Chapter 77


    The station ahead.


    Danya wrapped the trains wheels with vines.


    <em> Squeeeak!</em>


    The train came to a stop with a tremendous noise.


    We did it. We made it.


    It descended down the slope of a mountain ridge as smoothly as if it had never derailed, all thanks to Ians efforts mostly, but still, it felt good.


    Nyaaa.


    A sigh, trying to hide the sense of aplishment, burst out from Ian. Nevertheless, he felt good.


    Had anyone already heard the news?


    The tform below became bustling with staff rushing out. Ian and Schwab, who exchanged a few words, went down.


    It was probably okay for Danya.


    Rather than that, he wanted to enjoy this feeling right now.


    The rough wind brushing against them as they descended the endless slope, the mor of trying to maneuver the train at every curve, and even amidst the hardship, Ians face turning charred with sootall of it made him chuckle.


    It was tough, but it was so much fun.


    It was the first time it had been this enjoyable since he had entered Lichten Academy alone.


    If I had given up on the path of a mage just before meeting Ian, I wouldnt have had this experience.


    Danya gave up trying to suppress the upward curl of her lips.


    Then she sat down beside Ian, smiling broadly.


    Are you tired, Ian?


    A little.


    Hehe.


    <em>Swish, swish.</em>


    Danya wiggled her legs in the air a few times before speaking up.


    Im having so much fun.


    Is that so? Thats good.


    Danya turned her head to look closely at Ians face.


    Ians face was usually expressionless.


    It only had confident eyes and somewhat tired features, always advancing without hesitation.


    And it was still the same now.


    His eyes filled with confidence remained, but the dark circles under his eyes had deepened a bit.


    Apart from that, his cheeks were tinged with soot.


    Danya wanted to say this.


    Im lucky to have you as arade.


    But.


    Her lips didnt part to say it, staying shut like budding flowers.


    It was too embarrassing. Even if she didnt know about other things, expressing good feelings honestly was difficult. It was even more so in front of Ian.


    Instead, Danya cupped her hands.


    Give me some soil here.


    ?


    Ian, who had a puzzled expression, handed her the soil without saying much.


    The moist texture of the soil. Danya closed her eyes.


    If its hard to say with words with magic.


    Since that was also why she chose the path of a mage in the first ce, she recalled the emotions she wanted to express.


    The cool and cold wind felt while descending the mountainside on the train.


    Passionate spells cast to maintain the track somehow and the pleasant feeling of momentum.


    Beautiful scenery with snowkes all around.


    Wishing for even a little healing for the tired you.


    To capture those emotions, the mana of the grass full of vitality was moved.


    A sapling sprouted from the soil.


    It grew into a stem, then a flower bud.


    And it bloomed brightly.


    How is it?


    Extending that pure white flower to Ian, Danya smiled broadly.


    A 3-star mana recovery skill for grass-type mages.


    Snowke Flower


    Considering the fact that its a 3-star skill, its definitely not low-grade, especially considering its mana recovery effect through summoned creatures.


    Unlike typical mana recovery skills that transfer the casters mana, this skill transfers mana through summoned objects, making it a true mana recovery skill.


    Therefore, Snowke Flower is known as the flower of the Grass-type support skill.


    Ian opened his mouth, hiding his surprised emotions.


    Its beautiful.


    Hehe.


    Watching her naturalughter, Ian thought to himself.


    Indeed, Danya has talent.


    Its not just a matter of having talent. Danya possesses an overwhelmingly impressive talent, to the extent that she doesnt pale inparison to heroines.


    Ian didnt actively push her forward like a typical heroine. He simply provided small assistance  giving potions, refining grass elements by her side with her overwhelmingly responsive mana affinitypared to her skills.


    With just a small spark, Danyas talent began to ze brightly.


    In this moment, Ian could be certain.


    Danya would undoubtedly be a significant asset as a mage in the unfolding scenarios ahead. She would grow into a mage capable of leaving her mark on the continent and in history.


    However, he couldnt be certain what would happen to her as she grew.


    Ian had never seen her future.


    In the Fantasy X Academy he yed, Danya was just an extra who disappeared in an ident during early-stage practice sessions.


    If that was her fate, there might be moments of imminent danger ahead.


    Of course, Ian wouldnt just let her quietly die.


    If Danya survived through his reincarnation, taking responsibility for her future would be another task. No, it would be a reward to have gained a reliablepanion.


    Tame.


    The interaction between humans and beastfolk was clearly defined as taming. Perhaps it didnt just mean humans taming beastfolk. Maybe humans could also be tamed by.


    Ian ced his hand on Danyas head.


    ?


    Danya opened her eyes roundly, looking up at him.


    As always, she didnt recoil sharply.


    She just blinked softly, her ears slightly red.


    So, Ian gently stroked her head.


    Danya also closed her eyes and quietly enjoyed the touch.


    Her tail swayed pleasantly.


    Thanks to Snowke Flower, the depleted mana and energy began to slowly replenish.


    They enjoyed healing and rxation for a while.


    Student Ian!


    Schwabs voice rang out.


    He hade running upon hearing that something was wrong with the train and, seeing the short, subtly moving pictures offered by Schwab the journalist, he was astonished.


    Gatewin, the Vice Chairman of the Northern Mountain Range Train Operation Association, rushed out upon hearing that something was wrong with the train. He was astonished as he looked at the brief but subtly moving pictures presented by Schwab.


    Oh. I wouldnt have believed it if these pictures didnt exist.


    Two or three mages had pulled the stalled train over the ridge.


    Moreover, one mage had yed the main role. A young man with ck hair approached.


    Is that person?


    Yes.


    He immediately reached out his hand towards Ian.


    Im Gatewin, Vice Chairman of the Northern Mountain Range Train Operation Association.


    Northern Ah, yes. Im Ian ckangers.


    To think that such a young mage had moved the stalled train here.


    Moreover, there were no serious injuries among the passengers, even though there were some minor injuries.


    I sincerely apologize for the regrettable incident that urred during our train operation.


    Gatewin bowed politely.


    A much bigger incident was about to happen, but the novice in front of him had prevented it.


    Moreover, if he was a student at the Lichten Academy, there was a high chance he was a member of a well-off family.


    He knew well that swift and sincerepensation was the most effective way to prevent a major incident from urring.


    Gatewin handed a box to Ian.


    Whats this?


    These are high-grade mana potions from the Alchemist Workshop. Itspensation for the magical power you and yourpanions used.


    There were four transparent bottles filled with blue liquid.


    As Ian examined one, Gatewin continued.


    We will also provide separatepensation for any mental damage you may have suffered We guaranteepensation equivalent to ten times the ticket price for this journey. We will make arrangements for further discussions at any branch of the Northern Mountain Range Train Operation Association.


    Yes. Please do so.


    Also, weve prepared a special high-speed train to your destination. Please trust and use it. Itll arrive in about 10 minutes.


    Yes.


    Then.


    Gatewin had a mountain of tasks to deal with.


    With a bow of his head, Gatewin left.


    Meanwhile


    Schwab approached Ian, who was curiously looking at the mana potions.


    Student Ian. No, its better to call you Ian-nim now. You have such remarkable abilities that it would be too much to call you a mere student.


    Just call me whatever yourefortable with.


    Haha! Well then, Student Ian. As I said on the train, Ians feats wont be published as news just yet. Well release an article emphasizing the dangers of Mana Stones first.


    Thank you.


    Is there a reason why you want to hide your feats?


    Originally, the train incident should have resulted in a crash, which would have be a major issue on the continent. Ian himself wouldnt expect any good oue if he were to intervene. Therefore, its better if the future doesnt change.


    Of course, he couldnt just tell all this to Schwab.


    So, instead


    Wouldnt it be better to focus on one issue at a time?


    Schwabs eyes widened as he listened to Ians words.


    Ohh. You know how to handle public opinion. Alright, Ill put in a good word then. Hahaha!


    It was his misconception, but well, it didnt seem harmful.


    At the Pierce Duchy.


    Luxurious carriages began to arrive one by one.


    Nobles, dressed for the asion, descended from the carriages, warmly weed by the familys butlers.


    Meanwhile, in the study of Lord Richard Pierce.


    A servant was reporting to him.


    It seems we failed. That child was on board, so we didnt proceed with the second n.


    The child hasnt died, has he?


    No, they survived on the train. But they had to feign unconsciousness to avoid suspicion, so theyre unaware of the process.


    As expected, the insight was wrong. That childs life is more important now. Chaos can ur at any time.


    Then I suppose well just have to take him out of social gatherings to


    <em> Slither.</em>


    A brief rustle near the door caught their attention simultaneously.


    Their eyes turned towards it.


    None of them missed the fleeting sight of long, blue hair passing by.


    It seems Sharon eavesdropped. Should we take care of it?


    Its fine. That child is already broken.


    Didnt she recently start practicing the sword again? She seemed to regain her senses after that.


    At the servants remark, Lord Pierce chuckled softly.


    She tried to end her life without even understanding the situation.


    I see.


    Im just waiting for her blood to mature like her mothers.


    Lord Pierces blue eyes gleamed with greed.