The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 61: Re-Promotion

Chapter 3

Episode 61: Re-Promotion

――Last night, I definitely saw it. Through the “Magic Power Vision” skill, the magic I felt from Linea. It was like tiny ice crystals drifting in the air. It had a cold and clear glow.

This skill conveys not only the color and shape but also the “texture” of magic. Ice-element magic is, if compared, like a transparent blade. While softly reflecting light, it hides a cold sharpness that would tear the skin if touched.

Its waves were quiet. Yet they dug in deeply, as if eroding.

(……No doubt. That was ice magic.)

The problem is, why had I never noticed until now? I had seen her many times before. During that time, not once did I sense such a presence of magic. One could say it’s simply because I didn’t have “Magic Power Vision” before. But even then—why didn’t I notice?

And yet, yesterday, suddenly, I could clearly sense it.

……Several reasons come to mind. One: she had been constantly suppressing her magic.

If you consciously push down your magic, the range in which it can be detected becomes very narrow.

If “Magic Power Vision” were more developed, it would be different—but at around Lv.1, completely suppressed magic is almost the same as “not existing.”

And another reason: the concealment trait of the ice attribute.

Attributes like fire or wind easily affect their surroundings when activated. So even when suppressed, some residue leaks out. But ice works in the direction of stealing heat. It cuts off signs of its presence.

Because it’s inherently hard to detect, unless very specific conditions are met, it cannot be seen through when complete silence is maintained.

(……That was the moment when her suppression weakened.)

I recall the situation. She had her back turned. She was distracted by something. In that moment, her restraint must have loosened. And for that instant, her magic wavered.

But was that just coincidence? Or…… did she “intend” to show it?

Ice magic is a fairly strong attribute in battle.

Without certain skills or equipment, one becomes vulnerable to damage because it can partially pierce defenses. Depending on its use, it can overturn a battle in a short time.

And ice users are rare. In the game, and here as well. Rare, therefore valuable—but also, therefore conspicuous.

The fact that she hides that power means there is some reason it cannot be revealed.

――I cut off my thoughts there. A mix of caution and curiosity. My chilled mind wavers. Should I close the distance, or step away? The answer has not yet come.

But one strange certainty I feel is this:

The time will surely come when I *must* get involved.

◆

I end my thoughts and prepare my equipment. Tightening my leather belt, the feel of sliding the sword into my waist should have been the same as always.

……And yet, deep in my head, last night’s ice magic remained.

Leaving the inn, the cold morning air brushed my cheek. Each step on the stone pavement carried faint vibrations through the soles of my boots. Merchants heading to the market, women chatting by the well――the scenery of daily life was intact.

But, if I looked carefully, the oddness was clear. The merchant pushing his cart walked a little too fast. Near the gate, the guards were carefully checking the faces of those passing by.

Within the laughter, small suppressed whispers were mixed.

(As I thought…… things are beginning to change.)

The fragments I overheard were rumors about monsters increasing along a trade route far away. And there were incidents happening in other towns. Each by itself wasn’t significant. But together, they stirred a thin mist of unease.

As I walked, I recalled Linea’s magic once again at the edge of my thoughts. The presence of ice, and the changing air of this city――I wished they were unrelated. But my instincts told me otherwise.

With such thoughts, I stood before the guild. Pushing open the heavy doors, I found the hall sparsely populated. Perhaps because it was still early.

Even so, there was a faint feeling of restlessness hanging in the air.

The cause was likely Irina. She was standing at the reception. She noticed me and gave a slight nod of her chin.

“You’ve come, Alphonse.”

Led by Irina, I stepped into the interview room.

Inside, it was silent. As if the outside bustle was a lie. A desk and chairs, a bookshelf against the wall, a map. The morning light filtering in cast faint shadows over the documents on the desk.

With short words, Irina pointed to a chair. As we faced each other, she slid a single card across the desk.

“Your accelerated promotion application has officially passed. From today, you are C rank.”

Since I had already heard about applying for C rank before, I wasn’t surprised at the fact itself.

“C rank widens the range of requests. Escort, investigation, subjugation…… sometimes even designated requests from the royal capital or nobles.”

Irina lightly tapped the desk with her finger. The dry sound echoed in the quiet room.

“The higher the rank, the more jobs appear where strength alone isn’t enough. At times, a single word or attitude can decide life or death.”

“……You’re telling me to gain experience in negotiations.”

“If you do, you’ll understand whether you like it or not. But――many end before they even get the chance.”

She showed a faint smile. But it wasn’t lighthearted. Behind that smile was the weight of “this is not a threat, but fact.”

“And…… recently, some suspicious types have been snooping around this city.”

“Suspicious types?”

“Unfamiliar equipment, strangely efficient movements. They pretend to be merchants. But their eyes are those of soldiers. I don’t know their organization’s name.”

Irina’s gaze sharpened slightly. Within it, a mix of wariness and intent to test me. As I thought, the oddness I felt on my way here this morning was not wrong.

“The more you stand out, the more you’ll need to defend yourself. Not just from enemies. Including those pretending to be allies.”

“I understand.”

The freedom of a wider range of requests, and the danger of losing everything if I fail――both are tied to this C rank.

At C rank, I won’t be able to avoid distant requests or contact with adventurers from other regions.

Territory instincts, factions, information warfare…… situations where words become sharper than swords will surely increase.

If I misstep, it will lead to ruin.

(……There’s no reason to lower my guard.)

Placing the certification card in my pocket, I stood up. When I left the room, the noise of the town returned faintly from the corridor ahead.

But that sound felt a little farther away, a little colder, than before.

Original Author’s Comment:

――――――――――――

Thank you so much for reading this far!

Thank you also for the ★ and your support……!!

From today, Chapter 3 begins!

I’d be glad if you look forward to it……!!

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