Volume 1 - CH 16

Volume 1: The Light

That morning, I woke up earlier than usual.

Normally I would have gone into a second sleep, but after what happened yesterday, I couldn’t get back to sleep even after lying down.

“…… Let’s get some air out for a bit.”

I didn’t even bother to change and went straight into the garden in my sleepwear.

The air is chilly and the ground is still wet from the rain during the night.

“I wonder where is Master now?”

If he is going to the Magic City, is he going to go to the Royal Capital?

I have been to the Royal Capital in the past and I remember it was very lively with lots of people and shops.

“I remember there’s a big academyl in the Royal Capital. I wish I could have gone there…”

You know, going to school with friends, learn, play…. The things normal people can do look is envying.

Until yesterday, I thought that dream would come true, but now that Master is gone, the odds of that dream coming true have decreased considerably.

But I haven’t given up yet.

Even without Master, I will do my best on my own. As I was renewing my determination, I suddenly heard a voice from behind me.

“Callus, how unusual to see you here so early in the morning. You going for a walk?”

“What……?

I turned around in surprise.

There was a person who… should not be here. Master Gory was there.

“Why…!”

It can’t be. Master shouldn’t be here.

I pushed down the joy that welled up inside me and asked.

“Why are you here, Master? If you don’t go to Magic City, you won’t be a ‘Sage’ anymore!”

“I know what you mean. But I have thought it over and have come to a decision, hence I am standing here. The President can’t dictate what I do.”

Can’t dictate?

But it is not right that you should get in trouble because of me.

“Don’t bother with me, Master. It is true that I want to live. But I don’t want to live at the expense of others’ dreams! If this is your way of showing affection for me, then…. It will just annoy me. Please leave right now!”

That’s a lie. I’m not annoyed. I’m actually very happy.

But if I don’t say so, Master won’t listen to me. I don’t want him to sacrifice his dreams because of me.

Master looked at me with kind eyes and said.

“That’s not true. It’s different, Callus.”

“What’s the difference?”

“My dream is related to you, Callus.”

“Wha—?”

I don’t understand. What does it mean?

“…… I have been a Magician for many years. But the older I get, the more I realize that my magic will not improve any further. Even if I become a Great Sage, nothing will change.”

Master is already over 60 years old, an age at which ordinary people would have a hard time using magic. It is only natural that his power would wane.

But that doesn’t apply to Master as easily as others.

“I wanted to save as many people as possible with my magic. I believed that was my destiny, and I continued to use my skills. I was in deep despair, realizing that I could no longer do much with my short-lived body. Until I met… you.”

Master continued to looking at me.

“Callus, you have the potential. I saw you learn magic at a tremendous pace, and I understood that it was my true calling to take this talent of yours and make you a full-fledged Magician. You can surpass me and become a Great Sage, even higher, a Mage.”

“That’s an exaggeration…”

A Mage is the top of all Magicians. That’s too high and good to be true.

“I believe you will be a great Magician, better than I am, and that you will save many people. To realize that future, I would give up my current position at any cost. My only dream is for you to become a full-fledged Magician.”

“Master…”

I found myself unable to stop the tears from welling up in my eyes.

Master saw the value in me and threw away everything that he had built up over the years.

I can’t imagine how much it takes do that for me; a person who has done nothing.

“I will do it, Master. I will definitely become a great Magician and see those who kicked Master out…!”

I declared in a trembling voice, while Master gently patted me on the back.

One week after this day, —-Master was officially expelled from the Magic Association.

I will definitely become a great Magician and show him up. I vowed to myself to do so.

——————————-

[Glossary]

• Sage

A title given to the very best of Magicians.

It is extremely difficult to be chosen as a Sage, and one must have made some achievement that will benefit the entire magic world in order to even be considered.

Sages are granted a number of “privileges,” including free access to almost all magic facilities, unrestricted passage through borders, and priority in applying for patents on magic and magic tools.

This title is the dream and aspiration of every Magician.

No one has ever let go of such a position.