Magic Weapon

That night, in his room at the inn, Renato received his first gift since arriving in this world.

With Perly watching expectantly, he unwrapped it.

It was a thick book-Voice of the Dragon: An Introduction to Draconic and a Guide to Linguistics-which Renato had once borrowed in Brekka Town.

"I noticed you often borrowed books about dragons, so I thought you might be interested in learning Draconic and bought you this."

Perly spoke very softly, as though afraid Renato might not like it.

"Thank you. This copy of Voice of the Dragon is the best gift I've ever received."

After hugging the bashful girl, Renato asked:

"How are your spells coming along? Do you still have enough money?"

"Your companion is a fully fledged mage now!" Perly puffed out her chest proudly. "I've learned second-circle spells. Draw your sword, quick. I'll show you."

"So that's why you were so restless at dinner."

"How was I supposed to know you'd bring that half-elf?" Perly pursed her lips. "Renato, there's no way she's just a part-time detective. She must have some other agenda. You need to be careful..."

Renato's Silent Lady lay on the table. Perly closed her eyes and placed both hands on the blade.

As she chanted the incantation, a pale violet glow flowed from Perly's hands into the longsword. She brought her fingers together and slowly swept them over the blade.

The light spread swiftly across the entire weapon like flowing water, shimmering with a magical aura.

"Is this a weapon enchantment?" Renato could hardly believe it. "You turned it into a magic sword?"

Although the casting had been brief, this was Perly's first attempt, and her forehead was already covered in sweat.

"How could I? I haven't even read any books on runes, and I don't know how to inscribe spell models." Perly wiped away her sweat. "This spell is called Magic Weapon. The principles are complicated, but to put it simply, it temporarily turns an ordinary weapon into a magical one by infusing it with magic."

"A weapon infused through Magic Weapon is much stronger than one with those shoddy rune enchantments," Perly said proudly. "The weapon is strengthened in every respect. Its edge becomes sharper, its material becomes tougher, and its resistance to various energies improves too-strong acid, fire, dark corrosion, and so on."

"And this time, I only used the most basic part of the spell. Later, I can try fire infusion, cold infusion..."

"How long does the spell last?" Renato gripped the hilt. He could feel energy surging within it.

The little mage's face immediately fell, and she averted her eyes.

"About an hour. It's not very long, but it should cover the duration of most battles..."

"A very practical spell. Congratulations, Perly. You're a fully fledged mage now."

Renato meant every word. He was sincerely happy for Perly.

"Renato, although I'm a fully fledged mage now, from the second circle onward, the different magical theories and ways of constructing models diverge more and more. A lot of formulas stop being universal. To study efficiently, it's time I chose a school of magic."

"For our current needs, the school of evocation is the best fit. Evocation has lots of direct-damage spells, which could make up for our lack of ranged attacks..."

"But evocation spells have very little utility, and the spell list is limited. If I'm thinking long-term, the school of transmutation and the school of conjuration would be better choices..."

"The school of abjuration has some very good spells too. Staying alive has to be the most important thing when you're adventuring..."

"Don't agonize over it, Perly." Renato gathered the little mage into his arms. "You don't need to think so much, and you don't have to worry about what I need. Just follow your heart. Whatever spells you want to learn, whatever direction you want to take, I'll be there to support you."

"That's no help at all. You're just leaving the hard decision to me."

Perly put up a token struggle, then nestled obediently against Renato's chest and let him stroke her head.

"Where did you get that book? Are you learning Draconic?"

Without looking up, Renato turned a page and replied:

"It was a gift from Perly."

Lailas bent down and skimmed the contents.

"Can you really get into studying that? I thought only mages were interested in that sort of thing."

"There's no harm in learning another language. Besides, the dragon jokes in this book are pretty funny."

The half-elf read along for a while, then grew bored and lay down on the bed.

Renato closed Voice of the Dragon and looked at Lailas.

"If you're free this afternoon, how about we go to our usual spot and spar?"

"Can't. I've skipped work too many times this week. If I do it again, they'll dock my pay."

"You're a ranger. Do you really care about a waitress's wages?"

"I know you're curious about who I am. Stop fishing." Lailas shifted into another position. "But there's one thing I can tell you: I really am poor, and that pay matters a lot to me."

Lailas patted the edge of the bed, motioning for Renato to sit.

"Renato, you were born into nobility, weren't you? I can tell. You have good handwriting, and you're very knowledgeable."

"Maybe I'm putting on an act?" Renato raised his eyebrows. "Country girls fall for that sort of thing when you pretend to be a noble, don't they?"

"Youngster, don't take me for a fool. I've met plenty of lousy frauds, spouting nonsense and spinning wild tales... You're different."

"Lailas, you're always calling me youngster, so how old are you, exactly? Surely you can tell me that much?"

"Oh my, how old do you think I am?"

Her skin was as fair and fine as an elf's, yet her face had the softness of a human's. Her eyes were slightly elongated and tilted upward at the corners, and her long, pale green hair added to her allure.

Her hazel eyes brimmed with amusement, abruptly bringing Renato back to his senses as he stared at her.

"Half-elves live a long time, and you don't have any wrinkles yet, so you probably haven't passed the halfway point of your lifespan."

He deliberately added:

"So I'd guess you're about ninety."

"Oh, get lost! Look at all this thick hair. How do I look ninety?"

"Sixty, then?"

After they bantered for a while, Lailas began checking Renato's progress with meditation.

"Still the turmoil in your heart and sense the rhythm of nature's energy... Not with your ears! Adjust your breathing again and feel it with your heart!"

Following the half-elf's guidance, Renato closed his eyes, emptied his mind, and sensed the world around him.

For an instant, Renato's perception seemed to escape the confines of his body and expand outward. The pulse of the earth, the breath of the wind-everything was so peaceful.

A faint sound beside him made Renato open his eyes at once.

"You really are gifted, Renato. I spent three whole months with my mentor and went through who knows how much hardship before I learned to enter a meditative state."

Lailas stood up and marveled:

"I only properly taught you how to meditate yesterday, didn't I? What an incredible talent."

"Lailas, where are you going? Aren't you going to rest a little longer?"

"You've been meditating for an hour, Renato. My lunch break is over." Lailas stretched. "With youngsters this talented, this old auntie can only go back to waiting tables."