Chapter 1 Part 3
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After accepting Elria’s proposal, Reid had prepared only the bare minimum of luggage and was on his way to the royal capital with Elria.
“…I never thought it would come to this.”
Reid blurted out as he gazed at the view from the window of the magic vehicle.
Indeed, since his previous life, he has had feelings for Elria that were more than just enemies.
Even though they did not exchange anything other than small talk, they understood each other’s intentions and tried to avoid any unnecessary casualties in each other’s forces.
That’s why Reid thought they could have been good friends had they been in different positions.
For some reason, in the world a thousand years later, not only did their positions changed… they have now skipped the relationship phase of being friends. Reid has become engaged to his former rival.
And the person who made such a reckless proposal is none other than ――
“………”
While sitting opposite Reid, Elria has a tense expression on her face, to the point that her whole body is shaking.
“…Hey, Elria.”
“………”
“Hey, Elria!”
“I-I can hear you!!”
In response to Reid’s call, Elria stuttered.
Then, with her face bright red, she casts her eyes downward again.
“…I’m sorry.”
“No, you don’t have to apologize.”
Looking at Elria, who still has her eyes cast downwards, Reid scratches his head.
This situation was somewhat expected.
Even though they have only spoken to each other on the battlefield, they understood each other to a certain extent after more than fifty years of battles.
―― Elria is not good at socializing.
There was a time when elves were feared by humans as ‘beings that look like humans but are not’, and they lived their lives avoiding any interactions with humans by building settlements alongside nature.
The reason why Elria decided to join the human society is not known. But still, it is difficult to change ideas that are rooted in one’s natural disposition due to the environment in which one is born.
As if to prove this point, stories about ‘the Sage is misanthropic and doesn’t often show herself’ had even reached Reid’s country.
However, from the looks of things, she probably just did not know how to interact with people.
That’s why Reid decided to talk to her.
“I have a question for you, Elria.”
“W-What is it that you want to ask?”
“Before that, please try not to stutter and put up with the embarrassment. Otherwise, this conversation will go on forever.”
After some desperate persuasion, Elria nodded her head, red as her face was.
“I told you I couldn’t use magic, but do you know why?”
“…The reasons why Reid can’t use magic?”
“Yeah. Since you created magic, I thought you might know something about it.”
Hearing these words, Elria looks at him curiously.
“Mm… I think it’s probably because of Reid’s magic power.”
“…My magic power?”
“Yeah. It’s easier to understand by comparing magic power to water.”
While twirling her fingertips, Elria continues to explain.
“Ordinary magic power is like water, so if you pass them through a path called a magic circuit, they will flow. But Reid’s magic power is like stone, so it doesn’t flow in the first place, and if you try to force it through, the path itself will break down.”
“Ah… So that’s why the device broke during the magic aptitude test.”
Now that Reid recalls, that symptom only happened when he tried to use magic intentionally or to have the magic power flow through to the device. Otherwise, the magic vehicle Reid is riding in now would have been broken.
“I don’t know how that kind of magic power came to be, but the ‘Magic’ that I created cannot be used by Reid in the first place. If you wanted to, I would have to construct a special theoretical formula to match your magic power and create a new form of magic circuit from scratch, not the existing one.”
“Does that take a lot of time?”
“It took me a hundred years to form the basis of my magic theory.”
“So, by the time it’s done, I will be an old man again?”
“…I’ll be an old woman now that I’m a human.”
If even Elria, the founder of magic, took more than a hundred years to achieve it, it is safe to say that almost no one else can.
“Thank you. The mystery of 18 years was solved in an instant.”
“…Reid, did you want to use magic?”
“How should I say this… I just wanted to know how it feels like to use magic, but if I can’t use it, then so be it.”
Reid wasn’t trying to force himself to be able to use magic. It was just a simple question of why he could not use it, and just being able to solve that would be a sufficient accomplishment.
Hearing that, Elria nodded her head repeatedly.
“Reid will be fine. Because you can’t defeat me with magic.”
“Oh? You’re that confident, aren’t you?”
“Yeah. When it comes to magic, I am second to none.”
Elria proudly puffs her chest out. From the looks of it, Reid was right to talk about magic. If the conversation continues at this rate, Elria will gradually get used to it.
Just as he was thinking about it, Reid felt a slight tug on his clothes.
“What is it? What’s the matter?”
“Um, err…”
Elria’s gaze wanders, perhaps at a loss for words again.
Then, as if determined, she opened her mouth with trembling lips.
“Thank you for accepting my… engagement proposal.”
“That’s my line. Thank you for worrying about me.”
“But still… it was so sudden that I thought you might find it annoying…”
“I’m more confused than annoyed. You just skipped over the whole thing and asked me to marry you.”
“B-Because… I thought that I could fight Reid again… in that way!”
“Well… that’s certainly the only way to do it.”
Elria seems to have said it on the spur of the moment, but becoming the fiancé of the Caldwen family is the only way to change Reid’s current situation.
Because Reid cannot use magic, so naturally, he cannot take the entrance examination for the magic academy.
Meanwhile, his older brother and younger sister have achieved above-standard readings in the magic aptitude test and are currently attending the magic academy, but nobody would pay attention to a person from the countryside who is only slightly above average.
On top of that, it is now forbidden for anyone other than a mage to engage in combat.
Although magic is now widely used as a convenient technology that anyone can handle, it is also a dangerous technology that can harm others if handled incorrectly.
For this reason, except in emergencies or in times of crisis, anyone found to have engaged in combat who is not a qualified mage will be severely punished.
It may be possible to give priority to ‘settling the score’ without regard to everything, but it is impossible to seriously clash without being found out by others, and if a person in a position of power like Elria committed a crime, it would affect the future of the country.
In other words, it is best for Reid to become a mage in order to settle fairly with Elria without anyone interfering, and Reid, who cannot use magic, would need the backing of the Caldwen family by becoming Elria’s fiancé.
However… There are other reasons why Reid agreed to the engagement.
“At any rate, this makes it more convenient for me to look into this matter.”
“…This matter?”
“Both of us were reincarnated a thousand years later. It can’t be a coincidence, right?”
The two who were once called the ‘Hero’ and the ‘Sage’ are reincarnated in the same era.
Moreover, it is difficult to think of it as a coincidence when both are said to have memories of their previous life.
In that case ―― then there is a third party involved.
“If someone is involved in our reincarnation, we need to find out and make them spew out their purpose. Even if it were a coincidence, it wouldn’t hurt to look it up, and if I’m the only one with a different social status, then I’ll have to ask you to look into it. That would be too much of a burden for you.”
If the information is unknown even to Elria, it is likely to be kept secret not only from the public but also from the mages themselves.
In order to investigate such information in depth, status and position are essential, and Reid himself should have a certain level of standing.
In that sense, the proposal by Elria is undoubtedly the best choice.
There is no doubt about it, but ――
“Are you really sure about this?”
“………Eh?”
“I’m talking about making me your fiancé. In our previous lives, we were enemies. Did you not think that I might kill you off?”
“No, I haven’t thought about it.”
“You should be a little more alarmed.”
“Because I know Reid wouldn’t do that.”
Elria puffs out her cheeks as if she is a little angry.
“Such a person would not bother to fight dutifully for more than fifty years.”
“…Well, you’re right. I also trusted you for similar reasons.”
“…You trust me?”
“Of course. I’d never have talked to you if I didn’t.”
After hearing Reid’s honest reply ――
“―― Thank you for trusting me.”
Elria smiled as she said that.
It was a beautiful smile.
An expression of heartfelt relief.
A smile that she had never shown in battle.
Seeing this new side of her, Reid could not help but return the smile.
“Y-Yeah. Thank you for trusting me, too.”
“Mm. Thank you.”
“This is going to enter a new pattern of endless loops…”
“W-Well then… I have some questions for you, too…”
Elria nodded her head and made the suggestion.
“I’d like to know what’s your favorite food, what you did when you weren’t on the battlefield, and what you’ve been doing since your reincarnation.”
“Ahh, well, it’s weird that we don’t know a thing about each other even though we’re engaged. So tell me about yourself, too.”
“Y-Yes… What do you want to know?”
“Well, what’s your hobby?”
“Reading books.”
“What’s your favorite ――”
“Lukewarm milk tea.”
“…How do you usually spend your time?”
“Taking naps in the sun.”
“Those were the information you have told me previously…”
The information Reid asked for to verify her identity was connected in an unexpected way.
Now he has to think of a better question.
“If there’s nothing else, it’s my turn now.”
“Y-Yeah. What do you want to know?”
“Well, then… I’d like to know about Reid’s hobby.”
“I spent most of my life on the battlefield before, and I still don’t have any hobbies now.”
“What’s your favorite food?”
“Anything edible.”
“How do you usually spend your time?”
“I just go about my day.”
“None of that information was of any substance…”
Elria’s shoulders slumped sadly as nothing had come of it. But she lightly squeezes her fist to inspire herself.
“T-Then next question! I have other questions!”
“Sure. There is still time before we reach the royal capital, so ask whatever you want.”
While watching Elria frantically think of questions, Reid waited for the next question.
As they ask each other more questions, they gradually get to know each other better.
It was unthinkable before, but now that they are not enemies, they can slowly get to know each other.
Enjoying this, Reid began to think of his next question for Elria.
Chapter 8 Part 1
Chapter 8 – The Practical Examination
After the three-hour written examination, the practical examination comes next.
“Ugh. As expected of Arthuria Magic Academy. The written examination was extremely difficult.”
“Hmm? Was it?”
Ted is sitting next to me with a deathly look on his face.
It seems that he did not do well on the written examination.
Well, I do not have to take Ted’s words seriously, especially since he does not have a good head on his shoulders.
Probably, the examinees gathered in this hall must have gotten a perfect score in all subjects, as a matter of course.
“Now, those of you with examination numbers of 1 to 40, please follow me.”
My examinee’s number is 27. Ted’s is 28.
The next examination is supposed to measure our practical magic skills, but I wonder what it would be.
“Master! Let’s go!”
Ted hurries me to the examination hall.
Our next stop was the huge school ground at the back of the academy.
Hmm. Presumably the area was built primarily to test out magic. I could see several ‘Targets’ already set up.
“Listen, examinees. This examination will be conducted using the magic tools provided here. Each of you will pick up the magic tool that matches the color of your eyes.”
Underneath the tent were various magic tools, each imitating the shape of a different weapon, such as a sword, a gun, and a pair of gloves.
Each of us takes the prepared magic tools in numerical order as instructed by the examiner.
That said, there were no magic tools available for amber-eyed magicians, as a matter of course. So, I had no choice but to pick up a red magic tool. It has the shape of a one-handed sword, which seems the best for now.
Although amber-eyed magicians are capable of mastering magic of all attributes depending on their training, there are also some incompatibilities for each individual.
In my case, I am not good at recovery magic, as that is a special attribute to the gray eyes, but on the contrary, I am good at fire, water, and wind attribute magic.
Well, even though I am not good at it, I can use gray eyes’ magic to the extent that I have completed the <<Reincarnation Magic>>, which was unprecedented even in my previous world.
“Hey, look at that inferior eyes over there.”
“Hahahaha. He just picks a random one because there’s no suitable magic tool for him!”
The curious stares from the other examinees are all on me.
Good grief. I did not pick one at random, though.
It seems that amber-eyed magicians are looked at with prejudiced eyes even in this examination hall.
“Now, I will go through the explanation. This examination is to test the power of your magic.”
I see. So, this is an examination of one’s power of magic.
Well, it is a safe test to measure the examinees’ ability.
Since the magic tools are given in advance for this examination, it is impossible to distinguish oneself from others in magic syntax.
In other words, they will be required to have a certain amount of magic power they were born with and the skill to efficiently cast magic with them.
“The ‘Targets’ made for the examination are sturdy and will never break, so please don’t hesitate to cast your best magic.”
Since it is unbreakable, some tampering must have been done on the ‘Targets’.
Interesting. This examination will be the perfect touchstone for measuring the magicians’ abilities.
“Well then, those who are ready will go first.”
“Me, me! I will go first!”
Ted was the first to raise his hand in response to the examiner’s words. He looks determined. Perhaps Ted is trying to make up for his failure in the written examination with this challenge.
“All right. Then, let’s start with examinee number 28.”
“Yes! I’m the first!”
Will he be all right?
Even though I took care of him for a while, his level as a magician is still pretty immature.
According to Lilith, Arthurian Magic Academy is a school that attracts the best of the elites from all over the country.
If this continues, would he not be humiliated in front of so many examinees?
Standing in his designated position, Ted holds up a gauntlet-shaped magic tool.
“Now, let’s begin.”
“Fireball!”
Ted thrusts his fist wide and releases a fireball.
Wow~. T-This is terrible.
Ted’s fireball was so terrible that anyone could tell it was low quality.
Well, this is kind of expected.
Ted, who is low-level to begin with, is using a magic tool he is unfamiliar with to cast his magic. So perhaps it is inevitable that the magic that he casts is of low quality.
*Clash!*
Ted’s magic disappeared as it was absorbed by the target.
I see. That target seems to be made of dark matter, an ore that absorbs magic.
Well, since the target is made of dark matter, it will not break easily, even when it is hit by somewhat more powerful magic.
In the previous world that I knew, dark matter was difficult to supply stably, but in the present day, they have probably overcome that drawback.
“““Eh…!?”””
There was a commotion for a moment.
See? That is what I am talking about. Ted’s magic was so terrible that everyone must have been dumbfounded.
“That’s amazing!! Why would someone talented like him take the general entrance examination?”
Hm? What did the examiner… just say? Did I misheard him? Which part of that magic looks amazing?
“I can’t believe it. The Langobalt family is a frontier noble living in the countryside, right?”
“Wow… This is bad… I have lost my confidence after seeing such amazing magic…”
The reactions of the other examinees do not seem to be joking either.
I-I can’t believe it. Is the current magic in this world really at a level where that kind of magic can be praised as ‘amazing’?
“What a monster. It seems we witnessed the birth of a genius magician once in a hundred years.”
“………”
said the veteran examiner, who appeared to be in charge, as he exhaled the cigarette smoke.
Ted is a genius!? Moreover, the genius in one hundred years?
It was then that I realized, albeit belatedly, that I was in a ridiculously low-level space.
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 – The Written Examination
And so, the day of the examination has arrived. After crossing several mountains, it took half a day by horse-drawn carriage to reach the Royal Capital, Midgard.
Currently, the Royal Capital is divided into five major districts.
The eastern district is a market and industrial area facing the harbor. The southern and northern districts, where the districts still retain the countryside but are inhabited by merchants and ordinary people. The central district is where the nobles live. And finally, the western district, where various academies and research institutions are located.
It is a magnificent view.
The academy stands majestically, towering like a castle. From what I hear, the Arthuria Magic Academy is one of the oldest buildings in Midgard.
I see. As expected of the most prestigious academy in the country. It is old, and the academy’s buildings have an atmosphere where one can feel the weight of their history and tradition.
I remembered Lilith’s words as I passed through the gates decorated with a silver dragon.
‘Abel-sama. The Arthuria Magic Academy is an elite academy where the country’s best and most promising students gather. Please don’t let your guard down.’
These were the words Lilith whispered to me as we left the house.
I doubt I would fail the examination. But still, I have to be careful.
“Hey-Hey. He doesn’t have a family crest. Is he, by any chance, the rumored inferior eyes?”
As I walked up to the school gate, I felt the gaze of those around me.
“This is the worst. The Arthuria Magic Academy has lost its reputation.”
“Haa… The commoners should sit back and plow their fields.”
Mmm.
At first glance, they all seem weak, or rather, the epitome of modern magicians. Seeing that they are wearing uniforms, they must be the students here.
Many good magicians are skilled at concealing their power. So, let’s keep my guard up, just in case.
“Why is there an inferior eyes taking the entrance examination?”
“I heard that he received a recommendation from the family that donated a lot of money to the academy.”
“Oh? Then, it’s a back door. He will probably fail the examination.”
“No, no. Maybe they are bribing the examiner.”
Hmm. Magicians with the <<Amber Eyes>> are always viewed with a biased perspective. It is troubling that even the elites, who are supposed to be the most knowledgeable in this country, are joining the prejudices.
“Just let them say whatever they want! These people only judge people by the color of their eyes!!”
Good grief. I never thought the day would come when Ted cheered me up. I have fallen from grace as well. Did he perhaps forget that he was thinking the same not too long ago?
“You people should be ashamed of yourself!!”
Just as I was lost in thoughts, I heard a strong-willed voice coming from behind me.
She had long, bright red hair that looked as if it had been cut out of a madder red sky. And her eyes were the <<Burning Eyes>> that shone like garnets. The clothes she wore bore the emblem of a dragon and a sword. It must be her family crest.
Oh? I think I have seen it somewhere before, but I cannot remember.
“To call yourself a noble for talking behind a commoner’s back!”
Is this girl also a student here? Even so, her body seems strangely well-developed.
“…Who are you?”
“My name is Eliza! Five years from now, I will graduate at the top from the Arthuria Magic Academy and become a great magician who will go down in history!”
The girl who calls herself Eliza makes a lofty declaration proudly.
“What is it with this rude girl?”
“Hey, examinee. Come here. We’re going to teach you the proper way of talking.”
The upperclassmen are clearly irritated by Eliza.
I thought about helping her for a moment, but quickly reconsidered as it was unnecessary. The differences in their abilities were obvious, so I didn’t need to step in and help.
“Now then… I wonder which one of us is the one who doesn’t know the proper way of talking.”
Smiling wryly, Eliza draws the sword from her waist.
Mm, great swordsmanship. It seems that she is more than just talk. It has been a long time since I have been impressed by anyone after my reincarnation.
“…Eek!?”
The student, with a blade thrust at his throat suddenly, sits powerless on the ground.
“Now, get out of my sight.”
“““I-I’m sorry!!”””
The students who were stared at by Eliza’s <<Burning Eyes>>, all scattered.
Good grief. The examinations have not started yet, and we have already caught up in a terrible mishap.
“Hey, you there.”
I did not ask for it, but I am sure Eliza was covering for me. In that case, it would be polite to give my thanks.
Just as I was about to reach out to Eliza from behind.
*Slap*
Suddenly, I was slapped on the hand.
“You lowly commoner… You have the nerve to touch my body…!!”
“Hmm?”
What in the world is this girl talking about?
The red-haired girl glared at me, and from her eyes, I could catch a glimpse of the same or even greater sense of discrimination than the students from just now.
“Weren’t you trying to help me just now?”
“What are you talking about? I just don’t like people who sneak around and talk about anyone behind their back! I don’t remember giving permission to allow a commoner to speak to me.”
“………”
Give me a break. Is everyone in this academy the same?
“Listen, commoner! If you want to be in my sight, be stronger than anyone else. I’m not interested in anyone but the strong.”
The girl who calls herself Eliza said that and walked away from me.
Good grief. I did not think there were girls with such a strong will in this era.
“Master! W-What is wrong with that girl just now!?”
“Beats me. I would like to know as well…”
That said, I feel like I have met her somewhere before.
I felt a sense of déjà vu about the girl with the scarlet hair, but I went through the school gate as I was going to be late.
～～～～～～～～～～～～
The Arthuria Magic Academy has two examinations. A written examination and a practical examination.
A perfect score would be 200 points, with a maximum score of 100 points each.
*Scribble*
*Scribble, Scribble.*
The quiet examination hall was filled with the subtle sound of pens running.
The written examination consisted of three subjects. ‘General Education’, ‘Magic Language’, and ‘Magic Engineering’.
The first one was General Education. It was so easy that it would have been strange to be unable to solve it.
The contents of the examination covers a wide range of topics, ranging from simple mathematics using figures to questions that test reading comprehension.
However, this kind of examination was also given two hundred years ago.
The contents have not changed much. In other words, there is no way I could make a mistake in this examination.
The next one was Magic Language. It was so easy that it seemed to be making fun of me.
Due to the level of magic at this era being low, and since the level is further lowered for students, the questions were enough to make me yawn.
Of course, it cannot be anything other than a perfect score. If anything, I have found four mistakes by the question setter.
And lastly, Magic Engineering. It was slightly more challenging than the previous two, as if the mean-spiritedness of the question setter was apparent.
However, even though it was a bit of a hurdle, it was nothing but child’s play for me.
Good grief. At this rate, I am going to pass the examination with a perfect score in all subjects.
The last question ――
Question 12: This question is based on the Final Theorem of Depolnix. Prove below that the human soul cannot be created by magic.
Hmm? At the very end, a unique question has popped up. The difficulty of the problem has also risen to an incomparable level.
Perhaps it was set up for the purpose of preventing examinees from getting a perfect score.
I cannot help but smile a little.
―― Because it was none other than me who created this problem in the first place.
That was two hundred years ago, when I was less than ten years old.
At that time, the world was at the height of the ‘Human body transmutation boom’, and various magicians were searching for ways to create human souls.
It was discovered that some of the most famous magicians had taken the lives of numerous people in what they called ‘Experiments’, and it had become a societal issue. It was truly ridiculous. Creating the soul of a living creature through magic is impossible.
So, I decided to put an end to the nonsensical ‘boom’ by anonymously publishing this <<Final Theorem of Depolnix>>.
Well, it was not nonsensical for me, because I was able to complete <<Reincarnation Magic>> as the result of my research at that time.
Now, back to the main topic.
Even though the difficulty has risen, this is nothing more than a ‘Service Problem’ for me.
After all, the first time I solved this problem was when I was less than ten years old.
I was the only one who knew that the name <<Depolnix>> came from the name of a dog owned by an elderly couple who lived in the neighborhood.
And that was it.
Now that I think about it, the <<Final Theorem of Depolnix>>, which I published at that time, was incomplete and pure nonsense.
Good grief. Even if it was from my childhood, I am truly ashamed of my past self for publishing such an incomplete thing.
And so, I finished the written examination by writing an answer that made up for the shortcomings of the existing Depolnix.
Chapter 1 Part 2
◇
After Reid entered the reception room in a daze, Elria ordered her attendants to wait outside, and they were again left alone. She then sat down on the couch before giving a slight nod.
“Long time no see, Reid.”
Elria turns and has her blue eyes on him as she repeats the same words.
Seeing the couch sinking, it does not look like it was a dream or an illusion.
As he watched the figure for a while, Elria tilted her head with an uneasy expression.
“…Reid?”
“Ah, my ba ―― my apologies.”
“…Why are you using honorifics?”
“I have to watch my tone when speaking to one from the noble house of Caldwen.”
In response, Elria’s anxiety deepened as she lowered her eyebrows.
“Perhaps… you don’t remember?”
“I’m sorry, have we met before?”
“………”
Elria quietly lowers her shoulders with a look of disappointment on her face.
It was a sad and unbearable feeling to witness.
Seeing this, Reid scratches his head and sighs.
“…Are you looking for a guy who was a ‘Hero’?”
“!”
The moment he uttered those words, Elria looked up quickly.
However, she immediately lowered her head.
“But… the Reid I know doesn’t talk like that…”
“The conversation is just going in circles.”
“You sounded so much like him now.”
“That’s because I am the guy you have just mentioned… and as the ‘Hero’ of Altein, I change my tone in response to the occasion and who I am speaking to.”
Hearing that, Elria’s eyes began to sparkle again.
“……So it’s you!”
“Yeah. Just to be sure, are you really the person I know?”
“Elria Caldwen. I hail from Vegalta, about 200 years old, enjoy reading, like to drink lukewarm milk tea, and often take a nap in the sun when tired.”
“I don’t have any information other than your name and where you’re from to identify you…”
“……I’m sorry.”
Once again, Elria lowers her head apologetically.
But the truth is, not much was known about Elria in her previous life.
After all, they always met on the battlefield.
Although they had many exchanges, they did not know much about each other.
That’s why ――
“How many battles have we had?”
“Six thousand three hundred and twenty-nine.”
“Well, I don’t remember.”
“Yeah, I know. I always remind you.”
The tension finally disappeared from Elria’s face.
“I’m glad… that you were Reid.”
Her eyes were wet with tears, and she repeatedly nodded as she put her hands to her chest.
After looking at Elria, Reid exhaled deeply and sat on the couch.
“I never thought I would see you again like this.”
He meets his rival again, whom he thought was dead, a thousand years later.
Who would have envisioned such a situation?
“That said, how did you find me?”
“I was reincarnated, so I thought Reid might be here, too.”
“It’s amazing how you can find me without any solid evidence…”
“I am confident in my intuition.”
Elria proudly says, raising the corners of her mouth just a little.
But there was one word that bothered him.
“What is this ‘Reincarnation’ you were just talking about?”
“To put it simply, it is inheriting all the memories and abilities from the previous life in the next life. To be precise, it is called ‘Reincarnation Magic’.”
“Oh? Does that mean you used that magic?”
“No, I did not.”
Elria shakes her head and then continues her explanation.
“In the first place, ‘Reincarnation Magic’ is a name that I gave to it on a provisional basis. In other words, it exists in theory, but I don’t know how to make it happen.”
“Ahh, I understand what you are trying to say.”
In other words, Elria knows what will happen if one were to use reincarnation magic but not the procedure or method for using it.
Although it was a little vague, that must be what Elria was trying to convey.
“To think that even the ‘Sage’ who created the magic doesn’t know how to use it.”
“…There are things that even I, the ‘Sage’, don’t understand.”
Elria puffed out her cheeks as if she was sulking.
Anyway, it was not Elria’s doing that the reincarnation happened.
Neither was it Reid’s doing, of course.
The two people who were called the ‘Hero’ and the ‘Sage’, were reincarnated in the same world a thousand years later.
It’s a bit of a stretch to call it a coincidence ――
“…Well, it’s no use to think about something we don’t know, don’t you think?”
“Yes, you’re right.”
Elria summed up her conclusion in philosophical terms.
“There are too many things I don’t understand. I was also doing some research, but if it were the true reincarnation magic, I would look the same as in my previous life, but my appearance wasn’t all the same.”
“Is that so?”
“…Didn’t you notice?”
At that moment, Elria began to stare at him.
It was at this moment that Reid’s intuition told him that if he could not answer her, he would be in trouble.
And so, he took another look at Elria’s appearance.
Her beautiful neat silvery white hair has not changed. And her deep blue eyes remain the same. She looks the same as before, about fifteen or sixteen years old.
Reid could not say anything about her physical appearance… because he had never looked at her this close before, but he remembered that her height was about average. He could tell she was a woman at a glance from the bulge in her chest and the slenderness of her arms and legs.
In other words, nothing has changed.
Perhaps noticing Reid’s obliviousness, Elria began to fiddle with her hair.
And then ―― finally, he noticed the change.
Her distinctive long ears, which she had in her previous life, had become the familiar round ears.
“Could it be that… you have been reincarnated as a human instead of an elf?”
“Yes. That’s why Reid and I have matching ears.”
“That’s not just me, but the whole human race.”
He smiles wryly at Elria, who moves her hair to show her ears.
In other words, from now on, Elria will age and grow old, just like Reid.
“Come to think of it… I heard from the village chief that you’re a collateral descendant of the royal family, so are you someone important even in this world?”
“Yes, someone very important.”
“That’s so awesome…”
“Nn… One of the children I taught magic to was a member of the royal family, and she inherited my family name, so now it became a lineage of the ‘Sage’.”
“Oh? That’s really amazing.”
After all, today is a world where magic reigns supreme.
There are various legends and stories about the ‘Sage’, the progenitor of magic. So those who have inherited the name would have significant influence.
They are the result of Elria’s efforts to pass on the art of magic to future generations, so it is gratifying to see that the person in question is still in a strong position today.
“……What about Reid?”
“Ah, me?”
“How do you live now?”
“I’m plowing the fields, chopping the wood, and hauling the peddler’s loads.”
“…Eh? Why?”
“Because… I can’t use magic.”
For what it’s worth, Reid himself made an effort to use magic.
He learned the basics of modern magic from scratch and tried many things while being taught by his brother and sister, who were gifted with magic, but still, he could not activate the magic.
Even rudimentary magic that a child could invoke could not be activated.
“What were the results of your magic aptitude?”
“The one you would take when you turn twelve? If so, the moment I touched it, the device broke, and the people at the association got very angry with me.”
In this world, when a person turns twelve years old, they would be subjected to a magic aptitude test.
Suppose the amount of magic power calculated by the device exceeds a certain value. In that case, they are qualified to take the examination to become a mage, and if their magic power is of a high level, they can attend the magic academy.
Graduation from the academy paves the way to becoming an honorable ‘Mage’. However, in Reid’s case, that was not the problem. He could not activate even the simplest of magic, and anything with a built-in magic circuit would just break down.
And as expected, he broke the device during the magic aptitude test, resulting in a lengthy lecture from the officials, who informed him that he had no magic aptitude at all.
Thus, Reid was officially declared ‘Incompetent’.
However, he was not bothered by it.
Rather than causing trouble for others by sticking to magic, he would rather live a life of plowing the fields or helping the villagers.
With that in mind, he led a leisurely life in the countryside ――
“………”
Hearing that, Elria raised her eyebrows in frustration.
With a pout, she then says,
“But… Reid is a ‘Hero’, right?”
“That’s in the past…”
“Besides, Reid is as strong as I am.”
“That I won’t deny. But nowadays, magic is supreme, while melee weapons are treated as antiques or wall decorations, and you must become a mage to fight in the first place.”
The expression on Elria’s face gradually became sullen with every word spoken.
But that’s just how it is today.
People who cannot use magic are incompetent, and even if they have the strength to fight, they are not allowed to do so.
Not only their position but the world itself has changed so drastically that there is no way a single person can change anything.
However, Elria looked up after giving a slight nod.
“Hey, Reid ――”
And after Elria quietly called out Reid’s name ――
“―― I want you to marry me.”
She uttered those words.
“……Huh?”
“For now, Reid will be my fiancé.”
“Wait, don’t just make it a definite thing.”
Suddenly, Elria started speaking of something ridiculous, but her expression was quite serious.
“If you are closely related to the Caldwen family, you can take the magic academy’s entrance examination, regardless of your magic aptitude. Reid can become a mage by showing your abilities there. Then you will be able to fight like in the old days. It’s a perfect plan!”
“…But isn’t that kind of cheating?”
“No, it’s not cheating.”
Elria interrupted him.
Apparently, she didn’t say it as a joke.
“Because… Reid is strong. Strong enough to fight me for more than fifty years. Not only that, but Reid was also called a ‘Hero’.”
Looking down, Elria talks about the Reid she once knew.
“Besides… I can’t accept the fact that nobody recognizes Reid just because you can’t use magic.”
Those were the words of his rival, whom he had fought for over fifty years.
The ‘Hero’ and the ‘Sage’ knew each other’s abilities better than anyone else.
And they recognized each other’s abilities.
That is probably why Elria made such a reckless proposal.
However, the current Reid is just an incompetent young man who cannot use magic living in the countryside.
In contrast, the current Elria is second only to the royal family in status and power.
Depending on the situation, Elria’s name may be tarnished. So he could not accept such a reckless proposal.
“I’m glad to hear that, but as for the proposal ――”
As Reid was about to reject the proposal ――
“―― Let’s settle who is stronger.”
Elria interrupted him and uttered the words they had exchanged once before.
It was a promise that could not be fulfilled in their previous life, and the only regret Reid himself had in his dying moments.
That’s why he frowned slightly.
“…It’s cheating to say that now, don’t you think?”
“It’s not cheating. Because I’m sure Reid feels the same way, too.”
With clear and pure eyes, Elria sees through Reid’s mind.
The answer has already been decided.
After more than fifty years of fighting, their positions have changed.
A position in which he was called a ‘Hero’, and she was called a ‘Sage’, and either one of them losing could lead to the downfall of their respective country.
That is why… it has been nothing but draws.
The two have tried not to take each other seriously, even though they always fight earnestly in their battles.
But if wishes could be granted ――
“―― I won’t run or hide. I’ll always accept your challenge.”
As they had once made a promise to each other, Reid returned the same words to Elria.
Epilogue
The next day, it was also brought to light that the Empire was cheating, which became a big deal.
The Empire did not admit to it, but still, there were many witnesses, such as Erika-sensei and Desmond, so it would be quite difficult for them to get away with this.
“At any rate, they were trying to kill us…”
Incidentally, the outcome of the exhibition game has become undecided since then.
Oh well. The Royal Capital will now denounce the Empire thoroughly. It will be a nice touch if the Empire is put in a difficult spot as a result of it.
On the other hand, I…
“Now… then. That’s about it, huh. I don’t have much stuff to begin with.”
After cleaning up, I put my hands on my hips and looked around the room again.
To be honest, there is nothing more I can learn from this magic academy, and it also doesn’t seem like there is anyone here who is stronger than me.
More importantly, I would like to investigate more on the decline of magic in this world and the ‘Truth’ that Arnold talked about.
“Even so… I never knew I would be called the ‘Demon King’.”
Arnold had said that, a thousand years ago, there was a demon king in this world. The magic and theories of the demon king were so terrifying that the Empire worked hard to seal them away.
“It’s all a lie”
At the very least, I wasn’t called the ‘Demon King’ in my previous life.
And while everyone was enjoying the convenience brought by the magic, they did not seem to be afraid of it.
Why would the Empire be spouting such lies?
Why was the Empire that was destroyed by demons restored again?
It seems to me that therein lies the truth behind the decline of magic in the last thousand years.
“Well… I wonder what I should do first.”
I muttered to myself and was about to leave the room.
*Knock Knock*
Hm?
The sound of knocking came from the door.
“The door is not locked.”
I called out to the other side of the door.
“Kurt! Please don’t quit school!”
“I won’t let you!”
Lara and Marise came rushing in from the hallway.
They came so close that they made physical contact with me.
“W-What’s the matter? What’s up with that face?”
I could feel their soft touch on me and could not help but slur my words.
“Because! Because… I had a feeling that Kurt was going to quit school…”
“At first, it was just Lara’s intuition… but after the exhibition game was over, Kurt was always thinking about something the whole time. That’s why we got the feeling that you are really going to quit school and became worried…”
They drew their faces close to mine.
…So, they are saying that they had a hunch that I was going to quit school?
And here I am, trying to prevent them from knowing anything about it.
What a mess. I think I have said it before, but Lara’s intuition is really something not to be reckoned with.
However,
“Even If I were to quit, what does that have to do with Lara and Marise? Even if I’m gone, I’m sure the two of you will still be able to perform well in school.”
A sense of mischief arose, and I asked them the question.
Lara’s face then scrunched up as she looked at me.
“Ueeeeeeeeeeeee! Kurt is…! Kurt is a meanie!”
Ultimately, she started crying.
…Hey-hey. What is this situation?
“Kurt! What you just said is too heartless! Please take it back now!”
Marise got angry at me.
Haa… This is getting out of hand.
And so, I let out a sigh.
“I’m sorry. But you two are wrong about me quitting the magic academy.”
““Eh?””
The two of them spoke at the same time.
“Is that true…?”
“Yeah, it’s true.”
“But you cleaned your room? As if you were trying to pack up and leave…”
“I was just cleaning up my room because I had some free time. Having said that, I didn’t have much baggage, so it was done quickly.”
I shrugged my shoulders.
That said, I even considered dropping out at one point since I could not learn any more about magic here. But I have made some good friends here, and they are Lara and Marise.
It would have been unthinkable for me a thousand years ago, but I am beginning to think that having friends is a good thing.
And so, I don’t think I can abandon this kind of life now.
Besides ── I could continue to be a student while also investigating the truth of the decline.
It would be easy for me to balance school life and off-campus activities.
“There’s still so much left to teach you two.”
“T-That’s right! I’m not going to allow you to slip out in the middle of it!”
“What was the magic that you used on the <<Four Great Sages>>? And what is that <<Demon King’s Magic>>?”
Lara, who had been crying until a while ago, was already smiling.
Marise seemed to be her usual self, but she sounded slightly excited.
I cannot get serious in this declining world. But surprisingly, this world which is a thousand years in the future, is not boring either.
As I was patting their heads, my heart was pounding with excitement at what was about to come.
Chapter 8 Part 7
◆ ◆
“Well done.”
Lara and Marise had grown up compared to when they first joined the party.
I never thought the two could communicate with their hearts and magic power to create such powerful magic together.
Seeing them grow up, I was filled with emotions.
“What’s wrong? Are you worried about your friends?”
“Nah, I was thinking that the fight with you will be a little boring. So I decided to take a quick look around.”
“Hahaha! What nonsense!”
Arnold laughed and readied his right hand.
“Don’t get carried away just because you were able to stop the magic earlier. I will show you true magic.”
As Arnold said this, his body began to be enveloped in light.
Eventually, the light was shaped into armor.
“Oh…? Gigant Deformation, huh…?”
It is of low quality, but it is a spell I thought I would never see in this era.
“Good. To have finally met a mage with some talent. Let’s have some fun then.”
I will have to get the truth out of him.
“W-W-Whoa! What’s that!? Kurt’s in trouble!?”
“What are you talking about, Lara? Kurt will be fine.”
Lara and Marise, who had finished their fight, also came to watch my fight
“Stay close to me.”
They nodded at my instruction.
Arnold used the spell to create thick armor with his magic power. It is a spell that prevents all kinds of attacks and also greatly increases one’s physical abilities.
“Hahaha! With this, I could even fight against dragons!”
With his face hidden by the armor, Arnold smiles pleasantly.
“Dragons?”
What is he talking about?
“You can’t even defeat a dragon like that.”
In such a case, Arnold would have been blown away and killed with a single swipe of a dragon’s tail.
“What’s going on!? We heard what sounded like an ongoing battle, and… T-This is…!”
“Kurt? And… are those the representatives of the imperial capital lying over there? What’s going on here!?”
Meanwhile, Erika-sensei and Desmond also appeared.
They probably rushed over here after hearing the sound of us fighting and sensed an emergency.
“Sensei… We’ll talk later. Please step back a little.”
The opponent is a bit too strong, even for Desmond.
“Kukuku… Are you the teachers of the Royal Capital? In that case, for the sake of the Empire’s victory, let’s take care of all of you together!”
Arnold slowly moved his arms. He grabbed a nearby tree and pulled it straight out of the ground.
“Hmph!”
A large tree was then thrown at us.
I immediately used body strengthening magic to catch the tree that was thrown at us with one hand.
“This transformation is really good. Maybe I can even throw a dragon with this.”
After the throwing of the steel balls, now it is the throwing of a big tree…
“Desmond-sensei.”
“Hm?”
“I am going to try what you taught in the class.”
As it is, I threw the tree at Arnold.
“Tsk…!”
Arnold clicked his tongue and dodged in the nick of time. The large tree was impaled into the ground nearby.
“You are good. But thou shalt not defeat me! Even if you were to hit me just now, you would not be able to break my armor!”
I was not even thinking of destroying his armor just now.
He threw it at me, so I just threw it back.
“Hey, you!”
I drew my sword from its sheath and intercepted Arnold.
“You’ve been using chantless magic for a while now, haven’t you? What do you know about it?”
Considering this era’s average level, his power is clearly the only one out of the norm.
“I’ll teach thee a lesson for your journey to the underworld, that all the magic we know today is rubbish.”
“Rubbish?”
As he spoke, Arnold threw his right fist at me.
I parried it with my sword and continued listening to Arnold’s story.
“I don’t know the entire truth, but it is said that various dreadful magic were used about a thousand years ago.”
One thousand years ago… That was exactly the time I lived in.
“It is said that it was due to one man who was called a heretic and later called the ‘Demon King’. Our ancestors had sealed the abominable magic created by the Demon King. And we called it the <<Demon King’s Magic>>.”
“Heretic… <<Demon King’s Magic>>…”
People called me a heretic for bringing about the magic revolution, but I do not remember being called the Demon King.
After my reincarnation, the name gradually became more and more exaggerated, and I finally became the Demon King.
“All of the magic created by the Demon King is powerful enough to destroy the world. And so, the Empire secretly evoked the sealed magic and continued researching it. The magic and theories were then taught to us, the <<Four Great Sages>>, who were originally just normal mages, to experiment on it. And this is the result.”
Arnold slowly turns his palm toward me.
Suddenly, an explosion occurred.
It was the Ifrit Flare which is considered lost magic in this world.
““Kurt!””
I heard Lara and Marise’s voices.
Are they worried about me?
But to me, such a thing…
“Can’t hurt me, you know?”
Before the explosion of the Ifrit Flare occurred, I modified my body to be able to withstand high temperatures. Even magma would not affect me now.
Because of that, I did not get a single burn, even though I was at the epicenter of the explosion just now.
“In that case, does that mean the magic civilization has declined because the magic of the Demon King has been sealed?”
“That’s right. According to our Empire’s research, it seems that the Demon King has suddenly disappeared from this world.”
If that Demon King is ‘me’, then it is because I have been reincarnated ── a thousand years later in this world.
“I see.”
I understand the reasons for the decline of this world.
However… There are still mysteries to be solved.
Why did they seal the magic and theories that I created?
Was it because it’s dangerous?
No-no, it was supposed to bring convenience to everyone.
In fact, everyone enjoyed the convenience of the magic civilization in the world a thousand years ago.
In that case, the Empire probably contributed to the decline of this world as well.
“Is that all the truth you know of?”
“As I thought, it seems that thou knew as well based on thy reaction.”
Arnold’s face was covered with armor, but the corners of his mouth must have turned up like a half-moon.
It seems like I would not get anything more out of this guy.
“Take this! Ifrit Flare!”
Arnold tried to cast Ifrit Flare again.
However,
“What’s going on!? Why isn’t my magic working!?”
Arnold is startled, and his voice grows louder.
I have seen through all of his magic.
“It’s the dispel magic. It can negate the opponent’s magic. Don’t you know?”
“I-Impossible! A magic that negates other magic? That couldn’t have been done without a considerable skill gap…! What else do thou know…!”
It was a good way to pass the time.
I have learned some of the reasons for the decline of this world, and I finally get to see some better magic being used.
And so, it’s time to end this.
“Let me show you what true magic is.”
I raised my hand to the sky and deployed a magic formula… I also adjusted its power so that it would not break Lara and Marise’s barrier.
“W-What the hell is going on!”
Arnold looks horrified.
“This is what you call the true <<Demon King’s Magic>> that was sealed a thousand years ago.”
── Gate of Judgment.
It is the name of the magic that opens the gate of judgment and destroys the opponent with holy light.
“Ahh… so that holy thing is the power of a Demon King, huh…?”
Arnold’s armor gradually melted, and soon his figure was obscured by the light.
The divine light gradually engulfed everything and made a pure white world.
I learned a lot from this fight.
The reasons, though not all, for the decline of this world.
And… It seems that there is still no one stronger than me.
“You are a thousand years too early to challenge me.”
By the time the gate of judgment was closed, nothing was left of Arnold, not even his body.
Chapter 1 Part 1
That is what he remembers as the ‘Hero’, Reid Frieden.
And so ――
“―― Reid! Hey, Reiddd!?”
Hearing his mother’s voice coming from downstairs, Reid descends with a yawn.
“Oh, hey, Mom.”
“What did you do!?”
His mother had a pale complexion.
“No, I don’t remember doing anything in particular…?”
“The village chief told me this morning that a noble from the royal capital came to this village looking for you.”
“A noble, you say… Are you talking about the ‘Mage’?”
Those who specialize in combat using magic are called ‘Mage’ in this modern age.
“I don’t think I have anything to do with that.”
“I thought there was a mistake too, but that noble is referring to you by name.”
Reid’s mother sighs as she sits in her chair, perhaps a little calmed by the conversation.
“Haa… How did this happen…”
“It’s not a big deal anyway.”
“You’re really unfazed by anything… You’ve always been a child who doesn’t cry and is always calm compared to other children your age…”
“I mean, it’s not that surprising.”
As he said this, Reid scratched his cheek.
That was not to say there were not any surprises. Rather, it was just that there was so much going on that he was unfazed by most things.
After all ―― he woke up in a world that was a thousand years in the future.
Moreover, the memory of ‘Reid Frieden’ remains clear.
His appearance remains the same as when he was young. A life in which he was called a ‘Hero’ and had countless battles.
He rushed to the funeral of the ‘Sage’ with wounds all over his body and lost his life. And yet, when he woke up, he was a baby, which was a very confusing moment.
Moreover, it was a world where a thousand years had passed since his previous life.
The Kingdom of Altein, which was Reid’s hometown, had been destroyed and disappeared without a trace. The neighboring country that had once been his enemy had now changed its name to ‘Vegalta Magic Kingdom’, and the ‘Magic’, which had only been prevalent in some of the neighboring countries in his previous life, had spread throughout the world.
After seeing such a world where everything has changed, he is no longer surprised by most things.
Moreover, it has already been eighteen years since he was born into this new world.
He has gotten used to the new world, and unlike before, there is no great war but peace, and if Reid includes the experience of his previous life, he would be close to ninety mentally. There are not many things that would surprise him now.
As Reid was thinking about this, his mother put her hand on her forehead and blurted out.
“I guess it has something to do with your inability to use magic…”
In this world, ‘Magic’ is something that anyone can handle.
The magic technology created by the ‘Sage’ of the past has been studied and honed by those who have followed in her footsteps and is now widely used as a technology that even ordinary people can handle simple magic.
However, Reid could not use any magic.
“Maybe because my brother and sister were so good at it, so I have to balance it out?”
“How does that make sense…!?”
“I have no choice but to live thinking like that. Besides, I don’t have to use magic to help the people in the village by plowing the fields and carrying the load.”
“If you’re happy with that, I’m not going to say more either…”
To which Reid gave no response.
The ‘Mage’ in this world is a symbol of admiration. They are an entity with magic power and skills superior to others who fight against menacing monsters.
That is why they are the envy of many people and receive a lot of fame.
However ―― conversely, those who cannot use magic are worthless.
The magic you can handle determines the job you can get, and only mages with guaranteed combat skills are allowed to work in combat. Such is the world of magic supremacy.
Even if he was called a ‘Hero’ in his previous life, Reid is considered worthless if he cannot use any magic. Regardless of his abilities, only a mage is allowed to fight.
That said, Reid isn’t dissatisfied with his current life. Compared to his previous life, when neighboring countries fought each other, this world is peaceful.
Thinking back to the time when people fought for their lives on the battlefield, living in the peaceful countryside while plowing the fields is refreshing and not a bad way to live one’s life.
However ―― the smoldering embers in his heart will never go away.
The person he used to be when he was called a ‘Hero’ is looking for a battle. A battle in which Reid can give his all and enjoy it from the bottom of his heart.
If he had any complaints, then that was about it.
In this life, Reid will only be able to cultivate the fields and love the crops that he has carefully nurtured.
“Anyway, I’m going to the village chief’s place. It might have been something urgent, and it’s not a good thing to keep people waiting too long.”
“If you caused a problem or something, could you just pretend that mother didn’t know anything about it!?”
“I don’t care.”
“That’s sad. Then let us atone for our sins together!!”
“First of all, I’ll deny the premise that I did something wrong…”
After returning a wry smile to his mother, Reid left the house and headed for the village chief’s house.
As he walked along, admiring the tranquil landscape, he could feel the eyes of the people around him.
The villagers are looking at him from afar as if words have been spread that he was summoned by a noble. This will be a topic of conversation for a while.
Then, as he walked along the path thinking about it ―― he saw something unfamiliar.
It was a magic vehicle. An iron carrier powered by magic, without the use of horses.
A thousand years ago, this would have been unthinkable, but magic technology is much more developed than it used to be.
The ‘Sage’ created not only magic but also a ‘Magic Circuit’ that enables magic to be activated simply by channeling magic power, and these have been developed over time and have become widely used in people’s lives.
However, magic vehicles are only widely used in certain parts of the country. The privately owned ones would belong to a noble household that has produced mages or distinguished families with a long history.
It was only natural for his mother to be surprised and flustered when such a person called out to Reid by name. And it was the same for the village chief.
The village chief, who was restlessly pacing from right to left, looked up when he saw Reid.
“Reid, what have you done!?”
“Village chief, this is the second time I have had this conversation.”
“I don’t care about that! I thought my life was about to be cut short!”
“…Is a big shot here?”
“Just come quick! If something happens, then I don’t know anything!!”
“That’s fine with me.”
“Kaa! Do you think I would abandon a member of my village?”
“Again, this is the second time I have had this conversation, but I appreciate your feelings.”
And so, he followed the village chief into the residence.
“So, who’s here? I heard that some noble has asked for me.”
“…It’s not just any noble.”
The village chief then talks about this person with a tense expression on his face.
“The person who summoned you is a collateral descendant of the royal family in the Vegalta Magic Kingdom that everyone knows.”
“…Why did such a person ask for me?”
“I don’t know.”
“Then don’t call on me when you don’t know either.”
“That person only said, ‘He’ll know when we meet’.”
“…But I’ve hardly ever been outside the village, though?”
“That’s why I said I don’t know.”
With wrinkles furrowing his eyebrows, the village chief nodded his head triumphantly.
“Just meet the person and find out. Maybe you’ll know something.”
“Alright. I’m off then.”
He arrived at the front of the reception room and slowly opened the door.
As soon as the door opened ―― he was at a loss for words.
The person has neat silvery white hair. Her eyes have the color of the deep sea. And she has a face that is exquisitely well-defined with an indifferent expression.
A figure that looked exactly the same as he remembered it from before.
But at the same time, he understood that it was impossible.
This world is a thousand years after his previous life.
Even if not ―― the person in question was already dead.
And Reid himself, of all people, had seen the corpse.
And yet ――
“―――― Long time no see, Reid.”
A familiar, clear voice calls out Reid’s name.
The very same ―― Elria Caldwen, stood quietly behind the door.
Chapter 8 Part 6
◆ ◆
Thanks to the telepathy magic, the battle between Lara and Maris looms over my mind.
“Lara! Look out!”
From the Imperial Capital party, a fire spear was launched toward Lara.
Just before a direct hit, Marise pushed Lara aside.
“Ugh…!”
This allowed Lara to escape the fire spear, but instead, Marise was grazed by it.
“Marise-chan, are you okay!?”
Lara immediately rushed to Marise.
“When we first went to the third floor of the <<Treasure Labyrinth>>… Lara saved me, too…”
“Eh?”
“I just repaid that debt… I’m alright. This is no big deal.”
Despite saying so, Marise was clenching her teeth in pain.
It seems that Lara and Marise were being pressured by the Imperial Capital party.
Both of them have exhausted their magic power. It must be hard for them to even speak.
“Don’t worry about me. More importantly… Here come the attacks.”
“Gaaarrrrggghhhh!”
The Imperial Capital party screams against Lara and Marise.
The two had hardly inflicted any damage on their opponents, and they seemed to still be in good shape. But due to the outburst of magic power, their insides are already in tatters. It would not be surprising if they collapsed any moment now.
“Ugh, they are so strong… And their barrier is blocking all of our attacks.”
“It seems that the magic tool that Kurt mentioned also has the effect of deploying barrier magic at the same time.”
As expected, it’s a hard task for them to take on the Imperial Capital party, whose magic power has been raised to a higher level by the magic tool.
As soon as Lara and Marise were done talking, another fire spear was launched from the other side. It is far more powerful than the magic they used earlier, as if they were casting magic at the cost of their lives. There is not a single sane person left among them.
Lara and Marise ran and exchanged words as they dodged the onslaught of spells being hurled.
“Lara, do you remember?”
“What is it?”
“When Kurt taught us how to control our magic power, he said that if we combined our magic power, we could release even stronger magic.”
“Yes, of course. I remember everything Kurt taught me.”
One of the representatives from the Imperial Capital raised his right hand.
It is Meteor Burn.
Through the intervention of the magic tool, magic that normally cannot be used is forcibly conjured with their increased magic power.
There was no way for the two to dodge it. And a direct hit would probably result in death at worst.
Are they at their limit?
No, not yet…
“Let’s give it a try now.”
“But it’s our first try, I wonder if we can do it…”
Even with the massive meteor that is slowly being completed, the two showed no sign of flinching.
“We can do it. Kurt said he would let us cover for him, remember?”
“Yes.”
“And I believe it’s because he thinks we can win…”
“Yes, yes.”
Lara nodded.
Before long, the Meteor Burn, which has been completed, is about to be dropped against Lara and Marise.
However, they did not run away but faced each other and held each other’s hands tightly as they looked at the meteor.
“When I first entered the Magic Academy, I… intended to be second to none. I wanted to be the best, and become someone who can be relied on .”
“Is that still the case?”
“Haa.”
Marise lets out a small sigh.
“That’s not possible ── anymore. After spending time with Lara and Kurt, I realized something. I was lucky to have met you two.”
“Me too. I am glad that I met Marise.”
“I can become stronger when I have reliable friends to work hard with…”
The Meteor Burn that was unleashed on the two, rapidly approaches.
Despite this, the two showed no signs of urgency and started to form a magic formula by sharing their magic power.
Their strong will and voices are flowing back to me and echoing in my head.
‘I was worried about what would happen when I came out from the countryside.
I wondered if I could make friends.
I wondered if I would be bullied again if they found out I was the child of a spirit.
I was afraid of being alone.
The day before I left for the royal capital, I could not sleep at all because I was so anxious.’
~Lara
‘Nobody recognized me.
My family did not even look at me because I was called an unwanted child.
Maybe that was why, before long, I avoided everyone around me and preferred to be alone.
I am not afraid of being alone.
But eventually, loneliness did settle in, and I could not sleep at night due to anxiety.’
~Marise
‘‘But…’’
The two voices overlap completely.
‘‘I (I) met a friend here whom I can cherish.’’
‘‘I (I) am weak compared to that person. But ──’’
And soon, the Meteor Burn was about to hit them ──
However ── an invisible barrier had formed around them.
That is a barrier magic spell called Gospel Sanctuary.
The Meteor Burn’s impact was absorbed by the barrier and disappeared without a trace.
‘‘My (My) courage can protect that person!‘‘
““HOLY SWORD!!””
The two shouted the name of the spell.
Immediately… a huge holy sword appeared above them.
It is comparable in size to the holy sword I made during the entrance examination, and there was nothing that the people from the Empire could do.
““Take this!!!””
While facing each other, Lara and Marise thrust out their right and left hands, respectively.
The Holy Sword pierced the ground where the representatives of the Imperial Capital were at, causing an explosion of holy magic power before the spell dissipated.
“Did we do it!?”
“Did we!?”
As the white smoke cleared ── the entire Imperial Capital party was down on the ground, unconscious.
All of the magic tools were crushed too, as the holy magic power of the Holy Sword had dispelled the evil magic power.
Although the Imperial Capital party was slightly injured… this much would not be life-threatening.
““We did it!!””
Seeing this, the two jumped for joy, clasping their hands together.
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 – Lost Path
Two years have passed since I awoke from my sleep caused by the <<Reincarnation Magic>>.
During these two years, I looked around at different areas of magic.
However, I was not surprised to find that there was not much that I could truly admire within the scope of this territory.
Of course, the quality of magic had also deteriorated catastrophically.
At first, I thought that the decline of magic in this world was due to ‘magic tools’, but now I don’t think that was the only reason.
The decline in the level of this world’s magicians is, to put it bluntly, at a level that one would call ‘abnormal’.
Maybe Lilith would know something about it, but I would like to discover by myself the things that have happened in the past two hundred years that caused the decline in magic. My recent interest has been solely that.
“Abel-sama. Tea is ready.”
“Mm. Thank you.”
The decline of magic is saddening, but in this world, several revolutionary items have become popular instead.
The item called the heating pot that Lilith has is particularly useful. Its special characteristic is that it is good at regularly producing heat energy.
“How was the homemade herbal tea?”
“Mm. It tastes good.”
Maybe all the talented people are gathering in the field of magic tool development.
Perhaps what is needed in this peaceful era is not ‘magic’ that requires rigorous training, but ‘magic tools’ that anyone can easily use.
As a person who was reincarnated from two hundred years ago, I have slightly mixed feelings.
“Master! It’s done! I finally learned that magic!”
With a thud, Ted opens the door and walks in. He is a little shorter than me, with burnt amber blond hair.
For the past two years, Ted had begun to call me his master and begged me to teach him magic.
His speech, which had been rough when we first met, has now completely improved.
“Then show it to me here.”
“Eh? But…?”
“Do you think that I can’t stop your magic? There’s no need to hesitate.”
The technique of analyzing the opponent’s magic and instantly neutralizing it is called <<Dispel Magic>>.
As a matter of fact, <<Dispel Magic>> can only be used if there is a significant skill gap, but it would not be a problem against Ted.
“Okay. Then here I go!”
With both eyes closed, Ted drew a magic syntax in his head.
“Flame Barrage, Burning Bullet!”
The next moment, the air vibrates.
A fiery bullet with a diameter of about ten centimeters was formed at Ted’s right hand.
While drinking the herbal tea that Lilith had brewed, I was evaluating Ted’s magic.
I see. Well, that was about it. It may be a low-quality magic, but it is pretty good for a magician of this era. Above all, he does not rely on toys like magic tools. Those tools will only stop him from thinking, and not understanding the magic itself.
“Eh!? Eeehhhhhh!? Why is my magic disappearing!?”
Ted let out a bewildered voice as his magic was suddenly neutralized.
Good grief.
I wonder if the magicians of this era do not know about <<Dispel Magic>>?
Although <<Dispel Magic>> is surprisingly useful depending on how it is used, the drawback is that it requires a significant skill gap between the caster and the target to use it.
It reads the opponent’s magic formula and creates a syntax that is exactly the opposite of that magic. That sequence needs to be carried out no later than immediately after the opponent’s magic is activated.
After all, it is flawed.
It is effective against a simple-minded magician like Ted, but it is of no use against a competent opponent.
“You’ve improved, Ted.”
From my perspective, Ted’s talent for attribute magic was hopelessly low.
To make it worse, Ted is not smart and has a bad memory, so I had a hard time teaching him.
“Really!? That’s great!”
Was he that happy that I praised him?
Ted, in a good mood, hops around the room like a puppy.
“I’m really glad, Master! I will do my best for the magic academy’s entrance examination tomorrow!”
“Oh, there was such an important event. Go for it.”
The academy, huh?
Ted has reached that age, after all. Children grow up so fast, don’t they?
When I first met Ted, he was just a childish little brat, but now he has grown up to be a very fine young man.
“What are you talking about? I heard from Lilith that Master is going to take the examination, too.”
“Hmm?”
Hearing that, I tilted my head.
I am going to take the magic academy’s entrance examination?
I who was called an ‘Unrivaled genius’ and was considered to be unmatched by anyone else two hundred years ago, but now I have to go to the academy?
Good grief. She has bad taste for a joke.
“Hey, Lilith. What’s going on? I’m taking the entrance examination for the magic academy?”
Maybe Lilith was acting on her own without telling me?
Hearing that, while washing the dishes in the kitchen, Lilith put on a neutral expression.
“On the contrary, I would like to ask Abel-sama… What do you plan to do in the future if you don’t enroll in the academy?”
“Well… Just like before, I will be traveling around as an adventurer…”
“With all due respect, Abel-sama… The adventurer profession was completely abolished ten years ago.”
“―――― !?”
A shocking fact that is now revealed.
I see.
All the books in the library had been published a long time ago, so I did not know about the recent situation.
I guess that is how it is.
In my time, an adventurer was to kill monsters and sell some of the materials to the Adventurer’s Guild.
However, in this era, with the monsters’ populations plummeting, it has become an ‘Unnecessary’ profession.
“Abel-sama is planning to work on magic in the future, right? If so, in this peaceful time, you need to graduate from the academy before you can do that. Do you understand?”
I understand the logic, but I don’t feel happy about it.
To think that I have to go to the academy after all these years.
There was no one who could teach me magic even two hundred years ago. It was a harsh world.
“Or is Abel-sama going to just depend on me financially?”
Well, I don’t mind at all, but…
“I understand. I guess I should take the examination.”
It cannot be helped.
It is true that I am just living off of Lilith like a leech right now. I do not wish to be fostered by a woman forever.
So let’s just think of it as something necessary to expand my views of the world.
TL Note: This novel will be dropped due to getting licensed. The translation on Volume 1 is now completed and is pending editing. The remaining chapters will be posted as soon as they have been edited.
Chapter 8 Part 5
“Hey. Drop the boring act and show yourself!”
I called out to the seemingly empty patch of grass.
“Kurt… What’s the matter? There’s nothing over there, though?”
Lara tilted her head.
At first, the guy did not want to speak, but then, as if he had given up…
“Seems like it doesn’t work on thee. So do thou also know the truth?”
The spell was removed, and an old man appeared.
“Wow! Where did he appear from?”
“Could it be… magic? So Kurt was the only one who could see through it?”
Lara and Marise could not hide their surprise at the old man who seemed to appear out of nowhere.
“Haaa… you should do better with your cloaking magic.”
It was so poorly done that it makes me sigh.
He was hiding himself using a cloaking spell and made it look as if the representatives of the Imperial Capital were the ones who cast the Meteor Burn spell and the barrier magic.
They were so close to each other probably because they would not have been able to imitate the magic formula if they were too far apart.
If it were me, I could have made my magic reach the royal capital all the way from here. He is just a weakling.
“Who are you?”
“I am Arnold of the <<Four Great Sages>>. I came to talk with thee.”
The old man… Arnold, said in a pompous manner.
This guy is ── Oh. The old man was the only one who showed a calm demeanor in the Empire’s secret room.
He must have used some kind of teleportation magic to get here.
But still… Did he come all the way here just to talk to me?
“T-The <<Four Great Sages>> are said to be the most powerful mages in the Empire!”
“It is said that they have the power to see through everything in this world and take control of it…!”
The word, <<Four Great Sages>>, made Lara and Marise brace themselves.
“Now then… Do you admit that the Empire is intervening in the exhibition game?”
“What makes thee think so?”
Arnold smiled wickedly.
”First of all, it’s that surveillance magic device. I was able to reverse the magic power flowing in it, and by doing that, I saw everything. It seems that the Empire was trying to keep track of us from a distance.”
“Correct.”
“And then there’s the barrier magic that was placed on the students from the Imperial Capital. Judging by their abilities, they are not capable of doing that. You were the one who deployed the barrier magic on them.”
According to Lara and Marise, barrier magic is rather difficult to use in this era.
“There’s also the Meteor Burn. You hid yourself and cast it behind the scenes. And you were so used to it, weren’t you? This is not your first time. I guess you’ve done it many times before, haven’t you?”
“Correct.”
responded Arnold, still with his wicked smile on his face.
He confessed so readily. Probably he was thinking, “I’m going to kill him anyway, so let him talk as much as he wants now.”.
Erika-sensei said they had been unlucky and had not been able to win. It was made to look like bad luck, but the Empire was pulling some strings behind the scenes. Just like today.
“Thou art wise. As expected, my eyes have not deceived me.”
“Oh?”
“Now that I have heard thy story, let me get to my point… Will thou join forces with the Empire?”
Huh?
“Thy power is being wasted on the foolish royal capital.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I can tell from your magic. Thou knows a part of the truth as well as we do. This I know.”
“About the ‘Truth’ you spoke of… Do you happen to know anything about the decline of this world?”
I asked.
Lara and Marise do not understand what I am talking about.
“Kukuku…,” laughed Arnold,
“Just as I thought. Come to the Empire. I’ll tell thee the truth.”
Arnold puts out his hand.
“Kurt… don’t go!”
“Y-You can’t go!”
Lara and Marise grabbed my arms.
…Good grief.
The two seem to be worried, but there was no need to think about it.
“I refuse. I’ve always hated the Empire. So why should I join forces with you guys?”
I spat out.
The <<Four Great Sages>> certainly bothers me.
It is possible that there is someone who is stronger than me, but… looking at Arnold, it just did not seem that way.
More importantly, it was the nobles of the Empire who harassed me for being the heretic who brought about the magic revolution a thousand years ago.
Even if there is someone who is stronger than me in the Empire, there is no way I would join forces with them.
After all — I do not want to befriend the strong ones, I want to fight them.
It would be easier if we were enemies.
“Don’t you want to know the truth?”
“All I have to do is fight you now and find out.”
“Oh?”, said Arnold with a more sinister grin on his face.
”…Very well. This answer was somewhat predictable. Then as originally planned…”
Arnold unleashes his magic.
“I will have to kill you.”
“GUUUAAAAAHHHHH!”
As it is, the representatives of the Imperial Capital, who had been lying on the ground, suddenly roared.
“Hey, you trash! You can at least be my shield!”
The representatives of the Imperial Capital got up and turned toward us.
They were out of focus.
What’s more, the magic power inside their body is out of control. They were probably in unbearable pain.
This is…
“Oh? Did you boost their magic power with the magic tool? But if this continues, I’m afraid that after their magic power is exhausted, they’ll be burned to a crisp, and you won’t be able to get away with it.”
“Well, trash will die as trash.”
He is quite a nasty person. But if we take care of it quickly, everything should work out.
“All right, let’s get it done.”
As I was about to begin my assault with the representatives from the Imperial Capital ──
“Kurt! Leave them to us!”
“I can’t burden Kurt all the time.”
said Lara and Marise, who stepped in front of me.
“What’s the matter, you two? If you are worried about me, don’t be. This is as easy as setting fire to a ladybird with a magnifying glass.”
“Even so… I don’t want to rely on Kurt all the time!”
“That’s right. And we are in the same party, aren’t we? Please depend on us sometimes.”
“So Kurt, leave the representatives of the Imperial Capital to us. Let’s work together and win this!”
They look determined.
“Ha… Hahaha.”
I could not help but laugh.
I did not think the words, ‘We are in the same party’ or ‘Work together’… would be directed at me.
A thousand years ago, I always took care of things myself.
But it doesn’t feel bad at all ── to have friends, which is truly reassuring.
“All right. I will leave my back to you two.”
“Yes!”
“Take care of the <<Four Great Sages>>, Kurt!”
One of the <<Four Great Sages>> is a bit too much for them to handle, but they can deal with the representatives of the Imperial Capital.
Just in case, I will use magic to share consciousness with them. This way, I can see how they are doing, and if something unforeseen happens, I can come to their aid.
“We will be your opponent!”
“Come here!”
Lara and Marise led the representatives of the Imperial Capital away as they cast their magic.
And now I am left to confront Arnold.
“Now then… my friends will take care of your human shields. I wonder what will you do?”
“I have not planned to rely on them from the beginning. Rather, repent that thy life is shortened. Die in the hands of my magic!!”
Arnold tried to cast his magic.
Judging from the magic formula, it was probably the Thunderbolt spell.
“HAHAHAHAHAHA! DIE, DIEEE!!”
Thunderbolts flew toward me.
Arnold, who was pleased with himself, laughed loudly.
As for me ──
“This is boring.”
I raised my right hand high. A circular barrier then appeared in front of me and completely blocked all the lightning strikes from all directions.
“Wha ── !”
Arnold looks surprised.
After making sure that all the lightning strikes had stopped, I removed the barrier.
“Now…. you’re going to let me get serious, won’t you?”