sonovelo Chapter 40: Henya Ye Mastien (2)
Chapter 40: Henya Ye Mastien (2)
Chapter 40: Henya Ye Mastien (2)
“My disciple is too good for me.”
This was a pet phrase of Marina, Henya’s master.
“My disciple is too good for me.”
Each time she said these words, her face would radiate affection and pride for her student.
“My disciple is too good for me.”
But at some point, her expression began to change when she spoke them.
-Master. I’ve told you many times, but you don’t need to provide me with material support. If there’s something I need, just let me know. I can acquire it myself.
-This ring...the one you gave me, remember? I don’t think I need it anymore. I’ve found something more suitable, you see. I’ll return it to you.
“My disciple is too good for me.”
Henya was a disciple of impeccable conduct. Marina would joke that even if she weren’t around, her disciple wouldn’t go hungry anywhere.
-No, Master. It’s enough. From now on, I’ll think and learn on my own.
“My disciple is too good for me.”
Henya was an extraordinarily fast learner. Marina would joke that even without her guidance, her disciple would thrive—and perhaps grow even faster without her.
-...I have a slightly different opinion, Marina. Your thoughts are certainly interesting and useful...But on this matter, at least, I believe I should apply my own method.
“My disciple is too good for me.”
-This book was kept in our family library. To tell you about it...it’s actually a grimoire related to an ancient branch of magic. I kept it secret all this while, but I’ve been re
Henya became enraged, sensing an ulterior motive in his actions.
“Are you trying to compete with me now?!”
“I don’t mean to provoke you.”
“Then what do you mean?!”
Risir didn’t answer with words but with actions.
What happened earlier repeated itself. His aspect magic attempted to penetrate her barrier, while her assimilation magic tried to repel it. The only difference was that Risir’s unstable arrow was now in the form of spikes.
Nothing should have changed.
“...!”
And yet, Henya’s face twisted in shock.
Risir’s wind spikes weren’t mere imitations. They contained an understanding of the principles and intricacies within Mana Spikes. This was a clear reinterpretation of the magic.
“I learned something from you. Isn’t this the positive function of a duel?”
In fact, it was his wind arrow that merely mimicked the form of magic. What Henya didn’t know was that Risir’s wind arrow was an original spell he had created from pure imagination.
But she did know, with certainty, that Risir was acquiring magical knowledge with every passing moment.
The ominous possibility she had been trying to deny took shape in this moment.
“Don’t tell me you—”
Her mind flashed back to a conversation with Risir.
-One year. It only took me one year to get here. How about you?
-...A month?
Henya’s eyes trembled uncontrollably.
That tremor passed through the mana barrier...causing it to shatter along with the wind spikes.
“Ha...”
All that escaped her lips was a bitter laugh and a frustrated murmur.
“What the heck...”
The encouraging voice within her fell silent, as the arrogant genius mage had learned how to doubt herself.
After some time, Ladros raised his left hand to announce the conclusion.
“Duel over. The winner is—”
***Risir waited for Henya to collect herself before approaching her. She stared at him silently, then let out a hollow chuckle.
“Fine, you won. Congrats. So, are you satisfied now?”
Henya was unnecessarily gruff, recalling how she had treated Risir. She naturally expected him to mock her.
“...”
But he didn’t. Instead, Risir shook his head and extended his hand.
“Do you remember what I said?”
“...!”
Henya was startled.
“...Right. We agreed to give it our all, using any means necessary, so there would be no regrets later.”
She let out an awkward giggle.
“I’ll say it again, Risir. I admit my defeat.”
Then, just as she was about to take his outstretched hand—
“...Eh?”
She belatedly realized his hand was angled strangely, his palm clearly facing upward.
“Not that.”
“...Huh?”
“Didn’t I tell you? If I won, I’d ask for your entire fortune.”
Risir explained in a playful murmur, still holding out his hand.
“The goods, please.”
His gaze was fixed on the book Henya had discarded earlier.
“...”
The bewildered disciple subconsciously turned toward her master, her face tearful.
The master met her gaze with a benevolent smile.
***
▷Event 43: ‘The Master’s Failing’ has been deactivated
***