The Master of Language - T.M.L Chapter 9 (Part 1):

“It depends on your answer, Master.”

Master Abana’s gaze sank even lower.

Yes, those eyes.

The eyes that made me doubt the kindness she showed me every moment.

So I have no choice but to be wary.

Just then, Psyche rushed out from behind her.

“Master! You shouldn’t be moving around yet!”

She grabbed Master Abana’s waist. And tried to guide her inside. But Master Abana stood still, glaring at me as if she had taken root there.

I could see the veins popping on Master Abana’s hand holding the staff.

It looks like she might attack me at any moment.

As I raised my right hand, a spark floated up into the air.

Master Abana’s eyes widened.

“To think you’ve become able to move fire already.”

“Certainly, fire suits me better than water. If you’re thinking of harming me, I’ll draw this spark inside. I don’t know what will happen then.”

Master Abana spoke quietly.

“Nothing might happen.”

There was a subtle pressure in her words.

But so what?

I am an attractive talent that mages would fight over. I have nothing to fear.

I grinned at her.

“That’s right. That’s why I say it’s unknown. Nothing might happen, or Kalasta might appear. Or this fire might suddenly grow and consume everything. Literally, no one knows.”

Hearing this, Master Abana’s grip on her staff loosened.

She must have heard my earlier mutterings.

That’s why I said it.

She lowered her hand. Then her staff disappeared as if being sucked into her clothes.

“I didn’t take out my staff to attack you. I did it in case Kalasta was around. So you can put that spark down too. Let’s talk first.”

“That’s what I was hoping for.”

I slightly lowered my hand and moved the spark.

The fire slowly descended and touched the ground.

I take back what I said about it being as easy as moving hands and feet.

It’s even easier.

Psyche looked back and forth between me and Master Abana.

“So? What answer do you want from me?”

“The truth.”

“The truth?”

“First, tell me why you took me as your disciple.”

Master Abana’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“I told you. As Psyche’s companion…”

“I see. I’ll leave then.”

I turned my body.

30 degrees.

Hmm.

90 degrees.

Not yet?

120 degrees.

She should speak up soon.

160 degrees.

I hope I didn’t misjudge.

180 degrees.

I can’t just turn back now.

“Wait!”

I knew it.

I slowly turned my head to look at Master Abana.

Her expression seemed urgent.

“Yes, go on. I’m listening.”

The tip of Master Abana’s ear trembled slightly.

“It’s absolutely true that I took you to be Psyche’s companion. But there’s a great risk involved. I didn’t tell you that.”

I folded my arms.

Just like Kalasta.

“Alright. I sensed something was off. Tell me exactly what it is.”

Master Abana looked down at Psyche with an anxious expression.

Psyche thought for a moment, then slightly nodded.

Why is she seeking Psyche’s permission?

Master Abana opened her mouth.

“Psyche is a High Elf.”

“…”

“You can consider her the purest bloodline with the strongest elven blood. Comparable to royalty among humans.”

It’s similar to what Kalasta said.

“I see. And?”

“One of the traits of High Elves is that they’re beautiful. Extremely. That’s why it’s so dangerous.”

I looked at Psyche.

She’s certainly pretty.

“Dangerous because she’s beautiful? That sounds like a fairy tale.”

“It’s not a fairy tale, it’s the truth. High Elves regain their original form as their magic level increases. They become more and more beautiful. As that happens, mages whose hearts have gradually become empty tend to covet them.”

I tilted my head.

“That’s a bit hard to understand.”

“You’ll naturally come to understand as you learn magic. As your magic level rises, it means your own value becomes special. In other words, everything else becomes worthless. Just like how toys for children don’t catch your eye after you’ve grown up. So you seek, try to obtain, and want to possess even more precious things.”

“…”

“That’s why when Psyche was born about ten years ago, our clan tried to find a way to protect her. She’s the first High Elf born in hundreds of years. Everyone in the clan who could use foresight magic was mobilized.”

“Foresight magic?”

“Predicting the future. The foresight revealed that a young male human mage would appear around this time in the Marshal Harbor City, and only a deep connection with him could ensure Psyche’s survival. I believe that person is you.”

“…”

“Only you can protect our Psyche. Only you have the power, the wisdom, and also…”

“Also?”

Master Abana swallowed her words for a moment.

Soon, she lowered her gaze to the ground and continued.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you all this sooner. I thought it would be okay to reveal it gradually. That was all. I had no intention of deceiving you.”

Even this could be a lie.

I narrowed my eyes and said,

“Then, Master. Why did you tell me not to contract with Undine?”

Master Abana answered immediately.

“I told you. It’s dangerous. You still can’t fully control your Psychokinesis. You can’t even control moving objects properly, how could you properly manage a familiar with intelligence? It could be really dangerous.”

Kalasta said that Master Abana was afraid of my level growing.

It’s still uncertain who’s telling the truth.

She might still be deceiving me even now.

But then Psyche suddenly started walking towards me.

She seemed quite angry, as she looked more alluring than cute.

Dangun

I'm currently Translating the following novel: "The Master of Language" If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!

•