NOVEL NEXT Chapter 70
The atmosphere in Heins’s personal research lab was quite cheerful.
“Really? That actually happened?”
“Haha. That’s right! Ever since Viktor got that unique equipment, he’s been going wild, despite my worries.”
Heins made a deliberately silly expression and said amusingly, “We fought against a humanoid special species like our lives depended on it, and at the critical moment, when Viktor got hit by a monster’s attack and went flying, the guy who hit him suddenly looked completely dazed, can you believe it?”
Bing!
“It was just for a moment, but seeing that, our injured party members marked him, and Viktor’s furious strike dealt a huge blow to the monster.”
Swish!
“Well, guess what! That monster didn’t retaliate; instead, it suddenly looked at us and asked for food.”
“Food? I can’t believe it! I bet everyone was left dumbfounded!”
“Exactly! You know, I honestly thought Viktor’s unique equipment was all talk with no action except resistance, but it turned out to be terrifyingly effective. If it weren’t for that talisman, someone might have died.”
Mind control… Despite the ridiculous name, it really packs a punch.
“Of course, it worked because the enemy’s mental defense was weak or low-level. Anyway, we caught that special species and returned to the city, and this time we hit the jackpot.”
Heins gestured toward me and continued speaking.
“Thanks to that, I have some spare time, and I was able to put out requests, which is how I came to meet Aren here.”
Slurp!
By now, we had almost finished our tea and had shared nearly all our stories.
“By the way, it’s amazing. A cave and hidden space on the 4th floor!”
“Oh, don’t even get me started. If it weren’t for the ingenuity of a friend who joined us back there, it would have been quite tough.”
Heins adjusted his glasses as he spoke.
“Anyway, finding that thing on the way was a good call. At the end of such a cave, where darkness might flow out, of course, it’s nonsense, but there could be terrifying higher species like a lich or death knight dwelling there. I can’t even guess the origin of the place.”
“They say the Great Labyrinth is such a place. Nobody knows when or where something will happen.”
Heins nodded as if agreeing with that statement and changed his sitting position to slowly dive into the main topic.
“Now, let’s discuss the request. To cut to the chase, I was quite satisfied with this item.”
“What do you mean by that…?”
After telling me to wait a moment, he went to another room and returned with something he placed on the table.
“We can offer several options regarding the reward. Let’s take a look at the first one.”
Slide!
The first item he pointed to was none other than a small brown pouch. Surely, it must contain money.
“Yes. That’s exactly what you’re thinking. I’ll give you 2 gold coins and 50 silver coins. The average auction price for a regular golem core is about 2 gold coins.”
2 gold coins and 50 silver coins! That’s enough to cover more than half of the money I spent on armor.
“Considering the unique rarity of the core I’ve never seen before, I think this valuation is appropriate. Now, shall we move on to the second option?”
Heins slid a yellowish scroll toward me on the table.
────
[Rockfall] (D grade)
To use it, gaze into the air and mentally designate a space, then tear the scroll in half.
If used correctly, a rock falls from the air to the designated location without warning.
─If an enemy struck directly by the rock is not killed and their durability is below D grade, they have a high chance of falling unconscious, becoming dizzy, or suffering internal bleeding.
─Weak armor-ignoring damage is dealt to enemies struck by fragments of the fallen rock.
────
“This scroll contains the 4th tier magic Rockfall. It’s definitely handy in life-threatening situations.”
It would certainly be good to use it in conjunction with the Palm of Destruction scroll I obtained in the cave last time.
But is this all? He said various options while suggesting to choose one of the two?
“The final third reward is an enchantment. Any item I can work with, whether it’s equipment or not, I can grant permission to use mid-level techniques from the Earth School for an option addition.”
“By enchantment, you mean…?”
“Well, for example, if it’s armor, a random option could be added, like a simple defense increase or damage reduction.”
Heins tapped the table with his index finger, continuing, “There are also unique options like pushing the opponent away with a certain probability when taking damage. As for weapons, it could make them heavier to swing.”
He explained all the rewards he could offer, asking me to choose one of the three.
What should I pick? Money is the most ordinary option, but…
People can’t help but be drawn to limited or special offers even when they don’t need them.
Considering it’s the school’s technique, it seems like a rare opportunity, making me hesitate.
Chaos, do you have any insight on enchantments? Which one should I choose?
[Chaos states that enchantments come in many varieties, such as those directly received from specialized enchanters or strengthened by techniques from magic towers or the shamanic tribes of remote regions, or consumables that are applied, etc.]
Whoa.
[Chaos also mentions that despite their variety, it doesn’t mean they’re common, so such opportunities are rarely found.]
In conclusion, you’re saying choose the enchantment, right? I guess it makes sense, considering I was unsure if it would hold its value compared to gold coins.
Having Chaos really bolstered my confidence.
“Money is easily earned again. A lasting enchantment is better than a one-time use scroll. I’ll choose the third.”
“Excellent choice. This means it’s time to use the contributions I’ve been saving instead to compensate you─.”
Beep!
“Oh! Just a moment. Please wait here. I’ll be back shortly.”
From another door leading to the research lab, a beeping sound echoed like a call.
Click!
The door closed, and I couldn’t see him, but I could faintly hear a voice.
“Yes. Yes? No, what do you mean? Even if the Elder said so, is it really alright to leave my guest here? Alright, understood. Let’s cut the call.”
Bang!
Heins burst through the door, looking frantic.
“Ah. Aren, I’m sorry. We need to stop our chat here; it seems I have to meet with our school’s master and the Elder of the Magic Tower.”
What?
“Huh? What do you mean all of a sudden…? Wait. Can I just ask one thing? Will anything bad happen to me if we go?”
“Absolutely not! Even if anything does happen, I’ll make sure to handle it, so could you spare just a little time for me?”
He stood up from his seat.
Yeah, what? Is he going to kill me just like that?
If Heins loses his composure and asks so earnestly, it must be hard to refuse.
“Fine. Well, if it means meeting a high-ranking figure instead of a magic demonstration, it shouldn’t be a totally unpleasant experience.”
“Thank you. And as a token of my gratitude for accommodating me, I’ll throw in that scroll along with the enchantment.”
Well, that sounds good for me.
I accepted the scroll he offered and put it in my backpack while following behind Heins.
*
“Well then. How have you been, Scarlet? It’s time for my weekly teaching session again.”
“Have you been well, Elder?”
“Of course! Haha, what kind of work could I have? I’m just here eating and lazing about. …You seem like you have something to say, though?”
“Oh gosh. You’re quite perceptive. Actually, there’s one favor I’d like to ask.”
Scarlet laughed, saying it was perfect since their schedules coincided.
“Go on, I’m listening.”
…
“So, you want me to arrange a meeting with someone named Aren on the 27th floor with one of your subordinates? But how did you find out about this?”
“Oh come on. You know everyone turns a blind eye to the communication channels. You can be a little mischievous at times, can’t you?”
The Elder stroked his beard thoughtfully.
“Hmmm. What’s the reason I should grant your request? I have no real incentive to be rude to a guest of our school’s mage. I’m not the type to use my authority against people.”
“If you do this, I’ll plead with my father to pay more attention to the Earth School.”
“Do you really think that would work, given that he’s trapped in his role? Conrad isn’t that soft-hearted.”
Hehe, it’s funny how the skills I’ve been setting aside are being utilized in this way.
Scarlet clasped her hands together and leaned forward.
“This is going to be seen by the Elder before my father, so don’t be too surprised.”
Flame!
Swish!
Boom!!!
From her hands erupted a fierce white flame that soared up.
Fwoosh…
But before even ten seconds passed, it was extinguished.
“Huff… That was dizzying. It’s still pretty tough for me, isn’t it? You saw that, right?”
The Elder’s eyes widened, almost popping out of his head, at the momentary blaze.
“Wow, no matter what you’ve eaten, how can you conjure white flames at that age?”
“What do you think? Isn’t this enough to catch my father’s attention? I mean, the tower master’s?”
“Alright. Whatever it takes, I’ll make the meeting happen. I won’t ask anything, so just be worried about the rest.”
Scarlet winked with one eye.
“Other people aren’t as trustworthy. You know, right? The rather gruff Elder and the overly chatty Third Elder, among others… they’re just not that reliable, you know?”
“Hoho! You’re absolutely right! Among the Elders, there’s no one as solid and reliable as me! Isn’t that why I’m the authority on Earth-based magic?”
“Since you’re graciously doing me a favor, give him something nice too. Say a good word, will you? Right? Grandpa?”
Seeing Scarlet pout and shine her eyes charmfully made the Elder thump his chest.
“Given your achievement, today’s lesson can be overlooked. I’ll call him right after I step down. Who’s the guest on the 27th floor?”
“Heins. His name is Heins.”
“I remember. But, what’s the connection with this Aren fellow that you’re making such a request?”
“Shh.”
Scarlet put her finger to her lips.
“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t ask anything?”
“Ahem. I must have been too clueless. To be talking about supporting you already… What a lucky fellow.”
The Elder stepped onto the central warp magic circle.
“Then, I’ll be on my way. If anyone asks why today’s teaching ended early, I’ll come up with something.”
“Yes, please go.”
Whoosh!
“Is he gone? Ugh. I’m so tired. Oh! Wait, this isn’t the time.”
Scarlet infused mana into the communication device tucked in her bosom.
Buzz…
After a short wait, a female voice came through from the other end of the communication device.
“Oh? What a surprise to hear from you during teachin’ hours?”
“You. Do you still have that familiar I made you?”
“Huh? Yeah. Of course I do.”
“Then, take it and head straight to the Elder. After that, pass it along to that guy named Aren and help them get closer. Tell him to narrow the distance.”
“Me? Get closer to a guy? Just like that?”
Scarlet let out a shallow sigh.
“Fine! Just get going with it!”
“I understand! Don’t sigh; it’s terrifying! Ugh, what a fate I have.”
“Stop messing around, and just go.”
“Yes, I’ll connect for progress reports after tomorrow. See you.”
Click!
After putting away the now disconnected communication device, Scarlet blushed and placed her hands on her cheeks.
Her breath was getting a little ragged.
Ahhh… this is great. I’ll finally get to see his face, even if it’s through a backdoor.
Fwoosh!
The flames flickered with her emotions.
“This is all I can hope for right now.”
*
“Thank you for fulfilling this demanding request. Heins, you should head back now.”
An Elder of the Magic Tower and the Master of the Earth School, was a Dwarf?