Chapter 33 - Specialty

CHAPTER 33 - SPECIALTY 

LUKE HODGES

The sound of metal on metal, precision and specialty, this man was doing what a blacksmith dream is. Making Armor, weapons, relics, ect. 

I remembered that in Elder Rinia's note, she mentioned something about a blacksmith that is in their debt. And if I ever needed something, I'd go to Dinzel Brook and he would gladly help me out. 

Though, just thinking about it sounds suspicious. The Elder Elf seer gives me a path of thinking which doesn't bring me any joy. She already confirmed that I appear in her visions, but still not something that can be taken as a truth. Maybe it was a vision from some time ago… Whatever. I need to find Dinzel Brook first then everything else comes last. 

Wait a damn minute… If I was correct, in the original novel, there wasn't a Dinzel Brook. No mention of him was ever discovered by the readers or me. So what the hell is he? A sub-character? Or perhaps a new character that has been brought to life because of me…? 

As I tried to find a solution to my question, I was suddenly absorbed in the quick surprise that was waiting for me. The closer I got to the sound making thing, the stronger the earth affinity got. Engulfing my mind and heart with its sweet power for control, my clear objective was about to be forgotten. 

In the beginning of the small and narrow underground hallway, the sensation of the magical affinity pulled me into its path. It wasn't just a single affinity that pulled me either, there was something else, something supporting the elemental affinity so that it could seduce me with its control over it. 

At the end of the narrowed small hallway, was an orange light. From first speculations, it had something to do with fire or at least a candle or some sort, I couldn't just put my finger on it. It was soon revealed to me what it actually was…

"Mr. Brook?" I quietly said, trying to get my voice over the sounds of the loud metal being hammered with strength and accuracy. 

That is when I saw a man, no taller than 5-5, long brown beard, his eyes covered by some sunglasses type of goggles, and yet his brownish red hair was that of a model, combed at the side. 

Was he a dwarf? Or was he human? My mind and thoughts didn't settle down at his unknown race. Perhaps he is an elf… no that would be… unrealistic, I think. 

"Mr. Brook! Can you hear—"

Before I could finish my sentence for his attention. A sense of mana flared and entered my field of magic. 

Who—

A set of footsteps, that made the smashing sound of the metallic steel ready to be transformed into a weapon of some sorts, sound so powerless, and into the room. Firstly, I was cautious of this one. Not being able to sense or feel their presence until they were at the door made me feel a little nervous about who it was. 

When they crossed the line of the doorframe, a tall elderly woman, grey hair and brown eyes, soft and gentle facial features that made her resemble a loving grandmother. This elder wore a hat, one that would be considered a witches hat back on earth but only larger, and an elegant navy blue robe with gold threadings.

"Dinzel, still hard working—"

She was cut off by the man hammering the metal. 

Her brown eyes narrowed in a hint of irritation, and in a simple gesture, a bubble of translucent air filled the room. Locking out the sounds made by the man who was doing his work apparently stopped. 

In a hazed voice but still strong in intent, the elderly woman said, "You know I hate speaking loud, yet despite that you like to push my limits as an elderly woman, Dinzel." 

Dinzel gave the old woman a hard look before giving it up in a scoff, putting his tools down and even stopping the flames from his furnace. 

Thank the heavens, it was hot in here… Luke! This isn't the time to be in awe because of the room temperature changing! 

And… 

I looked at my feet below, barely being able to see them as I had conjured mist magic around the room making it seem normal to an extent but I don't think I will be able to keep this up. 

"Now…Who might you be, young man?"

My eyes widened, having the elder brown eyes nonchalantly observe me like I was still visible. Thinking it was a fluke, I kept my composure. 

Then, the conjurer let out a soft breath and released her no-sound bubble spell. Along with it, a blue-ish binding spell slithered around me like a snake ready to squeeze its prey to death. 

I guess I have no choice but to give up here, I can't go fighting this person, much less with me having almost no mana left after having the deviant spell active for so long. 

Taking a deep breath, I raised my hands in a sign of defeat, hopeful that they wouldn't integrate me in a horrible way. "P-please don't do anything… I was just looking for Mr. Brook."

"Hm. And is that the reason why you activated your mist spell? If I were a little late and less composed, I'd thought you came here to kill Dinzel." 

Is that how it looked to her? Crap. I must have really made a bad impression already. 

"I assure you that I didn't have that type of intention in the slightest. I just came here because I was told that Mr Brook made custom items." That was the truth. I didn't come here to assassinate someone who could help me during my hunt for the alacryans, on the other hand, I should be able to thank them for it. 

Yet it wouldn't just be on one day–even though that would be a great thing–and maybe just keep their numbers as low as possible so when the war comes… No. I am getting too ahead of myself, the academy is what needs to be protected. 

"M-may I show you the note? It was from Elder Rinia." I said, trying to not sound nervous when seeing a powerful conjurer displaying such spells that could end my life in one go. From my dimension ring, I took out the note Elder Rinia had planted in it. 

For a moment, I saw Mr. Brook's eyes lit up or widened–I wasn't too sure with all the tension in the room–when I showed him the note along with the ring. He took his time to read the note and of course how she has visions of me now as well. 

After a minute or two, he was done, tossing the note to the crackling fire behind him. 

"Okay, you are the boy Rinia and Virion talked about. Luke, right?" 

I nodded. 

His sudden change in tone gave me the impression that he normally wouldn't act like this to anyone unless that person is sent by someone he trusts. 

"It's alright, Cynthia. He was sent to me by Rinia and Virion." He chuckled.

The big hat mage Cynthia–

Wait! 

This is Cynthia? THE Cynthia Goodsky?! 

The director of Xyrus Academy? 

W-Who would've thought we would meet this way.

***

"So Luke, tell me, what brings you here?" Dinzel said, pouring me and Cynthia Goodsky hot tea.

I took a moment before answering. The reason being is that I can't say that I wanted to deal with some Alacryans while there was one right in front of me. That itself is suicide. And, I don't know if she is being watched or is still on Agrona's side. 

"Well to be honest, I just needed some equipment for my adventuring days… or at least someone who can repair my items when it's needed." I said, clearing my throat. "And during my stay in Elenoir, Elder Rinia said she knew someone who can help me with custom made items."

The man, whose black eyes were covered earlier by the safety goggles, had a wry grin when he heard my answer. "Y-You want to be an adventurer, at your age?"

I simply nodded.

Dinzel sat down next to Cynthia and started to think deep. "Hmm. If you don't mind me asking. Why be an adventurer, when you could be going to an academy at your age." 

The Director of Xyrus Academy was next to add, "And while I do admit it was quite the feat of using mist deviant, I don't think with your mana core being accepted into any academy here in Xyrus wouldn't be an impossible thing." 

My eyes–which were entirely focused on both adults–fell towards the tea cup. I felt my eyes relax for a moment and my facial expression showed. I don't know what emotion or emotions I showed them, but I didn't have anything against it. 

On the contrary, I was fine with it. 

"You are right. However, there was a promise I did, long time ago. To keep that promise, I must get stronger than what I already am." 

That was right. I had made a promise to them, everyone in this world, more specifically, the characters. The moment I found out I was reincarnated in Dicathen, I vowed to get strong to the point where losing wasn't a thing. Where the time of losing the war didn't happen. I must go past white core stage and into the integration stage before the war commences. 

I hovered my hand over my sternum and felt the spell inches away from my core, trying to eat the mana it had slipping away or what it couldn't contain. 

"If you don't mind the question, what type of promise was it? To a lover? Or to a friend?" 

There was a little chuckle leaving my mouth before responding to Dinzel's question. 

"No. Yet, it was a promise to those I own a great debt to. The people close and dear to me." 

"I see. Still, no offense, why not just live a normal life with your parents seeing as you are only a wimpy kid?" 

"Is that how he appears to you, Dinzel?" 

The 5,5 man gave a confused and unconsidered look towards the elderly woman next to him. 

"Though Luke may look like a boy to you, to us mages and those capable of reading another's core level, he is on par with you and if not on a higher stage." Cynthia Goodsky's eyes lingered on me for a bit before they glowed, telling me that she either saw what level my core really was or that there was a decoy around my mana core. "To show you that lying isn't my strongest suit. Luke how about me and you spar outside and show this dumbfounded dwarf what you are capable of?" 

It seems that I won't have another choice here…right?