed on Yuric’s right index finger.
There was magic there too. Though he couldn’t identify exactly what it was, it was highly sophisticated.
As if appearing from nowhere, this mysterious man with Violetta’s apprentice tag appeared.
Howell laughed deeply.
What he thought would be a boring trip suddenly seemed interesting.
Yuric examined Howell carefully, not finding him unpleasant.
‘…You’re quite remarkable yourself.’
It was a subtle feeling hard to describe. He observed Howell’s ears, which weren’t pointed like a demon’s.
However, his index finger reacted very subtly, as if detecting something irritating from his opponent’s physical form.
Yuric speculated that Howell might have demon ancestry somewhere in his lineage.
…He shouldn’t push it too far.
