Chapter 123
There are many different kinds of supernatural abilities in the world, but most are generally referred to as magic. For ordinary people, there’s little distinction between elemental magic, divine power, or spirit magic—they all look the same.
However, strictly speaking, the term “magic” refers only to abilities manifested through specific methods. One must create a magic circuit within their body, which not everyone can do, and it heavily relies on innate talent. This method was first introduced to the world by dragons, which is why magic is often associated with them.
“So, this is really nonsensical. Normally, clonnes and their Guardians can’t learn magic.”
“Physically, they can’t accumulate magical power. Their structures are incompatible, causing a clash.”
“You know how priests and elementalists can’t learn magic? It’s the same principle.”
So, what they’re saying is that my Guardian is an anomaly.
Hearing this, I understood why everyone was so shocked and serious. In other words, my Guardian seemed to be a mutant.
“Heh….”
For some reason, Epethes was covering his mouth, trying not to laugh. He didn’t seem offended, just amused, which was odd in its own way. What’s so amusing about being called a mutant? Does he have a bizarre taste for enjoying insults? That would be troubling.
―It’s tiring, so stop making me laugh.
‘I wasn’t trying to be funny.’
—If that wasn’t intentional, then it’s a talent. Maybe you chose the wrong career? Perhaps you should have joined a theatre troupe instead of public service.
What nonsense was this? He turned my serious thoughts into a joke, making me frown.
‘If I truly had such talent, I would have received that kind of assessment already. No matter how funny you find it, it’s disrespectful to undervalue someone’s profession. It’s an insult to dedicated professionals.’
—You responded with such seriousness?
‘I have no intention of squabbling with you. So, what’s the actual explanation?’
Cutting to the chase, I heard a grumbling about how boring I was. But eventually, he did provide an answer.
—Well, I guess you could say I am a mutant.
Ah, I thought so.
―What’s with that reaction? Are you saying I looked like a mutant? That’s a bit hurtful.
‘I don’t know about being a mutant, but you certainly seem like an oddball.’
—You’re too much. But you should know that this goes for you too. Being bound together means we are ultimately part of the same fate.
What does that mean? Does it mean we’re linked because we’re the same kind? Honestly, I found it hard to accept. I thought of myself as fairly ordinary.
Sure, I’ve been told I’m unlucky, but that’s something everyone faces in their work. I was just a regular worker like anyone else. Even my hidden abilities were due to being a Clonne, so it wasn’t something that made me stand out anymore.
—But what do you think happens when you summon a Guardian that uses magic?
“…”
So, you’re the problem after all. As I stood speechless, he laughed again.
—That may be so, but you chose me.
‘… That’s completely new to me.’
—It’s true. You called out to me first.
Confused by his words, I instinctively stared at him. Already watching me, Epethes wore a mischievous grin.
―Guardians are born in response to the desperate calls of the one who summons them.
“…”
His words left my mind momentarily in turmoil.
I couldn’t remember ever calling out desperately, and it was unsettling to think that such a call had summoned someone with abilities as dark and complex as him. Not that it would have been better if it were a woman, but still…
‘So, what is your true form?’
I tried to calm myself, recalling that his original form was supposed to be an animal, but when I sought an answer, it didn’t come. I looked at him, confused, and he smiled slyly.
—It’s too embarrassing to say it myself. Why don’t you try guessing?
“… What?”
—It shouldn’t be too hard. The answer is already out there.
“No, what do you mean…?”
—You have a week. If you guess correctly within that time, I’ll teach you swordsmanship.
“….!”
I felt like I momentarily stopped breathing. I hadn’t said anything, but Epethes nodded knowingly.
—You’ve always regretted not learning it, right? I’m giving you a chance to rid yourself of that regret.
‘You’re saying you can teach me swordsmanship? But you’re a mage.’
—I don’t make promises I can’t keep. Finding a better teacher than me would be difficult.
‘… What happens if I can’t guess?’
—Then you’ll continue to rely on my protection, just like many Clonnes with combat Guardians do.
Only then did I realize an emotion I hadn’t recognized in myself. I felt humiliated whenever I could do nothing and had to rely solely on my Guardian for help. That’s why, despite surviving, I wasn’t entirely grateful. I had thought it was just unfamiliarity and awkwardness, but it was more than that.
—Oh, and don’t think you can just learn from someone else. I’ll intervene. I’m too jealous to let anyone else tell my Master what to do.
Could this person really be aligned with me?
As I looked at him, feeling a cold chill, I sighed deeply. At least he was saying I only needed to guess within a week.
“… It’s a promise.”
—Of course.
Meeting my gaze, Epethes smiled. Though his dark nature was apparent, I felt an odd sense of clarity in my mind. It was a strange feeling of liberation, knowing there was no need to hide anything from him.
* * *
The official declaration of Epethes as a mage caused a larger ripple than I anticipated. The Elders’ Council, who had previously left quietly with a promise to return later, rushed back as soon as they heard the news. Though no one directly relayed the information, the problem was that we weren’t the only ones present at the time.
“Ugh, how did you report it so quickly?”
―They asked to see it… what else could I do…?
The ivy roses adorning the wall awkwardly tried to justify themselves. Judging by the sounds of other trees nearby coughing nervously, it wasn’t just one plant that had overheard and spread the news.
“This place has no security at all. How can anyone discuss something important when we’re surrounded by plants everywhere?”
“This is Hwain territory. They find it natural to share everything. The Elders’ Council exploiting that is the real issue.”
“It’s really unsettling to think someone is always eavesdropping on your conversations.”
Despite their grumbles, the discussions about Epethes’s abilities continued. The main focus was on the extent of his prowess. Teleportation magic, especially, had become a lost art in human society, considered very high-level magic. Even the Magic Tower now only used inherited teleportation magic circles, as there were no remaining mages who could create them.
“When he teleported us, he didn’t need an incantation. He must be at least a tenth-level mage, right?”
“Wow, that’s almost dragon-level. So, he can probably use nearly any magic.”
Magic at higher tiers allows the user to handle a wider variety of elements, including both combat and utility magic. Opinions varied on whether Epethes should be considered a combat-type or support-type Guardian. I was concerned that such an unprecedented case might be problematic, but thankfully, the overall mood was positive.
“An unprecedented Guardian! As expected of an Acacia.”
“This is amazing.”
I felt somewhat relieved by their enthusiastic reactions. Though, I felt a bit guilty having learned all of this by eavesdropping through the plants.
—Is this enough to show you?
“Yes, thank you.”
—You’re welcome. It’s not hard, so feel free to ask anytime.
After gently patting the softly rustling leaves, I stood up. Even though it was a quiet space with no one around, having seen people here just moments ago made it feel like someone might appear any second. They might be disappointed if they found out I was gauging public opinion in this way. Still, I had no choice.
‘… It’s better to know than to be unaware.’
That way, I can prepare myself mentally. Given a good method for eavesdropping, there was no reason not to use it. It also allowed me to learn some unexpected facts.
* * *
“You want to go out?”
Kalph looked troubled at my request. Having just dealt with the Elders’ Council, his complexion was quite poor. I felt bad for adding to his fatigue, but I nodded regardless.
“I’m curious about the main residence and would like to look around.”
“Hmmm.”
“Is that difficult?”
Concerned, he quickly waved his hands.
“No, no. You’re not a prisoner here. If you want to go out, you should. But it’d be better to wear a disguise. Even though people know about you, drawing too much attention could be exhausting.”
“Yes, I’ll do that.”
“Alright, it might be good to have a change of scenery. Wait here for a moment, I’ll fetch what you need for going out.”
Soon after, he returned with a change of clothes and a sturdy-looking item. It was a hat with a wide brim and a pointed end, commonly used in Dongryeong.