Kunon looked up—not that he could see what he was looking at.

“Incredible.”

He had thought as much on his first visit, but it truly was a splendid sight.

The old castle that served as the Ability Faction’s base was as majestic as ever. It was large, with a stonework exterior, and though on the smaller side for a castle, it was still quite impressive. Rustic and without affectation, it had the look of a border fortress from some war-torn era.

Kunon hadn’t been able to adequately take in the castle last time, as he had been escorted there by ten fairies (in reality, furious women).

Of course, Kunon had been to the royal palace of his homeland, Hughlia, once before. But unfortunately, as he had yet to acquire the Glass Eye, he hadn’t been able to see it.

A castle—what a truly thrilling thing to behold.

Kunon was on his way to visit the Ability Faction’s representative, Bael Kirkington. Now that he’d completed the first stage of his money-making plan with the Saint, he finally had some room in his schedule. He figured it was about time he found a project that would earn him credits and had come to discuss the matter.

“Boys sure do love castles, don’t they?”

Kunon heard footsteps approaching not too far behind him.

“Is that what the statistics say? Well, I wouldn’t be able to see them regardless.” Kunon looked over his shoulder. “Is that you, Miss Elia?”

“Yep. The same Elia you soaked to the skin in the blink of an eye during our duel.”

She was also the girl who had come to recruit Kunon into the Ability Faction.

When the factions were fighting over who would get Kunon, Elia had been among the people he dueled with. Incidentally, the Crimson Rain he’d used during that battle was designed to disappear once the spell was called off. That was why Elia and the other seniors had struggled to investigate the magic used—the sticky water had vanished without a trace.

“You were so cute all soaking wet like that, Miss Elia.”

“Even though you couldn’t see me?”

“Some things are obvious even when we can’t see them. Of course, you’re lovely dry, too, like now. So lovely, I want to drench you all over again.”

“Ah-ha-ha. Don’t even think about it.”

Kunon could make a person soaking wet or bone-dry at will. But people didn’t typically want to get wet without a reason, and Elia was no exception.

With Elia acting as his guide after their chance encounter, Kunon entered the old castle.

“You were granted permission to join multiple factions,” she said, “so feel free to come and go as you please.”

“I’ll do so next time,” Kunon replied, though he hadn’t exactly been standing motionless outside the castle waiting for permission to enter.

“So what brings you here today? Some kind of errand?”

“I came to see you, Miss Elia, naturally. Have you had lunch already? I have, though I would love to spend my post-meal teatime with you.”

“What a gracious invitation. Now what’s the real reason?”

“Is Representative Bael here?”

“Ahhh… I’m not sure. Maybe.”

Elia led Kunon to the same large dining hall he had been escorted to on his previous visit. At the time, the hall had been filled with people from various factions, but on this occasion, the scenery was a little more normal. A number of Ability Faction sorcerers sat together, engaging in friendly conversation over their food.

“Ah!”

Upon catching sight of Kunon, one of the sorcerers stopped mid-conversation and made a noise of surprise. It was Cassis.

“Good afternoon, Miss Cassis,” Kunon greeted her.

He hadn’t expected to run into Cassis here, as he was fairly certain she was a member of the Rationality Faction. Encountering someone he had accidentally made cry was a bit awkward, but it wasn’t as though Kunon could pretend she wasn’t there.

“Hmph! Would you mind leaving me alone?!”

Cassis didn’t like him. She had told him herself that she held grudges, and it seemed her grudge against Kunon was very firmly rooted.

“Wasn’t Miss Cassis in a different faction?” Kunon asked, directing the question at Elia.

“Anyone is allowed up to this point,” she replied.

The hall was considered a public space that anybody could use.

“Hey, has anyone seen Ability’s representative?” Elia asked the people in the hall. Someone replied that Bael had been present until a short while ago, when he returned to his room. “What do you want to do, Kunon? Call him out here or go to his room?”

She was indirectly asking Kunon about the nature of his visit. Was it something he could talk about with other people around? Or did he need to speak to Bael privately?

“May I go to his room?” Kunon replied, understanding the unspoken inquiry.

Showing him the way once more, Elia led Kunon even farther into the castle’s depths.

“It seems a sorcerer’s laboratory always winds up like this, huh?” Kunon said.

When he arrived at Bael’s room in the old castle, he was welcomed warmly inside.

The space was in total disarray, just like Kunon’s had been until recently, prompting his comment. Books and documents were piled high on the floor and tables. There was also some lab equipment Kunon had never seen before collecting dust in one corner of the room. Bael appeared to be growing plants, too; several pots sat lined up along one wall. From one pot bloomed a bright-red, poisonous-looking flower that was quite striking.

“Ugh. Could you please clean up a bit in here?” said Elia.

“Ha-ha… Sorry.”

Bael abandoned his book at Elia’s scolding and stood from his desk with a wry smile. She had already begun to tidy up whatever was within reach.

“Kunon,” he said. “Thanks for stopping by. Glad to see you.”

“Thank you very much. I’m sorry for showing up without notice. Would it have been better to contact you first?”

“Probably. I don’t need a formal announcement or anything, but there will be times when I’m not here. If you want to be sure not to miss me, send a message beforehand. I don’t think either of us has a lot of free time.”

Quite right, thought Kunon.

“So, what’s up? Was there something you wanted to talk about?”

“Yes. Since I’m lucky enough to be a member of the factions, I thought I should take advantage of having my seniors at my disposal.”

“I see. Well, take a seat.”

Kunon wondered where, exactly, he was supposed to sit. A table and chairs had, at some point, been set up for visitors, but they were so subsumed in stacks of books and papers that he hadn’t noticed them at first.

Moving books off one of the chairs, Kunon sat across from Bael, who had already taken a seat.

“Being at your disposal is a bit frightening. What do you plan to ask of me?”

“……”

At that point, Kunon’s attention shifted to Elia, who was still in the room. But Bael assured him there was no need to worry.

“The people I let in here won’t go blabbing that easily,” he said. “Though if it bothers you, I can ask her to step outside.”

“No. If that’s the case, I don’t mind.”

Kunon wasn’t particularly concerned that Elia would leak any secret information. For one thing, there wasn’t much to leak yet at this stage. Rather, he was worried that Elia might take an interest in the idea and ask to help, even if she wouldn’t be compensated.

Kunon’s master had told him that many sorcerers acted out of their own interest, curiosity, and self-satisfaction, and Kunon felt he was right. He was himself a rather typical sorcerer in that respect. And so he was hesitant to speak, partly because he didn’t want to drag Elia in and end up wasting her time.

“……”

But Elia was looking at the two boys expectantly, as if to say, “I’m super interested in this conversation,” so Kunon decided to simply get on with it.

“Would you like to develop magic tools with me?” he asked.

“Oh, does this involve magical engineering knowledge you acquired from Zeonly? I’m interested, but my magic isn’t as good as your teacher’s.”

“That’s fine. I’ll give you detailed instructions. At the moment, I just need a talented earth sorcerer to collaborate with.”

Kunon had heard from some of his Sleep Sanctuary customers that Bael was a three-star earth magic user. There was no way to conceal one’s attribute at magic school, and many people knew Bael’s. Nevertheless, the identity of the metal lump that followed Bael around remained a mystery.

“What do you want to build? I can’t give you an answer until I know.”

In response to the perfectly reasonable question, Kunon held up three fingers.

“I have three magic tools in mind. Two of them would be similar in nature, so I’m thinking they could be developed simultaneously. The first is a small box that removes moisture from any objects put inside. The second is another small box that hermetically seals objects put inside. The reason is—”

Kunon told him about the business deal for shi-shilla capsules that he had recently concluded. He wasn’t sworn to secrecy on the matter, so it was fine for him to talk about it.

“Oh-ho, I see. Simply put, you want to make a container to transport salve made from shi-shilla plants.”

Salve made from the shi-shilla herb was delicate, and one had to be very careful when carrying it. Its shelf life would quickly shorten if it was exposed to moisture or excessive temperature fluctuation.

Kunon planned to put his medicine on the market soon. He was sure it would start selling like hotcakes in no time. After all, it could be the difference between life and death for an adventurer. Whether or not they had any with them was bound to have a big effect on their state of mind.

And if adventurers were going to be carrying the medicine, a container for transporting it would also fly off the shelves. That was what Kunon thought, at least.

“Adventurers travel to all kinds of places and find themselves in a variety of circumstances. Sudden rain, attacks from monsters and magical beasts, et cetera. Under those conditions, even regular medicine might be rendered useless. That’s why I thought it would be nice if there was a magic tool that could preserve it, no matter what the situation.”

Kunon was laying the groundwork for the development of a dual-function box—one that both dehydrated and hermetically sealed what was put in it.

The paper form of the salve, which Kunon intended to start work on, would likely be difficult to store. If it could be dissolved by blood, the same thing would happen with sweat.

Sweaty palms, then, would be a problem. Rain was likely a danger as well. High humidity, too.

There was no point in creating a paper form of the salve if it wasn’t portable. It would be meaningless if adventurers had to leave it behind in a safe storage area. In that case, the product would have no advantage over the shi-shilla capsules.

“Not bad,” said Bael. “Someone would probably develop it eventually, so we might as well beat them to the punch, right?”

Exactly. Just as one would expect of a representative of one of the three factions, Bael was quick on the uptake.

“And?”

“Pardon?”

“What about the third one?” asked Bael. “You’ve only mentioned the first two so far. What’s the last thing you want to make?”

Kunon smiled. He had intended to keep quiet about it unless asked. The third item was still only a vague idea, after all.

“To be honest, I don’t know if it will even be possible. The other two should be fairly simple in comparison.”

After all, an object with similar properties already existed—a food storage box. Kunon had even made his own vault to keep bacon in.

By adapting the same technique, he estimated that creating a sealed storage container for this purpose, and then modifying it to be smaller, would be relatively simple.

“That’s the way it goes with magic tools. Why not tell me anyway? It’s the one you want to build the most, isn’t it?”

Bael was spot-on. As far as Kunon was concerned, attempting to do something he wasn’t sure could be done was a more worthwhile challenge than doing something he knew he could accomplish with a bit of effort. If he managed it, he could even brag to his master. The only problem was that he truly couldn’t say if it was possible or not.

“The third tool is a box that can hold magic.”

“…What?”

“A box that can store just one spell. It would let you retrieve the spell and use it whenever you want.”

Such a box would change the world of magic. If it could be done, of course.

Bael thought about this third idea of Kunon’s.

“…I see,” he said. “I don’t fully understand, but I’m very interested.”

Bael also realized now why Kunon hadn’t been as forthcoming about it.

The idea itself was difficult to understand. It couldn’t be explained succinctly and was likely to lose the listener.

Nevertheless…

“Taking your words at face value, I’m incredibly intrigued.”

Boxes contained things. Kunon, then, had conceived of magic being just another “thing” a box might contain. It was unconventional and extraordinary, the kind of idea that would have been scorned or ignored in years past. “Avant-garde” was a good way to describe it; or perhaps “eccentric in the extreme.” But these days, such a notion couldn’t simply be dismissed.

The magical world was constantly evolving. No one knew what sort of technology would be invented next, nor who would be responsible for its creation. It could be anything—maybe even this wild idea from the young student now sitting across from him.

How fascinating. It had been far too long since Bael felt his heart race with excitement over magic.

“So how would that work in practice?” he asked. “Do you have any plans?”

“I have some vague ideas. But I haven’t tested anything yet, so I can’t really say.”

Some vague ideas. The fact that Kunon had any ideas at all was amazing. Bael certainly had none. He couldn’t even imagine such a thing.

“I see. That sounds rather thrilling, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. When it comes to magic and magic tools, brushing up against the unknown always excites me. Even when the magical attribute is different than my own. I find it so interesting.”

Bael had thought Kunon was something of a problem child—but perhaps their core values were more in line than he’d realized. It was common for sorcerers to be a bit difficult. Two sorcerers might work together as colleagues but get along terribly, for instance. In that moment, for the first time, Bael felt he might be able to get along with Kunon Gurion. As long as they agreed on the fundamentals, they probably wouldn’t run into any major disagreements.

“I feel the same,” said Bael. “Don’t you, Elia?”

“I’d rather we get back to talking about this magic tool. A box that contains magic? I want to hear all the details, please.”

It seemed Elia’s thoughts were still stuck on the previous topic. Bael could empathize. What sorcerer wouldn’t be interested? And yet…

“That subject is off-limits now. We shouldn’t ask any more about it.”

“What?! What are you talking about, Bael?!”

Elia’s voice was full of reproach, but Bael shook his head.

“I don’t like it, either. If I weren’t the representative, I might even abandon the faction to join such a project. As far as the first and second magic tools are concerned, I’m in. Please allow me to help. I think we can make them work. But I’m afraid the Ability Faction isn’t a good fit for developing the third tool.”

Bael truly wished that wasn’t the case.

A box one could fill with magic.

A box that could store magic.

A box that could save that magic up for later.

Of course he was interested. Just hearing the concept had gotten his imagination whirring. But as the representative of the Ability Faction, he couldn’t take on such a project.

“Too many of us are incapable of cooperating in large numbers. We form weak partnerships by nature. That’s why we were founded on the idea of developing our skills individually and of only occasionally helping one another out along the way. That’s our internal dynamic. I’m sure you recall, Elia, how countless times in the past, collaborative experiments and group development projects have nearly resulted in our faction imploding. There’s ample documentation attesting to it. We each have impressive abilities, but precisely because of those abilities, we also have a lot of pride. Many of us won’t be satisfied unless we get to do things exactly the way we want.”

Sounds familiar, Kunon thought emphatically.

His master was exactly the same way. Zeonly had supposedly been so brilliant, others simply couldn’t keep up with him. Kunon had taken such talk with a grain of salt at first, but the more he experienced Zeonly’s abilities firsthand, the more he came to believe it was true.

It was all right if you had a small group, where members could complain directly to one another. They could meet halfway, even if they disagreed.

That was how things went with Kunon and Zeonly. They had clashed—and even fought—more times than he could count. Each time, they had reconciled their points of view and arrived at a solution together.

But it became impossible to stay on the same page when too many people got involved. Egos and idiosyncrasies got in the way. As a result, disagreements turned personal.

“Would you suggest I bring this idea to the Harmony Faction?”

If Kunon remembered correctly, the Harmony Faction was known for conducting large group experiments.

He didn’t know how many people or how much time he would need, but he expected it would drag on too long with an inadequate number of collaborators. A team of five, at least, would be good. That was a safe number to start with, he thought, even if they had to bring more people in later.

There was a lot to do—gathering the necessary equipment and materials, and conducting the actual experiment, for starters. While it was running, they would also need to perform minute checks and investigate all manner of things.

Progress would be slow if they lacked manpower, and time was a limited resource. That was especially true for Kunon, who couldn’t stay at the school indefinitely. Someday, he would graduate and have to return to his own country to fulfill his familial duties.

“Yes, I think that would be wise,” said Bael. “Shilto will be able to organize everyone, and the members of Harmony like doing things in groups.”

Shilto, the Harmony Faction representative, was a very dependable young woman.

“That said, Kunon… This is just my personal recommendation, but would you mind waiting on that project for half a year?”

“Half a year? Why?”

Developing the magic-containing box was what Kunon wanted to do most at present. He would begin immediately if he could. Time was precious. What was the point in putting things off? He had no idea why Bael was asking him to wait, but that changed with what Bael said next.

“Because that project will throw off the credits of anyone who helps you. It will throw yours off, too. You haven’t forgotten about credits, right? An endeavor like that is going to take up a ton of time.”

Kunon made an inarticulate noise in reply. Bael was right—he needed credits.

“In other words, I should earn all the credits I need in those six months, then start development afterward.”

“Exactly. I went through the same thing my first year at magic school. I got so caught up in magic and experiments that I almost got dropped down to Second Level for insufficient credits.”

Kunon considered this.

It seemed likely he would repeat his senior’s mistake. Because he couldn’t see the world around him, Kunon had a poor sense of time. It wasn’t uncommon for an entire day or two to pass without his realizing it.

He loved running experiments and tests and building new magic tools. If he let himself get caught up in such things, a year could fly by in no time at all.

“Do you understand? You have this much freedom—complete access to the library and other facilities, the right to conduct any experiment you want—because you’re in the Advanced class. Even the teachers are more flexible and accommodating. That all goes away if you get put in Second Level. And that idea of yours is likely to bring in a bunch of other people. Even I want to help out… In fact, if you get into a tough spot, let me know. I can’t help being interested. You see? Anyway, a bunch of people are bound to end up short on credits and run into trouble. A lot of us have one-track minds, after all.”

Kunon had overlooked the question of credits. Or rather, he was well aware he needed them, but since he had only been a student for two months so far, credits were still low on his list of priorities, and he had yet to get a good grasp on how they worked.

He hadn’t yet gotten in trouble for having too few or had to face being dropped from the Advanced class, so he only vaguely understood credits as something he would eventually need at some point in the future.

But now someone with more experience was telling him that it was imperative to focus on credits first.

“Is half a year enough time? We need ten credits to progress, right?”

According to Kunon’s calculations, he expected to earn about one credit per month. He would probably be able to earn one for his work with the sacred herb, but that still left nine more to go.

“Definitely. I mean, the school’s current record holder for shortest time taken to earn all ten credits is your teacher.”

“Master Zeonly?”

“Yep, Zeonly. I believe he was in his third year. He somehow managed to earn ten credits in a month and a half.”

A month and a half.

At a point when Kunon had hardly even earned one credit, a young Zeonly had already secured his Advanced class status for the following year.

“My master sure is amazing.”

“There are tons of stories like that about him. It’s been some years since he graduated, so I doubt any of the students from that time are left, but he’s still a big name around here.”

Putting Zeonly aside for now, Kunon continued. “Understood. I’ll get to work on the project after I earn my credits, as you recommended.” He would have to deviate a bit from his plans, but there was nothing he could do about it. He had to adhere to school policy. “I think it’ll take me about three months.”

Half a year was far too long. He’d already made up his mind. He would get all the credits he needed for the year in two to three months.

“You don’t sound like you’re joking,” Bael said.

Naturally, Kunon thought. Because I’m not.

“Fine, then. I’ll get mine quickly, too, so you have to let me help. Reserve a spot for me, okay?”

An earth sorcerer would be essential to the plan, so Kunon saw no reason to refuse.

With Representative Bael participating, things looked promising.

“Ugh, I’m so curious! What would a box containing magic even be like?! Come on!”

Elia was in agony. It was just as Kunon had thought—she should have stayed out of it from the beginning.

“Well, I suppose we should start right away,” said Bael, getting the ball rolling.

Kunon nodded. They had discussed everything that needed to be addressed and determined the matter at hand was their current priority.

The box that could store magic would have to wait until after they’d earned their credits. Right now, they would focus on developing the small box that removed moisture from any objects put inside, and the one that hermetically sealed them.

“Where should we set up our workspace?” asked Kunon.

“I’d like to say we can do it here,” said Bael, “but there just isn’t enough room.”

The clutter did seem to present a problem.

“There are some vacant rooms in the castle, though, so I’m sure we can find a spot. But what about your business? Is it okay for you to be away from it for a while?”

“Yes. When I’m not there, customers can use the facility as they like for a reduced price.”

Besides, the main source of income from Kunon’s sleep business wasn’t what he earned in the rented-out classroom.

Kunon was a traveling salesman who provided sleep for wealthy teachers and a few students, when called upon. There were sorcerers who couldn’t afford to take time away from their research…and others who were being closely watched so they wouldn’t dodge a deadline. Some were practically kept under house arrest due to their habit of shirking responsibility.

When such people were in dire straits, needing to sleep then and there to avoid collapse—or worse, death—they called Kunon. After a short rest, they could get right back to business—or else be put right back to work like draft horses. Quality sleep was essential for such sorcerers, even if it cost a hefty sum.

As long as Kunon left an obvious note regarding his whereabouts in his laboratory, those customers’ errand runners would come to find him.

“Good,” Bael replied. “Oh right, is it okay if I ask Geneve to join us? Making magic tools is his specialty. He’ll be a huge help.”

Genevis was a senior in the Ability Faction.

“That’s fine. Time is precious, so let’s work quickly.”

There’d be less individual profit with more people involved, but Kunon was more concerned with speed. The faster they completed their work, the sooner he could move on to his next project.

Incidentally, Genevis’s magical attribute seemed to be of the rare “foul” variety. He was the only person Kunon had met whose accompanying thing seen through the Glass Eye was humanoid, which made him quite an unusual case.

“Me too! I want to help, too!” Elia raised her hand. Kunon had expected she would.

“You’re a wind user, though…,” said Bael. “I don’t think we’ll need wind magic for these tools.”

“Huh?”

The accepted opinion among sorcerers was that wind and fire were not suitable attributes when it came to manufacturing something. Incidentally, there was no consensus on the usefulness of light, dark, and foul magic, as there wasn’t enough data about them to analyze.

“What do you think, Kunon?! You don’t mind if I help, do you?!”

“That’s playing dirty, Elia,” said Bael.

With only the three of them present, Elia was trying to use Kunon’s partiality toward women to win his approval. As far as Kunon was concerned, there was no other option but to agree with a woman’s proposal.

“I would love to welcome you into the fold, but Bael says no, so…”

“What?”

Kunon’s reply, however, was not what Elia expected. Why wasn’t he inviting her into the team with open arms?

I know why, Bael thought.

Though every other word out of Kunon’s mouth was about girls, he was a true sorcerer at his core. If forced to choose between magic and women, Kunon would opt for the former. People might be fooled by his usual behavior, but if you delved deeper, you would run into his real values.

That was another thing Kunon had in common with Bael.

“But I’m so curious! You want me to wait for months without knowing anything?! Come on, I wanna hear!”

Elia was usually calm and acted like any other girl—but she was a sorcerer, too, after all. Her demeanor was bound to change when there was interesting magic involved.

“Hey, don’t put your junior on the spot like that.” Bael smiled wryly, but Elia snapped back at him with something rather unexpected.

“I’ve been waiting on you this whole time, too, Bael! I don’t need any more things to wait on!”

“…Huh?”

“…Idiot!”

Elia strode out of the room.

“……”

“……”

An indescribable quiet was left in her wake.

Elia’s statement had made her feelings quite clear. Sitting there in the silence, Kunon felt his heart beat a little faster.

Was this the power of femininity that Iko always used to talk about? No matter how much she told him, Kunon had never fully understood. But just now, he had gotten a potent dose of the opposite sex—that special kind of violence that moved the hearts of men. A woman’s strength, the power of femininity. That had to be what it was.

“…What’s with her? She called me an idiot. Kunon, am I an idiot?”

“I’m not sure, but I think you probably are.”

“Hey…”

If Bael was aware of Elia’s feelings but ignored them, he was an idiot. If he seriously didn’t understand, he was utterly stupid. And if Bael could remain unaffected despite that blast of feminine power that even Kunon had felt, the very fact of his manhood was in question.

The incident with Elia made things a little awkward, but Kunon’s maid had always told him not to stick his nose into other people’s love affairs. For the time being, he decided to put the matter out of his mind.

After that, Kunon, Bael, and Genevis began developing containers—“Medicine Boxes,” as they called them—to preserve and transport the shi-shilla salve.

They temporarily took over a room in the old castle and got to work.

“Pff, Elia and our representative?” asked Genevis. “As far as I know, they’ve been like that for two years, and it’s rather, pfft, ah-ha-ha… It’s rather amusing, isn’t it?”

“Are you trying to provoke me?” Kunon shot back.

“Hey, I brought food,” said Bael. “Let’s eat.”

Genevis’s quirky laughter remained unchanged, but his knowledge and skills were solid where magic tools were concerned, just as Bael had said.

Genevis and Kunon discussed the matter and settled on a plan of action, then gave detailed instructions to Bael, who was still a novice in magical engineering.

“Wonderful! Kunon, this is really good! Ah-ha, that’s what you came up with? What a great idea! It’s so novel, ha-ha-ha! What a thought!”

“Are you trying to provoke me?”

“Oh, it’s rare for you to be in such a good mood, Geneve,” said Bael. “I brought snacks, so let’s take a break.”

Several days after they began work, the end of the project was already in sight.

Genevis had brought his prior experience with magic tools to the table. And there was Bael, brilliant and rich in magical knowledge, who could understand involved concepts after being introduced to only the basics. With their ample contributions, the group made steady progress toward completion. They were truly the ideal team to develop the Medicine Boxes.

“Your magical attribute is fascinating,” Kunon said, addressing Genevis. “This is the first time I’ve seen magic that can temporarily alter the structure and properties of a substance.”

“It’s a rare attribute, so not much is known about it, you see. Heh-heh. I don’t feel as though I’ve mastered it at all. I can only use four spells. If only I could be as free, ah-ha, as you are with magic, Kunon. Ah-ha-ha!”

“Are you trying to provoke me?”

“Elia and the others baked apple tarts,” said Bael. “I brought some, so let’s rest for a bit.”

Thus, the box that removed moisture from its contents and the box that hermetically sealed them were created. Incredibly, it only took five days from start to finish.

Even faster than I expected, Kunon thought.

No matter how many storage compartment templates were already in existence, their pace had been impressive. Bael’s and Genevis’s help had been instrumental. There was no denying the ability of Kunon’s seniors.

In general, magic tools came in two types. The first consisted of single-use items that possessed their own magical properties, like the sacred herb salve. The other type consisted of mechanisms powered by magical energy.

Though the term was usually used to refer to the latter variety, things like the shi-shilla salve were also considered magic tools.

The Medicine Boxes they had developed on this occasion were examples of the latter type. By nature, the boxes wouldn’t work unless they were filled with magic power, but as they were small items, the amount of power required was correspondingly slight. They would likely be able to function for one month on a single charge.

Though the raw materials for the boxes were a bit expensive—and likely to result in a high selling price—they provided a sturdily constructed compartment to protect the medicine inside. If one considered them long-term investments, the price probably wouldn’t seem all that exorbitant.

In size, the Medicine Boxes were comparable to a cigar case, small enough to slip into the inside pocket of a jacket. This was a feature they had paid special attention to. They intended for the Medicine Boxes to be completely portable not just for adventurers but also for wealthy people such as aristocrats and royals.

Quite cleverly, while in the process of completing the two magic tools, Kunon had worked independently to create a single container that possessed the traits of both: the Paper-Form Shi-shilla Medicine Box. Though when the three boys got together to celebrate their work, it became clear that his seniors were well aware of what he had done.

While Kunon was spending time in the Ability Faction castle, a letter arrived for him from Professor Sureyya Gaulin. It concerned the number of credits to be awarded for cultivating the shi-shilla herb.

The letter said, “Two credits shall be given.”

Policy-wise, a single student report could receive a maximum of three credits, and the sacred herb’s cultivation was definitely worth that much. But given that the effort had been collaborative, the number of credits dropped from three to two. Apparently, two was the maximum that could be earned for experiments or research conducted by multiple people, with no exceptions allowed.

Kunon had thought he would receive one credit for that project, but he had actually earned two. And according to Bael, the Medicine Boxes would be worth some credits as well. That meant Kunon now had a total of three or four credits.

“What shall I do next? Ah—I think it’s about time to fly, hmm?”

Kunon had already set his sights on his next credit-earning endeavor.

“It’s been a while. I keep hearing chatter about you.”

Kunon was paying a visit to Soff Cricket, the teacher who had overseen his entrance exam. Soff was sitting at his desk, pen in hand, seemingly in the middle of some paperwork.

Though he didn’t know what teachers here usually got up to, Kunon expected they didn’t have much free time. They appeared to have a lot on their plates.

“Nice to see you again, Professor Soff. Sorry for the sudden question, but what’s your secret to keeping your room so clean?”

Kunon’s query was indeed abrupt, but he couldn’t help envying the professor’s well-organized space. Perhaps his meticulous nature was the reason Soff served as an entrance exam proctor. Kunon had seen Bael’s lab firsthand and heard that Genevis’s was in a similar state. Quite a few sorcerers—Kunon included—were bad at tidying up.

But Soff’s office was different. Not a single document had been left on the floor, nor was the room littered with scraps of paper. There were no strange smells of unknown origin. If anything, there was a faintly pleasant scent in the air.

Kunon really wanted to know how he did it.

“That is quite unexpected… I think it’s just in my personality, you know?”

If that was the case, Kunon’s question was in vain.

“Don’t tell me you came here just to ask that. Oh, are you collecting data for some kind of research?”

“No, I was just curious. My laboratory never stays clean for long.”

“You should try to keep it tidy. Sorcerer’s labs are full of catalytic agents, potent ingredients, and magic power. You never know what might happen. There could even be some brand-new life-form proliferating unseen in the corners.”

“That sounds fascinating.”

“Don’t even think about it. In the past, a student destroyed an entire school building that way. I guess they accidentally summoned a sea monster or something… It was a slimy, foul-smelling thing no one could identify, and they had their work cut out for them in both dealing with and disposing of it. Don’t make the same mistake, okay? Or at least save it for when I’m not around.”

Kunon’s interest was piqued again, but it was time to get down to business. At this rate, they would do nothing but waste time without even touching on the reason Kunon had come. Truthfully, he would’ve liked to carry on with the chitchat, but they were both busy people, so he let the matter drop.

“I’d like to earn credit for a practical skill. Could I show it to you?”

Their first conversation in ages had gotten quite offtrack, but Kunon was finally able to get to the point.

“Oh, sure. What’s the skill?”

“This room is a bit too cramped for it, so could we go outside? I’m going to fly.”

“Oh? Using water magic?”

“Yes.”

“Why not? Let’s go now.”

After agreeing instantly, Soff abandoned his paperwork and stood. He, too, was a sorcerer. There was no way he would pass up the chance to witness a rare bit of magic.

Flying was a wind magic specialty. If Kunon had achieved flight via some other means, it would be a considerable feat.

“Is this why you had Riyah practicing flight, by any chance?” Soff asked as they made their way outside.

“Of course,” Kunon replied.

His classmate Riyah Houghs may have thought otherwise, but Kunon hadn’t been paying him to collect flight data just to pass the time. Nor had he merely taken a personal interest in helping Riyah acclimate to magic school. That may have been one aspect of Kunon’s motivation, but it wasn’t the sole reason.

“I simply had Riyah do something that I was planning on doing myself someday,” Kunon continued. “He learned how to fly, and I acquired thorough experimental data for a small sum. On top of that, he can earn credits for it. And now so can I. I think it was something of a masterstroke, if I do say so myself.”

It sounded efficient on paper, at least.

“And what about the bacon you had Hank make?” Soff asked.

“That was just for my enjoyment.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Oh? Would something like that be worth credits, too?”

“That might be difficult… Did it turn out well?”

“Yes, Hank’s bacon is delicious. I was thinking of offering him some aid and encouraging him to start up a processed meat business. In my opinion, his bacon could easily become world-famous.”

“Were you thinking of practical uses for fire magic?”

“Well, that too.”

Since coming to magic school, Kunon had learned that fire and wind sorcerers struggled to find employment because their attributes were not suited to production.

What could be achieved in human society through fire or wind? After calmly and thoroughly considering the matter, Kunon realized neither attribute was particularly essential to everyday life. Many others had surely reached the same conclusion.

A majority of fire and wind sorcerers became adventurers, using their particular skills to exterminate monsters. Fire magic worked well in combat, where it quite literally translated into firepower. Wind was versatile, too. It came in handy in many situations, becoming a wind in the sails of its user or a headwind blocking their enemy.

But were such things necessary in a person’s day-to-day life? After thinking about it, one of the ideas Kunon came up with was meat processing, which had the added benefit of aligning with his own interests.

“First-rate bacon that only fire sorcerers can make,” he said. “It’s good, don’t you think?”

“I approve. Though I don’t know how popular it will be as a line of work, since magic users tend to have a lot of pride. But it sounds like a good choice for one-star fire sorcerers with low magical aptitude, or those who don’t like to fight. It would be nice to see them succeed.”

One-star sorcerers with low magical aptitude were limited to magic that was merely a little handy. Frankly, some were essentially no different from regular people. In Soff’s opinion, meat processing was a great employment option for sorcerers like that, who languished in obscurity because they hadn’t found ways to apply their skills. Though whether they chose to pursue it was up to them.

Kunon’s dream and his number one goal regarding Hank’s bacon was for it to become available worldwide. Whatever other fire sorcerers did was secondary. They could work if they wanted to, and if they didn’t, that was fine, too.

Luckily, Hank was developing a strong passion for and interest in bacon-making. Kunon wanted him to become even more obsessed with it, start his own business, and eventually become the president of the world’s finest bacon company. Kunon was playing a deliberate—at times painful—yet audacious game of chess. He had to make each move slowly and carefully so as to avoid spooking Hank.

“You’re scheming, aren’t you?” said Soff.

“Yes? Um, I mean no?”

Surprisingly, Kunon was the type whose face hid nothing, though he wasn’t aware of that himself.

In any case, as Kunon and Soff conversed eagerly, the two of them stepped outside.

The weather was beautiful and the breeze gentle. A perfect day for flying.

“Can you fly, Professor?” Kunon asked.

“Well, I am a wind user.”

The teachers at the Dirashik School of Magic were excellent sorcerers, and the majority of them had graduated from the Advanced class. Any wind sorcerers among them would have learned to fly, at the very least.

“Let me say right now that this idea of yours—flying with water—is quite something,” said Soff.

“Is there any precedent for it?”

“There is. I haven’t seen it myself, though. I’ve only heard about it.”

“So it’s been done.”

It would be a bit of a letdown if it hadn’t, Kunon thought. He was still only a novice at best. The school’s teachers and those who came before him were far, far ahead of him. And that meant there was a wealth of magical skills and knowledge Kunon had yet to learn about.

The thought was thrilling.

“Shall I get started, then?” he asked.

“Please do.”

Kunon produced a Supersoft-Body A-ori and lay down on it. Actually, since his upper body was slightly raised, he appeared to be reclining on a deep, squishy sofa. It made him look especially arrogant.

“I was operating under a bit of a misconception,” Kunon said. With his body splayed out on it, the A-ori rose gently to float above the ground. “Wind users can fly, but water users can only float and drift. Or at least, that’s all I can do at my current stage.”

“Hmm. And so? What was your result?”

Whoosh!

Soff stared in amazement.

The A-ori flew off—along with its rider—at a tremendous speed.

After maintaining its low altitude for a while, the sphere suddenly made a steep climb. Just when Soff thought it would disappear into the sky, it dived into a tailspin before once again shooting back into the air.

Kunon was flying around the sky at will—pompously reclining all the while.

“…No way…”

Soff was stunned. He could hardly believe what he was seeing.

The speed was one thing—wind magic could achieve that much. What it couldn’t do was produce such a complex, gravity- and inertia-defying flight pattern. Nor could it achieve those sudden stops. Attempting something like that would cause a loss of control and lead to a crash.

In the first place, flight spells were dreadfully difficult to operate. What’s more, they were so dangerous, failure could mean death.

That was why sorcerers were left to work out flight on their own once they were decently skilled, instead of being taught by someone else. And yet…

“Touchdown.” Still lounging proudly, Kunon returned to the ground. He came to an abrupt stop in front of Soff—a feat impossible for a wind user. “What do you think?”

“…Naturally, I’m fascinated, but…” There were many things Soff could have said, but at the moment, there was only one thing he wanted to say. “Do you have to look so arrogant the whole time?”

It was hard to put into words, but the sight of a snobbish little kid reclining on a sofa was quite irritating. If you were going to fly, Soff thought, it was better to do it properly.

Kunon might have been able to perform more complicated feats than could be managed with wind magic, but the way he looked while doing it—like a spoiled prince on his throne, flying around in his spare time—was offensive.

“Huh…? What do you mean?”

But Kunon didn’t understand. He had never seen anyone sitting around arrogantly, after all.

“Do you want to try it? I’ll take care of the handling.”

“…Yeah, okay. If you don’t mind.”

Professor Soff, as a wind sorcerer, could fly on his own. But the mysterious and complicated flight patterns Kunon had just demonstrated were beyond his capabilities. He was dying to give it a go.

“Oh, but don’t make it go upside down. That’s terrifying.”

Soff hesitated slightly, imagining himself in the tailspin he’d seen Kunon perform. The idea genuinely horrified him. He knew doing a maneuver like that with wind magic would result in a fall. It was one of Soff’s less pleasant memories.

“Understood,” said Kunon. “I’ll cut out the fancy stuff.”

Soff switched places with Kunon and lowered himself into the A-ori.

“Oh, lean back a little farther,” Kunon warned. “The wind pressure is quite strong when flying. Trying to sit up puts a lot of strain on your lower back and spine.”

After adjusting his position as instructed, Soff found himself naturally splayed back in that same arrogant manner.

“I see.”

The posture appeared conceited to an onlooker, but it was quite logical when one actually tried it. The entire back side of Soff’s body was pressed into the A-ori, which clung to him and ensured he was held in place. If the rider wasn’t securely seated, he realized, a sudden stop would send them flying forward. This seating position was a safety measure against that possibility. Not only did it provide ample contact between the water sphere and the body, it was really comfortable, too.

It all made sense once Soff experienced it for himself. This exquisite softness was probably the reason Kunon’s business was booming.

“Get ready,” Kunon announced. “Here we go!”

Whoosh!

Soff soared into the air—pompously reclining all the while.

“It made a lot more sense than I expected,” Soff remarked—the first words out of his mouth once he’d returned to the ground.

Just as Kunon had said, the wind exerted a lot of force when you were flying. Sitting up, as it turned out, was more difficult than leaning back in that conceited pose. One’s body was naturally forced back by the buffeting wind.

It was an entirely different beast from flying with wind magic. Soff even wondered if it would be easier to lie totally flat. Someone could soar through the air while taking a nap—sleep flying.

Well… He had a feeling the arrogant posture was still preferable, though only just. What was the point of flying if you were asleep?

“I don’t quite understand,” said Kunon, “but is there something unpleasant about the way it looks?”

While Soff was flying, Kunon had been thinking about what “looking arrogant” meant. Surely, he thought, his shirt must have come partially undone, exposing his chest during the flight without his knowing and lending him a devilish air. He was now quite anxious over the state of his appearance.

“Hey! What are you doing here?!”

Kunon had been greeted with some hostility, but before too long, his ideas were being lauded with praise.

“Hold up, wait a minute! This is freakin’ amazing!”

Connecting with someone was easier when your goals aligned. Or at least, that was the case for Kunon’s second encounter with Sandra.

Kunon accepted the invitation to participate in the underwater breathing experiment without hesitation, and work on the project began right away.

Eushida, a water user in the Rationality Faction, had been the one to ask for his help. She was in charge of the experiment, and Kunon followed her to the underground facility that served as the Rationality Faction’s base.

He’d heard that this facility was originally an artificial dungeon. It was said that Advanced class students had created it many, many years ago as a way to explore the mechanism of similar, naturally occurring structures. Once their experiment ended, it was decided that the dungeon would be repurposed—partly at the request of sorcerers who liked dark and damp places. Regardless of its long history as a dungeon, of all things, it was currently serving as the Rationality Faction’s home base.

Four additional points of entry had been added, and the walls of former passages had been demolished to create a number of spacious rooms. Renovations of that sort had made the first, second, and third basement levels much more suitable for carrying out faction activities.

The walls and ceiling were moderately bright, and there was a working air conditioning system. It felt so unlike a subterranean facility, in fact, that one could easily forget they were underground.

The faction made use of only the first three levels, however. Past that, the cavern was largely a mystery. No detailed documentation remained for any levels deeper than the thirteenth, and no one knew how many there were in total.

Snippets of material pertaining all the way down to the forty-first level supposedly still survived, but their authenticity was dubious. Information regarding any levels beyond that was nonexistent.

From time to time, a sound that might have been groaning or growling was heard coming from below, but…everyone pretty much just ignored it. The Rationality Faction had been headquartered in the facility for ages and had come to accept that it was “just that sort of place.”

All in all, they seemed a fairly intrepid bunch.

“Hey!”

The route was a bit of a maze—a remnant of the cavern’s former days—but in the end, Kunon was led into a spacious room. Eushida explained that the facility’s vacant chambers, like the school’s empty classrooms, could be rented out once research projects were arranged. This room had been booked for their current endeavor.

As soon as Kunon stepped inside, however, a certain girl called out to him—Sandra.

“What are you doing here?!” she shouted. It was a rather abrupt greeting.

“We decided yesterday with a majority vote!” someone shouted.

“What’s the point in complaining at this stage?!” said someone else.

“Credits! Think of the credits!” chimed in a third.

No sooner had Sandra lashed out at Kunon than the people surrounding her snapped back in reproach.

“Give it a rest, Sandra! If you make me pick between the two of you, I’ll choose Kunon in a heartbeat! If you scare him off, you are out of here, got it?!” Even Eushida, the one who had invited Kunon and brought him here, had some harsh words for Sandra. “Who was it that clung to me and begged to be included in this project because they hadn’t earned a single credit yet, huh?!”

“…I-it was me.”

“And you promised to follow our instructions and keep your complaints to yourself, didn’t you?!”

“I…I did…”

“Then don’t you have something to say right now?!”

“…Should I go buy us some pastries?”

“Not that! You’re supposed to apologize to Kunon! He came all this way to help us!”

“…I’m sorry,” Sandra said.

So being a project leader gave one enough power to make even the ill-tempered Sandra apologize, Kunon observed. Well, that aside.

“I want to earn credits, too,” he said, “so would you mind putting up with me for just a little bit? Though you’re really quite cute, even with that sullen expression. Just like a baby-blue-eyes blossom. Are you familiar with the language of flowers? I do hope you’ll look that flower up. It represents my true feelings. Well, not that I can see it.”

Incidentally, in floriography, baby-blue-eyes flowers symbolized “cuteness.”

“…This guy is as freaky as ever…,” Sandra muttered.

Kunon’s frivolous chatter sent shivers down her spine. It was in Sandra’s nature to broadly categorize other people as either “friend” or “foe,” and she didn’t like being around people she had a hard time classifying.

Once the greetings and introductions were out of the way, the group got straight to work on the experiment.

The single, large room would serve as their laboratory.

Nothing besides the necessary equipment—arranged each time, depending on the experiment—was set up in the space.

For the current project, a massive water tank had been placed in the center of the room. Kunon expected they would be testing underwater breathing methods using that tank.

The team was originally made up of four people, including Sandra and Eushida. With the addition of Kunon, their group came to two boys and three girls, for a total of five members.

Upon learning everyone involved was a water sorcerer, Kunon felt a little thrill of excitement. Despite having started school relatively recently, Kunon had already completed a handful of projects and experiments. As of yet, however, not a single one of those undertakings had been a water-based effort with other water sorcerers. Thinking back, the last time he’d worked alongside someone who shared his attribute was when he’d studied under his first teacher, Jenié.

“We’re still in the early stages, and everyone is just throwing out ideas. So, Kunon, what do you think would be a good way for people to breathe underwater? Even a rough, random thought is fine. Just give it a go.”

Kunon crossed his arms and considered Eushida’s question.

“Well… Just off the top of my head, I have four ideas.”

“Huh? Did you say ‘four’?”

Evidently, the remaining members of the team had collectively amassed three possibilities.

“I suppose that means at least one of them is something new, right?” said Kunon.

“That would be interesting.”

Kunon nodded. It certainly would.

“Whatever, you’re full of crap anyway,” said Sandra.

“I thought I told you to knock it off.”

Even after all the scolding, Sandra was still bothered by Kunon’s participation.

“Why would I lie now, Miss Baby Blue Eyes?” asked Kunon. “You’d only find me out right away.”

“……”

After silencing Sandra, Kunon started to count off his ideas on his fingers.

His first thought was to enclose the subject in an A-ori. In other words, to have them enter the water with an air supply. They could envelop their entire body—even just the head might be enough—in an A-ori filled with air.

The second idea was to maintain a connection between the water’s surface and the mouth and nose. This would require using a long, narrow tube to link the air above with the submerged subject.

His third idea was to create a magic tool that generated air and was held in the mouth.

“That’s just something that popped into my head, though. Even if we started developing it right now, I think it would take too much time.”

The others nodded. “We also thought of making some sort of tool.”

“Is that so? And what was the verdict?”

“That it probably wouldn’t be feasible. To tell you the truth, I’m only doing this experiment because I want credits, so I’d like to avoid dragging it out or putting in too much effort. Something simple would be ideal.”

Eushida’s feelings on the matter were often felt but rarely shared. Kunon could empathize, however. There was nothing better than earning credits easily and in a short period of time.

“You’re an honest person,” he said. “It seems I’ve found yet another charming side of you.”

“Ha-ha… Thanks.”

Kunon’s words sounded sarcastic to her, but what could she expect, after what she’d just said?

“Then shall we try the easiest one?” Kunon suggested. “With this many water sorcerers, a more aggressive method might be possible.”

“More aggressive, huh…? I assume that’s your fourth idea, the one you haven’t mentioned yet. What is it?”

“Making land underwater.”

“Uh… land…?”

The other four team members looked dubious.

“Shall I give it a go?” With that, Kunon stepped forward to stand in front of the water tank. “If we trap air in some bubbles, like this, and gradually submerge them…” Using A-rubu, he produced a slew of bubbles that sank steadily into the water. “Then we combine them…” The sunken bubbles started to stick together to form one large air pocket that only continued to grow as smaller bubbles joined it. “…And you get something like this.”

“Oh…!”

Air rose in water. That was common knowledge. And yet, in defiance of that, Kunon’s bubbles sank, creating a layer of air at the bottom of the tank. That layer of air—that was the “land.” An expanse of waterless terrain within the water itself.

This method departed somewhat from the idea of breathing underwater, but in a broader sense, surely, it counted.

“We should be able to test it out right away, don’t you think? There are five of us, and it doesn’t require any tools. It’s simple.”

“It definitely seems doable…,” Eushida murmured. “But I wonder whether it’s creditworthy.”

The other Rationality Faction members responded with “probably not.” They doubted the teachers would appreciate such a simplistic approach.

Creating bubbles that sank in water was actually a rather sophisticated technique, though it appeared no one had realized this. But then…

“Hold up, wait a minute! This is freakin’ amazing!” Sandra exclaimed, sounding quite enthusiastic. “Being able to walk around at the bottom of the sea is way more impressive than breathing underwater! You could get an up-close look at stuff in the water and on the seafloor! How are you guys not getting this?! Hey, junior playboy—ain’t that right?!”

“Junior playboy…?”

The label, which was quite far removed from “gentleman,” rattled Kunon.

“You’re the one who came up with it! How come you aren’t more excited?!”

How could Kunon focus on that after being called such a horrible name?

Not only was no one else fired up, they were all staring in puzzlement at Sandra, as if to say, “What’s gotten into her? Is she just agitated because she’s hungry?”

Sandra found their expressions really irritating.

“All right, listen up!” she said. “How about I say it a little more romantic-like?!” Sandra, who had the face of an adventurer, began to speak like one, too. “For example! What do you think of collectin’ treasure from a shipwreck at the bottom of the sea?!”

That was when it happened. With that statement, the experiment changed course dramatically. What started as a simple effort to earn some credits soon expanded into a massive project with a ton of people involved.

“…Junior playboy…?”

Kunon, however, was still nursing his ego.

“Please, let’s not get carried away.”

With great effort, Kunon put aside his pain over being addressed as “junior playboy” and brought the team, now abuzz with excitement over the idea of plundering sunken ships, back to the present.

It seemed Sandra’s talk of underwater adventure and treasure had brought everyone over.

“If it were that simple,” Kunon broke in, “I’m sure someone would have thought of it already, which means it’s likely impossible.”

Forced to pause for a moment, the others considered the matter calmly and came to the same conclusion.

“Huh? You don’t think it’ll work?” Only Sandra clung to hope.

“Considering it more thoroughly, I don’t think it will,” Eushida replied, trying to get Sandra to see reason. “It can’t be that straightforward. To begin with, a few issues come to mind.”

But then…

“It may be impossible right now,” said Kunon, unwilling to shut down Sandra’s optimism entirely. “However, I think we have a good chance of making it happen. Just as Miss Eushida said, there are a lot of problems that would have to be resolved. I’ve never been to the sea, for one thing, so I don’t know if this spell will hold up in saltwater. There’s also the depth and currents to consider, plus we would probably be limited to some extent by water pressure. We have to keep in mind the threat of sea monsters, too. They say the deeper you go in the ocean, the bigger the monsters are.”

At that moment, the idea was still out of reach. But if the various hurdles could be overcome, perhaps Sandra’s adventurous spirit could yet be sated.

“Why don’t we try it in shallow water?” Kunon suggested. “Let’s give it a go, clarify the issues, and eliminate them. Isn’t that what experiments are all about?”

Indeed, such was the nature of trial and error.

“Haah… I just wanted an easy way to get some credits…,” Eushida muttered. The team had formed with the goal of netting some quick credits with minimal effort, and yet… “Guess we have no choice. Let’s do it!”

““Yeah!””

At Eushida’s words, the group officially embarked on a full-fledged experiment.

“You want treasure?!”

““Yeah!””

“You wanna get rich?!”

““Yeaaah!””

“Do you wanna get rich and party hard?!”

““YEAH!””

“Y-yeah…,” Kunon muttered.

The senior students’ enthusiasm was tremendous, and so was their lust for money. It was so intense that Kunon felt a bit like a fifth wheel.

That said, since Advanced class students were required to earn their own living expenses, Kunon wasn’t entirely immune to the lure of a little extra cash.

When it came to developing a method of breathing underwater, Kunon’s idea alone might not be enough to merit credits. However, if it was submitted along with verification data, it had a much higher chance of meeting the requirements. There was no reason to abandon their original plan, and this would be a great way to test their ideas.

Of course, their ultimate goal was now to find some shipwrecked treasure. They had their sights set on wealth, and everyone had been blinded by the promise of money.

“I was thinking, and the idea of using a tube to connect to the surface sounds pretty doable.”

“Air would have to be constantly flowing.”

“Depending on how deep you’re diving, it might be necessary to have something that pumps the air.”

“Ideally, you’d want to have separate air holes for inflow and outflow.”

“I bought us some pastries!”

“If we’re going really deep, do you think we’d need a wind user? You know, to keep the air moving.”

“Hmm. How about something shaped like a stomach? The part that pumps air would be like the esophagus.”

The older students tossed various ideas back and forth with excitement. The laid-back atmosphere Kunon had found when he arrived had vanished, and the room had begun to heat up.

Kunon participated in the brainstorming session, too, and the team discussed which ideas were most practical and what would be needed to implement them.

“That more or less covers it, I think,” said Eushida. “We might need a wind user at some point, but for now let’s try what we can on our own.”

All that remained was to put their plan to the test. Sandra, who also worked as an adventurer, knew of a lake outside of town, and it was decided that they would head there the following morning.

“……”

It would be Kunon’s first time in a minimally maintained environment—somewhere mostly wild. However, saying so would only cause trouble and worry everyone, so he kept it to himself. He was just as worked up as the others, though for a slightly different reason.

Kunon Gurion was about to do fieldwork for the first time ever.

When the next day arrived, it looked at first like the trip would be rained out. But the weather cleared up, and things proceeded as planned.

“Whoa, hold on! Eushida, you didn’t tell me he would be coming!”

Kunon, who had been anxious all morning, arrived at the designated meeting spot—the school gate—to find Eushida was already there. The person with her, however, flipped her lid the moment she laid eyes on him.

“Huh? Oh, what?” said Eushida. “Cassis, you know Kunon?”

What on earth was happening? Why was Cassis here? Cassis was a boy, no—a girl that Kunon had some complicated feelings about.

“I hate him!” she exclaimed.

“What?” asked Eushida.

“I don’t hate you,” Kunon declared.

“Again, what?”

“Come on! The only thing you’re interested in is women’s boobs, right?! Men are all the same! So what if I’m flat-chested?!”

“Uhh, Cassis?!” Eushida exclaimed. “You know how early it is, don’t you?! And we’re right in front of the school! Listen to yourself!”

“Shut up! I’m just a flat-chested beauty! You might not be that pretty, but you do have some meager cleavage, so you wouldn’t understand how I feel!”

“Excuse me? Do you think I won’t hit you? Do you want a punch to the face?”

Once Eushida got Cassis to calm down, she heaved a sigh. “…Kunon, do you have some sort of history with Cassis? I’m sorry, I didn’t realize.”

The story of Kunon’s clash with Cassis during the former’s attempt to secure affiliation with three of the school’s factions was infamous. Unfortunately, it seemed that no one had thought to tell Eushida about it. She probably just hadn’t been interested.

“You should be apologizing to me, not to him,” said Cassis.

“This is a job for you, Cassis. You’re getting paid, so just do what you’re supposed to.”

Evidently, Cassis was a wind sorcerer and skilled at flight. Even with a few extra people and some amount of weight, she could still fly.

In other words, she was their transportation. The plan was to have Cassis bring the group to the lake where they would conduct their experiment. On foot or by carriage, the trip would have eaten up a lot of their time. So Eushida, at her own expense, had asked Cassis to ferry them there and back.

“I apologize for making the decision on my own. It’s just that, when I asked Sandra for details, she told me the lake was pretty far away.”

“I don’t mind at all,” Kunon replied. “Rather, I hate to see your expression darkened over such a small matter. It’s a waste of your precious charms.”

“Hah… Ha-ha…”

“Tch!”

Like she had the day before, Eushida forced a smile at Kunon’s frivolous chatter, while Cassis clicked her tongue in distaste.

Once everyone had gathered, Cassis flew the group of five to the lake so they could test their underwater breathing methods.

The trip went smoothly, since Cassis was extremely shy and got significantly quieter as the number of people increased.

“This is nice.”

The lake was located in a wooded area northwest of Dirashik. It wasn’t a large body of water, but it was the perfect size for an experiment conducted by a small group. The weather was pleasant, and the water’s surface was calm.

“Right? I love eatin’ meals out here.”

Sandra seemed to be in the mood for a picnic. The others understood how she felt, but now was not the time.

“Okay, shall we get started?”

At Eushida’s words, everyone began to explore the water, trying out their own methods. With five water sorcerers on hand, both the experiment and the verification would be over in no time.

“…You really are clever, aren’t you?”

Seated at a desk and chair made from A-ori, Kunon was hard at work documenting everything. Cassis, who had nothing to do until the verification was complete, watched him from the gently swaying hammock she had set up.

It was too dangerous for Kunon to walk around on uneven ground, so he was assigned the role of record keeper. The group didn’t want to risk him suffering a fall.

“You look rather bored, Miss Cassis,” Kunon said as he continued taking notes.

“I am, actually. Why are you guys so interested in going underwater?”

“Aren’t you curious what’s down there? At the bottom of the lake, or in the sea?”

“Not one bit. What, besides human and animal bones, do you think you’re gonna find down there?”

“Those would be interesting enough on their own, if you ask me.”

“Sure. Whatever.”

Cassis seemed truly uninterested…

“Hey! I found a coin purse at the bottom of the lake! I think this will work after all!”

…until Sandra came across a small treasure, that is.

“What, seriously?!” Cassis yelped, jumping to her feet.

“It’s a silver coin from the Old Empire!” Cassis exclaimed with joy.

The contents of the coin purse were intact, it seemed. There were about a dozen coins in the leather pouch Sandra had recovered from the lake bed.

After sitting in the water for such a long time, the pouch itself was ready to crumble at the slightest touch. Sandra had scooped it up with both hands and brought it carefully to the shore.

“Wow, money from a bygone era, huh?”

“I wonder if someone lost it during one of the wars.”

“…Maybe. Someone could have dropped it, or it could have fallen when they were killed.”

“Oh, good point.”

Starting with Eushida, the team gathered around the object and began voicing their opinions.

Kunon had been thinking the same thing. Most likely, the coin purse dated back to the Empire’s attempted invasion of the magic city of Dirashik. Something happened, causing the pouch to sink to the bottom of the lake, and it had remained submerged there ever since. Perhaps it had even been thrown into the water along with its owner.

Now the scars from those war-torn days had faded, leaving nothing but a picturesque lake behind. But a lot of people had probably lost their lives in this area back then.

“There’s gotta be more down there, right?! Like gold coins! Old Imperial ones!”

“Yeah! Since we found this, there must be other stuff, too!”

Cassis and Sandra didn’t appear overly concerned with the pouch’s historical background or how it had come to be in the lake. For now, it seemed they were more focused on their own greed.

“You’re probably right, but let’s change course for a bit,” team leader Eushida declared, after listening to the pair’s thoughts. “Don’t touch anything else at the bottom of the lake.”

“What?”

“Huh?”

“It seems like all we’re going to find around here is small change. Divided between all of us, we’d probably end up with one to five hundred thousand necca each, at best. The lake isn’t that big, either.”

She was right. The coins in the lake were no longer legal currency, and even if they were made of precious metals, it wasn’t likely to add up to a large sum, since the people who had died there would have been no more than common foot soldiers.

“Their historical value is probably higher than their actual value. So why don’t we sell our data to a historian or something? We could jack the price way up.”

Eushida’s phrasing wasn’t very attractive, but her point was well taken.

The coin purse had become so fragile that it fell apart on contact. Anything else at the bottom of the lake was almost certainly in a similar condition. Consequently, Eushida deemed it more profitable to sell the information to a scholar who would find it all valuable, rather than to take the effort to hunt down treasures only to damage them.

“One hundred thousand sounds pretty good to me!” Cassis hollered, her greed on full display.

“If it’s free money, even five hundred would make me happy!” Sandra joined in.

Her feelings were understandable. No matter how wealthy one was, coming across five hundred necca was a nice surprise. There was a mysterious appeal in that particular denomination. It was somehow more instinctively pleasing even than finding a thousand necca.

“That’s why I’m saying we should take advantage of some academics. And this has nothing to do with you, Cassis.”

Cassis was more worked up than any of them, but she was not actually part of their group. Suddenly, Cassis noted how cold the others’ gazes were as they looked at her.

“No way! Come on! You have to include me!” The moment this dawned on her, she started throwing a fit. “You’re gonna use your results to find stuff like sunken pirate ships and the Lisa Florin, right?! And I bet you’ll recover the lost Nieve jewels from the Old Empire and fine artworks and accessories from Eclat Zatrant’s early period! I want in! Oh, even just a gold bar would be enough! A big, hefty one!”

Her greed and materialism were now thoroughly exposed. Only a little while ago, Cassis had been bored and uninterested. But as soon as something of value was found, all pretenses were dropped.

The group’s icy gazes shifted from Cassis’s shamelessness to focus on Eushida, as if to ask her what should be done about the money-hungry interloper in their midst.

“…Well, we did want an excellent wind sorcerer.”

They had come to the lake purely for verification purposes. Ultimately, they were aiming for the sea.

Researching underwater respiration methods was still genuinely on the docket, but treasure hunting had increasingly become their main objective. Even as the project leader, Eushida couldn’t stop the tides from turning in that direction. Instead, she planned to ride the waves. After all, she wanted money and credits.

Their next destination would be the ocean.

That would require a lot more travel time, and they’d need help locating shipwrecks and transporting any recovered cargo. Eushida doubted that their present team would be able to carry out that kind of large-scale ocean expedition alone. Considering that, adding Cassis to the project didn’t seem like a bad idea. And with such intense materialism driving her, she probably wouldn’t pull a fast one on them or leak project information. That would only lessen her own share of the spoils, after all.

And besides…

“If I’m not mistaken, you have an eye for precious stones, right?”

“Naturally! Works of art, too! I adore antiques! I love gems even more! Oh, and gold ingots!”

All this made Cassis an excellent choice.

“Well, that works for us. We’re in the same faction, so it’s not like you’re a stranger.”

Some of the team’s members had never spoken to Cassis, but they at least recognized her as a comrade. A few of them were surprised at learning of her true nature, but that was beside the point.

“As for Kunon, though…,” Eushida continued.

“Me?”

“I suppose you wouldn’t want a senior who openly dislikes you joining the team, would you?”

Eushida’s words came from a place of concern. If she had known about the connection between Kunon and Cassis, she wouldn’t have asked Cassis to help them. The experiment had started out as a way to earn easy credits. They didn’t need bothersome things like personal disputes on their hands.

“I like him!” Cassis declared. “I love him! I love Kunon!” But in that moment, for the sake of money, Cassis decided to sacrifice her stubbornness and pride. “Hey, Kunon! You like me, too, right? You do, don’t you…?! Say you like me!”

At Cassis’s insistence, Kunon nodded without hesitation.

“Of course I like you. A man who would spurn so spirited a demand from a woman is no gentleman.”

Kunon had made the decision to acknowledge Cassis as a woman, and that meant there was only one answer he could give.

“…K-Kunon…… Hmph. Don’t get cocky. I’m only being nice to you this once.”

Kunon’s unexpectedly open acceptance threw Cassis off. What’s more, Cassis had yet to show a shred of kindness during the whole exchange. But if Kunon didn’t mind, that settled things.

“Then if you’re okay with it, Kunon, we’ll add Cassis to the group. I mean, either way, I doubt that five or six people will be enough to accomplish our goals. If we’re going into the ocean, I expect we’ll need even more help. This lake already seems a bit big for us.”

That was Eushida’s conclusion after a little hands-on experimenting. She did not feel that five water sorcerers would be sufficient. If they were really going to search for shipwrecks at sea, they were better off bringing in as many people as they could in anticipation of any possible issues.

“I’d like to bring the representative with us as well.”

Those words got Kunon’s attention very quickly.

“You mean Lulomet?” he asked.

When Eushida said “the representative,” she was most likely referring to the leader of the Rationality Faction—Lulomet, the boy who was followed everywhere by a shadowy tree.

Three days had passed since the experiment in the shoals.

The team took some time to fully rest and restore their bodies, and to thoroughly prepare. And now, at last, they were ready.

“And so the fifteen of us are going to explore the seafloor.”

It was early morning, and the sky was still dark. Fifteen sorcerers had gathered in front of the magic school’s front gate.

Fifteen people—a steep increase from their original group of five. Some of the new participants had apparently been recruited from the Harmony Faction. Not that Kunon was interested, since all of the additional team members were male.

Even with the bigger group, Eushida remained in charge.

They had finally reached the stage of the project where they would investigate a proper shipwreck, and the number of participants was a show of Eushida’s and the others’ dedication. They would need to handle issues that came up in the field, transport cargo, and respond to potential complications, and the additional members were brought in with those tasks in mind.

In Kunon’s opinion, they still didn’t have enough people for a large-scale operation. If they wanted to take the matter seriously, they would be better off using all their resources.

Though upon further consideration, he realized that they were still in the testing stages of the experiment. They had tried various things and gathered data, but they still hadn’t run a trial of the actual thing. If today ended up being a success, Kunon expected the others would be even more serious about their next attempt. After all, it wasn’t as though things had to end here. Though Kunon wasn’t sure if he would be participating in further expeditions.

“……”

At the moment, Kunon’s thoughts weren’t on Eushida, who was explaining the day’s plan, but on another boy also facing the team leader.

The boy was Lulomet, the Rationality Faction representative and a sorcerer who possessed the rare dark attribute.

Kunon wanted to talk to him, and if possible, he wanted to see some dark magic. He was desperate to see it, in fact. Not that he could see, of course. How could he be interested in sea exploration when faced with a valuable chance to see a rare type of magic…?

“…Well, I suppose that’s not quite right.”

In the end, Kunon wasn’t entirely uninterested. Quite the contrary, actually. When he took a closer look at his feelings, he realized he found both things of equal interest.

Running experiments and tests and doing fieldwork on a team made up entirely of sorcerers was fun. And they’d enjoyed delicious seafood on the beach together, too. It was especially enjoyable talking with other water sorcerers about water magic.

Kunon wasn’t about to let anyone tell him those days had been a waste of time or that they had nothing to show for their effort. He wasn’t particularly passionate about shipwrecks or treasure, but Kunon was quite invested in the results of their experiment.

Plus, there were credits at stake.

As soon as Eushida finished talking, the group sprang into action.

Starting with Cassis, the wind sorcerers in their group—now numbering three—transported the team to their destination.

Incidentally, Kunon was part of the day party. They had formed a day party and an overnight party, and Kunon had chosen the former. Thus, his maid did not need to accompany him.

They flew through the air for a short while, traveling much faster than they could have by carriage or anything similar. And then, as the sky lightened, the ocean came into view off in the distance.

When they arrived at their destination, a small fishing village, the wind sorcerers were able to rest while the others set to work.

Thorough preparations were made. Kunon had wanted to help, too, but he was told “there’s nothing for a first-year student to do” and was forced to sit back and watch. His seniors made quick work of their tasks, proving their assessment correct.

A midsize ship had been procured from somewhere. It was a wooden sailing vessel, out of place in the small fishing village, and sturdy enough to make a long-distance voyage at sea. As long as they had no accidents, it seemed likely to stay afloat.

Meanwhile, Cassis, with her extraordinary passion for treasure, had searched high and low, finally discovering what appeared to be a shipwreck in their vicinity.

She had really found one.

Talking to the locals, she learned that people didn’t come to the area often—especially not in big ships. That meant there was a high possibility that the wreck was untouched.

On top of that, she had checked the regional laws. Apparently, here by the sea at the edge of the Holy Kingdom of Saint Lance, rights to recovered property were conferred to the finder if the owner couldn’t be determined. Normally, in larger cities, the local lord would put in place additional regulations. But because this was a rural town with a small population, things worked in their favor.

“Okay, all aboard! Let’s go!”

After greeting the mayor, Eushida urged the rest of the team to board the ship. They did so one by one as the villagers looked on curiously.

“Would you like some help?” Lulomet asked Kunon when he saw him standing to the side.

Kunon planned to board last and was waiting for the others to cross the gangplank.

“Ah, thank you very much, but please don’t trouble yourself,” he replied.

“Really? Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“Yes. If you were a girl, I’d absolutely take you up on the offer. But as a gentleman, I cannot ask a man to escort me.”

“Pff, I see. Then I’ll go on ahead.”

Naturally, the gangplank connecting the ship to the pier had no handrails.

And due to the waves, of course, it moved. If Kunon tripped, he’d go tumbling into the water.

“Ah, Miss Cassis. Would you mind escorting me?”

“Excuse me? No way. I don’t need it getting around that I’m friends with someone like you. Anyway, you’re fine on your own, aren’t you?” Cassis turned away with a huff and boarded the ship.

Kunon had been shot down. But he had expected that might happen, so he wasn’t too upset about it. He had merely thought it would be nice if she agreed.

“……”

“……”

“……”

“…After you, Miss Sandra.”

“Why aren’t you askin’ me for help?”

“I don’t want to burden my seniors.”

“…Hmm… Tch. I was hoping you’d say some stupid crap so I could shove you into the ocean,” Sandra muttered alarmingly before she, too, went aboard. It seemed Kunon had lucked out by reading the situation correctly.

Places with unstable footing were not Kunon’s friend. If he tried to walk across the gangplank normally, he would most likely fall.

Eushida had been the first one onto the ship, so there were no other girls left for him to ask. With little choice, Kunon decided he would simply fly.

““……””

Everyone looked on, dumbfounded at the sight of the youngest member of the crew and the last to board, soaring through the air in an absurdly pompous manner.

At last, they were ready.

“Is everyone aboard?! Raise the anchor—let’s go!” The ship lurched forward at Eushida’s command. “Wind team, we’re in your hands! Do your best!”

This was where the wind sorcerers truly came in handy. The sails swelled with air, and the boat started picking up speed.

“Thank you for earlier, Lulomet.”

“…Yes… Of course…”

Kunon had gently floated over in his reclined, arrogant position. Lulomet could not describe how it made him feel, though he understood why Kunon might need to fly in this situation.

“Do you get seasick?” he asked. “Or is it because of the unstable footing?”

“The latter. I’m not good with slopes and ground that isn’t level. I don’t think I’ll be able to stand up on the ship.”

Lulomet figured that Kunon’s lack of sight made it more difficult for him to maintain his balance.

“Oh, and I’m sorry for the posture,” Kunon continued. “I’ve been told sitting like this makes me look arrogant, but I’m not sure how to fix the problem…”

“……”

So he knows the way he’s sitting is problematic, Lulomet thought. But that aside…

“It’s an interesting spell. I never would have imagined someone with the water attribute could fly.”

Lulomet was quite astonished by it, as were the others. The water sorcerers among them were particularly shocked. Kunon was indeed the infamous Zeonly’s disciple, that much was clear. They could all see he was a talented sorcerer, even if he did look pointlessly conceited.

“I’ll show you how it works if it interests you. In return, I’d like to see some dark magic.”

“Oh-ho. You’re curious about my magic?”

“Yes. I don’t know the first thing about dark magic, and there seem to be very few books on the subject.”

“Indeed.”

As a sorcerer, Kunon was interested in magic. It was a very healthy pursuit for someone in his position.

Though things were calmer now, when Lulomet had first entered school, people had questioned him all the time. What exactly was dark magic? they would ask.

“Well… Look up, Kunon, if you would. Do you see those seabirds following the ship? …Oh, right, you can’t see them, can you?”

“It’s fine. Though you’re right, I can’t.”

Still sitting in his snobbish posture and floating beside Lulomet, Kunon joined his senior in turning his face up toward the sky. They watched the birds…six of them, soaring in the air. Lulomet activated his magic, and the six birds started tottering… Then they fell out of the sky and crashed onto the deck of the ship.

“Whoa, what?!”

“Huh?! They’re dead?! Wh-what happened?!”

Those near Lulomet and Kunon had witnessed the whole series of events, but for those who weren’t aware, it was as though the birds had suddenly dropped out of the sky for no reason. It was no wonder they were startled.

“It was my doing. Let’s have them for lunch.”

At Lulomet’s words, everyone calmed down. They knew about his dark magic, so his statement was explanation enough.

“…An instant killing spell? How in the world…?”

Kunon was also startled. But his surprise was due to the abnormal and mysterious nature of the magic Lulomet had just unleashed.

Indeed, those who were knowledgeable about magic found the dark attribute most surprising. There was no spell that could end a life directly. Such a thing was impossible. The spell would have to bring about some phenomenon first, which would then cause the desired result. Kunon was well aware of that fact, and that was precisely why he was so shocked.

“Kunon Gurion—whenever I’m asked about my dark attribute, I always give the same answer.” As Lulomet spoke, Kunon’s mind quickly sunk into a sea of thought. “Try to guess the true nature of my magic. If you can, we’ll talk.”

“Instant death, darkness, instant death, instant death…”

Kunon reclined pompously, his thoughts already leagues under the ocean.

If his maid had been present, she might have said something like, “I’m not impressed that you’ve managed to fall into the water without breaching the surface.” Or perhaps not.

“We’re coming up on the site! Decrease speed!” Eushida shouted.

The wind sorcerers changed their sail-filling gusts to soft breezes, adjusting the ship’s velocity and direction. Meanwhile, Cassis flew ahead to confirm the location.

“Hup!”

She placed the wooden plank she was carrying—about the size of a small raft—on the surface of the water and touched down onto it. From the side, it looked like she was standing on the sea itself. It might have seemed simple, but the maneuver was only possible because Cassis was skilled at flight.

She then gave the signal to stop the ship. Apparently, she was certain they had reached the site of the shipwreck. Seeing the gesture, Eushida ordered the team to lower their speed further and drop anchor. Rocked by the resulting waves, the ship gave a great lurch. And as it did…

“Watch this!”

…the group on board followed Cassis’s voice with their eyes. Kunon alone was too absorbed in thought to do so, but since he couldn’t see anyway, it probably didn’t matter.

“Fu-arari!”

This spell emitted a noise and let the user hear the resulting reverberations. It was typically a localized spell used to get a feel for one’s surroundings at night or in places with poor visibility. Usually, only the caster would be able to hear the echoes, but—

“Whoa!”

“Wow!”

—when the user was as skilled as Cassis, the sounds could be seen. Or, to be more precise, they could be made visible to others.

A huge, glowing, dark-green ring came into existence and spread out over the water with Cassis at its center. Then, maintaining its circular shape, the ring sank into the sea. Its green light was visible even as it descended into the murky depths.

As it sank further, the light began to take on a shape. At the top were bent poles, then a whalelike head protruding from the seafloor. The hull was fractured approximately in half, and the stern rested on the ocean bottom.

The dark-green light quickly disappeared, but everyone had gotten a clear look. They had seen the shape of the large ship, split in half down the middle. Its bow—likely wedged against an ocean rock—was pointed upward, while its aft lay sideways in the sand.

“Right, lemme handle this!”

Now it was Sandra, her eyes ablaze, whose voice rang out.

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Cassis’s intel on the shipwreck. It was just that seeing the thing for herself made her excitement skyrocket. How could she not be raring to go with treasure right in front of her? That was her reasoning anyway.

“Ah, wait a sec—”

“A-ryukuru!”

Fwoosh, fwoooooosh, fwoooOOOOOOSH!

It started with a small eddy appearing in the water’s surface. Then, little by little, the vortex grew. Feeding on the seawater it swallowed up, it became a maelstrom. This was A-ryukuru—a spell that made water form a whirlpool.

Fine, delicate spell casting wasn’t Sandra’s strong suit, but high-powered magic was a different story. When Sandra used this spell, she could open up a massive hole in the ocean itself, albeit only for a short period. By the time a panicked Cassis had left the wooden plank and flown back to the boat, the vortex had grown to a considerable size.

“Seriously?! Are you trying to kill me?!”

Cassis had a right to complain. No one would stand a chance if they got caught up in a vortex that big.

“Whatever, just look!” Sandra shouted back.

“If I tell you to wait a second, you wait!”

“And I said ‘look’! There! I’ve almost got it!”

No one, let alone Sandra, paid any attention to Cassis as she raised a fuss, despite the fact that her complaint this time was valid.

Everyone was frozen to the spot, staring at the whirlpool. There, at the bottom of the hole bored out of the water, was indeed a rotting wooden vessel.

The mast was broken. The hull was split in two. It was riddled with holes all over, and fish that hadn’t been quick enough to escape the whirlpool’s sudden appearance flopped about, exposed to the air.

“…But in the end, it came out to only around twenty million.”

Twenty million necca was still a considerable sum, of course. But it was less than half of Cassis’s rough estimate of fifty million.

“Were you satisfied with that?” the Saint asked.

Kunon was reading through some documents on the sacred herb, and he nodded without looking up.

“I was totally fine with it. Though it was the team leader’s call and not mine. I only heard about it after the fact.”

The shipwreck had been located in the waters off the shore of the Holy Kingdom. From that alone, it was clear which country it had come from. Legally speaking, recovered items became the property of whoever found them. But the Holy Kingdom had issued a call for the treasure to be handed over, claiming they had rights to everything the team had found. Even the magic school’s teachers had spoken up in the Holy Kingdom’s favor, saying, “Consider the future. Give up this fight.”

Ultimately, Eushida made the decision to comply with the order. From what Kunon had heard, the twenty million necca hadn’t come from the sale of the precious stones and metals, but rather from a reward for recovering and returning them.

Reasoning that opinions on the matter would be divided and that complaints would arise no matter what they did, Eushida had exercised her authority as team leader and made the decision alone. Given the teachers’ stance, she’d probably had little choice when it came down to it.

A refusal also seemed likely to worsen relations between the Holy Kingdom and the school. If such a move led the kingdom to distrust all sorcerers, no profit would be worth the price paid. Kunon was happy to hear that international relations had won out over the lure of a quick profit and that the situation had come to a peaceful end.

That said, it sounded like Cassis had been in quite a stormy mood of late. She’d probably already been thinking about what to buy with her earnings. She’d been clear about her monetary motives right from the beginning, after all.

“I apologize on behalf of my country,” said the Saint.

As usual, although her words were apologetic, she didn’t seem all that bothered.

Several days had passed since the experiment in the ocean had come to a close.

Kunon was paying a visit to the Saint’s classroom for the first time in a while in order to wrap up some minor business regarding the shi-shilla herb.

“Nice to see you again, Miss Reyes— Oh! You have more potted plants.” How very like Kunon to stop mid-greeting and go over to see the new additions. “Are these carrot leaves? And these, turnips? You’re growing vegetables?”

Closing the book she was reading, Reyes directed her answer to the part of Kunon currently facing her—his back.

“Yes. I thought I would try growing something other than the sacred herb, since I have the space.”

Cultivation of the shi-shilla herb had succeeded, thanks to the power of the Sanctum spell. But how would the same conditions affect regular vegetables and herbs?

Saints were said to have the ability to produce bumper crops. Such tales were only legends, however, and neither the specifics of how to use such a power nor its exact effects were known. Reyes had started her own experiment partly to figure that out.

“What about the fish pond? Will it be built anytime soon?”

“No, permission wasn’t granted, unfortunately. It seems there used to be a fish pond at the school, but some sort of accident occurred.”

Kunon had heard a similar story, but he merely hummed in response, sounding uninterested.

“What about you?” Reyes asked. “I heard you went to investigate a shipwreck.”

“Oh, that’s true. Actually—”

He hadn’t been able to tell anyone outside the project about the subject of their experiment until it was over. But now that it had ended, he could talk all he wanted.

Turning away from the potted plants, Kunon relayed the details of the experiment he had carried out with the rest of the “Underwater Breathing Methods” team.

As he spoke, he got to work on the business with the shi-shilla herb.

“…What a shame,” the Saint said at last.

Their compensation had shrunk from fifty million down to twenty million. Having only recently struggled from a lack of funds, Reyes felt discouraged just hearing such a story, almost as if the money were her own. Thirty million was a massive loss.

“It seems one of the pieces of jewelry had the Holy Kingdom’s coat of arms on it,” said Kunon. “Isn’t that something only high-ranking people in your country are allowed to have?”

“Oh, yes. Jewels bearing the Goddess Kira Leila’s emblem cannot be manufactured without the High Priest’s permission, in part to prevent the craft from being leaked. Such ornaments are special items bestowed by the High Priest himself… If that’s the case, it was probably inevitable that he gave the order.”

If the Holy Kingdom’s coat of arms was truly on one of the items, its owner was clear. It made sense that they wished to have their property back, if only to prevent its misuse somewhere down the line. The logic was easy to understand, especially for a saint from the kingdom in question.

“I see,” said Kunon. “Well, I really have no problem with it.”

The rockhead and the rest of their fishing haul had come to about ten million, and they had been allowed to keep anything that wasn’t a precious gem or metal, such as gold coins. After deducting various expenses, they were left with approximately thirty million necca.

That thirty million in joint earnings was then divided between the fifteen of them. That was ample reward, from Kunon’s point of view. Frankly, he was more concerned with getting credits.

“The Medicine Boxes seem to be coming along nicely, too.”

Kunon scanned over Reyes’s records, checking to see where they stood.

The sacred herb situation was moving in the right direction. The magic tools they had created to store the shi-shilla salve were exhibiting the desired effects, and while they were still in the trial stages, at the current rate, they might soon be ready for actual use.

“Incidentally, Kunon, are you working on any experiments at the moment?”

“None at all. Though I have a few ideas I’d like to try. But if you’re asking me on a date, I’m free anytime.”

Over the past few days, Kunon had been obsessing over the dark magic Lulomet had shown him. All he could think about was how he might possibly outmaneuver that darkness.

Kunon could only use two spells: A-ori, which produced water, and A-rubu, which made a cleansing foam.

Both of them were considered the most elementary spells a water sorcerer could learn. Consequently, neither used a lot of magic power, and when Kunon used them, he was able to sustain them at high volume while performing complex and intricate operations. That sort of thing was his specialty, and he knew it.

But the advantage of using so little magic power became a disadvantage in the face of darkness. A low-power spell didn’t stand much chance against decaying magic. It would be wiped out in no time precisely because of its small power supply. That meant, at present, Kunon had no way to hold his own against dark magic.

Though he wasn’t sure exactly why, Kunon felt that light, dark, and foul magic were fundamentally different from the other types. Compared to the common attributes of fire, water, earth, and wind, the three rarer types seemed to possess different basic abilities.

It was hard to put into words, but…they just weren’t the same as natural phenomena like fire and water. He felt they were a cut above, somehow—like they transcended the ideas of compatibility and conflict found throughout nature.

It was a truly fascinating concept.

If Kunon could elevate water magic to that same superior tier—even if it wasn’t possible quite yet—he might be able to give the rarer attributes a run for their money.

Perhaps there was a realm past even that—one beyond the limits of current magic.

No, there had to be. And Kunon was determined to reach it.

As he had yet to perfect his vision, the idea that there were still unknown heights to which he could aspire was cause for celebration. There was still so much depth to magic for Kunon to explore and experiment with. He was certain that somewhere out there existed a means by which he might truly gain his sight. And if it didn’t, he would simply have to find one on his own. After all, many aspects of magic and magic power were still unknown.

…But for now he set all that aside.

“Ideas you’d like to try?” repeated Reyes.

“Yep. I was thinking it’s about time I learned some new spells.”

If possible, Kunon also wanted to learn some intermediate spells that would require a bit more power. Doing so might give him a clue about how to defeat Lulomet’s darkness. And more importantly, Kunon simply thought he would enjoy learning some new magic.

Kunon had made thorough use of A-ori and A-rubu, the only two spells he could perform. He had already adapted them in every way he could think of, and he had probably reached the limit of what he could accomplish with those spells alone. For that reason, he figured it was probably a good time to learn something new.

“I see. Then before you do that, would you like to go on a little date with me?”

“Of course I would!” It was an unexpected proposal for the Saint to make, but Kunon didn’t hesitate for a moment. “As if I could refuse an invitation from you, Miss Reyes!”

“Wonderful. Then let us head to the Adventurers Guild.”

“Of course. Anywhere you wish to go!” Kunon replied.

Ah, he thought, she probably wants me to help out with something regarding the Trade Guild.

But whether or not that was true, his answer remained the same.

“It’s been a while, Master Kunon.”

The moment he heard that voice, Kunon took an involuntary step back.

“Oh, Jirni,” he said. “Your beauty shines even on a cloudy day, like some kind of gem.” He sounded exactly like himself despite his hesitation.

“Well, thank you. The sky is clear today, however.”

“Is it…? Perhaps there’s a cloud in my heart instead…”

“…?”

That was when it dawned on Kunon. Of course. If Reyes was traveling outside the school, her bodyguards would be joining her.

Even for Kunon, whose bookkeeping was sloppy at best, having to foot a lunch bill of nearly a quarter million necca still haunted him. And it was Jirni, the combination maid-bodyguard, who ordered the staggeringly expensive bottle of wine that had cost two hundred and twenty thousand necca alone.

The Saint planned to leave school before noon to attend to her errand at the Adventurers Guild and had asked one of her bodyguards to come pick her up. Her other attendant, Philea, had stayed behind to hold down the fort.

Kunon and Reyes met up with Jirni near the school gate without incident and made their way toward the Adventurers Guild.

“Let’s go somewhere after we finish up,” Reyes suggested.

“Sure.”

“Where should we go?”

“Wherever you wish. I’ll follow you anywhere, even to a ladies’ underclothes shop.”

Kunon and Reyes exchanged idle chat on the way to their destination, walking side by side, with Jirni right behind.

“Come to think of it, I believe you promised me a parfait. Why don’t we do that today?”

“Good idea.”

“But at this hour, shouldn’t lunch come first?”

Lunch. There it was—the word Kunon dreaded. He felt himself begin to falter…

“Of course, let’s have lunch as well.”

Still, he persisted, despite the way his heart clenched painfully in his chest and screamed at him to refuse. The image of his maid scolding him was still fresh in his mind. But regardless of his inner feelings, he wanted to be a gentleman—even if he was only acting the part.

“Is there a particular restaurant you’d like to try? I would be d-delighted to accompany you two lovely ladies, n-naturally.”

Kunon’s voice wavered, and he stumbled over his words. But he didn’t let that stop him. If he backed out now, he thought, he would never again be able to call himself a gentleman.

In the end, men were pitiful creatures who simply wished to show off in front of women.

“Really? Isn’t that nice, Jirni? Kunon is going to treat us to another delicious meal.”

“You’re very kind, Master Kunon.”

“Ah-ha. Ha-ha-ha. Don’t mention it. I’m benefiting here, too. There’s no problem. Yeah. Everything is fine. There’s no reason to be afraid.”

That was a lie. His maid’s harsh rebuke was not so easily forgotten. She had been so angry, Kunon would rather not think about it.

He laughed and put on a brave face, but he couldn’t help silently praying: Please. Please don’t ask for wine.

But back to the matter at hand.

“So?”

Kunon decided to change the subject, dropping the discussion of lunch. If he didn’t, he had a feeling his emotions would get the better of him, stop him in his tracks, and make him turn tail and run. He thought of the two hundred and twenty thousand necca, and then of his maid. Rinko was terrifying.

“Was there something you wanted me to do, Miss Reyes?” he asked.

“You could tell?”

“I am a gentleman, after all.”

Though she didn’t quite follow his logic, Reyes thought perhaps that was simply part of a gentleman’s skill set.

“I received a request from the Adventurers Guild this morning. They asked me to bring them a skilled water sorcerer, if I knew any. I would have disregarded it if you hadn’t come by. It seems they need a little help with something. Would you mind?”

“Oh, it involves the Adventurers Guild?”

Kunon had expected it would be about the shi-shilla business, but evidently this was a separate matter.

“Yes. And from what we spoke about earlier, it would seem it has something to do with you.”

“Something to do with me? You’re sure?”

“Yes. You will be compensated, naturally.”

Kunon had no clue what the request could be. Other than the sacred herb and the Medicine Boxes, he couldn’t think of any business he had with the Adventurers Guild. And they probably would have contacted him directly if it was about either of those.

“Actually—,” she began.

“Oh, it’s fine. I’d rather be surprised. Instead, let’s talk about the fun lunch we’re going to have.” Kunon interrupted Reyes’s explanation, to bring the topic back to lunch. The short break from the subject had allowed him to calm himself a bit.

Nowhere expensive, he thought. Try to sway them toward an ordinary establishment.

It wasn’t too late. Nothing had been decided yet. Now was the time to act!

“Nice to see you again, Kunon.”

Once they arrived at the Adventurers Guild, Kunon and the ladies temporarily parted ways.

Reyes was off to a previously scheduled business meeting, and Kunon was left to deal with the other matter, as they had discussed.

The guild’s accounting manager, Asand Smithee, whom he had met before, led Kunon into a storehouse-like building next to the guild. The space was empty of people, and contained little in the way of goods. There was, however, a noticeable variety of smells.

“This is a short-term storage area for game and other loot before it’s sold or otherwise dealt with. We mostly use it for the carcasses of monsters and animals. Though we don’t disassemble them here, the smell of blood is still rather pervasive.”

“So that’s what it is… Hmm?” Amid the bevy of odors, Kunon’s nose picked up a vague yet familiar scent. It reminded him of the ocean. “Fish?”

He had smelled something exactly like this the other day while at sea.

“Yes. Several days ago, a large quantity of high-grade fish was brought to Dirashik. It’s being stored with us until a buyer is found.”

A large quantity of fish. So that was what Reyes had meant when she said it had something to do with Kunon.

“And now,” Asand continued, “a buyer has asked us to transport two of them out of town. Oh, I’m speaking of those over there.”

Asand pointed out a cart laden with two massive fish. Considering the timing and size, they must have been some of the creatures brought down by Lulomet. And it seemed the fish were about to travel.

Though he hadn’t yet been told why his help was needed, Kunon could more or less see the reason, even if he couldn’t see the fish.

“You want them frozen?” he asked.

“Huh? Oh, yes, that’s correct! They’re half-frozen at the moment, but I was thinking we should have it redone properly before they’re moved.”

It had been several days since Kunon and the others explored the shipwreck. Because it was winter, a thoroughly frozen and properly stored fish could be kept for some time. But since these fish needed to be transported out of the city, it was definitely a good idea to have them frozen again before their journey.

“Um… Please excuse me, but are you up for the task?” asked Asand.

“Pardon?”

“It’s just, I’ve heard ice magic is difficult… That’s why we had a hard time finding adventurers to turn to.”

“I see… Oh, but what about Miss Sandra?”

Sandra was a water sorcerer with an impressive amount of power. She had earned some fame in adventurer spheres, and Kunon had thought her capabilities were well established, but…

“I’m afraid she isn’t capable of freezing just the fish. She’d probably freeze about half the storehouse along with them…”

In part, that was due to Sandra’s lack of fine magic control. However, manipulating ice magic was no easy feat for anyone. Specifically, the challenge was in limiting the scope of the magic to a designated section or area. Plenty of people could manage it within a certain rough range. But the narrower the target, the harder it became.

“Ah, I understand. It is a bit difficult, isn’t it?”

Feeling nostalgic, Kunon stepped up to the slightly thawed fish on the cart.

Partial, limited freezing was no mean feat. Kunon remembered having his fair share of struggles while learning the skill.

“May I freeze them, then?”

“Yes. Please do.”

Plink-plink. Plink.

The exterior of each fish frosted over, crackling audibly as it hardened. This was, after all, the same Kunon who had once glided around the royal palace on A-ori he’d fashioned into little ice sleds.

“I’m done.”

It had taken only a moment. White mist rose from the massive fish carcasses.

“…Ice, huh?” Kunon could make ice, as he’d just demonstrated, by altering A-ori. But he still didn’t know the spell that produced ice itself. “…I suppose that can be my next task.”

A form of water that wasn’t water. It was definitely worth studying.

Kunon had decided—he knew what his third spell was going to be.

Once the fish were frozen, Kunon’s work was done.

Just as Reyes had said, all the guild needed was a little help. But since the Saint was still in her meeting, it seemed Kunon would have to wait around for a while.

“Will you be waiting for Miss Reyes? How would you like to have some tea back at the guild, then?”

“Ah, yes… If you don’t mind the intrusion.”

Under Asand’s mindful guidance, Kunon was brought to the guild’s reception room.

“By the way, Kunon! How’s that new salve coming along?!”

“P-pardon? New salve?”

No sooner had they stepped into the room than Asand suddenly raised his voice, catching Kunon off guard.

“You know, the one from before! The new shi-shilla salve formed into thin strips of paper!”

“O-oh, that one?”

So that was what the man was referring to—the salve they had signed a contract for during Kunon’s last visit to the guild.

“…Wait, what? I wrote a letter to the guild about it.”

Indeed, as far as Kunon was concerned, the ball was out of his court. And even if there had been some mistake, he didn’t think the situation called for this kind of aggressive questioning.

“Well, you see, all matters relating to the sacred herb are currently under the guild master’s purview. I handled our original correspondence because the guild master was absent, but…”

That meant Kunon’s letter had probably been given to the guild master.

“Is that who Miss Reyes is meeting with right now?”

“That’s correct. The guild master considered the matter quite important and decided to handle it personally.”

I see, Kunon thought, nodding.

“Well,” he said, “to summarize my letter, we’re currently waiting on the Medicine Boxes. Without a box designed specifically to store the salve in its paper form, it won’t be as portable. Otherwise, sweat could dissolve it.”

Asand was familiar with the particulars of the shi-shilla salve, since he had been the first person they negotiated with. Kunon was therefore confident he would understand without further explanation.

“…Ah, that’s right. If it melts at the temperature of blood, then even the sweat on one’s palm would…”

The only thing the product had going for it was convenience. And that was precisely why its specifications were so precise. Extreme care was required in its handling.

“Yes, and so it will need a container for transport. If we don’t make the proper preparations, we’ll just be wasting the salve.”

The Medicine Boxes were currently being tested for performance. They would need at least another month or two of monitoring. Kunon, however, was hoping to try out the boxes under various conditions, which would require another six months to a year.

The salve would be useless unless the Medicine Boxes were perfect. Kunon’s letter had conveyed all this, but it seemed the guild master hadn’t shared anything with Asand.

“Is there some reason we need to rush production?”

“Oh, no… It’s just that there’s an urgent need for it. Adventurers risk their lives daily, and I’m certain some would be spared if we had your product at our disposal. But perhaps I have been a bit too impatient. Just hearing about the idea was like a dream come true.”

Asand’s words made Kunon restless, but he managed to keep his composure.

If all he needed was the salve, he could produce it right away. But that wouldn’t be very useful. The shi-shilla salve wasn’t convenient unless one had a specialized container to store it in. No matter how effective it was, it wouldn’t fulfill its purpose, with such a negligible shelf life. It would be awful if someone attempted to use it during a critical moment and couldn’t.

The guild master probably understood all this and was purposely keeping the matter under wraps. Rushing now would only lead to half-baked results. And in that case, they should wait to announce the salve until it was ready, instead of getting people’s hopes up in vain.

Asand seemed to get it, so Kunon decided to change the subject.

“Regarding the salve, all we can do is wait. More importantly, Mr. Asand, I have a question for you. Time is of the essence, so I really hope you can help me.”

“What is it?”

“Well then, Kunon, good-bye for now,” said Reyes.

“Thank you for the meal,” Jirni added.

After leaving the café, the group went their separate ways.

“Farewell, kittens shivering in the darkness.”

As they walked away, Reyes and Jirni tilted their heads in confusion—“kittens?”

Though he couldn’t see them, Kunon grinned at the ladies’ retreating forms.

“…Hah. I did it!”

Kunon had come out on top. That day’s lunch had completely made up for the last one.

Kunon had asked Asand for advice and been recommended a restaurant that looked fancy but was reasonably priced. One with delicious food, a trendy atmosphere, and crucially, no expensive wine list.

Kunon should have known he could count on a local. He had worried his request was too tall an order, but Asand had answered with aplomb.

Kunon was able to relax all the way through ordering the parfaits. And with the pressure gone, he was able to have a great time. He’d managed to go on a date with two beautiful women, though Jirni had seemed a bit bored, as Kunon and Reyes spent the whole time discussing magic.

Light magic was fascinating, too, and Kunon hoped Reyes would continue experimenting until she succeeded in cultivating the sacred herb without using her saint powers.

But back to the matter at hand…

Though lunch was over, it was only a little past midday. There was still time before it got dark, so Kunon decided to return to school. He had decided on what spell to learn next, and he needed to find someone to teach it to him.

Finally, the time had come. That day, Kunon would meet his idol, Professor Satori.

Kunon was very nervous. The very strength of his admiration caused him to hesitate, and he started to get cold feet.

He knew where he could find Professor Satori. He had wanted to meet her right after entering school, but he had ended up with various things to do, and had been forced to put it off. Or rather, he had purposely delayed it.

What if meeting her discouraged him? What if he wasn’t skilled enough to merit her attention? Such adolescent worries had caused him to keep his distance.

Kunon was now walking through the fourth school building, where Professor Satori’s office was located.

“……”

He stopped in front of one particular door and swallowed hard.

Here it was. At the western end of the fourth floor of School Building 4 was a room with SATORI GLÜCKE engraved into its nameplate.

Finally, he had arrived. Beyond this door was the water sorcerer Kunon admired.

“Here we go.”

The sudden urge to turn and run reared up inside him, but Kunon shoved it down. Steeling his resolve, he knocked on the door.

Knock, knock.

It was done. There was no going back now.

After a few seconds that felt like an eternity, the door opened. At last, he would meet his idol…

“It’s been quite a while, Master Kunon.”

An old, familiar voice greeted him. At the sound of it, his brain came to a brief, screeching halt. This was too sudden, too unexpected. He would never forget that voice.

“…Miss Jenié?”

There was no mistaking it. The person standing in front of Kunon was his first teacher, Jenié Kors.

“Miss Jenié? …Miss Jenié?! Is it really you?!”

“It’s really me.”

“You’re sure?! You’re not an impostor?!”

“Yes, I’m real.”

Why would someone go to the trouble of making a fake Miss Jenié, anyway? What would be the point?

Kunon was astonished. He had come to meet someone he looked up to, and his former mentor had appeared instead.

Jenié Kors. By now, Kunon understood Jenié’s true abilities quite well. He understood that what she had said when she left the Gurion household was nothing but the pure and simple truth.

I have nothing more to teach you.

With those words, Jenié had resigned from her position as Kunon’s private tutor. And yet even now, as far as Kunon was concerned, she was still the best teacher he’d ever had.

Without a doubt, she had laid the groundwork that had allowed him to come this far. She was the one who had rescued him from the depths of despair. Even if it hadn’t been her intention, her words had given Kunon the strength to take his first step in a new direction.

No matter what anyone said, Kunon’s greatest teacher had been Jenié Kors. Even if he surpassed her, he was certain that fact would never change.

And now she was right in front of him. Of course he was astonished.

“Look at how you’ve grown.”

Jenié was surprised, too. Emotion washed over her. She couldn’t believe that the Kunon she had known had decided to enroll in magic school and come all this way.

Well, by the time she ended her employment at the Gurion estate, she’d had the feeling he would probably come to magic school. But Jenié had known Kunon as an apathetic child mired in hopelessness. Because of that, she couldn’t help but marvel at how far the young boy had come.

He was twelve years old now, and he had grown significantly since the last time she saw him—both physically and magically.

“Miss Jenié! I’ve missed you so much! How I mourned the days I had to spend without your beauty, your lovely voice, your bewitching magic! Without your magic, I simply cannot go on!”

“I think you’re mistaken. I know you can make it. After all, you’ve managed just fine so far.”

It seemed Kunon had matured in some unnecessary ways as well. Back when she was his teacher, Jenié had been concerned about how he might turn out in this respect, and it seemed her fears had been justified.

She had been hearing rumors about Kunon around the school, and now that she had seen him again for herself, she was sure of it: This was undoubtedly the work of that maid.

It was a good thing that Kunon had become bright and cheerful, but why in the world had she taught him to act so frivolously when it came to women?

“I’m currently working as Professor Satori’s assistant.”

“Quiet down, everyone. Please be seated.”

Kunon had missed this. He felt so nostalgic for it, he almost shed a tear.

He was in Jenié Kors’s class.

Though it had been only a few years since she had last taught him, the time when she was his teacher was extremely dear to him. To Kunon, it was his beginning.

Once he learned about magic, Kunon changed. By putting his faith in the possibilities of magic, he was reborn. And it all started with Jenié’s lessons.

Jenié muttered something to Kunon, who was standing next to her, gazing at her in admiration.

“Kunon, don’t look at me. Face forward.”

“This really takes me back. Don’t you feel the same, Miss Jenié?”

“Never mind that right now. Look over there. If you embarrass me in front of my class, it’ll make my job a lot harder.”

At her whispered words of caution, Kunon turned to face the rest of the students.

While it reminded him of old times, this wasn’t truly the same. There were about ten people around Kunon’s age sitting before him.

“For the next few days, Kunon here will be joining our class,” said Jenié. “So everyone, please treat him kindly.”

They were in the First Level classroom, where brand-new water sorcerers—those not even experienced enough to be called novices—came to learn.

The students stared at Kunon with undisguised curiosity, which he answered with an easygoing “Pleased to meet you.”

“Take a seat in the back, Kunon… Now, let’s begin today’s lesson.”

It had been several days since his visit to Satori Glücke’s office.

“Ice magic?”

After Satori went back to sleep, Kunon and Jenié sat at a table in her office and did a great deal of catching up over tea.

Then, when he sensed a lull in the conversation, Kunon got down to business and explained that he had come to ask about learning ice magic.

“You don’t know any yet? Not even one spell?”

“No. Even now, the only spells I can use are the two that you taught me, Miss Jenié.”

Just two. Jenié could no longer be shocked, however.

It was unheard-of for a student to successfully enter the Advanced class with only those two spells. But it wasn’t so hard to imagine when that student was Kunon.

“Just those two spells, filled with your love,” Kunon said with emphasis.

The feat is impressive, but I could do without the commentary, Jenié thought.

“Ice can easily be made into a lethal weapon, you see,” he continued. “So I sort of shied away from it.”

Ice could be used to hit. It could make someone fall. It could freeze. Even running into it hurt, since it was so solid. It seemed clear to Kunon that ice was far more dangerous than water.

The first scolding he’d received at the Hughlian royal palace had come after the Great Corridor Gliding Incident.

The cause of that debacle was a technique Kunon used that involved gliding on frozen A-ori attached to the soles of his shoes. While practicing the technique at home, he’d taken a heavy fall, and that was how Kunon had learned: Ah. Ice is dangerous. If I incorporate ice into my movement, I’ll get hurt. It was the first time in a long while that he’d fallen and injured himself, and it made a deep impression.

Kunon was aware that he was still just a child. And so he had obediently abided by the Gurion family policy that children should not be allowed to wield offensive magic…which was essentially a lethal weapon.

Ice was dangerous. It was one thing to cause himself injury, but what if he hurt someone else? With that thought in mind, Kunon had begun to pay very careful attention to how he handled ice.

“That’s also why you didn’t teach it to me, right?”

“I mean, that’s true…”

That was exactly why Jenié hadn’t taught Kunon ice magic back then. Though it would be more accurate to say that she couldn’t teach it to him, due to his family’s wishes.

With Kunon’s talent, he could probably master one or two ice spells with ease. In all likelihood, he could have done so even several years before Jenié quit being his teacher.

In fact, despite her having never taught it to him, Kunon was able to use ice magic. To be precise, he was using an advanced form of the most basic water spell, A-ori. But in the end, it was still ice.

Jenié hadn’t even realized that Kunon was distancing himself from ice magic. He’d been using it without issue, after all.

“There is beginner-level ice magic. Have you not learned that yet, either?”

“No. I didn’t get the chance to meet any other water sorcerers before I came to school, and I’ve been busy with things like earning money and credits since I got here.”

“I see… Well, I don’t mind teaching you, but are you really all right with that? You came to learn from Professor Satori, right?”

“If you can’t teach me, I’ll ask her. But I think you’re well-suited for guiding beginners, Miss. I mean it. You should have some faith in yourself. You are a fantastic, enchanting, exemplary teacher.”

He wouldn’t say it again, since he knew Jenié didn’t like it, but… Even now, Kunon held her underhanded tricks in high esteem. Without them, he might not have made it this far.

He had been able to adapt to so many different situations precisely because of how thoroughly he had honed the basics and their applications.

And then there was his Glass Eye.

Kunon could not have achieved that cherished wish without Jenié’s teachings. He couldn’t talk about gaining his vision, since he had made a promise to Zeonly. But once again, it was Jenié who had laid the groundwork that allowed Kunon to seek Zeonly’s tutelage.

“‘Well-suited,’ huh…?” Jenié smiled bitterly.

Kunon had no idea, but Satori had said that exact same thing to her. She had asked Jenié why she returned to school, and Jenié had told her, without any pretense, about becoming Kunon’s private tutor, and about what she had taught him.

Naturally, she also explained how her student had surpassed her. Watching Kunon fail over and over but continue to try his hardest to improve—it had made Jenié want to give things another shot. When she was a student, she had given up at some point and never truly put in her best effort. That was why she wanted to redo her education, she told Satori.

After hearing all that, the old professor had said: “Good job. You’re well-suited to teaching beginners.”

Jenié was being commended for over-teaching the basics. There wasn’t anything else she could do, so she’d simply repeated the same lesson until she had wrung every last drop of use from it. How was that deserving of praise?

And that was why she had taken on work as an associate professor.

“Kunon, I teach a First Level class at the moment. We’re actually just about to start learning ice magic. If you’d like, why don’t you join my class?”

The Dirashik School of Magic afforded its Advanced class students quite a lot of freedom. That meant they were even allowed to join a First or Second Level class. Such requests were surprisingly common, although they were typically requests to observe and came from students hoping to become teachers.

“What, really?! I’d love to!”

It was quite uncommon to find an Advanced class student like Kunon, who intended to fully participate.

First Level classes were intended for complete beginners who had yet to learn even the basics of being a sorcerer.

There were as many reasons for that as there were people. Family circumstances, timing issues, one’s surroundings, one’s personality, money matters—the list was never-ending.

In short, the class was full of students who, for one reason or another, had not been able to take the time to learn the foundations of magic.

“Nice to meet you. Do you like magic? I do, and I like bacon.”

“R-right…”

Kunon sat in an empty chair at the back of the room and greeted the girl next to him.

The girl was bewildered. After all, both of Kunon’s eyes were hidden beneath an eye mask, and he was using a cane. All of this made her nervous. Should she worry about him? Would she have to be careful around him? And, most importantly…

“Last time, we learned the A-oruvi spell. You’ve all memorized it, I assume? This spell—”

…was this Kunon with the eye mask whom the teacher had brought to class the same Kunon from the Advanced class they’d been hearing all kinds of rumors about? The girl was so curious, she was about to burst.

Jenié had started class, but few of the students were truly listening.

Just being in the Advanced class made one a kind of “elite.” Advanced students who could do magic just as well as their professors were common, and it was no exaggeration to say they were in the exact opposite position to the First Level kids.

It was generally accepted by everyone—including the First Level students themselves—that their class was for total novices. So why had an Advanced class student come to one of their lessons?

“Miss!” He was raising his hand. “I want you to teach me the A-oruvi spell!” He was even making requests of the teacher.

“Well, okay. But we’re learning a different spell today, so I’ll teach you that one after class.”

“Privately?”

“Yes, yes. Privately. But you’ll have to wait.”

What’s more, their teacher was casually brushing him off.

“Oh, yes? It was fun? I’m glad to hear it.”

Class was over.

Kunon had grabbed lunch from the cafeteria, together with Jenié, and had taken it back to Satori Glücke’s office.

There, Satori asked him what he’d thought of Jenié’s class.

“Fun and very interesting,” Kunon answered. “I had missed Miss Jenié’s lessons, of course, but the First Level students were also quite intriguing. It was a fascinating experience.”

Unlike Advanced students, First and Second Level students had to attend classes. However, classes were held in the morning, and students had free time in the afternoon. They could study alone, work, or perform experiments. Leisure activities were also allowed, in moderation.

“What did you find most interesting?” Satori asked.

“The variation in magic, I think. Or perhaps I should say the variation from person to person. I didn’t know a standard spell could look so different depending on the user.”

Spells were activated by specific terms. When those terms were recited, one’s magic power formed a crest, and the spell began to operate. That constituted a standard spell—the foundation of magic.

“Right from the beginning, when I used A-ori, I created a sphere of water about the size of an eyeball.” Talking about the past made Kunon feel nostalgic. He went on, his words laced with sentiment. “But some of the First Level students created A-ori that weren’t spherical at all. For some, the shapes were unstable and kept shifting. I never imagined there could be such a difference when using the same standard spell.”

Perhaps this phenomenon could be chalked up to the fact that his classmates were novices. To take archery as an example, an experienced archer would draw their bow and hit their target as expected, but a novice would draw their bow only to have their arrows shoot off in strange, unpredictable directions. Was that it?

When something that was supposed to happen didn’t happen, it was called failure. But Kunon took a keen interest in this phenomenon.

Putting aside magic imbued with the user’s character, it didn’t make sense for a standard spell to differ from the expected outcome. But that was exactly why it was so compelling.

“Hmm. And what do you think is the cause?”

“I wonder… Does it have to do with the manipulation of magic? No, perhaps the magic power used is irregular? If the source of the power forming the crest is unstable, it might become arbitrarily stronger or weaker. That way, even a standard spell would come out in novel, unpredictable ways.”

Kunon concluded that the cause must be instability in the magic power used to create the spell’s crest.

Satori grinned. “You really are brilliant, aren’t you? Definitely better than a certain associate professor I could name.”

Apparently, Kunon’s answer was correct.

“The apple fell pretty far from the tree, hmm? Don’t you agree, Jenié?”

“Kunon may have been my student, but he also learned from Zeonly. That’s who he takes after,” Jenié said glumly.

She brought over a teapot and started pouring herbal tea into cups. Soon, they would have lunch.

“Personally, I think I take after Miss Jenié! All that guy did was force me to do paperwork!”

Despite what Kunon said, Jenié wasn’t so sure. After all, there were as many methods of teaching as there were teachers.

Up until several years ago, Satori Glücke had been immersed in experiments, research, and independent training, living as any first-rate sorcerer would.

She devoted herself entirely to her own projects, a teacher in name only. Not that such teachers were rare at the school.

But then she came down with a rather serious illness. By the time she had fully recovered—about a year later—Satori’s values had changed completely. Was it really okay, she wondered, not to leave behind her knowledge, theories, and discoveries for future generations?

Her illness had made her keenly aware of her own mortality, and that had led to her shift in perception. It was around that time when she started writing books. That was also when she started focusing her efforts on training the youth, finally speaking to those who came to ask her questions.

Even if she died, she would leave behind a lasting mark. She was determined to bequeath the knowledge she’d gained from her beloved experiments and research to future generations. She didn’t want to spend the rest of her days doing whatever she pleased, only to say “Ah, that was fun,” on her deathbed and have nothing to show for it.

That kind of life might make her very happy indeed. But as a researcher, it wasn’t enough. How could that ever repay the debt she owed to those who had lived and died before her, whose lasting knowledge had been the stepping stones beneath her feet? Knowledge gained had to be handed down.

With that in mind, Satori embroiled herself in the world of teaching. And her ideology—it should be noted—had a rather significant influence on her pupil, Jenié.

“Here’s the problem, Kunon,” Satori said, in the middle of eating her cafeteria sandwich. “What’s to be done about this magic that you call ‘interesting’? Teach the students how to form proper spheres? Or just let them carry on as is? Which do you think is better?”

“…I don’t know.”

Kunon thought about this for a long while, but couldn’t come up with an answer.

Essentially, the question was whether or not to suppress the students’ present idiosyncrasies. Such things could certainly be corrected, and the students could be taught to produce traditional, spherical A-ori. But should it be done? Was there a “correct” way to do magic? That question had a simple answer: No, there wasn’t.

But what did that mean for the problem at hand? Should standard magic that wasn’t “standard” be disavowed simply because it differed from the conventional?

Kunon couldn’t say.

“I guess what I mean is,” he said at last, “I believe that’s a question without an answer.”

“Right? I agree.”

“Indeed.”

“Interesting, isn’t it? Magic. Even at my age, there are still so many things I don’t know.”

“Isn’t it wonderful that there’s still so much to discover? How exciting.”

Satori and Kunon shared a laugh as Jenié watched, noting how well the two of them got along.

After lunch came the promised one-on-one lesson.

Jenié and Kunon went outside, and Satori joined them, saying she was only going to watch.

“Okay, Miss,” said Kunon. “Please teach me ‘A-oruvi.’”

“Right… Well, you say ‘teach,’ but…” It probably wasn’t going to be that much of a process with Kunon. “You likely already know this, but I’ll say it anyway: A-oruvi is more or less a water discharge spell. It sprays water in a specified direction.”

At that point, Jenié paused and cast the spell. A horizontal stream of water burst into existence with a decent amount of force, soaking a fair bit of ground.

“As for the spell’s characteristics, the water is discharged—continuously—in a straight line, and you can extend its range at will. Kunon, this spell is highly offensive in nature. When someone like me casts it, the force will only blow someone back a bit, but when you use it… Well, there’s a strong possibility it could get out of hand. Be very cautious.”

The spell itself did not pose a very high risk. It wasn’t terribly lethal, since it only hit with a moderate amount of force. But what kind of alterations would Kunon make to it? Jenié could not even imagine. He was sure to add on some terrifying characteristic, since the spell alone was so straightforward. Jenié couldn’t picture any other outcome.

“Okay, give it a try.”

“All right. A-oruvi.”

The spell burst forth. Kunon was using the standard version, so it looked much the same as Jenié’s had.

“Oh, wow… So that’s how it works…”

After shooting out two or three more jets of water, Kunon nodded and said, “Got it.”

Apparently, he was satisfied with his understanding of the spell. It had taken very little time, just as Jenié had expected, considering how solid his starting foundation was.

“Incidentally,” Jenié said, her voice casual, “what kind of alterations might you make to this spell?”

Kunon crossed his arms in thought. “I’d like to see if I could make the stream bend at a right angle in several places. And if I compressed it into a thinner jet, maybe I could use it to cut things. Oh, but that might be possible with the regular version if I mixed some ice into the water. I get the feeling it could also be used for propulsion, though I have no need for that right now. And oh, adding a remote control function would definitely be interesting. I think it would be fun if the stream of water came from somewhere other than my body… Hmm… I feel like there’s more I could do… The normal version isn’t very fun by itself…”

There he was—the same utterly incomprehensible kid Jenié knew so well. He’d just learned the spell, and already he could come up with that many different applications. It was chilling.

But that was Kunon. He really hadn’t changed… In fact, his Kunon-ness had only intensified.

“Pff. Ah-ha-ha.” Satori, who had been silently observing, walked up to them. “Kunon, is this what you want to do?”

Satori cast A-oruvi.

A beam of water shot straight out—then sharply changed direction. It traveled in an angular spiral shape, as if connecting dots along a path, and ended by veering straight up overhead, only to fall down like rain.

As expected of Satori. That kind of bold yet delicate handling was not easily achieved.

She’s truly amazing, Jenié thought.

“Oh, wow!” Kunon exclaimed. “Again, again!”

“Watch.”

“Oh, okay. I see. Like this? …Wow, it’s easier than I thought.”

After seeing it only twice, Kunon replicated the spell.

“Now watch this. Looks just like a water dragon, doesn’t it?! Think you could copy that?!”

“I can’t see it, but you’re on! I’ll counter with a giant water worm!”

“A giant water worm?!”

“……”

Jenié’s expression grew distant. If this was how things were going to go, wouldn’t it have been better for Satori to teach him in the first place? What was the point in Jenié doing it?

Her mind elsewhere, all Jenié could do was watch them: the pupil who had surpassed her in a heartbeat and the professor who looked like a grandmother playing with her grandchild.

“How interesting…”

Produce water, then freeze it.

Produce water, then freeze it.

As he repeated the process over and over, rows of animal ice sculptures filled the house’s garden.

Kunon had learned two new spells that day. In class, he had learned A-eura, and then, in a private lesson, he had learned A-oruvi.

Satori had drilled him on using A-oruvi quite intensely. In hindsight, Kunon realized she had been teaching him by showing examples of new ways to perform and use the spell. She had encouraged his growth by making it into a game. That must have been what she was like as an educator.

And so, once home, Kunon practiced the other spell—A-eura.

This was an elementary spell that made water freeze. The spell itself produced neither water nor ice, so Kunon’s training consisted of creating A-ori in various shapes and then immediately freezing them.

Ice magic was of great interest, just as he had expected.

Though it was possible to turn water spheres into ice by manipulating the A-ori spell, A-eura used a fundamentally different process. Frankly, it was easier, though perhaps that was only natural.

Kunon’s A-ori was highly advanced… Or, to be more precise, he had elevated it to a form barely resembling the original spell through the addition of unnecessarily complex alterations.

It took nearly twenty alterations to make ice with the A-ori spell. But ice magic rendered that kind of effort completely unnecessary, and that freed up a lot of room to play around with it. He could afford to make more than twenty additional alterations to an ice spell.

When it came to water, Kunon had his immense experience with A-ori to draw from. But he was practically brand-new to dealing with ice. What uses would he find for it?

Starting that day, he would explore every last possibility. He was thrilled.

“Master Kunon, it’s about time to eat dinner.”

“Oh. Right.”

Kunon’s maid called to him, bringing him out of his excited train of thought. He looked back at her.

Apparently, the sun was already setting. With so many ice sculptures surrounding him, he hadn’t registered the drop in temperature. Though when he was preoccupied with magic, he tended not to notice a lot of things, much less how cold it was.

“These are ice, aren’t they?” Rinko said, taking a look at the sculptures.

“They are. I finally learned ice magic.”

“Oh, really? I thought ice was a valuable resource that could only be procured in winter, but I’m starting to think that might not be true.”

Most people relied on the power of nature to produce ice. It could be made now, in the middle of winter, but who needed ice when it was already so cold? Since there wasn’t much use for it, no one wanted it, despite its value. It was much more popular in the summertime.

“What comes to mind when you think of ice, Rinko?”

“Hmm? Give me a minute… Oh, it reminds me of how I used to go to the lake with my sister when we were children.”

“The lake?”

“Yes. The lake’s surface freezes over in winter, so you can slide around on it. We had so much fun.”

“Wow…”

Kunon had tried gliding around on the soles of his shoes, but he had never thought of making a large-scale area for skating.

I’ll try it tomorrow, he thought.

“But one day, the ice got pretty thin. It broke, and my childhood friend, Huc, fell in.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

Being plunged into water so cold that it had frozen over could be a matter of life and death.

“Oh, absolutely. My sister and I and some other kids tried desperately to pull Huc out, but…” Rinko tutted quietly. “He was disoriented and thrashed about, clutching at us. Ultimately, we were all dragged into the water. Isn’t that awful?”

Kunon nodded. “You got engaged to him later on, right?”

Kunon was pretty sure Huc was the name of his maid’s fiancé.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Master Kunon. Rambling on about how much I love my fiancé…”

“Ah, no need to apologize. It didn’t come off that way at all.”

Besides, even if it had, Kunon would have simply let it go in one ear and out the other.

“…I wonder why it is that your fiancée writes back to you, but mine doesn’t?”

“Let’s start dinner, shall we?”

Kunon had a bad feeling about where this topic was headed. Acutely aware of the sudden shift in mood, he tried to cut the conversation short.

“What do you think, Master Kunon? Is he cheating on me? Do you think he won’t answer my letters because he’s too busy having an affair?”

Alas, escape was futile. Kunon ate his dinner while Rinko went on about her fiancé, complaining and gushing in turns.

Huc, you dolt. You could at least write her a letter, Kunon thought, silently cursing a man whose face he couldn’t even picture.

The following morning, Kunon joined the First Level class again.

“Fascinating…”

He had arranged to keep attending their lessons for the next few days.

One by one, the First Level students filtered in as well. He hadn’t had much opportunity to speak with them the day before, but Kunon was particularly interested in two among them: a boy named Griffs Kiva, and a girl named Lim Lace.

“What is?” asked Lim.

Lim Lace happened to be the girl seated next to Kunon. They’d exchanged enough words the previous day that they could now have a casual conversation.

“Your unstable A-ori.”

“That again? Like I said, it’s nothing to get excited over.”

Lim didn’t seem too enthused, but Kunon couldn’t help taking an interest. After all, it was a nonstandard result being produced from a standard spell. He was dying to know more.

But Kunon was also learning from his mistakes. With the Saint, he had come on too strong in his excitement and ended up getting the cold shoulder for a while because of it. Not to mention, she had gotten the mistaken impression that he was trying to flirt with her. An outrageous idea, of course. Kunon was a gentleman, and devoted to his fiancée.

In any case, he knew now that it was best to be reserved with his enthusiasm. He was practicing self-restraint.

“Are you busy today?” he asked. “Want to go get a parfait after class?”

At present, he was limiting himself to a casual invitation.

“Huh? Hmmm, well, I dunno…”

Lim seemed slightly pleased. That probably meant it wasn’t the invitation itself that was objectionable. Reyes had ignored him outright. It seemed the gentle approach made for a better first impression, after all.

Well then, Kunon thought. Let’s take things slow.

He really was fascinated. Both Lim and Griffs were probably one-star sorcerers. That meant they were of the lowest rank, with the least powerful crests.

He hadn’t asked them about their ranks or anything like that. But Kunon could see.

Lim Lace had something resembling a withered white shrub coiled around her left hand.

At first, Kunon hadn’t known what it was. Soon, though, he realized the likely answer—coral. Just as he was constantly shadowed by a crab, she was haunted by coral. That wasn’t the problem, however. The problem was something else. Yes—Kunon had encountered another major exception to his rules.

Up until that point, Kunon had thought that if someone’s something appeared entirely outside their body, that meant they were a sorcerer. But Lim’s coral wasn’t completely exposed. Rather, it looked like it was growing out of her left hand.

Didn’t that make it the same as the black wings emerging from Kunon’s brother, Ixio? Why was Lim a sorcerer but Ixio wasn’t? What was the difference? The questions were endless.

In more ways than one, Lim was a subject of great interest for Kunon.

And Griffs, another one-star—Kunon had no clue what his something was. He had looked all around the boy but saw nothing of note. Was it under his clothes? Or was this yet another violation of Kunon’s rules?

Griffs, too, was truly fascinating.

Once again, class ended without incident.

At present, their main focus was A-eura. They conducted ongoing experiments, which also served as practice. They tested liquids to find out which froze easily and which didn’t, and which catalysts were difficult to freeze or wouldn’t freeze at all.

Jenié taught the class about each of these things thoroughly, then the students, along with Kunon, would perform experiments on each topic.

Ice magic was very interesting. Kunon found his time spent in the First Level class extremely fulfilling. But then—

“What?! You’re quitting school?!” Kunon had stopped Lim Lace, who was on the verge of heading home, to chat with her a little. Then, all of a sudden, the conversation took a turn Kunon had not expected. “Really?! You’re sure you’re not joking?!”

Evidently, that summer, one year after she had matriculated, Lim intended to quit the Dirashik School of Magic.

Everyone’s circumstances were different. There was probably something or other preventing Lim from continuing. Kunon understood that, but he couldn’t help being shocked. Nor could he help feeling it was a waste.

The school paid for First Level students’ tuition and living expenses. All in all, they provided accommodations for about half of the various circumstances students faced, resulting in a low barrier to entry. Even if family matters had kept Lim from studying magic, she had a chance to do so right here and now.

“It’s not like it’s rare for First Level students,” a friend of Lim’s cut in. She was waiting nearby to go home with her.

Since she was a female friend of a female friend, Kunon had already made friends with her as well.

“Huh?! Does that mean you’re going to quit, too?!” Kunon asked.

“I’m…not sure. But as a one-star…”

The girl hesitated, as if the words were difficult to get out, and Lim took over answering for her.

“We one-stars are the least talented among sorcerers, right? So instead of spending years at school, working hard to do magic we’ll never be good at, a lot of us figure, ‘Why not just learn the basics and get a regular job?’”

Kunon understood her point. He threw in the towel early sometimes, depending on the issue at hand.

“I can’t even cast a decent A-ori, the most basic beginner spell,” Lim continued. “So wouldn’t it be better if I just gave up now?”

Magic was a different matter, however. When it came to magic, Kunon didn’t give up without a fight. And he couldn’t believe that there were aspiring sorcerers who would choose to quit.

“What does your rank have to do with how talented you are? My understanding was that ranks only indicate a difference in the total amount of one’s magic power.”

And speaking from Kunon’s own experience, the amount of magic power one possessed didn’t seem like such a big deal. In everyday life, there weren’t many occasions to use the kind of major spells that would require a lot of power. It was much more beneficial to be able to adapt one’s spells to a wide variety of uses.

Precisely for those reasons, Kunon believed success as a sorcerer was directly linked to the development and acquisition of original magic that was uniquely one’s own. The amount of magic power a sorcerer possessed was by no means the be-all and end-all of their potential.

Perhaps, if they lived in more turbulent times, it would be a different story. But that simply wasn’t the case.

“Well, then I guess I’m just naturally lacking in talent. Anyway, see you tomorrow!”

With that, Lim left the classroom with her friend in tow. There had been neither spirit nor frustration in her words. Her tone had been utterly level, as if she were merely stating a fact.

“…Oh. I see.”

Though he was slightly dumbfounded, Kunon realized something—Lim had no emotional attachment to magic. She had already given up. In that way, she was fundamentally different from Kunon, who had no choice but to cling to and rely on magic.

Suddenly, it was clear—almost too clear. Here, he felt a disparity in passion he had never experienced in the Advanced class. It made Kunon feel unmoored and a little lonesome.

In the end, for better or worse, Advanced students were obsessed with magic. Because he had always been surrounded by people like that, Kunon felt the difference in motivation all the more keenly. He had never imagined that there were sorcerers like Lim, who didn’t particularly care about magic.

But there were all sorts of people in the world. It was only natural that some of them would give up on being sorcerers despite their magical ability.

Still, Kunon couldn’t help thinking it was an unfortunate decision.

“Kunon, do you have a minute?”

Kunon, who was feeling helpless without really knowing why, heard a First Level student still in the room call his name.

“Hmm? Oh. Griffs.”

He soon realized it was the other fledgling sorcerer who had intrigued him—Griffs Kiva.

“Uh, yeah… I can’t believe you remembered my name.”

Kunon was an Advanced class student. He had acknowledged as much himself, since it wasn’t something he needed to hide. By now, everyone in class was aware.

At first, he’d gotten a lot of attention. The other students would stare at him, as if to say, “What the hell is he doing here?” But Kunon approached their lessons and practical exercises seriously, and when the timing seemed right, he would strike up friendly conversations with the other students. These efforts had borne fruit, and he was quickly becoming an accepted member of their group. Kunon’s attitude made it abundantly clear that he wasn’t there to make fun of them or to look down on them.

“That’s because you caught my eye. Your A-ori isn’t a sphere, either. That’s so interesting.”

Indeed, Kunon was just as interested in Griffs as he was in Lim. Kunon simply preferred talking to girls, and besides, Lim conveniently sat right next to him. So as a gentleman, he had focused his attention on her.

But his interest in Griffs was genuine, too, and he had intended to speak with him eventually.

“Yeah. For some reason, my A-ori just won’t turn into a sphere.”

Lim’s A-ori remained amorphous, constantly changing shape. Such a strange phenomenon had instantly drawn Kunon’s interest. But Griffs’s A-ori didn’t change shape. Instead, what interested Kunon was that the shapes he produced weren’t spherical. Instead, they appeared in a variety of forms. Sometimes they were ovular, or paper-thin, or angular—like a set of cookies made by a child. How could Kunon not be intrigued?

“Are you free right now?” asked Griffs. “Could you maybe help me with my A-ori?”

“Of course— No, hold on.”

The request was unexpected. To think that someone Kunon had his eye on would approach him! Now was his chance! …Or so he thought at first, but Kunon stayed himself.

“Did you ask Miss Jenié? I think she might be the better choice.”

Kunon wished to always remain a sincere gentleman when it came to magic and women. Entrusting the matter to someone who actually knew how to teach was definitely better than trying to take on such a task himself. It would be awful if he did a poor job of teaching and Griffs ended up with some unsavory quirk to his magic.

“I asked her,” he replied, “and we talked about it. But she just told me to give it the best shot I could on my own.”

Aha, Kunon thought. He had a feeling he knew why Jenié had said that. It was the answer to the question Satori had posed to him the day before. Should individuality be quashed to allow for the acquisition of standard magic, or should it be allowed to grow?

Although he hadn’t been able to give a reply at the time, Kunon had found an answer in his own way. And Jenié—no, Jenié’s mentor, Satori—would surely choose “both.”

Kunon’s conclusion was the same. By first developing one’s unique magic and then learning the standard methods, one could become proficient in both. Why should someone have to discard one or the other? There was no need to make that choice.

“Listen, Griffs,” Kunon said.

“Yeah?”

“The first thing you need to do is master your own A-ori—the one you can use now.”

“…But I just told you, I’m asking for help because I can’t do that. The teacher won’t help me, either…”

Griffs was dissatisfied and frustrated. He had already been at school for several months, and it seemed like he was failing at the basics. He was probably feeling impatient.

Unlike Lim, however, he seemed to have no intention of giving up. He was probably aiming to advance to the Second Level the following year.

One student had decided to quit, and the other was trying to get back on his feet. Kunon couldn’t say if either of them was making the right choice. But he was happy to see someone excited about magic.

“To get to the point,” Kunon said, casting A-ori. “There’s no fixed rule about the spell’s shape. So there’s nothing particularly wrong with the way you use it now. All I can say with certainty is that you haven’t mastered the spell yet.”

Kunon’s A-ori seamlessly shifted into different shapes.

The sphere became a rat. Next, a bird. A butterfly. Cheese. An apple. A dog. A gold coin. A vial of that Le Prime perfume all the girls liked. The head of a cow.

“See? Once you’ve figured it out, you can change the shape as much as you’d like. You can even add colors and scents.”

“……”

Speechless, Griffs watched the A-ori shape-shift right before his eyes. Could such magic even be called “A-ori” anymore?

The animals, imbued with color, looked just like their flesh and blood counterparts. Even the way light reflected off their surfaces looked realistic.

He stared at the cow’s head, which Kunon had set down atop a desk with a thunk.

The accuracy of the texture. The size.

Griffs couldn’t make sense of it anymore. He didn’t even know why Kunon had chosen to make a cow’s head in the first place.

“That’s why Miss Jenié told you to try it on your own first. The problem with your A-ori isn’t its form or anything like that—it’s that you haven’t mastered it yet. Once you do, she’ll help you.”

“R-right… Okay…”

Griffs felt ashamed. Was this what it looked like when someone fully understood magic? Could there be such a large difference even in basic spells, depending on who cast them?

Deep down, he had been thinking of A-ori as nothing more than a worthless, basic spell. He could cast other spells just fine and figured he would get the hang of it one day, so he hadn’t really put his heart into practicing.

Kunon’s A-ori was on an entirely different level. It was now clear to Griffs that, just as Kunon had said, he was far from mastering it.

But with this, his way of thinking had shifted. Because of this one small interaction, Griffs’s feelings toward magic had changed.

The timing of his conversation with Kunon, however, was extremely bad.

Griffs was at a point in his life when his heart was most easily moved, and that was a problem.

“Once you’ve mastered the spell, you’ll be able to do stuff like this easily. So work hard, okay?”

Kunon’s words were untrue. To be precise, they were mistaken, due to a misunderstanding on Kunon’s part.

Kunon did not truly appreciate the difference in ability between himself and others. He knew he had some amount of skill, at least when it came to the spells he could use. But he had no clue just how far from the norm his A-ori was.

And that was the root of his misunderstanding. Kunon genuinely believed anyone could reach his level if they put in the same amount of effort. That was how it had gone for him, after all. Plus, he knew there were tons of sorcerers in the Advanced class who were better than he was.

Kunon was not cognizant of his own ability beyond the thought that he “tended to do well.” But he was comparing himself to other Advanced class students, who themselves were far from typical.

“…Got it! Thank you! I’ll do my best!”

But Griffs took Kunon at his word and felt renewed. He stared at the cow’s big, round eyes, his determination restored.

He believed what Kunon had said. He thought—incorrectly—that if he simply mastered A-ori, he, too, could produce such results with ease.

This would be the beginning of Griffs Kiva’s long, long battle to master basic magic.

After accompanying Griffs in his magic training for a little while, Kunon left the First Level classroom.

First, he headed for the cafeteria to get a sandwich, then made his way toward Satori’s office, just like he had the day before.

Jenié wouldn’t be joining them that day, as she had some research to do in the library. Ever the gentleman, Kunon had asked if he could assist her, but Jenié had refused, saying, “It’s for class, so I can’t discuss it with a student.”

As it happened, she was preparing testing materials for the First Level class, so even though Kunon wasn’t actually her student, she couldn’t risk getting help from an outsider. Oblivious to all that, Kunon arrived at his destination.

“Good afternoon, my lady.”

“Ah, come in. Good to see you.”

After knocking, Kunon entered the office to find Satori in the middle of writing something. She returned his greeting but kept her pen moving and her gaze on her paper.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Kunon asked.

“Can you summarize those documents there? It’s fine if you eat while you work.”

Satori wasted no time assigning him a task. She was a lady of little self-restraint.

Kunon went to the indicated table and picked up a stack of papers. “These are…reports on A-oruvi and A-eura?”

“Just some old scribbles. Clean them up for me, if you would.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Zeonly had Kunon make a lot of clean copies of his notes, scribbles, and memos. But all the documents his master had given him to work on were related to magic tools. These, on the other hand, concerned water magic. If he were to say which he found more interesting…Kunon would choose both. With his current appreciation for magic tools, he found the two topics equally engaging.

“…Hmm. Interesting.”

Sandwich in hand, Kunon began looking through the documents. Some of the contents he had heard in class, and some he had not.

These were new spells—ones that Kunon could still further alter. To be honest, he felt he had exhausted every possible avenue with A-ori and A-rubu. But he was only just beginning his experiments and research on these.

He was still learning basic, elementary magic. Perhaps his growth as a sorcerer had been slow, but Kunon didn’t care. It was still only his first year at magic school. He didn’t feel there was any need to rush.

“Professor Satori.”

“What is it? It better not be some complicated question I’ll have to use my brain for. I want to finish this report today.”

She sounded grumpy, but it seemed she was willing to answer.

Satori may be blunt, but overall, she’s nicer than Zeonly, Kunon thought.

“One of the First Level students told me she’s quitting school after her first year. I asked her why, and she said she had no talent, so there was no reason to continue. But I think it’s still too soon for her to give up.”

Kunon’s brief summary brought Satori’s writing to a sudden stop. She cast a scowl in his direction, but the subtle action was lost on the boy’s unseeing eyes.

“…Didn’t I tell you not to make me use my brain?”

Supposing it was time for a break, Satori tossed her pen down and joined Kunon at his table.

“I know how you feel,” she began. “The ability to use magic is a gift. If everyone could do it, I wouldn’t be bothered by someone giving up. But that’s not the case—so I understand. It feels wrong that someone is throwing away such a precious gift, doesn’t it?”

A gift. To Kunon, the somethings he saw around people seemed like manifestations of those gifts.

Satori’s were jellyfish. Two of them, each about the size of a human adult, drifted through the air around her. They were beautiful, translucent creatures that idly glowed and darkened in turn, almost as though they were taking deep, slow breaths.

Incidentally, Jenié was shadowed by a bird made of water.

“So here’s the question,” Satori continued. “What do you think causes people to abandon magic?”

“…Um, I’ve never once considered it, so I really don’t know.”

“I see. Well, the answer is disappointment. Even though you have the talent, you can only do so much—you can only achieve a certain level of proficiency. There are many others better than you, and even if you continue, how much can you really learn?

“Magic requires self-improvement. It’s a battle against yourself, which is quite difficult. And because it’s so hard, you look for reasons to give up. The easiest one comes from simply looking at those around you. You compare yourself with others and get fed up right away. You put in all this effort, but other people pass you by with ease. You’re just a second- or third-rate talent, so why try achieving anything more? Why keep improving yourself? People without clear goals often end up in such a mindset.”

Satori didn’t say it, but she thought Kunon might have an easier time in that regard, since he couldn’t see those around him and had no choice but to continue confronting himself. It would be far too insensitive to imply that his lack of sight might be a good thing.

“Goals, huh…?” Kunon mused. “When you put it like that, I feel like I understand.”

When he first started learning magic, Kunon hadn’t had any particular attachment to it. But all that changed once he found something to aim for. It had all started there—with a goal.

Kunon noticed the other man’s presence as soon as he set foot in Satori’s office.

“Huh? Professor Soff?”

He could sense Satori, the owner of the office, and one other—someone whose magic power Kunon recognized.

“Hey, Kunon. It’s been a while.”

It was the wind sorcerer who had served as proctor at Kunon’s entrance exam: Soff Cricket.

Kunon hadn’t seen Soff since he’d shown off his flight magic. The fact that they didn’t share a crest was no doubt a big factor.

Now that Kunon was better acquainted with the realities of magic school, something had become clear to him: Every single one of the teachers there was extremely talented—Satori and Soff included.

“It has been a while. How is Professor Sayfie?” Kunon asked.

Whenever he thought of Soff, he thought of Sayfie, the associate professor who had joined Soff at Kunon’s entrance exam. It had been some time since he had encountered her. Though he had fond memories of her, he had the vague impression that not seeing her too often might be for the best. She seemed to bear some sort of grudge against Zeonly, and had consequently formed a less than positive opinion of Kunon. Though Kunon, for his part, was eager to spend time with any woman, no matter what she thought of him.

“Oh, she’s well,” Soff replied. “We just went out drinking together yesterday.”

“Really? How nice. Wait, are you and Professor Sayfie dating, perhaps? …Oh dear, am I interrupting?”

Just as the conversation began to get interesting, Kunon paused. He’d been granted permission to enter the office, but perhaps he was intruding on a conversation between the two professors.

Satori and Soff were colleagues. Their crests were different, but they were both high-level sorcerers. They probably had a lot to talk about. Perhaps they were discussing teaching, or having a debate, or consulting each other as experienced magic users.

Kunon considered the possibilities.

He was happy to listen to the two of them discuss pretty much any topic, but if he was in the way, then he would have to excuse himself.

If Soff were a woman, Kunon might have skipped the greeting and gone straight for the kill—something like, “This must be fate. Would you treat me to a private lesson to celebrate our encounter?” But Soff was a man, so he refrained.

As it happened, Jenié was out of the office again that day, busy preparing test materials.

“No, you’re fine,” Soff replied. “I was actually just about to send for you.”

“For me?” Kunon wasn’t sure what he meant. “By chance…did you decide to treat me to a private lesson to celebrate our fateful encounter?”

“…I can if you want, though I won’t go easy on an Advanced class student.”

Kunon hadn’t expected anything, and Soff’s reply was beyond what he could have hoped for.

“Yay! Thank you so much!”

One of the school’s shockingly busy teachers was going to go out of his way to make time for Kunon. That was cause for joy, regardless of the teacher’s gender. Kunon was certain he could learn a lot from Soff, despite their differing crests.

“Hold on a minute. Could you do me a favor first? Let’s call the private lesson your reward for helping me out.”

A favor.

When a woman asked him for something, Kunon agreed in a heartbeat. But now he hesitated.

“I still need to earn credits, so I can’t afford to be preoccupied for too long…”

He had learned his new spells, and starting that day, his time in the First Level class was over. Kunon was planning on using what he’d learned to conduct research and experiments. After he’d spoken with Satori and helped to put her documents in order, all kinds of interesting theories had popped into his head. He had hoped to spend a while immersed in his own work.

“I don’t think it’ll take very long. I just have something a bit troublesome on my hands. I’d like the assistance of a skilled new student.”

“Is that so?”

“Kunon, why don’t you take a seat?” Satori said.

She had been watching his and Soff’s exchange in silence up until then, and at her command, Kunon joined the teachers at their table.

He was sure Satori already knew what Soff wanted of him. Maybe that was what they had been discussing. Furthermore, she was trying to advance the conversation.

If Satori was in favor of Soff’s request, Kunon had to comply. This was his mentor’s mentor. If she thought it was a good idea, there was no other option.

With that thought in mind, Kunon sat down.

The very next day, Kunon found himself in the Second Level class.

“This is Kunon,” Soff said, introducing him. “He’ll be joining our class for two or three days, so be nice to him, okay?”

The room was full of first-year water sorcerers who were temporarily under Soff’s care.

“Hi, I’m Kunon. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

He greeted them with a smile, but the twelve other students shot back cold stares, as if to say, “Who the hell is this kid?” Their gazes were prickly and suspicious. It was enough to make Kunon’s hair stand on end, despite his not being able to see them.

This was nothing like his experience in the First Level class. It wasn’t just that they were in a different school building, either. The atmosphere was completely different. He felt the students’ enthusiasm for magic must be different, too.

This is going to be fun, Kunon thought.

“Okay, Kunon, please sit at that empty desk in the back.”

As Kunon followed Soff’s instructions, the other students’ eyes followed him. Then Kunon turned, and, loud enough for his voice to carry, he greeted the beautiful, curly-haired girl sitting next to him.

“Hello! Do you like magic? Yesterday, a girl I gave flowers to got mad at me. I still don’t really understand why.”

“……”

The girl stared back at him with contempt.

“That’s it for my announcements. Today, we’re doing combat exercises in Laboratory Six, so get a move on.”

After a brief overview of the day’s lesson plan, Soff urged the class to head for the lab.

Incidentally, the announcements weren’t relevant to Advanced class students, who didn’t have set class days or time off. They came and went as they pleased, and the school did not set their schedules.

All the same, Kunon had enjoyed his time in First Level and thought it might be nice to join classes once in a while. At the moment, however, he really did want to prioritize earning credits. Nevertheless, he found himself in class once again.

“Who are you?”

When Soff left the room, twelve sets of eyes turned to focus on Kunon. One of the other students got up to stand in front of his desk, while Kunon remained seated.

“You’re Azel, right?” Kunon asked. “Are you the leader of this class?”

The effect was immediate. No one spoke, but a wave of unrest passed through the room.

“…Didn’t you hear my question?”

Kunon was being menaced, though he wasn’t especially impressed by the effort. After all, he’d managed to work side by side with Zeonly, who was selfish, domineering, and possessed overwhelming magic power. He’d put up with plenty of unfairness and intimidation. Compared to that, being threatened by a boy his own age was nothing to be afraid of.

“Say, is it true that Second Level students worry about boring stuff like one’s social status?” Even if the boy was a member of some country’s royal family, Kunon wasn’t the least bit scared of him. “You know we’re in magic school, right? Shouldn’t magic be the only thing that matters? I mean, as a sorcerer, should you really be concerned about anything else?”

Learning magic cost money. At least before one entered magic school, anyway. It was the same for Kunon. Despite his being the son of a marquess—or perhaps precisely because of his parentage—a disproportionate sum of money had been spent on his education. Because of his position as a member of the Gurion family, he had been able to study to his heart’s content.

Hiring private tutors and amassing books and materials on magic was expensive. The Dirashik School of Magic allowed students to enroll starting at the age of twelve. Anyone admitted to the Advanced or Second Level classes upon enrollment had undoubtedly been privileged with the opportunity to learn magic beforehand, like Kunon. In other words, many of the Second Level students were from wealthy families.

Inevitably, royals and aristocrats—and even just run-of-the-mill rich people—from around the world wound up together at school, because their circumstances had allowed them to invest in early education. And when highborn people were thrown together in one place, cliques formed. That, in turn, led to students using their authority and influence at school, despite the institution’s unspoken law that political affairs and social standing be left at the gate.

“I am a gentleman. So while I do my best to answer any question a woman asks me, I won’t respond to a man if I don’t wish to.”

Was that what it meant to be a gentleman? The others had their doubts, but that aside…

The boy standing in front of Kunon—Azel O’vig Aselviga—seemed to have a number of problems with Kunon’s attitude.

“You think you’re better at magic than I am?”

“Hmm. Who knows? I think it’d be a good match.”

Judging by what he could sense of the boy’s magic power, Kunon felt Azel was a cut above his classmates. Just as Soff had said, this kid was definitely the leader of the class. Based on impression alone, Kunon truly believed he would put up an excellent fight.

“…You have some nerve, talking to me like that when you know who I am. Meet me in the lab.” With those words, Azel turned on his heel to leave, but Kunon called out to him.

“Oh, sorry. As a gentleman, I don’t respond immediately to invitations from men. Please understand.”

“……”

Without saying another word to Kunon, Azel glared over his shoulder at him, then exited the classroom. To no one in particular, he whispered, “Who the hell does that guy think he is?” as two hangers-on followed him out.

Kunon heard this, but since the question wasn’t addressed to him directly, he decided not to mind it.

“Oh, do you know where Laboratory Six is?” he asked the pretty, curly-haired girl to his side.

“What?”

“I would love it if you could escort me there.”

“……”

Despite her unpleasant expression, she didn’t refuse his request.

The favor Soff Cricket had asked of Kunon was very simple and straightforward. He had said: “I want you to do some magic that will snap these status-obsessed brats out of their foolish games.”

To be honest, Kunon wasn’t really sure what he should do. But Soff had told him to “just be yourself,” and now here he was.

“Wow, really?” Kunon replied. “This is the first I’m hearing about it.”

Guided by the pretty girl with the curly hair—whose name was Radia F’le Rhodia—Kunon headed toward Laboratory 6.

Radia seemed kind at heart and was answering all of Kunon’s questions, though she didn’t look very happy about it. Of course, this meant nothing to Kunon, who couldn’t see her.

“So levels are partially determined by recommendation?”

“Yes. Magic teachers and influential people from one’s country write letters of recommendation to the school. It seems that based on those, students are roughly divided up into their levels before the entrance exam. Most of those who come without a recommendation are put in First Level.”

When Kunon took the entrance exam that year, he was one of only four students. He had been under the impression that was because there had been only four applicants. In fact, he had been told that directly, so he was beginning to wonder what was going on.

The First Level class he had attended up until the day before had also consisted of first-year students, and the same was true of this Second Level class.

What in the world did that mean? Had there been new students besides those who entered the Advanced class?

Curious, he had asked the girl about it, prefacing his question with, “I’m in the Advanced class, but—” It turned out the Second Level first-years—Radia included—had enrolled in school at the same time as Kunon.

Inquiring further, he discovered that placement was decided prior to the entrance exam by recommendation letters and such.

“So you all took an entrance exam geared toward Second Level?” he asked.

“I suppose so. Of course, if someone is lacking in ability, they won’t be able to enter their desired level.”

At that moment, Kunon realized that he must have been recommended for the Advanced class. Indeed—he had received two recommendations. One came from his master, Zeonly, and the other from Londimonde, the Grand Master of the Kingdom of Hughlia’s Royal Sorcerers. Both had requested that he be put in the Advanced class, and neither had asked Kunon what his preference was. Kunon would have agreed with them if asked, however, so he wasn’t complaining.

“I think you should know something, Kunon.”

“Hmm?”

“It’s not that we weren’t able to get into the Advanced class. We’re in Second Level because we want to be. If you think your merit as a sorcerer is determined only by your class level, you’re in for a rude awakening.”

Now it was Radia’s turn to menace him. Meanwhile, the other Second Level students challenged Kunon with their eyes, all the while maintaining a reasonable distance as they made their way to the lab.

“Good. I’m looking forward to it.” Kunon was smiling.

If Radia was right, there were Second Level students with just as much talent as those in the Advanced class.

“I’ve had almost no chance to spend time around water users my age who weren’t novices,” he said. “Oh, I’m so excited. I bet I’ll get to see a bunch of new spells. I want to know all about you guys.”

Later, Radia would recount that the moment she saw Kunon’s smile, she got a very, very bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

The new boy wore an eye mask, and his name was Kunon.

“It must be him. The description matches perfectly.”

Azel, arriving at Laboratory 6 ahead of most of the class, was discussing the newcomer with the two students who had accompanied him. He was sure it was the boy from the Advanced class.

Information was a weapon, and there was word of a student who stood out from the rest going around. Information warfare was the province of nobility, and no one was exempt.

Azel didn’t like this. He didn’t like it one bit.

Being in a class called “Second Level” was bad enough, but to have a class called “Advanced” was even worse. It gave the impression that the latter was superior to the former, and he couldn’t stand it.

Dirashik was a place without royalty or aristocracy, governed by the world’s greatest witch. The laws of this land were decided by her alone, and could not be superseded by any other nation or authority.

That was, in theory, the way things worked here—but reality did not align. If the family members and associates of influential people gathered somewhere, a miniature social and political hierarchy was bound to emerge.

And that was especially true now that the Empire’s Inferno Prince had arrived. Thanks to him, the imperial nobility had a great deal of influence. The equilibrium had collapsed, and the Empire was now the dominant player. Naturally, those from other countries were not amused. The whole Second Level was in utter disarray because of it.

“Are you going to be all right, Master Azel?”

Azel and his entourage had left first, and the three of them were still alone. That was the only reason his two companions looked so anxious. Showing weakness was permissible among one’s own people. In front of anyone else, they didn’t dare display a shred of vulnerability. They couldn’t afford to.

“It’s long been said the Advanced class is full of monsters…”

Azel’s skill as a sorcerer was indisputable. He was a three-star magic user who had mastered several intermediate level spells before enrolling in school.

He was obviously gifted. When it came to magic, he had never lost to anyone his age, and he’d even beaten some adults.

But how did he compare to the infamous Kunon? Less than a year had passed since the other boy had arrived at school, and he had already earned achievement after achievement and was making quite the name for himself. How would Azel stack up against someone who merited that kind of gossip?

The Advanced class was full of monsters—any Second Level student of decent skill had heard those words at least once. Sometimes, they were said to remind those who appeared to be succeeding that there was always room for improvement. Other times, they were a provocation meant to rile someone up.

“Hmph. If he had a rare attribute, it would be one thing, but I have no intention of losing to another water user. He’s a two-star, from what I’ve heard. Even if he is in the Advanced class, to me he’s just a kid my age of lesser rank.”

Just as Azel was snorting and making bold assertions, Kunon and the rest of the class arrived. Kunon was smiling.

“……”

Later, Azel would recount that the moment he saw Kunon’s smile, he got a very, very bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Laboratory 6 was basically empty.

It was a large space without desks or chairs, and its walls, ceiling, and floor were white.

“Ah, I see…”

At that point, something occurred to Kunon. He recalled the “night” room where the interview at the end of his entrance exam was conducted. This room, he thought, was probably similar to that one. It must have been magically protected or reinforced, or fitted with some kind of spatial safety measure so that no magic would be able to escape, no matter what kind of spells were used.

In Laboratory 6, it was okay to use offensive magic.

Kunon still had no clue how such a room worked. He found it completely fascinating.

“Will you be participating in today’s festivities as well, Miss Radia?” Kunon asked, making idle chitchat with the girl who had escorted him.

The whole class had arrived at the lab, but they were still without the crucial presence of Soff. The atmosphere was calm as they waited for him, aside from the fact that Azel was glaring at Kunon and the other students were circling him at a distance, that is.

Kunon paid them no mind.

“Of course I will,” Radia replied. “It’s a Second Level activity, after all.”

Kind at heart—but grimacing, as always—Radia politely answered Kunon’s question.

Soff had briefed Kunon on the day’s events that morning. The second semester was about to end, and right before, there would be a magic exam.

The exam would consist of a written portion and an inter-attribute matchup. Because of that, during the short time between now and then, practical combat exercises were being held in place of classes. Under their teacher’s supervision, students were able to acquaint themselves with something akin to real duels.

That was precisely why Soff was allowed to take temporary charge of the class despite having a crest that differed from the students’.

Inter-attribute contests meant that students would be facing off against others in their year who did not share their magic type. It sounded like a lot of fun, but the Advanced class was not involved. Advanced students were not permitted to participate and were—ostensibly—prohibited from observing. That said, matches between Advanced students weren’t against the rules, so they could hold their own contests if they really wanted to. That was just another aspect of their class’s freedom.

“Can you use intermediate magic, too?” Kunon asked.

“Of course. This year, everyone in our class knows at least one intermediate spell.”

Intermediate magic was totally unlike beginner spell casting. It was dramatically more difficult both to control and to operate. Anyone who could use an intermediate spell by the age of twelve or thirteen had reason to be proud.

“Wow, that’s amazing. I can only use four beginner spells.”

“…What?”

Radia was sure she had misheard. Was it possible Kunon had just said he only knew four basic spells?

The Advanced class is full of monsters. Radia had heard those words, too. She even knew a few of that outrageous bunch.

Plus, there were the crazy rumors. That was how she had heard of Kunon—through gossip. Outrageous gossip, of course.

And yet he only knew four beginner spells? Maybe he’d meant intermediate.

“Kunon, did you—?”

Just as Radia was about to ask him to repeat himself, Soff Cricket arrived.

“Okay, let’s start today off right, shall we?”

Radia had missed her chance to question Kunon.

“Did you say something just now? Oh, your hair? Did you ask if it was curled nicely? Well, of course. It’s in stunning ringlets. They’re set so well, you could probably place a cup into one of the coils.”

Kunon whispered to her so that Soff wouldn’t hear, clearly suffering from some sort of misunderstanding. Radia hadn’t asked about any of that nonsense.

And putting a cup in her hair…? Even if it could hold one, why would she ever do such a thing?

Soff turned to the gathered students.

“So, has it been settled already?” he asked without preamble. “None of us has a lot of free time, so let’s cut to the chase. Who’s going to duel Kunon?”

I bet you guys already started picking fights with him. One of you challenged him, right? That seemed to be the implication behind his words.

“I am.”

Azel, who had done just that, stepped forward. He seemed glad they wouldn’t be wasting any time.

“I see. Then Azel it is.” Soff smiled calmly. Without pausing, he continued, “By the way, you should all note that Kunon only knows four beginner-level spells.”

As expected, everyone looked dumbfounded.

“Only four,” he repeated. “And all beginner magic. He only knew two when he enrolled. He got into the Advanced class with just that. I want you all to think carefully about what that means.”

Timing and mood were key—if either of those things had been different, or perhaps if Soff hadn’t included the baffling statement that Kunon “got into the Advanced class with just that,” this declaration might have been met with scornful laughter. Kunon had learned a piddling number of spells and couldn’t use any intermediate magic.

But no one so much as chuckled, because despite all that, Kunon had earned a spot in the Advanced class.

On one side stood Azel, tense and scowling. And opposite him was Kunon, smiling as if he was having the time of his life.

The Advanced class is full of monsters. That statement flitted through the minds of every person watching Azel and Kunon face off—including Azel himself.

“Okay, begin,” Soff said, signaling the start of the duel.

Eager to make the first move, Azel lifted his right hand, aiming it at Kunon.

This was an intermediate magic stance. Unlike beginner spells, intermediate magic was difficult to control and manipulate. Movements and words that were often abridged for basic spell casting were absolutely essential. At least until one was more experienced.

“A-ryubia!”

A massive magic circle took shape directly behind Azel.

Ffwwwssssshhhhhhh!

And then, all at once, an enormous wall of water surged out of it. It was practically a tsunami.

The water crested over Azel’s head before crashing to the floor in front of him. Swelling and roiling, the massive wave rushed toward the one standing in its path—Kunon.

The stark contrast between all that water and its tiny target made for a terrifying sight. The wave was aimed at a single person, yet it looked big enough to wipe out a small seaside town.

Azel was serious. He had to be.

Kunon could use only four beginner spells. Even so, Azel was certain he would lose. He couldn’t even imagine coming out on top.

I knew it, Azel thought.

The massive wall of water was fast approaching its target. But Kunon didn’t move or react. Instead, he just stood there, smiling.

Azel was the first to realize that his intuition had been correct.

His cry of “A-ryubia!” sent the Second Level class into an uproar.

“Seriously?!”

Radia was shocked. She would never have guessed that Azel would cut straight to playing the most powerful card in his hand.

But the real problem was something else. If that wave hit someone head-on, they would die. They might be crushed by the water pressure or drowned, but either way, they wouldn’t survive.

The kind of defensive magic circles employed in duels were not allowed in the upcoming school contest. Consequently, they weren’t used, even during practice.

Naturally, the inter-attribute duels wouldn’t be death matches. They were meant to teach students to appreciate the lethality of magic and learn how to regulate it. Since that was the point of the lesson, they would not be using defensive magic circles, even when training.

What that meant was, at present, both Kunon’s and Azel’s lives could be at stake, depending on the spells they used. And the one Azel had just cast was extremely deadly. It was far too risky.

“Professor—”

“You have to stop this—”

Radia and the other students started to call out in the hope of averting disaster.

“Watch carefully!” Soff said, raising his voice. He was smiling pleasantly… No, there was something a bit odd about his grin. His gaze stayed locked on the two dueling boys. “This is a rare chance to see something of great value! If you call yourselves magic users, you ought to burn this into your minds!”

In that moment, Soff spoke not as a teacher but as a sorcerer.

Plop!

Plop, plop, plop!

A-ori rained down around Kunon’s feet.

“……”

Everyone was speechless. Even Azel, who had cast the first spell, felt his jaw drop in astonishment.

No one knew what had happened, except for the pure and simple facts. The tsunami rushed at Kunon. But because Soff chose not to come to his aid, no one else moved to protect him or intervene. And yet, ultimately, the tsunami did not reach its target.

It came close. Then, right before it hit, it turned into countless individual spheres of water that tumbled to the floor, bouncing lightly as they landed.

The water—that entire, looming wall of it—became a pile of A-ori covering the floor from end to end.

“That’s no good,” Kunon said, pouting a little. “You have to keep hold of your magic, even after you release it. Otherwise, your opponent will seize control.”

The unspoken message in his words was this: I could have launched a counterstrike, I merely chose not to.

The Advanced class is full of monsters.

And one of them was here, right before their eyes.

“A-faruzo!”

More than thirty water lances appeared, then flew straight toward Kunon with shocking speed. Kunon took a single step forward, evading every single one. It was the strangest thing—as if the lances themselves were avoiding him.

“I could read their trajectory the moment you created them,” Kunon said. “You have to add an alteration, like a distortion or a time lag, or it won’t work.”

Azel suspected that Kunon had sized him up during his very first move. As soon as he saw Azel’s A-ryubia, he understood the difference in their ability.

“A-bouzen!”

A large A-ori appeared in the air above Azel’s head, then started hovering toward Kunon, as if gravity was pulling it there.

A-bouzen created a compressed A-ori—a water bomb. When the sphere made contact with something, the compressed water was released with explosive force. If a water sorcerer was skilled with the spell, they could produce a blast as powerful as those used by fire sorcerers.

And yet Kunon simply caught the sphere out of the air.

“You could compress this a bit more,” he said. “Look.”

With his arms wrapped around the A-bouzen, Kunon squeezed. He smushed and pressed with both hands, making the sphere smaller.

When he was done, it was about the size of his palm. The water had become unnaturally dense, and there was an abnormal stillness to the A-ori, which had turned a deep blue. It looked like Kunon was holding the deepest, most untouchable depths of the ocean right there in his hands.

“At this size, you could probably send it flying a little faster, too.”

At that, Kunon made the little ball of ocean he was holding disappear.

He’d evaporated it. Water as dense as the crushing abyss—just poof, gone.

“What next?”

Kunon had recognized the gulf between himself and his opponent from the very first move and had long since lost any interest in attacking.

“Is it okay if we call it now?”

Kunon’s question came as Azel, his magic power completely spent, fell to his knees.

Azel O’vig Aselviga, huh? He’s quite good, Kunon thought.

His power reserves and magic were both excellent, and he could use a wide range of spells—more than double the number Kunon knew. But that was probably to be expected of a three-star sorcerer.

It had quickly become clear why Azel was the leader of the first-year Second Level water users. His magic was a bit wild and sloppy, but as long as he pursued his studies seriously, there shouldn’t be any problems. He was a talent of great interest to Kunon.

“…Why didn’t you attack?” Azel asked. He glared at Kunon as his two cronies rushed over to help him up. His face was pale and drenched in sweat.

“Because I’m a gentleman. And so are you. I didn’t feel it was necessary.”

Azel may have picked a fight with Kunon, but he hadn’t insulted him or been especially cruel. He had waged a fair fight with no dirty tricks, and above all, he’d come at Kunon with everything he had right from the start. He’d pushed himself to the very limit.

Kunon was the type to resent people going easy on him out of kindness. So regardless of Azel’s intentions, his immediate onslaught had made Kunon warm up to him a great deal.

He’d never once underestimated Kunon, even after seeing his eye mask. From start to finish, Azel had faced him head-on, sorcerer to sorcerer.

To be honest, Kunon thought the other boy was a lot more upright and gentlemanly than Soff had made him out to be.

“…I’ll allow it this time,” Azel spat. “But don’t do it again.”

With that, his entourage led him away.

The fact he’s willing to admit defeat is quite impressive, Kunon thought.

His choice of words left something to be desired, but it was true that Azel had just acknowledged his loss. That wasn’t such an easy thing to do for someone in his position.

He really did seem nicer than the picture Soff had painted.

“I’m next, Professor.”

Azel left, and someone else’s hand shot into the air, requesting a match. It was Radia, the girl with the curly hair.

“I don’t mind, but you’re smart enough to see the difference in your abilities, right?”

Since Soff had okayed it, Radia went to stand in Azel’s former position.

“Naturally, if I’m going to do this, I’ll be aiming to win,” she said. “However, I believe there’s a lot I can learn from practicing with a partner of superior skill.”

Kunon himself had yet to agree to this second duel, but—

“Excellent. I never hesitate to accept an offer from a woman. I’m a gentleman, after all.”

—since the invitation had come from a girl, and she wanted to duel him with magic, there wasn’t a single reason for Kunon to refuse.

“Here I go!” she shouted. “A-hiuru!”

A large magic circle opened up close to the ceiling, and hail started to pour down like rain.

“…Well, that’s a shame,” Kunon muttered, though no one heard him.

Radia, however, caught a glimpse of Kunon’s face just before it was obscured by the hailstorm.

He was still smiling, but he looked a little disappointed.

It had all begun the day before, when Kunon went to Satori’s office after finishing his final class with the First Level students.

There, he ran into Soff, who had arrived before him and had a favor to ask.

“You see, I’m temporarily in charge of the Second Level class for water users.”

At Satori’s request, Kunon went to join her and Soff at the table. Then Soff explained the trouble he was having.

“Second Level water users?” Kunon asked. “Isn’t your attribute wind, Professor?”

“Yeah. That’s why it’s only temporary. Just a stopgap to fill an unexpected vacancy.”

An unexpected vacancy. That meant something must have happened.

“Did the class’s original teacher quit, by any chance?”

“Close. She went on sabbatical.”

So the teacher had left.

“Um, I’m not really following… Why a sabbatical? Did she have a reason to leave?”

“Simply put, she reached her breaking point.”

Breaking point? Kunon wasn’t sure he understood that, either.

“In short…” Sensing his struggle, Satori intervened. “…she’d had enough of dealing with a bunch of brats who wouldn’t take their studies seriously. She was diverting precious time from her own research to teach the class, yet her students paid no attention. Finally, they pushed her too far.”

With that much context, Kunon began to understand. Just a day ago, Lim Lace’s lack of enthusiasm had taken the wind out of his sails. The class’s original teacher had probably felt the same.

“They’re enrolled in magic school, and they still won’t take their studies seriously? How is that possible?”

“Second Level has always been difficult.”

“Even for you, Professor Satori?”

“Oh yes. The time I have left is short, and I can’t afford to waste it. If some twerp in my class didn’t listen… Well, I’d drown them half to death.”

Kunon wasn’t sure if someone would survive being drowned “half to death.” Despite the addition of “half,” it seemed like it might still be too late to save them…

“Rippel really is quite the woman. Awfully kind of her to up and leave before she was tempted to take more violent measures.”

Kunon surmised that this Rippel person was the absent teacher in question. Though Satori had called her a kind teacher who’d chosen to leave rather than resort to more violent measures, her tone was so sarcastic, even Kunon picked up on it.

“That’s right,” Soff added, nodding. “Magic is power, and that power can be wielded like a weapon. It’s important for these kids to realize how dangerous it is to neglect their studies.”

Listening to his teachers’ views on the matter, Kunon remembered the time his father had said something similar while scolding him at the royal castle. It was a memory Kunon would have preferred to forget.

“And that, Kunon, is where you come in.”

In summary, it seemed Soff wanted the class to take their studies more seriously.

“You say that, but…I have no idea what should be done, so I don’t think I can help you.”

Kunon understood the issue. But he didn’t have the slightest clue how to go about solving it.

“Don’t worry. Just be yourself. Everything else will fall into place.”

“Are you sure? I can only do beginner magic, remember? I’m not confident in anything else.”

“That’s fine. As a matter of fact, that’s what I want.”

If that was the case, perhaps Kunon could help.

“So what exactly is the situation?”

“Second Level has a lot of royals, nobles, and their associates. As a result, their circumstances back home and differences in social status carry a lot of weight, and you end up with a bunch of students who are more wrapped up in politics than magic. It’s like they’ve formed a little microcosm of high society, and since this school draws magic students from all over the world, things get complicated. We’ve had royals, high-ranking aristocrats, even people from enemy nations attending together. Despite all that, things remained calm for the most part, but it’s gotten a little hairy in recent years.”

So that was it. In other words…

“The students can’t focus on magic because of their obligations as nobility?”

“Yeah, I suppose. More or less.”

“How unfortunate.”

They had managed to enter an institution with excellent teachers, like-minded peers, and so many books and documents that no one could ever read them all. If they didn’t dedicate their time to learning now, when would they get another chance? That went double for royals and nobles. It might be okay for a commoner, but someone from a family of status would be hard-pressed to stay at the school forever. Their time here was limited, and yet they weren’t able to focus.

“Understood. I’ll do what I can.”

And that was how Kunon ended up joining the Second Level class.

“Right. Seems we’re about finished here.”

Four more students threw their hats into the ring after Azel and Radia. They each stood opposite Kunon. Some may have held hostility in their hearts, while others were merely curious or eager to compete.

Once Kunon had dueled exactly half of the Second Level class, Soff spoke. Apparently, it was time to wrap things up. The remaining students had been watching keenly, but none of them seemed inclined to challenge Kunon next. Azel and Radia, who had both fought until their magic ran out, also paid close attention, even after their losses.

“Thanks, Kunon. Your easy-to-follow instructions in the arena were very helpful.”

Kunon figured that meant he was being relieved of his duties.

In all honesty, he had rather enjoyed himself. With just a little nudge, the Second Level students caught on immediately and began correcting course. Their foundations had to be well-developed if they were able to adjust so quickly.

Kunon was left with the impression that training would benefit them greatly… If they only had the right motivation, the class could transform in a big way. If he was able to take them under his wing for even ten days, Kunon felt that Azel and Radia, in particular, would see dramatic growth.

…This thought helped Kunon understand somewhat. What if they never developed their abilities, despite their obvious potential? No wonder their teacher had grown frustrated. Seeing these kids with such talent refusing to try must have exasperated her to no end, until she felt compelled to take a break. Kunon finally felt he could empathize with the runaway teacher.

“Is there something you’d like to tell everyone, Kunon?” Soff asked, prompting Kunon to summarize his feelings about the lesson.

It seemed he had completed his task.

“Let’s see… I guess what I want to say is, just because you can use magic doesn’t mean you’re proficient. You can only claim to have mastered a spell once you’re able to control it completely. In that sense, can any of you really say you’ve mastered beginner- and intermediate-level magic? How do you intend to use magic you can’t control? That’s way too dangerous, don’t you agree? If you make a mistake, you might even hurt someone close to you. I think that’s something you should keep in mind when it comes to the upcoming competition… Oh, have I said too much?”

Some realizations had to be arrived at on one’s own. Hearing it from someone else, even when the message was understood, often failed to leave a lasting impression.

“Well…,” said Soff. “Whatever. It’s fine.”

Soff did think Kunon had said a little too much, but it shouldn’t be a problem. After all, if no one said anything to these students, with their lack of focus, they probably wouldn’t have figured it out on their own.

“By the way, Kunon,” Soff continued, taking a step forward. “What do you say about receiving your reward here and now?”

Reward? Did he mean the private lesson?

“What?! Really?!”

“Yeah. I have the time.”

Kunon’s enthusiasm skyrocketed. Until only a moment ago, he had been reflecting gloomily about promising sorcerers letting their talents go to waste. But Soff’s proposition blew those thoughts from his mind.

This went beyond Kunon’s expectations. Theory and discussion were fun, but actually training with magic was even better. Plus, his opponent was a superior sorcerer—one he couldn’t beat even if he went all out.

The more skilled the sorcerer, the less likely they were to demonstrate their best magic. That was because they tended to keep a lot of their spells secret. It wasn’t easy to get a magic user to show off a unique spell only they knew. This private lesson would be a highly valuable opportunity—the kind even power and riches couldn’t buy.

“We’ll stop if you collapse or forfeit. I’ll adjust as necessary, but I won’t go easy on you. It’s up to you whether you’re able to earn a lesson worth your while out of me.”

That was good. In fact, it was perfect.

How much he would learn from Soff was up to Kunon.

“Yes, please!”

That meant the longer Kunon held out, the more Soff would unleash his abilities.

“Oh, and add some color, okay?” Soff said, almost as an afterthought. “This match will also serve as teaching material.”

“Understood,” Kunon replied, nodding.

If they used different-colored magic, its movement would be easier to follow. In this big white room, even water was difficult to see, to say nothing of wind.

Although adding color to Soff’s wind wouldn’t make an ounce of difference to Kunon, since he couldn’t see it anyway.

What in the world was going on?

The Second Level students didn’t quite understand how they’d gotten here.

What they did know was that Kunon, the Advanced student who had defeated their class’s top fighters as though they were babies, and Soff Cricket, who was a teacher and thus guaranteed to be powerful, were about to duel.

“Oh, one moment. Miss Radia, could you hold on to my cane for me?”

As Soff got into position, Kunon called out to Radia, causing a brief delay. He did so in order to focus solely on magic.

In a room with no obstacles, his cane was unnecessary. Canes and staves containing rare metals or magical components could double as magical aids. But Kunon’s cane was just a cane, so he decided to relinquish it for the time being.

“Huh…? Oh, sure.”

When Radia heard two powerhouses were about to have a showdown, astonishment and rabid interest had caused her to temporarily lose her head. Thanks to her upbringing as a lady, however, she hid it well.

“While you’re at it, Radia,” Soff said as she retrieved Kunon’s cane, “could you give the start signal for me?”

At that point, both Soff and Kunon were focused squarely on each other.

“O-okay, and… Begin!”

The instant the match started, wind arrows flew out from Soff’s body.

This was the beginner-level wind spell Fu-jira. Its function was simply to create wind, but in the hands of a skilled sorcerer, that wind could become a rush of air that moved at the speed of sound. Sometimes it cut like a knife, other times it felt like being pummeled with stones.

Leaving trails of red in their wake, five dyed projectiles hurtled toward Kunon—and ran him through.

“Oh—!”

Kunon had taken a direct hit. What’s more, he’d been impaled. Just as onlookers began to gasp, however, Kunon’s swaying figure abruptly vanished.

Then, not a second later, blue water burst out from under Soff’s feet. A pack of water lances with sharpened points stabbed at him from every direction, as if the floor was rigged with spiked booby traps.

“Oop—”

The attacking water hit an invisible wall and dispersed. Soff had protected himself with wind.

“Now that I think of it, we haven’t done this since the entrance exam. Circumstances were different then, though.”

Perhaps reacting to Soff’s voice, Kunon suddenly appeared right in his line of sight.

“That’s true,” he replied. “But I can’t afford to make small talk at the moment.”

“Relax. I’m not much better off.”

In fact, if I make a mistake, Soff thought, I might actually lose.

Kunon was craftier than he’d expected. That much was clear from the beginning.

Soff never imagined he would have a way of cloaking himself. Most likely, he was using colored water as camouflage or to make a decoy. If someone looked closely, they’d probably be able to tell. But Kunon wasn’t going to allow that to happen.

And now he was producing a continuous flow of water, trying to fill the whole room with water droplets so small, they couldn’t be seen.

Kunon wanted to expand his control over the playing field. That level of cunning was an unpleasant reminder that he was Zeonly’s disciple.

“…Water is such a pain!” he shouted, creating a huge gust of wind.

A red Fu-jira big enough to swallow someone whole flew at Kunon—followed instantly by another.

“It’s rapid fire!” a student yelled.

They were correct. Because Fu-jira was a beginner spell, it could be cast repeatedly in quick succession without burdening the user.

The gusts of wind had been loosely aimed on purpose. If Kunon tried to run, he’d be hit. His escape routes were all blocked. Plus, his water handiwork would be blown away.

“……”

Kunon didn’t move as the wind swooped down on him.

Whompwhompwhompwhompwhompwhompwhompwhmpwhmpwhmp!

The moment it hit, a noise ripped through the air.

It was the sound of wind being trapped inside A-ori. Kunon had divided and contained the huge gusts inside a number of water spheres. The speed with which he produced A-ori was something else, but his way of dealing with attacks was downright unheard-of.

“I’d like to return these,” he announced.

The trapped wind was still active as Kunon sent the A-ori flying back toward Soff. He carefully weaved the spheres and their payload of red air through ongoing blasts of Fu-jira. The A-ori weren’t very fast, but there were a lot of them.

“Ha-ha! Nicely done! I’m turning up the pressure a bit! Don’t die!”

Soff Cricket was usually a perfectly composed adult. But deep down, he was enthralled by magic. And when such a person had the chance to participate in a particularly enjoyable magic duel, their true nature was bound to come out.

The results of their match could be summarized as follows: Kunon exercised his judgment perfectly and came out on top.

Normally, under such circumstances, Soff’s defeat would have been certain.

However…

Though they would’ve liked to draw things out, it simply wasn’t possible.

Both competitors were in agreement.

Soff was bewildered by how unexpectedly accustomed to fighting Kunon was, and Kunon was unable to devote himself to defense, due to Soff’s surprisingly ruthless attacks.

Their thoughts were different, but their conclusions were the same. Both Kunon and Soff wanted to prolong their educational duel but couldn’t. They had both realized that drawing things out would mean defeat.

“Tch!”

One of Kunon’s attacks grazed Soff, and he couldn’t help clicking his tongue as he pictured how things would progress.

He could no longer afford to maintain the air of a teacher. His own attacks were being trapped in spheres of water and returned to him despite his rapid-fire Fu-jira blasts.

The A-ori were slow, and judging by their size, each one’s power was negligible.

But there were so many. And they wouldn’t stop.

The A-ori he evaded came back at him from behind and floated around in his vicinity. Then, every once in a while, one would suddenly launch at him, as if remembering its purpose.

The duel had only just begun, and Soff was already being hounded by hundreds of A-ori.

Now and then, he paused his Fu-jira blasts to repel the spheres with a defensive sweep of wind. But even then, they didn’t disappear. They remained hovering a little farther away—until they launched at him once again.

Despite everything, Soff managed to keep attacking as he ran, dodging the A-ori.

His movements were impressive, but inevitably, one of the attacks connected. It hit his upper left arm and wasn’t even a direct hit. One sphere merely grazed his clothing.

On its own, the lone A-ori’s power was minimal. However, Soff could see how much danger it posed even before it struck.

“So irritating!”

If one were to strike him head-on, and he stopped moving for even a second, the rest would attack him all at once.

If even ten A-ori struck him, Soff was done for. Unless he could end the match soon, he was going to lose. Each individual sphere might be no big deal, but it wouldn’t feel that way if he was hit by hundreds of them.

Soff couldn’t prolong things any longer.

Timewise, they were barely getting started. But to Soff, who had already fired off nearly a hundred spells, it felt like a lifetime.

Kunon was holding on by the skin of his teeth.

“……”

Fu-jira projectiles kept zooming toward him in great numbers.

Before he even realized it, several of them had grazed him. He captured any that would have resulted in fatal injury inside A-ori and dispelled them, but he didn’t bother dealing with the others.

Each gust had such power. If even one hit him head-on, he would probably be down for the count.

His shoulders, arms, and legs took one glancing blow after another. His clothes were being torn to shreds. A gale shooting past his face blew off his eye mask. Blood trickled down from his temple, though Kunon himself had yet to notice.

Why would he pay attention to something like that, when he was having so much fun?

Kunon’s unseeing silver eyes stared straight ahead. With a smile on his face, he continued to handle the situation as best as he could—both defensively and offensively.

Kunon had to keep attacking to make the fun last. If he stuck to defense, things were bound to fall apart.

Unable to see, Kunon had only a rough idea of the magic coming toward him. Consequently, he couldn’t simply run around to avoid it like Soff did. Not to mention how fast the wind attacks were flying at him. Under such conditions, there was no way for him to maintain his concentration and go on the offensive.

Kunon could determine Soff’s position from the direction of his Fu-jira and from the microscopic beads of water Kunon had dispersed into the air, filling as much of the room as possible.

Yes, Kunon knew where Soff was, and he was waiting.

He was biding his time until the situation became untenable for Soff and the older man charged at him. Or until Kunon himself sustained too much damage and collapsed. Whichever came first.

Their magic attacks flying back and forth probably looked quite flashy. Perhaps it appeared the field was shifting chaotically.

In reality, though, this match was a test of endurance. For a short time, at least, they were locked in a stalemate, caught between two outcomes: Either Soff would charge, or Kunon would pass out.

Understanding that fact was the difference between winning and losing.

Kunon had realized it. Soff had not.

That was why Kunon was able to think several steps ahead—to victory.

Soff charged forward, blowing back the A-ori shadowing him in one big sweep. Then he closed in on Kunon with terrifying speed.

He moved faster than his own Fu-jira, overtaking them.

Speed was the advantage of wind. For a sorcerer of Soff’s level, increasing the pace of his own movement was simple. The degree of increase depended on the ability of the caster.

Even watching from the sidelines, the Second Level students couldn’t follow Soff with their eyes. In an instant, their teacher was behind Kunon, who was still handling the onslaught of Fu-jira.

One fought magic with magic. So how was one to deal with a sorcerer like Kunon?

The answer was—by slamming magic directly into his body. He would have no way to defend against that.

It would ensure he couldn’t pull any of his typical A-ori stunts, such as trapping or dispelling. When literally struck with magic, even Kunon would be helpless. And besides, he was currently busy protecting himself from the rapid-fire Fu-jira slamming into him from the front. He had probably lost track of Soff entirely.

No hard feelings!

Soff no longer saw Kunon as a student but as an opponent to be defeated. Showing no mercy, he clad his right fist in wind and aimed a punch at Kunon from behind.

“I’ve been expecting you.”

Kunon dodged, catching hold of Soff’s right arm.

Dread ran down Soff’s spine.

Kunon had anticipated Soff’s actions, but Soff had failed to do the same. He knew instantly that he had lost.

And the chills weren’t all from this realization—his right arm had started to freeze.

When he tried to run away, he realized his legs were already frozen. He’d been totally outmaneuvered.

From the very beginning, Kunon had spread water around his own feet that could be turned to ice at any time.

And now they were coming—the A-ori that had been following Soff were flying straight at him. Hundreds of water spheres holding Soff’s own wind captive were aimed right at him, and there was no escape.