27 - Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Dark Fantasy Reconciliation Episode 27 - Book Rabbit - Web Novel Archive Hold on! Don't panic! It's impossible for an insignificant bastard to possess not one, but two sacred artifacts of such power! "An insignificant being using cunning-" The plausible reasoning saved Gusra from sinking further into despair. "Urgh-" Dares and Topin shared a similar thought. They had witnessed it with their own eyes. The true worth of that 'coin'. To think that the power of dark magic aiming for the sixth rank could be neutralized so effectively. It was the kind of sacred artifact that would usually be entrusted to high-ranking priests and holy knights by their order. The mere possession of such an artifact was shocking enough, let alone having another one? Could a bastard child, whose family name even remained unspoken, possess such items? The story was hard to swallow. It was more reasonable to believe it was a lie concocted to escape the crisis. ...Regardless. The second coin that Risir produced undeniably demonstrated its effect. Gusra, Dares, Topin — all three were completely absorbed by the presence of the coin, halting all actions. None of them had a foundation to be sure of their thoughts. The power within the coin appeared to respond only to dark magic; neither Dares nor Topin sensed anything from it. Gusra, with his dark magic power significantly neutralized, couldn’t accurately identify the force within the coin either. What if the coin is real? And what if the coin is a fake? "Risir, hold onto that for now! Stay vigilant!" They had entered a stalemate right before the final confrontation. The heightened tension of the location was once again diffused by Risir's presence. "You detestable scoundrel—" A sound like boiling organs resounded from Gusra's mouth. His long-prepared plan had crumbled, and in the process of destroying the artifact, he sustained irrecoverable permanent injuries. The sixth rank. Just as that long-cherished wish was within reach, it vanished like a mirage. How long would it take to reach that point again? How much effort would it require? Do I have the time and strength left for that? The more he thought, the more his mind tangled and boiled with frustration. Deep ripples coursed through the emotions of the seemingly empty old dark wizard. Eventually, the dark wizard decided to make a proposition. "Dares! Hand over that bastard. Then I'll withdraw this time. Moreover, I swear upon my magic that I won’t approach you again!" Although the situation had improved significantly compared to before, it was still far from good. The dark wizard, with his pride wounded, seemed to regard nothing with concern anymore. If his determination to see it to the end held firm, neither Dares and Topin nor Topin's assistant and Todina in the carriage could be guaranteed safety. And yet, to escape this entire predicament with just a bastard unrelated to any of them? There was no reason not to comply. There was no reason to risk their lives for a complete stranger bastard. "..." But - the same applied to Risir. Topin recalled the things he had done for them, perfect strangers. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to voice agreement. Ultimately, it was Dares who spoke first. "Topin." "Go ahead." "We have a chance." "It's too early to be sure." "That's not what I’m talking about." A resolute gaze met Topin's. "I'll hold him off. In the meantime, lead everyone away from here." "Dares!" "This is the best option." "There might be a better way!" "I'm begging you. Just do not, by any means, suggest handing Risir over." "He’s not even connected to you! He’s a bastard no one cares about!" "And yet, Risir was the same." "...!" "He had no ties to us, yet he willingly handed over that treasure to Todina." "Because he didn’t know the value of it!" "He could have fled amidst the chaos, but he chose to stay and help." "Because he didn’t grasp the gravity of the situation..." "As you said, he might be unaware. But, that doesn't change the weight of the gratitude I owe him." "..." The old nobleman couldn't meet the young wizard’s eyes. "Head directly to the Duchy of Duraye. Explain to my father what transpired here. Make clear the help you and Todina received from him, and ensure a proper reward. Please see that Risir receives what he deserves as well. Will you honor my last request?" It was a brief, yet deep contemplation. Topin reluctantly opened his mouth. "I simply can't do that. Tell Risir to do it." "What do you mean—" "As you can see, he's wounded. If we press further, he'll likely feel threatened and back down." "How can you be sure?" "So let's have Risir help evacuate the others." "You-" "Alone, you will certainly die. With me, at least there's a slim chance." They exchanged glances for a moment and nodded in unison. The wizard and the healer, prepared once more, faced off against Gusra. "Risir! Lead the carriage toward the Duchy of Duraye at once! We'll hold him here!" Dares shouted, keeping his eyes firmly on Gusra. Gusra's expression twisted as he burst into wild laughter. "You fools, then I'll do as you wish!!!" Squish. Gusra's left arm melted like mud, then reshaped itself. It was a ghoul—a creation of the dark wizard. It launched itself leftward with great force, quickly closing the distance in a wide arc toward the carriage where Dares and Topin had their backs turned. "...!" Planning to seize Todina as a hostage! Quickly, Dares and Topin positioned themselves to simultaneously monitor both Gusra and the ghoul. As Gusra seemingly moved to join the ghoul, they suddenly whirled in the opposite direction. Whoosh! A sudden gust of wind. Gusra dashed at a speed incredible for someone of his age. The ghoul melted away, and Gusra's left arm reformed anew. His true target was Risir, positioned in the opposite direction. "A chaotic magician!?" "Risir! Run away!!!" Dares and Topin hurried to shield Risir. "Risir!?" Even Fienne, who had remained indifferent as it was the business of Dares and Topin, reacted in surprise. But the dark magician, manipulating the energy of the wind, was already right in front of Risir. 'Isn't this guy invincible!?' In a rush, Fienne channeled her power into him. "I'll be satisfied with your insignificant neck today, bastard!" Gusra, fundamentally, was not a complete dark magician. Originally a practitioner of wind magic, he had resorted to dark magic upon hitting his limit—a turncoat. He chose wind magic as his method to deliver a decisive blow to the despicable bastard. It was both to catch him off guard and as a safeguard against unexpected turns. "Let's see if your precious artifact will save you now!" A victorious grin already creased the dark magician's lips. Without the artifact, he was merely a worthless talent at the third rank. "...!!!" The old dark magician's seasoned judgment, ironically, was sound. The pure energy of the wind emanated from the dark magician’s hand. For the first time, Risir felt truly threatened by the dark magician. As the wind swirled, it quickly formed into blades. 'This... cleansing won't do—... Wait a minute.' Z2dKbDJFSCtSbEo3WFlpUEN0eDQxWSt3TEMzV2UrSWpiWU00TVVyTFhsQXVXT0lVRUFmL0JKWDBxc2NFWmxWYg Within the extreme situation, the unbounded magical thinking of Risir surged recklessly. Yes. Those wind blades might not be negated by innate color powers. But— -Clink! Risir flicked the coin toward Gusra. Though it hadn't been filled with power as thoroughly as the first coin— "Urgh—" It was enough to disrupt the internal energies of the dark magician. And, for now, that was sufficient. For a moment, the wind blades lost their form. The wind's energy slipped from Gusra's control. Risir didn't miss that opportunity. "...!?" The dark magician’s eyes widened to an extreme. The swirling gust around his hand was being drawn toward Risir. Currently, Gusra’s mana was being overwhelmed by Risir's force. Repeated reckless management of mana had led to a cumulative mana reflux. On top of that, Risir was blessed by Fienne. All of these were evident factors, but they didn’t fully explain. No factor or explanation could easily satisfy the present Gusra. ‘I had my mana control stolen by a mere third-rank rookie!?’ There was still time and opportunity. Gusra could still respond to Risir's actions. "How...?" But instead of responding, Gusra demanded answers from Risir. An explanation for this phenomenon that defied logic. It was an ability that absolutely did not belong to someone of the third rank. It was a perception inaccessible and unheard of by those at the third rank. So perhaps—this person might not actually be at the third rank. No. He must not be third rank. A masterful magician who hides his true realm and identity to toy with him. Yes. That would explain everything. The wizard, whose world was negated, waited with desperation for Risir's next words. He murmured quietly. "It's done." As if he himself was surprised. Gusra didn't take long to comprehend the meaning behind his actions. "Ah... ah... ahhhh!!!!!" Only then did Gusra spring into action, aiming to counter Risir's mana theft. However, he was already too late, and too overwhelmed with shock. Reflexively, Gusra drew upon his dark magic powers. What followed was the power of that dark magic evaporating without a trace, and a wind-fueled fist hammering into his jaw. "Guh—" Madness. These were the words Gusra intended to utter. What kind of magician would wield the energy of the wind in such a manner? The old man's body crumpled unusually weakly. "Risir!!!" Fienne lunged toward Risir. "A-are you okay!? Are you hurt anywhere!? A dark magician wielding wind magic— had I known, I would've stayed by your side..." With a worried expression, Fienne looked him over, inspecting here and there as she clung to Risir. Being genuinely concerned by a girl nearly two heads shorter than him was an oddly peculiar feeling. Risir chuckled softly, gently patting Fienne’s head. "It's foolish of me to worry about you." Once Fienne released Risir, she sat down a beat later, cheeks aflame with embarrassment. -Step Dares and Topin, who rushed to assist Risir, stood dumbfounded in place. "Risir. What did you just do...?" The two magicians mirrored the dark magician's response. They demanded an answer to the illogical situation. To this, Risir retrieved a coin that had fallen near Gusra. And confidently, he gave a thumbs-up. "A lucky coin, after all." "..." "..." What the— They were utterly speechless in many ways. *** "Dares!" "Todina!?" As they bound Gusra's body and brought the situation to a close, Todina burst out of the carriage and ran toward Dares. "Are you hurt anywhere!? What happened to Damien!?" "Todina, it’s you who—" "Todina, what is the meaning of this—did I not repeatedly say you need to rest and take it easy!" Todina responded to the astonished Dares and Topin with an utterly delighted expression. "But—I just couldn't stay put!" Todina spread her arms and hopped in place, twirling around as if unfamiliar with the sensation of vitality coursing through her. "Dares! I think I'm alright n—" "Todina!" Suddenly, Todina felt dizzy and stumbled. Dares quickly rushed to her side, helping her back onto her feet. She chuckled sheepishly, while Topin approached to check her condition. "..." "Topin, what about her condition?" "Her energy is greatly diminished." "Does that mean...?" "It means that with proper rest, she will recover." "...!" In a rush of relief, Dares pulled Todina into a tight embrace. She flinched momentarily in surprise but soon relaxed into his arms, returning the embrace. After enjoying a prolonged, heartfelt hug, Dares spoke joyfully, filled with gratitude. "Thank you... Topin..." "Ahem, I don't think I did anything to deserve special thanks." Topin gestured toward Risir, who stood beside them. "..." Ledar approached Risir, ready to express his gratitude. "I don't believe I deserve any thanks—ugh!" Risir's modest words were cut off abruptly. Dares had suddenly hugged Risir tightly – even more fiercely, intensely, and warmly than when he embraced Todina. One specific piece of information floated in Risir's mind: that wizards who handle the energy of fire sometimes develop fiery temperaments— Then Dares gripped Risir’s arms firmly, holding him at arm's length, and looked into his eyes. His red eyes blazed with passionate intensity. "Sir!" "...Pardon?" "Feel free to drop the formalities. I would like to address you on equal terms too! May I consider you a close friend?" "...Pardon? What do you mean—ugh!" Once again, Risir's words faltered, unable to keep pace with Dares, who enveloped him in another intense hug. "Risir! I will never forget your kindness!" "It's really nothing, you shouldn't—" "Nothing!? Don't say such things!!!" "I'd be content just being taken in the carriage—" "Anywhere! Just name your destination. I’d drive you to the ends of the earth!" "Now, how far do you plan to—ugh!" Risir eventually managed to extract himself from Dares' embrace only after a considerable while. ────────── ▷ Fate 41: The Happy Worm - Deactivated. The corresponding benefits are distributed. ────────── ────────── ■ Risir Level: 15 Race: Human Class: Wizard ────────── ────────── [You've reached a specific level] [A specialized trait according to your class is awarded] ... ... ... [The highest trait available to this class already exists] [A supplementary trait is awarded accordingly] ... ... ... [The highest supplementary trait for this class already exists] [A random trait is awarded accordingly] ────────── ────────── [A specific trait has been acquired] [You gain access to a new class] ──────────