The Swordmaster Who Returned After 1,000 Years

[Translator - Kiteretsu]

[Proofreader - Kyros]

Chapter 62

The Demon Race

Demons, rulers of the Netherworld, come in various forms but often resemble humans to a considerable degree. Each possesses immense strength, and among them, the highest-ranking demons are so powerful that only beings like Ernstine or angels can stand against them.

‘One of the reasons for the overwhelming power of demons lies in their ability to use non-incantation magic.’

Demons can unleash potent magic without chanting spells, activating triggers, or rotating mana circles. As a result, whenever they deliberately cast magic, the surrounding area is often left in utter devastation.

‘I’ve fought demons before, but none of them ever drew power from tattoos like these…

Could this unique tattoo be tied to a way of wielding power similar to that of demons?’

"Royen, let’s try again."

"Yes, Brother!"

Now brimming with confidence, Royen eagerly followed Kaylen’s instructions and began casting various spells. However, his limitations quickly became evident.

"Hmm, it seems you can’t cast spells of other elements. And it’s restricted to only first-circle magic…"

"I-I’m sorry."

"There’s no need to apologize. You’ve barely learned magic yet."

Royen could cast first-circle spells with exceptional power, far stronger than usual. However, he couldn’t manifest second-circle spells or higher.

‘His understanding of the elements is still lacking. That makes it difficult to cast higher-circle spells.’

Still, Kaylen believed that with dedicated study of magic, Royen might eventually achieve the ability to use more advanced spells.

"Royen, how’s your body holding up?"

"I’m fine. The tattoos feel a bit warm, but it’s nothing serious."

Looking at the glowing red tattoos on his hands and feet, Royen was amazed. To think he could use magic, something he had always believed to be beyond him.

Even more impressive was the Fire Arrow he had just cast—it appeared far larger and more powerful than the one his father had used in the past.

‘Could I… really become a Meister?’

Unable to hide his excitement, Royen’s face lit up. Seeing this, Kaylen asked him,

"What about the tattoos? What do you want to do with them?"

"Ah… I owe my ability to use magic to these tattoos, don’t I?"

"That’s right. By now, you’ve probably realized the potential they hold."

"Yes…"

"These tattoos are your key to becoming the greatest Meister of fire. They’re worth keeping. But if they trouble you, I can remove them. The choice is yours."

Would he keep the tattoos and pursue the path of becoming a fire Meister?

Or would he erase them and return to being someone without talent?

Royen didn’t take long to decide.

"I… I’ll keep them."

Many people would give anything to become a Meister. To let something as minor as the discomfort of a tattoo hold him back from that goal would be foolish.

Seeing Royen’s resolve, Kaylen nodded.

‘I should entrust him to Myorn.’

As someone skilled in handling fire spirits, Myorn would make an excellent teacher. With this in mind, Kaylen brought Royen to her.

"You want me to teach him? But I don’t know how to use human magic," Myorn said, her fur twitching in disinterest.

"Your abilities are based on spirit magic, but as a member of the Magic Tower, you must have some knowledge of conventional magic."

"Sorry, but I’ve never been interested in anything beyond spirit magic… You know how fundamentally different it is."

"I see. It wouldn’t be ideal to entrust his education to just anyone, though."

Due to the unique nature of Royen's tattoos, it was difficult to entrust his education to just anyone. The responsibility required someone trustworthy.

‘Baron Starn chose to remain in his territory to care for his wife…’

With the baron in seclusion, Kaylen had no other reliable mage he could count on. Teaching Royen himself was also out of the question, as Kaylen lacked the time.

As Kaylen pondered the matter, Alkas, who was watching nearby, spoke up.

"Master, does the mage teaching Royen need to be highly skilled?"

"Not necessarily. At this stage, he only needs to learn the basics. Someone capable of simple demonstrations will suffice."

"In that case… My younger sister has just been accepted into the Magic Academy. Would her level of skill be enough?"

"Your sister?"

"Yes. She’s a second-circle mage."

A second-circle mage who had passed the Magic Academy’s entrance exam—such a person would be more than adequate to teach Royen the fundamentals.

"Perfect. I’ll pay her well for the tutoring, so please arrange it."

"Oh, no, Master. I couldn’t possibly accept payment for this."

"Nonsense. Fair compensation ensures better commitment to the task. Bring her in."

"…Thank you."

After Alkas left, Kaylen turned to Myorn.

"How is the mana suit development progressing?"

"I’ve found a lead. I think I can finish modifying the ‘Normal’ model before the semester starts."

"That’s excellent news. Does this mean you’ll also be able to study Royen’s tattoos? If we can understand how they work and incorporate that into the mana suit, it would be ideal."

Myorn let out a long sigh.

"That might be a stretch. I’m already stretched thin with the mana suit development and analyzing Drake’s magic circle."

Even the Dwarf Queen had her limits.

"These days, I’m lucky if I get four hours of sleep a night."

"I understand. We’ll need to expand the team."

Relying solely on Myorn was no longer feasible, as the number of ongoing projects had grown overwhelming. While she could continue focusing on the mana suit development, tasks like studying Royen’s tattoos and analyzing Drake’s magic circle would require additional personnel.

Surprisingly, Myorn suggested someone unexpected.

"How about bringing in Irene?"

"…You mean Lady Irene?"

"Yes. She’s quite knowledgeable about magic circles—she even teaches courses on them."

"Hmm, but as the lead instructor at the Fairy Tower, will she have the time?"

"Don’t worry. I’ve noticed she has plenty of free time. Besides, if she sees those tattoos or the magic circle, she’ll probably jump at the chance to research them herself."

"In that case, I’m all for it. I was planning to visit the Fairy Tower anyway."

Kaylen glanced at the mana suit guardian. Its mana reserves were nearly depleted, and he had intended to replace it soon. Convincing Irene during the same trip would be convenient.

"Let’s go, Drake."

—Finally! I’m free!

Drake, who had been stuck in the same position for far too long, quickly flew over to Kaylen. It had endured the stillness in exchange for the promise of a hearty meal, but its patience was at its limit.

"You’re planning to ride Drake?"

"Yes. I need to make this trip quick."

"Just don’t land too close to the Fairy Tower. Their security is quite tight."

Kaylen nodded.

‘Until all six blades are fully secured… I’ll keep quietly gathering strength.’

The Water Blade and the Light Blade, which had grown immensely after absorbing Glacia.

The Darkness Blade, smaller than the others but formidable in its own right.

Beyond these three swords, one more elemental blade was needed. Only then could Kaylen forge an unyielding power that could withstand any pressure.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Let’s go."

With that resolve, Kaylen set off for the Fairy Tower.

Landing on the outskirts of the tower, he stored Drake—now shrunk down thanks to the subspace tool he had obtained from Starn barony—and entered the tower.

While waiting for a guide, Irene herself appeared and greeted him warmly.

"Oh my, Kaylen! You’re here!"

"Good to see you."

"Yes, I’ve been eagerly waiting for our ‘deal.’"

The “deal” to elevate her into a high-level spirit mage—had she been staying at the tower just for that?

‘She’s clearly eager to gain spirit magic.’

That would make convincing her even easier. Kaylen smiled as he spoke.

"That’s excellent. We’re conducting several studies in Myorn’s lab right now, and I expect to be there for some time. Would you like to join us?"

"Other studies besides mana suit development?"

"Yes, we’re also working on magic circle research. Myorn specifically recommended you for it."

"Magic circles, huh? That’s my area of expertise."

A smile played on Irene’s lips.

"If I assist with this research, you’ll fulfill your part of the deal, correct?"

"Of course."

"Great. I’ll come to the lab, then."

Clearly in a hurry due to her desire for spirit magic, Irene readily accepted Kaylen’s proposal.

"By the way, I heard you’re here to replace your guardian."

"Yes, it’s out of mana."

"Already out?!"

How could he have used up all its mana so quickly? Irene was visibly surprised.

"Technically, guardians are meant for dungeon expeditions… Did you use it for something else?"

"Primarily for dungeon expeditions."

He had also used it to assist Myorn’s spirit magic training, but there was no need to mention that.

As Kaylen replied, Irene alternated her gaze between him and his boots before nodding.

"Understood. Follow me to the underground chamber."

She led him to the underground cavern where the guardians were kept. Upon arrival, Irene frowned as her eyes landed on an elf.

The man had his right ear cut off and a black patch covering his right eye—Eldir.

"Brother."

Even as Irene called out to him, Eldir, with his eyes half-closed, only nodded lazily. The strong scent of alcohol wafted off him as usual.

Irene walked up to him and leaned in to shout softly in his ear.

"Brother!"

"Uh… Oh, Irene. You’re here?"

"What are you doing here?!"

"I heard our human friend was visiting. Someone’s gotta welcome him. Heh."

Eldir gave Kaylen a sly wink and a smirk.

‘So both siblings seem to have plenty of free time.’

As Kaylen mused on this, Eldir staggered toward him, his gaze fixed on Kaylen’s boots.

"Wow. How’d you burn through all the mana already?"

Eldir’s gaze, despite his hazy eyes, remained fixed on the guardian boots.

"You’re here to swap the mana suit, right? Hand it over."

When Kaylen passed the guardian boots to him, Eldir reached out and muttered:

"Master authority: deactivation."

-Temporary Master authority has been revoked

The boots in Kaylen’s hand dissolved into water.

Swish...

The guardian disassembled into a gemstone and countless droplets of water, which floated to the space where other guardians were displayed. There, it reformed into its original boot shape.

"Ahhh..."

Gulp, gulp.

Eldir took a swig from his flask with one hand while fiddling with the guardian boots with the other. His half-lidded eyes slowly drifted shut.

Nod... nod...

Rather than inspecting the guardian, he appeared to be falling asleep.

Seeing this, Irene sighed heavily and approached him.

"Ugh... Brother?"

Shake, shake.

As Irene tried to rouse him by shaking his shoulder—

Saaahhhhh...

A chilling sensation swept through the room, prickling at Kaylen’s spine. But it wasn’t merely cold—it was sharper, more menacing.

‘This...’

A razor-sharp killing intent.

And it was emanating from Eldir.

[Translator - Kiteretsu]

[Proofreader - Kyros]