Chapter 86

Minho’s Mining Level has reached Advanced Level 4.

The efficiency was surprisingly excellent, leaving me astonished.

I never expected something that wouldn’t budge at the advanced level to climb so easily.

Even with accumulated experience, the power of a threefold increase was overwhelming.

—

The scenery of dawn flows by slowly.

The only difference now is that Anne is with me.

—

With yesterday’s events and my magic reaching the intermediate stage, I’m heading early to the Tower of the Mage to meet Gilbert.

I promised to return by lunchtime, giving me around 3-4 hours of free time.

—

The main goal is healing magic.

Though it can’t compare to divine power, it’s a spell that offers no harm in learning.

As a precaution against unforeseen situations, it’s the magic I currently desire most.

—

“How are your emotions?”

—

Gilbert cuts straight to the point as soon as I enter.

“I’ve found a way to resolve it.”

“A barrier of some kind, huh?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… Could you explain further?”

“It’s complicated. Once it’s resolved, I might be able to talk about it then.”

—

“Where exactly did you pinpoint the problem?”

“I visited the Church.”

“Divinity, curses… Is it related to any of that? You don’t seem like someone who would attract such things.”

—

Gilbert’s persistent questioning makes me feel uneasy.

If I keep talking, I’ll eventually have to mention the system.

I don’t know how he’d react to that.

—

While I don’t really know his true character, he’s branded in my mind as a “madman.”

His unpredictable and irregular nature makes him hard to gauge.

In the end, I decide to mix honesty with a bit of falsehood in my response.

“Probably something like that. It just happened somehow.”

—

“So, that’s that. Moving on. If it’s not magic-related, I’m not interested anyway.”

Gilbert’s burning curiosity suddenly cools down.

This is what makes him so hard to read.

Just when he seemed ready to bombard me with questions, he abruptly slouches into his chair, shifting his gaze to the bubbling flask before him.

—

“So, did you come here to tell me this?”

“Well, partly. I also came to learn some magic.”

“Huh? Hmm… Hmm…”

Gilbert raises an eyebrow suspiciously.

“You… Huh…”

“Yes?”

“You’ve crossed the wall.”

—

Gilbert rises from his seat and approaches me with an intimidating presence.

“Can you see it? Can you feel it? How did you cross? What did you use? Which type?”

—

How should I answer this?

As I ponder amidst the barrage of questions, knowledge and information flow into my mind like a creeping tide.

“I crossed through healing.”

—

“The least interesting field, huh. So, you’re here to learn that?”

“Yes.”

—

“Tch. Boring. You’ve chosen the most uninteresting magic in the world.”

Gilbert shows less dislike than sheer lack of interest, causing me to chuckle awkwardly.

I had prepared several responses but decided to keep them to myself.

—

“Healing… Tsk. Do you really need to learn it from me?”

“There’s no one else I know who’s better than you.”

—

“There are plenty of places for that—capital cities, mage towers, etc. At your current skill level, you could easily pass yourself off as a mage anywhere.”

“You’re the best I know.”

—

“Flattery! Incredible. Starting with bringing gifts—you’re far too good at socializing for a mage.”

“That’s my strength.”

—

“Hmph. Fair enough. That confidence is admirable… Alright…”

Gilbert turns around and starts rummaging through his study.

Books float mid-air, trembling and swirling chaotically.

Only now do I truly sense the fragments of his magic, a glimpse of his prowess.

—

Delicate.

Beyond delicate. A minuscule amount of magic wraps around the books with impeccable control.

It’s an extraordinary ability to manipulate magic with such precision.

—

“Take it.”

With a flick, a book flies softly toward me, landing gently in my chest.

—

“This alone should be enough for you to earn a living anywhere with healing magic.”

“Thank you. By the way, I brought a fruit gift set.”

—

“Excellent. Leave it there.”

“I’ll visit again next time.”

—

“Bring something interesting. Not boring stuff like healing.”

“Yes.”

—

Gilbert gestures with his hand, directing magic toward me.

Is this because he thinks it’s fine since I’ve crossed the wall?

—

A stretching sensation fills me as space expands.

It feels similar to using warp magic.

The study stretches into a line, increasing the distance between Gilbert and me until, in an instant, I find myself standing in the forest, the Tower of the Mage looming ahead.

—

“Hah.”

There’s still so much to learn someday.

The gap between us feels insurmountable right now.

A limit to knowledge I dare not touch.

Accepting it humbly, I head home.

—

[Healing Magic]

—

I flip through the simple title of the book while skimming its contents.

Walking past purple and white flowers blooming along the road, I read as I make my way home.

Usage of magic power.

Resonating frequencies to enhance healing.

Slowing the worsening of wounds.

Stopping blood flow to halt bleeding.

Cleaning wounds meticulously.

—

An impressively well-organized list of systematic healing methods greets me.

So useful that I lose track of time reading while walking back home.

—

Standing in front of my house, I put the book away in my bag.

A delicious smell wafts faintly through the air.

—

What dish awaits me?

Like Pavlov’s dog, saliva pools at the corner of my mouth.

—

“I’m back.”

“Welcome!”

“You’ve arrived.”

—

Two radiant beauties greet me warmly.

Despite the autumn chill, their welcome brings the warmth of spring.

—

“Did I time this just right?”

—

Maxim enters right after me, opening the door.

His beard is gone, replaced by a neatly polished complexion glowing with health.

His signature untamed black hair flows freely as he strides in like a sea-bound adventurer.

—

“Come in, Maxim.”

“Haha, thank you for inviting me. Always a pleasure to enjoy fish dishes.”

—

Smiling broadly, Maxim takes his place at the table.

—

“What dish have you prepared today?”

“I’ve started with a little sashimi and small fried treats. I’ll explain each one as we go.”

—

“I helped prepare too!”

Anne beams confidently.

Looking at her, does she have a talent for cooking?

Or is it just that Evangelin is skilled, making even assistance worthwhile?

—

Sitting at the table filled with anticipation, I wait.

Soon, four soldiers from yesterday file in carefully.

—

“May we come in?”

“Please, take a seat.”

“Thank you!”

“Come on in. This place is secretly a top-notch restaurant, so expect great food. We have the best cook in the village.”

—

Evangelin blushes slightly at Maxim’s praise but doesn’t deny it, showing her pride in her culinary skills.

—

“I’ll bring out grilled sea bream first, along with tempura. You can dip it in sauce or simply sprinkle a bit of salt—it works either way.”

Three elegant servings appear.

One features crispy tempura emitting gentle steam.

—

The presentation is impeccable; anyone can see these dishes are made to be enjoyed.

I inhale the aroma, picking up a piece of sashimi.

Its texture separates cleanly from the plate, firm yet tender, making my mouth water.

—

“Wow.”

“So delicious.”

The soldiers exclaim in admiration after tasting first.

Slowly bringing the sashimi to my lips, the first bite of silky smooth sea bream explodes with umami, dancing delightfully across my tongue.

—

Definitely delicious.

The allure of the rare moonlight sea bream shines brightly.

—

After eating the sashimi, my hand naturally moves toward the tempura.

How flavorful will this be?

—

The batter cracks satisfyingly, releasing succulent juices.

Perfectly seasoned, no dipping sauce is necessary.

The warm temperature assaults my tongue pleasurably.

Any thought that tempura isn’t special vanishes instantly.

This is incredible tempura—so good I’d want to eat it endlessly if given the chance.

—

“Hey! This is amazing!”

With Maxim’s exclamation, the plates quickly empty.

Evangelin and Anne exchange smiles happily.

—

“Shall we move on to the next course?”

“Yes! It was so delicious!”

—

“Absolutely! Thank you!”

The soldiers enthusiastically agree.

—

“For the next course, we have seaweed rolls and gently simmered sea bream. Alongside that, spinach and chopped sea bream tomatoes.”

Three dishes arrive:

One keeps its warmth sealed inside.

Another features delicately wrapped sea bream in thin seaweed.

Lastly, a dish where chopped sea bream mixes with spinach and tomato drizzled with sauce.

—

Their appearance exudes effort; even the soldiers hesitate slightly, unsure how best to enjoy such exquisite meals.

—

“Mmm!”

Maxim dives in first, prompting the soldiers to eagerly dig in as well.

Starting with the seaweed roll, I dip it lightly in soy sauce before placing it on my tongue.

—

The soft chewiness melts perfectly.

The subtle scent of the ocean-infused seaweed harmonizes beautifully.

It’s delicious enough to make me close my eyes in bliss.

The simmered sea bream holds its form but crumbles effortlessly under chopsticks.

Ultimately eaten with a spoon, it dissolves smoothly in my mouth without needing to chew.

—

Naturally, my hand moves to the final dish.

A fresh and crisp taste, paired with the chewy texture of sea bream, provides delightful contrast.

—

“Wow.”

“I’ve never tasted anything like this.”

“Me neither.”

The soldiers chatter excitedly, their voices uplifting the mood.

Recognition of Evangelin’s skills warms my heart.

—

“Shall we proceed to the next course?”

“Yes!”

“We’d appreciate that!”

The soldiers show great enthusiasm.

Maxim joins in, giving a thumbs-up.

I’m no exception.

—

The atmosphere heats up, drawing me into the joy of the moment.

—

“I’ve placed grilled sea bream over rice. You can crush it finely or scoop it as is.”

“Let’s dig in.”

Next comes the grilled sea bream.

Its deep brown glaze looks magnificent.

Oil drips generously, flowing onto the rice, instinctively guiding my spoon toward it.

—

Green scallions atop add a pop of color.

Taking a bite, a rich tenderness strikes my palate like a wave.

Not only does the ingredient shine, but the cooking skill elevates it further.

Perfectly roasted to achieve a balance of softness and crispness, the flavor combination is extraordinary.

—

Leaving the others to their feast, I rise and approach Anne and Evangelin.

—

“Huh?”

“Here, try a bite.”

Seeing them focused only on cooking without eating, I scoop some food to feed them.

—

“Ahn.”

A bite for Anne.

—

“Ahh…”

And one for Evangelin.

—

“Is it good?”

“Yes.”

Watching my actions, Maxim grins knowingly.

I smile back and return to my seat to finish the remainder.

—

“For the next course, I’ll serve sushi. Six pieces of sea bream sushi.”

Each slice varies in size and cut, ensuring different tastes despite being the same fish.

Admiring the effort, I eat two pieces, feeding the remaining four to Anne and Evangelin each.

They beam gratefully, looking exceptionally beautiful in this light.

—

We conclude with spicy sea bream stew and steamed sea bream.

The large portions vanish quickly as the soldiers rush to take leftovers, bowing deeply to express their gratitude before departing.

—

“You two are wonderful people.”

“Agreed.”

“Are you boasting?”

“A little.”

“Hehe. You all look so happy—yourself included, and the two chefs as well.”

Does Maxim sense something deeper?

Smiling faintly, I silently nod in agreement.

Maxim enjoys the aftertaste of tea before rising to leave.

—

“I must go now. Have a great day.”

“Did you enjoy the meal?”

“Needless to say, it was perfect.”

“Safe travels.”

Praising Evangelin and Anne highly, Maxim departs.

At last, a short rest arrives.

—

“When did you prepare all this?”

“We worked hard last night, Anne and I.”

“That’s right. We prepared secretly without Minho knowing.”

I only caught a glimpse of ingredient preparation earlier.

Who knew it would turn into such a grand affair?

A full-course meal.

It felt like enjoying an omakase dining experience.

So delicious, it leaves me craving more.

—

Even though everyday meals are tasty,

the charm of a special dinner is undeniably unique.

Especially with unusual and exclusive ingredients.

—

I’m once again amazed by Evangelin’s skills.

The remaining four soldiers reappear, brimming with anticipation.

True to form, they satisfy everyone’s mouths and shower Evangelin with compliments before lunch finally concludes.

This was undoubtedly the finest lunch I’ve encountered recently.

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