Chapter 15
Ciel could not believe her eyes.
Please wait a moment.
"Hmm?"
Dersia, who was about to open the door and leave, looked at Ciel with a questioning gaze.
Did I leave anything undone? I don't believe so.
No, not exactly, but...
Ciel's voice trailed off as she scrutinized Dersia's attire.
It was a mix of dark blue silk, befitting her, and lace of unknown origin, reflecting her personal taste.
It was ordinary outing wear. Yes, outing wear. *An outing, by herself?*
It was unheard of. Even if the world turned upside down, she was the type to stay cooped up in her room, refining her <F1>Magic</F1>, unless direct means were used.
Ciel, using the seasoned skill of a head maid, twisted her words to convey a message that would otherwise be impolite.
To be frank, I thought Lady Sia's only friends were the molds growing in the corner of her room. Since there's no one you'd meet, where exactly are you going?
That is incredibly rude. I am merely going to the <F1>Library</F1>.
Didn't you say you'd read every book in the nearby <F1>Library</F1>?
History signifies the increase of records. Books, by their nature, grow over time.
I believe there are very few things that could truly capture Lady Dersia's interest.
"Haa."
At this point, Dersia realized she needed to spare some time for Ciel's anxious eyes and took off her shoes. It was, after all, a master's duty to alleviate the worries of her loyal head maid.
What is it you wish to say?
Ciel pondered for exactly three seconds, then asked the most important question.
Is it a man?
?
No, I misspoke. Who are you meeting?
Is there a need to know? Wasn't it you who told me to go out and meet someone in the first place?
Lady Sia's social skills are extremely poor. I worry that you might be getting deceived by someone.
...I merely found something interesting. It is, after all, an extension of the magical path.
Dersia said, twisting the corner of her mouth.
There was a hint of anticipation and curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge that was almost unsettling.
Ciel was certain.
It's a man.
Of course, she didn't actually say that. Instead, she asked with a worried expression.
I see. But seeing as you meet them every day, they must be quite interesting people, or rather, subjects.
"No."
Dersia shook her head.
I don't meet them every day. They haven't come recently. I've been unilaterally waiting for them, reading in the <F1>Library</F1>.
...!
It was unexpected. Ciel gasped silently.
Dersia Aspandal, *pining*?
It was unimaginable. Ciel, staggering slightly, carefully asked, trying not to displease her master.
Even so, if there's no promise...
There is a promise.
Dersia looked at the door and replied with conviction.
They will come looking for me soon enough.
***
What the... they're playing <F1>Roulette</F1> like it's a lottery?
Do they have too much money? Well, they probably do...
At the sudden all-in, the <F1>Dealer</F1> glanced around. Not at us, but upwards.
It seemed they were receiving some kind of signal from the second floor.
I didn't turn around to avoid raising suspicion.
I just told the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1> to go for it.
Spin it quickly.
Ah... Understood!
Having received confirmation, the <F1>Dealer</F1> spun the <F1>Roulette</F1> wheel with slightly trembling hands.
Even without interference, it was a low 1/36 chance.
But they would have prevented even that probability from occurring, wouldn't they?
As expected, the ball rolled towards a different number, as if drawn by something.
*Did they use a magnet?*
I wasn't sure. And I didn't need to be. The important thing was that the ball was filled with water.
And I hadn't learned <F1>Water Elemental Magic</F1>.
Because I had a far overwhelmingly superior alternative.
-Click.
The ball approached number 21 and stuck to it, rotating along with the <F1>Roulette</F1> wheel.
...
...
The <F1>Gambling Den</F1> fell silent.
It landed?
...We won?
No, what the—
Lucky you. I'll get your chips.
I moved faster than anyone.
First, I quickly scooped all the chips into the bag I had prepared.
We are using a little <F1>Magic</F1> to speed things up as much as possible.
Winning so absurdly was just the beginning. The hardest part was yet to come.
<F1>Master</F1>, go exchange them.
Ah, understood.
I whispered to the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1> and sent him to the exchange counter.
They wouldn't exchange them immediately, so buying time was my job.
...It's a scam!
Suddenly, a strange noise came from the second floor.
A bald man in a uniform, his scalp flushed red, stomped down the stairs, stood before me, and pointed an accusing finger, shouting.
What did you do to the machine, you brat!
...?
I looked at the <F1>Dealer</F1> with a sense of bewilderment rather than anger.
First of all, *he* was the one who tampered with the <F1>Roulette</F1> machine. I hadn't touched it.
And even if he suspected manipulation, he should be yelling at the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>, my <F1>Master</F1>, not me.
With a puzzled expression, I tilted my head and asked like an innocent child.
Why are you like this? Is there some problem...?
Problem? This swindling bastard is even brazen about it.
Growling, he was no longer trying to hide his true nature. I asked him again.
You said it was a scam, but can you tell me what kind of manipulation we supposedly did?
That's obviously...!
He couldn't finish his sentence.
Of course. We hadn't actually touched the <F1>Roulette</F1> wheel. The <F1>Dealer</F1> spun it, and the <F1>Dealer</F1> picked it.
Even the world's greatest gambler couldn't manipulate a <F1>Roulette</F1> wheel without laying a finger on it, unless they had learned <F1>Magic</F1>.
The bald man, naturally at a loss for words, merely glared at me with burning eyes.
I deliberately spoke loudly enough for those around to hear.
Why are you doing this...? Weren't the preparations made by your people, and wasn't it spun by your people? All we did was bet on a number and win, so it's unfair to call it a scam.
He's right, what's the scam? It was surprising, but isn't it just luck?
How could he manipulate it from there, unless he bribed the <F1>Dealer</F1>?
...Tsk.
The bald man, observing the reactions around him, gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, then forced a twisted smile.
He realized the risk that pushing this further might make him lose all the <F1>Suckers</F1> he had painstakingly cultivated.
He still had some pride, though, as, full of hatred, he didn't forget to whisper.
...I'll see you later.
See me later for what? I hope I never have to see his face again.
But why does he keep giving *me* hell while leaving the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>, who's exchanging the money, alone?
...
I could just assume he's picking on me because I look weak—
But something felt off.
I activated <F1>Magical Perception</F1> to check his movements.
He went upstairs, but it was fine. My condition was unusually good today, so I could reach him.
No. It wasn't just 'reaching'.
*...What's going on?*
I hadn't noticed because it had been increasing little by little, but the range and accuracy were improving at a terrifying speed.
Soon after I activated <F1>Magical Perception</F1>, the entire flow of the <F1>Gambling Den</F1> came into view, as if I were watching from the side.
It was unbelievable.
I watched a <F1>Dice Game</F1> taking place tens of meters away and felt the dice rolling inside the cup.
Just in case—
*3, 6, 2.*
The result is... 3! 6! 2! Congratulations, Customer number 3 has won!
Alright! This is it, this is it!
I even got it right.
Startled, I focused on the second floor. Just then, the bald man pulled an <F1>Artifact</F1> from his pocket and gave an order.
The sound, of course, was inaudible. However, I could read some of it from his mouth movements.
Use natural body magic. Possible. Capture, prepare thoroughly...
...
No... surely not this bastard...?
The conversation implied only one thing. I felt a shiver run down my spine and approached the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>.
The <F1>Orphanage Director</F1> was holding a sack full of silver coins with a slightly bewildered expression.
<F1>Master</F1>, no. <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>.
Ah, that. Ahem—
The act is over. That much money is enough. We need to get out of here right now.
...Huh? What's wrong?
I'll explain the details later.
That bald man.
He knew I was a <F1>Mage</F1>.
Ah. Is that why? Is that why he spoke to me instead of the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>? If he'd done something, he knew it was me, the <F1>Mage</F1>, who had done it.
He didn't seem to know I could use <F1>Magic</F1>. Or perhaps filling the <F1>Roulette</F1> ball with seawater was a preventative measure...
...No, this wasn't the time for situation analysis.
His target was me. Getting caught wouldn't end well.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
As I approached the door, the bald man, who had come down, alerted, frowned and confronted the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>.
We're trying to leave. Is there a problem?
The <F1>Orphanage Director</F1> spoke with a slight tremor but with dignity, yet it wouldn't work.
Yes. It seems you haven't taken all your money. We don't have enough cash, so please wait a moment. It won't take long.
No, we must leave now.
You cannot.
The bald man gave a sneering laugh.
At the same time, the employees subtly surrounded us.
It was my turn to act.
Hoo...
I took a deep breath.
Until now, my <F1>Current</F1> hadn't worked well on humans. At best, it would only slightly affect parts covered by clothes.
Today was different.
My identity as a <F1>Mage</F1> was already exposed anyway. For some reason, my condition was unbelievably good right now—
I apologize, but we have an urgent matter.
I took a step forward and met the bald man's gaze.
Could you please let us leave?
Ha...
Watching him snort in disbelief, I swiftly moved the <F1>Current</F1>.
-CRACK!
As powerfully as possible, I gripped his entire body from all directions with invisible hands of water.
...!
The bald man opened his mouth in shock at the sudden pressure, but I closed even that. After that, he trembled slightly and then showed no further movement.
No, he couldn't.
...Sir Krein?
So his name was Krein.
The <F1>Manager</F1> looked bewildered as he spoke to the completely motionless Krein, so I quickly added.
Please.
Krein, his eyes confused and utterly unaware of what was happening, slowly nodded his head.
I made him do it.
S-Sir Krein?!
It didn't stop there.
Trembling, Krein slowly raised his hand and pointed towards the door, as if seeing us off.
Still without a word.
Ah, thank you.
I smiled warmly and expressed my gratitude, then exited the <F1>Gambling Den</F1> with the bewildered <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>.
The employees, sensing something strange but following Krein's command, let us go.
As soon as we stepped outside, I felt my heart pounding madly.
...This is good.
I really didn't think it would work.
It worked far more perfectly than I had imagined.
I clenched and unclenched my right hand, feeling a thrilling sense of omnipotence that made my brain boil.
I'm practically invincible.
J-Jereun? What happened?
I stated bluntly.
We're screwed. We need to run, fast.
I could maintain that <F1>Water Pressure</F1> for now, but it would soon dissipate.
At my words, the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1> gasped and covered his mouth.
No... Jereun!
Don't worry too much. I've planned all the escape routes... Where did you learn such bad words? Those are very naughty words. Never use them again.
...
To say such things even in this situation was quite... well.
It was just like the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>.
***
Running through the city's alleyways with the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>, I gradually felt a sense of danger.
My <F1>Magical Perception</F1> had expanded to hundreds of meters. It was useful for now, but also terrifying.
*...No matter how I look at it, this isn't a normal state.*
Something was definitely going on.
I didn't want to use it so recklessly, but the situation wasn't exactly comfortable.
It had been 30 minutes already, and they showed no signs of giving up.
Hah, hah... Jereun, are we there yet?
We're here. It's safe now.
I handed the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1> the pouch of silver coins and pointed to another alley.
If you go straight down this way, you'll reach the main road. You can take off your disguise and return to the <F1>Orphanage</F1> around there.
...What about you?
Ah, I have someone to meet. Don't worry too much.
The <F1>Orphanage Director</F1> would be a hindrance.
You worked hard today. Go get some rest, and pay off the debt first. I'll go ahead.
Ah, Jereun...!
Ignoring the <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>'s words, I entered the alleyways several times.
If I didn't shake them off, they'd follow me to the end. I had to ditch them here.
Annoying bastards.
I arrived at the end of a dark alley with no obvious escape route, playing with the <F1>Current</F1> when I heard shouts.
There he is! We found him! What? Where, where!
Krein, whose bald head was flushed crimson, stood with a group of thugs behind him, all holding swords.
I sneered and greeted them.
Welcome. Why did so many of you come to deal with one kid? It's intimidating.
You son of a bitch—how dare you mock me!
Being immobilized by <F1>Water Pressure</F1> must have been a great blow to his pride. I calmly watched him, looking like he wanted to kill me, and asked.
Just one question. How did you know I was a <F1>Mage</F1>? I didn't really use anything like that.
...What?
Krein looked dumbfounded, then spat.
Is this bastard, who doesn't even know the traces of the Sacred Wheel, a member of <F1>Jeogyeon</F1>? Even if they're just borrowing the name, it's absurd.
Jeog-what?
Don't pretend you don't know. You, at that age, with that achievement... it has to be those damn <F1>Jeogyeon</F1>.
Hmm.
I didn't know who he was mistaking me for, but I got the keywords <F1>Jeogyeon</F1> and "traces of the Sacred Wheel," so that was enough.
I could look them up later. Having gathered all the information I needed, I waved my hand.
Alright, you can go now. Then I won't chase you.
This bastard has lost his mind. He got lucky with one surprise attack and now he's arrogant. Do you think we chased you without a plan?
Krein let out a hearty laugh, then pulled out a strange bottle along with a sword and threw the sword to the ground.
-CRASH! Made of glass, it shattered instantly and began emitting blue smoke.
Go on, use your boasted <F1>Magic</F1>, you brat.
Given his inexplicable confidence, I tried to generate a <F1>current</F1>.
It worked perfectly.
...
Just in case, I tried to activate <F1>Wind Magic</F1>, but it didn't move at all.
Startled, I asked again.
Wow, what is this? It's not activating.
It's a trap to catch <F1>Natural Vessels</F1> like you. What's wrong? Can't do anything now that you've lost your boasted <F1>Magic</F1>?
Krein, seemingly confident of victory, spewed out taunts mixed with ridicule.
Since you desire information, I shall tell you your miserable fate. A <F1>Natural Vessel</F1> like you, a commodity, will be a stud, forced to spend your entire life breeding. You'll have to impregnate women who desire magical blood dozens of times a day.
...What?
Don't worry too much. You won't die. Doctors will be assigned to manage your health, feeding you only the best, so you'll live a long life, forever unable to leave...
Hmm.
Should I just get caught without using <F1>Magic</F1>?
As I seriously pondered, Krein grinned.
But we'll have to cut off your arms and legs so you can't escape.
No, you should have said that first...
I worried for nothing.
I sighed and touched the <F1>Current</F1>.
I wasn't very confident fighting a dozen adult men. In fact, avoiding it was the right move. And I could avoid it.
However—a surge of exhilaration flowed through my entire body, leading me to a somewhat reckless decision.
How far could I go in my current state?
I wanted to know.
I even brought hemostatic agents and bandages, so just here—ACK!
Krein's words were cut short.
BANG! He was slammed into a nearby wall, creating a crack, and then collapsed unconscious.
...S-Sir Krein!
It was simple. I grabbed him with the <F1>Current</F1> and threw him.
That alone was enough impact to crack the wall.
As I scratched my head, wondering how much force I should use, the other loyal subordinates rushed forward with raised swords.
He learned <F1>Combat Magic</F1> too!
Stab him all at once, then he's nothing!
He was, in fact, something.
Uh, uh...? I can't get close...
What are you doing? I'm right here.
The swords that swung didn't reach my body.
Even as I stood still, they slowed down and bounced off long before they could touch me.
I made a strong <F1>current</F1> flow around my body, at least strong enough that adult men's muscles couldn't break through it.
...How about this!
A man with a spear shouted and lunged.
Even if I didn't interfere, he wouldn't be able to penetrate the torrent, but I deliberately snatched it away.
Eh.
The thug, whose spear was snatched away in an instant, stared blankly at the spear rotating in mid-air.
Recalling my school days of twirling pens, I spun it a few times in the air and then threw it to the ground.
THWACK! It embedded itself deeply.
...
Does anyone else want to try?
Ugh...
Perhaps lacking the loyalty to challenge the impossible, they all hesitated, then picked up Krein and fled.
This is fun.
I chuckled, picked up a broken piece of the wall, and juggled it with the <F1>Current</F1>.
Could I really get this strong without doing anything?
At this rate, perhaps there might be hope.
*Hope from what?*
That was a strange question.
Naturally, from this <F1>Deep Sea</F1>.
From this <F1>Deep Sea</F1>, using the power of the <F1>Deep Sea</F1>...
-Drip, drip.
...Huh?
I felt the world darken.
It was as if a sudden solar eclipse had occurred, turning everything black and dark.
Like looking through some kind of colored glasses.
...
I cautiously touched my face.
Something hot and wet touched my eyes.
Looking at my hand, I saw it was soaked in a deep red liquid.
Drip, drip, tears of blood flowed incessantly.
Ah...
The feeling of omnipotence was long gone.
Instead, another sensation emerged. My arms felt heavy.
...No, not heavy.
Every time I moved, I felt a slight resistance.
As if I were underwater.
I'm sorry, <F1>Orphanage Director</F1>—
...Am I screwed?
It seemed my time limit had arrived.