Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 39: Spell (1)

[ List of Acquired Spells ]

✦ Combat Spells

★☆☆☆☆☆ Mana Arrow

★☆☆☆☆☆ Shockwave

★☆☆☆☆☆ Ice Spear

★☆☆☆☆☆ Fire Arrow

★☆☆☆☆☆ Full Power Manifestation

★★☆☆☆☆ Fireball

★★☆☆☆☆ Shadow Binding

★★☆☆☆☆ Large-Scale Shield

✦ Transmutation Spells

★☆☆☆☆☆ Light Creation

★☆☆☆☆☆ Attribute Imbuement

★★☆☆☆☆ Earth Wall

★★☆☆☆☆ Crystallization

✦ Illusion Spells

★☆☆☆☆☆ Acoustic Isolation

★☆☆☆☆☆ Illusion – Small Animal

★★☆☆☆☆ Hallucination

★★☆☆☆☆ Confusion

✦ Summoning Spells

★☆☆☆☆☆ Summon – Guide Fairy

✦ Exploration Spells

★☆☆☆☆☆ Sense of Direction

★★☆☆☆☆ Clairvoyance

★★☆☆☆☆ Magic Detection

★★☆☆☆☆ Life Detection

Dereck had learned the basics of combat spells from an old man.

And he learned fitting illusion spells from a fallen noblewoman named Katia.

The influence of a mentor couldn’t be ignored. Even after that, Dereck continued mastering his own magic, but most of his accomplishments focused on advancing combat and illusion spells.

He diligently practiced the arts of transmutation, exploration, and summoning spells. However, no matter how hard he tried, there were times when progress felt stalled—like hitting an invisible wall.

“I feel like I’ve fully grasped the essence of exploration spells.”

How long had it been since he’d immersed himself in magic in this dark cave?

One day, Drest Wolfetail said something rare—commenting first on Dereck’s magical abilities.

“…But I still feel a bit stuck.”

“The rest is something the boy must master on his own.”

Hearing those words, Dereck felt a little disappointed.

Opportunities to be taught directly by a Six-Star Explorer Mage weren’t common. If given the chance, he wanted to learn as much as possible.

Still, he knew that having a good mentor was just as important as personal reflection and mastery in the study of magic.

“If someone could discover all the truths of magic sitting in a cave corner, then every great wizard in the world would be a hermit, never leaving their rooms.”

“I’ve heard there are quite a few like that.”

“…Anyway, I think I’ve done everything I can on my part.”

Dereck raised his palm, clenching and unclenching it several times before him. He closed his eyes tightly and once again felt the flow of magical power.

By observing Drest Wolfetail’s spellcasting and trying to mimic it, he constantly measured that immense energy.

Gathering the magic floating before his eyes into his chest, he released it into the world as if exhaling.

He felt like part of his body was burning, while another part was freezing. The cold and heat fused within him, clashing and transforming into magical power.

He had felt a similar sensation in the labyrinth recently.

That strange dissonance, as if magical energy wasn’t moving according to his will.

The unique struggle of a mage stepping into the next phase, unable to easily control such immense power.

He had often felt that in the past, struggling to master the various exploration spells Drest possessed.

It was the repetition of days reaching beyond his current level, toward a realm that still wasn’t his.

Again and again, he suppressed the sensation of battling unruly magic.

Like taming a wild beast, he controlled the feeling of the world’s wonders gathering and becoming untamable, gritting his teeth. Finally, he focused the magic at his fingertips on a single point.

“…”

As if drawn by something, Dereck placed his hand on the cold stone floor and released the spell as his heart dictated.

–Whirr!

With great resolve and sincerity, he materialized his magic—but nothing changed around him.

“…”

It was a moment of emptiness that suddenly overtook him.

–Rumble, rumble!

–Crash!

A great vibration began to spread throughout the cave.

The impact wasn’t enough to shake the entire vast cavern, but it did overturn a large stretch of open ground.

The tremors grew increasingly intense, and some stalactites snapped and fell, while cracks began forming on the walls.

–Rumble! Rumble! Crash!

Before Dereck could grasp what was happening, Drest quickly cast a shield spell.

With telekinesis, he pushed Dereck away and swiftly moved toward the cave exit.

–Swish! Bang! Crash!

At the entrance of Raspah Cave

Dereck sat, staring at the collapsed entrance.

The tips of his fingers trembled from the magic drawn from the earth. Drest, standing with hands folded behind his back, laughed dryly. Dereck was almost of age for his coming-of-age ceremony. Yet the spell he had cast had completely destroyed the entrance to Raspah Cave.

“Get up… Get up…”

Sweating heavily, Dereck steadied his trembling hands and somehow managed to stand.

He was about to ask what had just happened when he felt an aftershock.

(Spell Acquired)

‘Tectonic Disturbance’ – 3-Star Combat Spell

Dereck swallowed hard. To find an average mage who had learned a 3-star spell at his age, one would have to look into historical records or the biographies of great figures.

As usual, the old, saggy-skinned wizard placed his hand on Dereck’s shoulder from behind.

“As I said, it seems there’s nothing more I can teach you right now.”

*

The stars were clearly visible.

It is said that Adelbert, who first conceived the spell hierarchy, was inspired by the stars that filled the sky.

Dereck was sitting near the campfire at the entrance of the destroyed cave with Drest, reclining in the night’s darkness.

Dereck looked at his palm with a confused expression.

He had just altered his surroundings.

A 3-star spell. Among the nobility, spellcasters with 3-star spells are called “advanced mages,” recognized as those who have mastered a specific aspect of magic.

When news spread that a commoner had become a 3-star mage, even nobles had to respect the blood, sweat, and tears poured into the effort. Most 3-star mages born as commoners had dedicated their entire lives to magic.

However, there had never been a 3-star mage as young as Dereck. It was doubtful he would be met with admiration for it. The tangible proof of that sat across the fire—an old mage named Drest.

“I’ve said it before, but as a common mage, you can’t survive on ordinary talent alone.”

“…”

Though his words lacked emotion, the weight of years still filled Drest’s speech.

Drest had lived as a common mage, sacrificing too much just to stay alive—and to surpass the nobles.

“To be respected, you must be extraordinary. Rise so high they can’t reach you. It’s human nature to try to drag down anyone who seems within reach.”

“And how big is someone like that?”

If Dereck, at his age, had mastered a 3-star spell, most mages would be left speechless in awe.

Yet Drest merely closed his eyes.

In the fight against the world, it could be a crushing victory or a crushing defeat.

Drest looked at Dereck with a gaze clouded by time, a century’s worth of valor clearly reflected in his eyes.

He seemed to project a piece of his past onto the growing existence that was Dereck.

“Judge it for yourself.”

With that, Drest stood from his fragile body.

“Where are you going?”

“Just to get some fresh air.”

“…”

Saying that, Drest waved his robe.

The forest surrounding the cave was filled with the darkness of night. To some, this darkness might seem like an endless void.

Drest, now aged and at the twilight of his life, did not radiate the grandeur that flowed from the world’s most famous mages.

Though he was one of the greatest, he looked completely ordinary. His shoulders were small, his limbs as thin as dead branches, wrapped in a worn-out robe, nibbling on food meant for commoners.

He lived simply—and would die simply.

Dereck knew Drest’s end would not be as dramatic as his reputation. After a tumultuous life, he would wander until he felt death, then return to a quiet village in the outskirts of Count Jebelon’s lands.

In that now remote and silent field, he would casually enter a house, sit in a worn chair, rest his chin on his hand.

And silently close his eyes, never to open them again. That’s how he lived and died.

“The night air is still quite cold, Master. Please stay a little closer to the fire.”

Dereck said that.

Then Drest paused for a moment and, as usual, showed no expression.

“It’s fine.”

“…”

“Be careful of Cohela.”

With that cryptic warning thrown into the air, he melted quietly into the night. And Drest did not return.

Dereck knew it would happen.

In the place where the old man had gone, Dereck sat alone, poking the fire with a stick. The crackling intensified.

Round and round, and in the end, as always, he sat alone.

The old beggar had done it, Katia had done it, Drest had done it… all the same. Those who embraced him like a cradle would surely leave one day.

Once you realize that, you begin to understand that farewell is also a natural part of life.

It was one of life’s many truths.

*

After a long time, Dereck returned to his residence near Ebelstain’s commercial district.

He washed up, laundered all his clothes and mercenary gear.

Sharpened the rusted knife. Oiled it too.

Cleaned the dusty room, threw out all the spoiled food. Washed the blanket. Placed scented candles here and there around the room.

Repaired the worn door, discarded the old furniture and bought new ones.

He carefully trimmed his thick hair and shaved.

He pushed the spellbook Katia had left to the back of the drawer. He no longer needed that grimoire.

Dressed properly, he reviewed all the stacks of letters. From mercenary groups, from the three great families, from the Ebelstain headquarters, from employers seeking to hire Dereck directly. Many sought him out, but he responded to none.

After putting the basics in order, he stepped out into the sunlit doorway. The rich aroma of bread from the bakery across the street hadn’t changed.

Ebelstain was still a city of a thousand faces.

It was Dereck’s home.

*

“We’ve received a message from that Dereck. He’s requested a meeting with His Grace, Duke Beltus. What should we do?”

Clerven, the head butler of the Beltus family, couldn’t help but feel puzzled while reporting this. How could a commoner ask to meet a great duke of a nation?

However, Dereck was a successful magic instructor. Renowned instructors sometimes made their voices heard—even among the nobility.

In fact, Dereck had sent several letters to the Beltus family, inquiring about various conditions.

“Has he finished his magical training? It seems he’s completed it.”

Dereck had crushed the pride of Grand Duke Duplain, who had confidently declared that Dereck would definitely go to the Duplain family. That alone filled Duke Beltus with delight.

Naturally, he showed a satisfied expression, pleased that Dereck had chosen the Beltus family over Duplain or Belmierd.

“Denise will be trained in magic, and given that her magical growth has been stagnant lately, this is a good opportunity. If he’s as competent as they say, he should yield significant results, right?”

“There are widespread rumors that he’s achieved exceptional results working with the Duplain and Belmierd families.”

“Exactly. Since it was Denise who persuaded him, and he’ll be instructing her, I’ll tell her to meet with him separately. There’s too much pressing work in the domain—so I’ll leave this matter in Denise’s hands.”

Thus, Duke Beltus began writing a letter to send to Ebelstain, his quill dancing across the paper.

Seeing the satisfaction dripping from his face, the chief butler felt there was no need for concern.

*

“The magic instructor is supposed to visit the mansion today.”

“Eek…!”

As usual, Denise, hiding in a corner, swallowed hard.

After returning home, Denise had quietly stayed in her room, slowly untangling her thoughts. She couldn’t understand the mindset of a magic instructor who had turned down Aiselin and Ellen, insisting on teaching her instead.

After considering several theories and possibilities, she even started to wonder if this decision was a form of punishment.

After all, she had tried to manipulate the situation, feigning enthusiasm for magic she didn’t really care about. Some mages considered that an insult, so maybe her teacher was doing something to get back at her.

How could a commoner harbor resentment toward a noblewoman of House Beltus? But he wasn’t just any commoner. He was a magic instructor desired by the three great families.

Realizing how peculiar her position was, she thought:

“If I, who’ve been accepted as a student by the legendary instructor who reformed Lady Diella, earned Ellen’s acknowledgment, and was chosen over Aiselin, don’t produce any results…”

Even if he was just a mercenary from the slums, he was someone who had built such a reputation.

If no progress happened here, who would be blamed? Most likely, the blame would fall on her—for having a great master yet remaining stagnant.

She didn’t think she would fall into such contradiction, but there was no available escape.

“Bella… I just want to lie down and do nothing… Can’t I just fire him as I please…?”

“You know better than anyone—you don’t want to work… but the Grand Duke won’t stand for that…”

After splashing her face a few times, Denise finally got up. Staying like that wouldn’t solve anything.

*

“Good morning. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other.”

In the noble district of Ebelstain, at Denise’s residence.

Guided by the servants, Dereck walked through the hallway.

He approached, removed his cloak, and greeted Denise. As usual, his demeanor was brusque.

But Denise could only stand there, eyes wide in disbelief. It was her first formal meeting with Dereck. Of course, she had first seen him from the stands of the combat training field, but the impression left by that brief encounter had long faded.

In Denise’s mind, Dereck was a hermit, secluded in a remote cave no one visited, his face worn and hair unkempt, completely consumed by magic.

Now well-dressed and greeting her politely, she could barely recognize him.

“Dereck…? Is that really you…?”

“Yes. I appreciate your help at Raspah Cave. The supplies you provided were very helpful.”

“Oh, I didn’t know… you’re someone who observes formalities like that…?”

“Huh?”

“…”

Even if Dereck’s status was unclear, he wouldn’t behave the same in the nearly deserted Raspah Cave as he would in the lands of a noble house.

Of course, that was to be expected, but Denise found herself unable to adjust to Dereck’s transformation, her mind briefly stalling.

‘Now’s not the time to be confused. There are so many things I want to ask, so many intentions to convey.’

He was the one buried in magical training in a cave’s corner. His magical power must have grown.

Denise subtly gathered mana, materializing her detection spell in the corner of her eye. She intended to measure just how far his mana extended.

“…”

However, Dereck’s mana couldn’t be measured by Denise’s eyes. Whether the mana was too faint to perceive or he had learned how to conceal it from detection spells—

If he had such an ability, it meant his mana couldn’t be measured unless one belonged to a higher realm.

Clearly, he was someone who saw broader horizons than Denise.

Swallowing dryly, Denise spoke.

“You’ve traveled far. I heard you came to teach me magic?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Dereck wiped his hands several times, then showed a faint smile.

“I heard you’re quite disappointed in magic.”

“…”

“Honestly, wouldn’t that hurt your pride? To judge magic as good or bad without even glimpsing its domain is an insult to magic itself. After all, I’ve dedicated my life to it.”

“Perhaps I judged too hastily. I’m sorry. Are you satisfied now?”

“No. While I appreciate your selfless apology, don’t you find it unfortunate? Living only with disappointment and resentment toward something so wondrous. That won’t do.”

Denise met Dereck’s gaze. In his deep and captivating eyes, a strange, indescribable energy flowed.

It seemed like endless seriousness, but there was a touch of madness behind it.

‘Eek…’

Denise realized it. She had touched someone she shouldn’t have.

Before touching someone, one must first ensure they can handle that person. It was common sense, but the divide between commoners and nobles sometimes made people forget that.

Unfortunately, what’s done is done—that’s how the world works.

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