ROAR!
Ian slowly steadied his breathing as he examined the fierce flames enveloping his entire body.
He could clearly feel the three rings surrounding the Core within his Dantian rotating.
He had done it.
Ian suppressed the laughter threatening to burst from him. He had already reached this realm once before, so he had expected to feel little satisfaction. Yet the sense of accomplishment was far greater than he had imagined.
Perhaps it was because he had learned Evilbane techniques he had never mastered in his previous life.
That was probably the reason.
Memories resurfaced of how he had struggled to survive with a haphazard collection of makeshift techniques. That life had now become something that had never happened, but he could not pretend that the memories themselves did not exist.
‘I can finally begin operating outside.’
He could continue remaining at the family estate.
The Red Spear Knights had acknowledged his abilities, and even the gazes directed at him by the family’s servants had subtly changed.
Some might still pass without noticing him, but no one deliberately pretended not to see him anymore.
His life here was also exceedingly comfortable.
A comfortable bed, clean water, plentiful meals… Aside from the fact that he could not drink alcohol, everything was satisfactory.
However, he could not become complacent.
If he wished to reach a higher realm more quickly, he had to venture outside.
Ian knew one of the laws governing the world.
‘People grow stronger whenever they accomplish a feat.’
It did not need to be anything grand. Saving a village in danger or exterminating a pack of Monsters would suffice.
Even encountering a dragon and surviving through sheer luck could be considered an achievement.
Something ordinary people could not easily accomplish. Something one could boast about proudly over drinks.
Each time a person accomplished such a feat, they grew rapidly.
Before his regression, had Ian not set foot into Level 6 merely because he had fought beside the Champion when she defeated an Outer God and survived until the very end?
Therefore, if he wished to accumulate achievements, he inevitably had to leave the family estate.
Repeated training had granted him the physical ability to respond to emergencies to a certain extent. Now that he had reached Level 3, others might still treat him as a novice, but they would not dismiss him entirely.
‘First, I need proper equipment.’
He suddenly remembered when he had first begun working as a mercenary.
Back then, he had performed all manner of odd jobs, saving one coin at a time until he could afford equipment.
There was no need to do that now.
When else would he make use of the status he had been born with?
He would have to meet his father first.
“Whew.”
The mere thought of speaking with his father made the task feel daunting and drew a sigh from him.
Still, he could not postpone it.
Ian immediately prepared himself and headed toward Lus.
“The family head has granted you permission. This way, please.”
Ian had arrived late and without warning, but fortunately, he was not turned away.
He followed the head butler, who personally opened the door for him.
When Ian entered the office, he found Granod Berger enjoying a drink.
CLINK.
Ice struck the inside of the glass in Granod’s hand.
“This is unusual. You came to see me of your own accord.”
“I apologize for not visiting you more often.”
“There is no need to apologize. We simply had no reason to meet. Now, what brings you here?”
“Do you remember telling me to speak to you if there was something I wanted?”
“Yes. You elevated the name of House Berger, so I said I would grant you something you desired. It appears you have decided what you want.”
Ian nodded.
“Yes. I would like a piece of enchanted equipment.”
Quality was likely more important than quantity.
If Ian asked for several items, Granod might simply give him a collection of moderately useful equipment and consider the matter settled. However, if he limited his request to a single item, his father might give him something he could use for a long time.
It was a gamble in its own way.
It would be even better if Granod allowed him to enter the Treasure Vault.
Before his regression, Ian had heard of several treasures that had eventually left the possession of House Berger.
Thunder Spear, Lumeria.
Red Spear, Thorn Queen.
Sacred Spear, Rom.
Phantom Sword, Changrim.
Blacklight Sword, Dagvein.
Each possessed a unique ability. Their eventual wielders had slain countless Magical Beasts and come to be praised as heroes.
If Ian obtained even one of them, he would never need to envy another person’s weapon.
However, Granod was unlikely to hand over such a valuable treasure merely because Ian had killed a single Dark Mage.
“Hmm.”
Ian waited with his mouth firmly closed.
Granod considered the request for some time before setting down his glass and removing one of the several rings from his fingers.
He took a cloth from a drawer, polished the ring thoroughly, and placed it upon the desk.
“Frey. That is the ring’s name. It is not a relic, but given enough time, it may one day be regarded as one. Its abilities are respectable, considering that I have used it until now. It should prove useful to you in many ways while you are still growing. Take it.”
Ian approached the desk and picked up the ring.
It was not adorned with even a single common gemstone, but it had been carved entirely from a piece of crimson ore and was far from plain.
The ring itself looked exceedingly refined.
“Thank you. I will put it to good use.”
“Is there anything else?”
“No.”
“Good. You may leave.”
“Yes.”
Ian bowed his head.
“Someday.”
Just as Ian was about to turn away, Granod spoke again.
“If you elevate the name of House Berger once more, I will allow you to choose one of the treasures within the Treasure Vault.”
“Yes. I will make certain that I do.”
“You may go.”
After leaving the office, Ian silently looked down at the ring in his hand.
Frey.
Its name alone offered no indication of what abilities it possessed. However, the fact that Granod had not explained them probably meant that no explanation was necessary.
Ian was initially concerned that the ring would not fit him, but befitting an enchanted ring, it adjusted itself perfectly the moment he placed it against his finger.
It was not uncomfortable in the slightest.
Moreover, the instant he put it on, he intuitively understood its abilities.
‘Mana recovery and… greater efficiency in mana consumption?’
That seemed to be the case.
As a test, Ian summoned flames within his hand.
ROAR!
Ian flinched involuntarily.
The flames were fiercer than he had expected.
Apparently, the ring also increased the power of Evilbane.
Yes, an item used by the head of a great house should be at least this impressive.
Ian could not suppress his satisfaction. Smiling brightly, he reached the station where the Warp Gate had been installed, intending to return to the family estate.
“Ah.”
He stopped as something he had forgotten suddenly came to mind.
‘I should have asked for some money…’
Since returning to the family estate, Ian had not received even a separate allowance, nor did he have any savings.
He considered going back and requesting another audience, but his feet refused to move.
As he wondered what to do, someone directly ahead of him spoke.
“What are you doing?”
It was Diol.
Ian could not understand how they managed to encounter each other everywhere he went. At this point, he almost suspected that Diol was deliberately searching for him.
Ian grinned.
“Brother, your timing is perfect.”
“……?”
“Give me some money.”
“……”
Diol frowned.
“Money? You do not have a single coin?”
“No. I was never given any in the first place.”
“Tell me what you intend to spend it on. If it is alcohol, tobacco, or gambling, I will not give you anything.”
“Come now. What kind of man do you think I am?”
“Then what is it for?”
“I need equipment. I am a son of House Berger, yet I do not even own a sword. It is not only a sword. I possess no equipment whatsoever. Does that make any sense?”
“It could happen. Why would it not? How much do you need…? No, wait. Now that I think about it… Hmm. Follow me.”
Ian followed as Diol suddenly strode away.
He wondered where they were going, only to find himself standing before their eldest brother’s office.
“Why are we here?”
Diol did not answer Ian’s question. He knocked on the door, but there was no response from inside.
Ordinarily, a person would assume the room was empty and leave.
Diol did not.
He grasped the handle, turned it, and opened the door.
No one was inside.
“He must have stepped out for a moment. Let us wait.”
As though the owner’s absence presented an opportunity, Diol looked around and began rummaging through the room.
He soon exclaimed as though he had discovered something valuable.
“Oh! These are difficult to obtain!”
“Cookies?”
“Yes. It looks as though he prepared them for guests, but I will take them.”
“Do you know what people commonly call that?”
“Who knows? Theft, perhaps? However, close brothers would not describe it that way.”
“What would they call it?”
“Sharing. Generosity?”
Ian was too dumbfounded to respond.
He let out an incredulous laugh.
“I wonder what our eldest brother would say if he heard you describe it that way.”
“There are several boxes. I doubt he will complain if I take one. Would you like one as well?”
“No.”
They waited in the chairs reserved for guests, and Berdan returned before long.
He looked between Diol and Ian with a puzzled expression, clearly wondering why they were there.
“I was wondering who had entered without permission. It seems a pair of thieves have come.”
“I object. I did not touch anything.”
“Ian, standing by and doing nothing is also a crime. The next time you witness a thief, subdue him. If that is too difficult, call the guards.”
Berdan sighed and sat behind his desk.
“I understand why Diol might be here, but Ian, it is unexpected to see you.”
“He needs money, so I brought him here.”
“Why?”
“Who has the most money among the three of us? You do.”
“…Tell me how much you need, Ian.”
Was this what it meant to have a family?
When Ian had worked as a mercenary, even borrowing money had never been easy.
Berdan was willing to give him money without even asking why. Ian felt a surge of emotion welling within him.
“Well, the more, the better.”
“What do you intend to use it for?”
“I want to purchase some equipment. A sword, gloves, and things of that nature.”
“There is no need to do that. If you agree to become a Red Spear Knight, we can issue you standard equipment immediately. As a member of this family, you must also fulfill your obligations.”
Nobles had a duty to protect their territories and people from outside threats.
Their privileges were granted so that they could perform that duty.
Therefore, anyone who wished to continue enjoying those privileges had to accept the accompanying obligations.
Ian shook his head.
“Brother, I have no intention of becoming a Spear Knight.”
“Then what will you do?”
In truth, there would be no particular problem with becoming a Red Spear Knight.
It would certainly be far better than becoming a mercenary.
The knights had already acknowledged him through their spars, so adapting to the order would not be especially difficult. As Berdan had said, he would also receive standard equipment.
The problem was that acting independently would become difficult.
There would be many occasions in the future when Ian needed to travel alone. He could not request leave every time that happened.
“I intend to become a mercenary.”
“…A mercenary?”
“Yes.”
“…I will ask this only because there is a slight possibility. You are not becoming a mercenary as some declaration that you have no intention of becoming the successor, are you?”
It seemed Berdan had misunderstood him.
Then again, Granod remained in excellent health, so the position of next family head had not yet been officially decided.
That meant Diol could become the successor instead of Berdan.
Ian could theoretically become the successor as well.
Ian had not possessed even the slightest such intention. However, there was no harm in leaving a favorable impression, so he remained silent rather than denying it.
“……”
Diol, who had been listening, suddenly burst into laughter.
“Ha ha ha! You lunatic! Are you serious? Brother, did you hear that? It seems he believed he could actually become a candidate for family head. Ian, our eldest brother probably does not even consider you a rival. Neither do I.”
Berdan smiled.
“Ian, do not worry and become a Red Spear Knight. Become a vice-captain, then a captain. If you eventually become a Black Spear Knight, I will be exceedingly proud and pleased as your brother.”
“You may regret saying that. What will you do if I truly become the successor?”
“If that happens, it will mean that you have proven yourself worthy of the position.”
“…I still refuse. However, I will accept my obligations.”
“You mean that we should commission you once you become a mercenary. What level are you now?”
As though he had been waiting for this moment, Ian straightened his back and extended his hand, spreading his fingers.
“…Three?”
“Truly?”
Berdan and Diol spoke in turn.
Ian nodded and moved his mana.
A dense haze rose along his hand.
It soon became flame.
ROAR!
The flames did not stop there. Moving according to Ian’s will, they traveled from his hand and wrapped around his forearm.
“…Can you solidify the shape?”
What Berdan wanted to see was one of Evilbane’s techniques, Sacred Flame Armor.
The technique shaped the flames surrounding the body into armor and granted powerful resistance against magic and curses.
With sufficient mana, the flames could even be given physical substance, making it armor in the truest sense.
“I have never attempted it, but I will try.”
Ian had no desire to burn the chair beneath him, so he limited the armor to one arm.
Slowly, the flames gathered and condensed, beginning to take shape.
The mana consumption was greater than he had expected, but it was not beyond what he could endure.
A short while later, he successfully created the desired form.
Its appearance was crude and simple, but it could unmistakably be called a gauntlet.
It even followed the movements of his fingers smoothly.
Both Berdan and Diol stared in undisguised admiration.
“That is absurd…”
“It appears you truly do possess talent. At this level, I could entrust you with assignments without concern.”