Make Dark Fantasy Great Again-Chapter 27: Lucky Charm (3)

Wait! Don’t panic!

A worthless bastard could never possess two holy relics of such power!

“You insignificant vermin, trying to be clever—”

Gusra’s highly rational reasoning pulled him out from the depths of despair.

“Ugh...”

Dares and Topin thought much the same way. Hadn’t they just personally witnessed the true worth of that coin?

Its effectiveness in countering dark magic nearly at the 6th level was astonishing. This was the type of sacred artifact that only esteemed priests and paladins assigned critical missions by the Church would bear.

It was shocking enough to have a relic like that, but to say he had another one? A bastard child who wasn’t even allowed to utter his family name?

It was hard to accept. It made more sense to think it was a fabricated lie to avoid the crisis.

...But everything else aside, Risir’s second coin definitely made an impact.

Gusra, Dares, and Topin were so distracted by the coin that they halted all action. None of them had any basis to be certain of their thoughts.

Dares and Topin were unable to detect the power within the coin as it only responded to black magic. Even Gusra, whose black magic power was greatly neutralized, couldn’t accurately determine the power within the coin.

What if the coin is real?

What it’s fake?

“Risir, keep holding onto that for now! Please keep him at bay!”

The tension had reached its peak, poised for a final confrontation, yet suddenly, an unexpected stalemate took hold. The charged atmosphere was once again defused by Risir’s presence.

“You little rat, I ought to tear you apart!”

Gusra released a guttural growl. In addition to his long—repared plans crumbling, he suffered permanent injury from destroying the sacred relic.

The 6th rank—the long-cherished dream that had been within his grasp—vanished like a mirage.

How much time would it take to reach that pinnacle again? How much effort would it demand? Did he, an aging man, even have the time or strength left to try?

The more Gusra dwelled on it, the more his thoughts spiraled. His formerly void emotions churned with violent ripples of frustration.

In the end, the old black mage made a proposal.

“Dares! Hand over that bastard, and I’ll withdraw this time. Moreover, I’ll swear on my magic and promise never to approach you again!”

Though the situation had improved incomparably from before, it was still not good. With his pride wounded, the black mage seemed to have lost all reason.

If he was determined to end it all, everyone would be in jeopardy. Not just Dares and Topin, but even Eltni and Todina in the carriage.

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But if they could avoid all that danger by handing over one unrelated illegitimate child?

There was no reason not to agree. There was no reason to risk their lives for a stranger.

“...”

Yet, the same was true for Risir. Topin recalled what he had done for them, complete strangers. He couldn’t bring himself to voice his agreement.

In the end, it was Dares who spoke first.

“Topin.”

“Speak.”

“We’ve found a silver lining.”

“It’s too early to jump to conclusions.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

He turned a determined gaze turned to Topin.

“While I buy time, you must lead the others out of here.”

“Dares!”

“This is the best option.”

“There might be a better way!”

“Please. You can suggest anything except handing over Risir.”

“But he is a complete stranger to you! An illegitimate child no one cares about!”

“The same goes true for Risir.”

“...!”

“He has no connection to us, yet he willingly gave that treasure to Todina.”

“That’s...! He probably didn’t know its worth!”

“He could have fled in the confusion, yet chose to stay and help.”

“Because he fails to understand the gravity of the situation...”

“He might be ignorant, as you say. Howver, that doesn’t change the weight of the debt I owe him.”

“...”

The old nobleman couldn’t bring himself to meet the young mage’s eyes.

“Head straight to Durayeg territory. Explain everything to my father. Make sure he understands the help you’ve given me and Todina, and ensure you receive proper compensation. And I ask that you do the same for Risir. Will you grant my final request?”

Topin paused for a moment, deep in thought, before responding with difficulty.

“I can’t—not even if it means my death. Tell Risir to do it.”

“What—”

“As you can see, he’s injured. If we push a little more, he might feel threatened and retreat.”

“How can you be sure of that?”

“That’s why, I’m saying we should have Risir evacuate the others.”

“But you—”

“Alone, you will die for certain. With me, there might be a sliver of a chance.”

They exchanged a brief glance before nodding simultaneously. With their resolve hardened, the mage and healer stood against Gusra.

“Risir! Take the carriage and immediately make for Durayeg territory! We’ll hold him off!”

Dares kept his gaze fixed on the enemy as he shouted to Risir.

Gusra’s face slowly twisted until he erupted into crazed laughter.

“Worms, infuriating worms! Very well! I shall grant your wishes then!!!”

With a squelch, Gusra’s left arm melted like mud before reforming into a ghoul—a creation of black magic.

The creature sprang off the ground, darting to the left in a blur. It moved in a wide arc, racing toward the carriage behind Dares and Topin.

“...!”

Is he trying to take Todina hostage?!

The two swiftly moved to the left, positioning themselves to fight off both Gusra and the ghoul.

Then, just as Gusra seemed to join the ghoul’s attack—he suddenly swerved toward the opposite direction.

Whoosh!

With a sudden gust of wind, Gusra dashed forward at a speed unbelievable for an old man. The ghoul melted away and his left arm regrew.

His true target was Risir.

“A Hybrid Color mage?!”

“Risir! Run!!!”

Dares and Topin rushed to protect Risir.

“Risir?!”

Even Fienne, who had been indifferent to Topin and Dares’ situation, reacted with a start.

But, propelled by the power of wind, the black mage was already right in front of Risir.

Will Risir’s ability even work against him?!

Fienne hastily infused Risir with her power.

“Today, I’ll be satisfied with your worthless neck, little bastard boy!!!”

At his core, Gusra was never a pure black mage. He had started as a wind mage, only to betray his discipline and turn to black magic when faced with his limitations.

He chose wind magic to deliver a decisive blow to the detestable illegitimate child. It wasn’t just to catch him off guard—it was also a precaution, readying himself for any unexpected turn of events.

“Let’s see if that wonderful holy relic protects you from this!!!”

A winning grin had already appeared on the black mage’s lips. To him, Risir was only a worthless 3rd rank brat without the holy relic.

“...!!!”

The old black mage’s seasoned judgment proved to be spot on. As pure wind energy gathered in his hands, Risir felt a genuine sense of threat for the first time.

The swirling wind rapidly took the form of a blade.

My nor...purifying power won’t be able to handle—No, wait.

In this dire moment, Risir’s unorthodox approach to magic took free rein.

True, his Intrinsic Color might not be able to dispel that wind blade. However...

-Ting!

Risir flicked a coin towards Gusra. It wasn’t as powerful as the first coin; there wasn’t enough time to prepare.

“Ugh-”

But it was fully capable of disrupting the energy within the black mage’s body. That was all he needed.

The wind blade momentarily lost its form, and its energy escaped Gusra’s control.

Risir didn’t miss that moment.

“...?!”

The black mage’s eyes tore wide open. His swirling wind magic was being siphoned into Risir’s grasp.

Gusra’s magical power was suppressed under Risir’s control. The repeated forceful manipulation of his mana had caused overlapping mana reflux, leaving him vulnerable. Adding to this, Risir was bolstered by Fienne’s blessing.

While these factors were undeniable, they didn’t fully explain what was unfolding before Gusra. In fact, no reasoning or logic could adequately account for the situation in his eyes.

I lost control over my magic?! To a mere 3rd rank whelp?!

The chance to act was still present, along with time. He could have retaliated.

“How...?”

But instead of taking action, Gusra demanded an answer from Risir. An explanation to this illogical phenomenon.

The skill Risir had used was beyond what a 3rd rank vessel should be capable of. Such mastery of sensory ability belonged to a realm far beyond the reach of any mere 3rd rank.

This meant, perhaps Risir wasn’t at the 3rd rank at all. No, he couldn’t be. He had to be a high-ranking mage, concealing his true level and identity, and toying with Gusra.

Yes. That would explain everything.

With his entire worldview shattered, the mage desperately awaited Risir’s next words.

The young mage murmured under his breath, sounding surprised himself.

“It worked.”

It didn’t take long for Gusra to understand what that meant.

“Ah...Ah...Ah!!!!!”

Gusra finally attempted to respond to Risir’s theft of his mana, but it was already too late, and he was too flustered.

So he reflexively drew upon his black magic.

Seconds later, his magic vanished without a trace, and then a fist imbued with the power of wind connected with his jaw.

“Gack-”

The old man crumpled to the ground.

“Risir!!!”

Fienne rushed to Risir.

“A-are you alright?! Are you hurt anywhere?! How could a black mage use wind magic? If I’d known, I would have stayed by your side...”

Clinging to Risir, Fienne looked up at him with a worried face, checking him all over.

Risir found it quite strange to be genuinely worried over by a girl two heads shorter than himself. He chuckled, patting her on the head.

“...I’m a fool for worrying.”

Pulling away from him, Fienne dropped down a beat later, squirming in embarrassment.

-Step.

Dares and Topin had rushed over to help Risir, but they stopped in their tracks dumbfounded.

“Risir. What on earth...”

The two mages showed the same reaction as the black mage. They demanded an answer to this illogical situation.

In response, Risir picked up the coin that had fallen near Gusra, and proudly gave a thumbs up.

“My lucky coin really does work wonders.”

“...”

“...”

Well, what else do you want me to say?

They were speechless in more ways than one.

***“Dares!”

“Todina?!”

As they were restraining Gusra and wrapping up the situation, Todina burst out of the carriage, making a beeline for Dares.

“Are you, are you hurt anywhere? What happened to Damin?!”

“I should be asking you, Todina...”

“Todina, what are you—I’ve told you many times now! You need rest!”

Todina responded to the alarmed pair with an excited expression.

“But, I just couldn’t sit still!”

Todina spread her arms, hopping and spinning on the spot, unable to contain the rush of unfamiliar vitality.

“Dares! I think I’m better n—”

Todina stumbled in a sudden bout of dizziness.

“Todina!”

As Dares rushed to help her up, his fiancée giggled sheepishly.

Topin walked over to examine her condition.

“...”

“Topin, how is she?!”

“Her stamina is greatly depleted.”

“That means...?”

“If she gets enough rest, the only thing left is to recover.”

“...!”

Dares embraced Todina with all his might. Todina flinched in brief surprise, but she soon gently hugged him back.

After relishing the embrace of his now-healthy lover, Dares spoke with heartfelt emotion.

“Thank you...Topin...”

“Ahem, I don’t think I’ve done anything deserving of thanks.”

Topin gestured toward Risir, who stood beside them.

“...”

Dares stood up and faced Risir.

“I don’t think I deserve any special thanks eith—ergh!”

Risir’s attempt at modesty was interrupted when Dares suddenly stepped forward and pulled him into an intensely, passionately fierce embrace. The strength of it far surpassed the gentleness he had shown Todina.

A thought flashed through Risir’s mind: mages who wield fire often develop fiery temperaments, influenced by the very energy they control...

Eventually, Dares pulled away, gripping Risir’s arms and locking eyes with him. His red eyes burned with scorching emotion.

“My friend!”

“...Yes?”

“You can be casual with me, because I want to be casual with you! May I consider you a close friend?!”

“...Huh? What do y—oof!”

Unable to keep up, Risir was once again cut short. Dares had embraced him fiercely once more.

“Risir! This debt! I will never forget it!”

“It’s nothing, really, you don’t have to be so grateful.”

“Nothing?!!! Don’t say such a thing!!!”

“I’d be satisfied just with a ride in the carriage—”

“Where to! Name your destination and go we shall! Even to the ends of the earth!”

It took Risir quite a while to finally escape Dares’ embrace.

***

▷Fate 41: ‘Blighted Joy’ has been deactivated.

Corresponding perks will be awarded.

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■Risir

Level: 15

Race: Human

Class: Mage

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[You have reached a level milestone]

[Class-specific mastery trait will be awarded]

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...

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[The highest mastery trait for this class already exists]

[Corresponding support mastery trait will be awarded]

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...

[The highest support mastery trait for this class already exists]

[A random trait will be awarded instead]

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[You have acquired a trait]

[You will learn a new class accordingly]

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