MTDIK 08

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Chapter 8 “Who Will Bell the Cat?”

In the world of magic, hierarchy is determined by circles. Unlike the noble world, where status and rank reign supreme, the mage world is one of the few professions where pure skill defines your place in the pecking order.

And for Tesalos Welcher, today was the most humiliating day of his life.

“Decent enough.”

‘Decent? What the hell does he mean by “decent”? Is he saying a 4th Circle mage is just mediocre to him?!’

Among mages, your title is tied to your circle:

1st Circle: Mana Walker.
2nd Circle: Spell Blower.
3rd Circle: Magic Walker.
And when you reach the 4th Circle, you’re finally called a “Mage.”

Being called a mage means you’re officially recognized as a legitimate wizard, a cut above the rest.

‘And this punk, a mere Mana Walker (1st Circle), dares to call me “decent”?’

Where does a 1st Circle mage stand? They’re beneath 3rd Circles, and they must show absolute respect even to 2nd Circles. They’re practically the bottom of the pyramid.

And yet, this kid, a 1st Circle, had just called a 4th Circle mage “decent.”

“Decent enough.”

That single phrase echoed in Tesalos’s mind, hitting his nerves like a sledgehammer. The circle within his core spun violently, the mana surging dangerously close to erupting.

He could have lost his temper and attacked Ferda right then and there, but Ferda had, conveniently enough, made a suggestion he couldn’t refuse: This cocky little 1st Circle punk had the audacity to challenge him to a duel.

And Tesalos was ready to put him in his place.

Now they stood in an open clearing, preparing for their duel. They stood at a distance from each other, both making their own preparations.

Ferda broke the silence.

“I’m curious about something. Do you mind if I ask?”

Tesalos answered curtly.

“What is it?”

“What kind of magic do you use?”

Tesalos looked at him like he’d just heard the most ridiculous thing in the world.

“Asking about another mage’s magic before a duel? Isn’t that a bit rude?”

“Oh, was that rude? My apologies. It’s just been so long since I’ve done something like this.”

Tesalos’s jaw dropped.

‘What kind of arrogant little brat is this?!’

Right then and there, Tesalos made a decision. He would unleash everything he had to utterly crush this kid.

Meanwhile, Ferda didn’t even spare a second thought for Tesalos.

‘Ah, it’s all coming back to me now.’

As he’d said, it had been over 20 years since he’d last had a duel like this. Since then, every fight Ferda had been in was life or death—kill or be killed. That had become his normal.

‘Mage duels are like playing a card game behind a curtain.’

You don’t know what cards your opponent holds, and you reveal them one by one. It’s a game that requires theory, skill, and strategy.

‘As a 4th Circle mage, Tesalos can probably use at least eight different spells in a single fight. And he can definitely use 4th-tier magic.’

Tier magic refers to spells that can only be cast by mages who’ve reached a specific circle. As a 4th Circle mage, Tesalos could use 4th-tier magic. He also had far more mana at his disposal—easily several times what Ferda had.

‘It’s like throwing an egg at a rock.’

Ferda was well aware that Tesalos held all the advantages. But not once did Ferda think he’d lose.

‘I’m not stupid enough to lose to such a “decent” mage.’

That’s how Ferda saw it.

“Well, since the handicap here is pretty obvious, let me tell you something upfront,” Tesalos said with a sly grin.

Ferda had no reason to refuse information being handed to him.

“Go ahead.”

“I, Tesalos Welcher, will be using Magic Blast. I’m sure you know what that spell is.”

Ferda didn’t react much, but the gathered lords, watching the duel, began whispering to each other in shock.

“Magic Blast?!”

“That’s a spell purely focused on destruction, isn’t it?”

Magic Blast was a 4th-tier spell known for its sheer destructive power. While it was powerful, it was also easy for other 4th Circle mages to counter. But for anyone below that level? Especially someone like Ferda, a 1st Circle mage? It was hopeless.

Tesalos’s intentions were clear: to crush Ferda outright.

“Hmm, is that so?”

Ferda tilted his head, then nodded as if he understood.

“Alright, then I’ll share something as well. The only spell I can use is Mana Shot.”

“Mana Shot? Do you really think you can beat me with something so basic?”

Ferda waved his hand dismissively.

“Don’t worry about me. Unlike you, I know a lot of things.”

“You cocky little brat…!”

Tesalos’s aura flared violently.

“I’ll make sure there’s not a trace of you left on this earth!”

His killing intent filled the air, but it didn’t faze Ferda in the slightest.

‘So, he’s a Red Circle user too.’

The fact that Tesalos’s emotions made him stronger was telling. It meant he was a mage who had trained through feelings of inferiority, just like Ferda.

‘He feels… familiar.’

Ferda couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something about Tesalos that he knew. It was like trying to grab something with chopsticks at the bottom of a jar—it felt just out of reach.

But now wasn’t the time for such thoughts. He pushed it aside and focused on the duel.

This was, after all, a fight between a 1st Circle mage and a 4th Circle mage.

‘A typical 1st Circle mage can only create three Mana Shots at a time.’

That’s due to a lack of experience, focus, and control.

‘But I can make six.’

To avoid the effects of mana depletion, Ferda decided to limit himself to five. That meant he had five chances to end the fight.

“Hoooorrrrgh!”

The mana swirling around Tesalos’s palm grew stronger, coalescing into a massive sphere. The spell circle began to take shape, with runes forming inside it based on Tesalos’s memorized knowledge.

Ferda felt the gust of wind from Tesalos’s spell brush against his cheek. That killing intent was intense.

‘He’s really going all out to kill me.’

But it didn’t matter. If that killing intent didn’t actually reach Ferda, it was meaningless.

Tesalos planned to end the fight in one move, and so did Ferda.

Ferda worked quickly, forming five mana spheres, one above each of his fingers. While Tesalos was still finishing his Magic Blast, Ferda had already completed his attack.

“It’s already over,” Ferda said calmly.

“I’ve won.”

“The conclusion’s clear,” Ferda said.

“I’ve won.”

With Ferda’s declaration of victory, the five mana orbs shot toward Tesalos. The five projectiles arced through the air, all aimed at Tesalos.

“What the…!”

Tesalos gasped, stunned by what he saw. But before he could finish speaking, Ferda’s attack was over.

Boom!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Thud!

The clearing was rocked by four explosive blasts and one heavy, dull thud. Dirt was thrown into the air, and a thick cloud of dust settled over the area.

Moments later, as the dust cleared, everyone could see the result.

“Ugh…”

Tesalos was on his knees, groaning in pain. His right hand, which had been forming his spell, was swollen and red. Shaking with frustration and defeat, Tesalos looked up at Ferda and muttered

“I’ve lost…”

A smug 1st Circle brat had just defeated him.

Tesalos couldn’t believe what had just happened. Replaying the duel in his mind, he analyzed the moments he couldn’t make sense of.

‘That mana shot aimed right at my face…’

The orb shot from Ferda’s middle finger had been aimed directly at his eyes. Even for an experienced mage, such an attack could throw you off. No matter how focused a Red Circle mage might be, if they’re startled, their spell will falter. And a projectile aimed at the face? That would rattle anyone.

Tesalos had instinctively cast a defensive spell while still trying to maintain his incantation. He was, after all, a 4th Circle mage capable of simultaneously attacking and defending. He had assumed the other three orbs were aimed at his torso. His defensive magic should have stopped them.

‘But no… they weren’t targeting my body.’

Instead, the orbs had exploded right in front of his magic circle, shattering it.

‘He destroyed my magic circle…’

Tesalos was stunned. Unless a magic circle is perfectly crafted, it has weak points—vulnerable spots that can reduce its effectiveness if struck. But to completely destroy it? That was another level entirely.

That kind of precision wasn’t just about knowing the weak spots—it was a skill only a 5th Circle mage or higher could typically achieve. Yet this kid had done it.

‘And for the finishing blow… that low-powered mana shot to the back of my hand.’

The reduced power wasn’t because Ferda couldn’t handle more. It was deliberate.

It meant two things:

He hadn’t intended to kill Tesalos.
But if he had wanted to, Tesalos would already be dead.

Everything about the duel screamed Ferda’s complete dominance. Even Tesalos, as furious and humiliated as he was, had no choice but to admit defeat.

Even the lords, who didn’t fully understand magic, could see the result plainly.

‘How did a 1st Circle mage beat a 4th Circle mage?’

‘Was this some sort of trick? Maybe the consort was protected by Valdrova herself.’

‘But then, who could even pull off such a trick?’

As if sensing their doubts, Ruri shot them a cold glare with her silver eyes.

“Unless you want your eyes ripped out, I suggest you stop staring.”

“Ah! Y-Yes, of course!”

“Ahem!”

Ruri’s open hostility sent shivers down their spine. Unlike Ferda, she didn’t see any need to act courteous.

Ferda, meanwhile, turned back to Tesalos.

“Do you yield?”

“…I yield.”

Tesalos let out a bitter laugh and said,

“To think… I’d meet such a skilled mage in a place like this. The world truly is vast.”

He bowed his head in acknowledgment of Ferda’s strength.

“And you’re far more capable than the average 4th Circle mage. It’s reassuring to have someone like you around.”

“Haha… I’m just honored to meet such a master out here in the provinces. Maybe getting exiled wasn’t such a bad thing after all.”

At that, Ferda’s body stiffened.

“…Exiled, you say?”

“Yes.”

“For political reasons?”

“Exactly.”

The words swirled in Ferda’s mind. A Red Circle mage. Exiled due to politics. A person with a strong sense of inferiority. And that familiar mana.

“What was your name again?”

“Tesalos Welcher.”

Ferda’s eyes widened slightly.

“Tesalos Welcher… Ah, now I remember.”

“You… know me?” Tesalos tilted his head, confused.

He tried to recall if their paths had ever crossed, but as far as he knew, the Welcher family had no ties to the Rosnova family.

But Ferda nodded.

“I do. You’re my benefactor.”

“…Benefactor? When did we ever meet?”

“It’s not in the past. This is something that happens far in the future.”

“The future? What are you even—”

Bang!

Tesalos never got to finish his sentence.

A large hole appeared in the middle of his forehead.

Ferda’s finger was still pointed at him, smoke rising from the mana shot that had just pierced his skull.

“And that’s why I can’t let you live.”

The witnesses to Ferda’s actions were utterly horrified.

Ferda had just killed a noble. No one—not even Valdrova’s fiancé—was above the law when it came to murdering another noble. It was an unforgivable act. Something that should’ve been condemned and denounced on the spot.

And yet, the lords didn’t say a word.

They knew Tesalos had been trying to cast a 4th-tier spell to kill Ferda in a fit of personal anger. From that perspective, Ferda’s actions could be seen as self-defense.

But it wasn’t just that.

The lords were thinking the same thing: “Which one of us is brave enough to put a bell on this damn cat?”

Ferda, meanwhile, turned his gaze to the lords. His face was speckled with blood from Tesalos’s headshot, making him look utterly terrifying.

To the Lords, his expression seemed emotionless—a chilling lack of humanity.

In truth, Ferda wasn’t aware of how he looked. He had no energy left to care.

‘Ugh, this is a mess.’

He’d used up all the mana in his body. Leaving just 1% of mana versus draining it entirely might not seem like much of a difference, but the aftermath was worlds apart. Having spent every last drop, Ferda was left with splitting headaches and dizziness. Even standing was a struggle, and keeping a neutral expression felt impossible.

This led to his face contorting in a way that made him look like he was absolutely pissed off.

“Why are you all staring at me like that?” he asked.

“Well, uh… It’s just that…”

Ferda finally seemed to understand.

“Ah, it’s about Tesalos, isn’t it? Don’t worry about it. He deserved to die.”

He swayed slightly, his posture unsteady, his face twitching from the strain.

“If he were still alive, he’d have caused no end of grief for Valdrova.”

“W-What do you mean by that?”

“Valdrova is kind. She cares about people and fights for them. But Tesalos… he would’ve betrayed that. It was inevitable.”

The headache hit him again, and his face twisted even more, looking downright menacing.

“I hate people who make her sad.”

“Y-You mean the Welcher family would’ve done that?”