Chapter 50

For lunch, Evangelin prepared pasta, and I visited the Tower of the Mage after a long time to learn magic.

As always, Suri was perched on my shoulder.

Approaching the tower that had begun to feel familiar rather than strange, I stood before the door.

Knock knock.

“Enter.”

Following the faint voice, I walked in. Passing the cozy scent of old books, I arrived at Gilbert’s usual spot where he sat as ever.

“It’s been a while.”

“Yes. What do you have there?”

“I’ve brought some food.”

“Ah.”

Yesterday, during our food distribution in the village, the tower being far away meant we couldn’t share the kimchi rice with meat stew. Now, I’m finally making up for it.

Gilbert briefly sniffed the lunchbox and nodded.

“A delicious smell. Thank you.”

“No need to thank me.”

“So, are you here to learn more magic today?”

“Yes, also to ask some questions.”

“Hoarding curiosity isn’t good. Ask away then.”

“Do you know about dragon fruits?”

“Considering crops, there’s the Dragon Melon. If metaphorical, it could refer to a dragon’s egg or droppings. The heart might work too, though we don’t call it a fruit.”

“Ooh…”

He truly is an all-knowing encyclopedia.

My respect for Gilbert just rose higher.

“So, has your curiosity been satisfied? Resolving doubts is always important.”

“Yes, not fully but mostly.”

“Finding clues and answers is always enjoyable.”

“Thank you.”

“Not doing it for thanks. Let’s see how much magic you’ve learned.”

Gilbert’s short teaching began. Though called teaching, it was closer to Q&A. Asking when curious, answering based on what I’d studied.

At the end of each day, resolving doubts and coming back for more lectures.

Though unusual, a mage’s life thrives on constant questioning. It’s fundamental groundwork for this path. Habits form through repetition.

Continuing this question-answer process builds those habits.

After a fulfilling session, heading home, I tried moving mana with my hand to cast a small spell. A gentle breeze swirled, and twigs floated lightly from the ground.

This was my current limit in magic.

Looking at it, I barely felt like a real mage yet. Few spells, minimal impact—it wasn’t progressing as fast as I’d hoped.

Still, believing in the power of repeated practice, I kept tinkering with magic. One day, it’ll reach intermediate levels, hitting a breakthrough point.

Liberation from labor, various conveniences replaced by magic—the bright future seemed clearer as I molded mana.

Back home, Evangelin and Jack were chatting warmly. It was nice to see the house lively again. There’s something special about being greeted after returning from work.

“Hard day?”

“Thanks.”

The work wasn’t over, but their warm welcome felt great. Sweaty from planting seeds and traveling, I took a cold shower. The newly renovated bathroom made me feel accomplished.

Towel-drying my wet hair, feeling refreshed after the cold water, I thought about dinner.

“What would you like for dinner?”

“I want fish dishes.”

“Alright, I’ll prepare them.”

Evangelin’s eyes sparkled with vitality as she smiled. I never imagined enjoying daily meals cooked by a former chef.

Today, I planned to experiment with the warp device. Barely scraping together materials for one.

Making the first one grants an additional one for home installation—so two total.

Installing one at home and one outside, I wanted to see how it works. If it functions perfectly, maybe I’ll visit the fairies soon to repay their kindness.

The mine was the first installation site. Constant ore supply and saving travel time made it the most efficient choice.

“Suri, I’ll be back today. Would you like to rest at home?”

“Chirp!”

“Really, I’ll return tonight.”

“Pii.”

Suri looked slightly deflated. But taking her into an uncomfortable environment wasn’t right, no matter how much she was born in the mine.

Fortunately, she seemed to understand roughly. Crawling to my bed and lying down showed she grasped my meaning.

Jack followed her, sitting nearby. Evangelin naturally joined them.

“I’m leaving now. See you later.”

“Yes, come back safely.”

With Evangelin’s small farewell, I left. Saying goodbye like that made it feel like a real family.

Not intending anything of the sort, it was still an odd feeling.

At the crafting table, I reviewed the warp device materials: 20 gems, 1500 stones, 150 iron ingots, 150 gold ingots, 70 mithril ingots, 10 orichalcum ingots, and 5 ether iron ingots.

It was a tough list. Ether iron ingots, requiring advanced magic and enchanting, cost 15,000 gold each. Swearing never to buy them again, I inserted them while silently crying inside.

The warp device crafted at the table was palm-sized. A purple gem embedded in the center, surrounded by engraved silver runes. It definitely looked magical.

One comes with basic setup near home. Installed firmly so it won’t move even in a typhoon.

Carrying the remaining one, I headed to the mine.

Excited to visit after a long time, I aimed for around the 60th floor. With this, traveling between home and mine level 60 would be instantaneous.

Entering the mine, the stifling summer heat enveloped me like paint prison. Inside didn’t feel much different. Summer’s scorch was that strong.

Ignoring scattered rocks and ores, I descended steadily—not mining but solely reaching the 60th floor.

Passing the cool mithril zone, reaching the suffocating volcanic area, I finally hit level 60.

Sharp obsidian jutted out everywhere. Golden orichalcum glimmered occasionally. Silver mithril was abundant.

Ignoring everything, I dug a corner with a pickaxe and installed the warp device. Carefully covering it with rocks to protect it from monsters.

Only when the purple light was completely hidden did I relax.

Time to test the warp device.

Its interface worked like a game system, impressive. Expecting some magical element in this world leaning toward reality, it was surprisingly simple. Good for me.

[Warp Device]

[1. Home]

[2. Mine Level 60]

Just tapping with a finger should work. Like holograms in dreams, pressing virtual messages felt natural.

Excitedly, I tapped carefully.

[1. Home]

The selection flashed white.

In an instant, my vision warped.

Like space folding and rushing forward, distant places became close, and nearby ones passed in a flash.

Magic, indeed.

But learning magic revealed the flow of mana, the ripples created during teleportation, etching vividly in my mind.

Arriving at the vast fields, tomorrow’s summer crops awaited.

Our expanded home looked neat.

Home.

“Wow…”

Couldn’t help but exclaim.

This was teleportation.

First time ever, maybe never experienced before—truly wondrous.

No dizziness, only awe awakening my senses.

Amazing, fun.

Grinning happily, I entered the sweat-soaked house.

As expected, Evangelin and Jack greeted me. Suri too.

“You’re back. Looks like you worked hard.”

Seeing my sweat-covered state, Evangelin’s eyebrows slightly raised.

“I’m fine. Just routine. I’ll wash up and come out.”

Washing several times a day was normal now. Though tedious, understandable given summer.

Laundry was piling up. Housework needed catching up too.

“Hmm?”

After washing, neatly arranged clean clothes greeted me. Things I missed upon rushing to the bathroom.

Looking curiously at Evangelin, she shyly smiled.

“Had some time…did some housework.”

“Thanks. Maybe I should give extra pay?”

“No way. Where can you get paid to relax?”

Her kindness was appreciated. Cooking, cleaning—it reminded me of a farmer meeting his ideal wife.

“While preparing dinner, I also thought about the housewarming menu. When do you plan to hold it?”

“Day after tomorrow should be fine. Announce tomorrow, let guests come as they wish.”

“Got it. I’ll prepare well.”

“No, I should say…”

“I’m the designated cook now.”

Unable to argue, I nodded and sat at the set dinner table.

A variety of fish dishes.

Fish caught by me, transformed into diverse meals.

Boiled, grilled, stewed.

Korean cuisine showcase.

Evangelin seemed unconstrained by Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Western categories.

Skilled in various cuisines.

Maybe a game mechanic allowing such versatility?

Or Evangelin’s dedicated effort?

Though dividing cuisines in Starwind Valley seemed funny, this world likely influenced by Earth since it originated from a game.

Such thoughts aside, tasting the fish was simply delicious.

Perfect seasoning enhancing flavors. Oily richness, umami of blue fish, savory broth, flavorful braised dishes mixed with rice—nonstop chewing.

Emptying two bowls of rice, I leaned back contentedly.

“Was it good?”

“Very.”

“Glad to hear it.”

After finishing the dishes, Evangelin bid farewell.

Still daylight, summer sun setting late, somewhat comforting.

Insisting against escort, she left holding Jack’s hand. Watching her retreating figure.

Winter’s scent lingered in the house.

Cleanliness and freshness remained softly circulating.

“Housewarming…”

Wondering what dishes to prepare, I swirled mana in my hand.

Thinking to visit the system shop today and stock up on tools, I slowly drifted off to sleep.

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