Chapter 4

Space Mage. That one phrase gave me a shock.

I stared intently at the boy again.

The boy with dark brown hair and a bowl cut flinched under my obvious gaze.

"U-um, is there something you need?"

"…Are you a Space Mage?"

"Eh? Well, I guess so."

Even after confirming with the person himself, I still couldn’t believe it.

Space Mage. A rare and special class categorized alongside Infinite Mages, with very few practitioners. However, while Infinite Mages and other rare special classes are often unpopular and shunned, Space Mages are a popular choice if available. The reason for their popularity lies in their skill, the Subspace Box, which is incredibly useful.

The Subspace Box is a cube with each side measuring five meters, and the user can put people and objects in and out at will. In short, it’s like Doraemon’s pocket.

With a Space Mage, you can bring back a lot of materials from an area. You understand that, right?

Moreover, what’s even more useful is that it can be used as a safe area. As you progress through areas, the higher the value of items you encounter, the longer the duration of a single adventure for high-level adventurers. It’s what you might call an expedition. When you have to stay in the area for several nights, the most dangerous thing is being attacked while sleeping. But with a Space Mage, you can rest safely inside the Subspace Box.

That’s why high-level adventurers welcome Space Mages with high待遇. If you have a Space Mage as a slave, it’s worth millions. Even if you just throw it out, 100,000 Zeni is impossible. And yet, that impossible reality is right in front of me now.

I asked the owner.

"Why is a Space Mage being sold for 100,000 Zeni? That’s just impossible, right?"

"Is it about him? Well, it’s usually impossible. Even if it’s urgent, it would be much more profitable to have a fellow practitioner buy him. But he’s called a jinx, and there are no proper buyers."

"Jinx?"

"Yes. He has been bought four times. Each time by famous adventurers, but all of them met with near-total party wipeouts. The only survivor, him, gained a bad reputation."

"I see..."

I understood. Adventurers, who risk their lives, are often superstitious. Most people would choose a new, expensive piece of equipment over a cheap, used one from someone who died. High-level adventurers, who are also wealthy, would choose a regular Space Mage over a jinxed one, even if it costs millions. I understand that, but I also think it’s a matter of chance.

I don’t think this timid bowl-cut boy intentionally put his masters in danger. There are several binding magical contracts between master and slave, making it impossible for a slave to harm their master. For example, if a master tried to escape into the Subspace Box when encountering a strong enemy, the slave couldn’t intentionally lock them out.

Besides, it’s not uncommon for adventurers to die. It’s said that less than 40% of adventurers retire safely.

By chance, his masters died, and he escaped by retreating into the Subspace Box, then returned with another party that passed by. That’s probably what happened.

By the way, if a master dies and the slave survives, the slave becomes the property of the slave trader again. While it might seem like the slave traders are making a lot of money, this rule is in place to prevent masters from killing their slaves to free them. Slave traders are also bound by several contracts to prevent fraud.

In any case... In any case, this Space Mage, despite being somewhat jinxed, is undoubtedly real, and I can buy him now.

...

...

...

What should I do?

After staring at the boy for a long time, the slave trader spoke to me.

"Let me warn you, you won’t be able to make a profit by reselling him."

"Huh?"

What’s he talking about all of a sudden? I couldn’t understand the sudden words from the owner, but I understood after his detailed explanation.

"So, you won’t be able to buy him now and then resell him to another slave trader for a higher price. We are in the business of buying and selling people, and we always keep track of information. There’s no way a slave trader wouldn’t know about someone as notorious as him. Even if you tried to sell him to someone else, you’d end up being lowballed."

I see. I understand. In other words, the owner thinks I’m planning to buy this Space Mage for 100,000 Zeni and then resell him to another slave trader to make a profit.

He probably thinks I don’t need a Space Mage as a party member.

That’s unpleasant...

I’ll endure it, though.

"I have no such intention."

I said that and fell back into thought.

What should I do? If I’m talking about wanting a party member, I definitely want one.

If a Space Mage joins my party, the current situation might change dramatically... or at least there’s a possibility.

But if I buy this bowl-cut boy, I won’t be able to buy Tawawa.

Moreover, it won’t be possible to buy her later. There are other beginner adventurers trying to raise funds, and while this area is known for beginner adventurers, intermediate and advanced adventurers might drop by. They have the means to pay 100,000 Zeni in cash. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

But...

...

...

To be honest, if I had to choose between a regular Magic Swordsman and a Space Mage, I’d choose the Space Mage.

But I’m hesitating because it’s Tawawa. To be frank, I was planning to spend a romantic night with her under the same roof, in the same bed.

Besides, Tawawa isn’t a bad party member. In fact, she’s one of the best. A promising Magic Swordsman called a genius, she can handle the front line without any problems. Depending on the situation, she can also support from the back. Considering her skills and reputation, I think she could help me recruit more party members. She’s very promising, even if she’s a bit of a freeloader.

But even so...

...

...

Predictions, benefits, drawbacks, various thoughts mixed together, and I couldn’t come to a decision. Then, the bowl-cut boy spoke from inside the room.

"Um, if you’re thinking of buying me, you should reconsider."

His words seemed to come from a place of concern. To be honest, I think it’s quite a kind gesture for someone who’s about to be bought. He might have been bought by kind people before.

Why? I urged him to continue with my expression.

"I’m really a jinx. The people who bought me were all strong, but they all met with bad luck. They said I brought them misfortune. I’ve been like this since before I became a slave. I’m clumsy and always cause trouble. You’ll probably become unhappy just by having me around."

"..."

What a negative attitude. I can almost see the gloom around him. I can understand why he’s called a jinx.

Maybe I should give up... I was thinking that when he continued.

"Besides, my only skill is the Subspace Box. I can’t fight. I don’t think I’d be of any use to you."

His words made me fall silent.

I understand that he’s concerned for me. I get it, but...

My patience snapped.

"Damn, everyone..."

I muttered, reached through the bars, and grabbed the bowl-cut boy by the collar.

"Eh? Eh?!"

Confused, the bowl-cut boy looked at me. I let my emotions pour out. I couldn’t hold back any longer.

"A Subspace Box is your only skill, and you think you won’t be useful to me?! Why?! That’s enough! The previous owners bought you for that very reason! Why do you think you won’t be useful to me?!"

The bowl-cut boy couldn’t react to the sudden turn of events. I continued without waiting for a response.

"Is it because I’m an Infinite Mage? Do you think a low-level Infinite Mage doesn’t need a high-level Space Mage?!"

"N-no, that’s not what I meant..."

His words trailed off. Even if he didn’t mean it maliciously, that’s what he thought.

It’s not just him.

No one wanted to be my party member just because I’m an Infinite Mage.

I’ve been looked down upon many times just because I’m an Infinite Mage.

My parents back home sent me a letter telling me to quit being an adventurer and come home.

Tawawa told me outright that I’m weak, and the owner here thinks the same. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have suggested reselling.

Everyone looks down on me! ...And to be unintentionally dissed by such a kind, timid person is the last straw!

"Hey, bowl-cut. I have a dream."

I let go of his collar and said,

"I’m just an ordinary guy, but I want to succeed as an adventurer."

I want to become strong, make money, and be popular with girls. It’s a common, mundane dream.

"Unfortunately, I became an Infinite Mage, but I’m not giving up. There’s no need to give up. I’ve been an Infinite Mage for half a year, and I think this job is useful. I believe I can reach the top, no matter what the world thinks. And I think I need a Space Mage to do that."

I’m Level 1 now, struggling with a single Goblin, but I have hope for the future.

...Yeah. I’ve decided.

I decided just now.

"Let me introduce myself again. I’m Hibiki. Hibiki Lumator, the Infinite Mage. From today, I’m your master, and I’ll be the ninth person to reach the Celestial Rank. Nice to meet you."

My introduction silenced the room for a moment.

But the next instant,

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA