I Became a Wendigo in a Fantasy World

47 – Episode 47

Walking along the forest path, Isaac reminisced about the events he had experienced. Chasing wolves into the forest, encountering a being, likely a spirit, in the process.

A mistake in misjudging the opponent and being overwhelmed by arrogance.

A moment of feeling threatened by Skadi after speaking carelessly…

“In the beginning, I really thought I was going to lose my life.”

But later, Skadi’s misunderstanding was cleared up, and thanks to that, I learned profound magic, so I had no resentment or complaints.

After all, wandering sorcerers were those who would risk their lives and take on challenges in order to learn magic.

Moreover, he didn’t just grow in magical skill.

Isaac chuckled as he fiddled with the ice crystal in his pocket.

“Seriously, Lady Wendy, you have a great sense. How nice would it be to live in a world with only such spirits?”

Isaac’s body trembled at the refreshing mystery that flowed through his fingertips.

Even though it was a half-broken ice crystal, it was enough to impress Isaac. It was a valuable item for a wandering sorcerer to have.

Sorcerers made contracts with spirits to explore more mysteries. Because there were limits to collecting and obtaining the mysteries imbued in nature and practicing higher-level magic.

But with this ice crystal, he could surpass those limits.

Of course, if he used up all the mysteries contained in the ice crystal, he would have to find spirits again…

“If I can’t grow to the point of making a contract with a spirit when such an opportunity has come, then it’s my fault.”

Isaac didn’t deny that this ice crystal was a lucky chance. It was only right to think that if he couldn’t become a successful sorcerer even when such an opportunity came, he wasn’t cut out for it in the first place.

He pondered while stroking another ice crystal in the opposite pocket.

Should I… use all of this ice crystal?

“…No matter how much I think about it, it’s too excessive.”

Although he had never made a contract with a spirit, Isaac was quite skilled among wandering sorcerers. If he hadn’t been, he wouldn’t have had the ability to notice Skadi’s concerns and solve the problem.

Thanks to his skill, Isaac had assisted a sorcerer who had made a contract with a spirit several times.

Therefore, they had an experience of observing the mystery received from spirits up close…

At least, it was certain that the mystery contained in this ice crystal was more abundant than the one they used when casting spells.

“I’d rather use it to gather materials for spellcasting.”

Sometimes, you have to endure a little loss and aim higher.

Isaac chose the tribe to visit first from beyond the forest. It was the most suitable tribe for such a task.

* * *

The place Isaac arrived after walking for three days and nights was the city of the Prairie Tribe.

In the northern regions, communities forming on such a large scale as to be called cities were not common, but the Prairie Tribe was an exception.

Among the northern people, they were a tribe considered legendary.

“If you’re a northern sorcerer, you’ll pass through here at least once.”

Isaac thought as he looked up at the statue located in the center of the city.

A statue depicting a hooded woman raising a staff.

The protagonist of the statue was Freya, the founder and hero of the Prairie Tribe, a great sorceress.

In her lifetime, she was said to possess eloquence and talent to the extent of making contracts with four spirits…

“But unsatisfied with that, and trying to increase the number of spirits, she was betrayed by them due to her arrogance.”

Like most heroes, Freya also met a tragic end.

Nevertheless, the fact that she was a sorceress outstanding enough to make contracts with four spirits remained unchanged.

Many, upon hearing Freya’s story, would say, “I will become the second Freya!” with aspirations, but Isaac was different.

“I will never do such a risky thing.”

In Isaac’s opinion, Freya was a skilled sorceress but a dull hero.

Even if you make contracts with just a couple of spirits using foul language, it’s not much different from securing wealth and prosperity. It’s not that Isaac couldn’t resist his ambition and ended up ruined.

Isaac never had thoughts of becoming a crazy man, or rather, an arrogant sorcerer. Especially after meeting Skadi and Wendy, who lived modestly despite their exceptional abilities, he felt even more that way.

Passing through the stone statue, a symbol of the city and a source of pride, essentially the sorcerer’s street equivalent to a livelihood, Isaac stepped into the city.

On the street, creatures resembling beings from forests or mountains were displaying their respective loot, engaging in street performances.

“Rare herbs and insects rescued from the ends of the world!”

“This leather is from the ferocious wolf that earned its name in the mountains where I live…”

The city of the Frayr tribe was literally a city for sorcerers.

Due to the remarkable reputation of their ancestors, anything related to magic gathered here from the surroundings.

Of course, many of the items were often useless. Hunters and herbalists had no way to appreciate the mystique since they lacked enchantment.

“If it looks strange, maybe… just in case it smells strong and bizarre, maybe…”

“Some are quite decent, but the rest are all rubbish.”

Isaac judged that there was nothing worth picking up and passed them, heading towards the innermost part of the street. There, a massive mansion awaited.

At the entrance, warriors with magical tattoos on their bodies, exuding a menacing aura, guarded the entrance.

As Isaac stood in front of the door, the warriors squinted their eyes and stared at him.

“This is the hut where Sir, the descendant of Frayn and the sorcerer of the Frayr tribe, resides. What brings you here?”

“I am the wandering sorcerer, Isaac. I have come to auction items that any sorcerer would covet.”

The warriors didn’t step aside. After all, even a swindler could claim to be a sorcerer.

Isaac sighed and awakened the magic on his cloak. As the agility of the wolf enveloped his body, he pulled out his staff from his cloak and aimed it at the warrior’s throat.

“!”

Only after the staff was pointed at his throat did the warrior realize and confirm the staff.

The body one is born with is just a body, but through the arcane knowledge inscribed on Shir’s body, he boasted a vision far beyond that of ordinary people…

“Not your typical sorcerer!”

“Apologies for the intrusion! Lately, there have been too many swindlers posing as sorcerers in the city…”

“How rare is it for there to be no swindlers in this city? Alright, I understand. Make way.”

“Yes!”

As the warriors stepped aside, Isaac tucked his staff under his arm and entered the hut.

Inside the hut, the thick smoke made the surroundings hazy due to the dim lighting. However, Isaac didn’t rush.

Checking the interior with his keen sight, mysterious glimmers guided him through the mist within.

Following the mystic guidance, Isaac reached a door at the end of the enchantment and entered.

“This is a branch from an oak tree struck by lightning. It can be used in sorcery related to lightning, poison, and plants…”

“A black rooster, perfect as an offering to the spirits! With just one, appeasing the wrath of spirits becomes much easier!”

In the marketplace occupying most of the first floor of the mansion, dozens of sorcerers were trading items for their craft.

Some traded in silver or gold, others through barter, and if not, with knowledge.

Isaac smiled at the scene. Normally, he would be squeezing in there, trying to learn another piece of magic…

“But today is different.”

Isaac confidently headed inside. He took out a crystal from the center of the mansion, and…

He was attacked by a sorcerer who unexpectedly emerged. Not surprised, Isaac calmly pulled out his staff.

The icy blade emanating from the staff cut through the attacker’s body. While leaving no visible wounds, it froze every exposed part.

As the frozen sorcerer writhed on the ground, Isaac warned the other sorcerers with a stern expression.

“Anyone who wants to end up like this idiot, come at me.”

The sorcerers who were seeking opportunities held their breaths while watching. However, the greed dripping from their eyes could not be concealed.

The longing eyes of the aspirants stared through Isaac’s hands at the ice crystal.

Regardless of their level, any sorcerer instinctively knew that there was something extraordinary in the crystal, be it high or low in its essence.

“If you hand over that item, I will teach you all the magic I’ve learned in my lifetime!”

“Obtaining useless magic like that trash, how beneficial could it be? I’d rather give you all the materials and treasures I’ve collected in exchange for that crystal!”

Impatient sorcerers started to brawl among themselves, eager to deal with Isaac without even giving him a chance to state his conditions.

Isaac remained unfazed. Such scenes were common in this hut.

Those who staked their lives on magic were willing to show a shameful side if it meant reaching higher levels in the craft.

The ones Isaac wanted to confront were not these hasty individuals.

Clap!

The sound of applause echoed through the first floor, bringing about a change.

The ones who were just moments ago on the verge of a heated confrontation now apologized to each other and stepped back. The sorcerers split into two groups, creating a path.

Walking along that path was a beautiful blonde woman.

Isaac stared at her, swallowing dry saliva. His tension was not due to her beauty but because of the pressure he felt.

Her name was Sír.

She was a sorceress from the Frayr tribe, a practical ruler who inherited Freyja’s blood.

She approached Isaac and smiled. The enchanting scent of roses tickled Isaac’s head, but he remained unswayed.

The chill embedded in his staff awakened his mind.

“Miss Sír, I apologize, but I’d appreciate it if you could step back a bit.”

“Oh, Isaac, resisting my charm… Your skills seem to have improved quite a bit in my absence, haven’t they?”

Syr took a step back, gazing at Isaac as if intrigued.

Isaac looked at Syr for a moment before raising the crystal.

“I shall commence the auction. As always, this crystal shall be traded to the one presenting the most enticing proposal.”

“Do you have something in mind?”

In response to the old wizard’s question, Isaac nodded.

“What I need the most are materials and silver coins for studying magic. I am not interested in magic below my current level, though.”

The sorcerers who had known Isaac for a while lamented his change with a taste of regret.

Just when he obtains such an item, it’s only after his level has risen!

Mediocre wizards withdrew with regret, while wizards from the north, renowned for their skills, raised their hands one by one with proposals.

Most were willing to pay with silver or magical services, realizing that wizards always lacked materials.

However, among them, there was one individual who had an abundance of materials.

Syr made a relaxed proposal to Isaac.

“I’ll let you take whatever you want from my warehouse. Whether it’s silver or materials, it doesn’t matter.”

“Damn it, Syr! Even if this is your hut, isn’t this too much!”

“Of all days, why does such an item appear when that woman is here!”

Jeers and curses erupted from the surroundings, but Syr paid no attention.

If they didn’t like it, they could open their own marketplace in their huts!

Isaac, who had been eagerly awaiting Syr’s proposal from the beginning, smiled and asked a question.

“Will you swear on magic?”

“Of course. I swear upon all mysteries of the world and my magic.”

A force that could not be resisted acted upon the mage when he made an oath with the sorceress. If he broke the oath, the mage would lose his soul and forever be unable to practice magic.

Naturally, to the mage who dealt with powers beyond human comprehension, it was as terrifying as death itself.

When Cyrus made the oath, Isaac cautiously crossed the ice. Cyrus laughed at the mages as she held the ice.

“Even if you look at me with jealous eyes, I can’t give you the ice~ Oh, Isaac.”

“Why do you say that?”

Perhaps because the deal was successful without any major issues.

Isaac, relieved of tension, responded lightly to her call.

And Isaac immediately regretted it.

Cyrus smirked and asked Isaac a question.

“But where did you get such a treasure? Moreover, it seems to have improved quite a bit in just a few months… Did you find a dead sorcerer’s hut or something?”

‘This damn woman…’

From Noble mtl dot com

Isaac glared at Cyrus with narrowed eyes. Cyrus responded with an expression of not knowing anything, but she couldn’t deceive Isaac.

The eyes of the mages glared at him in response to her question!

‘There must be at least one mage who can find out the truth among them. But it’s a problem if they keep their mouths shut…’

The mage clan was never a peaceful bunch. If necessary, it wouldn’t be strange to kidnap a virtuous mage.

‘Even the spirits didn’t particularly care… Honestly, it won’t take long for the truth to come out even if I hide it.’

If he could find out where he came from, it would be a piece of cake for skilled mages like them to trace his starting point.

‘It would be better to reveal it here. There won’t be anyone bothering me, and I’ll be too busy heading to the forest during that time.’

Isaac decided to speak openly about what he had experienced.

He poured out his experiences to the mages. Of course, since the mages could detect lies, he only spoke the truth…

“A kind spirit, huh? Was that just a joke, and it didn’t get flagged as a lie?”

“Perhaps it’s because the spirit is involved in alchemy. If it’s such a matter, even magic can’t determine the truth.”

“No matter how you look at it, it’s strange. A spirit that generously rewards… not your typical arrogant spirit.”

“…”

Isaac replaced the anger that was about to burst out with a sigh. Honestly, even to himself, it was an unbelievable story.

A rational spirit, taking on tasks, and even making an effort to properly reward.

‘But if that’s true, what can I do about it?’

“Such things were happening at the end of the world…”

“Ahem. I’ll be going first. Suddenly remembered something I forgot.”

“Oh my. This friend, really… I’ll join too!”

The sorcerers, without anyone deciding who goes first, began to leave the hut. They realized it was not the time for negotiations or idle talk.

They had to go to the forest immediately, gathering whatever they could!

Isaac sighed as he watched the sorcerers rushing out like a torrent.

‘I hope among them there’s no one trying to deceive the spirit.’

Isaac subtly turned his head and looked at Sire. Sire was the mastermind of this chaos but hadn’t moved hastily like the other sorcerers.

Perhaps, like Sire, a skilled sorcerer might not have succumbed to futile desires…

“If it’s cherishing and adoring a beautiful woman…”

‘This is going to be a problem.’

Isaac, having roughly guessed what Sire was thinking, shook his head.

* * *

Wendigo and Isaac’s expectations were in perfect harmony.

About a month after Isaac left the forest, Geron arrived with a troubled expression, carrying a letter for Wendigo.

“Lord Spirit, a letter has arrived. But something seems strange.”

“Is someone looking for us from the outside?”

Wendigo asked while enjoying Skadi’s secret sauce and savoring the grilled pork ribs. Geron nodded.

Wendigo was puzzled.

He had warned Geron that outsiders might come looking for them soon, so why did he have a bad expression?

“I expected this to happen sooner or later, didn’t I?”

“That’s true…”

Geron showed signs of discomfort and took out the ‘letters’ he had brought.

That’s right.

The letters didn’t come from just one place.

“The letters say that shamans from various villages on the outskirts have come from the outside, wanting to meet you, Lord Spirit…”

“……”

Wendigo, unable to believe it, stopped with a rib halfway to his mouth.