Dark Fantasy Normalized – Chapter 56

**Title: “Um, Excuse Me, But I’m at Karma 361?”**

**Content: “Body Feather cut makes no sense, really.”**

I was trying to kick off the fate quest to start the Saint’s Destiny quest, but I have to pass the body feather cut, so I’m focusing on fate quests that give a lot of karma.

Man, when is this going to open up?

– So, the Tail Feather is 100, the Wing Feather is 300, and the Body Feather is 500, right?

– Seriously, what’s with the 500?

– Isn’t that basically like having done most of the fate quests already?

– Well, it seems there are also event quests that give more karma than the fate quests.

– How does that even make sense? The scales are completely different!

– There’s an event quest where you rescue a bunch of sacrifices from that black magician, and it gives a ton of karma for real.

– What even is the standard here?

– Could it be because fate quests already deal with situations after the fact, so even if you fix it, it surprisingly doesn’t give much karma? But that one prevents the situation, so you get a lot of karma instead.

– That sounds plausible.

– Seriously though, if that’s the case, then why not adjust the system accordingly?

– Damn, for real, who even plays this game? Am I dying?

– Why the sudden cursing?

– You know, this is the developer’s intent.

– Ah, I get it.

—

*The once-pure feather is gradually fading.*

Bardros’s black eyes trembled.

‘Is this the Body Feather?’

The feather that Gerhen claimed was the Tail Feather was actually a Body Feather processed to look like a Tail Feather.

Noticing the vile intent contained in the item, Bardros first looked to Ricir.

Into her castle, which sees through the essence of the target.

It didn’t look any different from when he first saw it. He was still the mysterious man who couldn’t perceive the essence even within the castle.

The castle only conveyed one fragmentary piece of information to its owner.

That he was absolutely not a being that could be connected to evil.

Something indescribable seemed to engrave his good nature into Bardros’s existence itself.

The castle itself defining the existence of the other party was a first experience.

No matter how clear the information, it merely provided a basis for judgment.

Despite that, Bardros already recognized his extraordinary nature.

…But to this extent?

‘The Body Feather hasn’t faded at all.’

Bardros recollected the days spent devoted to the order.

It was a long time and a vast experience that would feel distant to the youth, filled with countless good deeds.

Her achievements were at a level that would require several lifetimes for an ordinary priest to reach.

Yet, this man named Ricir had already surpassed that level at his young age.

How could this be?

Did he save the city from destruction or defeat some vile evil threatening the world?

Whatever it was, it was a ridiculous tale.

Meanwhile, the figures accompanying Ricir caught Koje’s attention.

‘Oh my god.’

As Koje caught sight of the pure white girl, he couldn’t help but be astonished.

How was he supposed to accept her existence, and Ricir being with her?

Koje’s questions about the young wandering magician only deepened.

“Koje-nim?”

Bardros came to her senses upon hearing Ricir’s voice.

She had drifted into thoughts but realized it wasn’t the time for that.

Bardros returned the Pure Feather to Ricir and addressed the crowd.

“The Pure Feather is definitely genuine.”

There was no need to highlight Ricir’s specialness or expose Gerhen’s vile plan.

“The Tail Feather didn’t react at all…”

“Isn’t that possible only for the priests of the order?”

“To be exact, it’s possible only for officially appointed priests since that’s one of the conditions for promotion.”

Ricir’s Pure Feather had maintained its purity.

“The Tail Feather burned away and disappeared…?”

“That’s ridiculous. What have you been up to?”

“With the Wing Feather, at least, even criminals just turn a dark color, right?”

The contrast between Gerhen’s impure Pure Feather and Ricir’s pure one completely dazzled the audience.

It obfuscated their essence and forced a target for both defense and criticism.

Just as Gerhen’s vile scheme intended.

“No…”

Gerhen muttered in dismay.

He wanted to shout in frustration.

You fools!

I’m not a moron! Why would I undermine someone’s uniqueness to elevate my own prestige?

Think!

This situation! Doesn’t it seem odd to anyone?

However, the moment he opened his mouth, the ‘fools’ would surely refer to him.

– Wasn’t this your doing? Why are you throwing a fit at us?

That response was guaranteed.

—

“Master Gerhen.”

Ricir spoke to the agitated Gerhen.

“Are you satisfied?”

Ricir spoke with sufficient formality.

But that mocking smile.

It was as if such a voice could be heard.

Ugh.

Get lost already.

*Clench.*

Gerhen ultimately lost his reason to anger. He started spewing the words that floated in his mind without filter.

“Respected students! Please listen! I know nothing about this! This Pure Feather was saved by my apprentice Korahn!”

“…!”

A small man in a corner of the noble faction opened his eyes wide.

The apprentice magician and Gerhen’s disciple, Korahn.

He was a commoner who had gained entry into the Mage Tower thanks to Gerhen’s powerful recommendation.

– You should never forget the influence that my intentions have on your Mage Tower’s survival.

– Never lose sight of your position.

Gerhen had repeatedly reminded Korahn of this, successfully psychologically binding him.

Indeed, even in this situation, when Gerhen pointed at him, Korahn curled up as if meeting a fierce look from a serpent. His head bowed, and his back quivered slightly.

“Korahn! Explain this matter immediately!”

He bears the burden of Master Gerhen’s flaws here.

He resists the will of Master Gerhen here.

In weighing those two situations, remarkably, Korahn leaned toward the former.

What was most fearful for a powerless commoner magician was the resentment of a master leading the noble faction.

For, in this Mage Tower and city, no one but Gerhen would side with him.

Korahn recalled all those injustices where those who had turned their backs on him.

Just then, as soon as Korahn was about to accept his situation.

“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Pure Feather. Isn’t that right?”

Ricir looked at Korahn and spoke.

“Y-yes!?”

Startled, Korahn’s body recoiled back.

‘Could he possibly be talking to me?’

He looked around, trying to gauge the situation.

Then, things he hadn’t noticed before came into view.

No one was turning their backs on him anymore to avoid offending Gerhen.

The students of the Mage Tower were looking at him with sympathetic gazes.

Gerhen’s shadow was no longer so vast that it could completely cover his world.

A multitude of students were sympathizing with Ricir, the bastard and wandering magician, rather than Master Gerhen from the noble faction.

Korahn willingly threw himself into that atmosphere.

He faced Gerhen and spoke.

“I-I know nothing about this…”

That was a natural reaction.

Gerhen wouldn’t leave a plan bearing his noble name to an apprentice.

“In return, I do know one thing…”

That night, Korahn was burning the midnight oil, processing a mountain of menial tasks that Gerhen had shoved onto him.

Then, to shake off his weary mind, he took a stroll in the courtyard and caught sight of Gerhen sneaking away somewhere.

“Master Gerhen… Well, you have two main reasons for moving in that direction at that time: either the research storage or the underground maze… Normally, you would have asked me to handle the research storage, so I wonder why you moved by yourself that night, especially at such a late hour when everyone’s attention was elsewhere…”

Korahn’s remarks posed a question to the students.

A sudden confession about the black magician that accused Ricir.

If that benefitted someone, who would it be?

“Master Gerhen.”

This time, the inquisitor’s eyes shone.

To ensure his own safety, he required perjury from the black magician, slandering an innocent person.

It was a clear object of indictment.

“I want to hear the details.”

“Y-you have no right to do that!”

Then, Meltas immediately raised his hand as if waiting for this moment.

“I, Master Meltas, wish to formally request collaboration from the order regarding the black magician matter before seeking your opinions.”

“I agree.”

Didoa echoed, and soon thereafter, the other wizards present began raising their hands one by one.

“I agree.”

“…Perrin, are you aware of what you’re agreeing to?”

“I don’t know. Didoa agreed, so I’ll just go along with it.”

In the end, all the wizards except Gerhen raised their hands in support of Meltas’ opinion.

Even the noble faction that had followed Gerhen was no exception.

“How’s this happening?”

Gerhen felt a surge of betrayal and glared at them for a moment.

“…”

Ultimately, all his hatred was directed toward one person: Ricir.

His resentment was about to take form and act upon him.

“Don’t do anything foolish, Gerhen.”

At that cold voice, Gerhen regained his composure and looked around.

“…”

In an instant, Gerhen felt an innocent bewilderment, forgetting the circumstances surrounding him.

To him, the Mage Tower represented a closed-off group symbolizing the uniqueness and authority of specific magicians.

But now,

Every magician of the Mage Tower was showing animosity toward Master Gerhen.

For one single outsider of lowly birth.

Gerhen felt an unfathomable sense of defeat and lowered his head.

—

*

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**Incident 44: Depleted Magician – Deactivated.**

**Accordingly, bonuses will be given.**

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**Incident 56: Violated Dream – Deactivated.**


**Incident 94: Stuffed Butterfly – Deactivated.**

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…

**Accordingly, bonuses will be given.**


**Accordingly, bonuses will be given.**


**Accordingly, bonuses will be given.**


**Accordingly, bonuses will be given.**


**Accordingly, bonuses will be given.**

—

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**Location: Gray Mage Tower – Deactivated.**


**Accordingly, bonuses will be given.**

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*

“Ugh.”

Being a pain in the ass takes a lot of stamina and momentum.

Gerhen sighed deeply as he finally gave up, bowing his head.

I came to check on my health and ended up caught up in this annoying mess.

Meltas, beside me, smiled wryly.

“Sorry to drag you into this mess, Ricir. I don’t know if it’ll be a consolation, but after this incident, all matters related to you will be resolved swiftly.”

“Ugh. A consolation? You bet it is. Suddenly, I feel my energy surging—”

Was this what they mean by words taking form?

The moment I spoke, my energy genuinely began to surge.

Wait.

Hold on.

This isn’t energy; it’s something else!

“This man. Here we go again.”

“Oh my god, Ricir. Control your mana a bit. You really double up at the strangest times.”

“Guys, even if you scold me—”

Once again, my mana surged unexpectedly.

This was now a routine event I was so familiar with that it was beyond annoying.

The three of us casually exchanged jokes without a care.

“Cough!”

That was until I remembered the fact that I was in overload mode.

“…”


“…”

The two of them stared intently at me.

“Oh crap— Cough! Ack!”

The back of my hand covering my mouth got immediately smeared with blood.

A few suspicious-looking clumps got on it too, and I hoped that they were just some phlegm-like tissue.

I couldn’t conceal my panic.

Wasn’t the rise of mana supposed to follow stabilization?

But I hadn’t even used the stabilization power once today!

“Huff— Huff—”

My eye sockets ached as if they would pop out, and I forced them shut tight.

I could feel a warm liquid dripping from my closed eyes.

Please. Just be tears.

Please say it’s tears.

“Ahhh! Ricir!!!”

Crap, it looks like it’s not.

My legs gave way, and I fell forward.

Pat pat.

Something with four legs approached quickly, and I felt a warm sensation on my face.

Pamon seemed to be licking my face.

Miraculously, the area being licked felt rejuvenated.

But it was still far from enough to improve my condition.

“Koje! Help—”


“Someone help!”

It felt like my hair was standing on end.

The sensation was as if my body had entered a state I couldn’t control.

“Cough— Cough—”

It was becoming increasingly difficult to breathe.

It hurt.

I never thought I would experience such pain in my life.

The more I struggled to draw breath, the clearer that pain became.

“Huff…! Huff…!”

However, the more I focused on breathing.

For some reason, it felt like I had to do it that way.

An instinctive struggle.

And then, at some point, I realized.

The mana was trying to escape my physical confines.

They were reacting to my breath.

It was a strange sensation.

After all, magic is the technique for handling mana through the mind.

But mana reacting to one’s body was clearly a phenomenon outside the norm of mana.

So what was this?

‘The Blue Breath…’

Memories from my bastard days floated up.

A technique that forms the foundation of martial arts, contrasting with the essence of magic.

The techniques that I desperately yearned for as a bastard but ultimately could not obtain.

I was instinctively handling it.

I could feel the mana, which threatened to fill my shell to the point of bursting, gradually blending with my body.

—

*

“Koje! Quickly…!”

Pamon, with tear-filled eyes, was fidgeting and begging Bardros.

Meanwhile, Bardros had already moved close to Ricir, prepared to unleash the power of the divine.

“Wait a moment—”

At that moment, none other than Ricir himself restrained Bardros.

Huff.

Huff.

He tried to calm his haggard breath as he continued.

“Just a moment, a little longer…”

“Ricir!? What do you mean by that!!!”

“Just a little… just a little longer…”

Muttering softly, Ricir seemed to have been entranced by something.

Bardros correlated her perceptions with the appearances of past patients.

He might be in a state of delirium right now.

They couldn’t leave the judgment to him.

Bardros attempted to proceed with the healing.

“…”

Yet, a sudden look of confusion arose on her face.

Her gaze was directed toward Ricir’s chest.

His heaving breaths were swift yet regular.

In time with that rhythm, his mana moved.

Bardros shaded the images of other past patients over his mind.

Those superhumans who regulated their physical state and controlled injuries through their breaths.

“Blue Breath…?”

Koje, rarely, lost his composure.

A magician was demonstrating the techniques of martial artists at a most unexpected time.

“Ricir?”

The next to catch on to the anomaly was Pamon, Meltas, Perrin—Ricir’s group.

They began watching Ricir’s state like he was under a spell.

Soon, other magicians began to notice the phenomenon occurring with Ricir’s body and approached one by one.

Even as they did, Ricir’s breathing was stabilizing with every passing moment.

Not just holding the mana inside but blending it with his body.

As a result, the collapse of his body from being unable to handle the surging mana was delayed.

The loss of vitality that was making him weak was being replenished by the newly formed vitality.

One of the surrounding magicians muttered.

“Could it be… he’s mastering mana breathing in real-time right now…?”

Though no one seemed to hear that comment, inside, everyone was repeating those words.

Amidst the peculiar stillness, only Ricir’s breathing flowed regularly.

“Cough-”

The one to break that silence was indeed Ricir.

No more could he push himself.

That led him to leave one last cry before his consciousness faded.

“Now! Help me!”

It was the strangest rescue plea anyone had ever heard in their lives.

Koje, astonished, immediately began his healing.

Amid it all, someone else muttered.

“By the way… wasn’t this guy just at the brink of Level 4? It was written clearly in Tulan’s report…”

Though no one seemed to hear that comment, inside, everyone was repeating those words.

—

*

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**Ricir**

**Level: 38**

**Race: Human**

**Class: Magician, Knight**

—

—

*

—

How long has it been since that incident that shocked the Mage Tower occurred?

Ricir regained consciousness on a strange bed.

He silently nodded his head.

“Is that an angel…? Have I, perhaps, died…?”

This he said, looking at Pamon sitting beside him, watching him.

Sigh.

Pamon couldn’t help but let out a sigh mixed with laughter.

“It looks like Roana and Koje really worked hard. The moment you come to your senses, you blurt out nonsensical stuff.”

“Roana and Koje…?”

“Yes. The two ‘priests’ worked tirelessly while you were out cold. Be sure to thank them properly when you meet later.”

Alright.

Pamon clapped her hands to lighten the atmosphere.

“To celebrate your awakening, I have good news and bad news for you, which one would you like to hear first?”

“First, can I know how long I’ve been out?”

“About two weeks.”

“…Is there something worse than that?”

“Your Mage Tower supporter qualification is still on hold.”

“Did I wake up too soon? Should I have slept for another hundred years?”

“Then go ahead.”

“…And the good news?”

“The hold is because they want you to become an honorary magician rather than a supporter of the Mage Tower.”

“…Out of the blue?”

Pamon chuckled as she gazed into the distance.

“Our sleeping princess. You have no idea what happened while you were in a deep slumber.”