CH 23

“Training”

After introductions were over, Rudra shoved us into his office to keep talking.

It’s so early that there are barely any people in the guild, but the second-floor hallway isn’t the best place to talk about this. We don’t want unneeded attention.

Dike and Roar also just came back from a job so we filled them in.

The topic of this discussion will be “How will we train Takaya”.

– Feria, do you have Takaya’s tree paper?

Feria handed over the tree paper to Ever.

– Indeed, this kid is capable of using Production magic and anything related to it. Only that field though. It’s likely he can reach Master Class Level IX.

Ever was able to describe my skills just from looking at the tree paper.

Is this how capable a Great Sage is?

– I thought so. When I first saw the paper I assumed he could reach at least Level VI. Meirir, I can’t stress this enough; Good job finding him.

– Hehee. I know, right? I have a pretty good eye for men.

– Big words for someone who is 19 and still a virg- FWOH!?

– SHUT UP.

Meirir, who was now blushing, sunk her fist into Dike’s head. I tried to act as if I didn’t hear anything, but this information is ingrained in me.

Meirir is 19… and a virgin.

– Uhh, by the way, what is with those “Level” things? Obviously the higher the better, but that’s as much as I understand.

– Hey, Rudra. Where did this kid come from?

Ever’s purple pupils examine my whole body. Not in a weird way like last time.

– Takaya, levels are basically measures of how much you can do with your skills.

There are so many words and terms I still don’t understand. Feria held the tree paper and started explaining.

– The higher your level is, the more complicated things you can do. At Level I, you can process some meat for consumption. At Level II you could detoxify a poisonous beast’s body. At Level III you could start gathering rare magical stones. And the list of examples goes on.

– So I’m already at Level III, right?

– Yes. The length of the tree in the tree paper shows how far someone’s skills can go. If the roots extend to the bottom of the paper, it means you are able to reach Level IX.

Which is exactly where my roots are.

So that’s why everyone in Searat was surprised.

Ever was able to use Level IX magic, but she was one of the very few sages.

I wonder if I’ll be able to become one.

There are only a few that are capable.

I could become a mage of monstrous abilities like Ever.

– I was worried I wouldn’t be able to properly raise a hidden gem like him, so I asked the sage for advice. (Rudra)

That’s completely understandable. Even a genius kid could have their talent ruined if not raised properly.

It’s very common that someone has enough talent to reach the top but decides to drop out and is unable to crawl back again.

– So this guy right here thinks that the best person to raise a monster is another monster. Thus, Takaya will become my apprentice.

– Great Sage, please don’t say that. Takaya, you’re a very important treasure to Searat. We would love to raise you ourselves. But we’re no more than ordinary people. I’m afraid we won’t be able to help you grow to your full potential.

– My full potential…

– Yesterday, while you were drunk sleeping, Roar and the others told me about your circumstances with your previous group.

Rudra laid his hand on my head.

And he very stiffly stroked my black hair. It reminded me of my dad.

– Takaya, those people that made fun of you, don’t you want to show them what you’re capable of?

– …

At those words, my chest heated up.