Published at 17th of February 2026 7:13 am

Chapter 1509 Peacock Feather

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Nilrem sat at the center of the tavern.

He tilted a large pitcher and drank the ale straight from it without any concern for manners. Foam dripped down the side as he lowered it, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

A crowd had gathered around him, including merchants, guards, porters, and a few Magi mixed in, forming a loose circle.

The tavern was loud and warm, filled with the smell of food, spilled liquor, and sweat. Conversations had quieted, chairs were turned toward the old man, and even the servers slowed as people leaned in to listen.

Most of the listeners wore curious or amused expressions. Some were skeptical, while others were clearly entertained already. A few crossed their arms, waiting to see if the old man could actually back up his boasting.

Nilrem spread his arms wide, a warm and holy look on his elderly face.

"My children," he began softly. "Let me tell you about my time in the Land of Beasts, Mabi."

The crowd leaned in, their eyes sparkling with wonder and anticipation.

"Mabi is not a place for brave fools," Nilrem said. "It is a place where Mana Core-level beasts roam like stray dogs, and anything weaker than them is usually halfway to being eaten."

He paused, chugging a mouthful of ale. Then he continued:

"On my third day there, I nearly became lunch for a horned monstrocity the size of a damned building! And on my fourth day... I nearly became dinner for something with too many legs and not enough patience!"

He grinned, curling the tip of his mustache. "So I did what any sensible Magus would do... I ran away!"

A few chuckles rippled through the crowd.

"I stayed in the shadows," the old Magus continued. "I watched, and I waited. And when those two creatures decided they didn't like each other's territory, I made sure they noticed one another. You see..."

He paused to drink once again.

"Beasts are very simple creatures. They are honest, unlike most men. They see a rival, they fight. And I... heh! I refereed their fight and collected what was left behind."

Laughter broke out in the tavern.

"And that," he said, tapping the side of his temple, "is how you survive in Mabi. Let the monsters solve your problems for you!"

He scanned the crowd, his gaze moving lazily from face to face until it finally settled on two figures standing near the entrance.

Marlow and Gillian.

Nilrem had sensed their arrival long before they had stepped inside. So when he spotted the Prince, his lips curled into a playful smile, and he gave a wink in their direction.

He then continued his story casually, "Now, while everyone was busy getting eaten, I stumbled onto something far more interesting... the ruins of Feypore..." While Nilrem carried on with his storytelling, Marlow stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall. He couldn't help but shake his head helplessly.

Who would have thought? That I'd actually run into him in Springdale, he mused.

Hmm, maybe he's writing another book?

I wonder how these people will react if they ever know the truth about him. That they heard a story directly from the mouth of a legendary Mana Core

Magus...

"The glorious magical civilization of the past," said the wandering Magus. "Cities carved into marble, roads still unbroken despite the passing of years, and Magus towers that still functioned long after their builders were gone."

He shook his head, sighing. "Whatever destroyed Feypore didn't do it gently." Nilrem smiled again, his blue eyes flashing with mischief. "Of course, I didn't activate anything. I may be old, but I'm not stupid. I took notes and drew some sketches. Unfortunately, the treasures inside were long since looted by the daredevils that came before me."

He spread his arms wide once again.

"So, yes!" he proclaimed. "Rank 4 beasts tried to eat me, ancient magic tried to confuse me, and the land itself wanted me gone."

Nilrem raised his pitcher and offered a toast.

"But I walked away wiser and very much alive. Hohoho!"

The tavern erupted into laughter, cheers, and raised mugs.

"Now, which of youse is paying for my drink?" He shamelessly laughed. "Mark my words, ladies and gents, treating a humble storyteller like me will bring you great fortune!"

A few moments later, someone in the crowd stepped up to pay for his drinks. Nilrem accepted it with a grin, then began weaving his way through the tavern, exchanging jokes and bits of small talk as he went.

Before long, he came to a stop in front of the Prince of Ignisra.

Nilrem placed his hand on his chest and offered a humble bow. "It seems fate

has been kind to a wandering Magus like me today," he said.

He looked Marlow in the eye and smiled. "To think I would meet you once again, My Prince. It is a pleasure."

Prince Marlow Fireborne stiffened, clearly unsure whether he should kneel before the powerful Magus or just play along with the old man's carefree act.

"Relax, Your Highness." Nilrem smiled as he gently placed his hands on Marlow's shoulders. "Just treat me like you would a friend."

Marlow glanced at the gentleness in the old man's blue eyes. In the end, his

shoulders loosened, and he sighed.

"Very well... my friend," he said with a faint smile.

"Hohoho!" Nilrem repeatedly patted the Prince's back. "See! That wasn't so

hard, was it?"

"Hyuk!" Marlow nearly spat blood.

Is this mad geezer trying to kill me?! He thought incredulously.

"M-My Prince!" Gillian was caught between a rock and a hard place, not

knowing what to do.

Nilrem curled his mustache. "Let's head somewhere else, shall we? I take it that

you don't like spend time in such establishments."

Marlow patted his chest in relief, wheezing.

"Y-yes, please!" Gillian quickly escorted them out.

***

Standing across the street from the tavern, the captain of the city watch, along

with a handful of Brotherhood operatives, watched Nilrem and Marlow step

outside the tavern.

"Huh. Would you look at that?" The captain murmured, sounding faintly

impressed. "The old fool really is acquainted with the Ignisra royal family."

He began issuing new instructions on how to proceed with keeping an eye on

the wandering Magus.

Standing behind him, Lebu didn't hear a single word. Or rather, he was too distracted to care.

The moment Nilrem emerged from the tavern, Lebu froze.

His gaze locked onto the headwear the old man was wearing...

A beret adorned with a peacock feather.

Only one thought echoed in Lebu's mind:

It's the same as Kenny's!

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