Chapter 64 : Chapter 64

Chapter 64: Choice (1)

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I had never intended to learn magic.

Part of it was because my circumstances didn’t allow it, but I also didn’t favor builds centered around magic in the first place.

As evident from Eidon’s experience, a mage’s power was severely diminished in Myeolji, the game’s final stage.

However, considering a mage’s utility and damage output, they were indispensable as allies.

To me, a mage was merely that significant.

Of course, the magic research department’s performance in Myeolji was impressive.

Their use of non-elemental magic as a support tool left a strong impression.

Labella used telekinetic manipulation magic, and her skill in applying guidance spells to arrows to pierce the foreheads of demonic beasts was truly awe-inspiring.

But that was, as the name suggested, merely “support.”

At this point, I had no intention of learning magic.

I spoke politely to Labella.

“I haven’t even fully mastered the sword yet. I don’t think I have the leeway to learn magic.”

In Tune World, the magic swordsman build had been popular for a while.

But I could only judge it as a concept character, weaker than a pure swordsman or pure mage.

However, as if she had anticipated my response, Labella quickly added,“After reviewing the dark mage’s research notes you brought, I had an idea. What if we could replicate an effect similar to how demonic energy erodes space, but with mana? What do you think?”

“Erosion?”

“With your mana, Polarin, we might be able to create a similar phenomenon. It’s still only theoretical for now, but in other words, I’m working on devising magic that only you can use.”

Magic only I could use?

That suddenly piqued my interest.

But I didn’t know how to draw magic circles, and I had never wanted to become a mage…

My mind became a jumble in an instant.

“I don’t have to decide right away, do I?”

“Of course not.”

“Then I’ll head to the guild first.”

“Alright. I’ll let them know you’re going today.”

I thanked Labella for her consideration and left the hospital room for the first time in a while.

* * *

As soon as I left the hospital room, I headed straight to the guild.

Having been there once before, finding my way wasn’t difficult.

Since Ostrum’s guild was usually deserted, I expected to receive my mission reward quickly.

‘That old man’s probably dozing off alone, right?’

…But it didn’t take long to realize my assumption was wrong.

“Is there some kind of event?”

“Yeah, it’s bustling, isn’t it?”

Ostrum was already densely populated with mages and others, but the closer I got to the guild, the fewer people there should have been.

Yet, the crowd grew larger as I approached.

“Excuse me, let me pass.”

I pushed through the crowd to move forward.

There were even mages from the magic towers, who rarely visited the guild.

Was something really going on?

After wading through the onlookers, I reached the guild’s entrance.

Only then could I guess why people were gathered.

Knights in gleaming armor stood lined up along the road, suggesting someone important was at the guild.

I might have picked the wrong day, but I had already informed them I’d visit today.

With no choice, I walked through the middle of the road, where the knights were stationed.

Just then, a guild employee exiting the building spotted me, his face lighting up as he waved.

“Oh, you’re finally here! We’ve been waiting!”

Caught off guard by the employee’s sudden enthusiasm, I paused.

Then, a man who seemed to be the leader of the knights approached me.

He performed the imperial salute, tapping his chest twice, and extended a hand.

“Greetings, Sir Polarin. I am Arcadius, deputy commander under Baron Renwood’s guard.”

The moment he greeted me, I realized the guards were waiting for me.

Baron Renwood was the lord of Manoa.

“Greetings. I’m Polarin.”

Though surprised, I hid it and shook his hand.

They called themselves guards, but their strength seemed comparable to a decent knight order.

The deputy commander gripped my hand firmly and gestured toward the guild.

“The administrator is waiting inside.”

I thanked the deputy commander.

The guild employee patted my back, asking about my condition, and we headed inside together.

Upon entering, I met an administrator dressed in ornate green silk.

He greeted me with a bright smile.

“Greetings, Sir Polarin. Thank you for resolving the trouble in Manoa.”

“Greetings. I’m Polarin.”

“Baron Renwood was curious about you, Sir Polarin, but he couldn’t come himself due to pressing duties. I hope you understand.”

“Of course. I know the baron has many responsibilities. Thank you for this warm welcome.”

The administrator explained at length that he was here as Baron Renwood’s representative, the lord of Manoa, to express gratitude for not only investigating the temporary Myeolji but also purifying it.

I had already experienced the tedious flattery typical of imperial nobles through Labella.

Even now, after growing closer, she rarely spoke directly.

“…Thus, Baron Renwood wishes to reward you beyond achievement points, Sir Polarin. Is there anything you desire?”

“A reward?”

“Yes.”

Typically, the one offering a reward would suggest its type, but nobles seemed disinclined to do so.

The administrator, despite his kindness, was clearly maintaining their boundaries.

‘Could mentioning Labella get me a better reward?’

But I quickly dismissed the thought.

The baron’s interest in me, to the point of sending an administrator, was likely thanks to Labella’s influence.

I had already received so much help from her, and I didn’t want to use her name for something like this.

“What I want is…”

“Speak freely.”

“If the baron or Manoa has another mission in the future, I’d like to be appointed for it.”

At my words, the administrator’s eyes twitched.

It wasn’t displeasing.

Rather, he seemed intrigued by my request and looked into my eyes as he asked,

“The baron instructed me to grant your request if it’s within his power. But is that really all you want?”

“Yes, being appointed for the next mission is enough.”

My ultimate goal in taking missions was to accumulate achievement points and build a foundation to reach the Emperor.

Rather than receiving a one-time lavish reward, maintaining a connection with the baron was far more valuable.

“Ho, truly…”

The administrator stroked his beard, looking at me with interest.

He likely guessed my ambition to build ties with the baron.

“Understood. I’ll make sure to convey this to the baron.”

The administrator, clearly pleased with my response, shook my hand for a long time before leaving the guild with the guards.

“Phew.”

After the group from Manoa left, the guild returned to its usual quiet.

Only then did I notice the guild employee’s glum expression.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, we’re about to lose a solver who showed up after months.”

“Because I agreed to take Manoa’s appointed missions?”

“Of course. Just when I thought we’d finally do some real business.”

The employee grumbled for a while.

For some reason, I felt soft-hearted and listened to him.

I also learned some not-so-interesting information: the guild master wasn’t on a fixed salary but worked on an incentive system.

Of course, Baron Renwood must have given the guild a substantial reward as well.

The dusty old desk in the office had been replaced with a shiny wooden one.

“I thought Ostrum’s guild was finally seeing some light, but my dreams have crumbled. Don’t you think I’d be sad?”

Seeing the employee’s eyes glisten, I felt as if I’d done something wrong.

But when had I ever said I wouldn’t take guild missions?

“Please recommend some other worthwhile missions.”

“You’re planning to take more missions?”

The employee, with a dumbfounded look, repeated the same thing he’d said when I first visited the guild.

Sighing, I nodded.

The employee scurried off and struggled to tear down the entire mission board.

‘I decided to follow in Adjak’s footsteps, and now I’m meddling quite a bit.’

But it wasn’t just meddling.

Though I had unexpectedly connected with the baron, I wasn’t going to rely solely on that.

The more pipelines I established, the better.

The employee finally succeeded in detaching the board, which was bigger than him.

Wobbling, he carried it over and plopped it onto the new wooden desk.

“There’s a new five-star mission! Take a look! It offers a good amount of achievement points!”

I examined the mission he pointed out.

- Treasure Exploration in Pomorun Kingdom ★★★★★: 38P Achievement Points

“Isn't the Pomorun Kingdom the one that sank under the sea?”

“Exactly! It’s famous for its underwater city! Just exploring the treasure there gets you a whopping 38P!”

I had always wanted to visit Pomorun Kingdom someday, but not now.

With my current abilities, even if I could somehow manage underwater breathing, surviving in an underwater city would be difficult.

“Let’s go with a different mission.”

“How about this one? It’s a four-star mission, but it’s very important!”

- Monster Extermination in Ostrum’s Sewers ★★★★: 12P Achievement Points

“This… seems like it would take too long.”

“True! It’d probably take six months, but since you’re in Ostrum anyway, you could do it in your spare time, right?”

“Show me something easier.”

Something easy, rewarding, and with good achievement points.

Sweating profusely, the employee began reciting the next mission.

* * *

“Ugh, you’ll have to come back next time.”

“Yes, of course. I’ll be back!”

In the end, I managed to snag an easy mission from the employee.

It turned out to be one he had set aside for himself, as he was a former solver.

- Wolf Pack Extermination in the Mountains Near Ostrum ★★: 8P Achievement Points

In another region, it would’ve been a one-star mission, but Ostrum’s generous achievement point allocation reflected the scarcity of solvers here.

Even the lord of Ostrum was overshadowed by the magic towers.

‘Earning achievement points and reducing people’s suffering.’

My blood boiled.

Being a solver might suit me more than I thought.

* * *

After completing the mission, I returned to the research department.

“Oh, Polarin. Are you feeling alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine. How have you been, Baz?”

“Busy as ever.”

Returning after ten days, the research department’s constant bustle felt familiar.

Some mages even greeted me warmly just for making eye contact.

I headed to Labella’s lab.

“I’m back.”

Labella was busy, not even glancing at me.

She sat upright, writing out magical formulas.

Deciding not to disturb her further, I went to the bookshelf labeled [Polarin].

It was filled with research materials she had meticulously compiled for me.

- Analysis of the Dark Mage’s Research Journal

- Analysis of Demonic Energy Erosion Zones

- Changes in Magic Power in Myeolji-like Environments: Comparison by Attribute and Rank

Each topic sparked my interest.

It wasn’t just intellectual curiosity—I wanted to dive into the research.

‘Even if I can’t become a mage, I might have an aptitude for research.’

Back on Earth, I hadn’t found my calling, but in this world, there were too many things I wanted to do.

I began reading the papers Labella had written.

Ten days had passed since I last visited the lab.

In that time, Labella had produced three analytical reports.

Even knowing her exceptional qualities as a researcher, I could imagine how much effort she had put in over those ten days.

So I resolved to work hard too.

I had wanted to read these in the hospital, but Labella had insisted I focus on recovery and withheld the materials.

After a few hours of reading her research at my desk, she finally spoke to me.

“What do you think of my research, Polarin?”

“It’s filled with astonishing theories and proofs. You’re incredible, as always.”

Labella chuckled.

Then, in her usual tone, she asked,

“Even from your perspective, as someone who’s not human?”

“What?”

“You heard me. You’re not human, are you, Polarin?”

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