The next morning, the subjugation team returned to the mining village as soon as the sky began to brighten, skipping breakfast. Baron Bernstein, who had barely slept all night, showed a look of relief when he saw the subjugation team return safely.
“The curse has been subjugated.”
One of the two knights who accompanied the subjugation team as leaders reported this to the baron. With the mining business halted, the baron had suffered considerable losses. He immediately ordered his men to prepare for a return to the mine.
“You’ve worked hard. If you wish, feel free to use my home.”
“It’s alright. We’ll just eat and then depart right away.”
“The sun will set before we arrive, won’t it? Will that be alright?”
“We’ll have to endure some inconvenience.”
“Alright then. Prepare the meal. Tell Viscount [Your Grace] that we will resume all operations to their usual pace within three days.”
“I understand.”
Thanks to the baron’s consideration, the subjugation team enjoyed a hearty meal before setting out immediately. Staying idle in the mining village wouldn’t serve any purpose, and waiting here for potions to recover was less preferable than receiving proper treatment elsewhere.
The two carriages set off like this and, as the baron had said, they arrived in Creulton after sunset. The inspection at the gate had just ended, but fortunately, the team leader knew the inspector, so they were able to pass through the gates.
“You’ve done well. I’ll submit the report tomorrow.”
The knight distributed the reward for completing the mission on the spot. Yuriq, who received four gold coins, felt a sense of relief. If he had been told he would receive his pay the next day, he would have had to sleep on the streets with no money in his pocket. The mercenaries also looked gleaming with satisfaction after receiving their payment.
Once the knights left, the mercenaries burst into smiles, relieved that it was finally over.
“Hey, Yuriq, got any place to stay?”
“I’m looking now.”
“Then come with me. Let’s go see.”
Yuriq followed the mercenaries into an inn. The mercenaries, who had been groaning about sore limbs just moments ago, started drinking enthusiastically as if alcohol was a cure-all.
Yuriq also drank the wine offered to him eagerly. He even gulped down an expensive brandy, which burned his throat.
The next morning, Yuriq woke up early as usual and had breakfast in the hall with Gerbus. There were many mercenaries scattered around the hall.
“That magic was quite amazing back then. Was that sealing magic?”
“More special than simple sealing magic.”
“Barrier magic was also combined. It’s really impressive how the two magics fit perfectly without any discrepancies.”
Gerbus smiled, sensing genuine admiration rather than flattery.
“It took me almost five years to master it. You need to memorize every circuit flawlessly and activate them simultaneously to create such high-difficulty magic.”
“Indeed. So, could I learn it too?”
Gerbus chuckled.
“Of course, if you want to, I’ll teach you.”
Many wandering mages had tried to learn this over the years, but most of them were terrified by the vast amount of circuits and gave up. Even those who attempted it managed to last only a month at most. This wasn’t a field for amateurs who barely understood circuitry.
Ironically, despite the lack of popularity in curse studies among properly trained mages, Yuriq’s systematic approach stood out as encouraging to Gerbus. However, given the difficulty and the minimal benefits, it was uncertain how long Yuriq’s determination would last.
“Can you show me now?”
“What? Magic?”
“Yes, draw the circuits with mana, and I’ll watch and learn.”
Gerbus stared at Yuriq intently, unsure what he was talking about, though Yuriq seemed very serious.
“You don’t know, but the circuits are incredibly complex.”
“Oh, yes, I’ll concentrate.”
Gerbus laughed, thinking this mage must be truly obsessed with magic.
“There are plenty of such mages in the Holy Magic Guild. Some even talk about magic in their sleep. But I don’t mind.”
“Alright, follow me.”
Gerbus finished the last piece of bread on his plate and led Yuriq upstairs.
He placed an empty box on the table and put his hand on it.
“Watch closely.”
Mana flowed from Gerbus’ hand, tracing the complex circuits quickly. Yuriq watched intently, forgetting to breathe. Gerbus didn’t realize that the seal magic circuits were being imprinted into Yuriq’s mind.
‘It’s indeed complex, but impressive. The concept is unique.’
As the intricate circuits formed, the seal magic was completed.
“Now, this box is ready to hold a curse. But curses aren’t easy to trap; they won’t just let themselves be captured. So, we attack with offensive magic, weaken them with barrier magic, and then seal them.”
“I see. It’s truly remarkable magic. With some modifications, its efficiency could increase.”
“…What?”
Gerbus was puzzled.
Yuriq asked if he could try using the box. Gerbus pushed it towards him, and Yuriq started carving mana into it.
!
Gerbus couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
‘How…?’
Yuriq began to draw the seal magic circuits exactly as Gerbus had shown. Gerbus rubbed his eyes, wondering if this was a dream.
This was impossible, yet it was happening right before his eyes.
The seal magic was completed.
“How is it, Master?”
It was perfect, without a single mistake.
Gerbus stared at Yuriq.
Sometimes, there were rumors among mages that geniuses could replicate circuits after seeing them once.
Gerbus thought it was absurd. He had seen many prodigies in various magic guilds, but none with such extraordinary talent.
It was like being able to play music perfectly after hearing it once.
Of course, short pieces might be possible, but seal magic was more like a symphony with multiple movements.
Yet, Gerbus knew Yuriq couldn’t have known this seal magic beforehand, as he had spent decades refining it.
Despite the disbelief, Yuriq had mastered it completely after seeing Gerbus perform it once.
Magician Gerbus felt a shiver.
He couldn’t express this feeling adequately.
“Then, what about…”
Gerbus flowed mana through the barrier magic circuit.
Yuriq watched closely, especially since barrier magic was one of his specialties.
After the demonstration, Yuriq easily created a barrier magic.
“Now I understand how they connect.”
Then, without being taught, he combined the seal and barrier magics!
The two magics perfectly merged, functioning as a single spell.
It took Gerbus nearly five years. Despite his own talent, Yuriq’s surpassed his in a different league.
Gerbus’ hands trembled.
He found it.
Finally, he found someone to pass on his decades of research and knowledge.
Gerbus grabbed Yuriq’s hand firmly.
“Yuriq, you wanted to learn magic, right? Alright, I’ll teach you everything. All you want to know, I’ll tell you. No, take everything I know!”
“No, I can’t accept such generosity.”
“No, no. I want to give it. Really!”
He couldn’t ask Yuriq to become his apprentice. Given Yuriq’s incredible talent, he wasn’t foolish enough to think he needed a disciple. As long as the legacy continued, that was enough.
“If you teach me, I will gladly learn.”
“Alright, I understand. You’ve made a wise decision!”
Gerbus smiled broadly.
How long had it been since he felt such joy after losing his family!
Perhaps he instinctively felt he had found a comrade to share this burden.
Even if he vanished from this world, there would be someone to carry on his will.
Two days later, Gerbus discovered Yuriq’s true identity.
“This monster-like…”
He had independently improved the barrier magic on the southern front,
and developed a cure for Mana Blockage Disease,
a peerless genius mage.
Gerbus realized he was going to teach such a prodigy.
