Genius Gamer Reborn into a Family of Heroes

Chapter 64

The Wizard Days

After successfully completing his mission, Harang visited the Kaladan garrison at the Harana Canal and reported his mission’s success to the main family through the Telephonel.

Of course, a detailed report had to be delivered in person. This wasn’t because the era was old-fashioned, but because even modern military forces followed this practice.

Since the end of the Pilgrimage of Blessings, the exploits of ‘Days the Commoner Wizard’ had spread throughout the city.

During a mass, Pastor Ezakt informed the congregation that the black magicians lurking in the Harana Canal had been apprehended, and he introduced the hero as none other than the commoner wizard Days, who was still only in his mid-teens.

Although he was just acting as an interim Archbishop, Ezakt, representing the Rondel Cathedral, personally praised the young wizard’s achievements. This immediately became a significant topic of discussion, and the news quickly spread throughout the city.

It got to the point where Days’ name was even mentioned in the city’s daily newspaper—a rare occurrence considering that a wizard in his early-to-mid-teens defeating black magicians was nothing short of a miracle.

It was further revealed that this boy often visited the Rondel Cathedral to offer prayers, which not only strengthened the faith of the believers but also earned the admiration of the wizarding community.

“I expected a visit from the wizard organization, but I didn’t foresee this.”

Pastor Ezakt wiped the cold sweat from his brow as he shook hands with the individual sitting across from him in the reception room.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Altane Alpion from the Tower of Radiance.”

Ezakt swallowed nervously as he shook hands.

“You said you were curious about the wizard Days?”

It was intimidating enough just dealing with this individual, but to top it off, they had come looking specifically for ‘Days.’ The pressure intensified.

“Yes. I heard he was of common origin.”

“He had no family name.”

“Hmm, I see. I was very eager to meet him, but it seems that won’t be possible.”

Ezakt recalled Harang’s words.

“He said he wanted to reveal his name but not his face, so he left in a hurry.”

If that was the case, his actions and decisions were truly admirable.

At the same time, Ezakt was filled with admiration.

Not only was Harang’s foresight in predicting this situation remarkable, but he also had the courage to reject the praises and blessings from the people of the city after accomplishing such a great deed.

In modern times, knights who achieved great feats would boldly announce their accomplishments to elevate their fame.

This was not unusual.

When a knight decapitated an enemy commander and paraded the head around the city on a spear, or when they roared while draped in the hide of a monster they had hunted, it was only natural for people to cheer and praise them as heroes who had accomplished a great deed.

However, that young lord did not desire fame.

The fact that a fourteen-year-old boy had defeated a 5-star black magician was undoubtedly a remarkable and astonishing feat worthy of being recorded in history. Yet, instead of basking in that fame, he had hurried off to pursue greater plans and a future beyond.

‘…I am increasingly convinced that I have forged a connection with someone truly extraordinary.’

Ezakt resolved to protect Harang with all his might.

With divine power enveloping his gaze, he faced Altane.

‘Huh, this guy…’

Altane chuckled inwardly. He had hoped to glean some truth from the bishop’s expression, but with divine power of an archbishop’s caliber bolstering his mental defenses, even using magic to scan him proved difficult.

‘What on earth did that commoner brat do?’

What began as mere curiosity had now intensified, thanks to the bishop’s efforts to shield the boy.

Altane was born into the prestigious ‘Alpion’ family, one of the Five Great Magic Houses, and he currently served as an 8-star mage affiliated with the ‘Tower of Radiance,’ the most revered institution founded by Ainglass.

Normally, when someone like him expressed interest in a wizard, whether it was a lord or a bishop, they would eagerly spill everything. Yet the man before him was clearly concealing some of the truth to protect that commoner wizard.

“There’s no need to be so tense. I was merely intrigued by the story of a talented wizard I heard about during my travels, and my curiosity got the better of me.”

How could anyone not be tense when hearing such words?

‘The fact that a member of the Kaladan bloodline used magic must never be revealed.’

The Five Great Magic Houses and the Three Great Swordsmanship Families were famously at odds.

Given the inherent differences between knights who train their bodies and wizards who study the arcane, it was inevitable that they wouldn’t get along. But the situation was further complicated by the fact that one of the Three Great Swordsmanship Families was the Makris family, a line of Holy Knights in the Holy Country of Benedis.

Like cats and dogs, these groups had clashed over territory and influence for centuries, engaging in countless skirmishes, both large and small.

‘The young lord could wield 3-star level magic at fourteen. Even for a descendant of a magic family, that’s no easy feat.’

Whatever scheme the Kaladan side was plotting, it had to be kept under wraps at all costs.

“Might I ask for a description of this boy named Days?”

“Well, that is…”

Ezakt’s mind raced as he desperately ran the situation through his mental filter. Harang had foreseen this scenario before he left and had advised Ezakt on what information could be shared and how best to share it.

Thankful for Harang’s meticulous preparation, Ezakt nodded.

“His skin was fair and smooth, to the point that I initially mistook him for a noble. His appearance was so striking and beautiful that, despite knowing he was a boy, I momentarily doubted it. His physique was rather slight, likely due to a lack of physical activity for his age. He wore his long, black hair loose, and his eyes were also black.”

Most of the description was nearly identical, but the ending was crucial. With that amount of information, it was impossible to pinpoint someone for certain.

‘He said I just need to hide my original silver eyes.’

Ezakt maintained his characteristic poker face, which concealed his emotions.

“…Is that so?”

Altain narrowed his eyes. Although it was said that a wise man had the ability to discern lies, Ezakt had concealed his emotions with divine power and spoke with a clever mix of truth and falsehood, making it difficult to see through.

“Then, do you know where he was headed? I would really like to meet him.”

“That….”

For a moment, the thought crossed his mind that Harang might possess some kind of foresight ability.

‘Reverend, if wizards come and ask where I’m headed, please tell them this: I’m…’

The line that Harang had planned in advance slipped from Ezakt’s lips.

“He said that, in pursuit of greater magic, he would cross the River of Mermaids and head toward the Endless Road in the west.”

“Hmm…”

There wasn’t the slightest hint of falsehood in his eyes, so Altain showed a slightly intrigued expression.

“I see. If he’s already boarded a ship, it will be difficult to meet him. But if fate allows, we may see each other someday. You’ve been of great help.”

“Thank you.”

Altain extended his hand for a handshake. As he did, he discreetly whispered in Ezakt’s ear.

“The way you honor your commitment to a wizard is truly impressive.”

Ezakt almost showed surprise at those words, but since he had anticipated something of this nature, he managed to smile calmly.

“It’s truly regrettable that I couldn’t fully convey some truths to such a great magician. However, if a priest of God were to easily break a promise with me just because he met a giant, I would surely be struck down.”

“…Your unwavering nature in upholding your beliefs will someday become an even stronger pillar, a blessed staircase leading toward God.”

With those final words, Altain left the Rondel Cathedral.

His direction was west, toward the Endless Road.

It wasn’t to meet Harang.

It was simply because that direction led to a place known as ‘The Path of the Great Magician,’ where any who pursued magic would inevitably have to visit.

Countless magic academies and towering spires that pierced the sky. The Magic Federation of Endless Road, where witches, alchemists, wizards, and astrologers gathered in pursuit of knowledge.

Among them, there was only one place where a fourteen-year-old boy with exceptional talent as a wizard would head.

‘The world’s greatest magic school, Arniel.’

No doubt about it. The timing was perfect as the transfer exams would be held soon.

“Um, Master. May I ask why you’re interested in that commoner boy?”

One of the dwarf slaves following behind him asked, but Altain merely glanced at him without answering. The slave understood and withdrew silently.

It meant that this was a matter far too important for a slave to know.

Altain rode away in the carriage, his mind constantly thinking about that commoner magician.

‘I need to find them. A talented young magician worthy of possessing the first Estelle…’

Of course, just having talent wasn’t enough. They had to be someone they could control completely, someone they could sway at will.

If the magician was of common birth, manipulating their thoughts and beliefs would be easy.

A commoner magician with such talent would be the perfect “vessel” for Estelle and a powerful asset to the “Alliance of the Five Great Magic Families.”

‘Even if I don’t find them, they’re bound to come to Arniel eventually.’

After all, the only place in the world where a talented commoner magician could prove themselves was Arniel.

Altain was certain of this.

* * *

In the depths of a damp cave, where thick, sticky liquid dripped down, a slightly different space existed beyond several layers of barriers.

At first glance, it seemed like just an ordinary cave with a few bats flying around and mindless Kappa Slimes as the only monsters. However, beyond those barriers, the space was somewhat different.

“…What? Manfred was captured?”

“Yes, my lord.”

A man with a face covered in white powder, Galfor, tilted his head after receiving a report from two dwarf slaves.

“Why was he caught? That guy might not be much in other areas, but he was sharp. Wasn’t he always thorough about cutting off loose ends?”

“He… on his way to perform the final ritual, he encountered a young magician.”

“A young magician? What’s their name?”

The dwarf hesitated for a moment, trying to recall, and then stammered.

“He said… Daze. He’s already a 3rd Circle mage at the age of fourteen.”

Galfor didn’t pay much attention to the magician’s age. He was just dumbfounded that someone of only the 3rd Circle could defeat Manfred.

“So, what do you want me to do about it?”

“How should we proceed? Did you retrieve the Bloodstones?”

“We had to leave most of them behind. We couldn’t afford to leave any trace that we had taken any of the prime Bloodstones, my lord.”

“Tch, what a waste. You’re sure there were no traces left?”

“Y-yes… almost none.”

As Galfor inspected the Bloodstones brought by the slaves, he slowly raised his head when he heard the word “almost.”

“…Did you say, ‘almost’?”

“Y-yes, well, you see… the Holy Knights had spread out everywhere…”

Thunk!

Before the dwarf could finish his sentence, his head was gone. A moment later, the dwarf’s body collapsed to the side, and the other dwarf screamed in terror, backing away.

“Damn it, pack up the Bloodstones! By now, a Kaladan knight is probably already on our tail.”

“A-already?”

“Yes! Because you fools didn’t do your job properly! Didn’t I tell you to pack the Bloodstones?”

The moment Galfor shouted those words…

Boom!!

The ceiling of the cave collapsed, kicking up a thick cloud of dust.

“Ugh!”

Galfor was thrown backward and scrambled to get up, using his staff to steady himself.

“Who’s there?!”

Step, step. A figure emerged from the mist. Recognizing the face, Galfor let out a hollow laugh and lowered his staff.

“Hah… I expected a Kaladan knight to chase me, but I never imagined that the ‘Polden Knight’ herself would come.”

“Yes, it’s me.”

The figure that appeared through the dusty mist was Arihil Paul Kaladan, her silver eyes gleaming and her pink hair fluttering beautifully.

She smiled warmly and said,

“Are you a fan of mine, too?”