NOVEL WEB Chapter 19
“Pankratos was quickly tidied up.”
The wizards in the background murmured among themselves and left the scene.
Only a few remained in the hall, including Enoch.
Since the Master of the Lightning Tower and the Guild Leader stayed, it seemed like the main characters of this ordeal were left behind.
“There was a bit of ruckus, but the result isn’t bad. Well, I hope it’s not.”
Rogita lamented, sounding somewhat relieved.
Vergo nodded as if in agreement.
“I’d say it’s not bad at all. The building didn’t collapse, and we solved things through conversation, right?”
“The building did crumble a bit, though…? Looking at it now, the foundation seems a tad unstable.”
“Well, Raselin, it’d be great if you could keep it down.”
Vergo approached Enoch while playfully bickering with Raselin.
“Sorry for the late introduction. I am Vergo Tesaile, Master of the Lightning Tower.”
“I’m Raselin Iskuta, Master of the Earth Tower. Not sure if it’s a pleasure, but nice to meet you, anyway.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Enoch. I owe you a lot for our first meeting.”
Enoch replied politely, having dropped the tense atmosphere he had earlier.
Seeing this change, Vergo let out a short “Hmm.”
‘Every little action of his has such splendid grace.’
Perhaps it was due to having encountered numerous eccentric wizards before.
Enoch was already growing somewhat fond of the new mage.
“It’ll be a busy day for you, I imagine, but let’s chat leisurely next time. The Lightning Tower is in the north of the continent. Drop by when you have some free time.”
With that, Vergo transformed into lightning and disappeared.
With the rumbling of thunder behind him, Raselin approached and playfully tapped Enoch on the shoulder.
“Hey! Forget Vergo, come hang out with me first. That guy’s a total bore for a lightning wizard!”
“Oh, really? I thought he was quite dignified.”
“Dignified means dull. But I’m different. You won’t be bored at the Earth Tower.”
Perhaps it was due to not exerting power, Raselin’s tone sounded quite casual now compared to earlier.
She was also shorter, forcing Enoch to look down at her.
Enoch nodded while watching Raselin stand on her tiptoes.
“I’ll keep that in mind. I was thinking of bringing a little gift, is there anything you’d like?”
“Nah, I’m loaded.”
“Is that so? I’ve got quite a lot, too.”
“Really? How much do you have?”
“220 trillion Kroyos.”
“?”
Raselin tilted her head, her brow furrowing right after.
This better not be a childish joke.
It seemed that the new colleague lacked a knack for humor, regardless of their character.
“That’s a bit harsh all of a sudden.”
“I don’t care. Anyway, I’m out of here. See you later, cocky rookie.”
Raselin waved her hand before turning into dirt and disappearing.
The small dust of dirt left on the ground hinted that she had been there.
“Looks like you’ve introduced yourself. I don’t see Sebek around; have you spoken to her separately?”
Then, Nordilla approached closely.
The old man stroked his white and bushy beard as he addressed Enoch.
“We didn’t have a chance to chat. Looks like she left early.”
“Oh dear. She looked a bit frustrated from the start—she must have dashed off in impatience.”
“That’s fine. There will be other opportunities.”
Enoch shrugged, as if it didn’t matter to him.
Nordilla chuckled dryly at his nonchalance.
“Forget my introduction since you already know me. But remember what I said earlier? Be sure to bring your apprentice by for a visit later.”
After saying this, Nordilla transformed into ice and melted away.
That made a total of four wizards who had departed.
Now only two remained.
The Guild Leader Rogita and the Water Tower Master, Jane Alura.
Enoch turned his gaze toward the two of them.
As it happened, they were also making their way toward him.
‘Seems like they were in a private chat.’
Rogita and Jane.
The expressions on their faces were quite similar.
Somewhat sour, they seemed to have had a secret conversation regarding the earlier chaos.
Judging by the circumstances, it probably was something along the lines of, “That was too much,” or “So what?”
“Enoch. I want to speak with you at length, but I’m feeling quite tired today. I hope you’ll understand?”
Rogita said as soon as he saw Enoch.
Not just for show, as he truly did look tired, evident from the dark circles under his eyes.
“I’m fine with that, Guild Leader. We can talk again another time.”
“… Thank you. I’m not usually like this, but I feel like crying. The appointment letter will be sent soon. I’ll send someone later, so keep that in mind.”
Rogita turned to leave as he spoke.
In that moment, Enoch reached out and stopped him.
“Guild Leader.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“Here, if it’s okay, please take this. I recommend you enjoy it alone in a quiet place, without giving it to anyone else.”
Enoch discreetly handed over a bribe.
The item in question was an expensive whiskey known as the Goddess’s Tear.
One bottle costs about 100 million Kroyos.
Enoch also enjoyed it occasionally when he felt like it.
“You…!”
Rogita’s eyes sharpened.
The sleepy look was completely gone.
With a serious expression, he chided Enoch.
“How did you know I liked this?”
“This much is basic.”
“I figured it would come to this the moment I laid eyes on you. You can call me brother from now on. If you ever have a hard time, feel free to share. But if this happens again, then you and I will be in a brotherly pact, so keep that in mind.”
Rogita left with a serious face.
Enoch had a feeling he would be getting along with Rogita more quickly than he expected.
“So…”
Enoch turned his head late.
The only remaining person.
He met the gaze of Master Jane.
“…”
“…what.”
“……”
“……what!”
“……”
For some reason, Enoch kept silent.
“What! What! What! Speak, you punk!”
Jane finally exploded.
In truth, her emotions were quite complicated at the moment.
If it were up to her, she’d want to leave immediately like the others.
But she couldn’t bear to do that due to Rogita’s earnest plea from earlier.
– Jane, please make an effort to get along with the newbie.
– What? Are you insane? After seeing that mess?
– That’s exactly why I’m telling you! Don’t you think about me, the one managing you? You might get in trouble, but I’m the one who bears the brunt of it. Given the current situation, I’m about to get grilled by the Emperor and nobles because of the water level—can’t you at least befriend your junior? Huh? Thinking about it makes me angry; it makes me want to overturn everything!
– Alright, I’ll calm down… just give me a moment to think.
Jane ultimately agreed to Rogita’s earnest appeal.
Knowing the struggles of the Guild Leader, she couldn’t really refuse.
So, that’s why she was lingering until the end.
But what’s with that attitude now?
Staring at him without uttering a word—what is she trying to start?
Huh?
Is she getting angry again?
“You punk…! Speak up already—”
Once again, Jane’s temper flared.
It annoyed her to no end that Enoch observed her as if he were a lab rat.
Before she knew it, water started to ripple around her.
With just a little exertion, it could sweep the entire building away.
That was the moment Enoch intervened.
Before Jane could burst out again, he opened his mouth like a seasoned player.
“Master of the Tower?”
“……? What?”
“Firstly, I apologize for earlier. I had a lot to think about, and it took me a while to sort it out.”
His attitude changed in the blink of an eye.
Enoch politely bowed his head, apologizing for his rudeness.
It was as if he had completely forgotten about what happened a moment ago.
Such a sudden change of pace.
Jane stared at him wide-eyed, momentarily forgetting she was angry.
“You… I mean, okay. You can get up now.”
“If you want, I can apologize more.”
“Forget it. What’s with all this apologizing? And stop with the formalities. You’re a boundary-class wizard now, right? If you keep this up, I’ll just feel uncomfortable.”
“Is that so? Understood. I’ll stop with the formalities.”
Enoch shot up! and lifted his head.
The atmosphere had reverted back to its original state again.
Seeing this, Jane was taken aback.
This guy changes his demeanor so quickly—
She genuinely admired Enoch’s adaptability.
“You… I’m feeling this again, but it’s remarkable.”
“Remarkable how?”
“You switch so smoothly. Doesn’t that get tiring?”
“Well, I’m not sure what you mean.”
There are people like me in this world.
Enoch added that as he shook his head, loosening up.
Then, he casually tossed his next question to Jane.
“…Time?”
“Yeah. I was thinking we could walk around the capital to smooth over the earlier situation. What do you say? Will you join me?”
“……”
Jane didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, she scrutinized Enoch from head to toe.
Neat hairstyle.
Clear features.
Straightened posture.
A well-fitted coat he had changed into.
Unwrinkled clothing.
Checking all of this out, her mouth opened automatically.
“Alright, let’s go.”
“Good call.”
@@
The two stepped out of the guild and wandered the streets of the capital.
They put on robes to avoid being recognized by passersby.
In truth, Jane didn’t expect anything too exciting from accompanying Enoch.
The reason was simple.
She was a wizard herself.
‘Wizards usually get hyper-focused on one thing. They’re often really dull when it comes to everyday stuff. This guy probably isn’t any different.’
Being a high-ranking wizard, Jane knew very well about the nature of wizards.
They genuinely knew nothing beyond magic.
They shower little interest in anything except magic.
That’s why going out with a wizard was the worst decision one could make.
No matter where they went, the responses would be boring, and they’d keep choosing options based purely on interest.
Enoch likely wouldn’t be much different.
‘Guess I’ll just kill time until we head back.’
Jane yawned, thinking this.
Surprisingly, Jane’s expectations were completely thrown off.
“Say, Jane, do you like alcohol?”
“Alcohol? I do like it.”
“If you do, what kind do you like? Whiskey? Wine? Since you’re by the ocean, would it be too presumptuous to ask if you enjoy rum?”
The beginning of their conversation revolved around alcohol.
Enoch casually asked about her preferences while joking lightly.
And right there, he burned through 400 million Kroyos.
– Goodbye! Honey! Lower the shutter! Today’s business is done!!!
“Here you go. I picked out a few bottles for you.”
“Um… okay… Why are you holding a glass? Can we drink while walking?”
“It’s fine. Tasting is allowed in this district. In fact, holding a glass while wandering around is considered polite here.”
“Oh, really?”
Enoch handed Jane a glass.
Then he opened the booze he just bought, pouring it moderately into glasses.
Jane took the glass and sipped the alcohol.
Maybe the beverage was tasty.
She found her mind in a bit of a jumble.
Next came the topic of cigarettes.
“By the way, I noticed you’re smoking a water pipe. What flavor are you using? Fruit? Or leaves?”
“The flavor… it’s mainly fruits. It’s less nauseating, and there’s no smell.”
“I see. By the way, have you been to the red-roofed shop in Block 5 of the commercial district?”
“No? What kind of place is that?”
Jane’s response made Enoch chuckle softly.
“Oh my, you’ve been missing out on half your life.”
“What? Really?”
“Come with me. Since we’re on the topic, let’s check it out.”
Enoch’s reaction piqued Jane’s curiosity.
They swiftly moved to their next destination.
Thanks to the enjoyment of the alcohol along the way, it was far from boring.
“We’ve arrived. This is a place called Acorn Cave. It’s where artisans carve pipes and instruments by hand.”
“This kind of place exists in the capital?”
“Let’s go. We should get you a new one since the one you had earlier seemed broken.”
Enoch pulled Jane into the building and showered them with money again.
– Looking for water pipes? How about this one? It’s made of lightning-struck fig wood, soaked in resin. If you boil the liquid, it won’t stick, and the smoke will flow smoothly.
“… So they say. What do you think? Want to give it a try?”
“Um, okay.”
Jane took the hand-carved pipe into her mouth.
The gentle fragrance and smooth throat hit made her express her admiration.
Before she knew it, a radiant smile had spread across her face.
The old pipe that was rolling around on the floor was practically unrecognizable.
“Unbelievable… there’s no rough feeling at all.”
– Right? There are various flavors available. Citrus Lime, Delon Mangus, Insmoke Iceberry. If you have a preference, just let me know.
“Insmoke? Is that still available?”
Jane was surprised and went wide-eyed.
Enoch, leaving behind the enraptured Jane, produced a stack of cash.
“Give me everything in storage. Liquids, leaves—whatever, just bring it all.”
-…! Certainly! How much would you like?
“None should be missing. I want more than enough.”
Enoch pulled out two more stacks of cash.
Then he added as if he had forgotten.
“By the way, I don’t need change.”
The vendor smiled brightly at that.
A moment later, the shop’s shelves and storage were completely cleared out.
That day, Acorn Cave declared a long holiday.
@@
Enoch left the shop and sat on a nearby bench.
Then he pondered their next destination.
“Should I have a drink while I think?”
“Sounds good. Where are we headed next?”
“I’m thinking. The shop owner of Acorn Cave suggested a few well-known spots the locals frequent, you know? I figure it’s best to go by the opinion of a local.”
Enoch fluttered a piece of paper that had the attractions written on it between his fingers.
At the same time, he poured alcohol into their glasses again.
Jane smiled brightly and raised her glass.
With two bottles already emptied, somehow, the cheerful atmosphere had charged Jane up.
While puffing on the water pipe, Jane chuckled and unexpectedly opened another bottle.
– Clack
“It’s a local recommendation. It sounds quite plausible.”
“That’s how it goes when having fun, you usually follow local tips. Oh, here’s a place known for its seafood. Apparently, it even made it onto the Emperor’s table. I wonder if that’s true?”
“Ah, I think I know that place. I remember the Emperor mentioning something similar before, saying there’s a spot he always orders from when it’s seafood.”
“Really? Good intel there. We’ll have a meal there.”
Enoch said that while he downed more alcohol.
Following that, encouraged by Jane, he decided to take a puff from the water pipe she was using.
While they were indulging, a vehicle with a driver arrived in front of their bench.
Enoch had pre-ordered it from inside the shop.
“Let’s go.”
Enoch hopped into the back seat immediately.
It was clearly waiting for Jane to sit next to him as that seat was left empty.
“What are you doing? Hurry up and get in.”
“…”
“We need to eat and do some shopping. The night is short; hurry up.”
Enoch urged her.
Jane’s mind finally cleared a bit as she came to herself.
Before she knew it, her fists were clenched tight.
However, the reason for that clenching wasn’t rage but something else.
A strange emotion sprouted within Jane.
It was something she had long forgotten after becoming the Master of the Tower.
That emotion was none other than joy.
‘This punk Enoch… no, this guy… this child…’
Before long, the anticipation for their next move filled Jane’s heart.
She could no longer deny it.
Enoch was… surprisingly someone who could have fun.