Regressor of the Fallen Family novel Chapter 179

Chapter 179

It was generally considered taboo to utter irrelevant words while weaving mana for a spell, as it could detract from concentration and hinder the success of the magic. Clayton, who had always taught his disciples this lesson, now found himself wanting to pray to the gods in this tense moment.

“Please, please…”

The mana he was conjuring was at the humble level of first circle, and the metal that was his main focus was merely plain steel. However, the blue-green liquid flowing around the steel was a concentrated solution of rare magic metals, mithril and black metal. Failure meant the evaporation of nearly a million gold worth of materials into thin air. Moreover, this experiment had exhausted the rest of his budget, a whopping ten million gold, which he had procured through a request to the Grand Duke. A failure now not only meant the loss of all that money but also the dim prospects for any further experiments. This was a last desperate gamble.

“Please, please, please, please! Oh nine great gods who watch over heaven and earth, please help me!” Clayton begged, his mage’s dignity abandoned as he knelt and searched for divine intervention. ‘I can’t fail again after such firm assurances to the Grand Duke!’

But the gods turned a deaf ear.

Fssh.

The special solution that had been bubbling ceased with a final subtle sound.

“Oh no!”

Clayton’s scream was followed by a collapse to the ground. His experiment had failed, leaving nothing but hardened scraps of useless metal where once mithril and black metal had been infused with mana and unique properties.

“Mi, million gold! A million gooooold!!!”

Clasping his head, Clayton’s wail was one of utter devastation. His despair not only proved that magicians were but mere mortals before budget constraints, but also showed that even they could be reduced to helplessness. His students would rush in upon hearing him, only to find their master prostrate, unable to rise until much later. It took a full two days before Clayton could even begin to recover from the mental damage and start reviewing his experiment.

“The theory is correct. I’m sure of it; I perfected it. So why…?”

Clayton’s confidence had been his justification for boldly requesting funds from Logan. However, after several failed attempts, it seemed clear that there was a flaw in his supposedly perfect theory. He had to find the area for improvement.

After thoroughly reviewing his experiment, an epiphany struck him. “Yes! That’s it, the error is there! Damn it! If I just fix that…”

But a significant problem remained. To validate his improved theory, he needed money; yet to get the money, he needed to prove his theory—a vicious circle. To make things worse, two days ago he had dissipated his last remaining funds into the air.

“Damn it! You fool! Should have saved some. After so many failures, why was I convinced it would be the last one?! Ugh!”

He berated himself repeatedly, yet the feeling of déjà vu suggested this wasn’t the first time he had been in such a situation. However, his pride as a distinguished mage prevented him from accepting the reality of his repetitive failures.

“Money, I need money.”

Though he was vaguely aware it hadn’t been long since he had last received funding, Clayton couldn’t afford the luxury of time. He needed to bolden his face for the sake of his research… No, for the development of his domain.

‘Yes, this is all for the domain.’

With newfound resolve, Clayton clenched his fists and rushed towards the manor. There, he stood humbly before Logan, his hands neatly folded in front of him.

“…You have spent ten million gold in less than two months?”

The disbelief in Logan’s voice was palpable; it was a ludicrous statement that deserved such emotion. The problem, however, was that Clayton was the recipient of these words.

Trying to suppress his sinking heart, Clayton forced himself to straighten his posture and regurgitate his rehearsed promises.

“There was a small, a very small mishap in the experiment. Next time, I will surely succeed!”

Despite his puffed chest and determined eyes, the Grand Duke’s cold gaze was that of one looking at an addict hopelessly lost in gambling.

“Your Excellence, I have truly found the critical point for improvement. The cost of experiments could be reduced, and success would render the invested funds trivial compared to the significance of the research. You are aware of our abilities, aren’t you?”

Perhaps swayed by his passionate appeal, the Grand Duke’s expression wavered.

“Yes, I am aware. But as for the budget…”

As Logan hesitated, Clayton took his chance to continue his plea.

“The number of my disciples at the magic tower has increased by six. With your generous funding, we were able to create many magical formations for talent tests. Even if the experiment fails, mobilizing these new disciples who possess magical aptitude will be enough to recover the investment. You are well aware of our construction skills, Your Excellence.”

“…As far as I can remember, you came to our domain promising not to overwork your students.”

His conscience pricked sharply by Logan’s pointed words, Clayton felt dizzy.

“Well, this… by working on construction and simultaneously using magic and golems, pushing their limits will… help them grow…”

Though aware of the pitiful nature of his excuses, Clayton couldn’t afford to concede.

After the death of Juan Douglas, Clayton had become the sole magician in the kingdom and had long been a slave to his budget.

“That’s enough.”

Bang!

Logan slammed the desk, and Clayton’s eyes dimmed.

“Your, Your Excellence…”

However, the Grand Duke’s ensuing firm response was unexpected.

“As soon as funds become available, I will aid the magic tower again. It won’t take long. Just give me a little time.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes. Truly.”

“Aaaaah! Thank you, Grand Duke! Thank you!”

Clayton bowed repeatedly as Logan couldn’t help but smirk.

‘Well, he may look like it, but he’s quite an innocent soul.’

The details of Clayton’s research were meticulously recorded, and it was clear he wasn’t squandering the money frivolously. Besides, wasn’t it Logan himself who had requested this very research, handing over the journal of Krauwn?

Now, here was Clayton seeking assistance as though he was now the one in charge. The simplicity of the magician’s manner helped alleviate some of the pain from such an onerous expense.

Furthermore, Logan had already intended to meet with Clayton.

“Clayton, if you’re taking a break from your experiments, you must have some free time, don’t you?”

“Yes? Oh, yes. My students will handle the selection process by themselves, so as for me…”