The Nightmare Wizard
Chapter 61 – The Weight of Names

Chapter 61: Chapter 61 – The Weight of Names

Aurus’s gaze was ice-cold, and the three other mages didn’t dare say another word. William stood up slowly, wincing in pain, leaning on Lía, who held him tightly like a devoted wife tending to her wounded husband.

The noble who had fallen also struggled to his feet, swatting away the hands of Maren and Sylvia as they tried to help.

"I am Eldrin Vaylen, heir to House Vaylen. My grandfather is a Level 2 Formal Mage. I’ll forget this ever happened—if you hand over that damn commoner to me."

But before he could finish, another voice cut through the air—Aurus had stepped forward.

"And if I refuse?"

The tension flared once more. Eldrin clenched his fists and barked back.

"Then you’d better not show your face at the academy again. My family holds a seat among the Elders of Black Rock Academy—and they’re very close with the director."

Taking advantage of the moment, the second apprentice stepped forward with a sneer.

"My family will get involved too. I’m Roderick Valhem, son of a Level 2 Mage as well. Believe us when we say—you’ll regret crossing us."

Both apprentices flaunted their names and bloodlines, cornering Aurus in hopes of forcing his hand. But suddenly, a deep chuckle shattered the rising tension.

"You brats ought to be begging for forgiveness."

The voice belonged to Agis, one of the ship’s three guardians. The old man stepped forward, arms crossed, his presence undeniable.

"I happen to be good friends with Elder Vaylen. So I’ll spare his foolish grandson this once. But it’s the last time. Now, kneel. Both of you. Apologize to our honorable Elder—or don’t blame me for what happens next."

Eldrin, who hadn’t even registered the voice at first, turned—and went pale as death. In an instant, he dropped to his knees and yanked Roderick down with him. The two slammed their foreheads against the deck.

"Lord Agis! I deeply regret my behavior. I had no idea someone as respected as you was present. I humbly ask your forgiveness. And you, sir mage... I beg for your pardon—I didn’t know who you truly were."

Humiliated and trembling, Eldrin gritted his teeth so hard his gums bled. He didn’t let a single word slip further, hiding his face against the planks. He remembered seeing Agis once—when his grandfather had bowed to him with genuine reverence. Why is someone like that... escorting recruits?

For the first time, Agis turned to Aurus.

"Please, forgive the boy. I’ll take responsibility for him."

Aurus stood still. A part of him burned for revenge on behalf of his disciple—but he knew how delicate the situation was. Just as he was about to respond, William’s faint voice broke through the air.

"Lord Aurus... please don’t get involved. Let me handle this."

His voice was hoarse, full of pain, but clear. He didn’t want to drag Aurus into a deeper mess. He would bear the hatred on his own shoulders.

Aurus’s stern expression softened. He nodded, signaling for the two apprentices to rise. They stood, bowed, and walked away without another word. The six girls hesitated—but they had made their choice. They followed Eldrin, leaving only Lía standing beside William.

The mages vanished in a flash of light. But the sailors remained.

Thenerev stepped forward, holding out a pink-glowing bottle with a teasing smile.

"With this, you owe me half a life, boy."

William took the bottle and drank it in one go, unfazed.

"I’ll pay my debts, Captain. Count on it."

Thenerev’s hearty laugh echoed across the deck as he took a long swig from his own bottle.

"You’re tougher than you look. That fireball at point-blank would’ve nearly killed me."

Branik and Renno approached, grinning as they inspected William’s bruises.

"You need to rest, man," said Renno. "We’ve got no stronger potions. You’ll have to recover the old-fashioned way."

William sighed.

"I’ll miss fishing with you guys."

"No one’s fishing anytime soon," Branik replied, chuckling. "We’ve just entered beast territory. That’s their sea now."

William laughed—but the unease lingered. Even so, seeing the crew treat the sea monsters like a running joke made it easier to breathe.

After a few more jokes, William waved goodbye and limped away with Lía’s help. When they reached his cabin, he looked at her.

"Would you... stay a while?"

Lía’s cheeks flushed crimson. She nodded, eyes cast down.

"...I’m sorry. My fault your friends turned their backs on you."

She shook her head, her voice firm.

"It’s not your fault. They’re snakes—gossiping behind everyone’s backs. Don’t worry about me."

"Of course I worry about you," he replied softly. "It’s the least I can do. Can you help me sit down?"

She quickly came to his side, gently supporting him as he eased into bed. Though the wounds weren’t as bad as they looked, William played up his pain just a bit—to stay close to her.

"I’ve missed you... How have you been?"

His words struck her like lightning. Her face went crimson again as she bit her lower lip and nervously wrung her hands.

"I... I’ve been locked in my room ever since we got the meditation method. If we don’t reach the second awakening, we’ll be downgraded to assistants... and we’ll lose our spot in the academy."

She hesitated, then continued in a whisper.

"But a few months ago, some of the Level 3 apprentices started ’offering’ their help. In exchange for... twenty spirit stones. No one knew what that meant—until they explained it."

Her voice dropped, trembling.

"They meant sex. Twenty times... one for each ’stone.’"

William’s hands clenched.

"The nobles ignored us plebeian girls. Treated us like trash. Eldrin and Roderick—they obsessed over me. Said they’d help me if I agreed to... to let them use me. But I said no."

"How could you tell them no, they are real magicians, they are very dangerous, you know?"

She looked at him now, eyes burning.

"Because from the moment you saved me... I considered myself yours. You saved my life. I belong to you."

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