Chapter 636 - Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint
The school, now void of students, lay in chaos. Scattered about were remnants such as used crystal lenses, blocks of pure ice, magically fueled braziers, and magic xylophones. The thought of cleaning it all up was enough to evoke a sigh. But it wouldn't be me cleaning—it would be the housekeeper. With a nod, I called for her. “Hey, you. Clean this up, will you?” “Hmm... Huh? Did you call for me?” “Where does this person roam at night to be dozing during the day? I told you to tidy this up.” I replied irritably, prompting the housekeeper to wipe the corner of her mouth and mumble sulkily. "Pfft. You didn't have to say it like that..." Despite her grumbling, she tidied up swiftly. With barely a flick of her wrist, the mess was sorted in no time. Glancing at the box of magical tools, she struck up a conversation. “Wow, what a pile of mysterious stuff. Did you prepare all of these for the kids?” “What are you talking about? These are my experimental tools.” “Thanks to these magical tools, the kids could sense magic. This is the first time I've seen so many magical instruments in a single place, used to teach kids in the magical federation.” “I just happened to need subjects for my experiments.” I had been seeking methods of magical awakening at the Crystal Tower and needed subjects to experiment on. These kids were just incredibly lucky to benefit from my visit. “To the children, you're like a fortuitous fate...” “Yes, that's right. I am their fortuitous encounter, their miracle, and their grace. Had I not taken an interest in the magical awakening of the unenlightened, or followed the Madam when she caught my eye, they would have wasted their lives gambling uncertainly at this out-of-the-way school.” Listening to this, the housekeeper lowered her gaze, murmuring. “Teacher, you talk like that, but you’re actually a nice person, aren't you?” “Huh? Where's all that coming from?” “Your words are cold, and your demeanor is arrogant, but you work to help the kids out here in the provinces. Those with exceptional abilities don't usually travel out to the provinces to help others—unless they’re missionaries or something.” I shrugged and responded. “Well, in the end, that's how it is. But I act according to my own will, and no matter what expectations people have, I won't necessarily meet them.” “…Is it possible you're just shy?” “I would love to know. I have no clue what kind of feeling that is.” My answer didn’t seem to quell her curiosity. With a tilt of her head, the housekeeper continued organizing the belongings. “Should I serve the meal now? Or would you like a bath?” “Let’s eat first, then wash up.” “Got it. I'll let the Madam know to bring out the meal!” The housekeeper hurried off at meal time. She was probably in a rush for her own meal too. Everyone is simply committed to their own duties. It was then the resonance crystal in my pocket vibrated. As I casually pulled it out, the faint outline of Avant-Garde's face appeared. I twisted the crystal into place and spoke. “I’ve received it, Senior Avant-Garde.” His voice responded eagerly. [Hughes. How are you? How's the lower realm treating you?] “I’m staying at a lovely place, so it’s quite comfortable. The rules here are intriguing.” [Oh, right! I forgot to explain the rules of the Celsius domain! What should I do? Should I send you a guidebook?] “Figuring it out is part of the fun. Besides, I'm somewhat used to it now. Thanks to the freezing and boiling points being different here, it’s quite convenient for handling crystal magic.” [Exactly! In the Celsius domain, the crystalline structure of snow and ice is enhanced, creating exceptional freezing and boiling points! Knowing just that is enough!] Avant-Garde seemed thrilled as he chattered on. Although I couldn’t read his thoughts from afar, I could at least listen to his tales. After sharing some trivial stories and checking on each other’s welfare, he declared after some chatter. [The Crystal Tower is busy linking to this descent location. It should be quieter by next week, so I'll try to visit then! Until then, take care!] “Of course. You’ll be shocked when you see me. I can’t wait to show you my transformed self.” [I… I want to see you too!] With just those words, Avant-Garde ended the call. The glow from the resonance crystal faded. Now done with one task, I turned and addressed the gaze I sensed. “What is it, housekeeper?” “…Quite the sinner, aren't you?” “Did you change your profession from housekeeper to judge? Doesn't matter, though; why are you so nosy about my calls? Quite rude.” “Then have them in your room!” What’s with her? Why so prickly? With a cold tone, the housekeeper spoke again. “While you were chatting away, I spoke to the Madam. Your meal will be here soon. But…” “But what?” "…There’s someone outside asking for you.” Someone looking for me? Not Avant-Garde or, hopefully, not Lankart. Could it be Shei? Strange, if it were Shei, she would have just come in. “You could have let them in. Is there a problem?” “Yes, there is. The Madam chased them away.” “What?” Filled with questions, I immediately stepped outside. In the Celsius domain, the ice doesn't melt easily. Thus, most of the domain is blanketed in snow and ice, with buildings often made of ice rather than stone. The pathways are polished ice, and most transportation takes the form of sleds. Occasionally, someone will glide by on skates. Huskies are commonly raised here, making dog sleds a practical mode of travel. The snow is warm enough to feel cozy but difficult to traverse, so folks don’t wander without reason. Yet today, near the school, there was an unusual buzz of people. The Madam, accompanied by a group, was glaring fiercely as she shouted. “This is our district! When we begged for help, you didn’t even glance our way, and now you think you can just barge in?” Her opponent was an elder with a long beard. Though his prowess was meager, as a retired mage, he wore a placid expression. “Come now, Madam. Barge in, you say? Anyone would think you’ve set the table.” “It is my table! I brought them here and I’m hosting them!” While the Madam screamed and shouted angrily, the old man insouciantly retorted. "Even if you brought them here, they didn't come from the Floating Island at your invitation, and you didn't serve them such that it would impress a mage. The mage merely joined the nearest school. So, that school doesn't necessarily have to be yours." "And there's no reason it should be yours, either!" "Our school is larger, with more students and superior education... and we can offer more rewards." The school he ran and personally taught at was founded by a retired mage; his position was completely different from that of the Madam, who had merely been fortunate enough to have raised a successful child. Nonetheless, even she couldn't easily give away the good fortune she had chanced upon. She fumed, ready to argue. "And Madam, while I watched your son, I remained silent." She couldn't argue further. Simply put, an icicle had formed over her mouth. The sudden chill made her shiver violently, fearful of the cold and, more so, the magic weaved upon her without her even noticing. Stroking his beard, the wizard remarked, "While you're off with the Floating Island and the mage, we'll be staying here. We ought to resolve this peacefully, no need to make things worse for yourself." His words were almost a threat, and very much the reality that dawned upon the Madam. Magic is a power calling forth natural phenomena through will. If you can perceive it, you can sense it; if you have control, you can resist it. Unless premeditated magic is performed, magic is almost ineffectual against other mages. However, for ordinary individuals without perception or control? They can't detect it, nor can they resist it, unaware of who or how they’re attacked. Even reporting it wouldn't lead to arrests, and there'd be no way to prove it if accused. To the uninitiated, magic is an invisible force. How does one prove the unseen? An uninformed layperson remains one. Just as a legally incompetent person needs a guardian, an ordinary person faces helplessness without a guardian mage. The only reason the Madam wasn't even more severely targeted was her son, who was a mage. The wizard, recollecting this, maintained some decorum. "We're not asking for anything grand. We just wish to meet the esteemed mage. It seems quite unfair to refuse us with harsh words." "...!" "Now then, shall we proceed to the school?" The Madam’s group couldn't block a wizard's path. The wizard smirked as he turned toward the school, encountering me just then. “It’s crowded. What’s everyone gathered here for with nothing better to do?” My openly impatient demeanor clued the old man in that I was the mage. “Oh! Delighted to meet you. Are you the one they mentioned from the Floating Island?” “What’s your business here?” ‘Arrogant as ever! Just as expected from the elite of the Floating Island, I suppose.’ Even with a brusque response, he managed to understand; what else could you expect from a mage? The old man conveyed his business as succinctly as possible. “Ahem! It’s nothing much. We wish to invite a mage as skilled as yourself to our school rather than this backwater place.” “And how did you find out about me? It’s only been three days since I arrived here.” “The Celsius domain is small. The places where people live closely together are even smaller. When a mage with powerful magical energy like you appears, everyone takes notice….” Engaged in pleasantries, he jolted slightly upon sensing my magic. ‘Hm? That’s odd. I heard you were an exemplary mage from the Floating Island, yet your magical presence seems faint.’ Tch, typical of mages. Mages can sense magical energy, meaning mine was exposed. Naturally, those adept can conceal their magical presence, but there’s little need. Showing off superior power doesn’t hurt. ‘Why is the magical presence so weak? Could it be the Madam’s staged a double? Just a moment…’ As he stroked his beard, his gaze flickered downward. Magic slowly gathered at my feet, where snow met sandal tips. Ah, that beard wasn’t real. Inside it were threads intertwined, likely mediating his spell-work. No matter how weak I may be... I subtly moved my hand behind me and drew a card—a three of clovers, one remade by Lankart from the Floating Island to replace the ones I’d exhausted. Ensuring it was out of his view, I subtly let it drop behind my leg and slid my foot over it. “Fahrenheit.” The moment the magic within the card ignited, it clashed with his spell. The icicles creeping up my feet vaporized, transforming into a cloud of steam. The old man’s eyes widened. ‘A spell evoked with just a chant and no medium?! I couldn’t even trace the flow of magic. A high-ranking mage!’ Though there was indeed a medium, the old man's eyes couldn’t see it. Even fully sighted, it was difficult to spot, so for old eyes, it was nearly impossible. Hastily, he removed his hand from his beard and spoke. “Ahem. My apologies. I thought perhaps I was speaking to the wrong person as you were restraining your magical presence.” “Should I have to excuse myself to you?” “…Ah! O-of course not! Please forgive me!” Elderly? Hierarchies? Old-fashioned notions. In the magical federation, skill is all that matters. Watching him bow in haste, I finally spoke. “So, about your business.” “I was merely inquiring about your preference, so please, don’t be too cross!” “Do as you like.” “We could certainly accommodate you comfortably, so perchance if you… wait, what?” “Send them here at your leisure. I don’t plan on taking many under my wing, but I can spare time to help periodically.” My unexpectedly agreeable reply startled him. “Truly? But you said to send them?” “I dislike packing. Besides, I’ve already set myself up here.” “Our school is much larger and more well-equipped, but…” “Then let them learn in your fine facilities.” “No, no, no! We must align with your wishes! As the saying goes, the thirsty dig the well. We'll let it be known as such!” The old man bowed several times before retreating with his people. Given the initial confrontation, the outcome was surprisingly favorable, and I was secretly quite satisfied. T1NrUTkreFYvQUZ1VEE0bGdJSWROMVducFR2VEdlVXJnZTg4NVlJK0JHWldrTDFQQWh1RVhiSVphUXlyUjBpeg The Madam managed to save face to some extent. While it might be disappointing for her not to have exclusive access to me, it’s not a bad thing for this remote district to become the focal point of events. Just like the old man said, once I leave, they’ll have only each other. However. ‘Though he’s not one to idle away, he’s certainly not one to volunteer his services, and he’s not a missionary. What kind of results is he trying to achieve this time?’ The housekeeper kept glancing at me with eyes that were half curious, half suspicious.