Demon-Hunting Genius Mage

[Translator - Prøks]

[Proofreader - Prøks]

Chapter 32

The traits obtained through the [Essence of Light] can be grown to a maximum of one stage higher.

Common tier to Rare tier, Rare tier to Heroic tier, Heroic tier to Legendary tier.

Therefore, obtaining a Legendary tier trait with the [Essence of Light] meant that it could be grown to a 'Mythic' tier trait.

I didn't have high expectations.

As far as I know, it would take a very long time for a trait obtained through the Essence to grow.

But.

'Did it really grow...?'

Looking back at the situation based on the 2nd Elder's words, it seemed that my trait had indeed grown.

From Legendary tier to Mythic tier.

...It's unbelievable, but that seems to be the case.

Otherwise, there's no way to explain why my light magic has become perfect.

'What's the condition?'

It wouldn't have grown without any reason.

I carefully retraced the intricately intertwined situation.

The 'revelation' presumably descended by the Demon of Desire, Asmodeus.

Dercion, who tried to see the 'true light' with the reckless plan of using the magic tower personnel to defeat Baal.

And my trait, which grew despite the failure of that reckless plan.

There must be something I missed somewhere...

'...No way?'

Suddenly, a thought came to mind.

There are generally two ways to grow a trait obtained through the [Essence of Light].

Hunt a large number of demons, or hunt a demon legion commander.

But what if that wasn't all?

What if there was another growth condition that I didn't know about...?

All the puzzle pieces fit perfectly.

'...Confronting Baal was the condition for the growth of the trait.'

There's actually a rumor about that.

The rumor that 'The Light of Aldeon grows just by facing Baal'.

Since my light magic has grown, it's reasonable to assume that the rumor is true-.

"Time's up."

Before my thoughts could end, the supervisor informed me that the visit was over.

"...I'll be going."

Still, most of the questions I had were resolved.

Satisfied with this much, I got up from my seat.

"...Farewell."

I didn't specifically mention to the 2nd Elder that my magic had grown.

There would be no benefit for me in letting them know this.

Above all, they didn't deserve to know that the 'true light' they desired had been born.

Thud, thud-.

I left the detention center without looking back and moved to the next location.

Perhaps it was because I realized that I had been given two Mythic tier traits.

My shoulders felt strangely heavy.

***

After leaving the detention center, I headed to the [Information Center].

To check if there were any further changes to 'The Prophecy of the Blood Moon' I had heard two months ago.

"Long time no see, crazy mage."

As before, a man dressed entirely in black greeted me.

I nodded once and sat down familiarly.

"So, what brings you here today?"

"I came to check if there were any changes to the prophecy you mentioned last time."

" The Prophecy of the Blood Moon, you mean?"

"Yes."

The man rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a document.

"There aren't any major changes. The prophecy will come true in a month, as scheduled."

"Is there any information about the invasion?"

"About that... here."

Tap, tap.

The man tapped a part of the document.

There was a miniature map of Asternon drawn on it. The man pointed to the outskirts of Sector 6, where the 4th Wall was located.

It was also the place I used when I crossed over from Sector 7 to Sector 6.

"There have been reports of frequent magical energy observations in this area recently. It's still faint, but it seems highly likely that they will invade this way."

"So, it won't be a war within the sector. How is the royal family responding?"

"Nothing has been decided yet, but according to our agent, an announcement will be made soon. They're planning to mobilize the frontline troops, mercenary groups, hunters, and the Royal Knights. Oh, and they're also accepting volunteers."

"...I see."

Hearing that the Royal Knights would be mobilized relieved me of some worry.

Mobilizing the Royal Knights meant that the royal family was also paying close attention to this war.

Then, all I need to do is focus on my growth and preparing for the war.

And for that...

"There's one piece of information I'd like to request."

"A request? Hmm, tell me. I can get you almost anything."

"I'd like to get a list of people researching 'light' magic in Asternon."

First, I needed to learn about the Mythic tier trait I possess.

Even I don't have information on the Mythic tier trait obtained through the [Essence of Light].

To grow, I needed to understand its exact effects, and for that, I needed to visit a researcher.

'Of course, that researcher has to be someone trustworthy.'

Naturally, mages can also conduct research, but fundamentally, researchers seemed more trustworthy than mages, who are generally greedy.

If there's no one suitable, I'll do it myself.

"Light magic... Okay. It will take about a week."

"What's the cost?"

"Including the previous information, just give me 20 gold coins."

...This place is good, but it's expensive.

20 gold coins is the amount I could earn by taking on two requests.

It seems like I'll quickly use up all the gold coins I worked hard to earn before entering the magic tower.

'...Should I start an information center myself?'

With that idle thought, I hand over the gold coins.

"...Here you go."

"Heh heh, see you in a week."

Leaving the guy with the creepy smile behind, I left the information center.

The next place I headed to was the [Request Office].

Creak-.

As I entered through the back door I used last time, Lena, who was wiping glasses at the bar, looked up.

And as soon as she saw me, her eyes widened.

"Oh... you're back?"

Her eyes held a mixture of surprise and worry.

Like a puppy with a treat in front of it, her lips twitched.

But Lena didn't readily speak.

Perhaps, having heard the rumors about Aldeon, she was being cautious about asking first.

I decided to relieve her curiosity without delay.

"I succeeded in the request."

"...Really?"

Lena's eyes widened once again.

Her face showed she hadn't expected it at all.

"I heard that place was in an uproar... Did you really gather all the information?"

"Yes, all four of them."

"Wow..."

With a small gasp of admiration, Lena beckoned me inside.

Her gesture conveyed a sense of urgency.

I entered the cramped space where I had received the request last time, and sat facing Lena in the same place, still crammed with request forms.

She brushed her hair back once and made a serious face.

"Then tell me. What in the world happened at the magic tower? I was dying of curiosity."

And that face quickly turned to shock as I began to speak.

"So... Aldeon was raising demons in captivity, and using them to kill mages who applied for the evaluation as sacrifices...? To open a passage to the demon world."

"That's right. Aldeon's goal was to summon and defeat Baal. The demons, the evaluation, the opening of the magic tower after 100 years. All of it was a foundation for that."

"Huh..."

Lena let out a dumbfounded laugh and voiced her doubts, as if something felt off.

"Then why did they release the rest of you in the first place?"

"They needed someone to spread the word. If things went south, the troops sent from Asternon would become reinforcements. And that's exactly what happened."

"What kind of life do you have to live to have that kind of thought process?"

"...Well."

The explanation continued, and Lena's anger reached the point of pounding on the table.

Bang!

"...So all of that is because of one magic spell? On what grounds...!"

"I'm not sure, but... It seems like they fell for Asmodeus' scheme."

"...Asmodeus? Are you talking about the Demon of desires?"

"Yes. He stimulated Dercion's desires through dreams."

"Huh..."

Lena rubbed her forehead, looking troubled.

It seemed like this unbelievable situation was giving her a lot to think about as well.

After a while, Lena began to organize her thoughts.

"...Okay, I understand. I'll organize the information you gave me and deliver it to the client."

"When will I receive the promised Pendant of Holy Oil and the gold coins?"

"You'll probably be contacted soon. The client will surely be satisfied with this level of information."

"Good."

Thud, Lena put down the pen she was taking notes with and stared at me.

"You're really something. I didn't think you'd actually succeed in this impossible request."

"I don't take on requests I can't succeed in."

"You're still unlucky."

"..."

Seeing me speechless, Lena let out a small laugh and said,

"So, what are you going to do now?"

"About what?"

"I was wondering if you'd like some requests if you don't have any particular plans. There are quite a few lucrative requests these days."

"Ah."

The mention of lucrative requests made me consider for a moment, but I quickly dismissed the thought.

Right now, there were more important things than earning money through requests.

"I don't think I can take any for the time being. I still have a lot to deal with."

"Well, alright. Requests come in often, so come by when you need them."

"Okay."

With that, I said goodbye to Lena and left the Request Office.

The sun had already set, and the sky was dark.

'I should find a place to stay soon.'

Just as I made that decision and was about to take a step,

A man suddenly approached me.

"Are you Mr. Yuhan?"

He had his hair swept to the side and was dressed neatly. A face I'd never seen before.

I nodded, and the man began to introduce himself.

"I am Jeff Braidan from the Asternon Academy. I am currently serving Mr. Roan Vilgef on behalf of the academy."

"Roan Vilgef? Did he send you?"

"Yes, Mr. Roan asked me to bring you to him."

Only then did I slightly lower my guard.

It seemed Roan had something to say to me.

"How did you know I was here?"

"...Tracking magic is my specialty. I apologize if you were offended. Your whereabouts were quite unclear..."

"...Well, it's alright. As long as there were no ill intentions."

"Of course, I had no such intentions."

"That's a relief."

Jeff smiled and pointed to the carriage behind him.

"If you don't mind, could you please come with me?"

"Where are we going?"

"The Hope Bar in the central district of Sector 6. It's also a building owned by the Vilgef family."

If we were leaving Sector 6, I would have refused, but that wasn't the case.

'If it's in the central district, it's where I have to go to find a place to stay anyway.'

I made a quick decision.

"Alright. Let's go."

I followed Jeff's guidance and got into the carriage.

Whether it was owned by a noble family or the academy, the ride was quite comfortable.

I leaned back against the soft cushions and organized my chaotic thoughts.

Before long, I heard a knock.

"Mr. Yuhan, we've arrived."

"Yes."

As I stepped into the Hope Bar, I saw familiar faces.

"Oh! The first place guy is here! Are you alright?"

Mr. Thompson, with whom I had joined forces to catch the basilisk.

"You've come."

Roan Vilgef, a true magic genius, though I didn't know his inner thoughts.

"The top ranker has appeared."

"...We've been waiting."

And the other mages who had risked their lives with me.

Gathered around a round table, they were all smiles, welcoming me with bright faces.

...Had they grown fond of each other in such a short time?

Seeing them made me feel like my mind, which had been stiff all day, was finally relaxing.

With a smile on my face, I took a light step forward.

[Translator - Prøks]

[Proofreader - Prøks]