34 - Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Dark Fantasy Normalization Chapter 34 > BookRabbit - Web Novel Archive Ordinary. Meltas evaluated Risir's magical aptitude in that way. While achieving a 3rd rank as an illegitimate child was certainly noteworthy, he was, after all, a noble. Countless individuals from commoner backgrounds around Risir’s age had achieved the 3rd rank, yet hadn’t even set foot on the threshold of the Tower. If not for the power of normalization, Meltas wouldn't have shown any interest in Risir. "Sometimes does that, you say. What do you mean by that?" But what is this? She dared look away. In that brief lapse, Risir had become a 4th rank magician. An achievement that would take even those with exceptional talent several months, he accomplished in mere minutes. "Did you sneak in some elixir on the way here or what?" Meltas voiced what sounded like a joke, but he was completely serious in his bewilderment. "You know, that thing of mine." However, Risir hinted at 'the power of normalization,' and his expression changed drastically. "...That thing? What about it?" "Well, it seems to occasionally cause phenomena like this." "...Can that even be true? Such a power causing such phenomena?" "Didn’t you say, Sir Meltas, that it's a rather unusual power? If we apply a completely different standard from the start, it wouldn’t be entirely unreasonable, would it?" "Hmm... It seems far more complex than that..." Meltas was unable to accept what had happened to Risir. Regardless, his evaluation of Risir drastically changed. From [An ordinary magician with extraordinary abilities] to [What in the world is this?]. "This and that, everything's in chaos. Can't you speak a bit more clearly so someone listening can understand?" Meltas was prompted back to reality by Marina's voice. With a face showing he remembered something, he looked at Marina. "You wouldn't get it even if I explained." Marina often intruded into Meltas’s lab unannounced, boasting about her student. Then, when Meltas showed a hint of distaste, she'd smugly state, 'Well. You wouldn’t get it anyway.' This was typical behavior of Marina towards Meltas. "Oh. I see." Marina nodded, understanding, as she folded her arms and looked at Risir. "School of magic?" "No need to answer that, Risir." "Wasn't asking you, Meltas?" "I wasn’t addressing you either, Marina." 'What is this situation?' Risir thought, caught unexpectedly in the middle of this 'whale fight', shifting awkwardly while glancing back and forth between the two. "Fine, I'll admit it. You've got a cute face. You look like a noble, but you've got a relaxed aura that other fellows should learn from. Why do so many men walk around straining their necks and eyes like that? Do they think that makes them more attractive or masculine?" "Critiquing faces directly to their own face; how polite you are, Marina. The young magicians of the Tower could learn so much from you." "Please. Going on about someone's looks. People like you, who are aesthetically challenged, wouldn’t understand, but handsome ones tend to dress up for precisely that reason." Correct? Marina gave Risir a wide smile. She didn't forget to accentuate by leaning slightly, revealing a hint of her chest. "Risir. Just a heads up, don't be fooled by appearances. Marina’s age, I mean—" At some point, Marina had a handkerchief in hand. Throwing a handkerchief was the most common way to challenge someone to a duel. Meltas averted his eyes and shut his mouth. Marina tucked the handkerchief back and continued. "So, what's the big deal? Can't ask about one's school of magic? It's going to be one of those questions you hear countless times once you enter the Tower anyway." In actuality, it was extremely natural for magicians to inquire about each other’s school of magic on first meeting. Much like how nobles asked about family lineage when they first met. A method to gauge the ranking of the person they’re meeting. For example, Marina was currently assessing Risir’s rank. His rank as a magician. As a pupil. ‘This guy’s the one Meltas picked as his student... so they could be my pupil’s rival?’ Marina’s expression was tinged with competitiveness as she gazed at Risir. *** Meltas and Marina. The two were rivals. They both joined the Tower in the same period, both achieved the 6th rank around the same time, and were both recognized as elites by the Tower simultaneously. Their competitive relationship, which began under the same teacher’s initial tutelage, had continued to this day despite the long years that had passed. Recently, however, their rivalry entered a new stage. —Why the sudden interest in taking on a student? Isn't it about time we look into taking students ourselves? Marina, who had briefly left the Tower for research, returned with a pupil. —Hey, did you hear? About Marina's student? —You mean Heynia? —Even from a distance, she seemed extraordinary, but who’d have thought she had noble blood...! —It was a family that had been in constant communication with Marina, and it seems she strongly insisted on recognizing Heynia's talent. —Before meeting Marina, she was only a 3rd rank? —And not just any 3rd rank! —Self-taught, they say? Reading magic books on her own. —Then, one day, after meeting Marina and receiving guidance, bang! Her talent literally exploded. —Reached the 4th rank in just a year after formally learning magic... What have I been doing this whole time? Should I just give up on magic? —Have you heard the latest? —Ah, about Miss Heynia. Word has it, she’s already showing achievements in resonance? —She’s already a proper 4th rank magician now. —I feel like I hear something about Miss Heynia at least once a day these days. —Tell me about it. —Meltas must be feeling a bit sour. After Marina took on a pupil, her one-sided scoring spree continued. So far, the balance between them had always been equal, but the situation began to tilt in Marina's favor. —It will drive me mad. Meltas found himself in an exceedingly difficult position. He had been considering taking on a student as well, but unforeseen circumstances had suddenly complicated the matter. Under these conditions, he couldn't just accept anyone as his disciple. That had always been the case, but now it was even more so. He had to find a prodigy that would not fall behind Marina’s pupil. — ...How? Thus, Meltas faced a crisis. Heynia Ye Mastien. Descended from a grand noble lineage, she achieved the 3rd rank through self-study and the 4th rank within a year of formal education—where could he possibly find a candidate to compare to such a treasure? Even over his entire, not-short lifetime, such talents were rare. And to find a new one? Furthermore, one who was not already committed elsewhere? Meltas had, in truth, practically given up. ...At least until this morning. An unexpected encounter with a figure named Risir. And his extraordinary power, encountered by chance. Meltas thought to himself. Maybe with him, it just might be possible. *** Afterward, Marina asked Risir about various things beyond just his school of magic. Each time, Meltas told Risir there was no need to answer, and thus Risir did not. Marina didn't particularly mind. She had a firm belief that whatever pupil Meltas brought forth, they would ultimately not be able to surpass hers. It was the leisure of those who possessed much. But there was one thing that irked her. "Marina. Would you mind stepping aside for a while? You can take my time as much as you like, but as you see, I have company right now." It was Meltas’s attitude. There was a subtle comfort in it. A stark contrast to the past when any mention of students would sour his expression, causing him to change the subject or leave the room quickly. 'What's this about?' Marina, with a twinge of curiosity, observed Risir once more. Just entering the 4th rank at his age. It wasn't exactly ordinary, but nor was it something outstanding. It seemed a flimsy foundation for confidence. "Master." A different voice sounded at that moment. Risir’s gaze naturally turned toward the voice. Golden hair tied back swayed softly in time with her steps, like threads woven from gold. Green eyes, profoundly deep and clear, naturally brought to mind jewels. 'Why does she seem to have a different saturation setting all on her own?' She was a woman whose each constituent of her form gleamed with distinct brilliance. "Ah, Heynia. Did you receive the item?" "Yes." The girl named Heynia extended her hand to Marina. In her palm lay a single silver ring. "Hm? Why aren't you wearing it on your finger? Don't you like the ring?" "You said it's an artifact that aids in mana recovery. I plan to wear it during rest." Heynia answered with a sharp tone. "Still, why not try it on now?" "I tested it when I received it from the shop owner. I took it off again because the appearance doesn’t suit my taste. Master's told you several times, I don't need material support from you. If there's something I need, just inform me. I can acquire it through my own means." "You are so cold-hearted—how could you not understand a master’s wish to give more to their student?" After finishing the warm exchange with her teacher, Heynia looked at Meltas. "Sir Meltas. Hello, meeting here." "Yes, Miss Heynia. Nice to see you." Following that, Heynia gave Risir a long look. Seeing this, Marina spoke up. "I’ll do the introductions instead. Meltas, you don’t mind, right? Heynia? This here is Risir. Meltas's soon-to-be student." "?" Am I supposed to be Meltas’s student? Risir looked at Meltas with confusion. "Ahem. Marina, don't you think Risir might feel awkward?" "Awkward about what? Anyway, why don't the two of you exchange greetings? You'll be seeing each other often from now on." Even before Marina finished speaking, Heynia extended a handshake to Risir. Her stiff yet bold movement matched her clear and articulate way of speaking. "I'm Heynia. Just remember me as Marina's pupil." "Ah, I'm Risir. Feel free to just remember me as Risir." Risir took Heynia's offered hand and gave it a light shake. He tried to let go immediately, but Heynia didn’t release it. "Ms. Heynia?" "You're 4th rank?" "Pardon? Oh, yes. It seems that you're also 4th rank at your age. Impressive." His sincerity was genuine, not mere formal courtesy. Risir knew well just how impressive it was to reach the 4th rank at such a young age. "..." However, despite Risir’s genuine intentions, Heynia’s expression soured. Which was understandable since Risir was also at the 4th rank. Just incidentally reaching the 4th rank moments ago, Risir lacked any sense of being one. The compliment about the 4th rank from his mouth. Heynia grappled with how to interpret his words and reached a reasonable conclusion. 'Are you challenging me?' It wasn’t strange. Heynia was Marina's pupil, and Risir was Meltas's disciple. Heynia gripped Risir's hand more firmly, a grin spreading across her face. "Should I say the same thing? That being 4th rank at our age is quite amazing?" "There's no need for that, really." "You're right. There’s no need for me to say it. Not all 4th ranks are the same. You're only just entering the threshold. I’ve been past that for quite some time." Why the sudden hostility? Regardless of Risir’s awkward response, Heynia seemed to grow more competitive. "When you build your magical foundation, which books do you mainly refer to? In my case—" "–So, what does your magical imagery base itself on?" "What’s your take on Todrial's two rules?" It could be considered a sort of duel, a competition to compare magical aptitude. Risir found himself unable to respond in the duel of words. A clear winner's smile spread across Heynia's face. It was time for the finishing blow. "I told you earlier. Just because we're both 4th rank doesn't mean we're the same. Do you know why?" With a swift motion, Heynia extended her hand toward Risir, folding all fingers except her index. "One year. It only took me a single year to reach this point." There was no hint of arrogance. Her eyes sparkled with pure confidence and pride as she looked at Risir. "And you?" "...A month?" Risir cautiously stated the truth as it was. "Should I change my words and say it took me just a week then? Don't be ridiculous." Naturally, Heynia didn’t believe him. In the end, Risir had no choice but to take a drastic measure. "...I suppose it’s been about a year now or so." He exaggerated his experience a bit. "…" Heynia stared at Risir for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle. "Really? You’re something yourself, huh?" "The words and your expression are vastly different, though." "Oh. If it seemed that way, I apologize." Ah! Heynia clapped her hands as though remembering something. "Risir. I came up with a good idea. Want to hear it?" "Let's hear it." "This is the first time I’ve met someone who's at a similar level of magic to me." "Didn't you just say that even among 4th ranks, not all are the same?" "Oh, come on. Why so serious? We're both in our first year at this level. So, how about we have a duel?" "A duel? Suddenly?" "As you might know, it's not easy for people like us to find sparring partners of a similar level, right? It’ll be greatly beneficial for broadening our insights." "…" Risir found himself nodding unknowingly. As he listened, her proposal started to seem quite alluring. 'A duel.' A golden opportunity to assess his growth and understand his current standing. Seeing Risir’s reaction, Heynia’s expression turned even more playful. "And, just sparring isn't fun, so let's do this. Loser grants the winner any wish. Exciting, right?" "What if someone asks for everything I have?" "Do you think I'd ask for something stupid like that?" "I was considering it if I win, though." "…" After a brief moment of pondering, Risir agreed to her proposal. *** After setting a time and place for the duel, Risir parted ways with Heynia. The duel was scheduled for the next afternoon. The venue was the courtyard of the Grey Mage Tower. Later, Risir continued with his plan and proceeded toward the Grey Mage Tower with Meltas. Meltas first guided Risir to his personal laboratory. He had much to discuss related to recent events. Upon arriving at the lab, Risir promptly took out something from his bag to show Meltas. "What is that?" "An elixir." "?" Meltas could scarcely believe his ears. A seemingly out-of-context item? "Pardon my questioning, but Sir Meltas. Is there a better place to consume an elixir than here, your laboratory at the Grey Mage Tower?" "A sudden question. Still, to answer, there aren’t many such places." "I concur. That said, Sir Meltas, may I request your assistance in consuming this elixir?" This was another reason Risir had readily accepted the mage tower tour offer. According to a note left by his mentor, Pamon, the mage tower was the most ideal place to consume an elixir. "Just to be sure. You didn't consume an elixir between leaving the lab and reaching the magic shop, did you?" "What do you, someone of Sir Meltas's stature, even consider an elixir to be?" "...No, forget it. But, why now of all times?" "I must win the duel. Would it seem too greedy if I demand money after winning?" "...What do you even take an elixir for?" Meltas found himself increasingly curious about the true nature of the man named Risir.