Chapter 62

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Chapter 62: The City of Dreamers (2)

“...Oscar’s breathing technique combined with potions for artificial stabilization of the mana circuit, you say?”

The Deputy Tower Master, who was being briefed on the results of the training camp, couldn’t hide his astonishment.

He immediately recognized the immense value of this training method.

“My goodness. If this is announced, it will completely elevate the status of the White Tower.”

“Status, indeed. That’s true.”

Maxim, grasping the significance of the matter, stared at Oscar with a look of awe.

‘It took Oscar just two days to discover this breathing technique and incorporate it into the training camp.’

In other words, he managed to devise the ultimate training method utilizing a new breathing technique in a mere two days—a testament to his genius analytical and application skills as a theoretical mage.

“At this rate, he might even unravel the security spells embedded in the breathing technique soon.”

“Security spells? Oh, right.”

Oscar nodded, recalling the strong opposition he had faced from his subordinates right after creating the breathing technique.

‘They insisted it couldn’t be taught to mages as it was and demanded that security measures be implemented.’

In the end, he accepted their suggestion and added several security spells to finalize the technique.

It wasn’t a particularly challenging task for him.

After organizing his thoughts, Oscar spoke up.

“I’ve already identified some of the security-related spells. I’ll submit a formal report on them soon.”

“Thank you.”

The Deputy Tower Master gave him a look filled with affection.

At that moment, Fidelina, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up.

“...I hesitate to say this, but the mages we recruited this year weren’t particularly talented.”

“Well, that’s hard to deny.”

“But the fact is, every single one of them achieved a Level 4 promotion within a year of joining the tower.”

This was an extraordinarily rare feat, even when considering the long history of the various magic towers.

Such a rapid advancement was only feasible during the heyday of the White Tower, when the continent’s prodigies flocked to it.

This could mean only one thing.

“This gives us a powerful advantage to attract academy graduates during future recruitments.”

The White Tower could now advertise: Regardless of talent, we can promote you to Level 4 faster than any other magic tower!

What Level 3 mage wouldn’t be tempted by such an offer?

“It’s an unfortunate reality, but to the so-called geniuses of the academy, the White Tower isn’t even considered an option right now.”

“That’s true.”

Their ultimate goal was to join one of the Four Great Towers, excluding the White Tower.

But what about mages who weren’t prodigies?

“The Blood Tower? Not bad. The Black Tower? Sure, they’ve been making waves. But neither of them is one of the Four Great Towers, right?”

Thanks to the recent success of the potion business, perceptions of the White Tower had already improved significantly compared to the beginning of the year.

Now, adding the advantage of rapid advancement to Level 4 would further enhance their competitiveness.

“Next year, we’ll likely be able to recruit more mages than this year.”

And their talent level would undoubtedly be higher as well.

This was the result Oscar had brought back after three weeks of training camp.

“The best part is that this promotional strategy is exclusive to the White Tower. No other tower can replicate it. Why? Because they don’t have Oscar’s breathing technique!”

“Hah, the Blue Tower is going to be envious.”

“Envious? They’ll be absolutely furious.”

While the two elders chuckled and envisioned a bright future, the Deputy Tower Master casually addressed Oscar.

“Oscar, do you happen to know what December 25th is?”

“Come on, even with my amnesia, I know that much.”

December 25th.

It was both a holiday of the El Terra Church and a public holiday in the Empire.

“Christmas. It’s the birthday of the goddess’s first apostle, isn’t it?”

The Apostle Chris Luther.

He had spread the teachings of the goddess, founded the church, and became its first pope.

He declared his birthday as Christmas and established it as a day of celebration, one spent joyously with family, friends, and loved ones.

“Correct. But do you also know what the White Tower does on Christmas?”

“...Singing songs and eating cake? Oh! Or maybe a gift exchange?”

“Not quite.”

Judging by the Deputy Tower Master’s amused expression, it seemed Oscar had guessed wrong.

‘Then what is it?’

As far as he knew, there was no connection between the White Tower and Christmas.

After all, it was a church holiday.

Seeing Oscar’s puzzled expression, the Deputy Tower Master began to explain.

“After the war with the demons ended, when the White Tower was struggling to generate any revenue, the church reached out with an offer of collaboration.”

“Collaboration?”

“Yes, and that’s the origin of the White Tower’s Christmas duties, which have continued for over a decade.”

The Deputy Tower Master’s lips curled into a playful smile.

“Our job is to play Santa Claus.”

“Santa Claus? You mean the old man with the fluffy beard and red suit?”

“Exactly. The symbol of Christmas who delivers presents to good children.”

“I see.”

Hearing this, Oscar began to piece together what the task might entail.

In short, it meant donning a Santa suit, putting on a fake beard, and delivering gifts.

“The church probably proposed this because we’re so adept at flying through the sky.”

“That’s right. There’s no one on the continent better at aerial travel than the mages of the White Tower.”

Still, a question lingered in his mind.

“...But it’s impossible for White Tower mages alone to deliver presents to all the children on such a vast continent, isn’t it?”

“Of course it’s impossible. But we do our best to reach as many cities and children as we can. That’s why, while Christmas is a holiday for most people, for us, it’s one of the busiest days of the year.”

The Deputy Tower Master handed Oscar a brief document.

“As you can see from this chart, the number of mages assigned depends on the size of the city.”

“...This is real?”

Only one mage was assigned in a mountain village with a population of 500.

According to the data, children made up an average of 34% of the population.

‘So in a town of 500, there would be around 170 children.’

Delivering gifts to all of them in one night would be an overwhelming task for a single person.

As Oscar’s expression grew tense, Maxim shrugged.

“That’s why everyone gets a bit touchy around this time of year. But thanks to you, we’ve added 32 more Level 4 mages this year, so it’ll be a bit easier than last year.”

Hearing this, Oscar let out a sigh of relief.

“I almost forgot. Official tower duties start at Level 4, don’t they?”

For novice mages, the primary goal was to reach Level 4 and become intermediate mages.

In other words, whether this Christmas was hectic or not had nothing to do with him, as he was still Level 3.

However, his relief was short-lived as the Deputy Tower Master continued speaking.

"Usually, that would be the case."

Usually?

What? Why does that word feel as prickly and unsettling as a thorn on the tongue?

Oscar's sharp intuition didn't fail him this time either.

"This year, the lord of Vince made a special request. Specifically, he requested that you, Oscar, be included in the group of dispatched mages."

"From Vince?"

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Wasn't that the place where he was the first to distribute the treatment for the Cadena flu?

The lord of Vince really has no sense of propriety.

Repaying a favor like this, as if it's a grudge...

"He mentioned wanting to repay the favor from the Cadena flu incident and insisted on meeting you to express his gratitude this time."

"I'm fine with just a heartfelt thanks."

"Ha ha, my apologies, but the request has already been accepted. I thought it would be a good experience for you."

"……."

Ah, so they never intended to ask for his opinion in the first place.

Oscar, his eyes drooping in resignation, finally opened his mouth.

"Vince's population is about 5,000, correct?"

"You remember correctly. And that's why we're sending eleven mages to Vince this time."

"Wait, eleven? I thought it would be ten."

At that, the Tower Master smiled gently.

"I know your abilities are remarkable, but you're not yet ready to fully take on Level 4 responsibilities. Besides, since the lord of Vince specifically requested you, it's more likely you'll spend your time at the manor being treated as an honored guest rather than being tasked with the same duties as the others."

"Ah, I see."

So there was no need to be so apprehensive.

In short, it sounded like he just had to go on a trip, receive some gratitude and gifts, and return.

"Then I don't really need to prepare anything, do I?"

"No, probably not. When you arrive in Vince, you’ll likely just have a conversation with the lord and assist with a simple event held at the manor."

That doesn’t sound too bad.

Oscar nodded.

"Understood. When is the departure?"

"Three days from now, at 8 a.m. I heard they'll be sending a separate vehicle from Vince."

"Oh, a car…"

Correction.

The lord of Vince clearly understands what gratitude means.

As the conversation wrapped up, Fidelina made sure to express her thanks.

"Oh, and regarding the contributions you've made this time, the Magic Tower will reward you separately, so you can look forward to that."

It wasn’t like he shared his training method expecting a reward, but there was no reason to refuse it if they were offering.

"Understood."

* * *

Three days later.

At 8 a.m., when the winter sun was sluggishly crawling up the sky, over a hundred carriages lined up at the entrance of the White Magic Tower.

"To Knox! Those heading to Knox Territory, please come this way!"

"One person hasn’t boarded the Melbourne-bound carriage! We’re departing soon, so please hurry!"

"Excuse me, sir. As cute as they are, please don’t feed the horses without permission."

The scene was so lively that it could easily be mistaken for a bustling marketplace rather than the entrance to the Magic Tower.

"Excuse me, are you perhaps Wizard Oscar Crucian?"

Oscar turned to look at the neatly dressed gentleman approaching him and nodded.

"Yes, I am. And you are?"

"I’ll be your driver for the next few days. Please, call me Bill."

"Nice to meet you, Bill."

"Then let me escort you to the vehicle."

Following him to the prepared vehicle, Oscar’s eyes widened.

What is this?

The vehicle was at least 1.5 times bigger than the taxi he had ridden before.

However, it wasn’t crude or clunky; the elegant curved design gave off a refined and sophisticated vibe.

If an ordinary taxi was akin to a wyvern, this was like a dragon exuding sheer majesty.

"Hey, isn’t that a Starlight?"

"Looking at the grille, I think it is. And it seems to be the latest Series 3."

"It’s like looking at a work of art. Riding in something like this would be a dream come true."

"Keep dreaming. A single one of these costs over 2 million bells."

"…That expensive? A regular worker would have to save every penny for 50 years to afford one."

"Of course. Do you know how many enchantments this thing has?"

Around the vehicle, mages gathered like curious onlookers, drooling over the majestic carriage.

"Excuse us, coming through,"

Bill said softly, clapping his hands.

The rear door opened automatically.

"Please, step in."

"…"

Mesmerized, Oscar got in.

Once seated, Bill, now at the driver’s seat, spoke.

"Please don’t be alarmed."

As he said that, a smooth belt wrapped snugly around Oscar.

"The latest technology…?"

"Haha. This is one of the top three luxury VIP vehicles in existence today."

At this point, there was no denying it.

This was on a whole different level from ordinary carriages, and even comparing it to taxis felt insulting.

Cars are amazing…

Even while seated, there was enough headroom to fit three fists stacked atop each other.

Moreover, the ceiling embedded with countless jewels sparkled like stars.

When he stretched out his legs, the seat automatically adjusted, reclining slightly to support his body.

"Ah…"

As he marveled, the vehicle smoothly began moving.

There wasn’t the slightest jolt; it was perfectly stable and silent.

"I overheard the mages earlier. Does this vehicle have enchantments as well?"

"Yes. It’s equipped with numerous safety spells like shields and shock absorption, along with magic for weight reduction, energy efficiency, and speed enhancement."

In short, the massive vehicle itself was essentially a magical artifact.

Unfortunately, the enchanting experience ended after a mere 12 hours.

"I’ve been waiting! I am Pieta Vince, lord of Vince!"

A portly middle-aged man with a welcoming smile at the mansion greeted them.

Despite being a stranger, his eyes radiated warmth and friendliness.

"I’ve long wanted to repay the favor of saving our territory, and I’m glad to finally do so!"

"I only did what I ought to. On the contrary, I must thank you for inviting me."

"Did you have a comfortable trip?"

The lord asked as they walked through the grand mansion.

"Yes, thanks to the vehicle you sent, the time passed in no time."

"Haha! I’m glad it suited your tastes. I was worried it might not be to your liking."

"Of course not."

"Please continue to use it moving forward."

"…?"

Stopping in his tracks, Oscar asked,

"Moving forward? What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, didn’t Bill explain? That vehicle is my Christmas gift to you."

"…."

Once again, correction.

The lord of Vince was not just someone who understood gratitude but was truly a saint of this era.

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

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