12 - Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

**Dark Fantasy Normalization Episode 12 > Book Rabbit - Web Novel Archive** "Oh? My apprentice? Did you drink some miraculous potion or something?" My mentor suddenly grabbed my wrist and, with a rarely seen look of confusion, spoke. "Potion? Not that I know of. Why do you ask?" "Well… the mana I sense from you has grown dramatically!" "Maybe it's thanks to your lessons? If I had to choose between potions and your lessons, I'd pick your teachings without a second thought." "Duran~ What did you say about my lessons again? Did you hear what Rishir just said? Did you?" "That one claps just at the sight of you. Anyway, they say Rishir's magic power has grown rapidly, so it must mean your classes are effective." "Is that so~?" My mentor seemed pleased yet unconvinced. "This can't simply be explained as just the effect of the lessons." "Could you perhaps explain it simply enough for someone like me to understand, Master?" "Let's see~ If we say the expected magical growth from today's lesson was 1..." "Did it grow by 5?" "Nope. Roughly 50?" "...Magic is too easy. Makes me want to die from boredom." With a despondent feeling, I gazed toward the horizon. Perhaps this is the world that the great sages, who understood the world's truths, observed. How trifling the world is. "Look at my apprentice acting all high and mighty~ But you deserve it right now~ Yep~" "An apprentice is arrogant, and the master is doting. Pick one to avoid ruining everything." "In truth, the change in Rishir is the kind of result that's hard to achieve with regular magical training~? Even considering Rishir's natural talent, you know?" "...But there's nothing that comes to mind— Ah, could it be that my using my inherent color on Pi-en affected something?" "Probably not. If that were the case, there should've been a change when you sent Gogos back to the ground, right? My apprentice?" "Yes, Master." "After today's lessons, could you recount everything that's happened so far?" As my mentor listened to me, they gradually began smiling warmly, turning their gaze towards Pi-en. "You tried to use the power of allure on my apprentice?" "..." "...And you stole a kiss from my apprentice~?" "Heek-" “Does it matter? They're engaged to be married anyway.” "They're supposed to be engaged, but technically, they're not yet~? Also, it wasn't a pure-hearted engagement~? And, from the context, it seems like it's an engagement that's destined to be broken~?" "Strange. I never thought of you as such a clingy woman before." "Please don't misinterpret a mentor's hope that their student's bright future isn't limited by the narrow frame of marrying into a family~?" My mentor pondered for a while longer, then shook their head. "Hmm~ I still can't figure it out. If we knew the reason and applied it to the lessons, it would greatly help resolve the chronic issues troubling my apprentice~" The chronic problems that trouble me. Hearing that, I recalled the evaluations of my magical aptitude from my mentor through the lessons of the past few days. -My apprentice. If only you had encountered magic a little sooner, how wonderful it would have been~ Or at least had proper training in swordsmanship~ -I feel a sad bitterness for Vendel~ Magical aptitude is divided into two major components. Mana capacity, which is power. And the ability to manipulate mana, sensitivity. My mentor says I've been born with a high degree of sensitivity. Clearly in the realm of the extraordinary. But when it comes to mana capacity, it's squarely in the realm of the ordinary— My mentor attributes all this to Vendel. Mana capacity, which is more influenced by external factors than sensitivity, was neglected thanks to Vendel's neglect. Like muscles, no matter how outstanding the natural talent, mana capacity requires constant training, investment, and management. Anyone who wishes to achieve results in the paths of magic and sword? They needed to lay the foundation by at least age 10. Nobles typically lay this foundation right from infancy through things like potion consumption—continuous interaction with mana. -Speaking in such terms, it's like you’ve lost almost your entire life to this. Rishir, you are a noble, after all. -Duran~ Such harsh words~ My apprentice? It's alright. I am by your side, aren't I? -Just out of curiosity, at what age did you start learning magic, Master? -Hmm~ I can't quite recall~? -Means you started so young that you can't even remember. Even back then, you learned all sorts under your master, consuming potion-like things. The forest was rich with such things. -It wasn't particularly surprising anymore. The world operates centered around those who have. If anything, it would have been disappointing if I was surprised—a sign still not faced with reality. -Oh no~ My apprentice has become like a reclusive wizard who only engages in booze and smokes instead of proper meals~ -Pain brings forth literary expression effortlessly. I quite like that. Why not leave them be and see what happens? According to my mentor, I was at a minimum 8 years, at maximum 18 years behind. To catch up with those ahead, I'd have to work myself to the bone, and even then, success wasn't guaranteed. Mana is like muscle. There is a limit to how much it can grow through a single training session. Being late doesn't mean pushing oneself harder would compensate for the lost time. -Still, still, even though. Try not to be too disheartened? My apprentice. Your innate mana capacity is as excellent as your sensitivity? If you keep this up, you could reach the third tier in about two years, couldn't you? The 1st tier is the level of initiation. The 2nd tier is the level of apprenticeship. The 3rd tier is when one starts being recognized as a competent individual. Nobles usually do their utmost to reach the 3rd tier before adulthood. In rare cases, some reach the 4th tier before their coming-of-age ceremony—in which case, well, they hang a banner at their family estate. Both the eldest and the youngest from our family fell into that category. As for the illegitimate child, naturally, they were only at the 1st tier. Instead of feeling disappointed by this fact, I chose to find solace in it. I was 18 years late, and yet, after just two years, I'd be standing on the same starting line as others. That's something, isn't it? "Master, you said earlier that I've achieved 50 times the results. In that case, does it mean I've effectively shortened the time to reach the 3rd tier by fifty days?" "Well~ it's not quite that simple, but hey, why nitpick on a good occasion? I'm not Duran, after all." "I'm a book, after all." Fifty days gained. Thinking of it like that made the phenomenon that occurred to me all the more intriguing. While pondering yet again over something even my mentor couldn't solve probably wouldn't change much, I could only hope such fortune would happen more often. "Alright then." Clap. With a clap, my mentor shifted the atmosphere. "Pardon me for a moment?" Approaching the fallen Pi-en, she examined her carefully and nodded. "As expected. The power has weakened significantly but hasn't completely disappeared." "Oh. Should I use it once more? My inherent color, that power of the progenitor—this time ensuring it's completely gone." "Ri-Rishir...! Why are you doing this to me...!" "Pi-en, remember this. A wounded man turns into a beast. You never know what he'll do. So be cautious when toying with men's affections in the future. This is a lesson from me." "You weren't even affected by my power in the first place!!!" "That's what makes it even more tragic. If only I had been dominated by your power, unaware of anything. For a brief moment, I considered you my only little sister." "Wha-what!? Little sister?! How much are you planning to treat me like a child!? This insult—I can no longer turn a blind eye. Do you know how special I am!? Do you know how beautiful I am...?" Even as Pi-en glared at me, her pale face flushed like a peach, and her gaze couldn't help but turn away. "Why are you getting embarrassed over your own words?" "That's because of YOU!!! It was my first time doing something like that... And yet, you keep treating me like a child... mocking me... humiliating me..." As Pi-en whimpered and looked up at me hesitantly, I couldn't help but feel that I came off as the villain. Overwhelmed by that magical guilt, I approached the fallen Pi-en, extending my hand. "…" Sulking but compliant, she took my hand and stood up. With gentlemanly propriety, I dusted off her dress with the handkerchief I always carried and then inverted it to wipe the tears from her eyes. Pi-en looked up at me with a slightly defiant gaze, mouth closed tightly. Seeing her like this, she seemed undeniably like an adorable child. Unintentionally, a fatherly smile crept onto my face. "…" Pi-en suddenly averted her gaze. "Pi-en?" When I called her again— Oh my, she closed her eyes and puckered her lips. What is she doing now? Unfazed, I brought the handkerchief to her face and said, "Here. Blow." "Huh? Blow?" "Blow your nose! You know how important it is for a proper lady to maintain her appearance, right? Now, 'blow'~" "What nonsense!? No way am I doing that! Are you insane!? What are you taking me for!?" Pi-en squealed, distancing herself from me, pointing a trembling finger. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you...? I know it! You act like this to cover your embarrassment...! Oh! Men and their bravado!" Even while trying to mock me, her trembling voice and teary expression only made her appear cuter. And she's supposed to be older than me? ...Alright, you can pretend to be older. At that moment, my mentor nudged my shoulder. "My apprentice? Even if she seems like that, she's a good kid. Don't be too harsh on her." "Huh? The one who was playing with others' minds?" "From what I've heard, she seems quite considerate. Even when taking blood, she makes sure it doesn't affect the other's life, and when using mental interference, she leaves enough of the self intact." "Progenitors usually treat all non-kin as livestock or prey with extreme arrogance. Considering that, this girl is certainly an anomaly." So she was that considerate? Seeing my expression, Pi-en seemed at a loss. "Can you stop looking at me like I'm some commendable child? I just... just didn't see the need to go to such lengths against my subordinates!" "In other words, you refrained from using your power recklessly?" "I'm different from those immoderate wretched beings." She seemed quite confident when it came to this topic. Unlike just moments ago, she looked proud and assertive. I couldn't help but smile at the gap between her different sides. "Indeed. You are different." "And what do you mean by that this time...?" Pi-en looked wary and made a face, but she couldn't completely hide the corner of her lips curling upwards. "Pi-en?" But when my mentor called her, Pi-en flinched. "Could you make a promise here? Not to use that power recklessly again?" "...And why should I?" "Because this sister, Pamon, is scarier than you think. Just refuse, and I'll have an excuse to take you with me. You'd be used for all sorts of experiments." "G-g-got it...!" Pi-en seemed poised to speak confidently, but Duran’s chilling words immediately made her back down. For reasons unknown, Pi-en seemed to fear my mentor more than she feared me, despite my having neutralized her power. "Oh my~ how obedient~" With a gentle smile, my mentor took Pi-en's hand and traced her palm with a fingertip. Pi-en winced slightly. Before we knew it, a thin red line appeared on her white palm. "My apprentice?" My mentor pressed Pi-en's wounded palm to mine. "…" A quiet whisper escaped my mentor’s lips, and a peculiar energy enveloped our clasped hands. "Miss Pi-en, remember your promise?" "Y-yes..." As Pi-en responded, a wave of energy surged from our joined palms, climbing up our arms and striking our chests. "Ah!" "Oh." Both Pi-en and I made small exclamations, stepping back slightly. Observing us, my mentor nodded with satisfaction. *** [Beneficial effect detected] [A Wizard’s Covenant has been bound to you] [Target: Progenitor Pi-en] *** Afterward, Pi-en and I parted ways with my mentor and headed back to the Vendel estate. —Due to normalization, Miss Pi-en's power weakened and her control over her subordinates became unstable, but it shouldn't last long. After all, she hasn't been exerting that much power to maintain control. —Miss Pi-en, could you assist my apprentice with that control? —...How can I help? —It's simple. Withdraw from the engagement. That way, the family will naturally lose interest in my apprentice again, allowing my apprentice to leave Vendel under the cloak of everyone's indifference. —Why not just disrupt everything after releasing control, taking advantage of the chaos to escape? —Oh, Duran. That would put both Pi-en and Rishir in a difficult position. Do you want them to be pursued by the church and the royal court? Oh. Maybe a little bit of pursuit might not be bad for experience’s sake? —I'm sorry. Please, no more nonsense. I kept our last conversation with my mentor firmly in mind. As my mentor had said. When we returned to the mansion, chaos had already erupted. Gallant only remembered that I had left with Pi-en. Consequently, I became the illegitimate child who had recklessly taken an unwell lady outside. "Rishir? Could you explain what happened?" The steward of the Vendel household questioned me. Onlookers, including the lord of Dintal and other vassals, watched from behind, scripted actors in Vendel's face-saving ploy. "You—" At that moment, a man with long, flowing hair approached and grabbed my collar. "How dare you take a sick child outside like that!?" "Kallan!!!" So this is Pi-en's brother—or should I say the eldest son of the Dintal family? "Everyone, please stop!" It was then Pi-en cried out, followed by a coughing fit that brought immediate order to the chaotic scene as everyone focused on Pi-en. "Rishir actually tried to stop me. I insisted on going. Please don't blame him." The tearful, demanding child from moments ago was nowhere to be seen. In her place stood a fragile, angelic girl imploring earnestly, calming the room with her presence. "Rishir, the lord requests your presence." With the butler's cue, the crowd gradually dispersed. "Let's go, Pi-en." Kallan tried to take his sister away while still glaring at me. "…" Yet Pi-en held onto my hand, refusing to let go. "Pi-en?" "Brother, can't I spend a little more time with Rishir?" "But your health—" Pi-en lifted her hands with a cheerful smile. "Perhaps thanks to being with Rishir, I’m feeling unusually well today." "…" Kallan clicked his tongue, eyeing me disdainfully before leaving. "What could she possibly see in an illegitimate child like you—" Leaving a muttered complaint in his wake, the room soon emptied except for the two of us. "…" I looked at Pi-en, dumbfounded. "What is it now? More nonsense?" Pi-en reverted to her previous mischievous self, awkwardly averting her eyes. *** Prompted by the steward’s words that the lord had summoned me, I spent a short while with Pi-en before heading to the lord's office. "We are discussing your marriage with Miss Pi-en." The announcement hit me as soon as I entered the office. The lord, not even looking up, launched straight into business. "Behave properly and prepare yourself mentally." With that, the lord's business was done. Throughout it all, his eyes remained fixed on the documents on his desk. "I have something to say." I aimed my words at the crown of his head. I figured, this was the perfect moment. "I intend to leave the family." "…" Finally looking up, the lord stared at me with an expression of disbelief.