Chapter Five: Spatial Magic

The journey to Fragrant Leaf City had lasted more than ten days. The roads, blocked by heavy snow, were treacherous, and with lines to memorize and rehearsals during their rare moments of rest, the time they could devote to travel was always limited. At last, on the fourteenth day, they arrived in Fragrant Leaf City.

The Violet Lavender Troupe quickly found an inn and settled in.

"All right, we've arrived. Everyone, get to work. Alec, organize the rooms for everyone. The ladies are free to stroll about the streets, but don't stay out too long. As for me, I need to speak with the theatre owners about renting rehearsal space and seek out other performance troupes. It's time for us to start earning money!" Clarice called out loudly, drawing curious glances from passersby.

Then, like a gust of wind, Clarice swept in front of Hugh. "You said you wanted to sell your potions, didn't you? Come along with me, then. I really want to see if your wares can fetch a good price."

Without giving him a chance to refuse, she dragged Hugh onto the street, followed by a throng of the troupe's young women—intent on shopping, despite their meager coins.

Only now, Hugh could truly admire the city's scenery. It was pitiful, he thought, that after nearly four years in this other world, this was his first visit to a metropolis.

Fragrant Leaf City's buildings were mostly designed with domed and pointed roofs, constructed primarily from the local specialty: aromatic wood. This wood was exceptionally hard, perfect for crafting household goods. It emitted a faint fragrance in daily use, which grew stronger when burned or drenched by rain. With most homes in the city built from aromatic wood, rainy days brought a pervasive, delightful scent that filled the air, giving the city its name.

Hugh noticed the townsfolk were dressed in finery, seemingly carefree and living leisurely lives. The streets were lined with countless shops, all exquisitely decorated, their wares dazzling and abundant.

Daisy, Lanty, and the other girls dashed from window to window, exclaiming in surprise, praising the beauty of one item, longing for another, then lamenting their lack of money, hoping a friend would lend them some.

"It seems this city has a thriving commercial atmosphere, and its people are wealthy. What surprises me is that Fragrant Leaf City isn't large—it’s inland, without a port or bustling sea trade, and its location is rather remote. How did it rise to prosperity?" Hugh asked Clarice.

"Oh, that's thanks to its specialty," Clarice explained.

The city’s prosperity stemmed from its prized aromatic wood, beloved by nobility throughout the empire and the continent as a building material. The most advanced commerce here was the trade of aromatic wood, and its most distinguished industry was the coloring and crafting of this wood. Merchants from all over came and went, gradually propelling the city's economy.

Fragrant Leaf City became the most affluent and beautiful among the Versailles Cluster, and it was rumored that it might one day replace Old York City as the new metropolis of the cluster.

Years of logging had severely damaged the aromatic wood forests, which were now dwindling. Only as the resource grew scarce did people begin to value it and protect it, causing prices to soar. Nowadays, stone was used more often for construction, and those who still owned aromatic wood homes never had to worry about money. The high prices ensured the city’s income didn’t decrease, and its vibrant commerce further enriched its economy. Most residents were wealthy, and in their leisure, sought entertainment, turning Fragrant Leaf City into the foremost entertainment center of the Versailles Cluster.

Fragrant Leaf City was the domain of Glora Ablitt.

Behind the name Ablitt lay another meaning—the rank of a Level Six Violet Robe Mage of the spatial arts.

This was a status more exalted than that of a lord.

The Level Four Black Robe Mage, Erdolis, who once sent Hugh to the island, was Ablitt’s student.

Spatial magic was the most complex and profound of all schools, making advancement extremely difficult. Ablitt, the Violet Robe Mage, was the highest-ranked spatial mage in the Lance Empire. Despite the purple robe, he enjoyed the same privileges as the Gold Robes. His fiefdom was an entire city.

Hugh knew that spatial magic was perhaps the most bizarre of all magical schools. Low-level spatial spells were pitifully few and impractical, while high-level spells were numerous and extraordinarily powerful. Most spatial magi, when starting out, would also study at least one other school. Ablitt was also a Level Four Water Mage, while Erdolis specialized in Level Five Fire magic. It was said Ablitt had harshly berated his pupil for this—having a spatial archmage train a student whose main discipline was fire and only secondarily spatial, with water and fire opposed, was enough to drive him mad.

But for Hugh, alchemy held a far greater allure than spatial magic. Ablitt was of interest, and Fragrant Leaf City worth lingering in, solely for another reason—a legend said that Ablitt possessed a notebook from Electra.

He had learned this by chance during his friendship with Bailey.

Ablitt regarded this notebook as his most prized treasure. Though not an alchemist himself, he cherished it jealously, refusing to share it with anyone.

It was said Heinz had once asked Ablitt for the notebook and was flatly refused, angering him greatly. During a later test, Hugh discovered Heinz had a very poor opinion of Ablitt, which implied the rumor was likely true.

This was the real reason Hugh had teleported himself to the Versailles Cluster.

For Hugh, alchemy was the only magical method that allowed the simultaneous use of spells from all schools. Though not as casually wielded as other magic, its power was unmatched by any mage.

Until he could achieve Electra’s heights, seeking Electra’s notes, following his trail, and studying his work, while satisfying his own wanderlust, formed the plan Hugh had set for himself.

In Rachel’s analysis of Hugh, at least on this point she was correct: people like Hugh could never wander aimlessly; they always set themselves a goal and pursued it relentlessly, climbing until they reached the peak. Yet, while understanding this, Rachel’s estimate of Hugh’s true objective was off. The asymmetry of information meant that, while she had guessed his resting place, she had misjudged his destination. She could never know Hugh was a traveler from another world, no longer the original Hugh Glare, which gave him more time to do as he pleased—to obtain another notebook.

But to do so, the spatial archmage Ablitt was a barrier he could not cross.

Despite the scarcity of spatial spells, each was highly practical, and the strength of spatial magi was undeniable.

Teleportation allowed them to come and go as they pleased, like ghosts and shadows, impossible to guard against. Barrier-breaking shattered all wards. The Maze of Light could trap someone forever in a labyrinth of space. Rending space could banish an opponent directly into the chaotic flows of the void.

All magic related to spatial arts was synonymous with power, terror, and irresistible force.

As a Level Six spatial archmage, Hugh had no doubt Ablitt could wield at least three of these spells with ease.

Yet such magic consumed enormous energy.

Spatial magi opened barriers to perform teleportation and space rending, but unlike teleportation arrays, their power was not perpetual, and each opening of a spatial barrier came at a great cost. The farther the distance, the greater the energy required. Even Ablitt, with his violet robe, could not instantly send himself far, nor could he teleport endlessly each day. Spatial teleportation was generally limited to visible distances unless a location was prepared beforehand.

At this thought, a bizarre idea surfaced in Hugh’s mind—could the energy recycling theory used in constructing teleportation arrays be applied to training spatial magic?

This strange notion began to circulate endlessly in his mind.

Hugh knew well that after breaking the spatial barrier, a mage needed to keep expending energy to maintain it, so he had to teleport immediately, or else waste the spell or drain his magic and stop automatically.

But if he had energy recycling, he could open a spatial barrier and create his own unique passageway, usable at any time. He could even open several passages within a period and link them.

Thus, he could appear in different places repeatedly within a set time, moving freely back and forth.

No spatial archmage had ever been able to do this.

Of course, breaking multiple spatial barriers would consume staggering energy, but by limiting the area to a fixed small region, much could be saved. In combat, using this method—Hugh could imagine himself vanishing and appearing instantaneously within a zone, moving without obstruction. This would grant him perpetual initiative in attack. Even opponents stronger than he would be confounded by his elusive tactics.

It resembled the phantom strike techniques mastered by advanced warriors, but whereas phantom strikes relied on rapid movement to leave afterimages in the eye, this would be true instant relocation. On the battlefield, he would have absolute control.

Of course, against large-scale, destructive spells, this would have little effect, but against high-level warriors, his survival would be greatly enhanced.

On Purgatory Isle, to survive, he had no choice but to devote himself to alchemy, with little time for battle energy or magic. But now, far from that hellish world, he realized there was much left to learn, to improve, to explore.

This sudden inspiration had unlocked an important door for his magical studies.

He thought again of the secret behind Electra’s achievements—deepening his understanding of magic through alchemy.

Yes, that was it. He had invented energy recycling; magi did not comprehend its workings, but he did, and he understood its mysteries. Now, his task was to realize this theoretical concept in practice.

He truly began to understand Electra; there was no doubt that alchemy had offered him this direction of theoretical exploration.

Though Hugh lacked innate talent for spatial magic, his grasp of fundamental principles placed him at a higher starting point than anyone else—and that, in truth, was more important than talent.

This was one of Electra’s secrets.

When he studied flesh golems, he made breakthroughs in soul magic; when he researched teleportation arrays, he unknowingly gained the ability to learn spatial magic.

This realization filled Hugh with excitement. He longed to experiment with his ideas immediately, to master the secrets of spatial movement, and add spatial arts to the wind and soul magics he had already mastered.

If other magi knew his thoughts, they might warn him that innovating in spatial magic could cost him his life—lost forever in the chaotic void—and that practicing multiple schools increased the risk of magical disorder.

But Hugh ignored all caution, committing himself fully to this perilous yet radiant path.

Such was the advantage and disadvantage of lacking a mentor—self-development could lead to a unique, brilliant path, but also to error and confusion.

Risk and reward always coexisted.

"Hey, what are you thinking about, kid?"

Clarice’s shout dragged Hugh from his sea of thoughts.

He smiled awkwardly. "I was merely reflecting on the past. Freedom is beautiful, but somehow it always reminds me of those unhappy times... It's not nostalgia, I think, but a kind of sentiment. Perhaps my heart seeks to prove my happiness now by contrast."

"I thought you'd never admit to feeling happy. After all, you ought to resent me for charging you twenty gold coins. But it's not my fault; you didn’t even bargain."

"No, actually, I’m grateful. You’re a kind woman, only wrapped in a tough shell. Compared to my former master, you’re angelic. And traveling with you spared me the hardship of a long journey alone. I'd rather see the money as payment for your trouble in bringing me along."

"Well said, you make me blush, Fink. Truth be told, I no longer want to ask you for the money." Clarice said, "Anyway, you gave me a wonderful idea. If your potions don’t sell, I can buy them."

"No," Hugh shook his head. "Those potions are of little use to you; money is far more valuable for the Violet Lavender Troupe. When I sell my potions, I’ll pay you what I owe. You need it more."

Clarice gazed at Hugh, puzzled. "Why? Why insist on compensating me, knowing the price is high? You’re not angry, not upset, not cursing me? To be honest, fixing the roof cost me less than two gold coins."

"Why should I mind? Just for twenty gold coins? That’s not enough to drive me to fury. And I never believe that quarreling, arguing, or fighting with a lady over money is a virtue. If possible, we ought to be generous. I mean, to those we can forgive, we should forgive, understand, and show tolerance."

Clarice was startled. "I never imagined you were that kind of person."

"That’s because my past was filled with painful memories. I faced a devilish master, lived in a hellish environment, always had to be careful. Friends died, one after another, and I had to keep smiling, as if it didn’t affect me... Can you understand that feeling? For me, nothing is more meaningful than life and freedom. Compared to that, nothing you’ve done could ever hurt me."

Hugh smiled as he spoke. At last, he voiced his true feelings. Yes, when one has lived in hell long enough and finally returns to the light, every experience in life is worth savoring and brings joy. When Clarice asked him for money, it marked his first moment of reconnecting with the world.

He had no reason to turn that moment into bloodshed, cruelty, violence, or anything else.

Quite the opposite—he wished to make it as beautiful as possible, to cherish it forever.

Like a prisoner released from jail, greedily breathing the air of freedom, even facing a street ruffian’s provocation would seem fresh, amusing, and real.

For those who had struggled with life and death, happiness was felt all the more keenly. How could he dwell on such things, sulking like a housewife?

Just because a girl tried to get a little more money from him, should he throw a tantrum and teach her a lesson? That would be ridiculous.

Hugh told himself he was not so narrow-minded, even without that ring worth a kingdom, at most he would have haggled. Now, with the means, he preferred to treat those twenty gold coins as a gratuity, a token for reentering the real world and enjoying a beautiful life.

Clarice was silent for a long while, then nodded. "I see... Fink, tell me—how did you survive those threats that would drive most people insane? What gave you the strength, as a youth, to endure such hardship?"

"Hope," Hugh replied.