Chapter 30

Chapter 30

He blurted out the question without thinking.

From a certain perspective, curses could be considered a type of buff. For example, someone that wished to slim down would be delighted to have a cursed item that reduces its wearers weight.

In other words, depending on how they were used, cursed items could become a blessing in disguise.

Normally, mages would steer clear of items that suck away their wearers mana. Hell, they would chuck them out. However, things were a bit different for Yi-han.

He had way too much mana to spare.

Seriously though, that belt might be worth equipping.

He was already wearing a metal bracelet with similar properties. Wearing an extra belt or two would hardly make a difference.

Its effect?

You know, its original effect.

Action-reaction pairs also existed in the world of magic, and cursed artifacts typically had stronger positive traits than regular items.

Otherwise, no one in their right mind would equip them.

Ah. So thats what Brother is curious about. Let me think

You remember its curse, but not its original effect? You should really get your priorities straight.

Yi-han became speechless when he saw the priest having trouble remembering the items original effect.

It was a classic example of putting the cart before the horse.

Right, its a belt that grants invisibility. But thats not whats important. Whats important is that its a cursed item As I said, Brother. You can be honest with us. We wont blame you if you wish to turn back now

What do you mean? I was born ready to bear the burden.

Yi-hans eyes were filled with determination, shocking the priest greatly.

Who would have thought!

The priest had expected Yi-han to give up and leave right away, but it seemed he had been under the wrong impression.

How ashamed I am to run my mouth and question the faith of such a devoted Brother!

The priest no longer treated Yi-han as a naive boy that grew up sheltered in a powerful family.

The person before him was a fellow brethren who was willing to walk this thorny path together!

Brother, my name is Mehrid. May I ask what is yours?.

Yi-han. Yi-han Wardanaz.

Wardanaz!

This came as an even bigger surprise to Mehrid.

Even within the Empire, the Wardanaz Family was famous for being nonbelievers.

It was no wonder that the boy seemed so dignified and majestic

The Order would be delighted to have you within our ranks. Now, please take this belt in honor of Lord Presinga.

It was quite an exaggerated title for a cursed belt, but Yi-han received it with a serious expression on his face.

Ttak-

He equipped it immediately.

Mehrid stared at him with a worried look.

Whenever a new brother or sister joined their cause, they would have trouble adjusting to the burden of Presinga. After all, enduring the effects of a curse was anything but easy, especially for beginners.

Having all of ones mana sucked away was a cruel ordeal, one which a new student might not be able to

So, how do I become invisible?

?!?!?

??

Um, well saying I hide myself in the night will make you invisible. Saying I reveal myself in the morning would deactivate it.

I hide myself in the night.

His body became transparent when he recited the chant.

Wow

Yi-han was in awe.

Not all invisibility spells were of the same level.

Lower circle invisibility spells only allowed light to somewhat pass through an area. Upon closer inspection, people would still be able to tell that something was wrong.

But the invisibility spell on the belt was near perfect.

It was worth equipping this cursed item.

B-brother, do you feel alright?

Why, of course. I reveal myself in the morning.

Yi-han canceled the spell.

Prior to equipping the belt, he had half-expected it to absorb enough mana so that he could control the rest.

However, it didnt seem to have had any effect on him at all.

Tijiling, the devil mixed-blood priestess from the Tower of the Immortal Phoenix, handed her basket to Yi-han, surprising the latter greatly.

Whats this? Is she giving this away for free? Do I need to sign a contract with the devil if I take this?

Why are you giving me your basket?

Ive offered my body to the service of Lord Presinga. Such luxuries are wasted on me.

Tijiling, theres no need to do this. This basket was prepared for you, after all.

Priest Mehrid seemed to want Tijiling to accept the gift, but she was firm in her refusal.

Geez, I guess the Tower of the Immortal Phoenix really is different.

He belonged to the Blue Dragons, and the people there had already laid down their pride as nobles.

Hey, got anything to eat? Nothing? Really? Like really?

Theyd ask this sort of question to each other with bloodshot eyes

While the rest of the students were out scavenging for food, those at the Immortal Phoenix endured and tempered themselves.

Impressive!

However, though he was impressed, he had no intention of living like them.

Then Ill gladly-

Um, Brother?

?

Priest Mehrid brought Yi-han to one corner of the tent.

Brother, can you look after Tijiling for me? With your impressive background, youll no doubt be a great help to her. As you can see, she is very strict with herself.

But we dont even belong in the same dorm

Please, Priest Mehrid offered him another basket as he said this.

This priest knows his stuff!

Here, Ill give you one more. As for the food in Tijilings basket, please have them together with her.

You can leave it to me.

In the end, Yi-han could only yield before the temptation of the three baskets.

After all, all he had to do was eat together

***

Can I call you Priestess Tijiling?

Yes, please call me whatever you want.

Hows it like at the Tower of the Immortal Phoenix?

Yi-han was curious. Unlike the White Tigers and the Black Tortoise, the situation over at the Immortal Phoenix remained a mystery to him.

The devil mixed-blood girl, however, didnt understand what he was asking.

Can you be a bit more specific?

You know, what do you do when you have free time and stuff?

We remain in our rooms and pray, Tijiling said proudly.

Yi-han, however, was horrified to hear this.

Hm, it sounds much more depressing than I thought.

If he had been assigned there, he wouldve felt suffocated.

Do you pray at night as well?

Yes. Some of us go outside as we have to pray in the mountains or forests. Others pray indoors.

I seewait, youre allowed to go outside at night?

Indeed. Weve received permission to do so.

!

This came as a great shock to Yi-han.

So priests and priestesses are allowed to roam around at night?

They were forbidden from leaving their dorms at night on weekdays. That was why he and his friends tried to escape on a weekend.

However, students of the Immortal Phoenix were an exception to this rule.

When he thought about it, it made sense. If he was in the principals shoes, he wouldve given them permission as well.

After all, they wouldnt cause trouble even if he left them alone

Then would I be able to roam around at night as well if I was wearing a priests uniform?

There was a strange glint in his eyes.

I just need their uniform!

Can you get me a set of priests uniforms?

Tijiling stared at Yi-han with narrowed eyes.