Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 187 (Part 2)

“Looks like we’ll have to camp here for the night.” “Yes. It’s a bit early, but that’s probably our only choice. Too many wounded, and we ne

“Looks like we’ll have to camp here for the night.”

“Yes. It’s a bit early, but that’s probably our only choice. Too many wounded, and we need to repair the damaged wagons.”

The wheel of the carriage carrying Queen Regina broke. The wagon loaded with ingredients and injured people was also unbalanced on both sides.

“Let’s move them off to the side for now. Magic Hand.”

Rodin used magic to move the carriage and the wagon aside. He also roughly lifted the corpses and threw them to one side.

“It’s quickly resolved when the mage steps in.”

“I’m glad if it was helpful. Ah, make sure to retrieve anything salvageable from the corpses. Looks like there are quite a few valuable items.”

“Is that alright?”

“Go ahead. Clearing out the non-burnable things will make cremation easier.”

At the word “salvage,” a few mercenaries began moving with effort.

The equipment the knights had was, overall, superior to that of the mercenaries—whether armor or weapons. Even gloves and boots were of higher quality and durability than what mercenaries used.

For the mercenaries, this was a perfect opportunity to change out their gear. Moving with difficulty, they began sorting through the knights’ equipment one by one.

Some gathered equipment for wounded fellow mercenaries. Items that seemed a bit too good were left near Rodin’s location.

“They sure had a lot of money.”

“They must not have expected to lose.”

“Still, there’s not a single identity tag.”

A considerable amount of money was recovered from the corpses. They hadn’t even searched every body yet, but already over 5,000 gold was piled up near Rodin.

The mercenaries acknowledged the money as Rodin’s share. It wasn’t just that he had killed the most enemies—Rodin, along with Karis and Jena, had practically eliminated them all. He had full rights over the corpses, and no one could complain.

Just being allowed to take the knights’ equipment freely was already more than they could ask for.

“At the very least, that kind of principle should be upheld. Anyway, we get to rest early today. Let’s keep the meal simple with jerky.”

“I’ll give the order.”

“We’ll burn the bodies when we depart tomorrow. That way, we won’t suffer from the smoke.”

While some continued to search the corpses, others among the mercenaries began preparing for camp. Two skilled mercenaries broke off to repair the carriage.

Everyone moved under Scott’s orders.

‘He really is a capable leader.’

Rodin may have been stronger in combat as a 7th-circle mage, but as a mercenary, Scott was more competent. With just a word from him, the mercenaries moved in perfect coordination.

Once things outside were somewhat settled, Rodin returned inside the carriage. Bianca was groaning as she practiced her magical energy circulation method.

‘Is it because she overused her magical energy?’

Bianca’s magical energy was unstable. It surged madly, wildly attacking her body.

―Bianca. Can you hear me?

Bianca frowned but didn’t reply. She was sweating all over as she struggled to control her magical energy.

But Rodin knew his telepathy magic had reached her. He could tell because the flow of her magical energy had changed ever so slightly.

―It’s a bit dangerous, but we have no choice. I’ll give you a potion.

“Ughhh!”

―I’ll pour it into your mouth. Just accept it naturally.

Rodin pulled out a potion from his subspace—a relic he had obtained from the ruins of the Kingdom of Rophellia—and poured it into Bianca’s mouth. Then, he immediately intervened in her magical energy.

―Focus. Just follow the path I lead. Don’t resist.

“Ugh.”

Rodin and Bianca had learned the same magical energy circulation method. Though it had changed slightly each time as Rodin learned more rune letters through The Frouval’s illusion lessons, he had always shared the updated method.

Rodin guided the energy along a familiar path. Bianca’s magical energy, under Rodin’s control, began flowing forcefully through her body.

―Don’t resist. Accept it naturally.

“Mmm…”

―The method I’m using is the same as yours. We use the same circulation method, and the nature of our magical energy is the same. So accept it as if it were your own.

Rodin moved Bianca’s magical energy again.

Along a path familiar to a mage’s circle. Once Rodin’s overwhelming control was added to that, Bianca’s magical energy couldn’t resist even for a moment. It followed the guidance, circulating through her body.

―Now! Form the circle.

“Krrgh!”

The transformed magical energy pierced her heart. Bianca groaned. The pain was immense—she was likely not even fully conscious.

Even so, she managed to remain conscious. She struggled to form a circle with the guided magical energy.

―More. Keep going.

The surrounding mana suddenly rushed into Rodin’s body. As it circulated within him and turned into magical energy, part of it flowed into Bianca’s body.

―Don’t give up, Bianca!

With the help of Rodin’s guided magical energy and the energy he had given her, Bianca formed her circle. A faint, ring-shaped circle slowly began to orbit her heart.

―Phew… well done.

Her magical energy finally stabilized. At the same time, Bianca had become a 2nd-circle mage.

“That’s not something I’d want to do twice.”

Rodin’s body was drenched in sweat as well. But he could endure the fatigue.

Still, what happened today had been truly dangerous for Bianca. Had she lost consciousness even briefly, she might’ve not only lost the entire circle, but her heart could have exploded.

Bianca, eyes still closed, continued to focus on magical energy circulation. She was in the process of filling the newly formed second circle with magical energy.

Thump!

Rodin stepped out of the carriage. Larry, now recovered, was waiting with a nervous expression.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay, but… how’s Bianca?”

“She’s stabilized, fortunately.”

“Haah… thank goodness.”

Larry stumbled and collapsed where he stood. The tension had drained from his body.

“You worked hard today, too.”

“No… I wasn’t much help.”

“Not true. I saw you fighting like a veteran mercenary.”

Larry had truly done his best today. He had performed above his level, and the other mercenaries had seen it too.

“Hehe. I just tried my hardest.”

“Get some rest. Bianca won’t wake for a few more hours.”

“Yes. I’ll do another round of circulation too.”

That night’s watch duty was taken on by Karis, Jena, and Rodin. The mercenaries were ordered to rest after eating.

Hyung_Otaku2

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