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The 9th Class Swordmaster: Blade of Truth – Chapter 46: Measuring Magical Power

Chapter 46: Measuring Magical Power

"This side here has the items that have been appraised, while on the opposite side are the items that are yet to be appraised. You might stumble upon a treasure if you're lucky, but you could also end up with nothing. The choice is yours."

Even amidst the disorderly arranged goods, he seemed to have some semblance of order as he categorized a few items for Karyl to see.

"And the grimoires are over here. Did you know that the competition starts in two days?"

"Not really. The Dawn Society and the Immortal Society always hold competitions to showcase their new members, don't they?"

"Indeed, it does give us quite a headache. Originally, only the competitions sanctioned by the Assembly of Seven Elders were considered legitimate."

Karyl chuckled softly. "Quite a proud tone for a black market dealer, I must say."

"Hmph, well... It's only natural for someone born in Azor. Though I'm dealing in these goods now, I once aspired to be a sorcerer," he admitted with a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

"Even though these two societies clearly have their own territories, they insist on holding these dangerous competitions here, in the City of Magic. And its us who end up paying the price. Every time they wreak havoc, destroying parts of the city, it's hard to look upon them kindly. Yet, they still claim to be the real deal and constantly seek to fight."

"I see."

"Just a few days ago, disciples from the two magic societies fought, and it ended with one of them dead. Have you ever seen one of these competitions? Though it's called a competition, it's no different than fighting for your life in an arena."

Perhaps he had no one else to complain to. The man rattled off the situation here to Karyl as if he had just been waiting for someone to listen.

He sure has a lot to say.

Letting his words go through one ear and out the other, Karyl casually browsed through the grimoires in the store. Expplre ptodte stories at no/el//bin(.)cm

These don't seem much different from the grimoires I got in Einheri. As expected...

Most of the items on display did not exceed 2nd class. The bigger issue was that grimoires above 3rd class were mostly managed by sorcerers, making them hard to find, but more importantly, Karyl was a newcomer.

"It seems you're just ignoring my words. I came here on the recommendation of Dushala. If you're only going to show me these lower-class grimoires, I might as well leave."

"Getting your hands on even 2nd class grimoires is not easy. Unless you pass a magical power test and join a magic society, getting your hands on higher-class grimoires is like plucking stars from the sky."

"That's precisely why I'm here. Dushala mentioned that there are grimoires up to 4th class available," Karyl said casually, tapping the books on the shelf as if uninterested.

"Ha... Are you a free sorcerer or something? Why not join a guild then? The guild provides you with grimoires if you become a mercenary."

But even as he spoke, the shop owners enthusiasm seemed to wane.

"You're not very good at business, are you? Telling a customer to just join a guild," Karyl commented, pulling out two letters from his coat. "These are introduction letters written by Dushala herself. Give them to Bargo Sira. And this is a recommendation letter from the sorcerer Beryl."

As Karyl infused his magical power into the recommendation letter and thrust it onto the table, the two pieces of paper slid into the table and effortlessly sank into the surface, as if it were a blade piercing through butter.

The shop owner swallowed hard at the sight.

"This should suffice as an explanation. Take me to your boss, and remember to show proper respect to a valued guest. Okay?"

"My apologies."

The shop owner quickly responded, opening the door behind the counter. Only then did Karyl nod in satisfaction.

But before he could take a step, he heard the shop owners voice.

"Excuse me..."

If the shop owner forcefully pulled out the letter, it could tear. Dushala's introduction letter was one thing, but this was a precious recommendation letter. The value of an official recommendation letter from a sorcerer in Azor was immense.

"Could you please take this out for me?" The shop owner's voice sounded almost tearful.

***

A distinguished guest has arrived, and my incompetent subordinate has made a mistake. Please, come in.

Beyond the back door, the basement was lined with a collection of items completely different from the junk seen upstairs.

At this rate, it rivals Tatur's black market in terms of magical goods. Karyls gaze swept over the wall adorned with grimoires and magical items. They say that the black market has everything except grimoires. In the realm of magic, the merchants of Azor hold a monopoly.

That meant they could demand exorbitant prices, being the sole suppliers. Karyl looked at the man before him. Without needing an explanation, he knew this was Bargo Sira, the one Dushala had mentioned.

From his posture, an air of arrogance was palpable.

Stroking his thick beard, the man spoke, I hear youve brought a sorcerers letter of recommendation?

Its from Baron Beryl. Id like to purchase grimoires with it, if possible.

Ha, of course. Due to the Barons reputation... His recommendation might not be as popular, but the basic criteria remain the same.

How high of a class can I go?

After verifying your magical power with a mana meter, we can proceed. If it's low, up to 3rd class; if its high, even the 4th class may be within reach.

Mana verification? You have such a device here?

Bargos lips curled up into a sly smile as he replied to Karyls question, Of course. Sometimes, sorcerers are too generous with their invitations. We have this to prevent reselling by those who buy here, so please understand.

Azor has truly gone to such lengths. To think a mere shop would have a mana meter.

Ha, we also run a guild, so you can trust that its an accredited device. It wont cause you harm.

A magic guild?

Its just a small guild. Dont concern yourself with it. Ha ha.

Karyl nodded at Bargos words. That guild must be the Ulkas.

Occasionally, those with high magical power who dont wish to be affiliated with any group come here to buy grimoires. Those without power are usually merchants.

That makes sense.

Bargo then pulled out a large device with a crystal orb from behind the wall. Have you ever had your magical power measured before?

No.

Thats unfortunate... Then you might not be able to purchase 4th class grimoires. Lets hope for a good result.

Karyl wanted to snort at his words. It was his first time being tested, but he had seen plenty of machines like this before. During the period when the magic unit was formed following the descent of the Oracles, anyone with at least 3rd class magic was drafted due to a shortage of personnel.

Im glad. If this machine merely measures the amount of magical power and not the elements or mana veins... Then it wasnt a problem for him.

Please place your hand upon this crystal orb for accurate measurement.

If you sell grimoires based on the level of magical power, does that mean you have grimoires of 4th class or higher?

Ha... 4th class or above? That would require a mid-level sorcerer. Do you have any idea how many mana veins one has to open to achieve that?

However, there are freelance sorcerers who obtain grimoires from guilds.

True, but its no easy feat for an individual to purchase all of them unless theyre nobility. And for a mid-level sorcerer, 5th class grimoires... would cost a fortune just to acquire one.

I see. Karyl responded calmly at Bargos ambiguous words.

Of course, if you have the money, you can acquire even higher class grimoires here.

Someone of that rank wouldnt be unaffiliated. But if one can afford it, theres no reason not to sell. Bargo added, looking down on Karyl as if he were insignificant.

I dont know how he got Dushalas introduction letter, but what a funny kid. Even Berchi Blano of the Ivory Tower, a Grand Sorcerer, only managed to open six mana veins and reach 5th class in his mid-twenties.

Such individuals were considered geniuses. Unless a dragon had polymorphed into a human, a mere child, barely fifteen years of age couldnt possibly possess the magical power of a mid-level sorcerer.

At most, they could be a 2nd class sorcerer. Given his confidence, maybe he was 3rd class. Honestly, that would be quite impressive... He considered various possibilities. Did Beryl, that old fool, take on a new disciple? Though past his prime, he was once hailed as a genius.

He had opened four mana veins at fifteen and five by eighteen, reaching 4th class and joining the ranks of sorcerers. Well... His life went downhill from there, but...

Despite his downfall, the magical knowledge in his head was still intact. But still, hes just a kid.

Bargo activated the measuring device.

Raise your magical power to its maximum. The length of the lines engraved on the crystal orbs border will determine the capacity of your power.

Hmm.

The spherical crystal orb was encircled with a black border.

Lets see.

Karyl effortlessly began to draw upon his magical power, feeling a warm sensation flowing through his mana veins and gradually enveloped his body. All eyes were fixed on the crystal orb.

Suddenly, Karyl hesitated for a brief moment, but it lasted only a few seconds.

What...!? Bargo Sira exclaimed, his eyes shaking violently.

The previously unmarked border of the crystal orb filled up rapidly, like a bandage wrapping tightly until it was completely full.

4th class?!

The mana meter was a device used to verify if one possessed the magical power required to join the ranks of sorcerers.

Is it finished?

...Yes?

Karyl, however, poured even more magical power into the crystal orb, unrestrained. The orb glowed with a faint light as his magic engulfed it, causing it to crack and ultimately shattering under the force, breaking into pieces.

Whoosh

A rush of wind swept through the room, causing Bargos hair to flutter. The once calm air now whirled violently, as if a storm had been conjured by the unleashed magical power. The room became filled with the dense scent of magic.

The mana meter couldnt withstand it...?

That could mean only one thingthe child standing before him possessed 4th class or higher magical power.

No, in fact, it was impossible to determine the limit. Karyl had the potential to surpass the records set by the most renowned Grand Sorcerers in history.

Bookshelves shook and papers flew around the room. Despite the mess surrounding him, Bargo Sira stood frozen, his mouth agape in disbelief.

Its broken. Karyls stunned expression was utterly priceless.

This... this is impossible.

Karyl chuckled softly, his voice laced with amusement. Then, he calmly addressed the dazed man, Bring the highest-grade grimoire you have in the store.

Chapter end

<<Prev
Next>>
Catalogue
Chapter 21: He Found It
Chapter 22: Break Free from the Shackles
Chapter 23: The Destination of the Two
Chapter 24: The Three-Year Gap Unknown to Him
Chapter 25: Filling the Void, Anew
Chapter 26: One Step Ahead
Chapter 27: Escape
Chapter 28: Coincidences Arent Just Coincidences
Chapter 29: Aidan Hamil
Chapter 30: The Masquerade
Chapter 31: I, Too
Chapter 32: Battle of the Lawless Harbor (1)
Chapter 33: The Battle at the Lawless Port (2)
Chapter 34: The Black Market
Chapter 35: Lets Share the Good Stuff
Chapter 36: A Fair Trade
Chapter 37: Dushala
Chapter 38: Dreaming of an Empire
Chapter 39: The Champion
Chapter 40: The Arena
Chapter 41: The Secret of Tatur
Chapter 42: Dilemma
Chapter 43: The Guidance Mercenary Gang
Chapter 44: Recruiting the Mercenary
Chapter 45: The City of Magic
Chapter 46: Measuring Magical Power
Chapter 47: The Magic Competition (1)
Chapter 48: The Magic Competition (2)
Chapter 49: The Magic Competition (3)
Chapter 50: The Magic Competition (4)
Chapter 51: The Final Battle (1)
Chapter 52: The Final Match (2)
Chapter 53: The Original Magic
Chapter 54: The Victors Reward
Chapter 55: The Gray Training Ground
Chapter 56: Allen Javius
Chapter 57: The Soul Contract
Chapter 58: The Past of the Two
Chapter 59: The Overlord
Chapter 60: The Magic Sword, Freezing Talon
Chapter 61: The Colorless Air Sword
Chapter 62: The Abyssal Rock
Chapter 63: Tying Up Loose Ends (1)
Chapter 64: Tying Up Loose Ends (2)
Chapter 65: A Changed Life
Chapter 66: A New Journey
Chapter 68: The Flying Bow Tribe (2)
Chapter 69: Dungeon Conquest (1)
Chapter 70: Dungeon Conquest (2)
Chapter 71: Dungeon Conquest (3)
Chapter 72: The Twin-Headed Eagle
Chapter 73: Aidans Dilemma
Chapter 74: Movements in the Imperial Palace
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