The Indomitable Martial King

[ Chapter 98 ]

Repenhardt looked at her with a wistful gaze and replied. Relhard firmly denied in a soft voice, “No, that laughter is precisely what we should be paying for.”

For a moment, the two silently watched the joyous feast of the elves. Suddenly, Relhard asked, “Is this child to remain here?”

“That is for Siris, or rather Serendi, to decide. It’s not my place to say,” Repenhardt responded.

“Weren’t you here to send the child back?”

“Rather than that… I just wanted to give her a chance to meet her family…”

Repenhardt scratched his head awkwardly, unable to confess that it was actually a move to score some points. He subtly changed the subject.

“Actually, there’s another purpose. I wanted her to experience the unique power of the elves.”

Relhard nodded in understanding. “You mean the art of spirits.”

“Yes.”

Just as dwarves’ techniques are impossible for humans to master, so too are the elves’ spirit arts unattainable for humans. Although Repenhardt had deeply studied the elves’ spirit arts in his past life and reached a new level of magic, it didn’t mean he could practice spirit magic himself. Understanding the concept of spirit arts and incorporating it into magic was possible, but using or teaching the spirit arts themselves was not.

“I can handle the power of spirits a little myself…”

Repenhardt quietly chanted a summoning spell. A small fire sprite formed in his palm and began to dance.

“…you handle it much better than I do.”

Relhard clicked his tongue. He had heard from Shailen that he was a magician, but seeing it with his own eyes was still surprising. Being a high mage, despite being an aura user, was an illogical situation even for a rational elf.

Repenhardt retracted the fire spirit and muttered, “This is merely magical summoning. It’s entirely different from the elves’ spirit arts. Only your people can teach Siris.”

“Of course, it’s not only our duty but a natural obligation to teach Serendi the spirit arts since our tribe’s teachings are open.”

Suddenly, Relhard closed his eyes and concentrated deeply. About a minute later, flames burst forth from his hand, though they formed no clear shape like Repenhardt’s, just simple flames.

Relhard made a bitter face. “This is the strongest power our Dahnhaim tribe currently possesses. Shamefully…”

The elves who lost the World Tree no longer possess power.

Even Relhard, the most adept at spirit magic among the Dahnhaim clan, cannot manifest a fire spirit into the physical world as Repenhardt does. At best, he can communicate with the wind spirits to discern an enemy’s location or ask the earth spirits to disrupt mana detection.

“I can maintain and materialize the flames to increase the firepower, but…”

Relhard set the flames down on the ground and fixed them in the air. The flames began to intensify gradually.

“This is already a great help in the desert. There isn’t even proper fuel here.”

With a wave of his hand, Relhard extinguished the flames in the air. Turning his head back with a tired look, he continued.

“However, it’s certainly not sufficient for combat. I’d rather see the child learn magic from you…”

Relhard trailed off, embarrassed. Being born an elf and having to admit such things made his current plight all the more despairing. Yet, not speaking the truth would only injure his pride further.

But Repenhardt was not unaware of this situation when he mentioned it.

“Of course, I’ll teach magic whenever there’s a chance.”

Siris, in her past life, was an exceptional magic swordsman. She had reached great heights by receiving direct instruction from Repenhardt, the most powerful magician, and even using the voice of Elucion.

Originally, Repenhardt had imparted magical knowledge to the Four Heavenly Kings whenever possible. There was no reason not to teach his subordinates when he possessed such powerful magic and knowledge.

Well, the Troll Guru Attila and the High Priest Makelin, due to their abilities, could not directly wield magic but only received knowledge and wisdom. Tassid, being quite dense, couldn’t grasp the concepts, so after a few attempts, Repenhardt gave up on him, making Siris his only real disciple.

‘It’s about time I started teaching Siris magic, isn’t it?’

Until now, Repenhardt had been too busy advancing his own realm to spare the time to teach Siris. Moreover, magic requires showing the actual casting and a mentor guiding the mana to properly establish the foundation. Without this, teaching just the theory and neglecting practice can lead to bad habits that make advancing increasingly difficult.

‘Half-learning is worse than not learning at all.’

So, while Repenhardt intended to teach Siris magic, spirit magic was a different story. It wasn’t just about having an additional method for combat…

“Isn’t it terribly sad that elves cannot even converse with spirits?” Relhard asked, his eyes wide with surprise as he gazed at Repenhardt.

“You seem to truly understand our kind.”

Repenhardt looked back at the village scenery without any reply.

Realizing the gravity of his duties as the elder of his tribe, Relhard began to make preparations to leave; it wasn’t the time for leisurely chats.

Just as he was about to step away, Relhard turned back, adding, “If that child wishes to stay here, and if you do not wish to part with them, the Dahnhaim tribe would be more than willing to accept you. Your kindness has exceeded any level we could simply repay, so now you are a brother to us.”

This was a significant offer, especially from the typically guarded elves. Repenhardt nodded in sincere gratitude.

“I appreciate your kindness.”

Yet, it wasn’t feasible for him. He had duties to fulfill and destinies to conclude.

“Enjoy the feast then,” said Relhard as he walked towards the other side of the village. Repenhardt watched him go, his gaze solemn, then turned back to the festivities. The flickering lights and the gently smiling faces of the elves cast a complex array of emotions over Repenhardt’s brown eyes.

The night deepened.

* * *

Repenhardt stayed in Delru Eldel for three days, a period intended for Siris to make up her mind. However, she still seemed undecided.

Interacting with other elves, assisting them with their tasks, and learning about their culture and traditions kept Siris busy, and Repenhardt, with the patience typical of someone his age, merely observed quietly.

On the morning of the third day, Repenhardt emerged from the tent that had been provided for him, quickly eating the camel meat and dried fruits prepared for breakfast before stepping outside.

The village was bustling as usual in the early morning, with elves busily rebuilding their homes. Beyond, at the edge of the oasis, a girl and a woman sat hunched over, talking. It was Siris and Shailen.

“This is how it is done. Do you understand, Serendi?” Shailen continued gently.

“I’m still not sure,” replied Siris, who was learning the basic emotional empathy technique of spirit magic from Shailen. Their palms touching, Shailen continued kindly, “Once you master it, you’ll be able to empathize with the spirits of wind or water. Connecting with their emotions is the first step in communicating with spirits.”

Siris nodded her head and refocused her mind.

“Uhm, I’m not sure…”

“Just take it calmly, and you’ll manage, Serendi. You heard my voice when you saved me, right? Recall that sensation. There’s no need to rush.”

Shailen encouraged Siris, who was hurrying. After all, it had taken her years to feel this empathic connection. It couldn’t possibly be sensed in just three days.

“Ah, is this it?”

“Huh? You’re already sensing it?”

Shailen looked at Siris with surprise. In the early stages of learning spirit magic, cultivating empathic power is crucial, akin to sensing the flow of magical energy in magic. To master this in just three days?

“Mmm… Mmm…”

Siris, sensing something, continued to concentrate with her eyes closed. Shailen watched her with astonishment.

‘It’s impossible… It’s just theory, but how can she have such affinity with the spirits so quickly?’

It was the third day since Shailen had started teaching Siris about spirit magic. In such a short time, Siris had already mastered all the theories and knowledge of spirit magic, the traditional knowledge of spirits among elves, and even the songs to summon them.

The teaching pace Shailen observed in Siris was astonishingly fast. Normally, elves don’t learn this quickly.

However, this was understandable. Since childhood, Siris had been a human slave, rigorously trained in various disciplines. Her experience as a slave had fostered a ‘human-like’ quick learning ability.

But awakening to empathic power in just three days was beyond common sense. It was almost like the elves from the era when the ‘World Tree was still thriving.’

Confused, Shailen hesitantly spoke.

“Well, anyway, you did well. With this skill, even if you follow that man, you can continue practicing spirit magic on your own. That’s impressive, Serendi.”

Suddenly, Siris opened her eyes. She looked at Shailen with a curious expression and asked,

“Can you also feel human emotions?”

Shailen made an ambiguous face.

“It’s possible, but don’t mistake it for sincerity. Humans can deceive even their emotions depending on the situation.”

Spirits are pure beings. Thus, their emotions are pure and there is no doubt in their communication. However, humans, even when they are sincerely loving someone, can harbor doubt and deceit in a corner of their heart. A flirt can express emotions filled with kindness. Human emotions are indeed complex and cannot be defined by a single term.

“Elves have less emotional turmoil, but humans do not. Therefore, trying to discern a human’s sincerity based solely on feeling emotions is a dangerous endeavor.”

“That’s true…”

* * *

‘Hmm, it seems that Siris has grasped the basics of spirit magic,’ Repenhardt noted as he approached the oasis, observing Siris and Shailen.

Shailen’s expression, marked by surprise, suggested that Siris had indeed awakened to her affinity for spirits. Of course, Repenhardt was not surprised; Siris had progressed this far in her previous life as well. Moreover, he knew the reason why.

“The effect of that is indeed beneficial.”

As Repenhardt approached, Shailen discreetly bowed her head and left, evidently to give them some privacy. The man and woman stood side by side by the lakeside, Repenhardt breaking the silence with a hesitant voice.

“Are you enjoying this, Siris?”

“Yes, I am enjoying it.”

“As expected, with your family…”

Yet despite her response, her expression did not seem joyful.

“Still worried, huh?” Repenhardt swallowed hard. He had been patient, but after about three days, even his aged patience was running thin. No matter how enduring an older man’s patience might be claimed to be, Repenhardt was still a man. To have held out for three days was already quite long.

Finally, Repenhardt asked the question.

“Do you want to stay with them?”

“Yes.”

It was a firm response. His heart sank momentarily. As Repenhardt stood dazed, Siris continued to speak.

“I want to stay and help them.”

His legs weakened at her words. Just as Repenhardt staggered, Siris continued.

“But even so, will their lives change?”

“Huh?”

Repenhardt sharply lifted his head, looking directly at Siris who faced him with a determined expression.

“If I follow you, can we change their lives?”

Repenhardt swallowed hard, his fingertips trembling. Trying to calm his overwhelming emotions, he spoke clearly.

“It will change. I swear on my life, it will definitely change.”

Siris smiled broadly, giving him the answer he had so longed to hear.

“Then I want to follow you. For the future of my tribe.”

‘And for my heart…’ she added silently to herself, her last words unheard by Repenhardt. However, this was enough for him. His eyes widened like a bull’s as he grasped Siris’s shoulder, his voice trembling.

“…Is it true, Siris?”

“Yes.”

Her reply was even more resolute. His heart swelled with emotion.

“Ha ha…”

Repenhardt’s lips curled into a wide smile.

“Ha ha ha…”

His laughter soon filled the air.

“Ha ha ha ha…”

Repenhardt laughed heartily, more joyously than he had ever remembered in both his past and present lives.