Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 176

Episode 176 Samwell's Tavern (2)

Charlotte stared blankly at the spot where Carlo had disappeared, then turned her gaze to Verden.

“What happened between you and Carlo?”

“Nothing comes to mind.”

Verden shrugged his shoulders, pretending not to know.

I had a rough idea of why the priest had run away, but it was too long to explain. Verden quickly changed the subject.

“By the way, your throat seems to be better.”

“Oh, yes!”

Charlotte rubbed her neck.

At first, I thought I would never get my voice back. I still can't forget the pain of having my skin pierced and my vocal cords torn apart.

But the miracle of the Luas Church was truly a miracle.

After a long course of treatment, not only did his vocal cords recover, but the unsightly scars also disappeared.

“Thank you so much. If it weren’t for you, Asher, we would have…….”

“Don't worry about it.”

Including Aiden and Samwell, this was the dozenth time he had received a thank you. Now he was tired of even responding.

'It's like talking to Conrad.'

I recalled the merchant Conrad's witty remarks and sipped the cocktail Samwell had made.

It was a drink that mixed the sweet juice of various fruits with rum, and added lemon and sugar to increase the sweetness and sourness.

Samwell named it, aka 'Rum Epithai'.

Not only was it delicious, but the stimulating taste was great for whetting my appetite.

At that moment, Charlotte looked at the table and was surprised.

“Huh? There’s no side dish?”

“That’s it, I was going to treat you to some cooking…….”

“You should have said that a long time ago!”

Charlotte, who had asked to wait a moment, immediately went into the kitchen. Samwell followed her to help with the cooking.

The sound of ingredients being taken out was loud.

So only Verden and Aiden were left.

Verden, who had emptied his glass, turned his head to Aiden.

The book he was holding when he entered the tavern caught my eye quite a bit.

“That book is one of the basic magic books.”

“Yes! I’ve been so busy that I’ve been out of my mind, but now I have some free time.”

Aiden showed me the book.

The title is [From today, you too are a wizard].

It was an introductory book for magicians that focused on cost-effectiveness and comprehensively covered various basic theories of magic.

Of course, because there are so many sheep, the depth is not very deep.

If you can't see through the roots of magical theory like Verden, you'll only learn superficial theories at best.

Even so, it could be said to be a good choice for those who are unfamiliar with magic.

Verden asked.

“Do you plan on becoming a wizard?”

Aiden knows how to manipulate magic.

Although he is still quite immature, he knows how to use telekinesis. He definitely falls into the category of a wizard.

Of course, that's not what Verden meant.

It means you are going to live as a wizard.

Aiden tightened his grip on the book.

“Can I ask you one thing?”

"what?"

“How can I become a wizard like Asher?”

Aiden has been worrying all along.

Should I live as an ordinary person like I am now, or should I follow the path of a wizard?

No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't make a choice.

Because Aiden had a special trait, he might have chosen the latter and fallen into the hands of a villain like Costa.

But… …I couldn’t give up magic so easily.

The underworld, Loafra.

Aiden realized despair there.

What is pain?

How evil people are.

What does it mean to want to kill?

What does it feel like to want to die?

And that day, Aiden saw it.

An overwhelming magic that annihilates the cruel Costa and his men without leaving a single scratch.

I'm talking about the strength that did not back down when facing the executives of Wintert, who were incomparably more formidable than Costa.

'I want to become strong too.'

Aiden admired Verden.

Of course, I know that it is impossible for me to become that strong.

But can't you dream?

Aiden wanted to protect his people with his own hands when the same situation came one day.

“…….”

Verden stared at Aiden silently.

His eyes were slightly trembling, but they were infinitely serious.

'I want to walk the magical path to protect.'

It is different from what Verden pursues.

Still, it's a great goal.

Iris, an adventurer of the same rank.

Gelton of the Mithril grade party.

Aiden, who has a special trait.

Verden did not dislike a wizard who desired such orthodox learning. It would be easy to give him a few pointers.

“There are many ways to become a wizard. The closest one to you would be the Adventurer’s Academy.”

Anyone can become an adventurer as long as they don't have a criminal record.

That's why people keep coming, but naturally, there are a lot of deaths. That's why the Adventurer's Guild established a training center.

To reduce the number of deaths and raise veteran adventurers through more professional adventurer training.

“Instead, if you enter the training center, you have to show performance as an adventurer for 15 years. In other words, instead of receiving investment, there is a sense of obligation. If you break the contract, you have to pay a huge penalty.”

“What about the deposit?”

Verden stated the amount.

Aiden's eyes widened at the literally enormous amount of money.

“Well, is there no other way?”

“A similar example is entering an academy.”

However, it requires significant funds.

Going to the academy in the central continent requires a lot of travel expenses, and you also need to prepare for the tuition. If you receive a scholarship through the entrance exam, that's another story… … It's too risky to challenge it just based on that.

“If you don’t have money, you can seek support from a noble. If not, you can become a disciple of a wizard.”

Of course, there is also a way to enter as a worker at the Magic Tower.

Of course, I didn't even mention it because I absolutely don't recommend Verden.

anyway.

“These methods have one thing in common. All you have to do is prove that you have talent that they can take notice of.”

Aiden awakened his magical powers.

All that remains is to check the limit hierarchy.

Of course, the cost of testing is very expensive.

In addition, it is not easy to check because not just anyone can do it, but the result should show a high marginal hierarchy.

Anything above 5th tier would be great.

'There are also cases where people go beyond their limits like me.'

This was a rare, if not unique, achievement.

This did not apply to Aiden, of course, and to all wizards except Verden.

“Talent… Could my special trait also become that kind of talent?”

“As you know, it is a dangerous talent. There are many who target wizards with special traits. If possible, it would be best to be recognized for your talents excluding the special traits.”

Hmm… … .

Aiden asked, his lips quivering.

“What should I do?”

“I don’t think that’s something I should tell you.”

Samwell, Aiden, and Charlotte.

After arriving at Lines, he divided Costa's property and provided for his self-reliance expenses, including medical treatment, and even made sure that he was settled safely.

Verden took responsibility.

“So now, Aiden, it’s your turn to choose.”

When the opportunity comes, will you seize it and head into an uncertain future?

Or else, you can continue living your current life and live a safer life.

Well, the opportunity may never come in the first place.

Whatever it is, Aiden must make the choice and take responsibility.

If you allow yourself to be interfered with by others, you will eventually lose your independence and become a puppet.

The atmosphere became heavy.

Aiden kept his mouth shut. No, he couldn't speak. He realized that the weight of choice and responsibility was not something that could be easily expressed in words.

“Okay, the dish is done!”

Then Charlotte and Samwell came out with some food.

Samwell's homemade sausages that he had prepared in advance, oven-baked chicken with his special seasoning, and Charlotte's stir-fried vegetables to eat as a side dish.

And there's even a new cocktail to go with it.

“Now, eat quickly before it gets cold.”

Verden nodded and took a quick taste.

It was edible even to him, who is quite picky about food.

“How does it taste?”

“It’s okay.”

“Oh, thank goodness…….”

Charlotte was relieved.

I was worried that it might not suit my taste.

A table prepared with food, drinks and beverages.

The four of them sat at a table, and Samwell led the conversation, telling various interesting stories about the events that had taken place in Loafra.

Aiden and Charlotte laughed and clapped their hands together.

It seems that there is no trauma regarding Roafra. Verden occasionally attends conversations and drinks with her.

Soon time passed and the sun set.

The glasses and plates were completely empty. Only then did Verden stand up.

“Ah… Are you leaving?”

“That’s right.”

The three felt sorry for him, but did not try to stop him.

Verden took out the money.

“Oh, you don’t have to give it to me! I treated you to it.”

“Since it’s public money anyway, I hope you don’t refuse.”

Because yesterday, 100 million elk came in by chance.

Verden was forced to pay the price.

It was an amount that exceeded the cost of food. Samwell asked cautiously, holding the bills in his hand.

“When will Lines leave?”

“Well… I think I’ll be leaving within a week at the latest.”

“I see. Then, before you leave, wouldn’t you like to stop by one more time? I’ll treat you better than I did today.”

Verden didn't say he understood.

I had no intention of visiting them again, since I had confirmed that they were doing well. Unless I missed Samwell's cocktails and Charlotte's cooking.

“I can’t make any promises.”

“Haha, then later is fine. This place is always open to Asher, so please come visit whenever it’s convenient for you.”

“Please stop by again later!”

So Verden left Samwell's tavern, escorted by three men.

* * *

It's been almost four days since I came to Lines.

Those who were still seriously injured were concentrating on recovering from their injuries.

First, Bishop Ronander.

He overused his divine power, regained consciousness for a moment, but soon lost consciousness again. Judging by his condition, he needed more deep rest.

The same was true of Bishop Weidel, who was stabbed in the back with a dagger.

And as soon as Captain Gloss came to his senses, he started causing a ruckus.

Well, it was only natural. His memory had stopped while he was fighting the Grim Reaper.

Gloss regained his composure immediately after receiving the news of the situation.

He felt sorry that his right arm was cut off, but he was also proud of it. If he did well, he might be recognized by the Luas Church and be able to recover his physical defect.

Finally, the warlock Warrens.

Although he was freed from the curse thanks to Verden, his mind was so damaged that it was impossible for him to recover naturally.

Bishop Dehern Maldania, who was stationed in another city, closely treated the patient, but there was little improvement.

His opinion was that if things didn't get any worse, there would be a way.

Meanwhile, Verden stayed at Kalia's mansion.

As I spent my days repeating a set routine, the long-awaited moment finally arrived.

“Asher, a new reward has been prepared for you. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting, as I had a long meeting within the family.

"it's okay."

“Thank you. But there’s one problem… I can’t pay you directly. Since the pay is so big, someone else in the family with more authority than me has to step forward.”

"then……."

"okay."

Kalia said.

“Your father wants to see you in person.”

* * *

Early evening with a blue sky.

A cool breeze blew between the seasons of spring and summer.

While Verden waited outside for a moment, someone came to guide him to the Marquis of Esperenza.

“Heh heh heh, it’s been a few days, Asher.”

Edmon Rodriner.

He came out to greet me in person.

“Hello, Edmon.”

“No, I haven’t been well. I was so heartbroken because you robbed me of my capital and even 100 million elk. Do you know how miserable it is to report to Your Majesty in person in such a situation?”

Edmon pretended to cry.

But contrary to those words, he had a smile on his face and his eyes were sparkling brightly, like a wizard who had discovered something mysterious.

“Well, enough joking. We can chat later, but just follow me now. His Majesty is waiting. Hehehe!”

Edmon smiled and stepped forward.

Verden followed quietly, and after a while they arrived in front of a tall building. When he looked around, he saw the knights carrying the Marquis’ emblem standing motionless.

'A knight order directly under the Marquis.'

There is considerable momentum.

Even more so than the Knights of Kalia.

“The strongest knight order in the Marquisate is the ‘Red Faith’. In terms of ranking in the kingdom, it is similar to the royal guard knights, and even I would get in big trouble if I treated them laxly. Now, let’s go in.”

Verden and Edmon entered the building.

At the end of the hallway, a door with elaborate decorations appeared. Without even knocking, Edmon grabbed the doorknob and pushed it forward.

Judging by the long table, it appears to be a restaurant.

As I turned my head forward, I saw a strange man sitting across the table. His appearance was full of Kalia's features.

The contemporary Marquis of Esperance.

Verden's first impression of him was one word.

'Strong.'

There are three classes of nobility.

A noble who lives only as a person of power and a politician.

A noble who trains his own strength by relying on his family background.

Or even nobles who fall into both categories.

It was clear that the Marquis of Esperance was the third.

If we simply consider the atmosphere felt, it is comparable to that of the magician Edmon who revealed his true feelings. And his eyes were filled with great authority.

The Marquis' eyes scanned Verden.

He furrowed his eyebrows and nodded lightly.

“Let me sit across from you.”

I sat down on the chair as Edmon said.

After a moment of silence, the Marquis opened his mouth.

“Kalia owes you quite a bit. Let me thank you first.”

There's no need to introduce yourself since we all know who we are.

The Marquis wanted to get straight to the point, and Verden complied.

“It was part of a request.”

“What you did went beyond what was requested, and produced exactly what the client, Kalia, had hoped for. So it is only right that you be paid more than what was promised.”

Verden and the Marquis' gazes crossed.

“Wizard Asher, the Marquis of Esperance will grant you three rewards. This is the first of them.”

The Marquis snapped his fingers.

Then Edmon took a long metal box out of his space bag and placed it on the table.

Edmon poured magic power into his fingertips and placed them against the entrance.

A highly secure device that registers and uses an individual's magical power in a special magic circle made by Artison Magic Tower. The magic circle soon began to activate, and the tightly closed box opened.

'That's… … .'

A magical item stored in the Esperensa Marquis' house.

A 'gray leather armor with strange decorations' appeared before Verden.