Demon-Hunting Genius Mage

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Chapter 139

Come to think of it, I hadn't told Kailius.

That I was a mage who wielded the light attribute.

Nor that I had also learned dark attribute magic.

So, it was understandable that he was so surprised.

'Well, it's probably better that I didn't mention being a light attribute mage.'

If I had, there's a good chance he wouldn't have given me this lich's wand as a reward in the first place.

After all, it actually diminishes the power of the light attribute.

Of course, I also have a partial limitation since I can't use this wand with the light attribute...

'I just need to utilize it appropriately. Use my existing weapons when using light magic, and this wand for other attributes.'

That way, I wouldn't really be at a disadvantage, and I could amplify other types of magic.

In any case.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I recently learned dark attribute magic."

"But, why... Then, is it truly harmless for you to use this wand?"

"So far, I haven't felt any adverse effects."

"What an astonishing thing! I thought you would need at least another year to use this wand. This is truly fortunate. Congratulations, mage."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

As I bowed my head, Kailius, smiling contentedly, continued.

"So, are you satisfied with the reward?"

His expression showed anticipation.

Since I was also satisfied with the lich's wand, I gave him the answer he wanted, with a touch of flattery.

"It couldn't be better. How did you know it was exactly what I was looking for...?"

"Heh heh, I tend to have a knack for noticing such things. I'm glad you like it."

He smiled again, this time with a bit more emphasis in his voice.

"If you wish, I can provide you with such items endlessly."

"Pardon? What do you mean..."

"I mean that if you dedicate yourself to Asternon, you will receive unlimited support."

"Ah."

So that's what he meant.

It seemed Kailius hadn't given up on recruiting me as a royal court mage.

However.

"I apologize. I still have no intention of taking that path."

What's impossible is impossible.

No matter how much support and benefits were offered, I couldn't accept it.

The moment I did, I would become complacent in this world.

Of course, it might have been a good choice on my first day of transmigration, but not now.

To live in this world forever without having to venture outside.

As a 7-circle mage, enjoying immense wealth and honor.

However, that's only the case if it continues indefinitely.

I know.

'Peace doesn't last long.'

The peace of this world is like a illusion, easily shattered at any moment.

That Baal could turn it into hell in an instant, if he so desired.

Therefore.

"I am someone who cannot settle down in one place."

I refused even more firmly.

To make him give up on persuading me altogether.

Did that determination resonate with him?

"Hmm..."

Kailius sighed, as if regretting something.

At the same time, his face showed a hint of curiosity.

"Then, what do you desire? What kind of life do you intend to live?"

A question about what kind of life I would live.

Of course, the answer was already decided.

"I am someone who must hunt demons until the day I die."

"Hunt demons?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I believe that is my reason for existence, and the reason I possess magical talent."

"..."

Kailius, who had been silent for a moment, burst into hearty laughter at my answer.

"Hahahaha, it's been a long time. Such resolute eyes. I understand your heart perfectly."

"...I apologize."

"No. There's no need to apologize. Are you not pursuing your own conviction? Rather, it seems I placed an unnecessary burden on you."

"Not at all. I wasn't burdened in the slightest, Your Majesty."

"Heh heh heh."

Kailius, still chuckling, continued.

"Then, how about this? We will come to each other's aid in times of crisis."

"Like comrades...?"

"Yes. Comrades, allies, alliance, call it whatever you like. As long as we promise to come forward when one of us is in danger. If you accept this proposal, I promise to do my best when you need help."

"Oh, um..."

I couldn't answer immediately.

I never dreamed he would make such a proposal.

'If I make this promise, he won't bother me with trivial matters, will he?'

There was a slight concern, but it didn't seem likely.

It wasn't as if a king of a nation would ask me for help with every little thing.

Surely, when a request for help came, it would be a large-scale incident.

'In that case...'

I could accept it.

It might be a bit bothersome, but I would also be able to have the entire Asternon backing me.

More than anything, such a major event would probably be the work of those demons.

I would end up going to help even if no one asked me to.

There was nothing for me to lose.

"Very well, Your Majesty."

"You accept?"

"Yes. In fact, if it's something of that magnitude, there's no need for such a promise. I don't wish for Asternon to be in danger either."

"Oh, a mage with strong patriotism! That's a relief, a relief..."

Thump, thump, thump.

Kailius, as if finally relieved, approached me.

And carefully extended his hand.

It was clearly an invitation to shake hands.

As I took his hand,

"Mage, with this, our alliance is formed."

Kailius declared that an alliance had been formed.

It was somehow a novel feeling.

'He's got a really good personality, this guy.'

In fact, Kailius didn't have to go this far.

If a major crisis occurred, he could simply conscript me.

If I refused, I would no longer be able to operate in Asternon.

In any case, he was the king of a nation.

That meant he had the power to do that.

Nevertheless, the reason he directly proposed an alliance was,

'It's all for my consideration.'

It was consideration and respect for me.

It also meant that we should go along well with each other.

He was definitely different from the twisted nobles I had seen before.

Before arriving in District 1, I was worried he might be a tyrant, but it was an unnecessary worry.

Someone like him,

"Please call me anytime you need help, Your Majesty."

I could give him even more help.

***

"Hmm..."

After the negotiation with the young genius mage, Yuhan.

Kailius stroked his chin with a subtle expression.

"We did form an alliance, but..."

Frankly, he wasn't completely satisfied.

His original goal was much higher.

To make him a royal court mage and turn him into a permanent ally of Asternon.

Because his standards were so high, he couldn't help but feel regret even after forming the alliance.

Moreover, he regretted it even more because he knew how much talent Yuhan possessed.

Magic, learning ability, everything.

He was truly the best mage resource, without any shortcomings.

He wanted to put him in the royal court mage position right away.

"...He is definitely a man who will achieve great things."

Kailius could guarantee it.

In the distant future.

No, in the not-too-distant future, he would become incredibly famous.

Perhaps he would make a significant mark in the magical world.

Thinking like that made his mouth taste even more bitter.

He should have kept him in Asternon at all costs...

"...Let's forget about it. It's already in the past."

Shaking his head, Kailius brushed off his lingering regrets.

Frankly, when you think about it, there's nothing to regret.

Didn't he try as much as he could?

He could be satisfied and give up at this point.

Anyway, that's beside the point.

"...In any case, what happened earlier was truly amazing."

Kailius recalled what had happened a moment ago, expressing the admiration he hadn't fully conveyed.

The scene he was recalling was none other than Yuhan receiving the lich's wand and using dark magic.

The sight of him raising a black sphere with the wand without any hesitation was still vivid in his mind.

"How can there be such a coincidence?"

In a way, he was very lucky.

It turned out that the mage, to whom he had given the lich's wand, happened to have the dark attribute as his main affinity.

Darkness was one of the attributes that mages avoided because it was difficult to handle.

As such, the probability of encountering a dark attribute mage and handing him the lich's wand was extremely low.

Kailius, thinking he couldn't keep this fact to himself, immediately called Elbert.

Kailius and Elbert often chatted together when there was nothing special going on.

"Your Majesty."

"Oh, Lord Elbert."

Elbert arrived shortly, and Kailius immediately told him what had just happened.

"What do you think the probability of that is, Lord Elbert?"

Then,

"...Your Majesty."

"Hmm?"

"It seems you are mistaken about something."

"What do you mean I'm mistaken?"

Elbert, with a stiff face, delivered a shocking answer.

"That man's main attribute is not darkness."

"......What?"

That couldn't be.

He had clearly seen with his own eyes.

Yuhan using the dark attribute.

And it was a level of dark magic that even he, who had little knowledge of magic, could tell was extraordinary.

Even considering the effect of the lich's wand.

Above all.

"...That can't be. That mage showed no symptoms even after using the lich's wand."

He had used the lich's wand and was completely fine.

Having that level of immunity meant he was definitely a dark attribute mage.

But then.

"His main attribute is light, Your Majesty..."

"...Wh-wh-what?"

Elbert's words were even more shocking.

Kailius felt his shock reach his head.

After all, light and darkness were completely opposite attributes.

If that were true, there was no way he would have liked the lich's wand.

He wouldn't have even been able to use it in the first place.

"No, how..."

Elbert explained to Kailius, who was gaping.

From their first meeting to the attributes of the magic he used, his skills, his experiences, the reason he learned the dark attribute, and so on. Without leaving anything out.

And only then did Kailius begin to grasp the situation.

"...So that's how it happened."

Now he understood everything.

A mage who wielded the light attribute and also consistently practiced other attributes.

And a mage who had fought countless demons so far.

That was the man named Yuhan.

It was understandable why he was not affected by the undead power contained in the lich's wand.

"Good grief."

There wasn't a single ordinary thing about him.

Kailius, feeling a renewed sense of wonder, clicked his tongue.

'Should I have offered some territory as a condition...?'

The lingering regrets he had barely shaken off seemed to be returning.

[Translator - Prøks]

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