𝐋𝐮𝐤𝐞’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
“I see, so that’s what happened.”
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Iris, while munching on skewered rabbit meat, sighs in sympathy.
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The two were having a meal in the new house that Iris had built.
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“That’s the situation.”
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Luke, not to be outdone, is also indulging in the food in front of him.
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Perhaps due to his recovery from injuries, he is extremely hungry.
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Remarkably, Iris’s treatment was perfect, as befits a legendary demon. The slashed arm and eye wounds have completely healed, leaving no pain.
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Yet, the reality that his left arm and eye are completely gone remains undeniable.
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Furthermore, perhaps due to the terror of being slashed and falling off a cliff, all of his once pitch-black hair, except for a lock on his forehead, had turned completely white.
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“Unable to use magic, targeted by my uncle, and now maimed. . . I survived, but what am I to do now. . .”
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Luke said this with self-mockery, but as he chewed over his situation, he felt a mild sense of despair.
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“Can’t use magic? That’s impossible.”
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Iris looked puzzled at Luke’s words.
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“After all, the fact that Luke survived is thanks to magic.”
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“? What do you mean?”
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“Luke, you were slashed in the arm and eye, and thrown into a stormy river. Normally, any human wouldn’t survive that. Your survival isn’t just luck, it’s because you used magic.”
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“But, I really can’t use any magic! I’ve been ‘depleted’ since I turned fifteen. . .”
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“Ah, that. It’s because of that wound.”
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Iris said, pointing at Luke’s left arm.
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“A human body can’t withstand strong magical power. Instinctively, the body restricts the release of magical power. That’s exactly what happened to Luke. Such strong magical power can blow you away with a wrong output, so your body was rejecting magic. But with your left arm and eye cut, your body released those shackles to save your life.”
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“Because of this wound. . .?”
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Luke stared at his left arm.
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Indeed, he could now feel the vibrations of magical power, more so than ever, emanating from where his left arm used to be.
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“Falling into the river was lucky, too. The coldness constricted the blood vessels, preventing excessive bleeding. Anyway, Luke, you can use magic.”
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Iris’s words struck Luke like a bolt of lightning.
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I could use magic. . . a power I had nearly given up on. . .
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“. . .How much can I learn to use?”
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“Well. . . Given the amount of Luke’s magical power, it might be comparable to, or even surpass, the legendary heroes. But it all depends on training.”
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These words made Luke’s blood surge.
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I could become strong. . . even I. . .
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The promise he made to Alma echoed in his mind.
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To become a magic knight powerful enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with her, he might be able to fulfill that promise.
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“Please!”
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Luke knelt on the floor, pressing his head to the ground.
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“Teach me magic! I must become a magic knight! I’ll do anything to make it happen!”
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“Sure.”
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Iris answered nonchalantly.
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“R, Really?”
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“Of course. It’s not a bad idea to take on a human disciple after a long time. Besides, you are honest and seem like you would be a good disciple.”
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Iris cheerfully replies while twirling an eaten skewer.
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“Well then, from now on, you and I, Luke, will have a master-disciple relationship. You should call me master. Training starts tomorrow.”
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“Yes! Master!”
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Luke answers loudly.
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～And then five years passed～
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“Are you really going?”
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Leaning against the door of the house, Iris speaks to Luke.
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“Yes, I’m going. After all, you were the one who declared the end of my training, master.”
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Luke replies while packing his things.
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“That’s true, but. . . you don’t have to leave right away, do you? How about staying for at least one more week, no, even three days?”
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“I appreciate your words, master.”
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Luke, with his luggage on his shoulder, stands up in front of Iris.
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His stature, which had grown considerably over the five years, now slightly exceeded that of the tall Iris.
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“I have a promise to keep with a friend. I said I’d visit again once I became stronger.”
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Indeed, in these five years, Luke had grown into a magician that even Iris acknowledged.
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His right eye, as he looked at Iris, showed no trace of the despair that clouded his gaze when they first met.
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“Now that my training is over, the time has come to fulfill my promise.”
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“No. . . that’s not true. . .”
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Tears overflow in Iris’s eyes.
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“Luke hates me! That’s why he’s leaving and will never come back!”
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“That’s not true at all. Just because I’m leaving doesn’t mean it’s goodbye forever. I will come back.”
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“That’s a lie!”
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Iris jumps into Luke’s chest and starts sobbing.
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“Hey, why not stay here forever? Let’s live together, just the two of us. What are you unsatisfied with being with me? I would do anything for you, Luke! So, in health and in sickness, in joy and in sorrow, in riches and in poverty, love me, respect me, comfort me, help me, and be faithful to me as long as we both shall live.”
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“Those are the vows for marriage, aren’t they?”
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Luke gently pulls away from Iris with a wry smile.
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“But I promise you this. Once I meet my friend, I will definitely come back here. This place is my home now.”
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“Really?”
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Iris, still teary-eyed, clings to him.
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“Really. I owe you a debt of gratitude that I can never fully repay, master.”
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“Then. . . alright.”
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Iris reluctantly lets go.
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“. . .So, where are you planning to go?”
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“First, I plan to go to the royal capital, St. Arrogas. My friend should be a member of the Seraglio Guards at the castle.”
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“Be careful. It’s better not to mention too much that you’ve been with me. Especially, try not to show your eye and arm.”
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“I understand.”
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Luke smiled and pointed to his left arm.
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Where there should have been a severed arm, there was one covered in black gloves.
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His left eye was covered in white hair, but beneath it, a magical-powered artificial eye gleamed.
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“Well, with Luke’s abilities, he won’t be outdone by anyone. I, as his master, guarantee that. However, having too much power can sometimes attract trouble. Especially with your unique magic, ‘Analysis’, there might be those who would misuse it, so always be on your guard.”
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“Thank you. I’ve come this far all thanks to my master. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to keep my promise with my friends, let alone even hope to be alive.”
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Once again shouldering his luggage, Luke stepped outside the house.
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“Well then, I’m off!”
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“Take care of yourself! Remember, you can always come back home if things get tough!”
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Being sent off by Iris’s unending voice, he descended the mountain.
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The human world awaited Luke for the first time in five years.
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