The Mist Vol 1 Chapter 7

Vol 1 Chapter 7

"...Is this not the place?"

Just as he was about to turn back, thinking he had come to the wrong place after looking around the hall, he suddenly felt a presence behind him.

"What brings you here, young man?"

When he turned around, an old man was standing in a place that had been empty just moments ago.

"I came here because I want to become a mage. Is this not the right place?"

The old man, who looked somewhat suspicious in a way that fit the atmosphere of the Wizard Tower, suddenly looked him up and down as if appraising him after hearing those words.

"You want to become a mage?"

"Yes."

At that, the old man suddenly burst out laughing, "Hahaha."

"Do you think just anyone can become a mage? Young man, do you even know what kind of people mages are?"

He was a bit taken aback.

In a normal game, this would have been the point where one would say, "Oh, I see," and immediately switch jobs like stamping a seal.

"Who are you to ask such a thing?"

He asked to find out who the man was, of course, but the old man ignored the question and said with a laugh,

"It seems you don't know."

"I asked who you are."

"Tsk tsk. What on earth did you come here for? Not even knowing such a thing."

"...A mage is someone who uses magic."

What was he trying to do? Reluctantly answering with an unpleasant feeling while glaring at him, the old man nodded.

"Yes, that's right... Are you joking right now? Even a three-year-old knows that."

Feeling a surge of anger inside, he snapped back.

"Then what answer do you want? What's different about saying a mage is someone who uses magic?"

"Huhuhuh, hehehehe! Then what do you think it is?"

What was he trying to do with him now? Judging by his appearance, he didn't seem to be a user, so he must be an NPC.

"...Are you the one joking?"

"Kuhuhuh, hahahahaha!"

There was no tension at all.

As the conversation flowed like a children's joke game, he was considering turning around and leaving right then, when the old man abruptly stopped his rolling laughter and lightly touched his shoulder with a gentle smile.

"Ah, that'll do. Kuhuhu, that was fun. You've got the basics down."

Not understanding what basics he meant, he stood there blankly as the old man drew a large circle with his right arm and then made a gesture as if jumping over something with his finger. Suddenly, the surroundings greatly distorted. He found himself in a clean and bright room.

"Interesting. You're not even surprised. I knew I had a good eye for people."

He was surprised. But except for not feeling dizzy, it was similar to moving through VT port spaces, so he was able to maintain an unperturbed expression.

"Who are you?"

Thinking that if he said something else this time, it might be better to go out and try to pick up a sword instead, he asked once more. The old man straightened his posture and spoke with a completely different spirit than before.

"I am the one who tests those who enter this tower with a purpose."

"What kind of test?"

He narrowed his eyes and asked for confirmation.

"A mage is someone who can imagine."

Suddenly, an overwhelming aura emanated from the old man.

"And those who imagine are interesting! It's a qualification that mages of the Mist continent must possess. Now, young man. What's your name?"

"...Kapros."

When he asked for his name, he was certain. The gloomy atmosphere where no one had been present and this old man appearing to spout nonsense were all part of a scenario that aspiring mages had to go through. He didn't know who had created this job change scenario, but it must have been some eccentric weirdo.

The old man once again drew a large circle in front of his body and placed his hand on the area of Kapros's heart. Suddenly, light burst forth from that hand, causing him to blink.

"You said you want to become a mage?"

A continuation of the earlier question. But the atmosphere was different. Realizing that this was the real job change ceremony, he nodded.

"Yes."

"One who moves magical power, one who imagines, and thus one who controls great nature. I bestow a blessing that is mere illusion to those who walk the path of dreams. ...Kapros, will you walk the path of a mage?"

With each word the old man spoke, the light enveloped his body more and more. A magic circle with overlapping shining red shapes and patterns expanded from beneath his feet across the floor, and the surrounding air currents began to swirl violently. His hair stood on end and his clothes fluttered.

The effect was refreshingly good. He smiled and answered once more.

"Yes."

"One who relies on newly born magical power, you must devote yourself wholly in body and mind!"

As the words ended, the magic circle disappeared as if absorbed into the shadows, and the wind subsided. As the light faded from his heart, the old man lowered his hand and gestured to him.

"When you leave this room, an endless path that you must walk alone will unfold before you. I hope that someday you will reach the end of the 9th circle, the dream of mages."

The end of the 9th circle... It seemed like a good goal for his new life.

"Thank you."

"Kukuk... Well then, farewell."

Without looking back, he opened the door that had appeared before him and stepped out. Instantly, a large hall filled with bustling crowds of people appeared before his eyes.

"Hey, everyone! How do you become a mage here?"

"Well, there are three things..."

"Argh! I failed again! This is so frustrating!"

His mind went blank for a moment at the ear-splitting noise. How long had it been since he had seen so many people up close?

As he slowly looked around, he saw a robed assistant who appeared to be an NPC standing at a counter in the middle of the hall. The people filling the place all seemed to be users who had come for job changes.

I see. So this was the real interior of the Wizard Tower.

"Excuse me."

Just as he was holding back a burst of laughter, he suddenly heard someone calling from beside him. When he turned his head, an unknown user asked a question.

"Have you completed the job change? I've been back and forth three times, but there's just a strange old man spouting nonsense and not letting me change jobs."