Infinite Mage

Chapter 69: At the Summit (2)

“So, what have you been up to, Shirone? What are you doing in the city? Working at a store or something?”

“Uh? No, actually…”

Shirone decided to tell them the truth. He knew his father kept it a secret, but he couldn’t be harsh enough to lie when asked directly.

“I’m actually attending a magic academy.”

“What?!”

The children all widened their eyes in shock and yelled out. 

It was unbelievable. They knew Shirone was extraordinary since childhood, but the son of a lumberjack attending a magic academy was unheard of.

“How did that happen? Is it true?”

Shirone was surprised by their reaction, more than he expected. To calm them down, he lightly joked.

“Ha ha. I just got lucky. I worked as a librarian in a noble's house, and fortunately, they liked me and helped me get in.”

Hearing this, the children became even more dumbfounded. 

No matter how much he worked as a librarian, it was unheard of for a noble to go that far for a commoner. Those unaware of the hardships Shirone went through to reach this point couldn’t understand.

“Wow, that’s amazing. So, you’re learning magic now?”

“Wow! Magic! Can you use magic? Can you show us?”

As the children clamored excitedly, Shirone had to sweat it out to calm them down.

“Well… I’m still in the lower classes, so I’m not that good yet. Besides, using magic outside of school is against the rules.”

Altor looked at Shirone skeptically. It was hard to believe. Shirone’s fine appearance and character had always been awe-inspiring to the children. But the reason Altor could be the leader was his physical strength, which was most important to commoners.

But now, Shirone was a student at a magic academy, a place thought to be only for the highest nobles, while Altor was still just a villager.

“If you’re at the magic academy, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be busy studying?”

“Oh, that’s because… I just took a break. Had a tough exam a few days ago and needed some rest.”

This time, he had no choice but to lie. Saying he was suspended would eventually reach his father’s ears. Even if it was for a good reason, his parents would be disappointed.

Most of the children seemed to believe him. Having never attended a school, they easily accepted the idea of getting a vacation.

Lumina grabbed the hem of Shirone’s clothes and asked,

“How long is your break?”

“Um, about three days?”

“Really? Are you going home then?”

“Ha ha, no. The term is almost ending, so I’ll go home then. My parents must be busy too.”

“They would be. If it’s only three days, your break would end just traveling there and back.”

The children, sharing similar family backgrounds, knew too well how busy a life of farming was.

Martin asked,

“So, have you decided where to go? Where will you sleep?”

“Um… Actually, I haven’t really decided yet.”

Lumina exclaimed excitedly,

“Really? Then come with us. You used to stay over often back in the day.”

Shirone was tempted by the offer. Going back to the academy meant being confined to his dorm with nothing much to do, being suspended. He didn’t want to spend the night alone in a place without any acquaintances either.

“Would it be alright if I join?”

“Ho ho ho! What are you talking about? We still gather at each other's houses and sleep over every other day.”

Shirone remembered too. They were used to communal living, being friends, siblings, lovers, and family to each other.

“Alright, then. I’d like to see the uncles again after so long.”

“Alright! Let’s go! The goods are sold, so we can leave now! Let’s have a big round of beer!”

Altor wrapped his arm around Shirone’s head and walked him to the cart. Shirone yelped in pain under Altor’s much stronger grip.

“Ouch! That hurts.”

“Ha ha ha! Are you still that weak? A great magician needs strength too.”

Shirone knew Altor’s behavior was his way of reestablishing his position as the leader. Understanding their lifestyle, Shirone didn’t mind. He had grown up among them, knowing their ways.

Altor lifted Shirone onto the cart with ease. It was almost impossible for an average person to lift a grown man, but Altor had grown into a giant since their childhood. As Shirone stared at him in amazement, Altor patted his head and laughed.

“Good to see you, Shirone! Let’s drink until our noses are crooked tonight!”

* * *

Riding the cart into the village, Shirone was filled with nostalgia at the familiar scenery. Green sprouts were rising in the fields along the ridges, and smoke curled up from the chimneys of the houses lined along the mountain ridges. The farmers working the fields shouted as they saw the cart approaching.

“Martin! You’re back now?”

“Yes, Uncle! And Shirone came with us!”

“What? Shirone? Where’s Vincent?”

“Vincent didn’t come. But Uncle, do you know? Shirone is attending a magic academy now!”

“What? He’s eating at a school?”

“No, not eating! He’s attending a magic academy!”

“Ha ha ha! That’s nonsense.”

Martin fell silent, and the uncle returned to his work. Altor understood his reaction. Even he found it hard to believe, how could someone who had only known a life of farming?

Lumina pouted.

“Why don’t they believe us? Shirone, don’t worry. I’ll spread the word later.”

“Ha ha. There’s no need for that.”

Altor spoke up.

“Mr. Vincent didn't say anything either. Better keep quiet and not meddle in this.”

As the leader of the village children, Altor understood the dangers of words. If Shirone was lying, it could put Vincent in a tough spot. 

‘If Vincent stops trading with us, it could impact our family too.’

After storing the cart in the communal warehouse, Altor led the children to the only place in the village that sold alcohol. It was a simple establishment with a dirt floor and a few tables, run by the wife of a herbalist as a side job.

“We’re here, ma'am.”

“Welcome, Altor. Oh, is that Shirone?”josei

“I’ve been well, ma’am.”

“Look at you. I heard Vincent was working in the city, did you meet him there? Anyway, good to see you.”

The children familiarly pushed three tables together, with Altor taking the head seat and placing an order.

“A beer each to start, and the usual for snacks, please.”

Shirone felt a generation gap. These children, who couldn’t even touch alcohol before, now sat crossed-legged, comfortably downing beers. In comparison, the children at the magic academy still seemed so young.

“So, Shirone, do you drink?”

“Uh? No, I haven’t really tried it.”

“What? You’re still a kid then. Don't you even have facial hair yet? Ha ha ha!”

The children burst into laughter at Altor’s joke, though Lumina seemed serious.

“Why say that to a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Always so crude.”

Her defense of Shirone made Altor blush slightly. 

‘Well… it’s always been that way.’

He knew Lumina had liked Shirone since they were children. But now, they were not kids anymore. Strength was admired, and Altor believed he, the future village chief, should be Lumina’s match. Yet, his displeasure quickly faded into the merriment of the occasion. Shirone, too, enjoyed the reunion. Even the beer, his first taste, unexpectedly suited his palate, and the lively atmosphere continued.

“Do you remember when big sis Hauran chased after you, Shirone?”

“Hey, why bring that up now? Stop it!”

A bit tipsy, Shirone waved his hands to stop Martin.

“What’s the harm? It’s all in the past. Besides, Hauran sister got married last year. She’s not even here.”

“Oh, is that so? That’s a relief then.”

The children laughed and thumped the table at Shirone’s comment. Lumina, taking advantage of the mood, clung to Shirone.

“So, what’s your type, Shirone?”

“Uh? Well, I haven’t really thought about that.”

Altor was irked by Lumina’s flirting but couldn’t intervene, so he deliberately turned to Shirone.

“Shirone, you really go to a magic academy? Can you do at least a simple spell?”

“Well, you see, I started learning magic late, so I’m behind the other kids. Magic itself is quite a difficult subject. I’m not entirely incapable, but it’s forbidden by school rules…”

Magic wasn’t just physical force. It was a powerful authority that drew the forces of nature through human spirit. Shirone’s main skill, Photon Output, might not be physically powerful, but he knew it would instill fear and awe in the children’s hearts. He didn’t want to spoil the mood by showing off magic.

Martin, chewing on some jerky, asked,

“So if it’s that hard, can you end up not becoming a mage?”

“Of course. In fact, more people fail to become mages than succeed.”

“Really? Then what will you do for money if you can’t become a mage?”

“Uh? How to…”

Shirone hadn’t seriously considered the possibility of failing to become a mage.

Noticing Shirone's hesitation, the children looked puzzled.

“So who pays for your school fees? Do the nobles cover that too?”

“Yes. For now, I’m receiving support.”

Their eyes widened in awe.

“Wow! Really? How much do they give you? Have you saved up? How will you marry? Have you ever dated a noble? Have you been to those places with lots of women? Nobles frequent those, right?”

“Uh... Not everyone goes there…”

Altor's expression soured as the children's enthusiastic questions continued. It almost seemed like Shirone was the leader now. 

In the village, hierarchy wasn't just about overpowering the weak. If a strong leader didn’t maintain control, people would become greedy for more. Social isolation meant disharmony could lead to the group's collapse. Designating a leader from a young age prepared them for village responsibilities.

Altor spoke in a somewhat indifferent tone.

“Enough with the questions. Are you all that envious of Shirone’s life?”

“Of course. He gets money from nobles.”

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