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Laundry magic.

Also called Clean Magic, this magic was used to make dirty things clean.

At first glance, it seemed simple, but in reality, it was one of the most difficult and complex types of magic.

Additionally, it was a magic with definite demand.

Adventurers and mercenaries.

For people performing various harsh tasks like dungeon raids, hunting, or suppression operations, Clean Magic was one of the most important elements.

‘Clean Magic isn’t just about making clothes neat and tidy.’

Monsters have a far keener sense of smell than humans.

Entering a dungeon without preparing for body odor would greatly increase the chances of being ambushed.

Especially since monster blood was quite pungent, failing to deal with it after combat heightened the risk of exposure to other monsters that could smell it.

‘It erases smells and traces. That’s the greatest effect of Clean Magic. For dungeon raids or monster hunting, Clean Magic is essentially a necessity.’

It could also thoroughly maintain hygiene and prevent contamination.

‘However, the Clean Magic currently in use has varying effects.’

Clean Magic was a very common magic. As a result, mages did not focus on it or research it further.

That was the reason for the varying effects.

‘For mages, this kind of magic is considered low-grade, so it’s often ignored.’

Some Clean Magic could remove monster blood but not other contaminants. Conversely, some could remove other things but not monster blood.

‘There are also many Clean Magics that can’t remove stubborn stains. With such varying effects, one has to use several different Clean Magics, which is a hassle.’

Clean Magic to remove monster blood.

Clean Magic to remove other contaminants.

Clean Magic to remove monster saliva or foul odors.

Although inconvenient, different Clean Magics had to be used separately as needed.

‘Something like that should not be called Clean Magic if the effects vary so much.’

This business venture stemmed from that realization.

‘With only subpar Clean Magics available, people must be longing for a Clean Magic that can remove all contaminants. If such a Clean Magic was available, even at a higher price, they would definitely buy it.’

If a single magic could remove all contaminants?

If it could erase smells and traces, maintaining a pristine state?

‘If a perfect Clean Magic appeared in an unsystematized market, it would be a literal game-changer.’

“There is definite demand for Clean Magic. Currently, Clean Magic is used through scrolls, but since the effects vary, one has to carry multiple scrolls. On top of that, the effects aren’t that great either.”

“Indeed, I’ve heard that. That’s why I heard they hire mages, but the cost of hiring those mages is also said to be excessively expensive.”

Mages’ asking prices were higher than expected. Additionally, hiring a dedicated mage just for using Clean Magic was a significant expenditure.

Moreover, mages didn’t necessarily possess better Clean Magic than scrolls.

‘It’s similar to the case with Lightweight magic or the special golem.’

Skilled mages do not invest time in magics they deem subpar.

Hadn’t he seen this firsthand at the Magic Tower?

‘They neglect practically useful magics, deeming them useless.’

Ethan planned to exploit this blind spot and turn it into a solid business item.

“So I’m thinking of registering a proper Clean Magic and creating scrolls. There’s definite demand but no satisfactory product. This Clean Magic scroll will be a game-changer for Clean Magic.”

If high-quality Clean Magic scrolls hit the market, they would undoubtedly sell like hotcakes.

“Certainly a good idea, teacher. But it seems difficult. To create those Clean Magic scrolls, you’d first need a Clean Magic far superior to existing ones. But no mage capable of using high-level Clean Magic would ever lend a hand for commercial purposes.”

Yuna well knew how arrogant mages could be.

Thus, she took a negative stance with an apologetic expression.

She intended to do her utmost to help Ethan but acquiring a mage from the start would be difficult.

Then suddenly, Yuna made a foolish expression.

“Oh, but you already have a mage, don’t you? No, wait, are you planning to personally research this Clean Magic yourself, Teacher Ethan?”

“No, I’m not a mage, Yuna.”

Ethan stated firmly.

“Both Lightweight magic and the special golem began from the hands of my business partner. And you already know who that partner is.”

“…!”

Quickly realizing who it was, Yuna uttered the name.

“Could it be, Assistant Teacher Yerica?”

“Yes, my escort and assistant teacher Yerica is the owner of all these magics. And there’s no need for further research. The Clean Magic is already complete.”

Not long ago, when he went to obtain his second class, the Lightning Guardian, Ethan witnessed Yerica’s Clean Magic and thought the time had come.

Countless contaminants had soiled her robe, but Yerica used Clean Magic to wipe them away perfectly.

‘Thanks to breaking the second seal.’

A Clean Magic of this level would definitely sell in the market.

‘I should confirm the effects a bit more, but it can remove most contaminants. There’s sufficient demand for such a Clean Magic.’

“Then if we officially register that magic with the association…”

“I plan to create and sell scrolls.”

Yuna’s expression changed completely.

If it was a Clean Magic far surpassing the effects of existing Clean Magics, it would certainly be competitive.

By highlighting the shortcomings of current Clean Magics while advertising this one as different, it could definitely shake up the market.

Just by tearing a scroll, any contamination could be removed? This would definitely appeal to those who have been thirsting for such a Clean Magic. They would think it’s better to pay a bit more for a proper Clean Magic laundry service rather than risking equipment damage from subpar Clean Magic.

“It’s a business that smells of money. But most merchant guilds would have a hard time handling it.”

This was actually the real problem.

Other parties could easily replicate this Clean Magic surpassing existing ones in effect.

It was far easier to copy than Lightweight Magic.

Therefore, it had to be registered with the Magic Association that recognizes magic copyrights in order to secure exclusive rights.

“It’s not just about the money smell! The demand is already secured here. If our Garnet really pushes for it… market dominance might even be possible!”

However, there was something Yuna needed to confirm.

“It’s not that I doubt Assistant Teacher Yerica’s abilities. But for us to properly advertise, that Clean Magic has to be perfect. If we exaggerate in our advertising, it will severely damage the Merchant Guild’s reputation.”

“If we get it registered with the association, the effects would certainly be proven, right? And there wouldn’t be anyone who could replicate it.”

“Yes, certainly.”

“Then get it certified during the vacation period. After that, we can immediately start the business.”

After hearing everything, Yuna took a deep breath.

“You said you wanted to work with the Garnet Merchant Guild? But this isn’t something you should be asking of us. Rather, I should be the one asking you, Teacher Ethan Whiskers. Would you like to walk the path of money with our Garnet Merchant Guild?”

Yuna extended her hand. Ethan naturally took it and shook it.

“I’m counting on you, Yuna.”

Yuna firmly grasped the hand.

“Yes, teacher.”

***

“Yes, the Clean Magic is almost perfect. I’m most concerned about hygiene, after all. I can’t stand anything dirty.”

At Ethan’s words, Yerica looked confident.

“What about things it can’t remove?”

“It can remove most things. Even oil stains. Of course, rust is a bit difficult.”

“That’s enough then. Perfect.”

Being able to remove even oil stains meant it was the ultimate Clean Magic.

“Yerica, I plan to register this magic with the association.”

“…The Magic Association?”

Yerica’s eyes narrowed.

The Magic Association.

This place was highly symbolic for Yerica, though in an entirely negative way.

Yerica’s grandfather, Hecate, had once been a mage belonging to this Magic Association.

But when suspicions arose about Hecate, instead of defending him, the head of the association swiftly expelled him, as if waiting for the chance.

“Excessive magic research, magic addiction leading to madness. That’s what the Magic Association announced publicly, right?”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

It was practically a stigma.

It was from that point that Hecate, who had only been under suspicion, truly became cornered.

Hecate insisted it wasn’t true, that he had simply delved deeper into magic research, but once the Magic Association made an official announcement, his objections carried no weight.

That’s why Yerica hated the Magic Association. No, she didn’t even want to be associated with them.

“To be honest, I don’t want to be involved with a despicable place like the Magic Association. If I could, I’d burn the whole thing down.”

Ethan understood her anger.

“That’s precisely why it’s the Magic Association, Yerica.”

“Huh…?”

She looked puzzled for a moment, but soon her eyes widened as if she understood Ethan’s meaning.

“Just like how we sold the special golem to those damned nobles who called grandfather insane, you’re going to re-register grandfather’s magic with the Magic Association.”

“It’s your magic too, as the one who inherited grandfather’s will.”

Yerica looked at Ethan.

Ethan explained this matter in more detail.

“We’ll register the Clean Magic with the association and get it certified. I plan to turn that very Clean Magic into a business.”

As he explained the Clean Magic scroll business, Yerica’s expression changed again.

“Are you sure that will make money?”

Unlike other mages, Yerica completely trusted Ethan’s words, from the Lightweight workshop and special golem to now the Clean Magic scrolls.

“But I don’t plan to just stop at registering the magic with the association. You know, Yerica? I’m not aiming for a petty revenge.”

Ever since Yerica first made her escort contract with Ethan, she had a goal in mind.

Revenge.

Revenge against the nobles who trampled on her grandfather’s honor and turned her mother and herself into fugitives.

Her goal was to take revenge on everyone associated with them.

“If we’re going to do it, we have to do it properly.”

Yerica’s heart pounded fiercely.

“We’ll take over the Magic Association first. With your grandfather Hecate’s magic, the magic of the one who inherited his will.”

Author's Thoughts

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