Chapter 03

Derek (3)

---

Derek (3)

*

From that day on, Katia took Derek under her wing, teaching him various spells. Initially, she only planned to lay a basic foundation for him, but Derek's talent far exceeded her expectations.

Katia had no ambition to cultivate a great disciple or nurture future generations. She simply saw the potential trouble Derek might face and couldn’t ignore it.

“You’ve been through enough to know that being a mercenary isn’t easy. But there’s a way to survive.”

Katia showed him how to handle minor monster-hunting tasks and other small jobs efficiently. When the tasks were light, they would stroll through the scenic outskirts of Ebelstein, enjoy high-quality tea together, or haggle for ingredients at the market. She wanted to broaden Derek’s horizons as much as possible.

During these times, she imparted various magical knowledge to him. As the seasons changed, Derek listened and absorbed everything Katia taught him.

Soon, everyone in the mercenary circles knew about the elderly woman and the young boy who followed her. All through the journey. Katia continually emphasized that excessive talent could be a curse.

“There have been commoner mages who reached the fourth level.”

“Really?”

“But most of them didn’t meet a good end. Always be mindful of your actions.”

Even among prestigious noble families, there were usually only a few fourth-level mages. Reaching that level required more than just a good bloodline.

Fifth-level mages became family heads or key imperial assets, and sixth-level mages were so rare that only a handful existed in history.

For commoners, no matter how talented, the limit was typically the third level. Katia emphasized this to Derek with a worried voice.

“Nobles usually have their coming-of-age ceremony at eighteen. If they’ve mastered first-level magic by then, they’re considered talented. If they’ve started on second-level magic, the family elders take notice.”

“...”

Derek was now fourteen. He needed to understand the significance of his accomplishments.

Katia brought Derek back to her modest house on the outskirts of the commercial district. It was a small room with almost no possessions. Though sufficient for one woman, it was a far cry from the luxurious noble estates she once knew.

But Katia had grown used to such a life. The room was dusty and had few furnishings. Mercenaries had to be ready to move at any time, so she kept her belongings minimal.

She seated Derek on the stiff wooden bed, then sat on a creaky chair, speaking calmly.

“Considering your age, be careful not to use magic recklessly. In crowded places, stick to first-level spells. Even that is a great achievement for your age.”

“Master, what level were you at during your coming-of-age ceremony?”

“...That was so long ago I barely remember. I think I could handle a few first-level illusion spells.”

The Flameheart family, though not a renowned magical house, was still noble. Katia, who was highly regarded for her magical prowess among nobles, was only at that level during her coming-of-age. Derek’s abilities were certainly impressive.

“Using me as a benchmark isn’t clear-cut. I was also trained to be a fine lady, not just a mage.”

“Was it difficult being a noble lady?”

“Are you interested in noble culture?”

“...I’m curious.”

Katia took a sip of water, meeting Derek’s gaze.

Was it pure curiosity? Though Derek seemed mature for his age, his eyes showed the reckless curiosity typical of youth.

Katia felt a strange sense of relief seeing this and spoke with a lighter tone.

“There are many rumors about noble ladies among merchants and mercenaries, right?”

“Not many good ones. They say half are rude and the other half are airheads.”

“I can understand that sentiment, but it’s a harsh judgment. Different environments shape different values.”

Despite always talking about mercenary work or magic, it was good to take a break from heavy topics. Looking up at the starry sky and reminiscing about the past, Katia continued in a gentle tone.

“Most noble ladies are different, but they share similarities. Especially around their coming-of-age, preparing for their debutante makes them feel like the center of the world.”

“Debutante?”

“It’s the introduction to high society.”

Katia leaned back in her chair, reminiscing.

“Wearing beautiful dresses, armed with etiquette, they go to the imperial capital to meet the emperor. Then they host a grand ball at home, marking their debut in society. It’s when noble ladies are at their most glamorous.”

“I’ve heard about it.”

“At that time, noble ladies have a lot to learn and prepare for.”

Katia’s voice was like a bedtime story. She closed her eyes, remembering the past.

“They learn graceful posture and walking, etiquette between high nobles, and general knowledge to enrich conversations. Arts, history, politics, they have to learn it all. Plus, they need refined hobbies like flower arranging, embroidery, horseback riding, and playing instruments.”

“Did you enjoy it?”

“Not at all. Judging by my life as a mercenary, you can guess I was a tomboy.”

Derek laughed at that. It was a relief to see the boy could still laugh. Katia continued.

“We also had to practice dances for balls and learn about our family’s history and traditions. But magic was the most important.”

“That makes sense.”

“But noble magic is different from what you think. While your magic is practical, nobles emphasize etiquette and discipline.”

For nobles, magic wasn’t just a display of power or a tool; it was an art and a refined hobby.

They recited spells like poetry, and designed magical circles as art pieces, and their manuals were luxurious, with elegant illustrations and prose.

“I can tell you think it’s all excessive.”

“...Is it that obvious?”

“You may think it’s impractical, but I believe there’s value in it.”

“If you say so, I’ll try to think that way too.”

“No, don’t force it. That makes me look bad.”

They looked at each other and laughed. Despite their differences in age, background, and values, they felt a deep connection.

Katia dusted off her robe and spoke in a lighter voice.

“Derek, one day you might think differently. Noble ladies, with their poise, look like blooming flowers. There’s a reason so many strive to be like them.”

She stroked Derek’s messy hair and smiled softly.

“I hope you’ll understand that someday.”

*

“I can’t teach you magic anymore.”

The farewell with Katia came the following year. After completing another minor commission and returning to her home, she suddenly broke the news.

It could have been a joyful announcement that there was nothing more to teach, but Derek had only just begun mastering second-level spells. His understanding of first-level magic had become nearly perfect, and he had learned many more first-level spells. It was clear he would soon master second-level spells proficiently.

“...”

Katia looked determined yet strained. She was the one most concerned for Derek, but there was a reason she had to deliver this news.

“I received a letter from Count Elvester. He wants me to be a private tutor at his estate.”

“Count Elvester?”

“Yes, the most famous hero in the eastern region. His daughter is preparing to debut in society, and they need a tutor.”

Count Elvester wasn’t just any noble; even the grand duke in the capital respected him. Katia couldn’t easily refuse.

“I’ve turned down similar offers before, but I never expected the Count himself to write. Word must have spread about me teaching magic to a boy from the slums.”

Finding a teacher like Katia was nearly impossible. Her unique background and the fact that she had trained a slum boy into a competent mage added to her reputation. While Derek’s talent played a significant role, people saw it as Katia’s achievement. She was indeed an excellent teacher.

From an outsider’s perspective, this was a great opportunity. Being a private tutor at the Count’s estate meant wealth and honor. Moreover, Count Elvester’s daughter, Lady Freya, was known for her grace and poise.

“...”

But it wasn’t hard to understand why Katia’s expression was heavy. Staying at the Count’s estate in the eastern high society meant she couldn’t bring a commoner from the slums along with her. It was time to say goodbye.

In the months before leaving Ebelstein, Katia was busy.

She used some of her savings to buy Derek proper equipment. No longer would he wear his old, worn clothes and use second-rate magical supplies. She provided him with quality mercenary gear.

She also arranged for Derek to use her home as long as he needed and gave him a book on basic magical theory. Such books were valuable; Derek’s first teacher had died trying to steal one. Derek knew its worth and was astonished when she gave it to him.

“You should be able to finish this book in a few years. It’s not as good as direct teaching, but given your talent, it’ll be fine. When you’ve mastered it, you can sell it for funds.”

“Master, but...”

“Once I’m at the Count’s estate, I won’t need to worry about money. Take it.”

Two months later, on the day of her departure, Katia adjusted her gray robe and picked up her simple bag.

As always, the streets of Ebelstein were bustling. Katia would soon blend into the crowd and leave the city.

Despite doing all she could in those two months, her face still showed concern. Derek, seeing this, smiled calmly.

“Don’t look so worried. You taught me for years without expecting anything in return.”

“Derek.”

“Look at me, Master.”

Derek raised his arms, speaking confidently. At fifteen, he was still young, but he had grown since his days in the slums.

With high-quality leather robes, a wool tunic, clean trousers, and a shiny belt, he no longer looked like a starving street kid.

“I’m already an adult. I can take care of myself.”

Though still young, he was much different from the boy who once ate stale bread in a tavern corner. His reliability was evident.

Katia knelt and hugged Derek’s shoulders.

“You don’t need to grow up too fast, Derek.”

Though harsh realities have forced you to mature, never forget the innocence you held even in the worst circumstances.

Leaving these words, Katia waved and disappeared into the crowd.

“Goodbye, Master.”

Derek waved back quietly.

*

Returning to Katia’s former home, Derek found it empty. A small space with a wooden bed and a rickety table, and now, only silence remained.

For the first time since arriving in this world, Derek was acutely aware of the silence. This world had once been just a part of an old game to him, but now he knew it was a real place.

“...”

He drank some water and sat at the table. In the stillness, he took out the magical book Katia had given him and began to read.

- Scritch, scritch, scritch.

The pages turned smoothly, and time flowed on.

-Thud.

Derek reviewed his magic list and closed the book.

“I should get going if I want to meet the commander on time.”

He finished his daily study, stood up to leave for his afternoon appointment, and tied his boots. With a sandwich in hand, he opened the door. Sunlight streamed into his quarters.

In just one year, Derek had self-taught himself two more second-level spells.

At just sixteen years old.