Dark Fantasy Normalized

34 – Can’t I Have Two Masters?

Rishir’s sudden request for assistance in consuming the elixir.

Meltas was dumbfounded, but at the same time, he felt a considerable amount of emotion.

“Rishir. Do you know the value of this elixir?”

“I understand it’s roughly equivalent to a large mansion in a big city.”

“Do you always have to convert everything into material value to be satisfied?”

*

“It’s not exactly like that, but doesn’t this make it much easier to understand?”

“…Anyway, you asked me for help knowing the value of this elixir.”

“Ah, did I perhaps commit a discourtesy?”

“Discourtesy? Quite the opposite.”

Taking the elixir was a matter of utmost importance for a wizard. It was no exaggeration to say that their entire life depended on it. If you converted the elixir’s value into money, it would be enough to live a life of luxury.

And the effects of consuming such an elixir? It was enough to bring a turning point in one’s life.

It could take you to a level that would normally take years to reach, or even open up a new path entirely.

In other words, asking for assistance in consuming such an elixir was akin to entrusting one’s life to someone else. It was impossible without the utmost trust.

“We’re meeting for the first time, aren’t we? And yet, you asked me for such a favor. What if I had bad intentions after seeing the elixir?”

The title of ‘Master’ in the Magic Tower was not something one could obtain with skill alone. They also required reputation and character. It wouldn’t be easy to find someone more trustworthy than Meltas in Bondales. Rishir’s judgment wasn’t entirely wrong.

However, it wasn’t absolutely right either – Rishir’s elixir was a treasure that could make even the most trustworthy individuals harbor dark intentions. If Meltas were asked to recommend someone to assist with the elixir consumption, he could confidently name no more than five people.

In that sense, Meltas wasn’t entirely pleased with the current situation. Rishir was directing such utmost trust towards him.

Meltas waited eagerly for Rishir’s answer.

Perhaps something like, “I have long heard of your reputation, Sir Meltas. If I had to choose one person to trust in Bondales, it would be you.”

In the old man’s mind, he was already picturing Rishir serving him as a disciple.

“I was certain that Sir Meltas would not harbor any bad intentions.”

“Hmm. And why is that?”

“You witnessed me receiving the attention of the Assassin Guild Master right before your eyes. I figured you wouldn’t make a wrong judgment while being mentally intimidated.”

“…”

Meltas was taken aback. Contrary to his expectations, Rishir’s judgment was based on a very cold and rational discernment. It had nothing to do with respect or trust!

Meltas was confused about whether to raise his evaluation of Rishir or feel offended that he was chosen for such a trivial reason.

“Besides, I also thought that Sir Meltas would not be someone to betray trust over such a matter, even if just a little.”

“A little… You’re quite clumsy with flattery. If you had polished your last words, you would have made a much better impression.”

“Is that so? But isn’t it strange to fully trust someone you meet for the first time?”

“That’s true. In fact, despite the good impression, my evaluation of you would have been lower. You are a young man with a much clearer discernment than I thought. Your impression is indecisive, but it’s quite unexpected.”

“Sir Meltas, if you had polished your last words a bit, you would have made a much better impression on me. I’m actually quite weak to compliments.”

“I don’t feel like giving you pleasant words. Didn’t you also speak with great excitement?”

“This is a beneficial conversation. I feel that deception is disappearing from the relationship between Sir Meltas and me, leaving only pure truth.”

“Where did this come from?”

Meltas shook his head and began preparing to assist with the elixir consumption.

*

“Risir. This is serious.”

“Please, I beg you, just don’t tell me my elixir is faulty. I’m already prepared to cry my eyes out.”

“Quite the opposite. Where on earth did you get this elixir?”

“Pardon?”

Medicines are always better when you know what you’re taking. Meltas set out to analyze the elixir for more effective consumption. The problem arose there.

“I can’t fathom the ingredients or the magic contained within this elixir.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Of course! The precision and delicacy required to create something like this are beyond comprehension.”

Risir felt a sense of déjà vu. Come to think of it, he remembered having a similar conversation with his master, Pamon.

“This kind of elixir can’t be obtained just by having money. I’m really curious about its origin. It’s almost as if you raided the treasury of a high-ranking family.”

“Haha. Raiding a high-ranking family’s treasury? That’s quite an exaggeration.”

Risir averted his gaze and changed the subject.

“So, what should I do? Should I just drink it? I’ve learned that a man’s virtue is not to question or hesitate when downing a drink.”

“Virtue of a man, my foot. That’s the folly of fools. For the record, I’ve never had a drop of alcohol in my life. Alcohol is a poison that clouds intelligence.”

“But isn’t it inevitable to drink alcohol to maintain smooth social interactions and relationships?”

“Shut up. Anyway, consuming this elixir might require additional help.”

“Ah, are you referring to that Marina person?”

“What nonsense are you spouting? I’m ahead of Marina in every field of knowledge. I’m only saying this because it’s not my area of expertise.”

Bring it and follow me.

Risir grabbed the elixir and followed Meltas.

*

Dark and cramped towers filled with gloomy wizards.

That was the impression Risir had of the institution known as the Magic Tower. After touring the Magic Tower once, Risir had to admit that it was a prejudice.

The buildings were more like ‘halls’ than ‘towers,’ organically connected to each other.

The corridors connecting the buildings had wide gaps between the pillars, giving an open feeling. The warm sunlight streaming through the gaps and the well-maintained gardens around added a layer of vibrancy to that openness.

“I thought the Magic Tower would be a more gloomy place.”

“That’s a common misconception. The Magic Tower symbolizes the value of intellect standing tall and the lofty aspirations of the scholars pursuing that value. How-“

Meltas looked at Risir with shining eyes.

“Are you getting a bit interested in the Magic Tower?”

*

“Shall I tell you what I felt after looking around this place?”

“Go ahead.”

“Isn’t the tuition here expensive? It feels like I can hear the cries of students from beneath the luxurious pillars of the buildings.”

“Don’t talk about the tower as if it’s the headquarters of necromancers. And don’t worry about the tuition. There are scholarships and support systems.”

“So, it’s a structure that exploits the majority except for a very few. Can I be included in that very few?”

“Ahem. Let’s stop talking about money. There’s nothing more meaningless than applying a materialistic measure to academic value.”

Lishir. I will make you my disciple!

Meltas’s tearful efforts continued. He diligently highlighted the strengths of the Gray Tower to Lishir during their journey.

In the process, Meltas had a startling realization.

‘Ah! He really doesn’t care about academic value at all!’

The long history and tradition of the Gray Tower. The meaning and value of being affiliated with such a tower. These were things that any wizard would naturally be interested in.

Lishir had no interest at all. The pride, rights, and duties of being a tower wizard that Meltas spoke of were far removed from his concerns. Lishir’s goal was to gain the maximum benefit with the minimum responsibility. He wanted to enjoy the privileges without being bound by the tower – a shallow and pragmatic way of thinking.

In the end, Meltas had no choice but to yield.

“… By the way, if you belong to the tower, you will have many opportunities to gain material benefits.”

“That’s sudden. But my heart is starting to race. Can I hear more details?”

“How did I end up like this…!”

Meltas lamented his situation, where he had to set aside his pride as a scholar to appease Lishir. However, Lishir was certainly worth it. At first, he was only interested in his abilities, but the more they talked, the more he became interested in the person himself.

Lishir’s (excessively) open mindset. Meltas thought that such a mindset suited Lishir’s extraordinary abilities well. As one thing looked good, naturally, other elements started to look good as well.

By now, he even reflected on his behavior of initially dismissing him as a b*stard. If he hadn’t made the first mistake, wouldn’t they have built a much better relationship? Meltas thought he should learn from Lishir’s open mindset to some extent.

His current actions could be said to stem from such reflection.

“Hoo… There is a supporter system in the tower.”

“Supporter?”

“It’s a system that recognizes the rights of those who provide direct or indirect help to the tower’s wizards. To use your favorite expression, it’s a system where you can enjoy the rights of being affiliated with the tower without expensive tuition, arduous studies, and strict duties.”

“!!! Is there such an advanced system!?”

“Is that the right meaning of advanced? Anyway, it’s not as omnipotent a system as you think. The rights of supporters are greatly limited compared to those of affiliated wizards.”

“Still, if I’m a supporter of the tower, I won’t be disregarded as a b*stard elsewhere, right?”

“To some extent, yes. The name of the tower is never light.”

Now, this is the main point.

Meltas paused for a moment and then spoke.

“By the way, if you become an affiliated wizard of the tower, you will be respected wherever you go. I guarantee it with my name.”

“Oh…”

“So, Lisir. Have you ever thought about learning magic under me?”

“Are you saying, Sir Meltas, that you want me to become your disciple-“

“Yes! Exactly that!”

“But, I already have someone I serve as my master.”

“What!!!”

Boom.

Meltas froze in place, looking as if he had been struck by lightning.

But soon, he applied the (excessively) open-minded thinking he had learned from his encounter with Lisir.

“Then it’s fine if I’m your second master.”

“What.”

Boom.

Lisir froze in place, looking as if he had been struck by lightning.

“Is that how master-disciple relationships work?”

“Why not. Learning is an endless journey. Putting limits on it is like locking yourself in a cage.”

“That’s a very good point… but, if I may ask, do you have any plans to delve into black magic or necromancy in the near future? Your eyes seem to be sparkling a bit too much right now.”

“Anyway, I hope you’ll seriously consider it.”

“Yes. I will take it into consideration. By the way, what about the supporter?”

“Is it right to say you’ll consider it and then immediately ask that? By considering, did you mean you’ll endure my proposal?”

“Oh dear. Why are you being so clingy?”

“Tsk, tsk. Persistent fellow. Just wait. I will definitely make you my disciple.”

“My goodness.”

Lisir felt dizzy.

‘The first time I’ve ever been pursued so persistently, and it’s by an old man with dreadlocks…!’

*

The effect of the barrier. The grounds of the magic tower were much larger than they appeared from the outside.

After walking for quite a while, the two people who crossed the grounds of the magic tower arrived at the Alchemy Hall, which was on the exact opposite side of the Magic Hall.

“Ah, Master Meltas.”

As they strolled down the corridor, a group of female students recognized Meltas and approached. Just moments ago, they had been chatting and laughing merrily, but they greeted Meltas politely and then hurriedly left as if fleeing.

‘Professors and students… it’s unmistakably a school.’

Feeling such emotions, Rishir walked down the corridor.

“Huh?”

His steps suddenly came to a halt.

It was where the female students had gathered. A woman had fallen there. Documents were scattered all around, and each one had footprints on it.

“Ahem. I’ve shown an embarrassing sight.”

Should I say this is also like a school? A scene of bullying. Meltas, who had shown the disgrace of the Magic Tower, cleared his throat and hurried his steps. To leave the place as quickly as possible.

“Rishir?”

But Rishir, who had disappeared from his side, was already crouching near the woman, picking up the documents.

‘Doesn’t it feel like someone else’s business?’

Because he saw his old self in her.

“…”

Meltas looked at Rishir as if he were a peculiar species.

The unique reverse eyes with the colors of the black and white parts swapped.

The woman who was being bullied was a half-demon. It was the reason why Meltas, even though he pitied her, couldn’t think of helping her.

By the standards of the world. The normal ones were the group of female students who bullied the half-demon woman, and the abnormal one was Rishir, who willingly helped the half-demon woman.

While Rishir was collecting the papers, the woman sat idly in place.

And with her unique reverse eyes, she quietly watched Rishir. As if observing a mysterious phenomenon happening before her eyes.

“Was it unnecessary meddling?”

Rishir asked as he handed the bundle of documents he had gathered to the woman. She shook her head.

“No. Thank you for helping.”

With an expressionless face and an emotionless voice, she expressed her gratitude.

Rishir nodded and extended his hand to her.

“…”

She stared at Rishir’s hand for a long time before speaking cautiously.

“It must be dirty.”

“Dirty?”

A being blessed and cursed by mana. A demon. The half-demons, who had the blood of such demons, inherited some of the demonic traits.

The marks were a representative example.

The woman raised her hands to show Rishir. On her hands, geometric dark red patterns protruded like blood vessels. Her arms, slightly revealed from the rolled-up sleeves of her robe, were wrapped in dark-colored arm warmers.

“I usually wear gloves, but they were taken away.”

She repeatedly clenched and unclenched her hand. Even while telling an unpleasant story, her expression and voice remained emotionless.

Perhaps thanks to that, Rishir could deal with her relatively comfortably.

“It’s okay. I’m an illegitimate child too.”

“?

In the end, the woman grabbed Rishir’s hand and stood up.

“Interesting.”

The woman awkwardly lifted one corner of her mouth. As if forcibly overlaying an emotion on her emotionless face.

Then she turned around and left.

Rishir and Meltas also resumed walking.

“…”

“…”

“…”

As they went their separate ways, they somehow ended up walking side by side in the corridor.

“Ahem.”

It was Meltas who broke the silence.

“Didoa. Is Master Tulan in the lab?”

“No, Master Meltas. Master Tulan is currently away.”

“Darn.”

“?

Rishir belatedly cast a questioning glance at Meltas.

Do you know each other?

“She is Master Tulan’s assistant.”

Ahem. And then, as if making an excuse, he continued.

“For the record, if I show kindness to Didoa, it will only make things awkward for her.”

“No one said anything.”

“I’m just saying, in case you were wondering.”

Didoa nodded beside him.

“Master Meltas is right. Now that I think about it, it’s best not to get involved with me. The people of the Magic Tower will never look kindly upon it.”

A moment later, Rishir and Meltas finally arrived at their destination.

It was the office and laboratory of Tulan, the elite alchemist of the Gray Magic Tower.

Didoa opened the door and guided the two people inside. As she had said, Tulan was not present.

Didoa led Lysir and Meltas to the sofa in the center of the room. She then took out glasses from the cupboard and showed them.

“No, I’m fine.”

“Good thinking. The glasses I’ve touched are dirty.”

“…Now that I think about it, I’m a bit thirsty. Tea, please.”

Didoa quickly brewed tea and placed it in front of Lysir and Meltas. Standing beside them, she fidgeted with her hands as if unsure what to do with them.

“Ahem. Didoa. I didn’t particularly ask for tea.”

Meltas glanced at Didoa’s hands and spoke awkwardly.

“Well, that’s convenient. I’m quite thirsty right now.”

“…No. It’s fine. Just drink it.”

Sip. Meltas took a difficult sip of the tea and spoke.

“Didoa. When is Master Tulan expected to return?”

“Probably around sunset.”

“…That’s troublesome.”

“Was the person Sir Meltas mentioned to help us this Master Tulan?”

“Ah. Master Tulan is one of the most skilled alchemists in this Grey Tower.”

“Is it impossible to take the elixir without his help?”

“Not at all. He was just the first alchemist that came to mind. In fact, any skilled alchemist would do.”

Lysir, who had been listening to the conversation, turned his gaze to Didoa.

“I heard that you are Master Tulan’s assistant, Didoa?”

“…Lysir, you can’t be serious?”

“If you’re the assistant of the most skilled alchemist in the tower, your skills must be guaranteed, right?”

“…Good grief.”

Meltas fiddled with his braided beard to calm his anxiety.

To entrust such a precious elixir to a half-demon!

“So, Didoa. Is it alright?”

“…”

Didoa’s gaze turned towards the window.

*

Didoa.

Today was an important day for her.

The day when the plan she had been preparing for many years would come to fruition.

“…No. It’s okay. If you need help, I’ll help you.”

Didoa decided to postpone that plan.

It was the moment when the lives of Master Tulan and several other alchemists were extended.