"Are you saying you've created two...?"
I nodded in response to Bart's words.
Of course, it seemed more like an exclamation than a genuine question.
He stood up from his seat, slowly approached me, and took the potion I had created.
"Truly astonishing. It hasn't been long. Yet, you managed to create two types of potions."
Examining the newly retrieved potion, he made a facial expression as if he had a rough idea of what it was.
"This must be a potion that eliminates the side effects of the Dylan potion."
"That's correct."
Upon hearing my answer, Bart, as before, immediately ingested the potion.
After savoring the taste for a moment with a slight frown, he nodded his head.
"I admit it. Haha. Truly mind-blowing."
Shaking his head vigorously, Bart once again looked at the potion bottle in his hand and burst into laughter.
Then, he gave me a mischievous glare.
"Creating two means that at least one is already complete. You came to visit me on the last day of the year. Well, did you draw the right card with my help?"
"Thanks to you, I was able to focus on my research without worrying about money. I'm grateful."
"Huh! Shameless brat."
Contrary to his words, he accepted the card I offered with a cheerful expression.
"Alright. Since you won the bet, I guess I have to give you a reward first."
And then, he began arranging mana, as if he was preparing to use spatial teleportation magic.
Something surprising happened.
"It's visible."
The flow of mana started faintly appearing before my eyes.
It was thanks to the talent 'Mana' that I acquired through this evolution.
It seemed to be related to the unique trait 'Vessel,' which replaced the epic trait 'Dual Core.'
The unique trait 'Vessel' was something I had never seen before. It was a trait that turned the entire body into a vessel capable of containing mana.
Thanks to it, I was now in a state where there were no boundaries between my heart and mana, and I could use my whole body as a mana reservoir.
'Now, I can use both magic and the sword with the same mana.'
At first glance, it might not seem like a big deal, but it was quite a significant difference.
Originally, there were limitations to the amount of mana that could be drawn upon using Salem's magic, but now, that need had disappeared.
Lost in thought while observing Bart's magic, the mana arrangement was completed, and soon after, the spatial teleportation magic was activated.
'Bart's magic related to space is an original magic passed down only within the Alven lineage.'
With the growth of my mana talent, it seemed possible to imitate the magic that unfolded before my eyes.
In fact, it was a talent that the first playable character possessed as well, but experiencing it directly in reality was on a different level than in the game.
One could say that its deceptive nature was particularly pronounced.
'What almost killed me as a special technique has ironically become the catalyst for deceitful growth.'
Perhaps all of this was only possible because of the temporary and mighty power wielded through the special technique of Sloth.
Of course, without the evolution trait, I would have been nothing more than a small fry.
While lost in thought, the location shifted to what appeared to be a warehouse.
Similar to Bart's office, this place was filled with various odds and ends, but at least there was some semblance of organization.
"Our bet was that if you create a new potion, I will give you one of my prized possessions of your choice. I don't have an obligation to give you two just because you made two. However, there should be some reward for your efforts, so I'll let you choose the item."
"Thank you."
Honestly, I had some expectations and showed him both potions, but as expected of Bart's spontaneous nature, he made a generous offer.
He probably thought that I wouldn't have the discerning eye for the items, hence the proposal.
But what now? I could see the items.
[Cursed Music Box of Cragnat]
[When played, it emits magical music with rejuvenating properties.]
[The longer you listen, the more lethargic you become.]
Indeed, they were visible.
Putting that aside, there were quite a few useless items among the ones he claimed to treasure.
Just as I was starting to feel a little disappointed, I finally came across a proper item.
[Metra's Pocket Watch]
[Mana storage capacity: 0/500]
It may not seem like much, but it seemed like a useful item.
Still, it didn't quite excite me.
After all, it was none other than Bart's warehouse.
Choosing something like this from the warehouse of one of the strongest mages on the continent would only invite ridicule.
'There are too many things to consider.'
The warehouse was filled with items haphazardly gathered without much thought, a chaotic mix of both good and bad items. I had no choice but to check each one individually.
Since I had never been to Bart's warehouse even in the game, it was an unavoidable decision.
'This is...'
As I was rummaging through the piled-up items, I discovered something.
I held the found item in my hand.
[Sealed Sword - Gallakshur]
[Mana conductivity rate: 73%]
[Sealed]
It was a worn-out sword accompanied by a shabby scabbard.
However, despite its worn appearance, I already knew it was one of the named-grade items.
'An item I've only heard the name of even in the game.'
I never expected it to be here.
Although I didn't know the circumstances of how Bart came to possess it, my interest was drawn halfway to this sword.
Bart, who had been observing me as I made my choice, approached with a sarcastic tone.
"You, a magician, are choosing something like that?"
"I've been interested in swords lately. It seems like accidents happen frequently..."
As I mentioned that I would choose Gallakshur, he seemed displeased and headed towards a corner of the warehouse.
Then he came back holding something—a mage's robe and a long staff.
"Choose from these instead. If you choose something like that, it doesn't feel like I'm giving it willingly."
The items he presented were also excellent.
Despite his tic-like behavior, he subtly had a weak spot in his heart.
'Judging by his personality, he probably feels guilty towards my father.'
That's why he made the bet.
If I had actually lost, I'm not sure if he would have expelled me, but the conditions themselves were much more disadvantageous for Bart.
Still, this is this, and that is that.
"I'll just go with this sword."
"Do you even know what it is? It might be better to entrust your sword to a renowned forge."
"It's alright. I truly like this choice. Regret is my responsibility."
With a gesture that seemed pitiful, he casually threw the items he had been holding.
Then he pointed at Gallakshur that I was holding and began explaining.
"That's something I obtained when I was young. It may look worn, but it was obtained from an unnamed dungeon in the Shaiya Desert. It wouldn't be ordinary since it was obtained from such a place."
The Shaiya Desert was one of the several dangerous terrains on the continent.
It was a harsh environment and weather for human survival, and occasional mana anomalies made it an inhospitable place that ordinary people wouldn't even dare to approach.
If it was an item obtained from such a place, it wouldn't be an ordinary dungeon.
'Well, it has to be at least that level to discover Gallakshur.'
Gallakshur was a sword I coincidentally obtained information about during a quest in the game.
At that time, I had tried to investigate it here and there but could not find any clues except for information about its performance.
But I didn't expect to obtain it in this way.
Since Nickel could also use it, it was fine even if it wasn't for me.
I fastened Gallakshur to my waist along with the sword I had been holding.
It had a worn appearance, but rather than being shabby, it had a noble and dignified presence that I found even more appealing.
"Tsk. If you've chosen that, there's nothing more to say. Just don't come later asking to exchange it."
"Yes."
Judging by his words, it seemed that Bahat was also unaware of Gallakshur's true identity.
If he were to find out the true nature of this sword later, he would surely regret it.
'I have a rough idea of how to unseal it. At that time, I simply couldn't find the sword.'
Of course, unsealing it was also a challenging task.
But I was willing to endure whatever it took to unseal it, considering the high expectations I had for Gallakshur.
After choosing the item, Bahat used magic again and returned to his office.
"Now, the business is finished. Keep an eye on things in the future."
"Yes, Tower Lord."
"Before you go, take this."
Bart handed me a sealed letter.
"What is this?"
"During the recent council meeting, a letter was sent to you as well, but you were in a coma, so I handled it on your behalf."
"I was called to the council meeting."
"Yes."
What could it have been about?
For now, I decided to read it later since it would be written in the letter.
As I put the letter into my pocket, Bart, who had been silently observing me, spoke up.
"What do you plan to do during the break?"
Why was he so curious?
Today, his attitude seemed a bit unfamiliar.
It felt like he was struggling as if he owed me something.
"I'm thinking of taking a trip for a moment to catch my breath."
"I see. A trip, a trip..."
Why is he suddenly so deep in thought?
Now that the business is done, I really want to leave.
Bart suddenly conjured a pen and paper with magic and began scribbling something.
Then he handed me the paper after bestowing some unknown magic on it.
"Since you've received the sword, you should at least learn swordsmanship to protect yourself. I don't know if you'll be able to reach there, but I've recorded the location with magic. Go to the place written on it and hand the paper to the swordsman living there. If he knows that I sent you, even though he might find it bothersome, he'll teach you at least a thing or two."
I quietly lowered my head and read the contents on the paper.
And my face stiffened.
"Deschern Polon!"
The most skilled swordsman among the living Aura Masters.
Since he had become an Aura Master over 50 years ago, he could be considered the oldest living Aura Master.
"And he's also related to Luis."
The first playable character, Luis.
Deschern was the one who taught Luis a bit of swordsmanship.
Of course, it was just a setting that he taught him as a pastime, not as an official disciple.
Bart had personally written the introduction letter for me to Deschern.
Moreover, when I saw the location where Deschern resided, one thing came to mind.
"Or rather, should I call it an item?"
It was somewhat ambiguous to call it an item, but one thing was for sure—it was something that would greatly aid in enhancing my power.
It would be good to obtain it along the way.
I had made plans to search for named-grade items during the break, but it seemed like I would have to change my plans.
'Since I unexpectedly obtained Gallakshur.'
Originally, since I was searching for a sword, there was no immediate rush after obtaining Gallakshur.
Of course, having more named items would be advantageous, but it didn't matter much as the items wouldn't run away.
"Now, go."
"Thank you."
He's really going overboard with his kindness, making me even more anxious.
I really have no idea what Bart is thinking.
'A good thing is a good thing.'
Thanks to him, I will become even stronger.
Although I had Nickel as my swordsmanship teacher, there was inevitably a difference between Nickel and Deschern.
After all, the period they spent as Aura Masters was different.
'It's a waste of time.'
I had to go as soon as possible, find the item on the way, and visit Deschern.