Episode 138
Chapter 45: The Bigger Picture (3)
July 20, 1796.
Three months had passed since Jin became Kidard’s disciple. Even after forming their master-disciple bond, Kidard continued to investigate Jin’s past. Through his efforts, he confirmed that the Gray Owl Mercenary Corps had been completely wiped out by Ziphl.
But even Kidard couldn’t dig any deeper. If he pushed too far, there was a risk of exposing Jin to Ziphl, and losing the only disciple and heir he had gained late in life.
To Kidard, Jin was nothing short of a lucky break.
“That kid… After becoming my disciple, he kept boasting about waiting for the right moment to kill me. So far, things are going smoothly. Sometimes, I swear I feel like there are snakes coiled up inside that tiny stomach of his.”
“We can’t get too close for fear of being discovered, but according to the Seven-Colored Bird’s report, Kidard is spending more and more time with Lord Jin each day, Murakan-sama.”
The Seven-Colored Bird was currently disguised as a merchant regularly transporting supplies to Romp, keeping an eye on Jin and Kidard’s movements.
But since Kidard was a 9th-rank mage, it was impossible to observe every detail. They could only confirm that Jin was still alive during their comings and goings.
Still, it was possible to piece together the rumors spreading among the people of Romp. The eccentric old man of the small village had taken in a magic apprentice, so naturally, the locals were buzzing about it.
“Sigh… I still get butterflies in my chest every day. Kidard seems to care for the young master now, but what if he suddenly changes his mind and harms him?”
“Don’t worry, Strawberry Pie. That lazy Jet said Kidard’s eyes drip with thick honey whenever he looks at Jin. I think the kid’s already completely captured him.”
“Ugh, saying it like that sounds weird, Murakan. I can’t help but imagine things.”
“Exactly! It’s like our Lord Jin is wagging his tail for that bad man! But it’s all just part of the plan, just the plan.”
When Quikantel and Enya shook their heads, Tikan’s little darlings chimed in.
“Jin hyung had a tail?”
“No, Finte. Only Navi Runkandel has a tail.”
“I miss Jin hyung…”
“Me too.”
As Enya’s younger brother Finte and Yuria wiped tears from their eyes while crunching on ice candy, Alisa scooped them up and left the room.
“Now that you’ve had a snack, it’s time to exercise, okay? Try not to talk about Lord Jin in front of the kids. Once his name comes up, they’ll be asking about him all day. There, there. Jin oppa will be back soon.”
Watching Alisa’s retreating figure, the two dragons and their companions awkwardly scratched their heads.
“Ta-da! Here are Latri’s special apple cookies. They’re dangerously delicious for kids, so I was just waiting for a chance to share them with you all.”
As Latri brought out the treats, the group resumed their conversation about Jin.
“There’s probably no other place in the world where dragons bake cookies. The end times, truly. Hmm, the taste is pretty good. Let’s enjoy them. Anyway… Strawberry Pie, don’t worry so much about the kid.”
“I do worry sometimes. If something happens to the young master, we have so few ways to intervene.”
“Exactly, Lord Kashimir. That’s what scares me the most… We have to trust the young master, but he’s a 9th-rank mage. Do you really think Kidard Hall will fall for the young master’s plan?”
“If the story ends with him just falling for the kid’s plan, that would be very fortunate for him.”
Murakan smirked, as if he already knew exactly how things would unfold.
‘Honestly, at first he was furious with me and opposed this the most…’
Kashimir swallowed the thought.
“Hyuwel.”
Kidard called out gently to Jin.
“In the past three months, you’ve learned the basics of Reverse Flow magic. In other words, you’ve redefined the concept of ‘reverse flow’ that mages have known until now.”
“Yes, Master. I’m truly grateful. Since I began learning your Reverse Flow, I feel my magical horizons have expanded…”
It was true.
Even though he was an enemy, Kidard was a genius who had reached 9th rank alone. His magic held subtleties beyond Jin’s expectations.
Reverse Flow—the most lethal phenomenon for mages.
Because of Reverse Flow, duels between mages could more easily determine superiority than sword fights. The side that could manipulate more mana and trigger the opponent’s Reverse Flow would win.
Usually, mages condensed their mana into a single point when activating Reverse Flow. They compressed their mana at the tip of a staff or finger, then stabbed the opponent to inject it, disrupting their mana flow.
But Kidard’s Reverse Flow was different. It induced Reverse Flow by actually absorbing the opponent’s mana.
This was an excellent way to respond to enemy magic with both offense and defense. Absorbing the opponent’s magic and returning it as Reverse Flow.
“Show me your 3rd-rank Reverse Flow Sphere.”
Ziiing…
Jin conjured a swirling orb of mana in his palm. It looked much weaker than the one Kidard had shown at first, but Kidard nodded approvingly.
“At this level, third-rate mages won’t even realize you’ve triggered Reverse Flow before they’re defeated. You’re not far from killing second-rate mages either. But to defeat first-rate ones, you’ll need to master Advanced Reverse Flow.”
Ahem…!
Kidard emphasized the words ‘Advanced Reverse Flow’ and cautiously watched Jin’s reaction.
“Yes, you’ve mentioned it several times. One of the advanced Reverse Flow spells can trigger Reverse Flow without even returning the opponent’s magic. When will you teach me?”
“Hmm, hmm. With your understanding, you could start right now.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But Hyuwel, before that, I have one favor to ask.”
“Please say it, Master.”
Jin already knew what Kidard would ask.
“The magic tome of Shuziel Hister. Will you show it to me?”
“No, Master.”
Jin refused outright.
Kidard’s eyes narrowed sharply as he glared at Jin.
“I understand that tome is more precious to you than your own life! But I’ve been your master for three months now. Do you still not trust me?”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Master. It’s a matter of my conviction. I’m sorry. I told you before, that’s something I can’t allow.”
“Hah! Conviction! Hyuwel, honestly, it would be as easy for me to take your magic tome by force as breathing. Yet, out of love for my only disciple, I’m asking nicely.”
“Master.”
Jin’s eyes widened as he stared at Kidard. Kidard cleared his throat and looked away, embarrassed by his own words.
“Oh dear. I misspoke. But I can’t help feeling a little hurt. I want to teach you everything, yet you keep your distance.”
“No, it’s my fault for stubbornly clinging to my beliefs.”
“So, you’re willing to show me Shuziel Hister’s magic tome…?”
Kidard’s old eyes gleamed darkly with desire. He had once deciphered Hister’s tome to advance his mastery of Reverse Flow and was fascinated by the Hister family’s mysteries.
Since taking Jin as his disciple, Kidard had been desperate to study that tome.
Jin sighed, feigning hesitation instead of laughing.
“Haah, Master. How about this?”
“Speak.”
“I will lend you the magic tome of Shuziel Hister, my ancestor.”
“Oh?”
“But there is one condition. I’m not in a position to make demands, but please provide me with a way to protect my conviction.”
“Very well. If it’s within my power, I will grant it. What is it?”
“Master, entrust me with something as precious as your own life.”
Kidard’s eyebrows twitched, and a brief silence fell.
For a mage, there was only one thing as precious as life itself—especially for someone like Kidard, who had achieved his own unique magical breakthrough.
“…The Book of Reverse Flow. You want me to entrust that to you?”
The very tome containing a mage’s lifelong achievements.
It was the main reason Jin had spared Kidard’s life so far.
There had been many chances to kill him, but each time Jin restrained himself, waiting for the day he could claim the Book of Reverse Flow.
Simply killing him wouldn’t count as revenge.
‘In my past life, I imagined hunting you down and killing you for so long. Waiting a little longer to gain a small reward wasn’t so hard…’
Would he really hand it over?
As Jin calmly weighed the question, Kidard thought:
‘The Book of Reverse Flow… Giving it to Hyuwel means the day I die. Hmm, this is a tough decision.’
Soon, Kidard reached a conclusion.
‘Hyuwel can’t understand the Book of Reverse Flow yet, nor extract the runes inscribed within. Even if he’s a genius surpassing me, he’s still a novice. He can’t run off with it, so there’s no problem.’
Kidard nodded in agreement.
“…Very well. While I borrow Sujiel Hister’s grimoire, you shall keep the Book of Reversal. It’s not a difficult request.”
“Thank you for understanding, Master.”
“However, it will take some time. The Book of Reversal isn’t kept here—it’s stored in the Eternal Vault of the Vankela Kingdom. Until I return with it, focus on mastering the advanced reversal techniques.”
Thud, thud. Kidath set two advanced reversal technique grimoires on the table and said, “I’ll be back soon.”
It was ten days before Kidath returned.
Retrieving items from the Eternal Vault of Vankela was evidently a complicated process.
“Welcome back, Master.”
“Have you finished reading the advanced reversal technique grimoires?”
“Yes.”
As Kidath handed over the Book of Reversal, Jin pulled Sujiel Hister’s grimoire from his robes. The moment Kidath took it, his face lit up.
“Oh, oh…!”
“Is it that good?”
“Just by glancing at it, I can tell—this is a grimoire on record magic! Deciphering it will take quite some time… Haha. Thank you, my student. Feel free to study the Book of Reversal as much as you like.”
“I’m not yet capable of grasping the depth of your masterpiece. I’ll be content just keeping it safe.”
“Do as you wish, ha ha. Now that you’ve begun learning the advanced reversal techniques… it’s time to start practical training in earnest. Starting tomorrow, you should experience the power of reversal magic firsthand—using insects.”
“Insects? You can induce mana reversal in insects? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
Kidath shook his head.
“Not those insects. I mean the human insects—those who live their entire lives breathing but accomplishing nothing. The people of this dull little village make perfect subjects for such practice.”