The Frugal Mage

"Wait… Rayven, you weren't a mage a month ago. You… How did you become a mage?" Stein asked as he just had the time to process Rayven's massive change.

Rayven felt a little nervous…

However, since he already expected this much to happen, he knew that he had to simply calm down and reply with the answers he had already prepared beforehand.

He couldn't tell his brother that he was no longer the same Rayven, that his soul carried the memories and knowledge of Yuto Arakawa, a man from a distant modern world… and that he had a cheat system.

Such a truth would be more dangerous than helpful.

So, he gave the same story he had already told Albert.

"I was lucky…" Rayven said with a faint smile…

"You remember the caravan incident? When I was the only survivor? That was when I met Old Man Thyruz. He's a Tier 3 Mage and an Enchanter. He pulled me from the wreckage and healed me. I traveled with him for a while, and… he taught me. Just enough for me to find my footing as an Initiate Mage. I guess I'm just compatible with it."

Stein felt that it was a bit too much for a simple compatibility reason… He recalled that Rayven shouldn't even have that talent.

He could only think that Rayven was some sort of a late bloomer, and he just needed to experience some kind of life and death event to force out his true talent.

"Thyruz…" Stein repeated the name as if committing it to memory.

Well, Thyruz might actually be a legendary mage at the highest tier. If that were the case, it wouldn't be surprising if Rayven achieved so much in just a span of weeks.

That would actually explain everything…

For now, the tension in his shoulders eased as he confirmed that Rayven was still quite the same even after the incident.

"Alright… If he was the one who helped you, then I suppose that explains it. He must be a great teacher then…"

Rayven nodded, careful to keep his expression steady.

"Yes… Just don't overestimate me. I'm not a great mage, but at least I can protect myself now."

Stein gently nodded as he patted Rayven's head. "You've grown stronger while I led us into disaster. Father would have expected more from me…"

Rayven shook his head. "You're alive. That's what matters. The rest can be fixed."

Stein sighed, and he finally closed his eyes… Exhaustion was pulling him into sleep.

"We'll speak more later… I need to rest."

"Rest, brother..." Rayven whispered as he fixed Stein's position so he could sleep better.

***

In the morning of the next day, their carriages had finally rolled back through the city gates.

Everyone was tired and just wanted to take a rest.

Stein was still deep in sleep, and they didn't wake him up.

Rayven, however, only managed four hours before he was awoken by the rattling of the carriage.

Nonetheless, Albert handled Stein's matter as he swiftly returned to his quarters. He washed quickly, took a simple breakfast, and left without disturbing Stein.

Four hours of rest was already enough for him.

At this time, Rayven went straight to the Adventurers Guild.

He was not here to find missions but to meet with the Gray Ring Adventurers Team.

Inside the guild hall, mercenaries, hunters, and errand-runners crowded the front hall, either turning in completed quests or searching the mission board for their next job.

He made his way to the counter, where a receptionist recognized him and quickly brought out a small pouch. It was Stella.

"Rayven… This is your share of the Greater Hybrid Goat hunt. The rest of your party already collected theirs... They left a note for you."

Since they didn't know when Rayven arrived, they had just left some instructions to the receptionist.

After all, Rayven was in a hurry to leave yesterday.

Rayven accepted the pouch, weighing it in his hand.

As soon as he checked it, he realized that it actually contained seven gold coins!

Alongside it was a folded slip of parchment. Opening it, he read Victor's handwriting:

"We split the profit evenly. Your cut includes coins from the hide, horns, blood, cores, and others we sold to the merchants. Drosk still has some of the goat meat if you want a portion. He swears it makes his stew stronger than any tonic. Meet us at noon if you're free, so we can discuss the dungeon exploration…"

Rayven smiled as he read the message that was probably written by Emma.

Still, he couldn't deny the satisfaction in seeing the results of their work.

The Greater Hybrid Goat was an easy opponent, but they had earned so much because of treasure hunting.

Rayven then kept the pouch in his belt and was about to step aside when a, familiar voice called from the staircase above.

"Rayven. Come up to my office for a moment."

It was Guildmaster Warren, and his words attracted some attention.

The murmurs of adventurers quieted slightly at the sound of his voice, though only for a moment before the noise of the guild returned.

Still, a few eyes followed Rayven as he was summoned upstairs.

Rayven obeyed and followed the Guildmaster into the office. Warren then motioned for him to sit while he poured himself a cup of tea.

"You've been busy lately…" Warren said, settling into his chair…

Rayven gave a polite nod as he believed that Warren had heard about Stein's situation...

Well, they mobilized their Silver Escort Units after all.

"I've just been doing what I can." He replied.

"Mhmm… I'll get to the point. The Silver-Rank party I introduced you to before with Drosk, Emma, Hale, and Victor… They'll be entering a dungeon soon…"

"Right… It seems that they'll be discussing it with me later." Rayven replied.

"Yes… The Gray Ring Squad has already requested that you join them. They believe your magic will make the difference between success and failure. However, I must warn you that this 17th Dungeon has become more dangerous… Aside from the skitterfangs, another type of beast was discovered."