ushernet Chapter 53
Chapter 53
[Translator - Clara]
[Proofreader - Gun]
Chapter 53: Mage Hunter (3)
In the heart of the black market's bustling streets, an unusual standoff was taking place. Oscar, having guessed their identities, spoke up.
"What business does a mage from the Yellow Tower have with us?"
"...Hah, even after figuring out who we are, that's the tone you choose?"
The burly mage scowled, but the lanky one beside him quickly intervened.
"Hey, how about we don’t pick a fight right off the bat? You’ll scare them."
He gave a polite bow and introduced himself.
"Greetings. I am Bern Rodri, a Level 4 mage of the Yellow Tower. Now, you too."
"Why should I bother with these lowlifes...?"
"It’s the mission, remember? Do it."
"Tch. Jonathan Pelt, Level 4 mage of the Yellow Tower."
Oscar discreetly checked the air around them.
‘Hmm, no lies...’
The still air didn’t even stir.
‘Seems legit.’
Still, it was too soon to be certain.
This technique only worked on amateurs who couldn’t control their emotions.
The two before him were clearly pros.
‘At the very least, they’ve got their emotions in check.’
Given their introductions, it wouldn’t do to remain silent.
Oscar nodded slightly and introduced himself.
"Oscar Crucian, Level 3 mage of the White Tower."
"Killian Lockwood, Level 4 mage of the White Tower."
"Wait, Killian Lockwood... you mean the saint of the White Tower?"
Bern’s eyes widened in surprise.
Killian tilted his head lazily.
"Perfect! The reason we stopped you is that we need your cooperation."
"...Cooperation?"
"Yes. You’ve likely heard rumors about the Mage Hunter roaming the northern regions recently."
Oscar and Killian exchanged a quiet nod.
It was the very reason Maxime had called them earlier this evening.
"The last traces of the Hunter were found here, in Baran. We're collaborating with the local mages to track them down. Should any of us fall victim, we’ll immediately pursue the trail to catch the culprit. We’d like you to help."
"And what exactly does this cooperation entail?"
Killian asked.
At least he could hold a basic conversation with others.
"It’s a simple request."
Bern pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it to Killian.
"Please take this."
"And this is...?"
"A magically enchanted card. It’s a pair, linked to the one I’m holding. Would you channel your mana into it for a moment?"
As Killian channeled his mana, a magical thread connected the two cards.
Bern nodded in satisfaction and continued.
"By infusing mana, a thread forms that can track your position within a 10 km radius. If the cardholder dies, the card turns red, which allows us to follow the trail."
"Hmm."
It was certainly efficient.
Whatever else, their determination to catch the Mage Hunter was clear.
‘Come to think of it, even Red Tower and Yellow Tower mages recently fell victim to that guy.’
It seemed these two had been tasked by the Yellow Tower to deal with the Hunter.
Bern pocketed the card and spoke again.
"I’ll check your location every two hours. Once you safely reach Sirin, simply tear the card in half, and we’ll be notified."
"Understood. Should we check your location every two hours as well?"
The burly mage, Jonathan, scoffed.
"What a joke. Do you think we’d fall to some nobody?"
"Well, Jonathan’s words are harsh but not wrong. There’s no chance we’ll be defeated."
Their confidence was palpable.
Observing them briefly, Killian gave a half-hearted nod as if losing interest.
"Understood."
If the artifact had a different type of magic, it wouldn’t have lasted three weeks on the market, let alone three years.
‘On the other hand, someone like me can push its potential to the limit.’
Overflowing with talent, after all.
Oscar eyed the bracelet like a child with a new toy.
‘Let’s see what it can do.’
As he channeled magic into it, 30% of his mana instantly drained.
He looked at the small figure of himself that appeared across the seat and stroked his chin.
‘So, the default illusion is fixed as a doppelgänger?’
Focusing his mind, he tried to reshape the figure before him, imagining it as someone else.
‘Trinity. Yes, let’s make it look like Trinity.’
Despite his efforts, he couldn’t fully transform it.
However, the doppelgänger’s left arm morphed into something resembling a gun.
So, partial transformation seemed possible.
‘Seems like a matter of practice and skill. It’ll get better over time.’
Eventually, he’d be able to summon smaller illusions with less mana.
In terms of mana efficiency and versatility, that would be far superior.
‘Can I control its movements?’
He imagined the doppelgänger moving.
The illusion mirrored him, elegantly crossing its legs and gazing out the window with a pensive air.
‘It works.’
But it consumed mana at an alarming rate.
Maintaining such smooth movements cost an additional 1% of his mana per second.
‘If I summon and animate an illusion for just 10 seconds...’
It would consume a staggering 40% of his total mana.
Clicking his tongue, Oscar cut off the mana supply, and the illusion dissipated exactly 10 seconds later.
‘Ten seconds on residual mana. A bit short, but not too bad.’
In battle, ten seconds can be an eternity.
Judging by the realism and fluidity, it was definitely crafted by a high-ranking mage.
‘The claim that it came from an ancient dungeon doesn’t seem like a lie.’
Satisfied, Oscar conducted several more experiments.
Just as he was about to rest, a thin strand of mana zipped through the air and into Killian’s pocket.
“Hm?”
Killian, suddenly alert, pulled out a card from his pocket.
Bzzzzz.
“Ah, they’re checking if we’re still alive.”
“But didn’t they say they’d check every two hours?”
It had been at least six hours without a word.
As an uneasy feeling crept in, the coachman raised his torch and shouted.
“Hey up ahead! Whoever you are, step aside! Move!”
Oscar leaned out the window, spotting a figure staggering toward them.
“Coachman, stop for a moment.”
“Oscar, that person...”
“Yeah, it’s that guy—Vern Rodri or whatever his name is.”
The man from the black market who had handed out his card.
But something was off.
His robe was filthy and torn, as if he’d been rolling in the dirt, revealing cuts and bruises.
His wrists and ankles bore the remains of broken shackles.
“What happened to you?”
Oscar stepped out of the carriage and approached.
The man looked up, his voice trembling.
“Help... Please help. Jonathan’s been kidnapped.”
“Kidnapped? Who on earth would dare—? Wait, don’t tell me...”
At that, Bern’s tears flowed freely.
Then, he uttered a name that sent chills down Oscar’s spine.
“...The Mage Hunter.”
Bern’s shoulders shook as he sobbed.
“Jonathan is in that monster’s hands right now.”
[Translator - Clara]
[Proofreader - Gun]