episode_0069

I visited several of Kube’s shops to see if there was a way to solve the issue of my magic going out of control through equipment.

I went to weapon shops and miscellaneous shops without missing a single one.

Curious if potions could solve the issue, I also visited Lian’s refinery.

“It’s not theoretically impossible, but the effects of potions are not permanent. Moreover, continuously taking potions that affect the magic in your body may not have a positive impact on your health…”

After hearing Lian’s opinion, I decided to give up on potions.

Even if I could temporarily control my magic with potions, the price was too high.

Plus, there could be side effects if taken long term.

I couldn’t find the item I was looking for in weapon or miscellaneous shops.

There were good quality swords and bracelets that slightly enhanced strength, but items with powerful magic enchantments beyond that were not commonly available.

Is there someone who might know something useful?

The only person that came to mind was Guild Master Algot.

Although I was a bit concerned about the serious matter related to demons that he had asked me about before…

I didn’t know anyone else who might be knowledgeable in this field.

Since I was already asking about equipment, I decided to consult him about my magic going out of control as well, and headed to the guild.

***

As soon as I arrived at the guild, I requested a meeting with Guild Master Algot through Tina.

Algot was, as usual, in his office.

After waiting for about 30 minutes, I was finally able to enter his office.

“I see you quite often these days. What brings you here today?”

Algot asked as he sat in front of his desk, looking at me.

“I have something to consult about.”

I explained to Algot about the issue I was having with controlling my magic, and that I was looking for equipment to help with that.

“Controlling magic is difficult for you?”

“Simply transforming magic or infusing it into a sword is fine, but when trying to use techniques that release magic outward, it becomes uncontrollable.”

“Hmm…”

Algot stared at me with a thoughtful expression.

After a moment, he spoke to me.

“I’ve heard a story about a wizard who struggled with his magic going out of control while researching amplifying magic. Perhaps your symptoms are similar to that.”

“What did that wizard do?”

“That wizard ended up being consumed by the magic he cast, and died without leaving a body.”

That wasn’t the outcome I was hoping for.

In the end, that wizard couldn’t find a solution either.

He even died from his own out-of-control magic?

After hearing that story, a chill ran down my spine as I thought, could that happen to me too?

“It’s not that the wizard couldn’t find a solution. He used a rare ore called Dragonyte to create a staff that suppressed the out-of-control magic. The wizard trusted only that staff and started using magic freely, but when the Dragonyte in the staff reached the end of its lifespan and suddenly shattered, that’s when it happened.”

“Dragonyte… So, if I use a sword made with that ore, can I control my magic again?”

“We won’t know until you try. You’re not a wizard, after all.”

Still, if there was a possibility, it was worth a try.

If I continued like this, I would forever be a half-baked adventurer unable to properly use magic techniques.

Of course, as long as I didn’t get entangled in a situation where using magic was not allowed, it wouldn’t matter. But after hearing about the wizard who died from his own magic, that thought was a bit frightening.

If my released sword or flames went out of control and ended up entangling me, that would be self-destruction.

Well, when I was training alone on the beach to control my magic, there didn’t seem to be any signs of such things happening.

I guess it’s fortunate that I’m not a magician.

“Where can I get that Dragoknight?” I asked Algot.

“Is magic control really that difficult?” I asked.

“Yes, well… a bit…”

“Even though magicians often do strange things with magic, it’s surprising that you’re experiencing such a problem. How serious is it?”

“It becomes so severe that blood cannot be distinguished when magic is released.”

“Well, it’s not like I ate something wrong…”

Algot seemed quite interested in my symptoms resembling a magician’s magic outburst.

If I talked about what happened in Ainblad, I could have explained the cause of my symptoms, but I didn’t deliberately mention it.

It’s best not to say too much unnecessary things, as you never know how it will come back later.

“I want to try every possible method. I would appreciate it if you could tell me where to get that ore. Oh, and if you know a skilled blacksmith, I’d like to be introduced.”

“You seem to want a lot. Information has value, you know.”

“…Is that not possible?”

“No, I just find it amusing.”

Algot smiled slightly.

She had helped me a lot, but sometimes I didn’t know what she was thinking.

What’s so amusing about it?

Without returning the smile, Algot looked straight at me and said, “Do you know why it’s called a Dragoknight?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s because it’s made from the ore surrounding a dragon’s heart.”

“A… a dragon?”

I was taken aback.

Dragons are incredibly powerful creatures, aren’t they?

I’ve only met a fake dragon called a Worm Dragon in the Demon Realm, but I’ve never seen a real dragon.

“Hehehe, your surprised reaction is amusing.”

“So, did that deceased magician extract the Dragoknight from a dragon’s heart to make a staff?”

“Well, it’s a dragon, but it’s not the kind of dragon you’re imagining. There are many creatures called dragons among demons. Among them, there are many that don’t even look like dragons. The Dragoknight comes from the heart of a Steelheart Dragon. It’s quite different from a real dragon.”

“…I’m surprised.”

So, is it a kind of fake dragon like the Worm Dragon?

For some reason, I felt like Algot was gradually revealing information to deliberately create misunderstandings and tease me.

“It’s difficult for Silver-ranked adventurers to deal with. Besides, you’re not a magician, so it’s not very useful for you. The Dragoknight has a suppressive effect on magic, so most adventurers can’t use it. Because of its origin, you can’t buy it even if you have the money.”

“Is it very strong?”

“It’s sturdy. Very much so.”

It’s a somewhat subtle answer.

“But I still want to get the Dragoknight.”

“Is that so? Then…”

At my repeated request, Algot told me the name of the mountain where the Steelheart Dragon appears.

She kindly pointed out the location using the continent map hanging on the office wall.

Aldera Mountain.

It seems like it will take a few days of travel east of Kubele to reach there.

“This is probably the closest habitat. There is a small village called Hilda Village below Aldera Mountain, so you can prepare there and go up.”

“Thank you for telling me.”

I thanked Algot and got up from my seat.

As I was about to leave the office, Algot called me back.

“Yunoa.”

I stopped in my tracks and turned back to Algot.

She smiled at me and said, “You owe me one for this. Got it?”

Then she winked playfully.

He was truly an enigmatic person.

* * *

Having obtained information about the Steelheart Dragon from Algot, I immediately headed east on a carriage.

As indicated on the map, the area where Aldera Mountain was located could be considered quite rural.

The distance was quite far, so the fare I had to pay to the coachman was expensive.

If I hadn’t earned money from my adventures, paying this amount would have been burdensome.

“But… are you sure it’s okay? We’re not going for a specific request or anything.”

Sitting in the two-seater carriage, I looked at Sylphy beside me with a puzzled expression.

Sylphy had decided to tag along with me when she coincidentally found out that I was going to hunt the Steelheart Dragon to obtain Dragoknight ore.

“Following a senior adventurer like you increases my experience as an adventurer! I always take these opportunities to observe and learn!”

“I don’t think there’s anything for you to learn from me. Besides, you’re a Silver-ranked adventurer yourself. Aren’t you on a quest?”

“Well, that’s…”

Sylphy hesitated and averted her gaze.

What’s with this reaction?

“Ah… haha… of course! I’m still doing quests properly! Don’t worry!”

“Since this time there’s no reward involved, you don’t have to help if you think it’s too risky.”

“Oh, okay…!”

“If you think it’s dangerous, prioritize your own safety first.”

Although she was following me out of her own will, I would feel uneasy if she got hurt while being by my side.

So, I advised Sylphy to prioritize her own safety.

Still, thanks to her company, I didn’t feel lonely.

Even though there was a ghost Shari attached to my head, she couldn’t be a conversation partner.

While enjoying the scenery along the way, I noticed a dagger strapped to Sylphy’s waist.

“Sylphy, where did you get that dagger?”

“Huh? Oh! This? It’s a dagger I bought with the first money I earned as an adventurer. I thought having a good weapon would help me in my adventurer life, so I bought the most expensive one I could afford at the time.”

“Oh, it must have been expensive.”

“Yes… I had to spend all my savings on it, so I had to fast for a few days…”

Sylphy stroked the handle of the dagger while speaking.

“You must have gone through a lot.”

“Oh! But after seeing you, I realized that having a good weapon isn’t the most important thing. You’re doing well as an adventurer with just an ordinary sword… A true master doesn’t discriminate against tools! I want to learn and respect that!”

Sylphy’s words pricked my heart like thorns.

No, that’s a misunderstanding…

I also want to use a good weapon.

I just hadn’t thought about changing my weapon.

I’m actually going to find ore to use for my weapon…

Sylphy was looking at me with sparkling eyes full of admiration.

It was a sincere expression of respect.

Anyway, there’s no need to shatter that illusion when she looks at me like that.

“Haha… yeah…”

I turned my gaze back to the surrounding scenery with a cool expression.