Chapter 6 Part 9
“Yes, although his magical power is limited, his skill in utilizing it is exceptional.”
At Elia’s words, Ibarena narrowed her eyes.
“I heard he was in despair… Someone must have given him advice.”
Even if one has talent, it takes immense effort to discover and develop it. Especially for someone who had once given up, a mentor was crucial. Elia had been that person.
Ibarena’s eyes, which had been coldly examining the craftsmanship, softened.
“Thank you for inviting me. I’ve traveled across the continent, but I’ve never seen such craftsmanship.”
Discovering talent was a talent in itself, and Ibarena was generous to those who had ability.
“Thank you for the compliment. Hearing it from you feels like recognition. Our craftsman will be pleased.”
“Where is this craftsman? I’d like to meet them in person.”
Ibarena looked around, causing Elia some discomfort.
Popetcherian, upon hearing that an esteemed guest from the Magic Tower was coming, had refused to leave the workshop in tears.
‘It seems being expelled from the Magic Tower left a deep scar.’
Given the likelihood of future interactions with Ibarena, Elia needed to find a way to help him overcome his trauma.
“He’s not feeling well.”
“I see. I hope to meet him another time.”
Ibarena’s eyes twinkled playfully, as if sensing Popetcherian’s fear of the Magic Tower members. Yet, her gaze soon shifted to another display, sparing Elia further discomfort.
‘It seems her interest has only grown.’
Elia pondered whether this was fortunate or unfortunate. Thinking how Popetcherian would be tearful if he knew, she guided the guests to the center table in the salon.
The prearranged tea party was lavish, with desserts complementing the light tea and conversation, enhancing the atmosphere. Before the tea could cool, Elia dismissed the maid and shook her bracelet.
A soundproofing spell enveloped the three of them.
“My bracelet is enchanted with a soundproofing spell.”
“I’ve never seen such a pretty magical artifact.”
Fioni’s eyes sparkled. Unlike others of her kind, who shunned wizards, Fioni was different. She was curious and valued any useful power.
Ibarena also examined Elia’s bracelet closely.
“The magic is very pure.”
She wasn’t admiring the appearance but the essence within. Typically, a living person’s magic was complex and impure, but Aksion’s magic was different.
“Despite its dark nature, its purity rivals holy magic.”
Elia smiled softly, caressing the bracelet.
“It’s my husband’s magic. I find its clean black color very appealing.”
“Is that so? It seems the young lord is quite skilled.”
The higher the skill in handling magic, the purer it was. Although this wasn’t always the case, Elia nodded in agreement.
At that moment, a commotion sounded from the second floor, and two small figures hurriedly descended.
“Elia!”
It was Rena and Rein, dressed in a light green dress and a tuxedo, respectively, looking like budding sprouts.
“Oh my, you have children?”
Fioni showed interest. She liked children, even without considering their abilities.
“I’d like to introduce them to you, Lady Fioni. Children, are you ready?”
“Yes!”
The twins responded energetically. At that moment, a lower spirit of water leapt into the air. Rein’s water spirits danced in various forms, while Rena’s earth spirits manipulated clay figures to mimic animals.
Fioni’s eyes widened in amazement. She clapped her hands in admiration.
“That’s incredible. They can handle lower spirits at such a level already?”
“They are exceptionally talented children. Kids, come and greet our guests.”
At Elia’s words, the twins stopped what they were doing and ran over.
“Hello, I’m Rena!”
“I’m Rein!”
“Hello. I’m Fioni. You two are adorable.”
Fioni knelt down to meet their eyes. When she extended her hand, the twins took it, causing Fioni’s golden eyes to glow more vividly.
“Their spirit affinity is extraordinary. These children are truly gifted.”
Spiritists could sense spirit affinity through physical contact. With direct touch, Fioni’s desire to nurture them grew. Elia, patting the twins’ heads, spoke.
“No one else came to mind as their mentor but you, Lady Fioni.”
Fioni had a knack for nurturing talent and teaching. Her family, known for their spirit affinity, scouted and raised children with exceptional spirit affinity across the empire. However, she had never encountered children of this level before.
“Would you like to play over there for a bit?”
“Okay! We’ll be careful not to break anything!”
“Be careful, careful!”
Though the decorations were protected by reinforcement magic, the children’s cautious walking was endearing. Even after Rena and Rein left, Fioni’s gaze lingered where they had disappeared.
“Lady Fioni, can you assist these children?”
“Of course. But… I feel there’s more to this request.”
Finally, Fioni’s eyes turned to Elia, sharp as ever. Elia glanced at both Fioni and Ibarena.
“The number of monsters will increase exponentially in the future.”
“Monsters?”
Ibarena’s expression turned serious. Due to the ancestors’ efforts to drive out monsters in the past, they were not seen as a significant threat in the current empire. However, an increase in their numbers changed the situation.
“Yes. Although I can’t disclose the source… it is something that will definitely happen.”
“That’s why you called us.”
Elia nodded at Fioni’s words.
“We need the help of the Magic Tower and the Spirit Clan.”
Spirits and the Magic Tower—this issue was serious enough to require their combined might. Elia hoped they would take her words seriously.
“For such a request, we are more than willing. We have a duty to protect the forest and our people from monsters.”
“Even though the Magic Tower is filled with selfish individuals… if the entire empire faces a problem, that’s a different matter.”
Both responses were positive. However, unlike Fioni, who had an obligation to protect her land, Ibarena, being part of the Magic Tower and a mid-level manager, had limitations in her influence.
“Lady Ibarena, what are your thoughts on Mion?”
“Mion? A magician with extremely low magic… I’m not sure. Unless they have a special talent in engraving or crafting.”
Mion referred to magicians with insufficient magical power, like Popetcherian. As expected, Ibarena showed little interest in Mion.
“Even small amounts of magic can be powerful if handled skillfully.”
“That’s true.”
Ibarena nodded. Such craftsmanship couldn’t be managed by someone with overwhelming magical power.
“I believe there are things that only those with small amounts of magic can do.”
Even a small amount of magic, if intricately crafted, could create powerful weapons. The reason the Magic Tower ignored Mion was due to the fixed idea that a magician’s worth lay in casting spells.
“Monsters will keep increasing.”
When the Black Hound appeared, the ground opened, releasing thousands of monsters.
Elia got to the main point.
“I propose creating a combat magic unit composed of magicians with low magic power.”
“Combat magic?”
Ibarena asked, surprised.
“Yes, training their bodies and enhancing their magical control to make them capable of fighting in real situations.”
“Ah, you mean something akin to aura.”
At a certain level, knights could use aura, a skill that enveloped their weapons with magical energy, allowing them to cut through things regular swords couldn’t.
What about magicians?
Though not as effective as aura, imbuing a weapon with magic made it far stronger than a normal sword. Elia planned to harness magicians with low magical power for combat.
