Reincarnated as a Genius Mage-Chapter 54: A Chicken’s Evolution

"To control the world..." I whisper, taking a deep breath with my eyes shut closed. And I breathe it out, "one must first learn to control themselves." I mutter.

"Good day, Mr. Blank." A matured male voice rings out— disrupting my meditation.

That voice.. why does Jeriq never stay on his own?

A deep exhale leaves my mouth as I open my eyes— fixing my gaze on Jeriq, the blonde mercenary who always disrupts my morning to afternoon meditation.

He has that same wide smile on his lips.

What now?

And I nod, responding to his greeting.

I’m sitting cross legged on the floor, in the middle of the training grounds as usual.

And mercenaries are gathered around the training grounds— some are training, some are lazing around and just watching me, while the rest keep sneaking nervous glances at me as they train.

What nonsense. The Gislow’s mercenaries were known for their slacking in training. But, ever since I became a mercenary last year and started training from morning til night , everyday in this place— more and more people started coming to watch me train.

And then those people that always came to watch me train started training everyday too.

And now the training grounds is packed everyday with mercenaries. Most of them are training diligently, while the rest are just watching me.

And this one...

"So, are you gonna refuse today too?" Jeriq asks with a mischievous tone.

He always disturbs me. Every single day! saying that a C rank mercenary like me shouldn’t only take tasks, and that I should join his team, and accept commissions. Claiming that it’s a better way to make money.

I know it’s a better way to make money, but I don’t need it. Not at all. I do not want to take commissions from all those nobles.

"You should know by now, Jeriq."

"Oh wow!" He exclaims, his bright smile widening, "you actually responded to me today. That’s progress."

"..." I don’t reply, and I shut my eyes back to continue my meditation. "Shoo away Jeriq. I’m not joining any team, and I’m not taking commissions." I speak calmly.

I don’t know if he’s still standing next to me or not. But I don’t care, I’m focusing right now.

After gathering mana for the past year using both the Flame and Air mana breathing technique. The mana in my circle is now of two different elements. Half my circle is swirling with hot, flame mana. And the other half is swirling with gentle, and soft air mana.

My first circle is completely filled up now. All that’s left is to allow my second circle form. It would have happened automatically on its own, but that would be dangerous. I haven’t gained enlightenment yet, and my body.. I don’t know if my body would be able to handle it.

But for now, I have multitudes of first circle flame and air spells in my arsenal. I’m even delving into second circle spell formulas, to better equip myself when my second circle forms.

"I guess I’ll try again tomorrow." Jeriq says in a dispirited tone as his voice slowly fades away.

That’s enough meditation. I have to go eat. I left home without eating today.

And I stand up with a low grunt, adjusting my robe and mask, and I head out of the guild— ignoring the harsh glare of the afternoon sun.

***

Just outside of the moderately large wooden building, I’m standing.

I hope she doesn’t suddenly start interrogating me again.

And I draw in a deep, tense breath. Breathe out, and my gaze flickers toward the outline of the beautiful wooden house showered by rays of sunlight.

It’s our house. I bought it with the money I made from doing all those tasks for the past one year.

An eight year old kid buying a house.. What was I doing when I was eight back on earth? Pfft.

I open the door in front of me, and I walk in.

The fresh smell of fried meat fills the air. And my mouth waters just thinking about the food.

In the inn, I never got to eat good meals there. But now, I’m eating fresh food.

I thank the stars for blessing me with Jennette.

Speaking of the inn. The city’s counsel, and the mercenary guild disbanded it. They said that it was all a front for criminal activities, and it was being run by the now disbanded snake fang gang. And the owner of the inn was Raiden Lerand. The man I killed last year.

"Oh? You’re early today. That’s rare." Jennette’s voice echoes as she walks out of the kitchen.

"Mn, I was hungry." I say as I remove my mask and my bag, placing them on the small wooden table beside me, and I walk toward the kitchen.

Behind me, I hear her soft giggles, "Just as I thought. Well, you came just in time. I made.."

"Fried chicken and.." I sniff, trying to discern the scent of the other food.

"Foodie.." she says in a low voice.

A soft chuckle leaves my lips, "It’s only natural."

"Yeah, yeah, a mercenary has to have a full belly. But before that! Take off your robes, and go take a bath." She speaks.

I nod, "I know, I’m not a dirty person, you know." I reply.

"Sure. And come here." She walks toward me— her soft hands carressing my cheeks, and touching my eyes lids. And her brown eyes lock with mine. It’s glistening with worry. "There are dark circles under your eyes, Ed. When was the last time you slept at night?" She asks.

And I scratch my hair nervously, a cold sweat sliding down my forehead, "um.. last week?" I reply, my voice shaky.

"A lie! You. You.." her forehead wrinkles. It seems she’s about to burst. And then she sighs— her wrinkled forehead relaxing. Her eyes scan my hair. "You’ve grown so big in just a year. How are you even eight years old? Look! You’re almost my height!"

"Um.. can you let go now?" I voice out, her arms are gripping my biceps a little too hard.

"Sure.." she removes her hands "It’s been a while since you cut your hair. It’s really messy. Go take a bath, and come down and eat. After that, I’ll cut it.." she says. "Hmm, or no! It’ll be a waste to cut such luscious, long hair. Just go do what you must. I’ll help you with your hair."

I nod, "alright. Thanks for reminding me to go bathe for the fiftieth time." I let out a scoff as I walk toward the kitchen— tracing the scent.

She grips my arm again. "And that’s exactly why I’ve been reminding you. The bathroom’s that way." She says as she points toward the bathroom.

Shit.

And I head toward the bathroom to go bath.

"I swear, you can be such a baby sometimes." I hear her mutter behind me as I continue walking.

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