Wizard Bloodline

It was the same tree spring Ronan had discovered during his first morning run. After achieving proficiency with [Energy Missile], he made it a regular stop again.

The area around the spring bore clear signs of human activity, which didn't surprise Ronan. If he could find this spring, others could too.

He knew a wizard lived nearby—a girl, about sixteen or seventeen, with thick bangs and long braids, who often walked with her head down.

Ronan had encountered her a few times but never got a clear look at her face.

"Probably a pockmarked, buck-toothed ugly duckling," Ronan mused with a hint of mischief.

He then remembered he had quite a few freckles himself, feeling the sting of his own "boomerang" remark coming back to hit him.

Moving past the spring, Ronan headed west.

After about ten minutes, the shadow of a small black treehouse appeared in the distance.

Approaching, he saw an old man with brown hair in a shabby black robe, tending a fire on the small clearing beneath the treehouse, roasting something.

"Smells delicious!"

Ronan stepped out from the woods, announcing his presence.

The wizard, mid-bbq, tensed up instantly but relaxed upon recognizing Ronan.

"Oh, dear Ronan, you've come just in time!"

The old man laughed heartily and invited him over.

"Red-tailed gray mountain goat meat—I went through quite a bit of trouble to get one. Come, have a taste!"

"With pleasure."

Ronan accepted the invitation with a smile.

The old man, named Wills, was a "new friend" Ronan had made this month—the only wizard friend he had.

Wills was quite old, likely old enough to be Ronan's grandfather, and a bit stronger than Ronan as a Level 3 Wizard Apprentice.

Old Wills had a pleasant personality, with little ambition or desire. According to him, he had abandoned hope of advancing to a Level 4 Wizard Apprentice long ago and had already booked a ticket to leave Hoddam Wizarding Land in the fall, planning to live out his days as a noble in some mundane kingdom.

Wills was a long-time resident of the treehouse district, well-liked by many wizards, and had a knack for cooking. Ronan occasionally visited for a meal.

The tender goat meat sizzled on the grill, the orange-red flames releasing aromatic oils.

Wills skillfully managed the fire, finally sprinkling a handful of special spices from his pouch, filling the small grove with a rich aroma.

Ronan used his knife to carve pieces of the roasted goat, and the two sat on a fallen, bare tree trunk to eat.

"Want some wine?"

Wills pulled out a beautiful silver flask from the hollow trunk, offering it to Ronan.

"No, thanks."

Ronan shook his head, declining while chewing on the roasted meat. It wasn't about mistrust, but alcohol dulled the senses, slowing reactions and affecting casting speed.

In case of an unexpected situation, Ronan didn't want to risk his life for a moment's indulgence.

The red-tailed gray mountain goat was unique to the area, feeding on sweet berries rather than grass.

Its meat was said to be exceptionally tender with a sweet, fruity aroma. 

After tasting it, Ronan found it decent but not as extraordinary as the rumors claimed.

However, the goat was known for its speed and timidity, making it incredibly hard to catch. How Wills managed was a mystery.

"So, how's your study of runology going?"

They chatted casually while eating.

Ronan hadn't kept his self-study of rune engraving a secret, having mentioned it in passing to Wills during a previous conversation. Surprisingly, Wills remembered.

"Ah, it's tough."

Ronan sighed, his worried expression not entirely feigned.

"Don't rush it."

Wills patted his shoulder reassuringly. "You're young and have plenty of time. Take it slow."

Ronan nodded, neither of them delving too deeply into the topic.

As they ate, Wills suddenly shared some fresh news.

"Did you know? A pair of half-elf siblings moved in on the eastern side recently!"

"Half-elves?!"

Ronan was taken aback, his mind conjuring images of fair-skinned, beautiful elf maidens with pointed ears and long legs.

Wow, who would've thought this fantasy creature existed in the wizarding land.

Ronan's curiosity piqued, he urged Wills to elaborate.

"Probably have some elf blood in them. I don't know much, only saw them once."

Wills cautioned Ronan, "If you plan on approaching them, be careful. I interacted with them, and they're not easy to get along with—quite fierce."

On his way back after the meal, Ronan's thoughts lingered on the half-elf siblings.

The idea of a "half-elf maiden" was quite enticing.

In his previous life, Ronan had only seen elves in anime and movies. Hearing that a genuine elf-blooded girl lived nearby made him eager to meet her.

But Wills' serious warning forced him to suppress his eagerness for now.

If even a Level 3 Wizard Apprentice like Wills found them difficult and fierce, approaching recklessly would be unwise.

"How intriguing... I'll definitely find a chance to meet them later. Better than always chatting with an old man."

Ronan held onto a quiet anticipation.

A leisurely stroll back home left him feeling refreshed.

Ronan practiced [Energy Missile] on the empty ground, then bathed and meditated.

Once he felt his state was optimal again, Ronan returned to the workbench.

"Three chances."

Gazing at the last three blank rune stones, Ronan calmed himself.

The universal powder he bought last time was almost gone; only one bag remained, freshly opened.

He scooped a few spoonfuls of grayish powder into a small clay pot, mixing it with the morning dew he collected daily. The preparation for rune engraving was almost complete.

The preparation of the universal powder solution was a skill in itself, but after extensive practice, Ronan developed his own understanding, precisely controlling the water-to-powder ratio.

Pouring the solution into the carving knife's reservoir, Ronan picked up a blank rune stone and mentally reviewed the shape and details of the [Cleanse] rune.

Taking a deep breath, he lifted the carving knife.