Chapter 493

“Is your magic completely gone?”

“Unfortunately, yes. This is the lowest I’ve ever felt.”

“No way.”

Hale stroked his chin, clearly surprised. He’d wondered why Ian, who had just returned from the Abyss, came north instead of heading straight to the royal palace. Now he understood there was a reason.

The mages straightened up, eyes wide with disbelief as they examined Ian carefully. At first glance, his injuries seemed minor, so they’d been relieved. But this was different. What on earth had happened in the Abyss that drained Ian’s magic completely—him of all people?

“As far as I recall, this is a first. Ian, you can’t use magic at all? Didn’t you say it’s only been a few days since you came back from the Abyss? Someone like you should have recovered somewhat by now.”

“How much can you do?”

“I can’t even open my magic.”

“This can’t be.”

The mages hesitated, exchanging uneasy glances. Beric, brushing it off as fussiness, scratched his ear. After all, it was just the Abyss—they’d expect to hit rock bottom sometimes.

One mage caught Beric’s indifferent look and snapped his fingers firmly.

“Don’t take this lightly, Beric. Ian’s magic was far greater and stronger than any other mage’s. Even when everyone else reached their limits, he often stood alone.”

“And now?”

“But now, it’s completely depleted. Opening magic is as instinctive as breathing. If he can’t even do that…”

The mages all turned to Ian with grave expressions. Yet Ian met their concern with a calm smile.

Oh, please stop smiling. This is serious, and your grin just makes us want to laugh nervously. Seeing the mages’ somber faces break into smiles, Hale rolled up his sleeves.

“We can’t gauge it yet. Let’s just try.”

“Ugh. So basically, we have to shove it in hard, huh? Not very cost-effective.”

“Cost-effectiveness isn’t your strong suit, Beric. If we can raise Ian’s magic to a certain level, his recovery will speed up.”

Hale extended his hand politely, and Ian took it without hesitation.

In that moment, a bleak thought flashed through the mages’ minds: what if Ian had lost his magic forever? Years ago, there was Bandor, who returned from the Abyss in a similar state. Though he survived by inhabiting another’s body, he was stripped of his status as a mage—because of the Abyss.

“Wait, hold on! Captain!”

“Is this really the right place to do this? Shouldn’t we return to the palace first, then try? Just in case…”

The mages grabbed Hale’s wrist, voices rising in alarm. If their worst fears were true, and Ian was now just a normal person, he wouldn’t be able to absorb Hale’s magic. Worse, it could poison him.

“It’s fine.”

But Ian shook his head lightly, as if he’d already anticipated their worries.

“Bandor lost his magic for reasons other than the Abyss itself. The Abyss wasn’t the cause. And more importantly, I clearly felt your magic approaching from afar.”

What could be more certain than that? As mages connected by their senses, Ian gestured for them not to fear and to share their power.

Hale bit down on his cigarette, and his eyes instantly turned golden.

Ziiing! Ziiing!

Swoosh!

The flow of magic slowly circled around the two of them. The warmth was like a gentle spring breeze.

Beric still rested his chin on his hand atop his horse, watching, while the mages clasped their hands in prayer. Please, no more pain or trials for Ian.

“Ah.”

Ziiing! Ziiing!

Time passed. Sweat began dripping from Hale’s chin. He shrugged and gave a meaningful smile, as if something was wrong. The mages covered their mouths, tense.

“Ian, this is serious.”

“What’s wrong?”

“At first, I thought I was mistaken because it’s been so long, but no. This is beyond me.”

Over the past ten years, Ian had remained the same, but something inside him had changed. The depth of his magic vessel—the capacity to hold magic—had grown so vast it was impossible to estimate.

Even if Hale gave all his strength, it wouldn’t be enough to fill it.

“Didn’t you feel it too?”

“A little. I thought it was weak.”

“…We’ll give you all we can, but I doubt it will help much.”

Ian casually flicked his small hand. Was it because of the Abyss? Or because he realized this body itself belonged to a god? Or perhaps it was a blessing from the divine. He didn’t know.

Beric jumped up, confused.

“No effect? What do you mean?”

“Exactly that. It’s like not even a whisper reaches his core. The depth of his magic vessel has become unfathomable compared to before. It will take much longer to recover, and if he does—”

If he recovers? They will witness a power on a whole new level. His vessel was already large enough to contain the entire magic department, but now it far surpasses that. Hale couldn’t even imagine the scale of Ian’s limits.

“So, he’s an empty can for now?”

“Stop calling him a can! Ian, that’s rude!”

“What? Ian, are you offended?”

“Asking that is rude too!”

“You don’t show me any respect either, damn it!”

“We’re the same rank, so shut up. Get lost.”

While the mages and Beric bickered, Ian faintly sensed magic stirring within himself. It had been truly empty before, but thanks to Hale’s help, he could at least feel a flow.

How much must he recover before he can use magic without issue? As Ian stared at his palm, the mages gathered one by one, placing their hands over his.

“Ian, it’s our turn now.”

“Not as much as Captain Hale, but every little bit helps. I hope this makes a difference.”

“Every little bit counts! Oh, I know that well now.”

“Ian, please accept it.”

Ziiing! Ziiing!

On the vast field, golden light shimmered. Magic rose like heat haze around Ian and the mages.

One mage, who had last seen Ian ten years ago, was moved to tears again. Back then, Ian’s power had been a force driving him toward death, but now it was a source of aid, and that was deeply emotional.

Thanks to the concentrated magic, Ian’s blonde hair fluttered slowly.

“How do you feel?”

A mage, sweating slightly, asked cautiously, hoping the magic was helping. Ian’s answer was unexpected.

“Warm.”

“…!”

“…!”

The mages’ eyes widened in shock, then they all opened their magic even more powerfully. If he felt warmth and smiled with fresh green eyes, how could they stop?

When the mages seemed to be overexerting themselves, Ian pulled his hand back.

“Better to save some strength for the center.”

“It’s fine. When we return to the barrier, there’s a magic recovery potion from Captain Akorella. Ian, you should take it too. It’s not spectacular, but it works.”

“Recovery potion? Not an enhancer?”

“Yes, it’s been ten years. Captain Akorella has caused quite a stir since then. Ha ha. She’s made all sorts of things. Once, an explosion in the basement was so big she ended up giving the top floor to the Magic Stone Management Department.”

The mage laughed heartily, and Ian thought, she’s still the same. He wondered what else she might have created besides the potion. Surely, something amazing.

The mages gripped Ian’s hand tightly, telling him not to worry. Ian nodded and accepted all their power.

Ziiing! Ziiing!

“Huff, huff…”

“Oh, it’s working.”

“Maybe we’re getting old, huh?”

“Don’t say ‘we.’ I’m still fine.”

“Then wipe the drool before you talk.”

Time passed.

As the sun deepened, the mages collapsed, stretched out on the field, while Ian stood alone in the center. They were all drenched in sweat but smiling, refreshed.

Beric chewed on some jerky, chuckling.

“Ian, looks like you took down all the kids.”

“Can everyone make it to the barrier?”

“Yes, yes! Just a little more rest! Ha ha!”

“That’s good. Hey, Ian! Can you open your magic now? We poured everything we had into you. You should be able to, right?”

At Beric’s question, the mages barely lifted their heads to look at Ian. Please, let it work.

“…Hmm.”

Ian seemed to ponder briefly, then nodded.

Suddenly, the wind around Ian stilled for a moment before bursting forth with force. The short grass swayed refreshingly, cooling the mages’ sweat instantly.

Ziiiiiing! Ziiing!

“Wow, wow!”

“It’s working! That’s enough for today, Ian! Now all that’s left is to return to the palace!”

“Yesss!”

As Ian’s green eyes flickered and gleamed gold, the wizards erupted in cheers. They rolled across the field, embracing one another, while some eagerly rushed over to Beric, gladly letting themselves be hoisted onto his back. It was only for a brief moment, but they had confirmed that Ian’s magic was intact—and from the strength they sensed, they could tell some of his power had returned.

“The sun’s about to set. Ian, let’s head to the barrier first. Everyone still has enough energy to fly, right?”

“Just a moment! Only five minutes, please!”

“Hey, Hale.”

The wizards playfully begged with their hands, and Ian nodded toward Beric.

“I heard the Atan tribe has been causing trouble nearby. Beric’s been ordered by His Royal Highness, the deposed crown prince, to hold talks with them.”

“…Wait, that guy’s the palace’s problem solver?”

“Oh, great. That’s not reassuring at all. Beric, you do know what a negotiation is, right? No losing your temper and fighting. The barrier beyond is riddled with cracks, so magic is unstable there.”

“Am I a kid or what?”

Watching the bickering between Beric and the wizards, Hale glanced north as if something had just clicked, then spoke to Ian. Come to think of it, the faint outline of the barrier did seem visible.

“It’s true the Atan tribe has been stirring up trouble nearby. But before coming here—before meeting you, Ian—I met with Efdiram. They said they were heading to Burgos after finding Rutherford. Since you returned from the Abyss, it’s likely Rutherford is somewhere in Burgos as well. Anyway, since they’re heading that way, the Atan tribe probably won’t cause any more problems near the northern barrier for now. Whether it’s wise to have Beric meet Efdiram in the current situation… well.”

It might just be stirring up trouble for no reason.

If word got out that Ian was involved during that meeting, who could say whether it would help or hurt? Not even Ian himself.

“But if it’s a royal order, we should follow it. If we miss this chance, Beric might end up chasing the Atan tribe into Burgos.”

At someone’s suggestion, Ian snapped his fingers lightly. That was it.

“Is the Atan tribe still inside Bariel?”

“They were spotted in the northern mountains. They’ll probably cross the border by tomorrow night.”

“Good. Perfect timing. Hale, don’t worry about anything else for now. Just guide Beric to where the Atan tribe is by tomorrow. Beric, you—”

“Me? Why?”

Beric blinked wide-eyed, pointing at himself.

Ian grabbed his arm firmly and gave him a serious look, like an adult sending a child on an errand—though Ian was a head shorter.

“Listen carefully to what I’m about to say and remember it. You can handle that much, right?”