The 14th Prince's Sage

Chapter 15

In less than two weeks, the plan will unfold that will allow him to secure a legitimate position working for the prince. This is why he needs to gain proficiency in the Fidellan language first.

Newcastle was aware of this and refrained from pressuring him. He even assured him that he would assist with the ancient language once their practical lessons commenced.

“What is this place?”

He asked, clearly taken aback.

“This is known as the “One Exit Room.””

Newcastle replied, his tone steady but laced with an undercurrent of amusement.

“What in the bastard name is that!?”

He shouted in shock.

From a distance, he heard a laugh unmistakably coming from Newcastle, and a wave of unease swept over him. He could easily picture Newcastle, arms crossed and a mischievous smile on his face, relishing the moment.

Newcastle cleared his throat and replied, still holding back his laughter.

“This room was named by His Imperial Highness.”

His voice was smooth, almost sing-song, as if he were delivering a punchline to a joke only he understood.

“Oh…”

The response slipped from his lips, flat and devoid of enthusiasm.

Of course it was him. Why was he not surprised? This was the same person who had referred to his doctor as “Dr. Happy” and his mentor as “Newcastle.”

After scanning the room and finding nothing noteworthy, Cielo turned his focus to Newcastle.

“What brings us here?”

A gradual smile started to appear on the man's face. Cielo had a feeling this person would probably tease him again.

“It’s an initiation.”

“… .”

“… … .”

“Excuse me?”

Cielo instinctively took a step back.

‘The fuck is this weirdo going to do with me!?’

He thought, a sudden surge of fear enveloping him. It wouldn't surprise him if this person had hidden intentions concerning him.

Newcastle laughed at his reaction and playfully slapped Cielo on the back, nearly causing him to stumble on the marble floor.

“Oh, my goodness! You’re so predictable, haha!”

Cielo found it hard to tear his gaze away from the unpredictable man as he rubbed his aching shoulders. He had learned not to probe Newcastle any further.

Newcastle stepped into the center of the room and pointed to the grim graffiti covering the walls.

“Can you make sense of what’s written on the walls?”

“It's… something about gathering something?”

He had just started studying their language and had only read a few chapters of the ancient text, but he was already able to piece together some words in a coherent manner. The advantage lies in the fact that the ancient language is a simpler version of the modern Fidellan language.

“That's right, the main purpose of this chamber is to gather mana.”

“Gather?”

He tilted his head in confusion, expecting a more thorough explanation from Newcastle.

Newcastle responded with a nod and gestured broadly with his hands.

“This setup is meant to create this.”

Cielo sensed a subtle change in the atmosphere, but he couldn't pinpoint its source. The sensation was unsettling as it brushed against his skin.

‘What is he trying to do?’

He concentrated on his teacher's hands for a moment, but he saw nothing unusual. Despite Newcastle's somewhat goofy behavior, he stayed alert. Suddenly, a small, translucent orb began to form and gradually grow bigger in front of him.

Amazing… Magic works in mysterious ways.

“This is referred to as solid mana.”

Newcastle raised the small sphere to his face. It was tiny, about the size of a lollipop.

He suddenly remembered a fascinating item that looked similar to something he had encountered before. This object could absorb water and grow in size. Was it called orbeez? However, this one was larger than the usual kind.

“Here.”

The man tossed the orb casually.

Cielo, having expected this move, was not as surprised as he had been during Newcastle's initial demonstration and quickly caught it. It had an incredible lightness, almost like a physical embodiment of air. He tried to squeeze it, wondering if it would burst like orbeez, but found it to be as solid as marbles.

He lifted the orb to eye level, mesmerized by the captivating blend of blues and greens that seemed to pulse with life.

Such a weird object.

‘I like it.’

Cielo fiddled with the mana ball as he turned to Newcastle, his brow furrowing slightly as he asked.

“Do I have to make this?”

Just a week ago, he had been a novice, struggling to understand the fundamental concepts of magic. The thought of crafting something so complex felt daunting, especially since he was still getting accustomed to mana.

“If you want to, but in the Empire, it’s illegal to create such items without being registered with the Mage Association or holding an official title.”

Newcastle had recently hinted at this issue, and he has now confirmed he possesses a title.

“Newcastle, you do have an official title, don’t you?”

Newcastle tilted his head playfully.

“Hm? Are you interested?”

He had overlooked asking about it the day before, as his mind was preoccupied. However, given Newcastle's playful nature, he suspected the man might not give a direct answer, which led him to rethink his strategy.

“Actually, never mind.”

What was truly important was that Newcastle was legitimate and held a valid license. That was all the information he needed.

“What’s next?”

“The purpose of this orb is to help your body adjust to mana.”

Fortunately, the man didn’t dwell on the topic and moved on with the lesson.

“Adjust? Why wasn’t this part of your lesson?”

He had gained basic knowledge about mana, spellcasting, and the duties of casters. However, this was his first encounter with the concept of solid mana.

Even though he wasn't allowed to create it yet, shouldn't he be informed about all the essential information a mage should understand?

“The reason is that beginners are unable to produce these. I see no reason to teach you about this at this point.”

“I see…”

Newcastle took the mana orb from his hand and held it out in front of his mouth, much like a parent offering a treat to a child.

“… .”

Surely, this person doesn't expect him to actually eat that thing?

“Say “ah.””

“… … .”

Is he really trying to convince him to swallow it?

“Exactly what I said. Open your mouth and eat this.”

He stared at the orb, then back at Newcastle, struggling to comprehend the ridiculousness of the situation. He wants him to eat what? That tiny object they had both carelessly handled? Isn't that a bit gross?

“I promise you, it doesn't taste bad.”

Newcastle continued, his voice smooth and persuasive.

Cielo's face remained expressionless.

The man burst into laughter after seeing his face. Luckily, he stepped back before detailing his reasons for wanting Cielo to consume that item.

“Our world used to be ordinary. What do you think allows us to perceive or sense mana?”

Upon reflection, it did seem strange to have the ability to manipulate mana without any prior action. They must have undergone some kind of experimentation for this to happen.

‘Could it be that every mage had to consume that item?’

Noticing Cielo's reaction, Newcastle anticipated his thoughts and smoothly continued with his explanation.

“Yes. The only way for us to harness mana is through its consumption. By consuming mana, we can easily perceive, sense, and manipulate it.”

Newcastle lifted the orb above his head, studying the small object with keen interest.

“We must consume this substance at least once annually to rejuvenate our senses.”

“That is…”

“Fascinating, wouldn't you say?”

The man chuckled again, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Cielo pondered the information he had just learned. Do they really consume mana to use it? Is it even possible to ingest mana? This was the second time he had encountered such a bizarre idea, the first being his realization of world-hopping after his death.

“Then how is it that I can see these?”

He focused on Newcastle and pointed to the inscriptions on the walls, which must have been made of mana. If he truly cannot see mana without consuming it, how is he able to see what was written on the walls?

“Ah? I'm glad you asked about them.”

Newcastle finally relaxed from his earlier agitation, lowering the orb and cradling it gently in his hands as if it were a precious gem.

Cielo raised an eyebrow, expecting an explanation from him.

Newcastle smirks at his impatience.

“These are known as “Inscriptions.” They are permanent spells often used in barriers.”

The walls are adorned with mana inscriptions that autonomously draw mana, which accounts for their persistence beyond a single use. Although Cielo has yet to acquire knowledge regarding these inscriptions, Newcastle has asserted that the process is more complex than standard spellcasting.

“Inscriptions are carved so it's impossible not to see them. You can't see the mana around it though.”

After a more thorough inspection, he realizes that he genuinely cannot perceive it.

Initially, Cielo mistook the dark color for mana. However, Newcastle clarified that the black tint is typically used to improve the visibility of the inscriptions.

“This approach allows those who are unable to detect mana to monitor the barriers effectively.”

The black dye used in these inscriptions is infused with mana, and when the dye begins to fade, it indicates a potential issue with the spell.

“How convenient.”

Cielo, with his hand resting thoughtfully on his chin, replied.

Solid Mana is certainly expensive, making it unaffordable for many people. Therefore, finding a way for non-mages and non-casters to see the barriers is a wise strategy.

Newcastle chuckled softly in agreement.

“Will you also teach me about this?”

The man with numerous moles on his face paused at his student's question. Cielo's face shone with a brilliance he had never seen before, a clear sign of his deep curiosity.

“Did I not mention that this task is significantly more difficult?”

The real reason for his hesitation to teach this topic was that Newcastle had never shown any interest in “inscriptions,” making it his least favorite subject. The only inscription he had ever completed in his life was right here in this room.

“What about in the future? Will you teach me once I've mastered mana?”

The question made Newcastle pause.

In reality, not every mage or spellcaster is required to learn about inscriptions. Newcastle had no intention of sharing this knowledge with the Traveler, but Cielo seemed determined to receive a positive answer.

With a sigh of resignation, Newcastle conceded.

“It seems I have no choice.”

Across from him, Cielo's expression shifted from serious to a bright, almost mischievous smile. Despite the annoyance caused by the request, Cielo's smile made the trouble feel worthwhile.

“Alright then. Do you have any other questions?”

“Not really.”

Cielo shrugged casually, treating the conversation as just a passing distraction.

“This is a great chance to learn. You should ask more questions.”

The man continued, his tone becoming more commanding. Once again, Newcastle's teaching nature surfaced.

“… .”

Cielo fell silent, his gaze drifting as he contemplated the topic. With no other option, he asked the first question that popped into his head.

“Was solid mana created by the “Father of Magic?””

Even as he posed the question, he was already well aware of the answer, having gained insights from Konstantinos during their first meeting.

Newcastle's face lit up, suggesting he had expected this question.

“Correct! The Father of Magic, Pietas of Loyalty. I assume you know that he is a Traveler, just like you.”

“Yeah.”

“Pietas of Loyalty” is regarded as one of the five legendary Travelers in this realm. Unfortunately, Cielo had not found any books about the individual in the library. It seems that any information related to Travelers is considered highly confidential therefore he could only gain knowledge about them through the accounts of others.

Newcastle continues to praise the extraordinary talents of the Father of Magic, who enables ordinary people to harness magical powers.

“The mana orb stands as the most extraordinary invention credited to the Father to date. Furthermore, he has brought back numerous Grimoires from his homeland for our study, which are currently stored in the Underground Tomb of the Evergreen Palace.”

The arrival of these mystical books raises an intriguing question: did magic not already exist in their world?

“Why is he called the Father of Magic if he comes from a fantastical realm? What if he isn't the true originator of magic?”

Labeling the Traveler as the Father of Magic diminishes the achievements of the actual innovator behind magic.

His quirky mentor looks at him with a casual smile, but his eyes betray a touch of disappointment.

“Does it really matter if he isn't the true creator in his own world? What truly counts is that he shared his knowledge with us and shaped this world.”

Newcastle's point is valid. This world had no magic until Pietas brought it forth. While he may not be the original source, the people of this realm view him as its creator.

And…

Wasn't that precisely what he aimed for with the sunglasses!? To assert he was the creator when confronted, with the hidden agenda of profiting from it!?

Cielo began sweating and he figured he should steer clear of any conversations about ethics, as he clearly lacks them.

“You are right.”

He replied with a warm and empathetic smile.

Newcastle looked at him with a strange expression before handing back the Solid Mana.

Cielo lifted the mana orb to his lips and consumed it without hesitation. It had no taste, an unsettling blandness that slid down his throat effortlessly.

Soon after, a chilling sensation began to wrap around his body.

‘Oh?’

He was startled by the surge of sensations that surrounded him. It was akin to the refreshing tingle he experienced when eating mint-flavored candies—a coolness that invigorated him rather than numbing his senses. This must be the mana intertwining with his body.

“Ugh!”

Suddenly, he gasped as the pleasant chill escalated into something much more powerful. An overwhelming force began to surround him, wrapping around him like a constricting vine, as if it intended to consume him completely. It felt as though the very essence of the mana was alive, eager to merge with him in a way that was both thrilling and intimidating.

“That cool sensation means the mana is being absorbed into your body.”

From his spot in the corner of the room, Newcastle observed him closely, his gaze filled with a mix of curiosity and caution, as if he were watching a delicate experiment unfold.

The chill intensified, seeping into his limbs and quickening his heartbeat. It felt as if the mana were probing the limits of his body, searching for weaknesses and trying to merge with him. He clenched his fists, working to steady himself against the overwhelming force that threatened to consume him.

“Focus.”

Newcastle commanded, his tone both firm and encouraging.

“Breathe in and out steadily. Let the mana settle within you. It is now a part of you.”

He nodded unsteadily, putting in a significant effort to do so. With his eyes closed, he concentrated on the rhythm of his breathing.

Thanks to Newcastle's support, he managed to regain his composure, and the mana within him gradually began to stabilize.

“Haaa…”

Cielo let out a shaky breath as he opened his eyes, sweat trickling down his forehead despite the coolness of the room.

‘They really aren't exaggerating about the abundance of mana here.’

The mana in this room is both dense and rich. As soon as his senses awakened, it felt like trying to breathe while underwater. Each breath was a struggle, yet exhilarating, as if he were inhaling not just air, but the very essence of the world around him.