Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 130 (Part 2)
Matthew recalled seeing Karis’s arm hanging limp. Jena had numerous small injuries, and Larry and Bianca had been in even worse shape.
Despite his naive appearance, Matthew had a keen eye for detail. This talent made him a fast learner in all kinds of tasks.
“It’s all healed now.”
“That’s a relief. Everything’s back to normal. Well, I’ll get started on breakfast.”
Matthew got busy preparing breakfast. Considering yesterday’s ordeal, he made a larger-than-usual portion.
Enticed by the smell, Larry and Bianca woke up. As Bianca rubbed her eyes and stepped out, she greeted Matthew.
“Uncle Matthew.”
“Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, hehe.”
Breakfast was cheerful. Though everyone was clearly trying to act brighter than usual because of yesterday’s events, the atmosphere had nearly returned to normal.
But once they got into the carriage to move, it became apparent that something had changed—especially with Bianca.
Larry was naturally quiet and obsessed with training. Today, he seemed no different, doing push-ups or visualizing sword techniques as usual.
Bianca, however, was typically chatty, marveling at every sight and talking nonstop. Today, she was different. As soon as they got into the carriage, she began studying runes in focused silence.
“Is this a good thing or not?” Rodin mused.
He contemplated artifacts for Larry and Bianca.
Rodin thought Larry’s artifact could be modeled after the equipment Karis and Jena used. Bianca, however, was a trickier case.
He didn’t want to give her a standard artifact. Instead, he desired to craft a staff perfectly suited for her.
‘She’s only at the 1st Circle… I can’t discern her magical affinity yet.’
A mage’s affinity typically became evident by the time they reached the 3rd Circle, officially becoming a full-fledged mage. Some excelled in offensive magic, others specialized in healing, while others were naturally inclined toward support magic.
Rodin reflected on Bianca’s tendencies.
From what he’d seen, she wasn’t naturally inclined toward offensive magic. She seemed more at ease with support spells.
‘Magical affinity continues to shift until a mage reaches the 3rd Circle. It’s too early to tell.’
“Master, we’ve arrived at yesterday’s battleground.”
“Have we?”
“Yes, but there’s quite a crowd.”
“There are indeed many people.”
The site was swarming with onlookers, making it hard to find a spot for their carriage.
“Let’s park over there.”
“Yes, Master.”
Rodin stepped out of the carriage, followed by Larry and Bianca, who eagerly scanned their surroundings.
“Brother, where’s the beast?”
“Over there… though it’s probably charred beyond recognition.”
Even though it was scorched black, the enormous form was still discernible. While it held little meaning for Rodin, seeing it up close would be a valuable experience for Larry and Bianca.
“Did you kill it, Brother?”
“Karis and Jena were a big help. Want to take a look?”
“Can we?”
“Why not? Let’s go.”
Rodin led Larry and Bianca toward the corpse. Jena naturally stayed close, guarding Rodin.
After a moment’s hesitation, Matthew hurried after them, curiosity written all over his face.
Reaching the beast was no easy feat. The sheer number of people made it impossible to approach.
“Tsk, this is frustrating. Everyone, gather up.”
“Here?”
“Right here. Matthew, you too.”
Rodin had everyone huddle close, even holding hands just in case.
“This feels strange,” Bianca remarked.
“Just hold on. Fly.”
With a word, Rodin lifted the entire group into the air. A feat made possible by his ascension to the 7th Circle.
“Huh? W-Whoa…”
“Brother!”
“Master!”
“You won’t fall. Don’t worry.”
Rodin had prepared a Magic Hand to catch anyone in case of a mishap.
The group floated above the crowd, eventually halting right over the massive corpse.
The sudden appearance of Rodin’s group caused a stir among the onlookers. Even the Landes Magic Tower mages guarding the beast’s remains looked startled.
“Wow! Brother, it’s enormous!”
“Big Brother Rodin, it’s gigantic! You really killed this?”
Larry and Bianca stared, awestruck, at the blackened corpse.
Though they’d heard stories of its size, seeing it in person was overwhelming. It was so massive that they had to turn their heads to take it all in. The beast looked less like a creature and more like a colossal fortress.
“I told you, Karis and Jena were a big help.”
“That’s humility speaking,” Jena interjected. “It was practically your doing alone, Master.”
The group spent a good ten minutes observing the corpse. Bianca eventually tugged at Rodin’s sleeve.
“What is it?”
“You burned it with magic, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Do you think I’ll ever be able to do something like this?”
“Work hard. Nothing is impossible.”
Satisfied with their viewing, the group prepared to leave. Larry and Matthew, however, were visibly uncomfortable floating in the air.
“Let’s head down now. I plan to meet with Tower Master Francis. Do you all want to come along?”
“We’ll go with you, Brother.”
“I want to thank him personally,” Bianca added.
“I’ll follow your lead, Master,” Matthew said.
Their decision made, Rodin used his magic to lower the group to a less crowded area.
“Jena, lead the way.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jena, having seen the location of the Landes Magic Tower’s camp the day before, guided Rodin toward it.