Chapter 15

When Ricardo returned from hunting the demonic tree Trill, Alessandro was waiting for him.

"There's something to talk about. Come here."

While wondering what it could be, Ricardo headed for Alessandro's room. Alessandro, seated firmly in his chair, thrust a stack of papers in front of Ricardo's eyes.

He recognized them. They were the papers of the thesis Ricardo had been writing.

"What is this, Ricardo? I told you to study the basic textbooks, didn't I?"

Regret for his failure welled up. He should have hidden the thesis where it couldn't be found.

"I'm sorry. I had an idea for a new magic and wanted to compile it into a thesis."

Alessandro frowned and shook his head.

"No, no. You, who have just started learning magic, must focus on the basics. If the three textbooks aren't enough, I'll lend you 'The Great Compendium of Magic' for a while, so study that."

Ricardo reluctantly nodded.

"Understood."

Alessandro hesitated for a moment, then picked up the thesis Ricardo had written.

"This thesis is too advanced for you. I'll give it to Massimo to complete. Got it?"

"Huh?"

This guy is trying to steal my thesis. A fierce light appeared in Ricardo's eyes, but it disappeared with Alessandro's next words.

"I'm the one who took you in from the countryside and let you live here. Moreover, I made you my disciple. You owe me a lot, don't you? Isn't that right?"

Apart from making him a disciple, he had to be grateful for providing him with a place to live and a job.

Alessandro continued in a pressing manner.

"As your benefactor and master, I'm telling you that independent research is too early and you need to study the basics thoroughly."

Though he didn't say it outright, Alessandro's eyes were commanding him to hand over the thesis.

After spending so much time writing it... it's frustrating.

In this world, adulthood begins at fifteen, so Ricardo isn't treated as a full adult. If he angers Alessandro, gets his identification taken away, and is kicked out of the mansion, it would be a bad situation.

Even if he could manage being kicked out of the mansion, losing his identification would make it difficult to enter and leave the city.

Thinking about it, he felt his energy draining from his body.

Ricardo handed over the thesis to Massimo. In exchange, he proposed that he be allowed to read the books in Alessandro's study freely. Alessandro agreed and gave him the key to the spare study.

That night, frustration welled up from the depths of his stomach, and he couldn't sleep.

The next day, he reflected that it was his own fault for carelessly leaving important things in his room.

"Right. I'll write things I don't want others to see in Japanese. And I'll write important information in a small notebook and always carry it with me."

He had a few more ideas for new magic besides the "Molten Flame Bullet." Fortunately, he had scribbled notes on a piece of paper, so Alessandro didn't notice.

Ricardo took out the paper with his own ideas from a pile of papers left in a wooden box, organized them in his head, and translated them into Japanese, writing them on another piece of paper.

After finishing, he burned the notes written in Jorja script and magical language.

He thought about what to do next.

His goal of becoming a mage hasn't changed. Previously, he had given up on taking the exam due to the lack of funds needed for the exam and decided to write a thesis, but now that he knows he can make money by selling the Magic Formation Rods, there's no need to give up on the exam.

The written exam for the exam consists of history and calculation problems, and the principles of magic. The practical exam involves demonstrating three magic spells in front of the examiners and being scored based on performance.

"Calculation problems are fine, but I need to study history. How much of the principles of magic do I need to study? I didn't expect to end up studying for the exam at this late stage."

That day, he decided not to go hunting and went to Eduardo's mansion to ask Patrick about the certification exam.

"History covers major events from the founding of the Romanas Kingdom to the present. Calculation problems are basic addition and subtraction, and the principles of magic are from 'The Great Compendium of Magic.'"

Patrick had studied for three years from the age of thirteen and took the exam last year but failed.

"I passed the written exam, but I failed the practical."

"Is that so? What magic did you use in the practical exam?"

"Flame Soaring Bullet, Water Blade, and Flying Spear."

"All three are upper-level beginner magic. If you failed, does that mean intermediate magic is necessary?"

"No, I heard that if you score over eighty points on the written exam, you can pass with three upper-level beginner spells."

Patrick looked regretful.

"I didn't score over eighty points on the written exam."

When Ricardo said this mercilessly, Patrick's shoulders slumped.

"Damn, I'll pass this time. ...Wait... Ricardo, you're not trying to become a mage through a thesis, are you?"

This time, it was Ricardo's turn to slump his shoulders. After explaining the situation, Patrick got angry.

"Alessandro is unbelievable. Even for a child, that's a terrible master."

"But I've been taken care of by my master..."

"But discovering new magic is a great honor. Giving it to someone like Massimo..."

Ricardo was grateful for Patrick's angry words on his behalf.

"Thank you. I've consulted with you on many things and I'm grateful. As a thank you, I'll give you a Magic Formation Rod."

"Huh?"

Patrick's eyes widened in surprise. A Magic Formation Rod is worth several gold coins, even a cheap one.

"Can I really have it?"

When Ricardo handed over the Magic Formation Rod he had brought, Patrick took it without hesitation.

"In return, tell me about the exam."

"That's no problem."

Patrick happily gripped the Magic Formation Rod.

After about an hour of listening to the exam content, Ricardo returned to Alessandro's mansion and set a schedule for the exam.

The next exam is in a month, but considering he needs to study history and the principles of magic from now on, it's impossible. So, it will be next spring.

The mage certification exam is held twice a year, in spring and autumn, but the autumn exam is for the children of nobles, so Ricardo doesn't have the qualifications to take it.

Ricardo, who turned ten a few days ago, set a goal to become a mage at the age of eleven after a year of study.

First, he decided to borrow 'The Great Compendium of Magic' from the study and make a copy. Since Massimo is also studying 'The Great Compendium of Magic,' he planned to borrow it while his fellow disciple was sleeping and make a copy.

Massimo goes to bed around nine, so he would take out 'The Great Compendium of Magic' after he was asleep and copy it. This process took fifteen days.

He took the completed copy to a leather craftsman and had it bound into a proper book using leather.

The leather craftsman also sold high-quality paper notebooks. He bought a black leather notebook. It was a bit larger than a postcard and was well-made.

He bought it with the intention of writing down ideas and important information in it from now on.

While studying for the exam, Ricardo continued hunting demonic trees and making Magic Formation Rods. Although the number of rods he made had decreased, he had completed a total of twelve.

One day, a messenger came from a city inn. The merchant Bernardo had returned to the capital Delb and wanted to meet him if he had time.

Ricardo remembered that Bernardo had said he wanted to buy Magic Formation Rods, so he wrapped the twelve rods in cloth and set out.

The inn where Bernardo was staying was the most luxurious in the city. He was led to a room on the third floor.

The room was spacious and furnished with high-end furniture. It was a far cry from the attic. They sat across from each other at a table.

"Thank you for coming."

Bernardo welcomed him with a smile. Bernardo had stepped down from the management of the financial empire run by his clan but operated a small trading company, selling goods he collected while traveling.

Two men who seemed to be Bernardo's servants were also in the room, standing behind him.

Ricardo was reminded of the retired silk merchant from Echigo. The servants looked like sturdy men.

Bernardo spoke politely, and Ricardo responded in the same manner, so to a listener, it sounded like an equal conversation between adults.

"How was the northern Kus territory?"

"There wasn't much to gain. I only managed to get a few 'Fire' catalysts from demonic trees."

Bernardo also seemed to be looking for 'Fire' catalysts.

"I've heard that 'Fire' catalysts are in short supply, but why is that?"

When he asked about this, Bernardo explained.

"It's because of the invention of the magic cannon."

According to Bernardo's explanation, a magic cannon is a magical device that can cast magic by pulling a trigger. Currently, it can fire up to upper-level beginner magic, but it still requires a catalyst.

"The magic cannon is said to be compatible with 'Earth' and 'Fire' magic, and those who have obtained a magic cannon are using 'Earth' or 'Fire' magic engraved on the magic circuit board inside."

So that's why 'Fire' catalysts are in short supply. Then...

"Are 'Earth' catalysts also in short supply?"

"Yes, they are, but 'Earth' catalysts can be obtained by hunting magical beasts in the mountains and forests near the capital, so they haven't risen in price as much as 'Fire' catalysts."

'Fire' catalysts have risen in price to about three times the usual because of the extra step of turning the demonic tree into charcoal after hunting.

"Has anything changed here?"

In response to Bernardo's question, Ricardo told him about the demonic tree hunting.

"Ah, the viscount promised to send the viscount's share of the catalysts to the capital. He's a tough one."

"It's easy to say, but the hunting is done by Captain Jacob and the mages. It was quite a challenge, thanks to them."

Bernardo was surprised. From the story, it sounded like Ricardo had also gone hunting.

"Did you go hunting with them?"

"Yes, we were divided into three teams to search for the Elbir. I joined a team of apprentice mages and hunted the Elbir."

As Ricardo described the hunting, Bernardo listened quietly. At the time, Bernardo was only half-listening, not believing that this young acquaintance could subdue a ferocious demonic tree.

Later, he was surprised to confirm from one of the soldiers who had accompanied the hunt that Ricardo had subdued two demonic trees Elbir.

"Is that a Magic Formation Rod?"

Bernardo pointed at the package Ricardo had brought and asked.

"Oh... I forgot. You said you wanted a Magic Formation Rod, so I brought it."

Ricardo unwrapped the cloth and lined up the Magic Formation Rods in front of Bernardo.

Bernardo picked up each one to check. The appearance had improved slightly from the last time, and the snowflake patterns were a bit more complex.

There are probably few magic engineers in the capital who can align the snowflake patterns so beautifully.

"Hmm!"

Bernardo seemed to notice something and looked surprised.

"Is something wrong?"

When Ricardo asked, Bernardo laughed it off and started negotiating the price.

"How about three gold coins each?"

Ricardo's eyes lit up. He had the funds needed for the exam.

"I'll take it."

Bernardo was surprised. He hadn't expected Ricardo to agree to three gold coins. He had planned to start at three gold coins and negotiate to close the deal within ten. This boy might not know the true value of the Magic Formation Rods he brought.

Bernardo pulled out a necklace-like thing from around his neck and took out a walnut-sized metal ball with a short handle about eight centimeters long. When he pressed a button on the handle, the metal ball split open, and a blue gem-like object came out.

It seemed the gem was protected by the metal shell. Bernardo looked at the gem while channeling magic power into the handle. Suddenly, a leather bag appeared next to the gem and fell onto the table.

"Whoa!"

Ricardo was extremely surprised.

Bernardo looked at Ricardo with a childlike smile, as if a prank had succeeded.

"Have you never seen a Blue Jade Tree Crystal?"

"W-What is that?"

Bernardo explained happily.

A Blue Jade Tree Crystal is a crystal-like fruit that grows on a tree called the Divine Precious Tree, which exists only in the magical realm of Crebres. The Divine Precious Tree is a strange tree that, despite being one type of tree, bears several different types of fruits with different colors and properties.

In order of decreasing rarity, there are four types: Yellow Jade Tree Crystal, Red Jade Tree Crystal, Purple Jade Tree Crystal, and Blue Jade Tree Crystal. They also differ in size: the Yellow Jade Tree Crystal is about the size of a soybean, the Red and Purple Jade Tree Crystals are about the size of a marble, and the Blue Jade Tree Crystal is about the size of a walnut.

Not only do they differ in size, but they also have different properties and uses. The Yellow Jade Tree Crystal is used as a component in magic circuits, the Red Jade Tree Crystal can store magic power and is used like a magic power battery.

The remaining Purple and Blue Jade Tree Crystals, the properties of the Purple Jade Tree Crystal are unknown. However, the Blue Jade Tree Crystal that Bernardo possesses can form a compressed subspace inside the crystal when processed by a magic engineer. This subspace can store inanimate objects, and a processed Blue Jade Tree Crystal is called a Storage Blue Crystal.

When Ricardo looked curiously into the Blue Jade Tree Crystal, he saw two small black spheres inside the crystal, with white lines running around them. The white lines spread throughout the crystal.

"There's something black in there."

"It's said to be a mysterious hole where something called a 'Pog' can enter."

Ricardo, deep in thought, asked.

"There are two of them?"

"This is a two-star, capable of holding as much as two carts of goods."

Magic engineers apparently imagine a container inside the crystal while channeling magic power. The subspace grows as long as the magic power continues, and when the magic power runs out, the subspace is fixed and won't change even if more magic power is channeled later.

It seems to be a one-shot process. The white lines appear as the subspace forms, creating distortions inside the crystal. If a magic engineer can recover their magic power and find a spot without white lines, they can create another subspace.

However, if a less skilled magic engineer creates one subspace, white lines will run throughout the crystal, leaving no room for another subspace.

The twelve Magic Formation Rods disappeared from in front of him. Bernardo had put them away in the Storage Blue Crystal.

One of the servants took out gold coins from the leather bag and counted out thirty-six for Ricardo. Bernardo observed Ricardo's reaction as he handed over the gold coins.

For a commoner, thirty-six gold coins are a huge sum that would make their hands tremble. However, Ricardo calmly took the gold coins and put them in a pouch without a care.

Bernardo had a feeling that this boy would become a big catch in the future.

2017/11/15 Typo correction