The death of the Demon General brought Geehrt's mana to an entirely new level. Most of the dense, potent mana that Schorner possessed was directly absorbed by Geehrt upon the demon's death, permanently elevating his capacity to a higher tier.
Furthermore, the specific magic skills that Schorner had utilized during their battle were now added to Geehrt's growing arsenal. It was a rapidly expanding list of demon skills and spells that he had acquired over their brief travel time.
He had already collected Briar Magic, Fire, Ice, Wind, and Mana Constructs. Now, he added the signature skill of Schorner to that collection.
Geehrt decided to name this new ability "Death Needle." It was a combined name that referenced the technique's function and his past life memories.
By merging Schorner's "Compass" detection domain with the shockwave strikes, it reminded Geehrt of the Destructive Death ability used by Akaza.
After the absorption was complete, the three travelers began the grim task of cleaning up the village.
They took the time to bury the villagers who had been slaughtered by the demons, ensuring they were given proper graves out of respect for the dead. Geehrt even offered a prayer for their souls directly to the Goddess.
Although he knew logically that she would not answer him back, he still found comfort in the belief that their souls would be met by her, for he knew for a fact that she existed in this reality.
When they finished their solemn duty, the three left the same way they had arrived. They boarded their carriage and began the journey back toward the city of Eiseberg, the Imperial Capital.
Their journey was much smoother than before. This time, they were not interrupted by constant demon attacks, likely because the General in the area had been slain.
While they traveled down the quiet roads, the three began to discuss what would happen next.
"Have you decided on what you want to do now? Are you planning on focusing on one specific path instead of splitting your attention between two different fighting styles?" Frase asked.
She was indicating her desire for Geehrt to choose whether he would pursue the path of supreme swordsmanship or pure magic.
Frase believed that, despite being incredibly talented, there was a limit to what one person could achieve if they tried to master everything.
In this regard, she was understating Geehrt's talent just a little bit, perhaps out of worry.
"I would like to apply to the Continental Magic Association and become a registered mage. I know that there is a fork in the road ahead that leads directly toward Auberst
. A Third Class Mage Exam will be held there in about two months, and I wish to go there," Geehrt explained.
He laid out his plans calmly, which made Kanone and Frase look at him with surprise.
Without a doubt, they knew Geehrt could pass this exam with his eyes closed, but they had no idea why he would want to become a member of the Continental Magic Association rather than join the prestigious Imperial Mages.
"Why? While I do not doubt your capability, you have nothing to gain by joining them. You would gain far more power and status by joining the Imperial Mages," Frase asked.
She was genuinely curious to know what her grandson's answer would be, as she could not think of a single reason why Geehrt would benefit from such a move.
"Please forgive my language, Grandmother, but the Imperial Mages answer to the orders of people who hold higher ranks than they do, usually politicians or nobles.
I also do not care for the schemes of other mages trying to climb above one another. I am getting exhausted just by thinking about the politics involved.
At least in the Continental Magic Association, I would be given the freedom to leave whenever I want. Unlike being an Imperial Mage, where you are always bound by duty, the Association offers autonomy," Geehrt said.
"You are always so free-spirited," Kanone commented with a slight smile.
Geehrt stopped his explanation to Frase and looked directly at Kanone. Her words made him remember the time he decided to bring Wehrlos along, something he had done completely on a whim.
Frase, who had been preparing arguments for this exact moment, could not help but be caught off guard by his resolve. She had to remind herself that Geehrt was still young.
He was not even past ten years old yet, with his eleventh birthday not arriving for another three months.
Geehrt continued to discuss what he was going to do. He mentioned his desire to be an adventurer and explore every village in the Northern Lands after passing the Third Class Mage Exam.
He wanted to learn every unique folk magic spell that was specific to those isolated villages.
He also mentioned his ambition to break the dungeon clearing record set by the Hero's Party decades ago.
The more they discussed, the less they realized how much time had passed. Eventually, they arrived at a major junction in the road. The path split in two. One way led toward the Imperial Capital of Eiseberg, while the other began the long journey toward the northern region where Auberst was located.
"Let us stay at that inn first," Frase said.
She pointed at a tall building in the small village situated near the crossroads. When they finished unpacking their belongings in their rooms, the three went downstairs to eat.
They spent time together like a normal family, momentarily forgetting the heavy discussion of Geehrt's imminent departure.
When midnight came, only Frase and Geehrt were seen standing out on the wooden deck. Kanone had already been dismissed by Frase and was resting in her room.
Frase and Geehrt stood in comfortable silence as the two looked up at the bright tapestry of stars. It was a view that Geehrt considered a true luxury.
In his past life, the city he lived in was so heavily populated and polluted that the stars were never visible. Here, the galaxy stretched out endlessly.
The two stood in silence for a long time until Geehrt finally broke it.
"I believe my departure is not news to you, Grandmother. I know that I have mentioned this possibility countless times before," Geehrt said softly, his eyes still fixed on the stars.
"I did not know you would leave this early. I had a plan laid out, you know. I intended to let you see the high-level missions that the Empire's Magical Forces partake in, hoping it would convince you to change your mind and join us. This trip was supposed to be just step one of my plan," Frase admitted, revealing her schemes to Geehrt.
Geehrt laughed, and Frase chuckled along with him.
"You know me well enough to know that plan would never have worked," Geehrt replied.
"Still, my point stands. Except for the freedom you crave, there is nothing that the Continental Magic Association could provide to you that we cannot," Frase said, attempting to persuade him one last time.
Geehrt finally turned to look at her, his expression serious.
"I believe you already know this, but the Leader and Founder of the Continental Magic Association has revealed herself recently. It is Serie, the great Elf Mage, who has been living since the Mythical Era. You know what kind of reputation she has. The thing that I want is access to her personal knowledge. There are spells that you would not find anywhere other than her library. That is one of the main reasons for me wanting to join this organization."
Frase looked at him, sensing there was more to it.
"What is the other reason?" Frase asked. She noticed that Geehrt's tone implied a secondary, perhaps more personal motivation.
"I want to fight her," Geehrt said without missing a beat.
Frase smiled unconsciously. The thought had popped into her mind long before this moment, but hearing him say it out loud confirmed it.
Geehrt had just made his true ambition clear. He sought to test himself against the strongest mage in history.