Chapter 155: Dragon Heart
———————————–
[Basic Information]
Name: Astrid von Kaliud
Gender: Female
Age: ???
Race: Dragonkin
Main Element: Flame
Achievements: [The Four Sages] / [Descendant of Dragons] / [Survivor of the Canyon] / [Demon Slayer]
[Traits]
Positive: [Genius of Mana Sensitivity] / [Master of Elemental Magic] / [Keen Insight] / [Fast Learner] / [Excellent Teacher] / [Tender Feelings]
Neutral: [Meritocrat]
Negative: [Sadistic] / [Lazy]
[Stats]
Physical Strength: 21
Mana: 28
Luck: 7
Willpower: 26
Charm: 21
[Skills]
Passive Skills: [Mana Affinity] / [Blessing of the Salamander] / [Dragon's Scales]…
Active Skills: [Prominence] / [Flames of Sin] / [Hellfire] / [Fire Enchant] / [Lie Detection]
———————————–
Astrid von Kaliud
One of the Four Sages and one of the strongest in the world.
There are many titles to describe her.
For example, due to her specialty in flame magic, she's called [The Flame Mage] or [Master of Flame], etc.
No one can rival her in manipulating mana, earning her the title of [Astrid the Magic God].
Of course, this title isn't used negatively, you can say it confirms her talents and reputation.
I've met her several times already.
To be honest, I've lost count of how many times I made her my master.
I feel there will be misunderstandings if I explain it like this, in the end, it was all just inside the game.
Astrid, [The Flame Mage], is both a genius and an outstanding teacher.
Unlike Noah von Trinity, who says vague things like, 'It just worked out for me?!', Astrid is a dedicated character who gives her best to ensure her students become the best.
Noah also teaches the player sincerely, but she's on a different track from Astrid.
Astrid is a character designed by the developers to be the perfect teacher.
'Of course, she might be a bit too obsessed with geniuses'
That's why I've been waiting for her to show up.
I didn't expect to meet Astrid this early, though.
Noah had decided to help me to bloom my talent, so she brought her.
'She must've thought teaching me by herself was too difficult and uncertain how to make me stronger, so she called Astrid here'
In fact, before Noah, Astrid was once offered the position of dean at Eldain Academy.
But she didn't want to meddle with political battles.
In the end, she became a character that help by occasionally giving lessons to talented individuals, just like now.
By the way, Professor Lars was trying to leave because he sensed the tense atmosphere, but he ended up stuck between me and the two of them.
Professor Lars's mustache quivered slightly as he looked like he was about to cry.
'Serve you right.'
It's a bit mean to say this since he is my instructor, but thinking about all the things he has put me through, such feelings have gone far away.
Lars, You will understand too after experiencing a troublesome situation.
So don't harass me anymore!
While I was standing, lost in thought, Astrid spoke to me.
"How did you know about me?"
"I figured it out myself."
"I see."
"Yes."
As if couldn't grasp the situation, Lars kept looking back and forth between me and Astrid.
Clearly not understand how a mere student like me could know her. He'll definitely ask me about this later.
Not that I'd give him an answer, anyway.
Then at that moment.
Astrid's faintly orange hair floated in the air, and her eyes glowed a brilliant color.
One of Astrid's exclusive skills, [Lie Detection].
'A cheat skill that absolutely impossible to dodge… a different skill from the other four sages or three sword emperors. You can't even avoid it with acting skills'
That's why I told the truth even in the situation where lying is fine. I really did figure out everything about Astrid on my own.
Anyway.
Thanks to this skill, Astrid had wandered the continent, unable to find a disciple.
Who could approach one of the Four Sages, reveal everything about themselves, and purely seek to learn magic?
That's almost close to an illusion.
By now, there may be people who have guessed what I'm getting at.
Right.
The first condition to learn magic from Astrid von Kaliud.
You must earn her trust.
No lies, and face her head-on.
That's the beginning and the end of it.
Astrid nodded, seemingly knowing that I wasn't lying.
That's fortunate for me.
After all, I'm in a position where I need to become her disciple.
Well, nothing wrong with making a good impression
"I don't want to talk too much, so just take it off."
I obediently took off my coat, just as she told me to.
My body had trained nicely now, with lean muscles in the right places.
Unfortunately, just as my strength has a limit, my muscle growth is limited too, so it's difficult to grow it to be bulky
'Still, I've worked hard to get this far, so I'm pretty satisfied.'
"Is this good enough?"
"Don't ask when you already know. It's annoying."
Astrid spoke with a yawn, full of tiresomeness.
Then she lightly placed her hand on my chest, and blue mana began to form. Lars, seeing this, freaked out.
"Ah, Astrid-nim! Um, what exactly are you planning to do to student Nox? If I may ask for your intentions…?"
That guy…
His voice was trembling slightly. It seemed like he was worried that I might die.
Sometimes, he can be a nice guy.
Standing in front of two of the Four Sages and daring to ask about their intentions… that's no small feat.
Although, he probably just doesn't want to lose his top student, who researched a thesis with him.
"To learn my magic, this is necessary. Move."
Astrid's eyes, filled with indifference, stared down at Lars, who had somehow stepped in front of me.
Unless Lars was truly terrified, he would not back down from this, and he'd definitely hold his ground…
"Ah! Yes, I understand. This is Astrid-nim's magic, one of the Four Sages, there's no way it could be dangerous! Haha!"
"No, He could actually die"
Astrid said that in a completely indifferent tone.
Lars looked a bit worried but laughed it off.
"Haha, what a joke! While some knights might think mages are crazy, it's not like anyone but dark mages would go out of their way to kill someone! Nox-kun, this is a great opportunity, so make the most of the dean's kindness!"
…Coward.
Lars quickly backed off, accepted it just like that.
It seems his brain has made a compromise.
This guy… I'm going to skip two of our research meetings later.
While I was plotting my small revenge, Astrid's blue mana was slowly seeping into my body.
Since Astrid was too lazy to explain, I pondered what I knew about Inner Lunatic's magic, especially Dragon Magic which related to the Dragon language.
What she's doing now is the process of creating a Dragon Heart, the pinnacle of magic, the heart to use the highest skills in Inner Lunatic.
"Haa….."
A rough breath escaped me, and I unknowingly furrowed my brow.
Even after I've adapted to this world, the feeling of mana squeezing my heart was unfamiliar.
It's not like there's anything I can do about it, but still… I can't help but wonder can't she be a bit gentler?
"Endure it. It's annoying, so I'll finish quickly."
"…Yes."
As expected, it seems all teachers in fiction are insane.
I let out a sigh as I suddenly realized this truth again.
A short, sharp sigh.
Naturally, Astrid didn't care at all.
———————————–
Meanwhile, At the same time, Astrid herself was slightly surprised.
It was because of Nox's magical talent.
'He has way too much mana. This is going to take a long time to create the Dragon Heart…'
Annoying.
It's so annoying that I feel like I might die. But even so, why is it?
Astrid had a fleeting thought that maybe, she might become a little interested in Nox if he managed to survive this ordeal.
The reason was simple.
She thought to herself, with the amount of mana she was pouring into him?
The chances of a mere 15-year-old, barely adult Nox surviving were less than 2%.
'If he really does survive, things might get interesting.'
Even with that thought, she just spoke in a flat tone.
"Endure it."
Dragons.
They are the beginning and end of magic.
In normal fantasy novels, comics, or games, they are often described like this.
Inner Lunatic is somewhat similar.
While dragons aren't the originators of magic, they are still counted as one of the leading races in magic study.
'Furthermore, because they use a specialized language system called Dragon language, they handle magic with far more words than humans can express, making the magic stability high. That's why in the later half of the game, using Dragon magic becomes a must.'
Basically, Dragon magic is unparalleled and inherently awe-inspiring.
Those who have transcended may occasionally wield magic comparable to that realm, but most mages can't even come close, which proves just how extraordinary it is.
Also, there are several reasons why dragon magic is so powerful.
but the biggest one is the Dragon Heart.
In other words, the difference lies in the power engine that circulates mana within their bodies.
Later, when you max out a mage build and grow your character close to the limit, you really start to feel it, but acquiring a Dragon Heart is a challenge that's almost beyond imagination.
But right now, it's what I need most.
'Magic and Sword. The fact that I have genius traits for both is an overwhelming advantage over the others. If I can properly use magic while learning Luna's Moonlight Sword…'
Naturally, I'll be able to survive even when the first part of the game ends.
If so, getting closer to the truth will be much easier.
That's right.
In the end, everything is about finding the answer.
My origin.
Where is the truth hidden?
Also, What is this strange possession leading me to, who am I…?
For this, I have no choice but to grow stronger.
'…But heart isn't consumable goods, and there's no way you can just swap out it easily. In other words…'
"Argh!"
I felt a sharp pain shoot through my heart, and this time, I glared at Astrid, determined to quibble over this.
Still, even if it's me, I'm not used to continuously enduring this level of pain.
Just when I was about to speak.
An even greater wave of pain started constricting me.
If a moment ago, the mana flowing into me was just squeezing my heart, now it felt like a searing hot iron was carved something onto it.
The shocking pain that I felt surged through my most vulnerable spot, sweeping me just like a tidal wave.
'At this rate… I think I will die…!'
Of course, I've never actually died after saying something like that.
But I can't help but be frightened.
It feels almost like the time I collapsed while playing the game.
The agony, spreading slowly like a deadly poison, reminded me of the pain I felt when I first got possessed in the game.
Haa… I took a few breaths, but even my breathing was shaking right now. Maybe it was too early to entrust my body to Astrid?
When a strong regret began to wash over me.
[The Dragon's Inscription on player's heart is beginning!]
Kohok— Just as I coughed up blood and my vision started to blur.
Though I couldn't quite hear the system message clearly, later, I'd realize why Astrid is considered the best teacher unit in Inner Lunatic.
The regret that had been tormenting me until then disappeared completely.
[The integrated item 'Dragon Heart' is being engraved to the player!]
[Your ability to manage mana is greatly enhanced!]
[Your Mana stat has permanently increased by 1!]
[Your Physical Strength stat has permanently increased by 1!]
[Your Willpower stat has permanently increased by 1!]
All stats increased by 1?
'This really is on another level.'
I realized it once again.
… When it comes to magic, then from dragons.
As I reflected on that, I closed my eyes. I glanced over at Astrid for a moment, who was yawning, and watched Noah's cheerful expression and Lars's horrified face.
Lars, I won't let you off easy…!
Soon after, a deep sleep overcame me.
I smiled faintly.
When I wake up, I'll probably be quite different, no, very different from who I was before.
"Noah, it seems you picked up something useful."
I closed my eyes as I listened to Astrid's last words.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone