Chapter 175 – Samwell's Tavern (1)
The damaged
Thanks to Calia's promise to repair them within the Marquisate, there was no need to seek out a blacksmith, nor spend money.
Verden did not refuse her goodwill.
Calia's mansion courtyard.
Verden, dressed lightly, ran at full speed.
Even if a Mage trained the body, there would be no dramatic change.
Unless it was reinforcement through imbued magic, catching up to the strength, speed, and agility of someone who had awakened aura was impossible.
This was the difference between magic power and aura.
But that did not mean stamina should be neglected.
Stamina was the very ability to sustain battle, the power to maintain judgment in urgent situations. No matter how much magic power one had, if exhaustion left them unable to even breathe, it was fatal.
"Hoo."
Verden slowed his pace and exhaled.
After loosening his body so simply, he moved on. With stamina training finished, it was time to temper his magic power.
'This should be enough.'
A small clearing in the corner of the garden.
Standing at its center, Verden lightly activated his mana circuits. The magic power flowing through his body spilled outward.
There, recalling the sensation of the other day, he gradually altered the nature of his magic power.
A new magic, imitating Edmon Rodliner's method.
Fwoosh.
A small flame bloomed in the air.
Unlike yesterday, the result of altering his magic nature not to gravity, but to fire.
Verden did not stop there, but tested changes in property through ice, earth, wind, lightning, and so on.
The elements moved according to Verden's will.
Movements free from the frame of tiers were indeed diverse.
Yet Verden's expression was subtle.
'It's not that there's no use... but it's not suitable for direct combat.'
Edmon had stirred countless phenomena within his domain.
He could shred everything within range with blades of wind, or restrain opponents by thickening the air's density, as Verden had once suffered.
But to Verden, such applications would have the opposite effect.
The reason was simple.
Verden was not a Magus. Magic implemented through the borrowed power of artifacts placed a severe burden on mana circuits.
Though he had grown somewhat accustomed to it, excessive use was dangerous.
To maintain altered magic nature through Chaos was to carve at his own flesh. Controlling such magic freely would only intensify the strain.
And above all, the fatal flaw, was that while sustaining the altered nature he could not use other spells. Just like when using Mana Coercion.
'Unless the advantage outweighs the flaws.'
Verden observed inwardly.
Even with simple alteration into multiple attributes, his mana circuits throbbed.
'At this rate, there's no merit. As inefficient as Mana Coercion.'
Of course, it was enough to subdue opponents of lower skill.
But against those of a certain level, it would hardly work. Against someone equal to or greater than Verden, it would only expose openings.
In that case, casting even a single additional spell was far more useful.
Perhaps in the future, but... for now the drawbacks were far too great.
In other words, his overall strength had hardly changed.
'Then....'
Verden sank into thought.
As a Mage, there were three ways to strengthen power.
'First, to pioneer one's own way of magic (魔道).'
Clear, but also the hardest path.
The way of magic was enlightenment.
It differed for each individual Mage, thus advice from another Magus was useless. If that had been possible, there would be far more Magi in the world.
The world distinguished Mages and Magi.
Some attained enlightenment quickly, while others never did in their lifetime. And the latter were far more numerous.
The wall between them could not be crossed by force.
Thus pioneering his own way of magic could not be promised.
The first method was impossible for now.
Then next.
'Second, to raise one's tier itself.'
Currently, Verden's realm was 5th-tier lower.
To ascend to middle stage, his mana circuits must be expanded further. His magic power was already more than sufficient.
But such growth could not be achieved overnight.
For that, a wondrous item was needed.
Like when Verden, once stuck at 3rd-tier, had been pulled up at once to 4th-tier middle.
By the potion and Demon core given along with sacred magic by Sage Harkan Dazest, one of the founders of Black Hour.
Without external aid, he must steadily expand his mana circuits.
Even if Verden trained and risked his life in battle, a sudden leap of tier was impossible.
Moreover, he had only recently reached 5th-tier.
This was possible, but would take much time.
The second method too was insufficient for immediate reinforcement.
Which left the third.
'To obtain powerful magical items or artifacts.'
Particularly, Verden focused on Oesu Linus Voltimoog and the Mausoleum of the Demon King.
From the first, he could craft a new staff using the treasures of the Magic Tower, and from the second, perhaps find relics of the Demon King.
Compared to the other methods, this was closest at hand, and he was already pursuing clues. With a little more time, he would obtain a satisfying result.
'Something to look forward to.'
Verden once more reaffirmed his purpose.
While he devoted himself so, Magic Tower Master Bohemirn, Balrog Bessias, would be stagnating, rebuilding the collapsed Magic Tower and waging war against Black Hour.
Unaware that the Mage seeking to topple all he had built was rapidly growing stronger.
Verden was deeply curious.
When someday the tower master faced him again, what expression would he wear? What would he feel, being trampled by the experimental subject he once scorned as worthless?
Step, step.
Leaving the clearing behind, Verden headed toward Calia's mansion.
Thus ended today's training.
Now it was time to meet the people who had migrated from Roafra.
***
From what Calia had found out.
Though Samwell's Tavern was registered with Rines's merchant guild, it had yet to open.
Understandable, as not much time had passed since arriving in Rines. They must have been busy preparing all manner of things.
From housing issues and restaurant leasing, to securing a supplier for steady food ingredients.
'It should be around here.'
The outskirts of Rines.
Walking along a street with few people. Then turning his head, Verden spotted a sign, "Samwell's Tavern," nailed to the building's wall.
The building itself was ordinary in size.
Judging by the exterior alone, it did not suit a tavern... but it was still in preparation. With outdoor tables set up later, it would look far better.
Verden approached the door.
Lightly pulling the handle, the doorbell chimed. He stepped inside slowly.
'Not bad inside.'
The number of tables was just right, without hindering passage. At the counter was a bar suitable for individuals to sit.
The small space was well used.
'Come to think of it, the interior feels similar to what I saw in Roafra.'
Verden moved forward.
He made a noise, yet not even in the room that seemed like the kitchen was there any sign of life.
Since the door wasn't locked, perhaps they had stepped out briefly?
Verden sat at a corner table.
After waiting a moment, voices came from outside.
───Uuuuh. Samwell-hyung, isn't this decoration a bit much?
───It's fine, it's fine. If it's like I'm thinking, the customers will definitely like it.
───Hmm... alright then. If it seems odd, we'll just hang it in my room instead.
Samwell and Aiden.
Soon the doorbell chimed and they appeared.
Samwell carried a basket filled with decorations, starting with magic-stone lamps encased in glass, while Aiden held a thick book in one hand and a basket of ornaments in the other.
Because of the large load, the two could barely see in front of them.
As they stepped into the tavern, Samwell suddenly missed his step.
"Ah, no!"
The baskets slipped from Samwell's hands.
Fragile ornaments flew into the air. Samwell frantically reached out, but it was impossible.
Aiden instantly stirred his magic power and cast a 1st-tier spell, Telekinesis.
But with slow calculation speed and poor skill, he managed to grab only a single magic-stone lamp.
A disaster was imminent.
Both Aiden and Samwell instinctively shut their eyes. Yet... no sound of shattering glass came.
When they carefully opened their eyes, everything Samwell had dropped was floating in the air.
"What, what is this...."
The ornaments hovering in the air returned into the baskets.
And the baskets slowly settled in one corner of the tavern. As the two stood frozen in confusion, a voice came.
"It has been a while."
Samwell and Aiden flinched, turning forward in shock.
It was still days before the opening. Naturally, no customers should be here. Then was it a thief, or a robber? Having lived in the underworld of Roafra, Samwell swallowed nervously.
But the moment they recognized the voice, all tension vanished.
He was wearing fine clothes instead of the gear they had once seen,
but the ashen hair and the unique blue eyes, that special appearance and the powerful impression of his magic, were unforgettable.
"L, Lord Asher?"
"Lord Asher?"
At Samwell's words, Aiden's eyes widened.
Finally realizing it was Verden, Aiden rushed over.
"O, oh, it's been so long, Lord Asher!"
Aiden's reaction was intense.
But it was only natural. Verden had freed him from illegal slavery in Roafra, brought him to safe Roafra, and even taught him how to conceal his special traits.
He was truly a lifelong benefactor.
"Yes."
Verden answered.
Then Samwell approached.
"Haha, greetings, Lord Asher. For a moment I thought you were a robber, you startled me. I knew you would visit someday, but I never imagined it would be today."
"I had business in Rines, so I stopped by. But you seem busy with preparations..."
"Oh, not at all. We haven't opened yet, but we're in the final stage. Only the interior is left. We're more than ready to serve at least one guest, so please don't worry."
"Much obliged. But what of Charlotte?"
Aiden answered.
"Noona will be back soon. She stopped by the Church two hours ago, then said she'd shop for groceries on her way back."
Aiden's expression was bright.
It seemed Charlotte's throat was being properly treated.
Samwell pulled out a chair from the table.
"Please, have a seat. I'll serve you at once... ah, may I offer you a drink?"
As Verden sat down, he replied.
"Something good, if you please."
"Haha, of course. I'll show you one of my secret recipes. Aiden, give me a hand."
"Got it, hyung!"
"Ah, but the food will come out a little later. I make good drinks, but when it comes to cooking, Charlotte is much better than me."
There was time.
That much was no problem to wait.
Verden nodded.
***
Brown hair falling to her shoulders.
A woman with sharp features, Charlotte, headed toward the Church.
Since moving to Rines, continuous treatment had restored her voice, but to guard against aftereffects, she still needed weekly checkups with the priest in charge.
But upon entering the Church, the atmosphere was unusual.
Busy, chaotic. Unlike any she had seen before.
Charlotte met with her attending priest.
"Welcome, Lady Charlotte."
Priest Carlo.
He greeted her with a weary face.
"Hello, Priest Carlo. You look very tired, did something happen?"
"There are many critical patients. With priests taking shifts day and night, the Church is under emergency."
Critical patients?
Had there been some accident nearby?
"Are you aware of the Undead incident, and the diocese assault?"
Charlotte nodded up and down.
Those two events were currently shaking the entire Kingdom. The newspapers carried reports daily, and rumors spread through every city.
Unless one lived in a secluded countryside, it was impossible not to know.
"Bishop Ronanderk, the diocese's paladins, and Lady Calia leading the White Crest Order, dealt with the culprits. In the process, many were severely injured, and so they are being treated here in Rines. Fortunately, there were no deaths."
"Ah...."
Charlotte could not help but be amazed.
The strength to subdue such villains, the courage to risk their lives. Compared to them, she was nothing, a woman who could not even protect her younger brother.
Ever since escaping slavery, Charlotte always carried a small dagger.
If she ever faced such a situation again, she would resist, even if just a little.
Perhaps it would mean nothing... but for someone who until months ago had lived in the countryside, there was little else she could do.
Breaking from her thoughts, Charlotte hurriedly stood.
"Ah, you must be busy, I've troubled you. I'll come another time..."
"No, it won't take long, and I still have holy power left. Let me examine you quickly."
Golden light flowed from Carlo's fingertips.
He gently pressed her throat, carefully checking within.
Carlo smiled.
"Almost fully healed. Just one or two more times, and you won't need to come anymore."
"It's all thanks to you, Priest."
'And...'
As she spoke, Charlotte thought of two people.
Asher, and Galliark.
The offerings for her treatment had been possible because they had shared Costa's wealth with her. Silently, she gave thanks once more.
"Hahaha, hearing that makes it worthwhile."
At that moment, Carlo's stomach growled.
He had missed meals due to exhausting healing work.
"If... it's alright, would you join us for a meal at our tavern?"
"Ah, ahem, if you don't mind... I'd be grateful."
Carlo had already been treated to Charlotte's cooking before.
Her skill surpassed most restaurants. Especially her stir-fried vegetables, a delicacy for Carlo who preferred a vegetarian diet.
Charlotte and Carlo walked along the lively main street.
As she did a bit of shopping, the hungry priest gazed at the sights of the great city.
'It was sudden at first... but this is indeed a good city to live in.'
Carlo had been forcibly transferred from his village to Rines.
But at Rines's Church, his skill was recognized, and he was officially dispatched there, while another priest filled the vacancy in his village.
It was a pity he could not bid farewell to his villagers.
But surely, this too was the will of Luas. Carlo prayed to the God of Light.
After finishing her shopping, the two arrived at Samwell's Tavern.
And the moment they entered.
"Ah..."
Thud.
Charlotte dropped her basket.
Because next to Samwell and Aiden, there sat the Mage who had so easily defeated the terrifying Costa.
"Lord Asher...!"
It was her first time meeting him again since regaining her voice.
Though she had already written a letter of thanks, she still wanted to express it aloud.
Charlotte rushed forward.
But she was not the only one who recognized Verden.
'Th, th, that man...!'
Priest Carlo recalled the past.
Before coming to Rines, that cold day.
Kidnapped by a masked man from his village church,
forced into a carriage, where he treated a gravely wounded and cursed man,
and beside him, a Mage who mercilessly struck unconscious a man who kept collapsing.
At the time, Verden had knocked out Black Wolf Toreld to keep him from interfering with treatment.
Though the misunderstanding was later cleared in Rines... for Carlo, who had never struck anyone before, it was unforgettable.
That emotionless face, striking a man's head with a staff. Those cold eyes, unchanging even as blood flowed.
And now Carlo faced Verden once again.
His throat twitched, but he forced a priestly smile.
"Haha, I never imagined Lady Charlotte would have a connection with this gentleman."
"Do you know Lord Asher as well, Priest Carlo?"
"We shared a small connection once."
What connection?
As Charlotte grew curious, about to ask, Carlo took a step back.
'If I eat with that terrifying man, I'll get indigestion.'
The priest slipped precisely outside the tavern, saying.
"Ah, I suddenly recalled urgent business, I must go."
"Huh? What..."
"Then, under the light of Luas, may you have a fine meal."
Carlo fled.