Chapter 38: A New Approach to Advancement

The Mysterious Hairpin

It was actually a hairpin, but why was it in there? Wenger was utterly baffled.

Lakeside Construction

On the other side of the lake, near the foot of the mountain, Vick effortlessly snapped trees, stacking the logs and planning the construction. Some tools were borrowed from Wenger, so he handled them carefully. This spot had an open view, close to the lake, with the faint outline of the giant tree visible in the distance. It wasn’t sun-facing, but it offered a better angle than the sunrise.

His choice to stay in Maple Whisper Village, rather than elsewhere, stemmed partly from curiosity about the girl, tied to his promise. On one hand, he was waiting for her reaction. He didn’t know what girls liked. On the other, he hadn’t bought things based on her preferences—just picked up the dragonvein stone and added extras on a whim. A promise had to be kept, but just getting the stone felt inadequate to Vick. It was less like repaying her and more like a transaction. That didn’t align with his principles. So, he bought more.

Mages were often engrossed in magical studies. Such items weren’t easily borrowed from mage towers, and high-tier transcribed copies were costly. With the Elindor family covering his tab, money wasn’t an issue. Even without that, people eager to curry favor with Kyle’s status would offer him benefits. Vick never mentioned himself—reaching that point felt dull. He had no interest in being a “bandit.”

Then there was the silver hairpin, intricately crafted, though he couldn’t identify the flower. Girls would probably like it, right? He could sense the vibrant life force in Wenger, suggesting she was still young. Young girls likely appreciated pretty things… maybe. If she didn’t like it, they’d figure it out later. Vick didn’t overthink it—he just bought it without much thought, unaware it would make someone ponder for so long.

The wooden cabin was simple, lacking furniture. In the past, his residences had servants, but doing it himself now added a bit of fun to his quiet life. He made two basic stools and went to the lake to clear his mind. Sitting on his handiwork felt nice, even if it was a bit crude.

An Awkward Encounter

Meanwhile, Wenger wandered nearby, hoping to “accidentally” find Vick’s new house. The items in the crystal were too strange. Even if they were meant for her… a man giving a woman a hairpin could easily be misinterpreted. Utterly confused, she decided to ask him directly. The crystal itself was probably valuable—she’d never seen others use one in all these years.

Vick had said he’d be a neighbor but didn’t specify where. A powerhouse could sense mental probes, and blatantly scanning for him would feel like harassment. So, she roamed the area. Her intuition suggested the lake—maybe because it was good for fishing? She wasn’t sure, but as she strolled, she got closer.

Even if she played dumb, she spotted Vick sunning by the lake at a glance. There was no reason to hesitate—she could just ask openly. Vick saw her approach but didn’t react. After a long moment, as Wenger drew near, they locked eyes in silence. The sunlight was gentle, everything feeling just right.

“Um… this is for you.” After a while, the girl hesitantly pulled out the crystal, containing the spell scrolls and the “anemone” hairpin. The “flower” was silver, finely crafted, and not cheap. The dragonvein stone was needed for her advancement, so she had to keep it, but the rest she couldn’t accept.

Vick didn’t take it immediately, as he hadn’t intended to. “Is… the quality bad?” “Huh?” Wenger quickly shook her head. “It’s too valuable. I can’t take it.” He relaxed, initially thinking there was another reason. “Not useful?” “…That’s not it.” She was curious, though.

“It was meant for you. If you don’t want it, I can’t use it either—it’d just get thrown out.” Vick wasn’t a mage, and money wasn’t an issue for him. His straightforward tactic left Wenger at a loss, as it was too direct and left no room for argument. He had the right to do what he wanted with his things.

Vick pushed the crystal back, glancing at her before looking away. “Either way, please handle it for me.” But… what about the hairpin? The girl hesitated, confirming again, “Nothing of yours left inside?” Vick nodded. The dragonvein stone, spell scrolls, and hairpin—none were things he could use.

He hadn’t ignored the potential for misunderstanding, but while considering what was appropriate, he forgot the earlier concern. Now, it was all a bit foggy. Wenger, after some back-and-forth, kept the items. She’d hold onto them for now and repay Vick with something else later.

Putting the crystal away, her gaze fell on the modest cabin. “Mr. Vick, are you short on furniture?” “It’s fine, but I might need your help with some things.” “No problem.” The girl smiled brightly. Having just accepted so much from him, she felt a bit embarrassed.

With no hospitality to offer, Wenger prepared to leave, and Vick didn’t stop her. As they parted, he borrowed a fishing rod, either hooked on fishing or just bored with rural life’s limited options. Wenger didn’t refuse. She walked away, then after a few steps, turned back. “Mr. Vick—” “Hm?” Sitting on his wooden stool, he looked up. “What’s up?” “Is your health better?” He nodded. Wenger left, reassured. With medicine, of course he was better.

A Spark of Inspiration

Back at the treehouse, she stopped dwelling on troubling thoughts. Wenger turned her full attention to her advancement. A walk had sparked a few new ideas. After several attempts, she pinned her hopes on the best method so far.

She dispersed the colorless crystal’s energy with magic, guiding it near the dragonvein stone with focused mental energy, hoping to let it seep in. Beyond the four elements, there was once a five-element theory, with the fifth called aether. A flowing adhesive akin to wind, it was “space” itself, not strictly an element like the others. The colorless crystal’s tangible energy resembled aether closely. If this worked, if the idea succeeded… That was for later.

It would take time. Wenger picked up the enchanter’s manual again, then remembered the spell scrolls in the crystal. Who hoards “chests” without opening them? She dumped everything out. Picking up a scroll, she read through it. Many were unfamiliar spells, intriguing but not testable indoors. She skimmed lightly, then slowed her movements.

A spark of inspiration flashed in her mind. The scroll in her hand, written in florid script brimming with the author’s excitement, was titled Studies and Possibilities of Dome Magic…