Training-Addicted Mage In A Progression Fantasy-Chapter 52: Merchant Convoy Escort (3)

Erika hesitantly confessed.

“Actually... I’m an Apprentice 5th Grade mage.”“...”

Leon was genuinely surprised by this revelation.Achieving Apprentice 5th Grade in one’s early twenties was no small feat.

However, there was no reason for Leon to be aware of this fact.Noticing his reaction, Erika nervously shifted her weight.

“Did I catch you off guard by mentioning this suddenly?”“A little, yes.”“I-I’m sorry. But......”

Awkwardness was evident on Erika’s face as well.

“It’s fine. Is something bothering you?”“Bothering me?”

Leon replied with a puzzled expression.

“No, not at all.”“I see. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”“...”

What was this about?Leon struggled to understand Erika’s sudden change in demeanor.

After that, Erika fell silent around Leon.However, at the slightest movement from him in the chariot, she would quickly turn her head to inquire if he needed anything.

“...”

Leon grew curious about Erika’s intentions.

***

The chariot progressed smoothly along the narrow forest path.As long as they remained vigilant when the road became rough or darkness fell, there were no major issues.

Occasionally, wolf packs would attack at night, but their numbers weren’t particularly threatening.With Leon on duty, and Medriga responding well to monster attacks, the journey remained relatively peaceful.

In such a tranquil journey, the most troublesome things for Leon were rather trivial matters.

“Everyone, please gather to receive rations.”

Leon sighed at that voice.He could already anticipate what was about to unfold.

“Please wait a moment.”

Erika quickly spoke up and headed towards the ration distribution point.

However, Medriga approached Leon even faster than Erika.

As he handed Leon a warm stew and dried meat, Erika’s face, arriving late, visibly stiffened.Medriga glanced at Erika with a triumphant expression, his mustache twitching slightly.

Leon discreetly averted his gaze as Erika’s frustration became apparent.

“...Thank you, but this isn’t necessary.”“Haha, it’s no trouble at all. I’m doing this because I want to. Feel free to call on me whenever you need anything.”

Medriga answered cheerfully, flashing a victorious smile towards Erika.Erika bit her lip hard, seemingly trying to contain her anger.

Witnessing this scene, Leon felt a headache coming on.

Meanwhile, Erika seemed to have an idea as she turned her attention to Kito, who was perched atop Leon’s head.She carefully approached and asked Kito.

“Have you eaten?”“I don’t need it.”“...”

Erika’s face fell in disappointment.

After she left, crestfallen, Kito quietly spoke.

“I prefer Medriga.”“...Why?”“He’s more efficient.”“...”“And has no ulterior motives.”

Kito also seemed to suspect that Erika had some hidden agenda.

Leon sighed, once again pondering how to resolve this strange dynamic.

***

Three weeks into the chariot’s journey.As they emerged from the forest, rugged mountain ranges came into view.

“It’s the Ribein Mountain Range.”

Tris stated briefly.There was tension in his voice, and as the name of the notoriously dangerous Ribein Mountain Range left his lips, the adventurers each heightened their vigilance.The reason for mobilizing 100 Silver Adventurers was precisely to ensure safe passage through this treacherous terrain.

As the chariot began to ascend the steep mountain path, the Trading Company’s experience became evident.True to their reputation as a company primarily engaged in trade, they swiftly handled minor issues, and even when accidents like broken chariot wheels occurred, they pressed on without significant delays.

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However, the real challenge lay in the monsters inhabiting this mountain range.

“Mountain trolls!”

Just as Leon was taking a break, monsters attacked.The chariot halted, and the imposing presence of trolls was felt from all directions.

Of course, there wasn’t much cause for alarm.A force of 100 Silver Adventurers wasn’t easily overwhelmed.When Leon used magic, there was hardly time for weapons to be drawn, but that didn’t mean the adventurers lacked skill.Medriga, too, was a mage of considerable ability.

“Can Runic Script be learned in the Empire?”

Leon answered Kito’s question.

“There’s a good chance.”“Not certain, then?”“Still, it’s worth investigating.”

Just as there were numerous magic books in the Central Magic Archive in Widia, the Empire might have a similar repository.

“So, are we setting up a new nest?”“A new nest......”

The Asteria School.It was the institution that Arpina had advised Leon to seek out.

“That’s my first destination.”“Arpina... Wasn’t she the woman who showed considerable interest in you?”“Interest?”

Leon pondered for a moment.It would be difficult to deny.After all, she wouldn’t have gifted him the magic book on Harmony’s Providence without some level of interest.

“I didn’t realize you paid attention to such things.”“You’re my master now, so isn’t it my duty to keep an eye on those who show interest in you?”“...I wasn’t aware you had such a strong sense of duty.”“Hmm.”

As Leon conversed with Kito, a sudden knock came at the chariot door.When Leon rose to open it, Medriga stood there, his mustache askew.

“Theo! I’m terribly sorry to disturb your rest.”“What’s the matter?”“C-Could you lend us your assistance? There are more trolls than we anticipated...”

Leon suddenly realized that the battle was still raging.Is this typical of the Ribein Mountain Range?

“Certainly.”“Th-Thank you!”

An expression of gratitude and relief washed over Medriga’s face.

Leon felt a twinge of sympathy for Medriga.The reality of a lower-ranked mage having to defer to a high-ranking mage struck a chord with Leon.Although Medriga might act arrogantly towards ordinary people, Leon wasn’t broad-minded enough to reproach him for it.

Moreover, Medriga was middle-aged.It couldn’t have been easy for him to bow his head to a 15-year-old boy.

Am I being too Confucian in my thinking?

The world of mages is cold, and such sentiments might not exist.

Leon hastily exited the chariot and rose into the air.

“It’s Theo!”“The mage has come to help! Everyone, hold on!”

Surveying the battlefield, Leon saw ten giant trolls with rock-hard skin surrounding the chariot.One had already fallen, and judging from the numerous sword marks and rock fragments embedded in its body, it seemed the adventurers’ efforts and Medriga’s earth attribute magic had been effective.

Leon questioned Medriga.

“Was magic not very effective?”“That’s not it. Mountain trolls need to be felled with one powerful blow, but since my magic specializes in the earth attribute...”

Medriga’s voice trailed off, as if embarrassed.

Ten adventurers were clinging to each troll to hold them back, which didn’t seem to be a major issue.However, the real problem was the horde of trolls approaching from behind.

“Do trolls usually appear in such large numbers?”“From what I’ve heard, there’s never been an attack by such a large group of trolls at once...”

Leon first extended his palm towards one of the trolls.

“Fall.”

Boom-

A thunderbolt struck the troll, felling it instantly.

“Graaah!”

The giant troll collapsed to the ground with an agonized scream.

It didn’t seem to possess the excellent magic resistance of the monsters deep in the Beast Forest.While its recovery ability was impressive, its defense wasn’t strong enough to withstand apprentice magic like the golem in the Ancient mage’s lair.

The troll had no means to counter magic imbued with Arcane power.

“Lightning out of nowhere...”“It’s the Mage’s magic!”

The faces of the sweat-drenched adventurers brightened instantly.

Having confirmed the effectiveness of his attack, Leon immediately unleashed nine thunderbolts simultaneously.In an instant, all ten trolls were annihilated.

Leon addressed Tris, who was leading the adventurers.

“Please hold on for a moment.”

Leon immediately began calculating Arcane magic.

Arcane magic, Glory’s Thunder.

As Leon’s concentration peaked, the surrounding air trembled and immense Magic Power began to swirl.The force of that power was so intense that Medriga stepped back, his eyes wide with bewilderment.

The sky was instantly blanketed with dark clouds.Even the approaching troll horde hesitated momentarily, sensing the gathering of enormous power.However, they had no time to comprehend the true might of that power.

Rumble-

Thunder roared as the sky split open.Then, lightning rained down furiously upon the horde of over twenty approaching trolls.

Boom- Boom-

Lightning flashed, and the ground shook from the impact of the thunderbolts.

The trolls were helpless against this powerful onslaught.Those who had boasted of their giant bodies now crumbled amidst smoke and flames.

“So this is the power of a mage...”

The adventurers stared in awe at the scene.The might of a mage was more formidable and overwhelming than anything they had ever witnessed.

“Is he even human...?”“Mind your words, friend.”

Tris calmly admonished him while surveying the surroundings, but even he felt a sense of inadequacy in a corner of his heart.The mage had completely subdued the troll horde in less than a minute, a feat that they, a hundred strong, had barely managed to contain.

Gazing upon the battlefield strewn with troll corpses, the adventurers gained a newfound appreciation for the true power of a mage.

As Leon descended to the ground, Erika approached and offered him a cloth.

“To wipe your sweat......”“I’m fine, thank you.”

Leon said with an awkward smile.He hadn’t broken a sweat.

Observing this exchange, Medriga clicked his tongue, as if regretting his tardiness.

Come on, stop competing over such trivial matters.

“So this is Arcane magic...... It’s truly awe-inspiring.”

Medriga, who had approached with a changed expression, regarded Leon with eyes full of genuine admiration.

Afterwards, the group set out again, but the journey was not as smooth as when passing through the forest.Unlike their forest traverse, numerous monsters kept attacking.

“Doesn’t this seem unusual to you?”

An adventurer next to Tris spoke in a tense voice.Tris nodded gravely.

“Could this be... some kind of monster horde?”

Even for the Ribein Mountain Range, such frequent monster attacks were extraordinary.

At that moment, a massive shadow was cast from the sky.Tris exclaimed in surprise.

“Is that... a Thunder Bird?”“Isn’t that a creature that dwells at the peak of the Ribein Mountain Range? It’s unheard of for it to descend this far! This defies logic! Someone must be deliberately guiding these monsters towards us!”

An ominous feeling settled over the group.