LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 38.1
38.1. Elisio
Nord had received a package from the Raython-sensei and immediately made his way to Elisio’s room.
Leaving the main building of the magic academy, they walked a short distance. On the way, Elisio pointed at another stone building within the academy’s grounds and said, “That’s where I study.”
Then they arrived at a stone tower within the academy grounds.
The interior featured a spiral staircase that extended to the top floor, with doors along the walls of the staircase. This appeared to be a dormitory.
After climbing the spiral staircase for a while, Elisio pulled a key from his pocket.
It was a slender brass key that gleamed gold. Inserting it into the keyhole beneath the doorknob, he unlocked the door with a clink.
“This is it. It’s a bit messy, but please come in.”
“Thank you for having me.”
Despite Elisio’s comment, the room was tidy.
Against the walls stood bookshelves filled to capacity with books, their spines hinting at topics related to magic.
Near the window, there was a small two-person desk with a few books left open. The setting sun bathed the room in a warm, reddish glow.
To the right of the entrance, a wooden door could be seen.
Having entered the room first, Elisio turned around in the sunset-hued room.
“Nord, could I ask you to wait here for a moment?”
“Of course.”
Elisio then opened the door leading further in, just a crack, and slipped inside.
The current room seemed to serve as a dining area, as dishes and utensils were visible. However, it didn’t appear to be a bedroom; that must be beyond the other door.
Perhaps the clutter he mentioned was in that room.
While waiting, Nord, finding himself idle, decided to observe the room.
Unlike the cluttered rooms of his teacher or the Raython-sensei, this room had a sense of cleanliness and order. The sunlight streaming through the window revealed almost no dust in the air, indicating regular cleaning.
Books on the shelves were arranged by height, subtly revealing the owner’s meticulous nature.
The room also carried a pleasant aroma, likely from herbs or some kind of incense.
Doesn’t feel like a mage’s room at all.
The only signs of magic were the titles of the books on the desk and shelves.
Nord picked up one of the books on the desk.
The luxurious cover read, “Magical Metals of the World and Their Properties.”
The author’s name, unfamiliar to Nord, suggested a person of high noble status.
“Hm?”
Nord noticed something peculiar.
There were several other books scattered on the desk, which seemed to fall into two categories:
Luxurious bindings and simpler, leather-bound covers.
One of the simpler books, with neatly inked handwriting on its cover, bore the same title: “Magical Metals of the World and Their Properties.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting!”
“Oh, no. My apologies—I was looking through your books.”
Nord carefully placed the book back on the desk as he spoke.
“Huh? Oh, that one? I don’t mind.”
“Is this a transcription?”
“Yes. I couldn’t afford the original, so I borrowed and copied them myself.”
Elisio admitted this with a hint of embarrassment.
It was hard to tell in the sunset’s glow, but his cheeks and ears were likely flushed red.
The books were expensive.
Even blank notebooks like the one Nord carried weren’t cheap.
Books filled with knowledge—especially specialized ones on magic—were out of reach for commoners like Elisio.
“By the way, Nord…”
“Yes?”
“Please accept this.”
“This is…?”
What Elisio handed Nord was a dagger with a thick blade. However, it didn’t appear to be made of metal.
“This is a magic tool I made, imbued with fire magic.”
“Oh!”
“The blade is crafted from magic stone. Each use makes it shrink a little.”
“It’s nearing its limit,” Elisio added.
“This is a small token of gratitude for helping me earlier. It’s not much, but…”
“No, but this is far too valuable.”
“It’s fine! This is just a prototype. Oh, but it works properly!”
Magic tools were inherently expensive.
Weapons that contained magic, like this one, could be worth dozens of silver coins.
“Just be careful. Since it’s a prototype, it’s not very durable and can only be used a few times.”
“Understood. I’ll accept it gratefully.”
Though hesitant, Nord gave in to Elisio’s insistence and accepted the flaming magic sword.
The blade, resembling red crystal, lacked sharpness and wouldn’t even cut paper. It was purely a magical tool.
“So, how do I use this?”
“Grip the handle tightly and shout, ‘Ignite, Ignis!’”
“I see. Ignite, I—”
“Wait! Not here! You’ll burn everything!”
“Ah, my apologies.”
“This contains the Fireball spell. Please handle it with care.”
“How powerful is this Fireball?”
“Well…”
Nord carefully tucked the magic sword away.
According to Elisio, the Fireball spell generated a sphere of fire about the size of Nord’s torso. Upon impact, it would erupt in flames, engulfing its target.
Judging by Elisio’s description, the spell could drain the life force of most crystal-level beasts Nord faced in a single blow.
I should consider embedding it into a shield later, Nord thought.
“Thank you for such a valuable item.”
“Oh, no, it’s the least I can do after you saved me…”
“Still, this feels unbalanced. It’s too much.”
Though Elisio tried to downplay it, Nord knew the flaming magic sword was an extravagant gift.
Out of politeness, Nord accepted it, but in his mind, he felt guilty. Beating up a few thugs didn’t warrant such a reward.
“I may not be wealthy, but if you ever need help, Elisio, I’ll do whatever I can.”
“Help, huh… Ah, in that case…”
“Is there something?”
Initially hesitant, Elisio seemed to recall something and began to open up.
After a moment of deliberation, Elisio finally shared his concern.
“Well… it’s a bit forward, but there’s something I’d like to consult you about.”
“Of course. What is it?”
“Then…”
Thus, Elisio began to share his troubles.
“You remember how I mentioned looking for a mentor earlier at the academy?”
“Yes.”
“Finding a mentor is one of my concerns, but I still have about half a year to figure that out…”