Chapter 91: The Worn-Out Staff
Chapter 91: The Worn-Out Staff
500 years ago.
In the era when only the unique-colored Mage Tower existed.
There was an elf who found interest in directly manipulating mana rather than spirit magic and archery.
Seira Romer.
All the elves called her an oddball.
But Seira didnt really care about others opinions. Moreover, having talent, she felt a great sense of achievement in pioneering the path of magic. The sense of belonging from living in a group was nothing in comparison.
However, unlike humans, Seira disliked the idea of making a name for herself in the world despite her ability to cast magic.
Born an elf, she couldnt suppress her nature, no matter how eccentric. She wanted to live leisurely in the forest for her entire life.
About a hundred years into such a life,
A woman who introduced herself as a guide visited Seira, who was leisurely researching magic in her room.
I was looking for a talented magician.
The black-haired human woman extended her hand, eyes shining purple. Her impression was faint, but there was an unmistakable boldness somewhere in her.
Was her name Yura? Seira couldnt think highly of her since she suddenly appeared and talked about the end of the world.
So, youre saying that an evil god will descend to destroy the world? Do you think that makes any sense? If youre trying to scam someone, youve got the wrong person.
Naturally, her voice was laced with irritation. And Seira wasnt the only one displeased with this unexpected encounter.
Hey, Yura. This is the person you came all the way to the forest to find? How is this secluded nerd going to be of any help?
Kyrie! Its rude to say that to someone you just met!
What?
Seira squinted her eyes, staring at the girl.
Black hair and eyes like Yura, they could be mistaken for sisters at a glance. But unlike Yura, her demeanor seemed sharper, and she appeared to lack basic manners.
Annoying brat. You talk about killing an evil god, but youre with such an immature child? You couldnt even kill a single demon, let alone an evil god.
What, what do you mean?
Did I say something wrong, girl?
Seira thought there were many odd things about that day.
Normally, she wouldnt have even bothered with a human who couldnt last a tenth of her lifespan.
Moreover, the hut where Seira lived was in the middle of a forest with a ward that repelled people. It wasnt a place where an uninformed human could enter.
She called them scammers, but she just wanted to dismiss it as such. Seira was wary of the human named Yura.
However.
But her talent is the best in the world.
Yura quickly broke through Seiras guard.
Her smile, full of goodwill, strangely had a compelling power.
Talent? What are you suddenly talking about
This child, soon she will reach divinity and confront gods.
You dont believe me. If you want, we can make a bet.
Yura narrowed her purple eyes and smiled.
Then, shouldnt you stay by her side until she reaches divinity?
Why does it turn out like that?
Dont be so stubborn. Its simple. Become our comrade.
It was sheer coercion.
Ta-da! Ive even prepared a staff for you!
A purple staff.
An ornate item adorned with amethyst.
It did not look ordinary at all.
If you become our comrade here, this staff is free! You dont get such opportunities often!
Uh uh.
Seira found herself reaching out to the staff without being able to say anything.
It was too beautiful to refuse.
And so, Seira left the hut.
.
.
.
.
The surroundings were dyed red.
Except for Seira, everyone else was dead.
Kyrie and Yura, all of them.
She was left alone.
If only that was all.
The Demon God had cast a curse.
A curse that made everyone forget Seira.
Eventually, there was no one left in the world who knew Seira.
Even though she prided herself on being accustomed to solitude, the absence of the familiar left a void in her heart. The loneliness, more frightening than death, quickly eroded her spirit.
Ah
Seira found herself waking up in a strange room.
Where is this?
She should have been bound in a cold, bleak prison just moments ago. But now, she was in a bedroom like those of the nobles.
A soft bed, warm air, pajamas made of silk
A dream? No, this isnt a dream.
Seira rubbed her abdomen, feeling the mana at her core. Once empty due to the blue flame that consumed mana, her core was now full.
Whoosh-
Seira conjured a ball of flame on her palm.
Her magic worked normally.
I need to get out of here
Kid.
Suddenly, Seira remembered Shirons face.
The boy definitely knew she was a companion of the hero, Kyrie.
But how?
Seira was supposed to have been erased from the world by the Demon Gods curse. Even if she said her name, Seira Romer, it would soon evaporate from memory.
I shouldnt run. I need to ask him how he knows me.
Seira sprang out of bed and left the room. She ran through the mansions corridors, looking for Shiron. Finding him in the mansion, Dawn Castle, wasnt hard. She just needed to find the weakest aura.
Locating a single human in a castle filled with tingling demonic energy wasnt difficult for Seira.
The demonic energy is concentrated in one place.
The first floor of Dawn Castle. The main hall.
Bang-
See, I told you guys shed find us.
In the vast hall, there was a lone dining table, with Shiron sitting against a backdrop of a blizzard-ravaged snowfield. Numerous demons, ridiculously dressed as maids, were bowing to the boy.
Sit down. The food will get cold.
Whats going on? What did you talk about?
Do I have to say it for you to understand?
Shiron chuckled and shook his head.
We were betting on whether youd run away in your underwear. As you can see, I won the bet.
I believed in you, young master.
A blonde demon bragged, holding a handful of silver coins.
Hurry up and sit. I prepared meat for you this time.
Seira stared blankly at the table. Though there were fewer varieties than at the mansion in the imperial city, there was certainly no lack of food. It was embarrassing to even compare it to the hard bread with margarine she had eaten yesterday? Was it yesterday?
Theres a lot you want to ask, but lets eat first. I cant think straight when Im hungry lately. My blood sugars low.
Shiron tore into a piece of meat with a bone in it.
Why is he so carefree?
Seira frowned.
Despite being guarded by demons, the boys attitude was too relaxed. Even knowing Seiras identity, his composure was baffling
Seira dipped her little finger in the soup to taste it.
No poison good.
Thats a bit too much.
Who would be foolish enough to serve poisoned food to a future comrade? Shiron sighed heavily and said that.
Comrade. Those words made Seiras eyes widen.
Comrade? Whos your comrade?
Are you suffering from dementia? You said it yourself a week ago that youd become my comrade. Are you planning to feign ignorance?
A week?
Seiras eyes opened wide.
Has that much time passed?
Yeah. You were sleeping like a log.
Plop-!
Shiron took out a bottle of sparkling wine and poured it into a glass. Seira didnt understand why such a young boy was so adept at pouring alcohol, but she didnt want to dwell on it.
Wait, when did I agree to become your comrade? Stop lying!
If you dont believe me, try casting a spell on me.
What?
Cast a spell. I wont dodge.
Shiron, having finished his sparkling wine, opened his chest towards Seira.
Kid, youre going to kill yourself. You think I cant do it?
Seira shifted her gaze from Shiron to the demons around.
What?
But for some reason, the demons remained motionless. Even Yuma, standing behind, quietly bowed his head.
Ah, go ahead and shoot.
Huh.
Seira closed her eyes tightly and extended her finger.
Whoosh- A small fireball formed in her hand. Fireball. It was one of the weakest spells she could cast, but it had enough power to leave a minor burn on the boy.
Fwoosh- The small fireball flew towards Shiron. But the fireball didnt hit him.
Snick-
The fireball disappeared, emitting smoke, and a smile appeared on Shirons lips.
What the
What do you mean? Its the Manas Oath.
Oath?
Yes.
Shiron put his little finger on his forehead and touched his tongue with his thumb. Seira didnt know what that gesture meant, but she understood it was extremely important.
I made a Manas Oath to tell you how I know you.
I did that?
Even I was surprised. Who would have thought, in that situation, youd suddenly agree to a Manas Oath.
Really?
Of course.
I dont remember.
You must have fainted right after. If you dont remember, Ill tell you again.
Shiron took a few steps back and cleared his throat.
I know you were a companion of the hero 500 years ago. This is information I know, thanks to my prophetic abilities. Soon, the Demon God will descend. We have no choice but to fight, right?
Lies.
Seira chewed her lip. She thought she heard him say something incredible about prophetic power, but a bigger fact jumped out from the boys mouth.
The descent of the Demon God? That terrible thing was coming again? Seiras eyes were filled with shock.
The Demon God is dead. Kyrie killed him. I saw it clearly. The overwhelming demonic energy engulfing the world disappeared in an instant You should have seen it yourself
Then why hasnt the curse on you disappeared?
Thats a curse activated by death
No, absolutely not.
Shiron smirked, holding back a laugh. In [The Forgotten Magician Seira VOL.2] expansion pack, Seira killed the Demon God and was saved. Since it revealed the nature of Seiras curse, Shiron could speak with certainty.
Anyway.
Shiron walked towards Seira, now holding a purple staff in his hand.
I can remember you. Isnt that reason enough for you to cooperate with me?
Uh, uh.
Seira narrowed her eyes and looked at the staff.
This scene felt familiar yet different.
Yura.
Despite having only the hair color in common with that gentle woman, Seira recalled a friend long gone in the rough boy.
Hugos mansion.
Eldrina received a letter that flew into the mansion.
The sender was the Imperial Central Bank and the aura wafting from the letter was ominous.
Eldrina cautiously opened the letter.
Four million, eight hundred eighty-nine thousand?
What in the world?
A disaster named a bill had descended upon the mansion.