Chapter 11: Reverse Veins (1)

<Chesa Utland> [Level: 15/68] [Stamina: 02] [Strength: 01] [Agility: 02] [Mana: 18] [Mind: 07] [Senses: 01] [Divinity: 01] 

[Traits: Extreme Mana Circulation Body (S), Dense Elemental Amplification (S), Magic Genius (A), Analytical Mana Eye (A), Mana Sensitivity Disorder (-)] 

[Skills: Mana Rampage (B)] 

[Description: 15 years old, human. Official second daughter of Croa Kingdom’s prestigious magic house Utland. But rumored as a dullard unworthy of family fame.]

Two S-grade traits!

Potential level 68!

Chesa’s sheet was unequivocally the most outstanding I’d seen post-possession.

Yet currently, she received no treatment matching its splendor. 

An accidental minus trait prevented full bloom.

I knew she had a complex about it—solve that, easy favor gain.

Lay groundwork first.

To the duke:

“May I have private time with the ducal lady?”

“‘Ducal lady’ just makes it awkward. Call her by name like 5 years ago.”

Slightly embarrassed, but complied.

“Then, want private time with Chesa.”

“Fine. Normally no, but for future son-in-law—special. Come to dining hall in an hour. I’ll dine with Duke Foden there.”

Permission granted; side-glanced Litton—glaring murderously.

He’s terminally ill, worsening fast, life-threatening in years. Oblivious, lusting over a girl—funny yet pitiful.

Not my business.

Not real family anyway.

Approached Chesa.

“Walk the garden?”

“…Sure.”

Led her out of the yard. Warm gazes from siblings/knights burned my neck. Endured deathly awkwardness, started strolling blooming path.

Chesa Utland

Mere side character in Reca Chronicles, but resonated with readers in limited appearances. 

Basis: crucial timely aid to protagonists, and never abandoning mage path despite trials—pure effort.

Reason for insane effort to bloom immense talent (potential 68): simple.

Mana Sensitivity Disorder (-)

Mana detection/control drastically reduced.

Senses stat growth extremely limited.

This minus trait.

Ironically from her blessings—two S-grades: Extreme Mana Circulation Body (S) and Dense Elemental Amplification (S) both maximize mana growth/output but slightly hinder control. 

One alone wouldn’t trigger disorder, but penalties synergized hellishly, amplifying side effects.

Thus, despite 18 mana, she can’t properly cast. Level 15 on sheet, real combat likely half.

Yet she persists on mage path amid gloom. I know her efforts eventually shine—bestow grace now while lost.

Pondering buildup, Chesa spoke first.

“Long time.”

“…Yeah.”

“You’ve changed a lot. Shocked seeing you desperately seek opponents in the yard. Used to hate even holding swords.”

“Happened somehow.”

Once opened, conversation flowed naturally.

Does Aiden’s body remember Chesa? Stunning beauty should’ve been intimidating, but only familiarity.

“Rumors everywhere after returning—wastrel, gambling addict, badmouthing you. Seeing myself, all nonsense—relieved. Not a pig like rumors. Though… gained some weight.”

“Haha…”

Most rumors probably true, but awkwardly laughed off. Her trust suggests deeper childhood bond than thought.

Chatting, flipped mental chronology.

Dragon God Year 967 February: Elvio overjoyed at Chesa’s extraordinary mana birth. 

But growing, revealed half-genius unable to control—frantic searches for fixes. 

Expensive elixirs, Life Church priests—little improvement.

Pondering cure, sent to magic tower. Towers isolate entrants 5+ years minimum. Eccentric Elvio aside, young Chesa willingly endured for mage dream.

Now 982 March: returned from Crimson Tower, disorder unsolved.

Steer topic.

“How was the tower?”

“Nothing much. Just…”

Trailed off, darkened, avoided eyes. Dreams to tower turned despair.

Then resolute:

“…Aiden. Favor.”

“What.”

“Break the engagement.”

“…Huh?”

“Not because I hate you—don’t misunderstand. If I accept now, becoming proper mage seems impossible.”

Straight ball heavy.

But predicted.

Currently, Duke Utland abandoned making Chesa great mage. Plans quick child, bet on offspring potential. But Chesa I know—not meek seedbed despite dullard label.

Nodded compliantly.

“Got it.”

“R-Really?”

“But parents’ faces/complications tangled—my request won’t easily unravel. Even if broken, won’t flow as you wish.”

“…Meaning?”

“Without clear mage results, His Grace just finds another match.”

Indeed, original: 2 years later, pressured, flees house alone with stolen valuables—bold woman.

“Then what…”

Current Chesa, mid-teens, wilted at fact bomb—unripe. Novel 20s her: enlightened calm, emotionless. Fresh sight.

To her:

“Simple. Cure your mana sensitivity disorder.”

She stared blankly, then flared.

“Easy for you to say! Even Crimson Tower, mana property experts, found no way! Don’t joke about this!”

“If I know the cure?”

“…?”

Pulled flask from pocket. Recently restocked Yin-Yang extract via Linia.

Processed Yin-Yang Tea (A)

Temporarily boosts mana control.

Promotes all stat growth except divinity.

Continuous: raises potential level.

Continuous: weakens mana-type minus traits.

Already mixed herbs, unlocked last effect. Exploit this nectar—one way to heal her.

Offered flask.

“Drink 80mL regularly after breakfast, lunch, dinner. Miracle for controlling runaway mana. Cast after—you’ll feel it.”

“………”

Even to me, sounded scammy. Indeed, Chesa utterly confused. 

Trust this guy? New mental illness in 5 years?—priceless expression.

“Breakfast, lunch, dinner after 80mL—really works?”

But desperate—she took flask suspiciously.

Smiled triumphantly.

Now skeptical, but next meet—she’ll beg for more.

“Sure. Finish, I’ll prescribe more—come to Stroke mansion around my birthday.”

“Birthday… that big regular knight duel. I’ll tell father, come that day. But if you lose? Prince seemed scheming about us.”

“…”

Much comes to mind, but no need worry—shrugged vaguely.

Chesa looked worried.

She long knew Litton’s dark intentions. 

Shameless guy openly avoided by crush—somewhat pitiful.

***

Next day, Utland father-daughter carriage left Stroke mansion. Gave Chesa more flasks, stressed regular intake repeatedly.

I too prepared step-up. To match Julio in <1 month—need ‘him’ at Golden Apple Inn.

Means leaving mansion for solo action awhile.

Visited grand duke’s office, conveyed. Foden visibly flustered.

“…What did you say?”

“Want to train outside mansion until birthday, Father… I mean, Your Grace.”