Episode 136
Chapter 45: The Bigger Picture (1)
It took about a week to reach the Meltdoor Principality, traveling by a mix of portals and sea routes.
“Still can’t believe it. To think the sorcerer who cursed me in my past life was none other than Kidad.”
Since then, Jin had been poring over the report on Kidad that Kashimir had given him, his mind constantly returning to thoughts of the Kidad Hall.
A ninth-rank archmage from outside Ziphl.
In his previous life, Jin had heard quite a bit about him. His name often appeared in the magical research society’s journals and newsletters.
A stubborn, eccentric figure, ultimately abandoned by Ziphl.
Yet despite that, Kidad had served as the head instructor at the Bimont Magic Academy and held a senior position in Ziphl’s advanced magical education—all thanks to his profound understanding and skill in magic.
He was undoubtedly a remarkable figure.
But to Jin, he was simply Joshua’s ally and the enemy who had cursed him when he was just a newborn.
“I remember what my master said about Kidad. An arrogant old curmudgeon who doesn’t even acknowledge anyone below genius level. And he was always afraid that one day Ziphl would steal all his magical achievements.”
If he dismissed anyone below genius, that meant he coveted geniuses. Just as Kidad had shown prolonged interest in Jin’s magic master in the past.
“We’ve arrived.”
The boatman removed his straw hat and announced.
The small vessel docked at Romp, a border town in the Meltdoor Principality. The modest pier and quiet surroundings reflected the town’s small size at a glance.
After paying the fare and stepping onto land, Jin’s appearance was rather shabby—cheap robes, a worn oak staff, dusty glasses, and boots with heels worn thin.
He looked every bit the struggling magic student.
But beneath the disguise of poverty, his eyes behind the glasses gleamed with quiet confidence and determination.
Because a timid attitude wasn’t part of the disguise meant to fool Kidad.
“First, find a place to stay, then head to that restaurant he frequents.”
Romp. When Jin first received the report, he was pleased to learn Kidad was staying in such a small town.
No need to wander aimlessly or hunt him down with difficulty.
After asking some fishermen at the dock for directions and walking about an hour, the shopping district came into view. On the way, Jin burned the report Kashimir had given him with a fire spell, scattering the ashes among the bushes.
The sun blazed overhead, the breeze was cool, and the streets were peaceful. A few children playing nearby glanced at Jin with curious, slightly frightened expressions, whispering among themselves.
The restaurant Kidad often visited was called “Mansun.” A common name in a fishing town, and directly across from it stood a small inn.
Jin decided to check into the inn first.
“Welcome! Huh? A mage?”
The innkeeper frowned the moment he saw Jin.
‘Probably because of Kidad. According to the report, despite being in seclusion, he treats everyone here like servants.’
Kidad, who regarded anyone below genius as vermin, certainly wouldn’t show respect to the ordinary people of Meltdoor.
“A room, please.”
“We have plenty of vacancies, but hmm… Are you connected to Amel?”
Amel Odd—Kidad’s alias.
The locals in Romp only knew Kidad as a grumpy, ill-tempered mage; they had no idea he was a ninth-rank archmage.
“Who’s Amel?”
“Oh, I asked because I thought you might be a fellow mage. He settled in our village about five years ago, but he’s a suspicious sort.”
“Sounds like a famous mage.”
“Everyone here knows him. He apparently had some reputation in the past, but honestly, I wish he’d just leave. He’s been spoiling the neighborhood’s atmosphere for years now… Anyway, here’s the key. Five dongs a day.”
Jin handed over some coins, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
“I’d like to meet this Amel. I’m not a mage yet, just an aspirant. I’m on my way to the Meltdoor capital’s magic school.”
“Oh, so you’re passing through because you can’t afford the portal fare. If you want to meet Amel, wait at the restaurant across the street this evening. He’ll probably come out for dinner.”
“Thank you.”
“But honestly, I think you’d be better off ignoring him and moving on. Seems like you want to learn, but that guy… he’s not the type.”
“Is he unpleasant?”
“Very. Just the other day, he kicked some kids who got too close out of curiosity! And it’s not the first time.”
“That’s harsh.”
“Probably a failure back in his old neighborhood. That’s why he’s stuck here in this backwater, putting on airs. When you get to the capital’s magic school, tell them to take him in.”
After resting until evening, Jin headed to Mansun.
“It’s been over a week since I last held a sword. Feels strange.”
Thinking back, it was the first time since leaving Storm Castle. Still, the calloused palms betrayed his identity as a warrior, making the disguise feel a bit flimsy.
“One grilled fish and a beer, please.”
By the time he finished two beers alone, Kidad appeared.
As soon as he entered the restaurant, Kidad fixed his gaze on Jin for a moment, then settled into a secluded corner.
When Jin strode over, the other patrons exchanged wary glances.
“Are you Amel?”
All the customers were locals, and none had ever seen anyone approach Kidad without trouble.
Adults, elders, even animals—since arriving in Meltdoor, Kidad had never allowed anyone near him.
“…Who are you?”
But when Kidad glanced up at Jin and spoke like that, the patrons shrugged as if to say, “Well, this should be interesting.”
Even the casual “you” was a first from Kidad.
“I’m Huwell. A magic aspirant. I stopped by this town on my way to Meltdoor’s magic school, and I heard there might be someone here who could be my distant senior. I wanted to meet you.”
Jin looked Kidad straight in the eyes. The patrons remained tense, their gazes fixed on the two.
“Senior, huh… Ridiculous. Meltdoor magic school? I’ve never set foot in that trash heap. I find it extremely distasteful. But since you don’t know me yet, I’ll forgive you this once.”
“Ah, I apologize for my disrespect, sir…”
“What are you staring at, you worthless vermin? Get out before I cripple you all.”
A low hum filled the air.
Kidad muttered and unleashed his magic. The patrons panicked and fled the restaurant. Even the owner abandoned his fish and ran out, leaving Jin dumbfounded.
“Completely reckless. He must know there’s no point in the townsfolk reporting him.”
Crack!
The fragile objects inside the restaurant began to fracture under Kidad’s magic.
Plates shattered, fish splattered, and eerie noises filled the air. Yet Jin’s expression remained unchanged as he stared at Kidad.
“Looks like I disturbed your dinner, Amel.”
In that instant, Jin caught a flicker of surprise in Kidad’s eyes.
“You’re not fazed by my magic release.”
“I’ve never experienced such power before, so it’s hard to grasp. What’s this? I’m a bit taken aback.”
“Such power you’ve never experienced… The magic I just released was about sixth-rank. You’re already seventh-rank, so it shouldn’t have been threatening.”
Kidad recognized Jin’s magic at a glance. Jin hadn’t even tried to hide it.
“I sensed a momentary hidden power, so that’s how I described it. I only intended to chat with a retired archmage, but I never imagined Amel was a recluse of your caliber.”
“Heh, I was surprised from the moment I saw you. You’re getting interesting. Meltdoor magic school? Aspirant? You have no talent for lying. Why would a genius like you seek out such a third-rate—no, fifth-rate institution?”
Jin feigned shock, eyes wide.
“It’s no lie. I really was on my way to Meltdoor magic school.”
“If you’ve already reached seventh-rank at your age, you must have a good teacher. And the reason you met me today is because your teacher sent you. You’re not from Ziphl, are you? Someone? That cold Jo, that friend of yours?”
“No.”
“And I should explain about that cheap robe you’re hiding behind. You have the body of a lifelong soldier.”
Jin remained silent, and Kidad continued.
“Confess everything truthfully. Otherwise, you’ll be crippled and never able to use magic again.”
Jin took a deep breath.
‘I’ve prepared a countermeasure in case Kidad attacks, but I can’t help feeling a bit tense. Still, Kidad, you’ll have no choice but to covet me now. But your time to die isn’t now.’
He shrugged, resigned.
“The reason I have a well-trained body is that I worked as a mercenary until a year ago. I’ve been holding a sword since I could walk, but I never had any real talent for swordsmanship, so I stayed stuck at the two-star rank.”
“This is starting to get annoying. I don’t have much patience. You’re telling me that a guy who was a two-star warrior just a year ago suddenly gained seven-star magic power?”
Jin nodded, frowning.
“Exactly. If I had known the secret of my birth a little earlier, I wouldn’t have had to live as a mercenary. My name is Huwell… Huwell Hister. I’m the last heir of the Hister family.”
“W-what?!”
Kidad jumped up and took a step back.
Not because he was afraid of Jin, but because the name ‘Hister’ hit him like a shock.
“So, Great Mage, you know my family, then. Now you understand why, despite having seven-star magic power, I haven’t even been officially registered as a mage, and why I went out of my way to find the Meltador Magic Academy?”
“Are you… really saying you’re the last heir of the Hister family?”
The Histers.
The family to which Jin’s master belonged, officially wiped out centuries ago.
“Yes. A year ago, the mercenary captain who raised me confessed this to me. Following his dying wish, I went to find the family’s heirloom, and in an instant, I gained seven-star magic power.”
Whoosh—
Kidad blinked as he suppressed the magic that filled his body.
“So, am I going to die now? Or will you hand me over to the GPL? Honestly, it’s unfair. I just wanted to live quietly as an ordinary mage—I didn’t come looking for some Great Mage by choice.”
“F-first, let’s move somewhere more private. We need to have a proper talk.”
Jin smiled quietly to himself.