Chapter 73 : Chapter 73

Chapter 73: Exchange (3)

Inside the hall where the second phase of the Exchange was held.

Mages from each magic tower sat clustered together.

The Mana Research Division with their own, the Frost Magic Tower with theirs, the Flame Magic Tower with theirs, all wearing stern expressions.

Each tower’s mages wore cloaks in their symbolic colors.

Normally, such color distinctions might seem childish, but the serious atmosphere among the mages conveyed a sense of resolve.

- Laugh here, and you’re either crazy or a fraud. Remember that.

Eidon’s words from when he stopped me from approaching a merchant upon arriving in Ostrum echoed in my mind.

‘Come to think of it, I really haven’t changed.’

Even while heading to the hall, Labella had to cover my eyes to keep me from wandering toward various stalls.

I’d always been greedy for items.

When playing Tune World, I’d jump for joy whenever I acquired gear tailored to my growth stage or completed a top-tier item set.

But now, aside from the Branch of World Tree gifted by Tayon, I had no notable equipment.

The uniform supplied by Tello had effects like wrinkle resistance and warmth, but it wasn’t on the level of an artifact.

The monthly stipend from Ims had been steadily accumulating.

The Fremont Consortium existed in Ostrum too, and they sent me 10,000 pels each month.

With so much money, it felt unfair not to spend it.

Especially since I’d lived frugally in Gullok.

That’s why I was more excited for the third phase of the Exchange, where I’d participate, and the auction afterward, than the second phase.

‘But to be honest, it’d be better to hope for a tune at the auction.’

Yeah, no matter how great an item is, a tune is the best.

My mindset shifted quickly, and I felt at ease.

Then, I noticed a mage from the Thunderstrike Tower, seated next to the research division, glancing at us and sneering.

Judging by his seat in the second row of the hall, his status within the tower wasn’t low, yet his behavior was frivolous.

“The second phase is just a formality. As expected, the Mana Research Division will sweep it this year too, right? Of course, they’ll shut up during the third phase’s magic demonstration.”

The mage’s mocking laughter suggested he was unhinged.

It was a blatant provocation, but the research division mages didn’t take the bait.

Even the usually hot-tempered Mumbel stayed quiet.

This, in turn, made mages from other towers whisper.

“Did something happen in the research division?”

“It’s strange for even Mumbel to stay silent…”

But the research division mages collectively smirked.

They knew better than anyone that this year would be different.

And so, the second phase of the Exchange began.

As many expected, the Mana Research Division shone.

“The reason magic is difficult to use in Myeolji is clear. The density of demonic energy surpasses that of regular mana…”

They started by presenting new research data from erosion zones.

“We’ve discovered a way to use fire and wind attribute magic together, which were previously considered incompatible.”

“Oh… should we collaborate with the Flame Tower folks?”

“Does any mage want to demonstrate?”

“Me! I’ll do it! Holson from the Flame Magic Tower!”

They unveiled various new theories, dominating the Exchange. Initially, mages from other towers engaged in posturing, but they were soon captivated by the Mana Research Division’s groundbreaking theories, leading to heated discussions.

“But doesn’t it seem like the research division’s new theories are fewer this year?”

“This is plenty! I’m dying to study them!”

Some sharp mages noticed the research division’s output was less than in previous years.

The one who capitalized on the gap left by the research division was none other than Eidon.

“The Frost Magic Tower’s new research was inspired by Ice Lord Glefild-nim’s new magic.”

Eidon took the stage and spoke calmly to the audience.

His position in the tower was somewhat unique.

Once a rising star of the Frost Magic Tower, Eidon had left to return to his family.

Afterward, he spent his time as a field mage for Tello, using magic outside the tower for combat and other missions rather than research.

Field mages could attend the Exchange unless they’d been excommunicated from their tower.

However, it was rare for a field mage to present research instead of a magic demonstration.

Thanks to this, Eidon successfully drew the attention of other mages.

“The Frost Magic Tower’s new magic can block many things. It can withstand considerable physical force and magical power, and even block tunes. The reason is…”

Breaking the stereotype of field mages, Eidon meticulously explained his research.

Theoretically flawless, the magic devised by Glefild and used by Eidon in erosion zones, Ice Coffin, was a mystical spell.

It could block most physical force, magic, and even tunes from within.

“While the Ice Coffin’s resistance to external impacts is weaker compared to internal ones, further refinement is needed. But the Frost Magic Tower will achieve it. Any questions?”

Mages interested in Eidon’s presentation raised their hands from all over.

Many were from the front rows, key figures in their respective towers.

Among them was a mage from the Flame Magic Tower, a long-time rival of the Frost Magic Tower. Seated next to the Flame Tower Master, he seemed high-ranking.

“Yes, Palaemong-nim. Do you have a question?”

Even with a rival tower, ignoring a mage of such status wasn’t easy.

Eidon pointed to Palaemong, a bald mage with a round face.

Despite his appearance, he began his question in a high, sharp voice.

“Interesting research. If developed further, it could become a treasure for humanity. But… can that coffin really block tunes?”

Confirming the Ice Coffin’s durability against physical force or magic was straightforward.

It could be tested intuitively by checking if the ice broke when a knight punched or slashed from within, or if a mage’s powerful spells failed to shatter it.

Eidon had already presented experimental data proving the Ice Coffin’s resistance to physical and magical forces.

But the tunes were different.

They varied widely, and some produced effects so unique they could only be described as mystical.

Could the Ice Coffin truly block tunes?

Doubtful expressions appeared on the faces of those in the hall.

“Yes, the Ice Coffin doesn’t merely separate inside from outside. Our Frost Magic Tower believes it can partially separate dimensions.”

Eidon boldly claimed the Ice Coffin could contain tunes.

Most mages were impressed, but some responded sharply.

“Dimensions? That’s arrogant.”

“The inside and outside of the Ice Coffin are entirely different worlds. While it doesn’t literally shift dimensions, developing the magic further could provide clues to dimensional manipulation.”

Eidon was resolute, answering confidently without hesitation.

But Palaemong didn’t relent.

“I understand it trapped the clone of [Painter of Deception]. But whether it works on other tunes needs testing, doesn’t it?”

“…”

“Anyone here with a tune? I’d like to test—no, prove—this magic.”

Palaemong addressed the mages.

A mage from the Earth Magic Tower stood, voicing discontent.

“Do you think this is the third phase? If you’ve presented research results, you should bless its future development…”

“I’ll prove it.”

But Ice Lord Glefild himself interrupted.

Tower Masters rarely spoke at the Exchange.

Having already proven themselves, they gave opportunities to the next generation.

Yet Glefild stepped up for Eidon.

“But I don’t have a tune. Anyone here with one?”

The hall fell silent.

Mages weren’t devoid of tunes.

Some field mages actively used them.

But it seemed none of the tower mages here had one.

As I watched the situation unfold with concern, I glanced at the stage and flinched.

Eidon was staring at me, his eyes bloodshot.

His lips moved, mouthing words.

- You, you’ve got one.

I let out a deep sigh and raised my hand.

“I have a tune.”

* * *

I ended up on the stage.

I whispered to Eidon so only he could hear.

“Which one? Cutting? Rush?”

Eidon gritted his teeth and replied, as if using ventriloquism.

“You’ve got the flame, the flame.”

“What?”

“It’s gotta be eye-catching for impact. Ice trapping fire. Cool, right?”

It could also crush the Flame Tower folks’ noses, he added.

But I was worried.

“What if Flame of the Spirit melts the Ice Coffin?”

“No way that’ll happen, just do it.”

Publicly displaying [Flame of the Spirit] wasn’t without burden.

But I decided to honor Eidon’s request.

This might lead to help from Ostrum’s mages in the future.

Since I’d never become a grand mage, it’d be better to recruit mage allies from the towers.

I nodded.

Eidon stared back and nodded too.

“Let’s prove it by trapping my Flame of the Spirit in the ice.”

“No, how about you enter the Ice Coffin and use your tune?”

“Well, that’s a bit…”

But Eidon’s eyes were already wild.

A mad mage stood before me.

“Fine.”

I gave up persuading Eidon and addressed the crowd in the hall.

First, I needed to explain my tune’s abilities to them.

“Please step back a bit.”

Those clinging to the stage edged back slowly.

This was enough space.

“[Flame of the Spirit].”

I didn’t need to say it aloud, but I wanted a dramatic effect.

Blue flames erupted from my fingertips.

The air inside the hall grew hot instantly.

Two groups leapt up upon seeing the flames: the Flame Magic Tower and the Dark Magic Tower.

“What… what are those flames!”

“…Ghostly aura?”

A tune fusing ghostly aura and flames.

The mages from the Flame and Dark Magic Towers were ecstatic.

The fusion of two incompatible attributes sparked their scholarly zeal.

Even mages from other towers were captivated by the tune’s mystical effect.

They’d never seen anything like it.

I was proud of the shimmering blue flames.

Rightfully so.

“The Mana Research Division’s study on tune and magic fusion! We could apply here!”

“With that mystical flame, it’s possible! Can you visit the Dark Magic Tower?”

…I was about to refuse, feeling a bit overwhelmed, but there was no need.

“Ice Coffin.”

Eidon spoke the spell’s name and cast the magic.

A rectangular prism of ice enveloped me.

A bone-chilling cold surged in.

The outside was blurry.

Eidon’s lips moved, but I couldn’t hear him.

My lungs felt frozen, making it hard to breathe.

It was painful.

There was only one way out.

I reached out.

Frost coated my fingertips.

Then I unleashed [Flame of the Spirit].

Whoosh!

The frost on my hand vanished as flames surged.

But the Ice Coffin didn’t melt.

Honestly, I thought [Flame of the Spirit] would shatter the Ice Coffin.

Seeing the ice hold firm, I couldn’t help but marvel.

Glefild had developed a remarkable spell, and Eidon executed it brilliantly.

‘Could I break through if I added aura?’

Maybe?

I recalled what Tayon taught me.

First, I intensified the Flame of the Spirit.

Then I infused mana.

Without merging with the tune, the mana began to spread.

But I focused on the mana itself.

Without a sword as a medium, I examined the mana and concentrated my will.

Soon, an aura formed.

It was too early to celebrate.

I no longer distinguished between aura and tune.

They were different, but they could become one.

The [Flame of the Spirit] and aura swirled, merging into one.

Crack crack crack.

As the Ice Coffin began to melt inside, a loud crash sounded, and the Ice Coffin vanished.

I almost melted it, but Eidon had dispelled the magic.

“You okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Let’s… try again next time.”

“Sure. Good work.”

Eidon patted my back with concern.

With my tune, he had proven the Frost Magic Tower’s strength.

Then, a commotion approached.

People in red and black cloaks—the Flame and Dark Magic Tower mages—rushed the stage, pushing Eidon aside.

“You! Are you okay? Your body’s precious!”

“Hey, Eidon! How could you do something so cruel!”

The mages from towers that bickered daily united in their concern for me.

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