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Chapter 3 Part 4

◇

After saying goodbye to Elria at the student dormitory, Reid waited alone in the classroom for someone to arrive. With a loud creak, the door opened, and he slowly raised his head.

“Sorry for making you wait. Elise’s lecturing was so long…”

said Alma apologetically while scratching her head with a smile.

However, Reid did not change his expression.

“So, I can assume that you came here with the intention of talking.”

Reid is treating Alma as a ‘foe’ to be wary of, rather than as a teacher.

His birthplace, Altein, no longer exists. Its existence has disappeared from the history of later generations. And yet, Alma was raising its military flag on her own magic equipment.

“I’ll ask you again, why are you waving around the military flag of Altein?”

Reid asked Alma the exact same question again.

However, Alma looked puzzled.

“From the way you talk… ‘Altein’ is the name of a country, right?”

“Don’t try to play dumb now, after waving it on your magic equipment.”

“I’m speaking honestly. In fact… what’s been bothering me is that you called that piece of cloth a ‘military flag’.”

Seeing Reid’s vigilance, Alma sighed conspicuously.

“Now it’s my turn. Why did you call that cloth a ‘military flag’?”

“Are you asking because it’s not normal for someone to recognize it as a ‘military flag’ just by looking at it?”

“That’s right. As you said, what I have attached to my magic equipment is undoubtedly a ‘military flag’. But… only those who have inherited the name of Kanos should know about it.”

This time, Alma directed her caution toward Reid.

“Answer me ―― Who are you?”

As Reid stared at Alma, he remained silent while contemplating.

Even though Alma did not react to the word ‘Altein’, she knew it was a ‘military flag’.

This situation was something that should not have been possible.

However, Reid had already experienced things that were considered impossible.

In a world a thousand years later, the ‘Sage’ and the ‘Hero’ were reincarnated once again ――

This feeling of discomfort was definitely related to Reid and Elria’s reincarnation.

That is why… Reid nodded greatly.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t answer that.”

“Hmm, are you going to play dumb about that now, too?”

“No, on the contrary, I’ll answer anything else. I won’t reveal anything about myself, but you’re free to deduce my identity from my answers.”

“…I see. You thought this out well, didn’t you?”

Alma smiled, perhaps realizing Reid’s intentions.

Questions… in other words, the choice of information to give and withhold is up to Alma, and if she can answer something that only a limited number of people would know, it would be possible to deduce Reid’s true identity.

On the other hand, Reid can make Alma speak unilaterally and deduce her trustworthiness without revealing his own identity.

“Go ahead, ask whatever you like. I’ve been doing all the asking until now.”

“Okay then… what do you think of the ‘moon’ shining in the sky?”

“I think it’s beautiful except during night raids. But that’s just my personal opinion.”

“That’s fine. Next question… what do you think of someone meticulous?”

“They’re serious and diligent, inflexible but not a bad person. If I had to choose subordinates, I think that kind of person would work well.”

“I see. Then how about ――”

Without a clear direction, they repeated the question-and-answer session while trying to probe each other’s intentions.

They asked multiple questions, such as responses upon waking from a nap or reactions upon seeing the sea, to specific ones like dealing with someone who broke the rules or important considerations on the battlefield.

As they continued, Alma’s expression began to change.

Her tense expression softened, and she began to speak with a calm smile on her face. It was as if she was flipping through the pages of an album filled with memories.

Eventually, Alma slowly nodded.

“Well then, let’s make the next question the last one.”

“What, is it already over?”

“Yeah. You… no, I’m sure you can answer it.”

Before hearing those words, Reid already knew what he would be asked.

The questions Alma had been asking until now were things that only one person would know.

Although their relationship lasted only a few years, Reid remembered that person well.

That person was a meticulous individual who accompanied Reid in his final years on the battlefield, listening intently to every conversation and casual chat and taking notes at every opportunity.

“―― Do you remember ‘Me’, ‘Your Excellency’?”

In response to those words, Reid replied with a smile.

“There was only one guy who called me ‘Your Excellency’ instead of General.”

The man who belonged to the Altein Army, and remained by Reid’s side as a dedicated flag-bearer for the ‘Hero’.

The man who also mourned the death of the ‘Sage’ alongside Reid and shed tears at their farewell.

“Yeah ―― ‘Lyatt’.”

Reid called out his former subordinate’s name, superimposing his image with that of Alma’s.

Upon hearing that, Alma breathed quietly, with her head down.

“…You’re the ‘Your Excellency’ mentioned in the notes.”

With tears in her golden eyes, Alma muttered quietly.

“Just to confirm, are you related to Lyatt?”

“That’s the name of my ancestor. He was the one who left behind the notes that were passed down to the Kanos family, and he was also the man who served as the flag-bearer of ‘Your Excellency’.”

Lyatt not only served as a flag-bearer, but also assisted Reid during peacetime.

He looked at the aged Reid with envy and respect, and was such a serious and meticulous person that even the small conversations they had on that day were recorded in his notes.

“Haa… He’s really a meticulous guy, leaving behind his notes for a thousand years.”

“Perhaps my ancestor admired ‘Your Excellency’ that much.”

A thousand years is not a short time.

Nevertheless, Lyatt continued to pass down his notes to future generations.

He left behind the figure of the ‘Hero’ he admired, who had been by his side.

“As promised, I won’t ask you in detail about yourself. Like why a human from a thousand years ago is still alive.”

“Thank you. To be honest, I don’t know either, and that’s why I talked to you.”

“…I see. In that case, I’ll tell you what I know. Otherwise, my ancestor might get angry.”

“Yeah, he was really scary when he got angry.”

They both chuckled, and Reid’s expression changed.

“Still, let me ask you again. You don’t know anything about ‘Altein’, do you?”

“No. I’ve never heard of that country’s name, and as for the military flag, it was passed down to me with the notes, but the name has never appeared in it.”

It was not impossible.

Lyatt admired Reid, but shed tears of disappointment at the country’s decision to march after the death of the sage.

In that case, it is possible that the name of the country, ‘Altein’, was deliberately erased.

However, not only Altein, but another word also did not come up.

“Do you have any memory of the names ‘Hero’ and ‘Reid Frieden’?”

“I do have some knowledge of them. I’m researching magic, so I’ve also looked into archaeology and magic history and researched elves’ oral traditions and legends in the process.”

“But they didn’t appear in the notes at all?”

“Yeah, personally, I’ve been thinking that there might be something…”

One essential aspect of discussing Reid is the title ‘Hero’. Although Lyatt often called Reid ‘Your Excellency’, he occasionally used the title ‘Hero’, too. So, it is impossible to imagine him not using that word even once in his notes.

In other words ――

“―― Someone deliberately erased the existence of the ‘Hero’.”

Upon hearing those words, Alma furrowed her brows slightly.

“But… those are personal notes, you know? While it might be possible to erase something from official records, it seems unlikely that someone could erase something written by an individual. And if the notes were tampered with, wouldn’t there be evidence left behind?”

“Common sense would say it’s impossible. But… in the current situation, impossible things are happening too often.”

The same could be said about the Kingdom of Altein. It was understandable that they would erase the name of the Hero who had lost the war from history. That was why Reid did not pay much attention to it.

However, after reuniting with Elria, that suspicion resurfaced.

If Altein was a great superpower that had once ruled over half the continent and had been defeated, it would not be surprising if its name had been recorded in the history of Vegalta even after its fall.

To confirm this, he read multiple history books at the Caldwen family’s mansion. But from all those books, the name of Altein had disappeared. This changed his suspicion into a conviction.

“Moreover, it’s strange that among the elves, the existence of the ‘Hero’ and my name is known. If they were erasing information, they would erase everything all at once, right?”

“…Well, maybe in the case of the elves, it was passed down by word of mouth.”

Alma speculates, placing her hand on her chin.

“Because the elves are immortal, they have a history of passing down exclusive information and techniques orally, without leaving any records behind. I’ve heard that stories about the ‘Sage’ and the ‘Hero’ are based on tales passed down orally.”

“…I see. Then it’s understandable that it only remained among the elves.”

Elves have a lifespan of almost three times that of humans, and it was common for them to live for nearly three hundred years.

Assuming that the concealed information only pertains to books and writings and cannot erase even the ‘memories’ of that time, it was understandable that it was only passed down among the elves.

“I don’t think the barrier between the races would disappear in a few decades. If we consider that it was important enough for those people at the time to pass it down orally, they wouldn’t have casually shared it with humans. It’s likely that those people are no longer of this world, and the oral tradition was spread as a fairy tale.”

“At the time, the existence of the Sage was likely integral to the foundation of the country, and even if there were facts or legends about someone that stood on equal footing with the Sage, it would be inconvenient for the country, so they wouldn’t acknowledge it.”

That’s why both the ‘Hero’ and Altein were wiped out of existence.

And then ―― something happened after Reid died.

However, there is not enough information currently available to speculate.

“Well, it’s fine. If you notice anything else, please let me know. If you were researching history, you’re definitely more knowledgeable than me.”

“I don’t mind, but… you’re already addressing me casually and trying to order a special rank mage around… you got some guts, don’t you…?”

“Can’t I? I’m ‘Your Excellency’ that your ancestor respected, after all.”

“You don’t have to answer this, but is it the same for Elria-chan?”

“I’ll leave that to your imagination.”

“Wow… so did I just pick a fight with the real ‘Sage’? I said we would have a rematch after she has graduated from the academy, but if she gets serious, won’t I be turned into ashes?”

Alma looked up with a pale face, seemingly realizing Elria’s true identity.

No one would have guessed that the opponent she fought against, in an attempt to teach an impudent student a lesson, turned out to be the very ‘Sage’ who had created magic.

“Well, at that time, you will have to brace yourself and get beat up.”

“At least help your subordinate’s cute descendant.”

“I’m just an incompetent person who can’t even use magic, unlike ‘Sensei’, who is a special rank mage.”

“Hahaha… How impudent for a ‘student’…!”

Ignoring Alma’s words, Reid calmly stood up from his seat.

“We’re done talking. If anything happens, I’ll rely on you.”

After Reid said that, Alma also stood up.

“Yeah ―― Leave it to me, Lord Frieden.”

While saluting as Reid’s former subordinate did, Alma showed her teeth with a huge grin.

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Chapter 3 Part 3

◆

As the end of the school day arrived, the students were released from the different space they had been in.

“―― Whew… my body feels so relaxed now…”

Millis let out a sigh as she sank into the large bath.

Elria also breathed out softly in agreement.

“Yeah… it feels so good to be in a large bath.”

“I know, right!? The bath in our room is convenient, but I used to soak in a hot spring near the mountain every day, so it was a bit unsatisfying for me.”

said Millis as she and Elria soaked in the dorm’s large communal bath, relieving their fatigue from training.

“Um… thank you for inviting me to the bath.”

“No, no, I should be thanking you for carrying me all the way here…”

Millis replied, smiling, and bowing her head slightly.

Since most of the students could not move, those who were still conscious in the classroom had to carry them to the dorm. Ideally, they could have used teleportation magic to move directly to the dorm, but such magic required the use of sixth tier magic or higher. Hence, they had to use lower tier magic to bind and carry everyone instead.

Nevertheless, Elria was genuinely happy to have been invited to bathe together. Being naturally shy and uncomfortable with other people’s gaze, going to a large communal bath alone was a great hurdle for her.

“Still… Elria-sama and Reid-san are amazing. You two could handle such a reckless task and are still energetic…”

“If it’s something like that, Reid and I are used to it, so it’s nothing.”

Compared to the battlefield, where they sometimes had to move for three days and three nights without sleeping and often could not even get enough rest, their current fatigue was nothing significant. Rather than the physical body, one could say that the mental side is more fatigued.

“Anyway, Elria-sama was really close to winning. Even though the match was interrupted before it could be settled, you can use magic from the tenth tier. That’s practically a win, isn’t it!?”

“Mm… thank you.”

Thinking that Elria was feeling down, Millis clenched her fist to encourage her.

In reality, Elria was not really concerned about the mock battle with Alma. Instead, she was more concerned about the two of them.

Why did Alma know the catchphrase that Reid used to say?

Why is she raising the military flag of Altein, which should have perished?

Reid should be heading towards Alma’s location to hear about these things, but Elria could not calm down as her heart was filled with unease.

Lost in thought, she noticed that Millis was staring at her.

“…What’s the matter?”

“Well… I just thought that… you’re so cute, and your hair is silky and beautiful, your skin is also transparently white and smooth, and your breasts are quite something… Isn’t this cheating?”

“Mm, I don’t think my breasts are that big…”

Elria sank deeper into the bath as Millis pointed out.

“Speaking of size… I think Millis’s are bigger.”

“No, no, it’s not about size. It’s about shape! Elria-sama has a perfect shape, not just your breasts but your buttocks, thighs, back, and stomach! You look so smooth and soft that all of humanity will undoubtedly cheer for you as the most beautiful! Don’t you agree!?”

“Your voice…! Keep it down because your voice is too loud…!!”

Due to Millis’s voice echoing inside the bath, other students also turned their attention to them.

After calming down Millis’s excitement, Elria let out a small sigh so as not to be heard.

“By the way, Elria-sama, what do you do on your days off?”

“……On my days off?”

“Yes. You are allowed to leave the academy on your days off, and I was wondering what kind of elegant activities that someone from the Caldwen family would do.”

“On my days off, I read or take naps.”

“You live a more relaxed, slow life than a country bumpkin like me, huh…!?”

“Also, sometimes I compare different types of tea.”

“Oh! That sounds great! In my region, tea is more like dandelion tea, so I would love to learn about other teas!!”

“I don’t hate dandelion tea either.”

“Have you ever had it? It tastes like dirt and roots, doesn’t it!?”

“But it’s really good for your health. I like it.”

“I understand! It’s kind of subtle, but it’s addictive, right?”

In response to Elria’s words, Millis gave a friendly smile.

While Elria generally has difficulty with socialization, she did not dislike people like Millis who approached and talked to her or provided topics of conversation, such as chatting in the communal bath.

It might be more accurate to say that choosing a topic of conversation to match the other person is more difficult than the conversation itself. So, while she can talk at length about magic-related topics, she tends to stumble over her words when it comes to other topics.

In that sense, Millis is someone Elria could get along with very well.

She is a really good person, changing the topic and bringing up cheerful conversations like earlier to show her concern for Elria.

That is why Elria also decided to bring up another topic.

“By the way… there’s something I want to ask Millis.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I want to give someone a gift, but… I don’t know what to get.”

“Oh, is it a present for Reid-san?”

“I-I didn’t say it was for Reid…!”

“Well, anyone can tell just by looking that you really love Reid-san. You’re emitting that kind of aura.”

“I-I’m not emitting anything like that…”

“…Ah, so you’re unaware of it yourself.”

Observing Elria’s reaction, Millis had a distant look in her eyes.

Elria was conscious of Reid, but she had not yet conveyed her feelings to him, so she had been trying not to blush too much. However, judging from Millis’s reaction, it seems that everyone around them had already figured it out.

“The other side seems to be aware of it, but it’s kind of a weird situation where you’re both a little off, or rather, as a result of it, you two seem to be getting along well and ultimately want each other to be happy. It’s kind of mysterious, isn’t it…?”

“A-Anyway, let’s focus on the gift for now.”

Elria lightly tapped Millis’s cheek to bring her back to the topic at hand.

“I want to give something as a congratulatory gift for getting admitted into the academy.”

“Hmm… to be honest, I haven’t known you two for very long, so I don’t have much advice to offer. How about giving something that Reid-san likes…?”

“Actually, I’ve never given anyone a gift before…”

“I see. In that case, why don’t you give him something that you think he’d like?”

Elria thought about what Reid might like.

……………

…………………

“……Whetstone and oil?”

“Oh, I can picture Reid-san being genuinely happy with that.”

“I’m pretty confident about this choice.”

“Well, it’s just my impression as a fellow countryman, but taking care of tools and such can be quite enjoyable, so Reid-san would probably be happy with it as well…”

While Elria mentioned it as something used for maintaining weapons and armor, Millis, who did not know anything about their past, would probably have such an impression.

“But if you’re going to give it as a commemoration rather than just gratitude, I think something more tangible would be better than consumables, don’t you think?”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. It’s easier to remember as a memory that way.”

“I see.”

While listening to Millis’s words, Elria nodded.

And now, she tried to think of something tangible that Reid would be happy with.

……………

…………………

“……I can’t think of anything.”

“Don’t give up yet. It’s too early to look so hopeless!!”

Encouraged, but she still could not think of anything.

Although it was a short time since she started spending time with Reid, they had been together for over fifty years, yet she could not come up with anything, which was a bit shocking.

Moreover, considering her previous life as well, she had lived for nearly two hundred years, and it made her hate herself for not being able to think of a decent gift for the person she loves.

“This sadness runs deep…”

“Oh no! Elria-sama, don’t sink into despair! It won’t solve anything!!”

Seeing Elria sinking deeper and deeper, Millis quickly pulled her out of the bath.

Watching Elria’s state, Millis let out a deep sigh.

“Well, Reid-san is kind of detached and has a sort of carefree attitude, making it difficult to grasp him… so when it comes to giving gifts, it might be tough after all.”

“……Yeah.”

“Maybe you should think back to when Reid-san looked happy? You might come up with something related to that.”

“When Reid looked happy…”

Elria desperately tried to recall a moment when Reid looked happy.

……………

…………………

Ah, there it was.

“Reid looked really happy when he’s fighting.”

“…Eh? Like a battle maniac?”

“No, when Reid fights, he smiles and looks like he’s really enjoying himself.”

Elria was mesmerized by his radiant smile, which conveyed a sense of genuine enjoyment from the bottom of his heart. It was the smile she had always loved.

“So, I thought I’d give Reid something that would make him smile like that.”

As soon as Elria said that with a smile on her face ――

“―― You’re so cuteeeeeee!!”

Millis screamed as she dove right into Elria.

“What is this!? If you show me such a maiden-like smile, I’ll also be in love with Elria-sama because you’re just too cute!!”

“U-Uh… i-it’s ticklish…!”

Millis voraciously stroked Elria’s head and nuzzled her cheek.

Finally, Millis was seemingly satisfied and raised her eyebrow while clenching her fist.

“All right, I have decided! I want to support you with everything I have, so please don’t hesitate to tell me if there’s anything I can do to help!”

“…Really?”

“Of course! I’ll be on your side whether through fire or water!!”

“…Is that okay?”

“Yes! As long as it’s within my capabilities, please don’t hesitate to ask me anything!!”

Millis is a very straightforward child.

However, just hearing her say that makes Elria feel happy.

“Well then, shall we get out now? We talked a lot and stayed in the hot bath for a long time. It won’t be good if we get sick from staying here too long.”

“Okay.”

After a short exchange, they left the bath and headed for the changing room.

And while they were getting dressed ――

“Speaking of which, I have been curious about something…”

“Mm…? What is it?”

As Elria wiped away the water and put on her underwear, Millis seemed to want to say something while glancing at her. She looked slightly red in the face. Then, Millis whispered into her ear.

“…You like that kind of underwear?”

“……Underwear?”

“Well… I just thought you were wearing unexpectedly daring underwear.”

Upon hearing this, Elria looked at her own underwear again. It was black with floral lace in places. However, Elria tilted her head curiously.

“…Was there something strange about it?”

“Oh, no, it looks good on you, but it’s a bit lewd for the usually quiet Elria-sama, and even as a girl, I can’t help but get a little excited…!”

“Mm… I don’t really care much about it, but my mother told me to wear appropriate underwear as a child of Caldwen before entering the academy, so she bought me new ones.”

“Wow… Your mother is really looking ahead…”

Hearing that comment, Elria tilted her head again, and Millis put her hand on her shoulder.

“Elria-sama, let’s go buy some everyday underwear on our next day off.”

“…But I also have other underwear?”

“Let’s save those for special occasions. Someday, when you think the time for a showdown has come, please wear that underwear and face the challenge head-on.”

“O-Okay… I understand…?”

Elria could only nod in confusion at Millis’s unusually serious expression.

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Chapter 3 Part 2

◇

After getting out of the bath, Elria finally regained full consciousness.

“…Reid, are you feeling tired?”

“Well, no… don’t worry about it.”

As they were on their way to the classroom, Elria peered at Reid with a worried expression.

After all, it had been tough even after getting out of the bath.

Elria had fully awakened only after being instructed to wipe off the water from her body, dry her hair with a warm-air magic tool, and put on her underwear and school uniform.

During that time, she coaxed Reid to wipe her body dry, held the warm-air magic tool backward saying that the wind wasn’t blowing, and complained that her skirt’s zipper wouldn’t stay up, so he had to do it all for her… It was quite a lot of work.

Since all of this was done while blindfolded, it was also exhausting.

“Did I really… act like a child?”

“Yeah… you were in a pretty weird state.”

“I-It only happens when I’m really tired or nervous…! It’s not something that usually happens!”

After hearing Reid’s impression, Elria desperately tried to justify herself.

Incidentally, Elria had no memory of what had happened during that time. She probably felt like she was just half asleep. But if Reid were to tell her about what happened in detail, she might faint, so he decided to keep quiet about it.

With that decision in mind, Reid entered the classroom with Elria.

When they approached Wiesel and Millis, who were sitting in the same seats as yesterday, they raised their hands lightly in greeting.

“Good morning, you two!”

“You’re pretty late. It’s almost time for class to start.”

“Well, there were a lot of things going on…”

“Y-Yeah… a lot of things happened.”

As they sat down and said that, Millis smirked.

“Oh my, what were the engaged couple doing last night?”

“What do you mean… we just went to bed normally.”

“Is that so? Then, let’s have Elria-sama answer that!”

Millis approaches Elria with sparkling eyes.

“Tell me straight up, how was last night!?”

“Well… yesterday, Reid and I made dinner together and stroked each other’s head.”

“Wow… you guys seem really close!”

“And then, we slept in the same bed.”

“W-Wow! So, how did it end up!?”

“We slept soundly, and when we woke up, it was morning.”

“…Huh?”

Hearing this response, Millis turns her face toward Reid.

“Wait, nothing else happened?”

“What are you expecting?”

“Well, you know… I’m also at that age, so I thought I could use it as a reference for my own sexual experiences in the future.”

“Are you stupid? We’re just ‘engaged’!”

Reid and Elria had only promised each other a future marriage, as in being ‘engaged’, and they were not yet in a relationship where they had exchanged vows.

In other words ――

“It’s impossible to have premarital sexual relations with someone you’re engaged to.”

“Oh… I’m from the countryside, so I didn’t know. Is that true?”

“Depending on the situation, it could result in the death penalty.”

“Is it that serious!?”

However, Wiesel, who was listening to the conversation, interjects.

“I have heard of that as an old tradition. During engagements, physical relationships were forbidden until the marriage was officially solemnized because engagements could be broken for various reasons. It’s a story you don’t hear much nowadays, but it could be possible for a family as distinguished as the Caldwens.”

“What, it was an old story…? So, people could get the death penalty for that? The people back then who were in love must have had a hard time…”

Millis nodded solemnly as if she had understood, but the parties involved tilted their heads in confusion upon hearing it.

“What? Is that really how it is now?”

“…I thought so too, but we won’t know unless we ask Mother.”

“Well, even if we ask, I still have the same old mindset, so it doesn’t really matter.”

“I’ve never been interested in anything but magic, so I don’t really know either.”

“For now, we should just carry on as usual.”

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.”

“Well, I think your way of spending time together is more than just being an ‘engaged’ couple, isn’t it!?”

Millis interjected as if she had been eavesdropping on their conversation. It seemed that even the concept of chastity had changed after a millennium had passed.

Reid was somewhat aware of it, but for now, there are plenty of other priorities, such as graduating from the academy and uncovering the cause of their reincarnation. He could think about those things after everything else is settled.

“Come to think of it. The homeroom teacher should be coming today, right?”

Looking at the clock in the classroom, the homeroom teacher had already missed the start of class.

The new students had been carefully allocated into classes based on their examination scores, origin, and family background. And they remember being briefed the day before that a homeroom teacher would be assigned to each of those classes. However, the homeroom teacher had yet to appear.

“It’s already past the start time. Could there be some kind of problem?”

“Could the homeroom teacher be lost or something?”

“It can’t be that since Millis came without getting lost.”

“Don’t say it like I’m some idiot!!”

“It’s alright. Millis is a clever child.”

As they exchanged such banter, Elria patted Millis on the head, but then ――

The classroom wall was blown away with great force.

The sudden sound of crumbling debris and the cloud of dust caused several screams to arise from within the classroom.

Amidst it all… a figure emerged from the cloud of dust.

“―― That was close! I almost got here late. Elise would be angry.”

The figure paid no attention to the surrounding screams and made their way to the podium with the sound of their footsteps.

It was a woman with flowing black hair, probably in her mid-twenties. Her movements were impeccable and refined, a testament to her vast experience.

The woman with black hair turned her golden eyes toward the students and said in a light tone ――

“―― I will be in charge of this class. Nice to meet you all.”

As soon as she spoke, the students looked at each other in surprise and started to make a commotion.

“Isn’t that Lady Alma Kanos of the <<Black Flag>>…?”

“But… didn’t Alma-sama just receive orders from the king to go on a large-scale operation to the east and take down the dragon’s nest…?”

“I’ve never heard of a special rank mage becoming a homeroom teacher.”

The students’ words were filled with respect and awe. Mages are classified according to their level of ability. They started at fifth rank upon receiving their qualification and were assigned to handle the magical beasts or Kaijus based on their rank. Their promotions are based on their achievements and skills.

Among them, special rank mages numbered less than ten. This is an honorary rank given to those who use tenth tier magic and carry out the subjugation of super-sized magical beasts alone. They were not assigned by the Mage’s Association but rather by the decree of the king of Vegalta. Their main duty is to deal with large to super-sized, or unidentified magical beasts that are difficult to subjugate.

Most of them guarded designated danger zones determined by the country or traveled around various places to handle magical beasts. Even if it was a national matter, they rarely appeared publicly.

If the ‘Sage’ was a legendary figure who laid the foundation for magic, then special rank mages are living legends of modern times. Therefore, it was unimaginable for someone like that to become a homeroom teacher.

Perhaps anticipating the students’ words, the black-haired woman… Alma, clapped her hands.

“Alright, alright, stop making a commotion. I’ll answer. I was requested by both the king of Vegalta and the academy’s headmaster to be the homeroom teacher because there are two students who are outside the norm, and they needed someone who can handle things when something happens.”

“Um… what happened to the dragon’s nest that was recently ordered to be subjugated?”

“Oh! I exterminated it a while ago and came back.”

Although she said it casually, the dragon’s nest is classified as a large magical beast.

The fact that they built a nest meant they had entered breeding season and become more aggressive. And the fact that it was a large-scale operation meant multiple dragons were involved. Usually, this would be the case that the country would have to devote a considerable number of resources such as money, time, and thousands of personnel to handle.

“I delegated all the cleanup work to the other guys, so it will be a little while before it’s officially announced. And when I reported it to the king of Vegalta, he asked me if I would be interested in becoming a homeroom teacher to take a break from all the heavy lifting I have been doing lately. Therefore, I accepted.”

After explaining the situation, Alma turns to the students again.

“Well, I’m also a graduate of this academy, so I know a thing or two, and as you know, I have confidence in my magic combat ability. So, you can count on me for some guidance.”

Seeing the confident smile, the students also showed excitement and expectations on their faces.

After looking at them with satisfaction, Alma nodded greatly.

“Well then, let’s finish the tedious explanations of what we would be doing and get on with the flow of things first.”

Taking the chalk, she wrote large letters on the blackboard.

“First of all, the new students are divided into five classes of thirty students each. Then, the individual and class evaluations are added up, and a certain number is calculated every year. Those who exceed that number are qualified to graduate as a mage.”

After emphatically writing out the bold characters, Alma turned to face the students.

“What’s important here is the class evaluation. Even if you get the highest individual evaluation, you cannot become a mage if your class evaluation is low. This is because, as a mage, the emphasis is placed on group performance rather than individual performance.”

The duties of a mage mainly involve dealing with crimes related to magic and subjugating the magical beasts or Kaijus. However, it is not just a matter of simply dealing with criminals or subjugating magical beasts. It also involves evacuating nearby residents, securing safe zones and evacuation routes, and rescuing individuals stranded in dangerous areas.

Very few individuals are capable of handling all of these tasks alone. For example, individuals like Elria or those known as special rank mages may be able to do that. However, not all mages are of exceptional talent.

That is why mages usually operate in teams composed of several individuals, or units of several dozen people for large-scale operations, in order to respond to various situations and circumstances. Class evaluation is done to determine if they can function properly as a group, not just as individuals, and to see if any problems may arise when they act as a team.

“Individual evaluation is conducted once a month through practical and simulated ‘conditional examination’ that assumes various real-life combat situations. And class evaluations are conducted four times a year through a ‘comprehensive examination’ that imposes various conditions, which may include other classes and other academies. Remember that these two evaluations are directly linked to all evaluations.”

As she finished explaining, Alma suddenly furrowed her brow.

“And, uh… please wait a minute. As I recall, Elise gave me some kind of teacher’s manual, so I’ll go over it and explain it briefly.”

After saying that, Alma reached into her pocket and took out a notebook-like object, flipping through its pages.

“Let’s see… In the classroom, we teach the theory and knowledge of the six magic systems, the habits, and characteristics of the magical beasts to be subdued, the importance of basic abilities such as physical strength and magic power required to operate as a mage, efficient techniques for using magic, and ――”

Muttering the contents written in a small voice, Alma closed the notebook with a snap.

“Screw it! It’s a pain to explain all this stuff. You’ll learn by doing it yourself during practical training!!”

Throwing the notebook aside, Alma reached into her pocket once again. From there, she took out a silver handbell with engravings.

“―― First, let’s move to a place where we can rampage.”

With a smile, Alma lightly shook the bell, and in that instant, Reid and the others’ vision distorted. The scenery before them changed drastically.

Endless blue skies and grassland stretched out before them. They not only felt the wind brushing their hair and skin, but also the smell of grass, trees, and soil wafting around them. In other words, this was not simple illusion magic that only obfuscated their vision.

“This is a different space generated by a magic tool created by Headmaster Elise. You can’t get out until I release it, and anything you do inside won’t have any effect on the outside.”

Alma explained while carrying her own magic equipment on her shoulder.

It was a battle axe with wide blades resembling wings. Its tip was adorned with a long black cloth, fluttering like a banner.

“Well, if it’s an explanation, I guess seeing it for yourself is better. Is there anyone who wants to volunteer as my sparring partner?”

asked Alma lightly, but the students looked at each other with confusion.

After all, the opponent is a special rank mage, and while the students had some knowledge of magic, few had actual combat experience.

“Come on, don’t worry. I’ll make sure to go easy on you and not hurt anyone, so even beginners and inexperienced students are welcome!”

Alma smiled and said, but her persuasive power was not helped by the sight of her swinging the deadly battle axe in her hand.

However ――

“―― Then, let me be your opponent.”

With those words, Faregh stepped forward from among the students.

“I can handle up to seventh tier magic. I’ve trained my mind and body to become a mage since I was young, and I’ve also been trained in magic combat.”

“Wow, that’s amazing!”

“Not at all. As a son of the Welminan family, it’s only natural.”

Faregh proudly puffed out his chest in response to Alma’s honest praise.

“I know three types of magic and am above average in all of them.”

“Well then, can I get a little serious, too?”

“…Eh?”

But getting carried away was a mistake.

“Um… about that, I thought you said you would go easy on us?”

“Yes, that’s right. But if you’ve been training for magic combat since childhood, you should be fine, right?”

“S-Specifically, how serious are we talking here…?”

“Let’s start with breaking a few bones, shall we?”

“Wait a minute! What do you mean by breaking bones!?”

Hearing Alma’s words, Faregh paled and recoiled slightly.

At that moment ―― Alma’s gaze shifted. It was to the raised hand of the person standing next to Reid.

“I want to try it.”

“Oh? So, you’re volunteering too, little lady?”

“Yeah, I want to fight with Sensei.”

“Heh, you’re more confident than that boy. What’s your name?”

“Elria Caldwen.”

“I see… You are the exceptional child the headmaster talked about. I heard you are only allowed to use up to fifth tier magic, so I’ll match your level ――”

“Mm… It’s okay. You don’t have to hold back.”

While deploying her own magic equipment, Elria calmly replied.

“More importantly… will you be fine, Sensei?”

“…What do you mean by that?”

Alma squinted slightly, and Elria nodded softly before asking ――

“―― Should I go easy on you?”

In that instant, a jet-black wind blew fiercely in front of Elria.

The shockwave caused Faregh, who was standing nearby, to roll on the ground, and the other students screamed while covering their faces.

“I see ―― You really have confidence, don’t you?”

Alma grinned, wielding her black-winged battle axe.

Emerging from Alma’s shadow are massive skeletal arms dyed in black ink. The skeletal arms created by Alma’s magic were draped in the black wind, producing an eerie noise similar to malicious laughter.

It was a surprise attack using magic before the opponent could recognize it. If it were a fight under predetermined rules, such as a match, Alma’s attack would have been criticized as a dirty attack by others. However, there are no rules in actual combat.

Elria understands this more than anyone else.

“You easily blocked my pretty strong punch.”

said Alma, looking at the shining light silver shield before Elria.

Elria stood behind the shield with a calm expression.

“Wow… What’s that? It not only withstands physical impact but also deflects magic attacks by diffusing the magic power. You’re really good at doing such fine work.”

“Yeah, this kind of thing is my speciality.”

“It’s interesting. Can you do other things, too?”

“…Do you have any requests?”

“Anything is fine. Just make sure you’re trying to knock me down.”

said Alma while pointing her battle axe at Elria with a daring smile.

“Same here. Let’s see how many bones you can break.”

Immediately after those words, Alma’s shadow began to stir. High-pitched, grating sounds of bones rubbing against each other echoed throughout the grassland as innumerable black ink-colored skeletal arms emerged from the shadow, resembling those of a giant serpent.

However, even with such a sight before her, Elria did not even flinch. She rotated her staff and fixed her gaze on the group of massive skeletal arms.

“Well then, I’ll use everything I got as well.”

As the two of them entered their fighting stances, Reid called out to the students nearby.

“Now, those of you who can move, help the ones who are unconscious or unable to move because of their injuries. They might get hurt by the aftermath.”

“Y-Yes…! Understood!!”

Upon hearing Reid’s words, the students returned to their senses and called out to those who had been blown away and unconscious, such as Faregh, and helped them move away from the area.

After confirming this, Reid calls out to Wiesel and Millis, who are nearby.

“What about you guys? This is getting interesting, so I’m going to watch it from here. But if you don’t want to get hurt, you should step back with the others.”

“No… I want to watch it, too. Not only do I get to see the magic of a special rank mage up close, but I’m also interested in Elria’s skills in countering it.”

“Hahaha… I don’t think I can run away with both of my legs trembling like this, you know…!?”

“Hide behind me. If anything happens, I’ll take care of it.”

Millis nodded at Reid’s words with her trembling legs.

“Nonetheless… that’s a special rank mage’s magic. It’s truly incredible.”

said Wiesel as he put his hand on his magic tool glasses and carefully observed the two.

“The system… is mainly dominated by ‘black’, huh?”

“Yeah, that’s right. It’s also mixed with ‘blue’, I guess.”

The original system of magic is classified into six ‘colors’.

‘Red’ uses magic power to cause and emit objects or events.

‘Blue’ uses magic power to transform objects or events into different properties.

‘Green’ uses magic power to manipulate objects or living beings.

‘Yellow’ uses magic power to rewrite concepts or laws.

‘White’ uses magic power to enhance inherent properties.

‘Black’ uses magic power to grant non-inherent properties.

By primarily choosing a system that matches their own magic power quality and stacking the magic of the six colors according to their intended purpose, a magic formula is created.

Thus, what is commonly referred to as summoning magic, strengthening magic, spatial magic, teleportation magic, and other types of magic are created through this process. In the case of mages who specialize in studying magic, they first make a rough classification based on the original six colors system.

The choice of which of the original six colors system to use as the primary one is influenced by the individual’s magic power quality, and most people have the aptitude for only one color, at most, two or three colors in most cases.

However ――

“―― Ugh, come on! Are you really going to use everything? That’s cheating, isn’t it!?”

“Yeah. I said I’d do that.”

―― This does not apply to the founder of magic, the ‘Sage’, Elria.

Her style of fighting is best described as constantly changing and unpredictable.

Trapping the approaching skeletal arms with the roots of a large tree, and while dodging the strike that was aimed at her with a wall of air, she pushed forward the front line with a wall of light, and then taking advantage of the gap created, attacked Alma with a flame in the shape of a beast.

This is a highly versatile magic that could only be performed by someone who could master all the original six colors system, as the caster herself had declared that she would.

“Amazing… Elria-sama is keeping up with a special rank mage…”

“Yeah… It’s not just the fact that she can activate and handle all that magic simultaneously, but the precision at which she does so is nothing short of astounding.”

As the two of them murmured their thoughts, Wiesel furrowed his brow.

“However, according to what we heard earlier, Lady Elria’s ability to use magic is supposed to be limited, right? What Alma-sensei is using is clearly magic that goes beyond that limit, so it should be impossible for her to fight back properly.”

“But… she’s pushing back normally and even destroying Alma-sensei’s magic, isn’t she?”

In response to their question, Reid calmly asked them.

“Do you know how many magic Elria is using right now?”

“The number of magic… you mean?”

“It’s hard to believe, but based on my magic tool alone, she’s definitely using dozens of magic simultaneously…”

Addressing the two people who were observing Elria, Reid calmly spoke up.

“She’s using over a thousand magic.”

“……What?”

“That’s how many magic she’s using. To be precise, it’s even more than that.”

“What, hold on… over a thousand…?”

“The magic you’re seeing right now is made up of countless delicate magic that would normally be undetectable by most people. What Wiesel observed with his magic tool was only the number of completed magic.”

“Wait, does that mean ――”

Each of those magic is no more than fifth tier magic.

However ―― if there are as many of them as there are stars, then the situation changes dramatically.

“She isn’t using magic power, but forming magic with magic,”

However, by deploying those countless magic and adding, stacking, and combining them all together, they turn into ‘magic formed by magic’ rather than just magic power. This overwhelms the expected cancellation of magic by using an overwhelming amount of magic.

It is a feat that ordinary people cannot achieve.

“I think it was called ―― ‘Weighted Multiplication Deployment’. It’s kind of nostalgic.”

While watching Elria waving her staff as if dancing, Reid recalls the heroic figure he saw on the battlefield in the past.

When he muttered such words, Wiesel asked with a slightly trembling voice.

“…Reid, can you see all of that magic?”

“Of course. Isn’t it obvious?”

While answering so, Reid did not take his eyes off Elria.

Her beautifully refined techniques.

“I’ve been so focused on her all this time.”

The exhilaration he felt was like when he looked up at the night sky and saw the twinkling stars.

The man who was called a ‘Hero’ was captivated by her existence as a young boy would ――

“―― She’s so straightforward and much more dazzling than anyone else to the point that I get lost in her.”

Reid declares with a gleaming and happy smile.

At that moment, there was a change in the back-and-forth battle between the two.

“Haa, this isn’t working either?”

“To be able to hold against everything, I really think Sensei is amazing.”

“I’m not sure how to feel about being praised by a student of mine…”

“That said ―― you’re still not serious, right?”

As soon as she heard those words, Alma’s expression changed.

“Well… based on this situation, it would be rude not to take you seriously, right?”

With a smile on her face, Alma stuck the pommel of her battle axe into the ground.

The black cloth attached to its tip fluttered like a black flag warning that there was no turning back.

“―― Now, it’s time to ‘march’.”

As if in response to Alma’s words, the skeletal arms that had crawled out from the shadows began to tremble.

They wriggled and jostled, pushing aside other skeletal arms as they reached out towards the outside world, eager to be the first to head towards the battlefield.

“―― Let’s begin the battle, <<Undead Brigade>>.”

What appeared from Alma’s shadow were not just skeletal arms, but also towering giant skeletons made up of massive bones.

Using their own skeletal arms, which lacked any flesh, they crawled out one by one from the narrow shadow.

Not only the giant skeletons but also numerous armed skeletal soldiers appear.

Combat engineers riding in bone-built tanks, dragon knights riding on the back of dragons with decayed wings, cavalry riding on headless skeletal horses, beast hunters commanding their beasts to capture those who are running away with their sharp fangs and swift feet, and field musicians playing military music that would make the listeners tremble ――

The army of the dead crawling out from the literal depths of hell started filling the grasslands.

Alma raised her battle axe, adorned with a black flag, to lead the army of the dead.

“Now… with me going all out, you’d better be ready, little lady.”

said Alma gazing at the enemy before her with her golden eyes and a fearless smile.

“―― If you dare to cross this ‘Black Flag’, come at me prepared to lay down your life.”

Her heavy, crushing words were directed at Elria, who, for the first time, showed a change in expression.

“―――― Eh?”

With a small murmur, Elria’s eyes flashed with agitation.

“Why do you… know those words?”

As Elria constructed her magic, she directed apparent hostility toward Alma.

“Oh my, does what I said bother you?”

“Yeah… because there’s only one person in this world who can say that.”

Using her magic tool, Elria deployed numerous formations around her, surveying the army of skeletons.

“I want to ask you a lot of things, so I’ll take this seriously.”

“Yeah ―― I’m planning on doing the same!”

Alma set the giant skeletons into motion with her battle axe that swung like a massive conductor’s baton​.

A single flash of light was then emitted with a swing of the massive sword held by the giant skeleton. It was a devastating blow that would not spare even the allied army, obliterating everything in its path.

“―――― !”

Elria tried to cast more magic to stop that blow, but then ――

The giant skeleton’s sword stopped without a sound.

“―――― Huh?”

The next one to show surprise was Alma.

A massive swing that could mow down everything. Yet it was being caught by the hand of a human.

“―― I’m sorry for spoiling the game.”

Perhaps sensing the abnormality that the gripped sword did not budge, the giant skeleton began to struggle.

However, the sword shows no sign of moving. It was held by Reid, who restrained it with pure force.

“But… I can’t just stay put when someone uses ‘my words’.”

At the moment Reid put strength into his right hand, the giant skeleton was knocked down along with its sword.

With a thunderous crash, its massive body was slammed onto the ground.

But that was not all.

With great force, he swung the giant skeleton around, crushing and scattering the surrounding skeletal soldiers with the sound of breaking bones. With that, a part of the ‘Army’ deployed by Alma’s magic was crushed.

A cloud of dust spread in the vast grasslands, covering the surroundings.

Witnessing this sight, Alma’s eyes narrowed in alarm.

“You must be… the other abnormal one, huh?”

“I’m Reid Frieden. Nice to meet you, Sensei.”

“Well, this is another bothersome or rather incomprehensible child… You clearly didn’t seem to have used magic, so how could you have stopped my magic?”

“I have a question for you, too. If you answer it, I’ll tell you.”

The black cloth attached to that battle axe. Because the crest was scraped and almost gone, Reid noticed it late.

However, Reid was convinced by Alma’s earlier statement. It was something Reid had mentioned on the battlefield.

A dead country that once existed but perished in modern times.

A country where a man called a ‘Hero’ once lived ――

“―― Why are you waving the ‘Military Flag of Altein’?”

Reid calmly asked while glaring at Alma.

However, Alma did not show any change in expression even after hearing those words. She was brimming with fighting spirit in her golden eyes.

“Well… I don’t know what you’re talking about, but if you’re not going to answer first, then I don’t have any obligation to answer either ――”

said Alma as she returned to a fighting stance.

But at that moment, a thunderous voice echoed throughout the space ――

‘―― WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS DOINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!’

The two confronting each other instinctively covered their ears at the deafening noise.

“Oh no… could it be that Elise can see us, too?”

‘I CAN SEE YOU AND HEAR YOU!!’

Elise’s booming voice reverberated throughout the entire space.

‘I was curious about the two of them, so I peeked to see what was going on, but what’s this? Alma-chan is trying to use tenth tier magic on a student!?’

“Ah… I thought it would be rude if I didn’t take it seriously, too.”

‘That’s out of the question!! In the first place, it was the academy that placed magic restrictions on Elria-chan!! Isn’t it shameful for you as a teacher to use tenth tier magic!?’

“Well. Anyway, can we resume the battle now?”

‘Of course not!! Tenth tier magic wasn’t designed to be used here, so if it’s used, my magic tool will be destroyed, too!! If that happens, I’ll be really mad!!’

“Okay, okay, I get it…”

Alma sighed and stored her giant skeletons back into her shadow.

“Well then, Elria-chan, we’ll have to postpone our match for now, okay?”

“Mm… that’s too bad.”

“Well, with your skills, you’ll definitely be able to become a special rank mage in the future, and we can have a rematch then without Elise finding out.”

“Yeah, I’ll be looking forward to it.”

‘I hope you can refrain from making a duel declaration in front of me!!’

Upon hearing Elise’s voice, Elria and Alma exchanged wry smiles with each other.

“Is it okay if we settle this matter later, Reid-kun?”

“…Well, there’s nothing we can do about it.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to take the time to talk to you later. But as a teacher, I can’t just leave the other students alone.”

Turning to where the students are retreating, Alma claps her hands and raises her voice.

“Alright, the mock battle is over! Come back, everyone! And if someone’s unconscious, splash them with water and wake them up!”

Upon hearing the call, the students who had evacuated began to gather gradually.

“Now, if you continue to train hard as a mage, you’ll also be able to have intense battles like us, so do your best to become a mage, okay!?”

Alma thumped her chest with a hearty smile, but the students, having caught a glimpse of the pinnacle of a mage’s battle just now, had dark expressions as if they had lost confidence.

“That was a battle of a special rank mage… It’s just too different from us…”

“I was a little excited because my grades were good on the entrance examination, but… I’m losing confidence that I can become a mage…”

“Yeah… we were just a little capable of using magic…”

Upon hearing the students’ words, Alma pouted like a child.

“What’s with that line of thought? You all worked so hard to get into this academy, right? Don’t give up before you even try. If you don’t have confidence, you won’t achieve anything, you know?”

“Well… that may be true…”

“Besides, you guys will be learning from me for the next year, remember? You should understand the significance of learning directly from someone who showed you a battle like the one earlier.”

Saying so, Alma smiles with a smirk while carrying her battle axe.

“You can become stronger than anyone else, so believe that and stick with me.”

It was the smile of an overwhelmingly strong person, and the words of a strong person who walks ahead of everyone else, cuts through the path, and leads the way.

With that reassuring smile and words that give confidence ――

“―――― YES!!”

The students raised their voices in response.

Seeing that, Alma nodded with satisfaction.

“Alright, that’s a good answer! Then, from now on, you all will undergo training to solidify the most important foundation for a mage!!”

Upon hearing that, the students straightened their posture and waited for the next words.

And then ――

“―― Now, you all keep running until you collapse!!”

With a beaming smile, Alma gave them such a crazy training regimen.

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Chapter 3 Part 1

The next day, Reid woke up as usual.

When he moved his neck, he saw that the clock hands were pointing to 6 o’clock in the early morning.

However, Reid frowned at the unfamiliar sensation he felt.

“Something feels heavy…”

As he tried to get up, he realized the cause of the discomfort.

“Mmm…”

He could hear Elria’s small groans next to him.

……………

…………………

He had completely forgotten.

The pillow she had held against her chest before going to bed must not have suited her, so it had been pushed to the edge of the bed, and in its place was Elria hugging his arm.

She must have tossed and turned quite a bit in her sleep, as her neatly arranged one-piece pajama was now disheveled, and the hem was pulled up to reveal her bare white legs.

Moreover, as Reid tried to extract himself from this troubling situation…

“Mmm…”

Elria sleeping next to him, clung to him tightly and wriggled around.

“…Hmph.”

Then, seemingly satisfied with her position, she began to breathe calmly again with a peaceful expression.

Her figure is completely defenseless, and Reid can tell she is really sleeping soundly.

However, he could not just leave things as they were.

While there may have been some thoughts upon seeing Elria’s vulnerable appearance, as the two of them are in a position of ‘engaged’, there’s a line he should not cross.

“…I’m glad I turned into a grandpa once. That was helpful.”

Muttering to himself, Reid shook Elria’s body.

“Hey, wake up. It’s already morning.”

“Mmm…?”

Thanks to the shaking sensation and the voice, Elria’s eyes opened slightly.

And then ―― slowly closed again.

“Don’t try to go back to sleep without saying anything.”

“Nooo…”

As Reid tried to pull her up forcibly, Elria pressed her face against his arm and shook her head.

Just like Elria herself had said, she seemed to have a terrible case of sleep inertia.

“You should take a bath or something. That should wake you up.”

“A bath…?”

Hearing the word ‘bath’ seemed to have somewhat awakened her, as her eyes opened halfway. But those eyes were still unfocused and hazy.

“It’s still early in the morning, so If you want to take a bath, that’s fine with me.”

“If it’s a bath, I’ll go…”

“Okay then, go ahead. I’ll change and prepare breakfast while you’re in there ――”

“…Together.”

“…Huh?”

“I want to go together.”

As she said that, Elria clung to Reid’s arm again.

Certainly, she still seemed groggy, and it would be dangerous to let her go alone.

Reluctantly, Reid stood up with a sigh.

“…Alright, I get it. I’ll go with you, so don’t fall over.”

“…Mmm.”

While emitting uncertain cries that may or may not have been an affirmation, Elria followed Reid obediently while gripping his shirt.

Along the way, Reid took out the uniform that had been provided and tried not to look as he took underwear from her bag and headed to the bathroom… where he began to fill the bath using magic tools.

In the room, there was a magic circuit that operated via the stored magic power in the magic storage unit, which Elria had filled with her own magic power upon entering the room. Therefore, Reid did not worry about destroying it as long as he did not use his magic power.

“Come on, I’ve filled the bath, so get in.”

“…Why?”

“I’ll be troubled if you look at me with a puzzled face there.”

Elria stared at Reid while tilting her head greatly. However, seeing her like that, he understood what she said yesterday.

‘I become lethargic when I wake up.’

In other words, this was the state of being ‘lethargic’, and it was probably one of the reasons why Alicia had left him in charge of all matters concerning Elria.

Without noticing Reid’s distress, Elria tugged on his shirt.

“…Let’s go in together.”

“…Wait, that’s definitely a no.”

“But… you said you understood earlier.”

Pouting slightly, Elria glared at him with half-opened eyes.

“I said I got it, but…”

Elria repeatedly tugged on his shirt while puffing out her cheeks.

Perhaps no matter what he said to Elria now, she would not listen. As long as she did not fully wake up, this state would likely continue for some time.

For a while, Reid struggled with himself ――

“I’ll hold your hand even while we’re in the bath, so please let go of my shirt…”

“Mm.”

Upon hearing Reid’s response as he slumped down, Elria nodded satisfactorily.

Then, when the sound of rustling clothes was heard next to him, Reid turned his face away and wrapped a towel around his eyes.

“Eh…? Why are you covering your face with a towel…?”

“I have a habit of covering my eyes with a towel when I take a bath.”

“But then you can’t see anything, can you…?”

“Don’t underestimate a hero. Even if I can’t see, I can still perceive my surroundings.”

“Wow, that’s amazing…”

With a soft voice, the sound of clapping hands can be heard. It is easy to imagine Elria nonchalantly clapping her hands.

In her current state, Elria would probably be convinced even if he said something random.

“Here, I’m holding your hand so come on in.”

“Mm… okay.”

As they took a few steps forward, the sound of water splashing was heard.

“It’s so warm…”

“Well, that’s good then.”

“Yeah… I’m happy…”

A soft exhale can be heard from Elria.

“It’s so warm… I’m really happy.”

“Well, your whole body is submerged in the hot water.”

“Mmnn… that’s not it.”

After answering, Elria squeezed Reid’s hand with some strength.

“It’s so warm.”

As she repeated those words, she continued to squeeze his hand.

Surely, Elria must have had a truly happy smile on her face right now. It is a shame that he cannot see it.

While having such thoughts ――

“Yeah.”

Reid returned her words with a smile on his face.

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Chapter 2 Part 5

◆

After finishing dinner, the two of them briefly discussed their future plans. However, the only thing they really talked about was how to use the bathroom.

Basically, Elria took priority in using the bathroom, mainly with the reason of changing clothes and because Reid thought, “You’re shy around people, so you’ll be more relaxed in the bathroom where there isn’t anyone watching.”.

“Okay… I guess that’s all we need to talk about for our daily lives.”

“Yeah, thank you for today.”

After finishing their discussion about the future, Reid flopped onto the bed. They had both already bathed and changed into their sleepwear, so they could go to sleep at any time.

Elria’s memories of Reid were mostly of him in armor, and she had only seen him in his everyday attire at the Caldwen estate, so seeing him in just a shirt and pants for their room wear was quite refreshing.

As Elria gazed absentmindedly at him, she noticed Reid’s gaze was on her.

“Mm… what’s the matter, Reid?”

“Oh, it’s just something that’s been bothering me.”

Hearing that, Elria looked around to check her own appearance, looking down at her calming green-colored dress and the thin cardigan that she wore over it. However, she could not find anything strange.

Noticing Elria’s confusion, Reid pointed out.

“Why have you been holding onto the pillow since earlier?”

“…Just because?”

Holding the pillow with both hands, Elria tilted her head.

“I always hold something when I sleep.”

“Ah, so it helps you sleep better?”

“Yeah. Holding something makes me feel safe.”

On the battlefield, she always slept while hugging her staff, her constant companion, so it had become an unconscious habit to hold something while sleeping.

Even when she spent time in the mansion, she held a stuffed animal while sleeping, but she could not bring it with her this time, so she was using a pillow instead.

However, Reid, who had been watching her, handed her his own pillow.

“In that case, use mine. It’s better to use a proper pillow when sleeping.”

“…But what about you, Reid?”

“I use my arm as a pillow, so having a real pillow actually makes it harder for me to sleep. If it bothers you, I’ll go buy one on my day off, so don’t worry about it.”

“Okay, I understand.”

Smiling, Reid interlocked his hands behind his head.

On the battlefield, he had a rough and uncouth image, but now that they were spending time together, she noticed that he had a surprisingly delicate and considerate side to him. He even suggested the idea of the bathroom after understanding her personality.

She felt a little sorry for making him worry, but she was happy to learn about Reid’s good qualities that she did not know before. If she had the chance, she would secretly brag to someone about it.

“Well, I’m going to sleep now, so I’ll leave the lights to you.”

“Okay, good night.”

After watching Elria wave her hand, Reid closed his eyes quietly. And soon… the sound of him sleeping could be heard. Probably not even a minute had passed.

Reid had slept on the battlefield many times, so his body was capable of sleeping as soon as it demanded rest.

“………”

Elria stared at Reid’s sleeping face for a while.

“………”

She then approached Reid.

Reid was already in a deep sleep, showing no signs of waking up. She leaned in closer than usual and peered at Reid’s sleeping face.

“………~~~~!”

However, her face gradually grew hot, so she pulled back. Feeling guilty for doing something wrong, she slapped her cheeks as a warning.

“But… someday, I have to tell him properly.”

Since the night she talked to Alicia about their engagement, Elria had set one goal for herself. And that is to confess her feelings to Reid. To tell him that she loves him without feeling embarrassed and to look him straight in the eyes.

After Reid had become a mage and achieved the goal of ‘settling the score’ that they made in their previous life, and after finding out the cause of their reincarnation… there would be no reason for him to stay by Elria’s side.

That is why she had to tell him properly. She had to say that she wanted him to stay by her side forever.

However ――

“~~~~!”

Her face grew hot just by looking at him, so Elria shook her head. She hated herself for it, but it was just her nature.

“…Even if it’s just a little bit, it counts in making progress.”

Encouraging herself, Elria clenched her fist tightly.

While having such thoughts, she suddenly remembered something from the past.

Back when magic was not even recognized yet, and Elria was not even called a ‘Sage’.

It was when Elria first met Reid.

“You’re using something incredibly powerful, aren’t you?”

Reid said that with a smile to Elria, who was his enemy.

Even though they were in a position to kill each other as enemies, Reid had an innocent, childlike smile on his face.

Elria had poured her knowledge, wisdom, and painstaking effort into creating magic, a technological skill. However, even her own mother, let alone those around her, dismissed it as something ‘useless’.

Reid was the first person to appreciate her work and praise her for it. He understood her, even though nobody else did, and she fell in love with him unconsciously from that moment on.

That’s why Elria continued to strive for improvement after that. She wanted to be praised with the same words and smile the next time they met.

Thanks to Reid, Elria became known as a ‘Sage’.

A person much like herself but stronger and more amazing than herself. He was the hero who saved Elria from her loneliness.

That’s why ――

“―― Reid is truly amazing.”

While staring at her personal ‘Hero’, Elria smiled and praised him.

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Chapter 2 Part 4

◇

After a while, a staff member from the academy came to the classroom where the students were gathered.

First, the students were congratulated on their admission and were told that the mage who would be in charge of teaching them would explain the details of their unit outline at a later date.

The staff member also explained that while enrolled in the academy, they will live in the student dormitory attached to the academy.

A detailed explanation of life at the academy was given, such as that the students are free to spend their holidays as they please. However, a separate application is required to return to their home country or any other distant destination.

The staff member then led the students to the student dormitory ――

The moment they saw the room assignments, Reid and Elria froze at the same time.

“Elria.”

“…Yeah.”

“It seems like we’re going to be in the same room.”

“…Yeah.”

“Usually, they separate male and female students for this kind of thing, right?”

“…Yeah.”

“I wonder what we’re having for dinner tonight.”

“…Yeah.”

Elria’s thoughts had come to a complete halt. She had become like an idiot who could only nod her head in a daze.

With no other choice, Reid calls out to a nearby staff member.

“Excuse me, but Elria and I are in the same room…”

“What? Yes, I was informed by the headmaster that you two are engaged…”

The staff member tilts his head in confusion, wondering what the problem is.

“There are also nobles who are engaged or married when they enter our academy, and in such cases, we usually arrange for them to share a room unless there are special circumstances…”

“I see, that makes sense…”

If their relationship is more than an engagement, rumors about their relationship will spread, and if rumors about them being unhappy together began to circulate, it could tarnish the reputation of both of their families.

In that case, it would be better to stay in the same room from the beginning.

“Thank you very much for your explanation. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

After quickly ending the conversation, Reid headed for Elria, who was waiting for him.

“W-Was it a mistake…?”

“No, it wasn’t a mistake. It seems like they have a policy of putting engaged students in the same room.”

“Mm… I’d feel safer with Reid than with anyone else, so it’s fine.”

With that, Elria breathes a sigh of relief. From the looks of it, she didn’t seem to dislike the idea of sharing a room with Reid.

“Well, let’s just go put our stuff in the room for now.”

“Y-Yeah…”

While looking at the key and the map given to them, they headed toward the assigned room.

The two found the room they were looking for and entered to check it out. It seems a little cramped since they have been living in the Caldwen family mansion until just recently, but there is more than enough space for two people to live together. The room is equipped with toilet and bath facilities and a complete set of magic tools for heating and cooling and other miscellaneous cooking-related magic tools.

However, a dining hall for meals and a large bathhouse are attached to the dormitory. In addition, the academy hired people to collect and wash clothes, so nobles who relied on servants would hardly have the opportunity to use them.

Next, they entered the bedroom and looked around. The bedroom is well furnished with a wardrobe and a dressing table.

However ―― there is only one bed.

After staring at the bed for a while, Reid nodded greatly.

“I see. Well, it’s spacious enough, don’t you think?”

“Y-Yeah… I think it will be fine for the two of us to sleep together.”

“Just to make sure, are you okay with sleeping in the same bed?”

“I-It… it won’t be an issue!”

For some reason, Elria spoke in a respectful tone.

“Reid, are you okay with sleeping with me…?”

“I don’t mind. I’ll sleep like a log when I go to bed anyway.”

“I… I might toss and turn while asleep.”

“You have a small build, so I don’t think I’d wake up even if you bumped into me.”

“…Also, I’m not a morning person.”

“I will wake you up.”

“…And sometimes I become lethargic when I wake up.”

“You’re troublesome, even when you’re sleeping.”

“……I’m sorry.”

Elria looks down to hide her embarrassed face. She has had some brooding expression since just now, probably because she thought sleeping in the same bed would cause him a lot of trouble.

“But… I don’t want to be alone, so I want to sleep together with Reid…”

Looking up at Reid, Elria purses her lips.

Seeing Elria’s face, Reid patted her head lightly with a wry smile.

“Don’t worry about it. We’re going to be living together from now on, so if you don’t say anything about things that bother you or things you’re not good at, you’ll end up getting more tired. If it comes to that, it’s better for me to know.”

“……Really?”

“Yeah. So go ahead and tell me anything you want.”

“Okay… then let’s make a promise.”

With that, Elria held out her pinky finger.

“Reid should do the same, too. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything.”

“Yes. No holds barred.”

When their pinky fingers intertwined, Elria finally smiled.

“Well, we can talk about other details over dinner.”

“Mm… then, shall we go to the dining hall?”

“No, there’s a chance someone might hear us, and it could affect Caldwen’s reputation… so, let’s just make our own dinner in the room for today.”

Reid headed for the kitchen and checked the contents of the refrigerated magic tool and the cooking utensils. Not only drinks but all kinds of ingredients were available in the refrigerated magic tool. They were probably restocked during room cleaning.

As Reid was thinking about this, Elria suddenly crouched down next to him.

“Reid, can you cook?”

“Well, if it’s something simple. I sometimes cooked when I was camping out.”

“Mm… that makes me nostalgic.”

Elria nodded, perhaps remembering the old days.

“I used to hunt and eat rabbits when I found them on the battlefield.”

“Oh, you were like that, too?”

“Yeah. In the beginning, I was treated as a weak sorcerer, not a mage, and was treated not so differently from an ordinary soldier, so I ate a lot of fruits, nuts, and wildflowers.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s certainly true. If we tried to boil water, the smoke would give away our position to enemy soldiers, so instead of water, I would squeeze fruits to rehydrate.”

“I know, right!! It was delicious, but if you spilled the juice, your clothes would get very dirty.”

“Oh, the military uniform in your country was white… Mine was black so the stains weren’t as noticeable, but there were times when I didn’t notice the stains from the juice, and you found out where I was by smelling it…”

“I remember that! I was downwind, so I could smell it!”

As they reminisced, Elria became excited and joined in on the conversation.

While talking, Reid continued with the preparations… Elria drew closer as if to snuggle up to him.

“Since we’re here, why don’t we have a simple meal like we used to? Like meat with just salt sprinkled on it, or vegetables boiled in water.”

“…Are we really going to eat that now?”

“It might taste better with the nostalgia factor. Besides, I can help with that, too.”

Elria deftly tied up her hair, rolled up her sleeves, and took out a knife.

“I’ll cut the vegetables.”

“Okay. I’ll start boiling the meat.”

“Mm, I’ll leave the seasoning to you.”

“I remember back then we just sprinkled salt on everything.”

“…After fighting and coming back exhausted, something salty tasted really good.”

As they chatted casually, the two of them stood in the kitchen and continued with the cooking.

At that moment, Elria muttered,

“…This may be the first time I’ve cooked with someone since I was a child.”

“That would be when you were living in the elf village, right?”

“Yes. I remember my mother praising me a little at the time.”

Elria continued to gently chop the vegetables with a matter-of-fact face.

“But… other than that, I wasn’t really praised for anything else.”

While stopping her hands, Elria mumbled as if confessing her innermost thoughts.

Looking at her, Reid lightly placed his hand on Elria’s head.

“But your name is still being praised even after a thousand years have passed, so you must have been really respected.”

“……Yeah.”

“If your mother knew that, I’m sure she would have praised you, too.”

“Yeah.”

As Elria replied with a short word, a small smile appeared on her lips.

Perhaps this was a common story. Those who are called geniuses are not understood by others. Because they see and think differently, it is considered heretical to others. They reject what they do not understand and try to ostracize it.

It’s just like ――

“What were you like as a child, Reid?”

Elria looks straight into Reid with her deep sea-colored eyes.

After gazing into those eyes for a while, Reid lightly shakes his head.

“I don’t know. It was a long time ago, and all I remember is being alone.”

While staring at the cooker, Reid vaguely recalls some memories.

“My body has become too strong now, but when I was a kid, I was weak. I used to get sick and stay in bed all the time, which really irritated my parents.”

He does not resent his parents for that now. Because he understands that it was simply the way things were back then.

Reid’s birthplace, Altein, was a country where the gap between the rich and the poor was severe. Also, because they were constantly fighting to expand their territory, it was customary for many children born in impoverished, rural villages like Reid’s to leave the village and become a soldier.

However, Reid, who was physically weak, had no chance of becoming a soldier. His mother, on the other hand, was in a situation where she felt obligated to care for him. As the situation continued… Reid eventually reached a turning point.

“I was frustrated, so I decided to somehow make my body strong. Whenever I recovered from a fever, I would exercise and train my body. Then, I would get sick again, and my parents would give me unpleasant looks… I repeated that kind of thing over and over again, and that’s how I became who I am now.”

“So you became physically strong like you are now?”

“That’s right. I was overjoyed like crazy. Not only could I run around outside like the other kids, but I could also become stronger than anyone else in the village.”

It was not just a sense of oppression of not being able to do the obvious. Being able to finally meet his mother’s expectations, which had been troubling him, was also a big factor.

His mother had only expressed complaints about Reid, but for Reid, who was still young, she was still his mother regardless. Reid believed without a doubt that if he became stronger than anyone else, he would receive praise.

“But ―― I became too strong.”

The strength he obtained was not limited to the children of his age group. Despite being only seven years old, Reid had become stronger than any adult in the village. Seeing such a young Reid, the villagers unanimously said, ‘Reid is not a human child, but a monster’s child.’.

Thus, Reid was disliked by the villagers, and his mother, who was accused of giving birth to a monster, became more hostile towards Reid and began to see him not as her own child but as a ‘monster’. She then handed Reid over to the mercenary group that was passing through, as if driving him away.

At first, the members of the mercenary group sympathized with Reid’s circumstances as a child and treated him kindly, angry at his mother and the village people for their cruel treatment.

However, it was only for a short time.

After seeing Reid, a child, overwhelming enemy soldiers with brutal violence and always returning alive from dangerous battlefields, even those in the mercenary group who had considered him a comrade began to call him a ‘monster’… and eventually, no one approached him.

“After leaving the village, I continued to work as a mercenary, hoping that there might be others like me, but in the end, there was not a single one, and I became known as a ‘Hero’ for my war exploits. Life is truly unpredictable.”

This is just one of the common stories.

To be superior to others means to be outside the framework of being human.

And so, the two of them had fallen out of the big picture.

As Elria was viewed as a genius with outstanding intelligence, Reid became an outcast due to being the strongest human. It could be said that it was an ironic story that the two of them were praised as the ‘Hero’ and ‘Sage’.

Thinking that way, Reid smiled with self-derision, but then ――

“……Hey, what are you doing?”

“Mm… It’s nothing to worry about…!”

Elria, who had finished cutting the vegetables, was leaning over.

Seeing her like that, Reid recalled the time he took the examination and leaned forward slightly. Elria then put her hand on his head.

“Reid is amazing.”

“…Huh?”

“You’re really amazing.”

“What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”

“Because you praised me earlier, I’m returning the favor by praising you.”

As she said that, Elria continued to gently stroke Reid’s head.

“I think it’s really nice to be praised by someone. But Reid has been alone for so long that you haven’t realized that yet.”

Then, with a kind smile, she spoke again ――

“―― But now, you’re not alone because I’m here.”

Yes, she admonished him.

“So, I want to praise Reid a lot when you do your best from now on.”

“…I see.”

“Also, I’m more like an older sister to Reid because of my age, so I think I’m the right person for the job.”

“No, you’re younger than me, aren’t you?”

“That’s after I was reincarnated. If you include my previous life, I’m definitely the older sister.”

Elria puffed out her chest proudly. But despite her chest, her facial features and behavior were clearly far from the atmosphere of an ‘older sister’.

However ――

“Thanks for praising me, big sis.”

“Yeah, I’ll praise you a lot.”

As they exchanged such a conversation, the two of them stroked each other’s heads.

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Chapter 2 Part 3

◇

When they stopped a nearby staff member and asked for guidance, they were told that the other successful applicants were already waiting in the classroom. Reid and Elria were then led to their assigned classroom.

And the moment they opened the classroom door ――

“―― It’s Elria-sama!”

Someone spoke her name, and all the successful applicants in the classroom began to stir.

As soon as she entered the classroom, a crowd gathered around Elria.

“We saw your magic at the examination venue!”

“I’ve always heard a lot about Elria-sama, but I never thought that you could already cast tenth tier magic, you are truly worthy of succeeding in the name of the ‘Sage’!!”

“I was also watching from afar! The crimson-red hellfire rising to the heavens! I was truly amazed by your power that has already surpassed many other mages!”

Everyone praised Elria.

In response to that, Elria ――

“………! ……!!”

She was in a pinch.

Even if Elria tried to speak, she could only move her head left and right as they flooded her with questions.

And as a result of that ――

“R-Reid is… better than me…!”

Out of desperation, Elria nervously pointed at Reid.

At that moment, the students gathered around her turned their heads.

“Oh! We also saw your amazing feat! To have dispelled Elria-sama’s tenth tier magic, you must be quite skilled, too!!”

“I apologize for being impolite… but I have never seen you before and I don’t even know your name. So, could you tell me your name and which family you hail from…?”

“If you were accompanying Elria-sama, does that mean you have a connection to the Caldwen family!? And are you also avoiding public appearances like Elria-sama in order to conceal your abilities!?”

The students bombarded Reid with questions.

In response, Reid greeted them with a smile.

“First of all, I am deeply honoured by your words. My name is Reid Frieden and I will become a member of the Caldwen family.”

“Frieden… This is the first time I’ve heard of the family name. Are you from another country…?”

“Unlike all of you who are nobles, I am just a commoner. Because of this, I am often prejudiced as a student of magic… However, I am deeply impressed by everyone’s straightforwardness in praising me, regardless of their biases.”

“N-No… It’s only natural to evaluate someone based on their abilities!”

“…Yeah. Just like how the great ‘Sage’ was evaluated regardless of her elven origin. We, as students of magic, must have the generosity to accept those with abilities, regardless of their background.”

Upon hearing that Reid was a commoner, some people around him showed complicated expressions, but he maintained his courteous attitude towards everyone and avoided causing any antipathy.

In any era, there will always be differences in social status.

Even when he was a ‘Hero’, he had been given the position of ‘General’ based on his various military achievements, but there were many who called Reid a lowborn and despised him for it.

That’s why he is accustomed to dealing with such people.

However, some of them can be rather troublesome to deal with ――

“―― Ha! I doubt he really has any ability.”

With that kind of remark, the crowd around Reid gradually dispersed to reveal the perpetrator.

It was a young man with curly red hair.

He appeared to be around Reid’s age, and he had a group of similarly aged boys following him like attendants.

“Are you saying that a mere commoner has dispelled a tenth tier magic? I’m sorry, but I’m not stupid enough to believe that, and you don’t look like you’re that strong.”

The red-haired young man then casts his contemptuous gaze on Reid.

Seeing this, Reid lowered his head with a forced smile.

“Faregh-sama, son of the Welminan family. It is only natural that someone as talented as you would have harsh criticism and opinions about me.”

In the month leading up to his enrollment, Reid had been told by Alicia about not only the Caldwen family, but also the royal family of Vegalta and other influential families in the country.

One of those families was the Welminan family.

Like the royal family and the Caldwen family, the Welminan family is one of the oldest families in Vegalta and is regarded as a venerable family that has produced excellent mages for generations.

They have made exceptionally distinguished achievements in magic combat and subjugation of magical beasts, and because of their unwavering loyalty to the country, they have been granted the personal title of ‘Magic Knight’ by the king.

In particular, Faregh is blessed with a remarkable aptitude and magic power. It is said that he is a genius who would have received a lot of attention if it had not been for the presence of Elria.

However, being born into a family with status and honor, possessing exceptional talent beyond others, and being elevated by the people around him, can cause a person to become distorted.

As Alicia severely criticized, “He became a helpless, egoistic bastard who lives to screw with others.”.

“In the first place, how can a commoner like you have any connection to the Caldwen family? That is an insult to the distinguished families that have long protected Vegalta!”

“If you find my background unclear and suspicious, please be rest assured that you can ask the head of the family, Alicia, for confirmation. She will be able to verify me.”

“That’s not the point!! I don’t know what the Caldwen family is up to, but I’m saying it’s unthinkable that someone of low birth like you would be able to enroll into this academy!!”

“However, I have been judged to have exceeded the standards in the written and practical examinations required by the academy, and have also received approval from the headmaster, Elise. Besides, the academy’s principle is that those talented in magic should pursue the magic created by the Sage regardless of social status ――”

“Tch… don’t go around sounding like those detestable old geezers!”

Showing signs of exasperation, Faregh raised his voice.

However, it can be said that the outcome has been decided by this point.

Those who responded in an attempt to have a dialogue and those who ranted and raved with their emotions. It is clear how the people around them will perceive the scene.

“Faregh-sama… let’s just stop here…”

“If you stir things up with the Caldwens, it will also affect the main family of Welminan ――”

“Be quiet! Are you going to give me your opinion, too!?”

He lashes out at his attendants, who admonished him, in a rage that bordered on abomination. It is no wonder that Alicia criticized him for his arrogance.

“Anyway! Even if he is related to Caldwen, he must be a servant sent to take care of the Caldwen family’s lady!! So, why should I speak properly to him ――”

“I apologize for the late introduction, but I am Elria Caldwen’s fiancé.”

“―― I’m sure he can’t… say anything… anyway…”

As Faregh’s words gradually faded, so did the surrounding chatter.

Taking advantage of this, Reid turned towards Elria with a smile.

“Shall we sit down and listen to the teacher’s explanation, Elria?”

“Y-Yes…!”

Reid showed off by taking Elria’s hand and heading towards empty seats.

Needless to say, screams came from behind them afterward.

“Elria-sama is engaged!?”

“The Elria-sama, who was rumored to show no interest in anything other than magic!?”

“I even heard that she only spoke to people outside her family a few times a year!!”

The main focus now lies on Elria.

Ignoring the commotion in the classroom, Reid makes his way to the seats with fewer people.

“Oh my, I’m happy to see that look of bewilderment on his face.”

“…I had forgotten that Reid had a bad personality since it’s been a while.”

“Don’t say such scandalous things. Those who become conceited and get carried away can cause situations where they even kill their allies. So isn’t it better to make the first move?”

“…I feel like I understand why the soldiers in Reid’s country were so obedient to your orders.”

Elria stares at Reid, who is in a good mood.

However, Alicia also told Reid, “As a member of the same distinguished families, I feel ashamed. So when you get the chance, you should beat his guts back into shape.”.

Just then, Elria’s gaze suddenly turned downwards.

“What’s the matter?”

“……my hand.”

“Oh… I’m sorry, did it hurt because I grabbed it too hard?”

“Mm… it doesn’t hurt. I’m okay.”

While Elria smiled a little, she exerted a little strength in the hand she held.

As Reid tilted his head in confusion ―― a voice called out to them suddenly from the side.

“―― Um, if you’re looking for seats, how about here?”

It was a young man with light brown hair and a pair of glasses.

The young man adjusted his glasses as he looked at Reid and Elria.

In response, Reid took his seat.

“Oh, thank you for the invitation.”

“I don’t mind. I was bored anyway because there was nobody around me.”

With a self-deprecating laugh, the young man looked around at the empty surroundings.

Perhaps because of the peculiar atmosphere the young man gives off, there was nobody around. He then extended his hand toward Reid.

“I’m Wiesel Blanche. Nice to meet you.”

“……Blanche?”

As soon as Elria hears the name, she tilts her head slightly.

“…I’ve heard of that name before.”

“You might remember my family name. My family are magic equipment engineers and the magic equipment that Lady Caldwen uses is made by my sister.”

Upon hearing his words, Elria quickly bowed her head with a flustered look.

“P-Please tell your sister that I’m using it with great care…”

“She will be very happy to hear that. I remember my sister was overjoyed when she was commissioned to make the magic equipment for Lady Caldwen, who is often referred to as the reincarnation of the Sage.”

After nodding, Wiesel turned his almond eyes towards Reid.

“By the way… should I call you Sir Frieden?”

“Oh, just call me whatever you want. Even though I’m associated with the Caldwen family, I’m originally a commoner from the countryside, so I don’t feel comfortable with honorifics.”

“In that case, please do the same for me, too. I grew up surrounded by crude people with a craftsman’s temperament, so I’m not good at using formal language.”

“U-Um… y-you can use my name, too…!”

“I see. I’ll call you Lady Elria then.”

Perhaps catching the conversation’s path, Elria nodded and decided to join in on the conversation, for she is very active when it comes to magic-related topics.

“But… why did a magic equipment engineer take the examination to become a mage?”

The Vegalta Royal Magic Academy has classes not only for mages but also for other magic-related professions.

The classes are divided so that the students can learn specialized knowledge in each field, such as ‘magic equipment engineer’ who makes and adjusts the magic equipment used by mages, and ‘magic craftsman’ who engraves magic circuits on parts and ornaments used in the magic equipment.

In other words, Wiesel would normally belong to the magic equipment engineer’s class.

To Elria’s question, Wiesel nodded and answered,

“I am a pragmatist. My goal is to understand what mages must have and don’t need in their magic equipment in their activities… and by observing not only myself but also those who actually use the magic equipment and make magic equipment that is much more practical.”

“In other words… even though you are a magic equipment engineer, you become a mage for the sake of research?”

“That’s right. It’s a motive that some people find objectionable.”

The ability to become a mage depends on the magic power and talent one is born with.

Many people give up the path of a mage and become a magic equipment engineer or a magic craftsman because they do not have enough magic power to meet the standard criteria.

From their perspective, what Wiesel is doing may seem like an indulgence.

“It doesn’t matter. Making good magic equipment is also in line with the academy’s philosophy of ‘pursuing and developing magic’. Anyone who complains just doesn’t understand.”

“Yes. I think what’s important is having a proper learning attitude.”

“…I’m supposed to be older, but your words sound strangely meaningful.”

said Wiesel with a wry smile.

“Speaking of which, I heard that Reid dispelled the tenth tier magic that Lady Elria cast…”

In general, the strength of magic is rated on a scale of one to ten.

They are established not by the type of magic but by the scale, speed, mass, strength, power, and so on. The magic that Elria cast was tenth tier magic, which is the highest of them all.

However, since the evaluation is only based on an established framework, it would be difficult to even evaluate the magic that Elria used in her previous life.

“I’m interested in tenth tier magic, but I’m more interested in Reid who dispelled it. If you don’t mind, could you show me your magic equipment?”

“Well, I don’t have any magic equipment.”

“…What do you mean?”

“I can’t use any magic equipment because it breaks when I use it.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Magic equipment is designed to withstand all kinds of magic, with physical resistance and magic power load reduction through the craftsman’s engravings. It’s not something that easily breaks.”

“Reid’s magic power is special, which causes all the magic circuits and engravings to break.”

As Elria added a commentary, Wiesel rubbed his chin curiously. He then repositioned his glasses and took out a rod-shaped object from his waist.

“Then, try breaking this.”

“Are you sure about that…?”

“I have spare magic equipment. If the magic equipment can be destroyed by some factor or under certain conditions, it is something that I, as a magic equipment engineer, should know about.”

Wiesel presents the magic equipment to Reid with a serious look on his face. Although his appearance and tone of voice give the impression of him being cool-headed, he seems to have a tendency to get a little passionate when it comes to magic equipment.

“By the way, this magic equipment is custom-made by me. It was designed not only for versatility, but also for continuous use and durability, so that it can be tested on a variety of people ――”

“I see.”

While Wiesel was explaining, Reid casually bent and broke the magic equipment.

In the aftermath, Wiesel’s glasses cracked.

“It was supposed… to be a masterpiece…!!”

“I warned you!!”

“Oh… I’m just a little upset that you broke it so easily…!!”

Wiesel fixed his cracked glasses and took the broken magic equipment with trembling hands.

After observing it for a while, he turned to Elria.

“As someone knowledgeable about magic itself, how do you see it, Lady Elria?”

“Mm… roughly speaking, I think Reid’s magic power doesn’t meet the standards of magic.”

“I see, from the perspective of magic formula and magic circuit, that would be the case.”

“…How do you think about it?”

“To be honest, I don’t know. Lady Elria’s theory seems to be correct in terms of breaking the protection that was applied to the magic equipment, but it doesn’t necessarily connect to physically breaking the magic equipment itself.”

Saying that, Wiesel looked at the magic equipment that had been crushed in his hand.

“Without analyzing it and observing how it is destroyed multiple times, it is impossible to speculate, let alone draw a conclusion. To be honest, it’s a complete unknown.”

After expressing his thoughts, Wiesel asked Reid a question.

“Reid… how did you get this magic power?”

Hearing that, Reid gave a troubled smile ――

“―― Well, I have no idea. It was so long ago that I’ve forgotten.”

In fact, he does not know why or how it came to be. He has had this body ever since he can remember. So that was the only answer Reid could give.

More importantly ――

“So, why are you listening to our conversation from behind?”

Reid turned around and asked. At that moment, a painful banging sound was heard from behind.

“―― Ouch!! Why is this desk so hard!?”

Reid took a peek and saw a little girl rolling around on the floor, holding her head.

As she swept the floor with her fluffy golden hair, she noticed Reid’s gaze and widened her eyes in surprise.

“Ah! I-I-I… I’m not someone weird, o-okay?”

“We will turn you over to security if you don’t speak properly.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! My name is Millis Lambat, and I am seventeen years old! I come from a small village in Noaberg, and my only friends were sheep because there were no other people my age around! I’ve been admitted as a scholarship student, but I’m struggling to make human friends!!”

“I’ll leave the judgment to Elria.”

“I like her enthusiasm.”

“She’s been promoted from suspicious person to classmate due to her positive attitude.”

“Yayyy!! Thank you so much! I stayed up all night thinking about my self-introduction!”

Thanks to the kindness of Elria, the little girl who called herself Millis, was pumping her fist up to the ceiling with tears in her eyes. Reid felt like crying, thinking she had spent all night thinking about that self-introduction.

“So, why were you eavesdropping on our conversation?”

“Uh, hehe… I thought the other people here might be hard to approach for conversation, so I was quietly listening in to see if there was anyone that I could easily talk to…”

“Well, instead of hiding and listening in on us, you could have just approached us normally…”

“It’s impossible, isn’t it!? Everyone in the class is talking about things like, ‘Thank you very much for the social party the other day~’, or ‘Did you have a good harvest this year in your territory~’, you know!? How am I supposed to join in on that conversation!?”

“Just say something like, ‘There were so many sheep this year to the point that many shearing shears were broken~’.”

“You are thinking like it’s someone else’s problem, so you said that! Is that what you’re saying!?”

Millis was banging on the desk, on the verge of tears.

But in fact, it was understandable that Millis felt that way.

Even though mages are based on merit, there are still differences in social class and background.

Those who aspired to become a mage were often from wealthy families that could afford it, families that had inherited magic power for generations, or those who had grown up in environments where they could learn about magic in detail and had access to mentors.

That’s why the academy has introduced a scholarship student program to avoid overlooking talented people. Still, it is undeniable that they tend to be isolated from the people around them because they live in a different world.

Moreover, some people do not take kindly to those who aspire to become a mage just because they have ‘talent’, without having a particularly good family background.

This was evident in Faregh’s attitude earlier and in the other students’ reactions, so it was easy to imagine how they would respond to Millis.

“By the way, I heard that Reid is also from the countryside!”

“Don’t put me in the middle of nowhere like Noaberg.”

“Eh!? So where is Reid-san from?”

“Oh? I’m from Arlieth.”

“Yes, the middle of nowhere too, then! There’s nothing but forests, mountains, and rivers!!”

“If you are going to say that, then Noaberg has nothing but mountains.”

“Hehehe! We have a specialty called alpine snowmelt!!”

“We have fine lumber and orange groves.”

“No, no! We also have like… um, sheep, you know…!?”

“You only got sheep and water as the specialties…”

“I’m sorry, I’m just a girl from the countryside where the only things I can offer are wool and delicious water. But I’ll definitely end up being alone at this rate, so please be my friend as a fellow countryman…!!”

Perhaps she was feeling lonely, or maybe she did not want to miss out on someone she had finally found and could talk to, Millis threw away her pride and prostrated on the ground. It was a pathetic sight to behold.

However, seeing her like that, Elria slowly leaves her seat. She then reaches out her hand to Millis.

“Then, I will be your friend.”

“Eh…? E-Elria-sama…?”

“…Can’t I?”

“T-That’s not it! I’m incredibly grateful and overjoyed! It’s like winning the Triple Crowns!!”

Taking Elria’s hand, Millis shakes it happily.

Seeing those two, Reid and Wiesel exchange a wry smile.

“I’m Wiesel. Please treat me as a friend would, Lady Millis.”

“I’m Reid, as you already know. Nice to meet you as fellow countrymen.”

“Yes! Wiesel, Reid-san, thank you very much for becoming my friends!!”

With a cheerful smile, she also shook hands with Reid and Wiesel.

At that moment, Reid suddenly noticed that Elria was smiling.

“Still, it’s unusual for you to be the one to reach out first.”

“Mm… I just remembered something from the past.”

“…Something from the past?”

“Yes. I told you before. When the child who inherited the name of Caldwen wanted to become my apprentice, she begged like that, too.”

Elria looks at Millis with gentle eyes as if nostalgic for the past.

“So I thought this might be a chance encounter, too.”

“Well, why not. There’s no doubt she’s fascinating, that’s for sure.”

“Yes, fascinating. I especially like her introduction.”

“You really like it, huh…”

“And her unique choice of words is also highly appreciated.”

Something must have hit the spot for Elria, who was praising Millis with a delighted expression. So it seems that her ‘all-night’ efforts were not in vain.

“I also thought they looked very much alike.”

“Hm? Are you talking about your apprentice?”

“Err… the dog she had.”

“Ohh… I see what you’re saying.”

Once again, Reid and Elria looked at Millis.

“Yay, I did it!! I now have three human friends! This is a historic achievement in my personal history of making friends with humans!!”

Millis was overjoyed to have made some friends, and her joyous behavior was just like that of a puppy playing in the yard on a sunny day.

“Well then, everyone! Once again, nice to meet you all ―― Wait, eh? Why are you all looking at me like that? And why is Elria-sama patting my head!?”

“Because your hair looked so fluffy and comfortable.”

“Yes, it is! I’m proud of my hair, which has survived the battle where my grandfather almost mistakenly sheared me along with the sheep while I was napping with them!!”

“Yes, it feels really good.”

To Millis, who held out her head with a strangely enthusiastic and confident expression, Elria stroked it as if she was enjoying the feel of it.

If Millis had a tail, it would surely be wagging vigorously from side to side.

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Chapter 2 Part 2

◇

Guided by a completely frightened staff member, Reid and Elria were ushered into the headmaster’s office.

“―― Please hold back your power in the academy.”

said the headmaster while burying herself in a luxurious chair.

“First, Elria Caldwen.”

“Yes.”

“I have heard from the king of Vegalta that you have an extraordinary talent in the field of magic, and I have seen your abilities all the way here in my office.”

“Thank you very much.”

“But it’s too strong that someone might die, so could you please make sure that you only use up to fifth tier magic while you are in the academy? If you don’t comply, you will be expelled.”

“……Yes.”

After receiving the scolding, Elria lowers her head.

The headmaster then turned her gaze to Reid.

“Next, Reid Frieden.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t really know about you. So, what are you?”

“Headmaster, I don’t understand your question.”

“I’m having trouble comprehending your very existence.”

The headmaster’s expression is distorted as she says this. She then sighed deeply before speaking.

“I’ve been the headmaster of Vegalta Royal Magic Academy for nearly one hundred years now. Even so, I’ve never seen someone like you before.”

The headmaster ―― Elise Rummel, announced while wagging her characteristic long ears.

“Haaaa… I knew there might be something about Elria-kun, but I didn’t expect the other one to be nonstandard as well…”

“Well, I’m sorry.”

“I’m not going to let you get away with just that!”

Elise pointed, her ears twitching with anger. However, it was not scary looking at all.

At any rate ―― Elise is an elf who is said to be immortal. She looks to be about twelve years old, and due to her petite figure, she seems to be completely buried in the chair rather than sitting on it.

Seeing that, Reid whispers to Elria next to him.

“……Hey, Elria.”

“Mm, what’s the matter?”

“I knew that elves are immortal… but isn’t that headmaster younger than you?”

“Elves basically stop aging at around fifteen to twenty years of age, so they can look quite different. It is not surprising that there are those who look smaller than me.”

“In other words… the headmaster stopped growing before she stopped aging…?”

“Sadly, that is the fate of the elves.”

“Hey, did you guys just call me small!?”

Elise was banging on her desk, perhaps in response to the particular word.

The sight of her banging on the desk and her bouncing golden hair in two knots looked every bit like a child throwing a tantrum.

Satisfied after a round of desk banging, Elise sighs and buries herself in the chair.

“So, Reid-kun… The thing you did, that wasn’t magic, right?”

“Yes, since I can’t use magic.”

“Then what was that?”

“It was just a punch.”

“You don’t make any sense…!!”

Elise said in a sad voice as she held her head.

For a little girl, she worries a lot.

“Anyway, can you go easy on that thing of yours…?”

“Yeah, I can do that.”

“Then can you also hold back your power in the academy…?”

“Would that be a problem?”

“Of course, it would be a problem!!”

“I have been ordered by the Caldwen family to produce reasonable results due to the fact that I can’t use magic. I can cut corners, but I must avoid a situation where my engagement to Elria is called off.”

Among the conditions he has exchanged with Alicia is to show others that he is overwhelmingly capable of making them recognize him. It would be undesirable to lose the opportunity due to that.

That is why Elise also had a troubled look on her face.

“Alicia told me about the situation. So, since I was informed of the situation beforehand, I am certain that the responsibility lies with me for underestimating you.”

After saying this, Elise nodded her head in a composed manner.

“Then… how about we lift the restrictions only during the examination?”

“…So you don’t mind if I use it as long as it affects my evaluation?”

“That’s right. I usually don’t mind if it’s a little, but please don’t go overboard like what you did earlier. If you destroy the venerable magic academy, I’ll be so mad.”

“You are very honest with yourself.”

“Because it’s mentally tough to be angry at someone when you’re over a hundred years old…”

Elise stared into the void with distant eyes as she honestly expressed her thoughts.

What a little girl with sad eyes.

“Even so… I never thought I would hear the names ‘Elria’ and ‘Reid’ at the same time.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Oh, you probably don’t know about it, because it’s only passed down among us elves, and I only heard a little bit about it from my grandfather.”

When Elise answered with a smile, Elria raised her hand quickly in panic.

“H-Headmaster!”

“What? What’s the matter, Elria?”

“T-Today… is a beautiful day, isn’t it…?”

“…Yeah, it was dyed bright red just now, though?”

But her conversational skills were too poor to do anything.

While Elria flustered and panicked, Reid asked for details again.

“…Why is my name being passed down among the elves?”

“Well, not you exactly, but a man who was called ‘Hero’ a thousand years ago. His actions at the time of the death of the ‘Sage’ have been passed down among us elves.”

Elria had said something similar before.

The story of the ‘Hero’ is also passed down, but after a thousand years, it has been embellished to the point that it has become something else.

“What exactly was the story about?”

“W-What? You don’t have to look at me with such a serious expression on your face…”

“No, I was just curious when I heard there was a guy with the same name as me.”

No matter how unscrupulous things are being conveyed, the little information that is left after the death also counts. In that case, there is no harm in knowing.

“Hmm… It’s not going to be interesting for a boy like you, though?”

“Well, but I would still like to hear about it.”

“Since you insist, I will tell you ――”

Then, with a troublesome expression on her face, Elise continued ――

“―― It was a story about the ‘Hero’ who was in love with the ‘Sage’.”

“……In love?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Who was in love with who?”

“The person who was called the ‘Hero’ was in love with the elf who was called the ‘Sage’. I heard this story from my grandfather when I was a child, and it’s the kind of story that every girl dreams of!”

Elise began to speak excitedly.

“The ‘Hero’ was an enemy of the ‘Sage’, but they wished for peace. The two of them had been fighting each other for more than fifty years to prevent any serious damage to their forces.”

“Oh… Is that so…”

“But during the battle, the ‘Sage’ got sick and died first. Upon receiving the news, the ‘Hero’ invaded the royal capital all by himself!!”

“Hahaha, that’s amazing, isn’t it?”

“Moreover! Even though he was mortally wounded, the reason he went to the royal capital was to bid farewell to the ‘Sage’!! He was so cool!!”

Elise was speaking enthusiastically, her eyes already shining like a young maiden.

Hearing that, Reid could not help but look at Elria.

He saw the figure of Elria, who was looking away. And even her ears were bright red.

“At the time, elves were kept at a distance from humans, but the ‘Hero’ seemed to treat the ‘Sage’ as an equal, even though she was an elf! That’s why we elves are living together with humans now!”

“That was… something good, wasn’t it?”

“Well, as a fellow elf, I envy the ‘Sage’ as well! Even though they were enemies, they actually cared about each other that much!! In the end, the ‘Sage’ could not hear out the thoughts of the ‘Hero’, but I’m sure she would be happy to hear them!!”

Reid looked at the ‘Sage’ who was listening to the story.

She was trembling, looking at the floor in an attempt to hide her red face, and looked like she was seconds away from exploding with shame.

“There are many stories among the elves that are based on this legend ――”

“Headmaster, thank you very much for sharing them with us. I’m sorry, but Elria doesn’t seem to be feeling well, so may we take our leave?”

“Hmm? She is indeed bright red in the face… Is she alright?”

“She is fine, it’s just that she has a tendency to blush.”

“I see. That’s all I’m going to say now, so please ask the staff nearby to join the other students. Also, please be sure to strictly adhere to the ability restrictions, okay?”

“I understand. We will excuse ourselves now.”

After bowing to Elise, Reid and Elria hurried out of the headmaster’s office.

Shortly after closing the door, Reid sighs deeply.

“…I see. That certainly didn’t sound so bad.”

“Yeah… I don’t know why, but the story about the ‘Hero’ became so popular that it was passed down among the elves… t-that… w-we were in love.”

As she speaks, Elria slaps her own cheeks.

“I thought maybe it was a mistake or someone else’s creation… so I didn’t tell you because I thought it might make Reid feel unpleasant.”

Indeed, at the time, Elria had already passed away.

As she did not know the sequence of events, it cannot be helped that she did not understand why the ‘Hero’ had become so popular among the elves and would think that it was an embellished or a manufactured love story between the ‘Hero’ and the ‘Sage’.

However, only Reid knows about the actual events that happened.

Reid rushed there upon hearing the news of Elria’s death. He invaded enemy territory alone and went on a rampage, then lost his life after reaching Elria with wounds all over his body. But who would have thought it would be passed down as a love story?

“It was a mistake, wasn’t it?”

With an apologetic look, Elria gets teary-eyed.

Seeing Elria like that… Reid scratched his head roughly.

“It wasn’t a mistake.”

“……Eh?”

“The story that has been passed down among the elves is something that actually happened.”

“T-That means… you came to see me when I died?”

“Yeah.”

“You came alone and got yourself all battered?”

“No matter what, I had to get to the royal capital, I couldn’t just kill the disciples you raised. So I had a hard time getting beaten up one-sidedly.”

“T-Then…!”

Elria looks straight at Reid, blushing even more than before.

“What was Reid trying to tell me at the time?”

asked Elria, clutching his sleeve so as not to let Reid escape.

“I’m really curious to know what Reid said at the end, because the story I read ended with the ‘Hero’ trying to say something…!”

Perhaps his last words did not reach anyone’s ears as Reid had used up all his strength then.

And so ――

“…I didn’t say anything.”

“B-But! I’ve read in other books that you were going to say something!!”

“I just felt like flapping my mouth like a fish gasping for air.”

“Please don’t get in that kind of mood right before you die…!”

“I couldn’t believe it myself as well.”

“S-So, what were you going to say!? What did Reid wanted to say to me!?”

“Look, more importantly, we should find the staff and join the others.”

Dragging Elria, who clung to his arm, Reid searched for the staff member to evade her questions.

He said those last words because he thought he would never see her again.

However, they were able to meet each other again.

In that case ―― there will be an opportunity to tell her eventually.

With that in mind, Reid smiled as he walked down the corridor.

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Chapter 2 Part 1

A month has passed since the annex of the Caldwen estate was smashed to pieces.

During that time, many things happened.

First, Reid informed his mother and the village chief back home that he could not return for the time being because he was now officially engaged to the eldest daughter of the Caldwen family, Elria.

His mother’s response was, “Oh, I see! It’s a prank, right!? I won’t be fooled, but I’m looking forward to seeing your father’s reaction when he gets back!!” and, “If you are going to stay in the royal capital, can you send me some souvenirs?”.

The engagement was officially approved by the family head, Alicia.

In addition to the first set of conditions, he also received a mix of encouragement and resentment, saying, “Go make a name for yourself so that you can make up for the fact that you destroyed the annex”.

Incidentally, Galleon, who had been blown away in the aftermath of the beating, was found without incident and is now back to work as a mage after being treated with healing magic.

“You have got over the father-in-law wall!!,” he said and laughed loudly, so it is fair to say that he approved of Reid, too.

In the past month, Reid has also made several other preparations ――

“―― Wow, that’s a hell of a crowd.”

He arrived in front of the academy, where the examination was held, and expressed his feelings.

Vegalta Royal Magic Academy.

It is the oldest and most magnificent educational institution specializing in magic on the continent.

There are many other Magic Academies scattered throughout the continent, but Vegalta Royal Magic Academy, which is considered the cradle of magic, is ranked the highest among them.

The most advanced magic technology has been introduced throughout the academy, a library of knowledge in various magic fields has been gathered, and active mages with various achievements are in charge of teaching.

Even just gaining admission to the academy is a splendid career achievement, and anyone who took the entrance examination may be given preferential treatment as someone with an adequate amount of magic power.

There are many people of different ages and appearances at the examination venue. Some were clearly over thirty, while others were children who appeared to be just twelve years old. The older ones were probably those who had studied at other academies before enrolling in the Royal Magic Academy.

There are also those who wear local clothes, some wearing unfamiliar ornaments and others wearing what appears to be foreign folk clothing, indicating that the Royal Magic Academy in Vegalta is a special place in the world of magic supremacy.

“Come to think of it, Elria, you’re currently sixteen years old, right?”

“Yes. I’ll be sixteen this year.”

“Then why didn’t you enroll when you were twelve?”

“Because I was looking for Reid.”

“Well, thank you for your time.”

“And I also had to postpone it because of family matters.”

“…What do you mean by family matters?”

“The princess was scheduled to enter the academy at the same time as me, and if I did enter at the same time, I would have taken first place in everything, so the king personally asked me to postpone my entrance to keep up the appearance of the royal family.”

“To get a personal request from the king, as expected of Elria…”

“Yes. The sweets they gave me as a gift were very delicious.”

Elria nodded her head as she spoke of her carefree thoughts.

Although the Caldwen family’s status is second only to the royal family, they still could not afford to disrespect the monarch’s face, so Alicia must have arranged for the enrolment to be postponed.

But that was not the only reason for postponing it ――

“So, Elria-san.”

“Hm…? What’s the matter?”

“For how long are you going to stick behind me?”

Since arriving at the examination venue, Elria had been sticking behind Reid all the time.

She is carefully tugging at the hem of his clothes.

“Because… I feel like everyone is going to be looking at me…”

After answering, Elria shrinks back to hide.

In the past month, he has learned that Elria’s popularity is quite high.

Not only is she from the Caldwen family that has inherited the name of the Sage, but she is also a child full of talent in magic that is worthy of her name and is even called the reincarnation of the Sage by those around her.

In fact, she is the very person herself, but those involved in magic must be so interested in her that they call her the ‘Sage’.

And her appearance spurs the situation.

She has silver hair that shimmers gently in the sunlight, eyes the color of the deep sea that shine like jewels, and a face so well-featured that men and women of all ages would admire it.

And perhaps because of her slim and elegant body that would be the envy of any woman, her bosom, which, while not bosomy, certainly accentuates her femininity, stands out unintentionally.

When such a girl was walking around, everyone would involuntarily look at her.

However, for the shy Elria, the gazes of others are not something she is comfortable with.

As a result, she has been hiding behind Reid all the time.

“That’s why… I’m going to stick behind Reid like this…”

“It’s so hard to walk.”

“…Would it be easier to walk if it’s a piggyback ride?”

“A piggyback ride would just attract more attention.”

Reid scratches his head and lets out a sigh as Elria clutches his clothes.

“They’re not really looking at you in a weird way, but it’s because you’re cute.”

“…I am cute?”

Then, for the first time, Elria looked up, reacting with a twitch.

“Before, you were an elf, so you probably stood out, but now you’re just a regular human. So that’s what I mean when I say they are looking at you.”

“…Do you think so too, Reid?”

“Ah? This is not about me ――”

“It’s very important, so answer me.”

Elria tightens her grip on Reid’s clothes as she presses her lips together.

Not wanting to have his clothes torn, Reid told her honestly what he thought.

“Well… of course. I’d even want to brag about you to the people around me.”

“……Thank you.”

After smiling, Elria let go of his clothes.

She then walks right next to Reid.

“In that case… I will make you proud.”

She looks up firmly with a smile.

After seeing Elria like that ――

“Then you can let go of my sleeves, too.”

“T-There’s still a lot of people around… so I’m going to use you as a lifeline…”

“Is it really that hard to be out in public?”

She starts walking around looking sharper than before, even though she is still holding on to Reid’s thin sleeve for her dear life.

It does not look good since she is still holding on to the sleeve, but it is not so bad, considering that it is a step forward.

“―― We’ll be conducting the practical examination shortly!! Those with a letter of introduction, please follow the instructions of nearby staff. General applicants, please gather at the place where the flag is raised!!”

A man, who is probably a staff member of the academy, shouts out, and the examinees start walking toward the designated area.

Following the instructions, Reid and Elria called out to a female staff member nearby.

“Excuse me, we were referred to by the Caldwen family…”

“Yes, may I see your letter of introduction?”

The female staff member nodded softly as Reid handed over the two letters of introduction he had received from Alicia.

“Elria Caldwen-sama and Reid Frieden-sama, right? I have verified your letters of introduction and will take you to the designated examination venue now.”

With a friendly smile, the female staff member leads the way.

“I never thought I would be able to guide the Caldwen family. Rumors have been circulating, especially about Elria-sama.”

“Mm… Thank you very much.”

Elria bowed awkwardly. As if like a wary small animal.

And now, the female staff member turns her attention to Reid.

“I’m sorry… but I have not heard of Reid-sama’s family name, but I assume you are related to the Caldwen family?”

“Reid is my fiancé.”

“Oh, I see, your fiancé…”

She spoke back vaguely, and then the staff member turned around vigorously.

“Elria-sama has a fiancé!?”

“Yes. We got engaged a month ago.”

“Then… congratulations, I guess?”

“Mm, thank you.”

Unlike earlier, Elria nodded her head in satisfaction.

“If I may ask, is Reid-sama from a distinguished family…?”

“No, I’m just an extra, so please don’t mind me.”

“T-That’s just not possible! The whole country will be interested in a man who is engaged to Elria-sama, who is said to be the reincarnation of the Sage, you know!?”

“Ahh, that’s how it goes after all…”

Reid waved his hand with a fed-up expression as the female staff member approached him excitedly.

That reaction was expected.

His position as Elria’s fiancé attracts undeniable attention from others.

That is why Reid must show a result that is worthy of it.

In other words, it is not just a matter of passing the examination like usual ―― he has to show overwhelming ability.

“Haa… this is really depressing.”

“Everything will be fine. I believe in Reid.”

“Thank you for your baseless words…”

Reid pats Elria on the head as she holds his hands and encourages him.

And so ―― another scene came into view.

“This will be the examination venue for our distinguished guests.”

It was a temporary lot outside the academy.

Facing away from the academy, some sort of device is set up.

“I hate to say this, but isn’t this a place a little too modest for distinguished guests?”

“I’m sorry to hear that… When it comes to guests who have been introduced to us, distinguished guests usually use magic that is so powerful and dangerous that we have to limit the damage through this method.”

The staff member bows her head apologetically with a wry smile.

Certainly, examinees would have to go all out to measure their abilities, and it is only natural that they have taken such measures to avoid the destruction of the equipment and damage to the academy.

“―― Yeah! Please be careful, a big one is coming!!”

A red-haired girl with a shrill and joyful voice said, far above them.

Right below her ―― is a huge black dragon.

Over the past thousand years, magic has developed in many different forms.

Not only does it create and shoot things like fire and ice out of thin air, as it did a thousand years ago, but their shapes can be changed into any desired form and be used as weapons, strengthening the mage’s own physical abilities and senses, there is also healing magic to enhance natural healing power and revive lost tissues.

And… the girl who rides the dragon is using magic called summoning magic.

Generally, it is a magic that involves enslaving magical beasts, which are usually considered Kaijus that attack humans, and summon them at will to engage in battle as servants. This magic is difficult to handle because it requires not only the caster’s magic power, but also the necessary qualifications recognized by the magical beast being enslaved.

However, the black dragon faithfully follows the girl without showing hostility toward her.

Perhaps noticing Reid’s gaze, the staff member added.

“Ah… She is Rufus Lailas-sama of the Serios Federation.”

“Serios Federation, you say… Are you talking about the country across the straits that lives in harmony with magical beasts?”

“Yes. The country is composed of seven Chief of State specializing in summoning magic, and is a country based on merit and talent, where superiority is determined by the magical beasts that have been enslaved.”

“…But then, why did she end up at the magic academy in Vegalta?”

“Well, even though the disputes with other countries have long since ceased… it is a great honor for a country to produce great mages, and if they can produce results at Vegalta Royal Magic Academy, the cradle of magic, they would have an advantage in cross-national relations.”

“In other words, it’s like a proxy war between countries?”

“That’s right. The king of Vegalta also recommends a magic competition between nations from the aspect of ‘promoting the development of magic’, and has promised to provide many benefits to the country where the top graduate belongs to. That is why influential people from other countries who have made a name for themselves and royalty from other countries who are talented in magic also wish to enroll in our magic academy.”

This is a world where magic reigns supreme.

This is true not only for Vegalta but for other countries as well, not only for the benefits in diplomatic relations that the king of Vegalta has promised but also for the advantage that mages from their own country can have an advantage over other countries by producing results.

“Rufus-sama is also related to one of the seven Chief of State of the Serios Federation and is widely known as the <<Dragon Princess>> because she is able to handle all four dragons that are the symbols of her country, the ‘Guardian Dragons’.”

“Heh… that’s quite amazing.”

Looking at the giant jet-black dragon in the distance, he expressed his thoughts.

At that moment… Elria unexpectedly pulled his sleeve. Moreover, for some reason, she seems to be a little grumpy.

“What’s the matter?”

“…I can use summoning magic, too.”

“Ah… Well, that’s only natural for you.”

“I can use many other kinds of magic, too.”

“Ah… Show me something really spectacular next time.”

“Yes, I’ll show you something truly spectacular.”

Elria’s eyes were unusually motivated. It seems to have ignited her fighting spirit, but she must have remembered something from her old fighting days.

After such an exchange, the staff member from earlier led them to their designated position.

“Now then, please cast your magic toward the device placed over there.”

Pointing to a device visible in the distance, the staff member continued to explain.

“The device has multiple layers of protection and barrier magic attached to it. The result will be decided based on how much of that magic you can destroy within the time limit.”

“Does it matter what method is used to destroy that protection?”

“No, any method is acceptable. Basically, many would just use simple magic, but some people used the method of dismantling the magic itself by reversing it. That being said, the latter is a rare case, because it requires a deep knowledge of magic in general.”

In other words, it’s to, “Hit them with everything you got”.

“I will be the judge. Who would like to go first?”

“Then let’s start with me.”

With that, Elria took a step forward.

Then ―― she picked up the wand that was on her waist.

“―――― Deploy.”

In response to her soft voice, the wand in her hand changed shape. It then became a staff as tall as Elria. The tip began to have rings circling around a deep sea-colored jewel in the center, shining faintly.

It is a magic tool that is made for Elria.

“This time, I want to show Reid something good, so ――”

Lightly handling the huge staff, Elria looked at the device in the distance and then,

“―― I will cast magic that’s a little stronger.”

Such a muffled whisper.

As if to drown out her voice, a huge pillar of flame soared high into the sky.

The red pillar of flame turned the clear sky into a red lotus color as it engulfed the surrounding atmosphere with a thunderous roar similar to that of oxygen burning and exploding.

And now… there was not a shadow or figure left at the center of the explosion.

The surrounding area has turned to scorched earth, and the smoldering red flames continue to scorch the ground.

The sight left everyone speechless.

Seeing the overwhelming power, everyone understood the meaning of that word.

‘Sage’.

A great being who stands at the pinnacle of mages, she is worthy of being called as such.

However, she turns around with a nonchalant expression on her face.

“How was it, Reid?”

“It was a lot more flashy than before.”

“Because Reid wanted to see it. But I made sure to disable all the protection and barrier magic just before I unleashed, so it wouldn’t lower the power of the magic.”

“That’s amazing. It’s like the strongest set of greed.”

“Yes, I tried a little harder.”

Elria stares at Reid with a slight blush on her cheeks. Perhaps she wants to be praised.

As he patted Elria on the head to reward her for her efforts, the staff member who had been paralyzed with shock after witnessing the scene called out to him.

“H-How can you look so calm after seeing that…?”

“Ahh, well, I’m used to seeing that.”

“That magic is equivalent to the highest level of magic, the tenth tier, you know!? I’ve never seen anyone other than those who are registered as special rank mages using it!!”

said the staff member with a mixture of excitement and awe in her voice.

However, it was something that Reid had seen many times.

In her previous life, Elria used not only the magic from earlier but more powerful and battle-oriented magic with fewer gaps. She used a wide range of magic, not only on Reid personally but also for strategic purposes. Compared to that, it was probably more modest.

“More importantly, what are you going to do with that, Elria?”

“That?”

“That scorched ground over there.”

Reid pointed to the ground that was being scorched by fire.

The pillar of flame created by the magic has vanished, but the fire damage brought about by it is still scorching the ground.

“…It’s beautiful, I guess?”

“I wasn’t asking for opinions…”

“Well, now I’ll use a different kind of magic to put out the fire.”

“The result is going to be a great flood. Oh well, I’ll handle it.”

In the stead of Elria, Reid steps forward.

“Excuse me, what would my evaluation be if I put that out?”

“Eh? Ah, yes, err… since that fire was created by magic, it would require magic of the same tier to offset it, so you would be evaluated to be on par with Elria-sama…”

“Ahh, then that would do it.”

Reid readies his fist as he gazes into a sea of blazing fire.

At that moment ―― the sensation of something gushing out was born inside his body.

The feeling as if one’s own body has switched to something else.

“―――― Ha!!”

The moment Reid swung his fist with a short breath ――

The pressure of his punch instantly erased the red flames that were encroaching on his vision.

With a sound that shook the air and the ground, the red flames were smashed and extinguished by the blow, and the aftermath of the blow cratered the ground.

And so… the red color that was in sight vanished, and a devastated land of mixed black and brown spread out in front of them.

“Phew… it’s been a long time since I’ve blown off Elria’s magic.”

“It was a good punch just like old times.”

“But still, it doesn’t feel right… I used to use weapons and armor.”

“It’s still good enough. Reid is strong, after all.”

As she says this, Elria stretches her body to put her hand on Reid’s head.

It looked very painful, so Reid thought that he would lower his head next time.

As they were having such an exchange ――

“Um… may I have a word with you two?”

The staff member trembled and showed the communication magic tool in her hand.

“The headmaster… wants me to bring in the people who had caused a ruckus here.”

The staff member who told them this was on the verge of tears.

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Chapter 1 Part 6

◆

Elria sat on a chair in her room in the main building, waiting for the time to pass. She then turns around when she hears a light knock on the door.

“……Reid, is that you?”

She called out, but the response she got was from someone else.

“It’s me. May I come in to talk to you?”

“……Yes.”

Elria prompted.

Alicia quietly opened the door and entered the room.

“What happened to Reid?”

“Galleon is dealing with him now. And so, I thought I would hear from you again.”

With a smile, Alicia sat down on the sofa in the room.

Mimicking her mother, Elria also sat down on the opposite side, facing this sofa.

“I’m going to ask you again… Are you sure he’s the ‘Reid’ you’re talking about?”

“Yes, I’m sure of it. He is the ‘Reid’ I knew.”

She has never once forgotten about him.

Even after being reincarnated a thousand years later, she still thought of Reid every day.

And ―― at last, she was able to find him.

“I never thought you would actually find him.”

“…Yes, I was a little worried, too.”

There was no basis that Reid was reincarnated as Elria did. It was merely a ‘wish’ of hers. Having been reincarnated in a world a thousand years later and being alone again… she simply wished, ‘I wish he were here’, like a spoiled child.

“But… Reid is really here.”

Elria could not help but smile as she recalled their reunion. The look of surprise on Reid’s face. It was the same as when they had first met. A time when they were neither the ‘Hero’ nor the ‘Sage’.

Seeing Elria’s smile, Alicia also smiled wryly.

“You really like him, don’t you?”

“……Yes.”

In response to Alicia’s words, Elria nodded softly.

“―― I like Reid.”

She speaks her mind with confidence. But later, cast her eyes downward to hide her face, which was getting bright red for having said that.

“Maybe, I like… him… I think?”

“Why are you gradually losing confidence?”

“Because… I never felt that way… before…!”

She taps her cheeks repeatedly as if to cool them.

After all, they had fought each other as enemies in their previous lives.

A strange person who always smiles with confidence and fights dutifully.

It was when she was on the verge of death that she realized that she ‘likes’ him.

Elria had devoted herself to the study and spread of magic. For this reason, she continued to overwork her body… until her consciousness gradually grew dim, and when she came to, she was in a world a thousand years in the future.

At that time, the first thing that came to mind was the figure of the ‘Hero’.

The figure who fought against old age, which is the fate of humans, and yet he wanted to settle the battle with her.

And that was why ―― Elria wished to see him again.

She wanted to see his smile again.

She wanted to have a good time with him again.

And if she could see him again ――

“―― I thought that this time I would be able to say I like him.”

A wish that could not be fulfilled in her previous life due to their positions and race.

Wanting to fulfill her wish, Elria clung to what little hope she had and kept looking for Reid, believing that he had been reincarnated.

Hearing Elria’s answer, Alicia tilted her head dubiously.

“…How can I say this, you two think alike.”

“…Reid and I think alike?”

“It’s the way you talk about the present as if it were the past or the way you look at things in light of the past…”

“I-I guess I’m just not good at talking…”

“I know… Well, if you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine.”

When Alicia stared at her, Elria waved her hand around to deceive her.

She has not told her parents about her own reincarnation.

At one point, she thought about telling her own parents or someone else that she knew.

However… She felt that if they knew about it, it would diminish the connection between Reid and her, so she somehow could not talk about it.

“…That’s because it’s our secret.”

“Alright. Then I won’t ask.”

“…Mm, thank you.”

Seeing Alicia smiling and stroking her head, Elria also naturally smiled back.

“So, you’ve already told him how you feel, haven’t you?”

“……Eh?”

“He told me you two were getting engaged, so you told him that you like him, right?”

“…………”

Thinking back, she did not seem to have told him.

Even during their reunion and when they got here, she did not tell him.

Seeing Elria starting to tremble, Alicia sighed as if she had guessed it.

“Haa… I knew you were shy and clumsy with words, but I can’t believe you couldn’t even tell him that…”

“N-No, it’s not what you think… I thought about it a lot, and the word ‘marriage’ came up first…!!”

She was not lying.

Being reunited with Reid made Elria’s thoughts spin more than at any other time in her life. It was probably the greatest speed of thought in the history of her life. And it was then she thought, “I can solve all of Reid’s current situation by being engaged to him and using the Caldwen’s name and status”.

As a result, her emotions could not keep up with her thoughts, and the process of telling him her feelings blew up.

“Besides… I wanted to see him smile…”

The smile he always showed her in battles.

He did not have that smile on his face when they met again.

A smile that looked somewhat incomplete, akin to resignation.

It was because she had figured that proposing the ‘engagement’ was a way to solve the problem and also used their past ‘promise’ to encourage him to go along with the idea.

That is just how much she wanted him to smile as he did then.

“Oh well… he’s such a good person to say something like that even in this kind of situation…”

“What did Reid say to you?”

When Elria tilted her head and asked, Alicia smiled with a satisfied look on her face.

“I can’t tell you that. Make sure you tell him your feelings and then ask him.”

“Eh…? What?”

Alicia giggles as she looks at the flustered Elria.

“This is getting interesting. I was going to stop the engagement if I got a disappointing result, but now it might be more interesting to approve it and let Galleon train him.”

“…What are Father and Reid doing?”

“Well. I gave him a lot of conditions to approve the engagement. But he told me he couldn’t use magic, so now I’m having Galleon check on his abilities.”

……………

…………………

“Mother.”

“If you’re asking me to cut corners, I won’t listen, okay? With his family background and the inability to use magic, the eyes of people around you will be harsher, so he needs to be somewhat competent even if he can’t use magic ――”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Then speak up.”

“Well, to be clear ――”

The moment Elria was about to say something, a thunderous roar rang out from the direction of the annex.

And then, as if delayed, the crushing sound of the building collapsing could be heard.

“Father is in danger.”

“……Huh?”

“I forgot to tell Mother, but Reid is very strong.”

“…Wait, he can’t use magic, right?”

“He certainly can’t, but Reid doesn’t need to use magic in the first place.”

In the magic system created by Elria, Reid cannot use magic with his magic power.

Therefore, it is not wrong to say that Reid cannot use magic.

However, Reid has been fighting with Elria and ending in draws.

A person who simply cannot use magic would not be able to go toe-to-toe with Elria.

As for his strength, Elria can only describe it as ‘strong’.

“―― Reid is simply a ‘strong person’.”

Immediately after she said this, an explosion rang out near the room.

When Elria approached the window, a thick cloud of dust was rising in the air.

“―― Heyyy!! Can anyone hear me!?”

Reid’s voice can be heard through the dust cloud.

“Reid, what’s the matter?”

“Elria, is that you!? Did you see Galleon-san!?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Not this way, huh!? Damn it, even though I was going easy on him!!”

“What did Reid do?”

“Ahh!! I asked Galleon-san if I could destroy the building, and he told me to give it my all so I just punched him!!”

Alicia was dumbfounded, with her mouth open as she heard Reid’s screams.

As he said, Reid must have just punched Galleon.

With just that ―― Reid had survived the battlefield.

No cheap tricks or tactics were involved.

He may be human, but his physical abilities far exceed the norm for humans.

A simple yet ridiculous strength.

With a single swing of his fist, he has the monstrous strength to knock down magic and all beings.

With such absolute ‘strength’, Reid has forced everything to yield.

And that’s why ―― he was called a ‘Hero’ who has no equal.

“So, does Mother recognize Reid’s strength?”

Elria smiled at the dumbfounded Alicia.

The existence of the ‘Hero’ who was once evenly matched with the ‘Sage’.

And that’s why she was able to say it ――

“―― The man that I like is the ‘strongest’.”

Prouder than anyone else.

She smiled brilliantly as if to flaunt the ‘Hero’ that she had fallen in love with.

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