Under the softly shining moonlight, Berhard and I sat casually on a rock, facing each other. It wasn't a fancy dining setting, nor was it a meeting filled with scholarly enthusiasm in a library. Yet, just the fact that I was facing the Great Mage filled the space with a sense of importance.
Berhard was a mage shrouded in mystery, with not much known about him. He was undoubtedly a named mage who had reached the 9th class, but his appearances in <Paradiso> were less frequent than one might expect.
He only appeared briefly like a wandering traveler in the middle of the main story and did not show up during the war against the Demon King’s army. Because of this, players often speculated that Berhard was merely a Great Mage in name, but in reality, he was just a cowardly old man.
His absence often meant that the story progressed into chaos, where the gates of hell would open.
To assess Berhard's condition, I naturally activated my Insight. However, I was met with a message. [The level gap with the target exceeds 10 times, so no information can be detected with Insight.]
‘At least level 600 or higher! Well, it wouldn’t make sense for a mage of Berhard’s caliber to have a low level.’ I had never had the chance to examine Berhard with Insight before, but this was my first time scanning him. The result was that I could not gather any information. I was reminded of the overwhelming gap between us.
‘Indeed, he is a mage of great stature. He is my role model on the path I wish to take as a mage.’ I looked at Berhard with a gaze full of respect. Honestly, I was incredibly excited! Berhard, who had seemed so distant in <Paradiso>, had come to find me.
Unlike his blunt demeanor in the game, he now appeared like a friendly old neighbor with a warm tone. At that moment, Berhard broke the silence.
“Hey! Why are you staring at me like that as if you’re gazing at a beloved? Speak up!”
“Ah, Berhard sir. I’m sorry. I truly didn’t expect you to come.” I had completely forgotten that I, a lord with the title of a baron, was being treated like a ‘child’ in front of Berhard. Honestly, I didn’t mind at all. It felt like watching a celebrity. I was just fascinated by this moment and grateful for his presence.
“I came because you called, you brat. But I didn’t want to rush over, so I quietly observed what you were doing in your territory.”
“You’ve been watching me?”
“Yeah. You’re managing your territory and even boldly taking over the neighboring territory. Quite impressive. You seem a bit different from your father, who loved peace.”
“Excuse me? You know my father?”
“At first, I didn’t realize you were Barret’s son. Because the Jared from the Krivia territory I knew was a reckless, fat fool.”
“...That hurts.”
“I thought you were just a namesake. But when I came here, surprise! You are Barret’s son. So I kept an eye on you, wondering if you had come to your senses or if you were just laying the groundwork for more madness.”
“That’s amazing. I had no idea you knew my father...”
“Of course. Barret might not have felt the need to tell you.”
“Thank you for coming. I have been waiting for your advice. I really need to hear your stories, Berhard sir.”
I checked the linked 5th class quest again.
[Special Quest – Teaching for a Leap 1/3 - First]
[Reward: Achieving 5th Class]
[The 5th class is a dramatic turning point for a mage. Seek out the wandering Great Mage Berhard and ask him about his 5th class days. He will provide guidance and illuminate a second path for you.]
“Don’t even think about asking me to stay in your territory or to become your master. I won’t be bound to anyone, nor will I get involved.”
“I have no intention of making such an unreasonable request.” I nodded. I knew he wasn’t the type for that, and more importantly, I didn’t have the money to keep him. To bring a 9th class mage into my territory would require a budget that could rival a medium-sized territory’s annual expenses. Maybe if I saved up for 20 years, I could manage it? In other words, it was impossible.
“Listen well. Back when I entered the 5th class…”
Finally, Berhard began his story. For Berhard, who was over seventy this year, it was a tale from long ago, but I listened with keen interest. I was not obliged to hear it for the quest; I genuinely enjoyed hearing about his experiences. I felt happy. The mage I wanted to idolize and model myself after was sharing his childhood experiences with me. At that moment, I felt like the protagonist receiving the full attention of a 9th class named mage.
As I focused on his story with sparkling eyes, Berhard, who initially spoke in a dry tone, began to get more animated. How much time passed? Lost in his tales, I forgot the flow of time.
The quest window changed.
[Special Quest – Teaching for a Leap 2/3 - Second]
[Reward: Achieving 5th Class]
[Ask him for advice on the basic mechanisms of casting magic.]
His story was so engaging that I pondered how to change the topic. But just then, he spoke first.
“Show me the magic you use. If you’re using the Yukales family’s mana technique, you must be utilizing its characteristics well.”
Berhard seemed to have a keen insight into our family’s techniques. When I tilted my head slightly, he added, “Your father really kept his words to himself! I contributed quite a bit to the completion of the current Yukales mana technique.”
“Is that true?”
“Stop with the small talk and show me your magic.”
Berhard’s rough tone somehow felt good. He was the first person to lead me, who had always been in charge of lords, vassals, and companions.
Thus, the quest and my meeting with Berhard flowed smoothly. It was enjoyable, fun, and made me happy. My mind, which had been tangled with the chaotic situation in the Kingdom of Sinders, felt much lighter. I showed Berhard my magic and received sharp guidance from him. Contrary to what I thought, there were many inefficient aspects in my casting. Berhard focused on correcting those points, and when his teachings ended, my casting speed had improved by more than 1.5 times compared to before.
Moreover, the biggest achievement was that I had completed the quest in one go.
[You have completed the special quest – Teaching for a Leap!]
[As a reward, you will achieve 5th Class! You can now use 5th Class magic.]
With a burst, a stream of blue light erupted from my body. The light was so intense that not only I but even Berhard, who was right in front of me, could see the change clearly. It was only natural that Berhard was surprised.
“What is this?”
“That’s right, Master.”
“Master? Call me Berhard!”
“Berhard sir, that is... I have become a 5th Class mage.”
“What? You mean to say that after hearing a few words and receiving some corrections, you easily entered the 5th Class?”
“Yes, that’s how it is.”
“I can’t believe it. Show me some 5th Class magic.”
The first spell that came to mind was the most useful teleportation spell among the 5th Class spells. I cast the teleportation spell, and with a whoosh, I moved freely in all directions, changing my position. It was a clean use of teleportation magic.
“Have you ever seen such madness?” Berhard revealed his thoughts without holding back as he watched me.
At the same time.
‘He knew a lot about me... and to gain the realization of the 5th Class with just a few words of guidance! Unlike Barret, whose limits were clear, could it be that his child is different?’ Berhard was astonished again and again.
In fact, it had been quite a while since he arrived in the Krivia territory. He had set out almost immediately after receiving Jared’s letter. After observing how Jared managed the territory, Berhard felt one thing. The past ten years, which had seemed like a waste, were overshadowed by Jared’s quite skilled management of the territory.
Moreover, the magical stone lamps installed in the territory and the healing agents and pesticides he developed were certainly not ordinary creations. It felt like he was ahead of his time. Berhard felt this strongly from Jared.
Jared was skilled in managing the territory, showed talent in magical engineering, and had a good ability to read the surrounding situation. Especially, taking advantage of Count Capri’s absence to swiftly raid and occupy the neighboring Ronella territory was a highlight of his quick judgment.
‘To think that just by adding a few words of my experience and correcting some aspects of the magic mechanism, he would gain the realization of the 5th Class? This is remarkable growth, no, a crazy growth that I have never experienced.’ A smile naturally formed on his face.
He had often tried to mentor younger generations, but they all struggled with slow realizations, which was frustrating. With a disciple like Jared, teaching would definitely be rewarding. As a master, he felt a sense of greed.
But soon, Berhard shook his head. He wanted to refrain from giving his heart to someone and staying by their side.
‘If he’s destined to succeed, he will grow regardless. Just having a good visual feast is enough. Jared, keep growing. It will surely be interesting.’ Berhard smiled as he looked at Jared. It felt like he had discovered a quality seedling after a long time.
“Are you leaving already?”
“Didn’t you ask me to give you advice to leap into the 5th Class? The goal has been achieved, and I’ve given you plenty of advice. Now I must leave. You’re not going to ask me to spit out the gold coins I’ve eaten, are you?”
“Of course not. No, absolutely not.” I waved my hands at Berhard’s playful yet sharp response. The goal had been achieved, and I had entered the 5th Class. I had no reason to stop Berhard from leaving.
“To be honest, I came here without any expectations, just to wander, but it seems I’ve had quite an enjoyable visual feast.”
“I’m glad it wasn’t a wasted trip.”
“If my goal was to pique your interest, I would say I’ve succeeded.”
“Thank you.”
“Let’s meet again. I don’t know when that will be, but if fate allows, we shall meet again.”
“Where are you going?”
“Why do you care?”
“Just at least tell me where you’re headed...”
“I’m heading to the Eastern Continent to gather information. I’m looking for clues about a new world that is unknown to me.”
“You mean the Eastern Continent...”
With a flash! Before I could finish my sentence, Berhard’s figure suddenly vanished. He must have used a long-distance teleportation spell.
“How unfortunate.” My meeting with Berhard ended abruptly but intensely. Although I had grown nonstop to the 5th Class, it was undoubtedly a meeting filled with regret.
“Oh, I had a reward.” At that moment, I remembered one benefit I had forgotten since this was my first ‘class advancement’ in this life. According to the system of <Paradiso>, there was a reward selection given every time a class was raised.
There were various rewards to choose from, but I immediately pulled up the option I had decided on long ago when I reached the 5th Class without hesitation. That was...