Make Dark Fantasy Great Again-Chapter 34: Rival

Ordinary. That was Meltas’ initial assessment of Risir’s magical aptitude.

While achieving the 3rd rank as an illegitimate child was certainly significant, he was, after all, a nobleman.

There were countless commoners who, despite reaching the 3rd rank at Risir’s age, couldn’t even set foot in a mage tower. If not for the power of normalization, Meltas wouldn’t have shown any interest in the lad.

“What do you mean it happens sometimes?”

Yet what was this? In literally the blink of an eye, Risir had become a 4th rank mage. He had achieved, in mere minutes, what even those born with special talents required months to accomplish.

“Did you secretly gulp down an elixir on our way here?”

Meltas was so bewildered, he blurted out a silly question in all seriousness.

“Well, you know...That thing of mine.”

But when Risir subtly mentioned his power, the look on Meltas’ face changed dramatically.

“...That? What does that have to do with this?”

“Well you know, I think it occasionally causes this kind of phenomenon.”

“...Does that make any sense? For such a power to cause this kind of effect?”

“Even you described as exceptionally unique, right Sir Meltas? If we apply completely different standards from the outset, couldn’t it make sense?”

“Hmm...I don’t think it’s that simple...”

Meltas ultimately couldn’t accept what had happened to Risir. But putting that aside, his evaluation of Risir underwent a major revision—from being an ordinary mage born with a special ability to, What the heck is this guy?

“That, this, all these confusing pronouns. Do you mind talking in a way others can also understand?”

Meltas snapped back to reality at Marina’s voice. He looked at her as if he’d just remembered something.

“You wouldn’t understand even if I explained.”

It was Marina’s usual behavior to barge into Meltas’ lab uninvited and brag about her disciple. Then when Meltas showed signs of disgust, she would smirk and say, Right. You wouldn’t understand even if I told you.

“Ah. Ha.”

Marina nodded in understanding, before crossing her arms askew and turning to Risir.

“What school?”

“No need to answer that, Risir.”

“I wasn’t asking you, Meltas?”

“I wasn’t talking to you either, Marina.”

What’s going on here?

Caught unexpectedly in the middle of a whale fight, Risir stood awkwardly, looking back and forth between the two.

“The boy is cute, I’ll give you that. He looks noble but has a soft aura that other guys could learn from. Who knows why they go around all stiff in the eyes and neck? It’s like they think it gives them the charm and masculinity they never had.”

“Appraising his face right in front of him, oh how courteous of you, Marina. The young mages of the tower must have so much to learn.”

“Come off it. Talk about fussing over a tiny comment about looks. Aesthetically challenged individuals like you might not understand, but good-looking people dress up for a reason, you know?”

Marina smiled faintly at Risir, as if seeking his agreement.

She subtly leaned forward, not forgetting to emphasize the skin of her chest, slightly revealed in the motion.

“Risir. I’m telling you just in case, but don’t be fooled by appearances. Marina’s age is—”

All of a sudden, Marina was holding a handkerchief—throwing one was the most common way to challenge someone to a duel.

Meltas looked away and closed his mouth. Marina put the handkerchief back in her pocket and continued.

“So, what’s this all about? Why the big fuss? Isn’t it normal to ask about someone’s school? He’ll be getting that question till his ears fall off once he enters the tower anyway.”

Indeed, it was perfectly natural for mages to ask about each other’s school of magic upon first meeting. It was like nobles asking about each other’s families when they first met.

It was a way to gauge the other person’s level, which was exactly what Marina was doing. She wanted to know his level as a mage...and as a potential disciple.

So this the guy Meltas has his eye on...the one who could rival my disciple?

Marina’s expression became tinged with competitiveness as she looked at Risir.

***Meltas and Marina were rivals.

They had joined the tower at the same time, achieved the 6th rank at the same time, and were recognized as elites by the tower at the same time.

Their competitive relationship, which had begun when they received their first teachings from the same master, had continued to this day after many years.

Recently, their rivalry had entered a new phase.

-Why suddenly take on a disciple? Isn’t it about time we started taking on disciples too?

Marina, who had briefly left the tower for research, had returned with a disciple.

-Hey, have you heard? About Lady Marina’s disciple.

-Miss Henya, right?

-Even from a distance, she looked extraordinary. Who’d have thought she’d be from a highborn bloodline...!

-Apparently her family was in constant contact with Lady Marina, who strongly advocated for her after recognizing her talent.

-I heard she was only 3rd rank before meeting Lady Marina?

-Yeah, but she didn’t reach that rank like everyone else!

-She taught herself, right? Just reading magic books on her own.

-Then one day, she met Lady Marina and received her teachings, and boom! Her talent literally exploded.

-4th rank within a year of formally starting to learn magic...What have I been doing all this time? Should I just quit magic?

-Have you heard the news?

-Oh, must be about Miss Henya. I hear she’s already starting to show achievements in resonance?

-Which makes her a full-fledged 4th rank mage now.

-How about that. These days, it feels like I hear about Miss Henya at least once a day.

-Indeed.

-Meltas must be feeling a bit sour.

After Marina took on a disciple, she continued to score points one-sidedly. The balance that had always been equal between the two started to tip in her favor.

-Bloody hell.

Meltas was in an extremely awkward position. Just as he had been thinking it was about time to take on a disciple himself, this situation had arisen.

At this point, he couldn’t just take on any disciple. It was always the case, but now even more so.

He had to find somebody with talent that wouldn’t lose out to Marina’s disciple.

-...But how?

And so, Meltas found himself in a crisis.

Henya Ye Mastien. Born of noble blood, she had achieved 3rd rank through self-study, then reached 4th rank after just a year of formal education.

Where on earth could he find a disciple who could match such a rare talent? She was one of the most exceptional individuals he’d ever encountered in his long life.

And now, he had to find someone like that again? Even more so, someone without any prior commitments?

Meltas had nearly given up...or at least, that had been the case until this morning.

That was when he unexpectedly met a young man named Risir—and encountered his special power.

Meltas thought to himself that maybe, just maybe, this lad could be the one.

***Afterward, Marina asked Risir various questions besides his school.

Each time, Meltas told Risir he didn’t need to answer, so he didn’t bother to respond.

Marina didn’t mind much. No matter who Meltas brought along, she was confident that none could measure up to her disciple. She had the composure of someone who had it all.

But there was one thing that bothered her.

“Marina. Would you mind stepping aside? You can steal my time all you want, but as you can see, I have company right now.”

It was Meltas’ attitude, a subtle composure in his demeanor. This was a stark contrast to his usual behavior, where he’d either change the subject or flee whenever the topic of disciples came up.

What could it be?

Just to be sure, Marina observed Risir once more. Reaching the 4th rank at his age couldn’t be called entirely ordinary, but it wasn’t exactly extraordinary either.

It seemed like a rather weak foundation for Meltas’ confidence.

“Master.”

Just then, someone else approached, and Risir instinctively turned toward the voice.

Golden hair, tied back, swayed gently with each step, gleaming like spun gold. Her green eyes, infinitely deep and clear, evoked the image of precious gemstones.

It’s like she’s on a different color setting by herself.

She was a woman whose every feature seemed to radiate a vivid brilliance.

“Ah, Henya. Did you receive the item?”

“Yes.”

The girl called Henya held out her hand to Marina. On her palm lay a silver ring.

“Hm? Why aren’t you wearing it? Don’t you like the ring?”

“You said it was an artifact that aids in mana recovery. I intend to wear it during rest.”

Henya answered in a crisp tone.

“Why don’t you try it on now?”

“I tried it on when I received it from the shop owner. I took it off because the design doesn’t suit my taste. Master, as I’ve said many times, you don’t need to provide me with material support. If there’s something you think I need, just let me know. I can acquire it on my own.”

“How cold. Don’t you understand a master’s desire to give more to their disciple?”

Having finished this warm exchange with her master, Henya turned to look at Meltas.

“Hello, Sir Meltas. It’s nice to see you here.”

“Yes, Miss Henya. It’s good to see you.”

Finally, Henya stared at Risir.

Marina spoke up to explain.

“Let me introduce him. That’s okay, right Meltas? Henya? This is Risir. He’s going to be Meltas’ disciple.”

“?”

I’m going to be Meltas’ disciple?

Risir cast a quizzical look at the old mage.

“Ahem. Marina, you’re making Risir uncomfortable.”

“What’s there to be uncomfortable about? Anyway. Why don’t you two say hello? You’ll be seeing a lot of each other from now on.”

The second Marina finished speaking, Henya extended her hand to Risir for a handshake. Her movement was stiff yet unhesitating, mirroring her precise tone.

“I’m Henya. You can remember me as Lady Marina’s disciple.”

“Ah, I’m Risir. You can remember me as just Risir.”

Risir took her hand and shook it lightly. He then immediately tried to pull away—except Henya wouldn’t let go.

“Miss Henya?”

“You’re 4th rank?”

“Huh? Oh, yes I am. It seems you’re also 4th rank, Miss Henya. That’s impressive at your age.”

It was sincere, not mere courtesy. Risir knew how remarkable it was to achieve 4th rank at Henya’s age.

“...”

But despite his pure intentions, Henya’s expression twisted, and for good reason. After all, Risir was also at the 4th rank.

Having just unknowingly(?) reached 4th rank moments ago, Risir had virtually no self-awareness on that regard.

Henya pondered how to interpret his praise, and eventually reached a suitable conclusion.

So, he wants to go at it?

There was nothing strange about it, as Henya was Marina’s disciple and Risir was Meltas’ disciple.

Henya tightened her grip on the handshake and smiled faintly.

“Should I say the same to you? That you’re also impressive for reaching 4th rank at your age?”

“You don’t really need to do that.”

“Right, I don’t, because not all 4th ranks are the same. Take you for example. Haven’t you barely just achieved that level? I passed that point a long time ago.”

Why’s gotten into her?

Taking Risir’s awkward reaction as an opening, Henya grew triumphant.

“What books did you mainly refer to when building your magical foundation? In my case...

“...So what’s the basis of your magical imagery?

“...What do you think about Todrial’s Two Rules?”

It was essentially a contest of magical knowledge, in which Risir was helpless.

Henya’s face already bore the clear smile of a victor. She decided it was time for the finishing blow.

“I just mentioned that not all 4th ranks are the same. Do you know why?”

Fwip! Henya extended her palm toward Risir, then folded all her fingers except for her index finger.

“One year. It only took me one year to get here.”

She didn’t seem arrogant at all. The girl’s eyes shone with pure confidence and pride.

“How about you?”

“...A month?”

Risir cautiously stated the plain truth.

“Should I change my answer to a week then? Don’t joke around.”

Henya naturally didn’t believe him.

Risir ended up having to take drastic measures.

“...I believe it’s been about a year now.”

He inflated(?) his experience.

“...”

Henya glared at Risir for a moment, then let out a small laugh.

“Really? You’re not bad yourself.”

“Your words and expression don’t match at all.”

“Oh my. I’m sorry if it came across that way. Ah!”

Henya clapped her hands as if she’d just thought of something.

“I’ve got a good idea, Risir. Want to hear it?”

“Let’s hear it.”

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“It’s a first for me, you know. Seeing a mage at a similar level to mine.”

“Didn’t you just say that not all 4th ranks are the same?”

“Come on~ Why are you like that? We’re both first-years. So I was thinking, how about we have a duel?”

“A duel? So suddenly?”

“I’m sure you’re also aware, but it’s not easy for people like us to find sparring partners at a similar level, right? It’ll be a great help in broadening our horizons.”

“...”

Risir nodded in subconscious agreement. As he listened, her proposal started to sound quite appealing.

A duel, huh.

It was a good opportunity to confirm his growth so far and gauge his current level.

Seeing his reaction, Henya’s expression grew even more mischievous.

“And since a regular duel is boring, how about this? The loser has to grant any one wish of the winner. Doesn’t that sound fun?”

“What if the winner asks for everything the loser owns?”

“Do you think I’d make such a silly request?”

“Well I was going to.”

“...”

After a moment’s consideration, Risir agreed to the proposal.

***Risir parted ways with Henya after setting the time and place for the duel.

The duel was set for tomorrow afternoon. The location would be the inner courtyard of the Gray Tower.

Afterward, Risir headed to the Gray Tower with Meltas as originally planned.

The old mage first guided Risir to his personal research lab. He had a lot to discuss with Risir regarding what had just happened.

The moment they arrived, Risir immediately took something out of his bag and showed it to Meltas.

“What’s that?”

“An elixir.”

“?”

Meltas doubted his ears. Where did this come from so suddenly?

“I’m asking just in case, Sir Meltas. Is there a better place in Bondalles to consume an elixir than your research lab?”

“That’s sudden. But to answer, there probably aren’t many such places.”

“I agree. So, Sir Meltas, could I ask for your assistance in consuming my elixir?”

This was another reason Risir had readily agreed to the tower tour proposal.

According to the note his master Pamon had written about elixir consumption, a mage tower was the best place to consume an elixir.

“Let me ask, just in case. You didn’t drink the elixir between leaving Salana’s lab and arriving at the magic shop, did you?”

“You of all people should know better, Sir Meltas. What do you take elixirs for?”

“...No, well. Don’t mind what I said. But why now, of all times?”

“I need to win the duel. By the way, if I win and ask for money, would that make me look too cheap?”

“...What do you take elixirs for?”

Meltas was beginning to question this man’s true identity.