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Short Story

Short Story – Childhood Memories

I am Abel, a magician who has been reincarnated in a world two hundred years in the future.

In the previous world where I lived, my amber eyes were a symbol of discrimination. Even during the subjugation of the demon king, I was subjected to prejudice, discrimination, and various forms of persecution.

It’s easy to silence them with force, but that method, similar to a reign of terror, doesn’t solve the problem. That’s why I reincarnated in this world two hundred years later, with the goal of living in peace without being persecuted for the color of my eyes.

Well, life after reincarnation is, for the most part, peaceful. However, it’s impossible to lead a trouble-free life, no matter how much I desire peace. Recently, there has been an annoying guy sticking to me.

“Abel! Let’s play!”

A boy with burnt amber blonde hair and a slightly round face, Ted, bursts into the room with bandages and splints wrapped around his foot. He fell off the roof and got injured. To be honest, I’m partly to blame for the cause of his injury. I used magic to heal him, so he should be able to walk by now. However, his doctor forbade him from strenuous exercise and wrapped his foot with bandages and splints.

“Fine with me. What are we going to do today?”

It would probably clear Ted’s mind a little if he moved his body a bit. And I was thinking of doing some light exercise anyway.

“Oh, I know! Let’s go to the forest behind the mansion today!”

Hmm, the forest. I have never been there before. I’ve been surprised by many unknown cultures since coming to this world, and I haven’t had the opportunity to explore outside the town.

“Okay. Let’s go there.”

“Yay! Let’s get moving then!”

Haa. This guy has completely forgotten that the doctor told him to rest. Although I healed his injury, he still doesn’t listen to others.

“Abel-sama. I think it’s best not to go into the forest today.”

As she says that, Lilith, a beautiful woman with long silver hair, enters the room. She’s the owner of this house and a demon. She wanted to repay me for helping her two hundred years ago, so she has been waiting for me.

“…Any reason for that?”

“There was a report last night that a magical beast appeared in the forest.”

I see. Magical beasts, huh? So even after two hundred years, magical beasts exist in this peaceful era.

“W-What!? A magical beast has appeared!? That’s amazing! I want to see it!”

For some reason, when Ted heard the word ‘magical beast’, his eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Why do you want to see a magical beast?”

“Eh!? Because the magical beasts look so cool!”

They look cool, huh?

When I tilted my head, Lilith cleared her throat and explained.

“Most of the magical beasts were defeated by the heroes a long time ago. Therefore, their numbers have been drastically reduced, and their emergence itself is rare nowadays.”

I see. So that is how it is. Maybe it was because I defeated many of them before my reincarnation. These magical beasts lived in abundance two hundred years ago, but nowadays, they seem to have become a rarity.

“And that’s why, please don’t go outside today. The same goes for Ted-sama.”

“Ehhh. If Lilith says so, it can’t be helped.”

said Ted with a reluctant look on his face and left.

After Lilith closed the door, I spoke up.

“But why am I not allowed to go outside, too? Do you think that I would lose to a magical beast?”

I asked in a low voice.

If that were the case, even though I had taken on a younger form, I would be offended.

“I swear that’s not the case, Abel-sama. Currently, in this world, there are very few people who can defeat magical beasts.”

I nodded in understanding. 

The quality of magicians in this world has somehow declined tremendously.

Maybe it is because there are no more wars with the demons, or maybe it is because the technology of magic tools has developed, but for some reason, most of the magic records of the world I was in before have been lost.

Anyway, the level of magic in this world is at its lowest. But magic is effective against the magical beasts.

I see. So that is why it must be hard for people to deal with magical beasts nowadays.

“In short, if I defeat the magical beasts, I’ll stand out too much, won’t I?”

“That’s right. The soldiers from the Royal Capital will arrive tonight, and they will start repelling the magical beasts from tomorrow.”

Repel? Not subjugation, but to repel?

I sighed at the level of the magicians who could only do that.

“Well, it’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to fight a magical beast, too.”

“I would have loved to see Abel-sama’s majestic figure, but let’s wait and see what happens this time.”

said Lilith with a smile on her face. 

Yeah, I might as well.

I nodded and looked out the window towards the ridge line.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

On that night, Langobalt’s territory was a little lively.

It wasn’t the kind of liveliness that you would expect on a festival day, but rather a sense of excitement that comes before a battle, which I know all too well.

Through the window, I could see soldiers making camps. They seem restless and are chatting with their comrades.

To me, most of the magical beasts are not worth mentioning. However, in this world, they are a considerable threat.

They engage in meaningless conversations to hide their fear and tension of possibly losing their lives in battle.

Soldiers from any era are the same.

While feeling nostalgic, I let out a sigh.

The magical beast that appeared today is Kamui, a bear-type magical beast. It is a low-level magical beast that is extremely weak against fire and will flee quickly when fire magic is cast. Even today’s magicians could repel it without much difficulty.

As I started to feel thirsty, I moved to the first floor.

Lilith is not at home today. She is personally guarding people in the town to prevent any harm from coming to them. She has always been too kind-hearted.

While I was brewing tea, someone knocked on the door. I wonder who it could be.

“I’m sorry. Could you open the door?”

I recognize the low voice of the man. I furrow my brows before opening the door.

“Is Lilith here?”

A muscular, stern-looking middle-aged man with a burnt amber-colored beard that resembles a lion’s, a pair of stunningly beautiful burning eyes that sparkle like polished jewels, and high-quality clothes befitting that of a noble appeared.

He is Ted’s father and the lord of Langobalt’s territory, Evans.

“Lilith is currently outside.”

“I see, Abel-sama. Sorry to bother you, but have you seen Ted?”

Hmm. He looks troubled. After the incident with Ted’s older brother, Bass, I have been treated well by Evans.

“No, I haven’t seen him. May I know what happened?”

Evans nodded with shortness of breath.

“Ted is not in the mansion.”

“Could it be…?”

“Yeah. Ted might have gone to see the magical beast. If Lilith isn’t here, there’s nothing we can do. I’ll request reinforcements from the soldiers.” 

Evans bowed and closed the door.

Ted went to see the magical beast, huh? He did seem interested in it. But the magical beast is a wild beast. A child like him could get killed.

I went back to the second floor.

Even without him, I will be just fine. In fact, he’s been bothering me every day and cutting into my reading time, but… Well, losing a convenient workout partner would be to my detriment.

And if the lord’s son were killed, that would be troublesome, too.

After putting on my coat and wrapping a muffler around my neck, I opened the second-floor window and activated body strengthening magic.

This allowed even a young body to gain extraordinary physical strength. I then leaped toward the ironically beautiful starry sky.

Standing on the roof of a house, I looked at the forest. Every time the wind blew, the night forest rippled like the sea.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

Rejecting even the moonlight, the night forest was engulfed in darkness like spilled ink.

That said, there was no need to wander around the forest aimlessly.

Body strengthening magic has different applications. It is strengthened by concentrating magic power on specific parts of the body. For example, by concentrating magic power in the eyes, it is possible to enhance one’s vision like binoculars.

<<Body Strengthening Magic ―― Vision Enhancement, Night Vision>>

If the enhancement is further refined, it is possible to detect hidden magical beasts and humans through their body heat.

I found a small heat source. It belongs to Ted. There is another large heat source nearby. It probably belongs to the magical beast. I deactivated my vision enhancement and jumped into the forest.

“Ted.”

“A-Abel!”

Ted was squatting and crying. He looked a little depressed.

I see. He must have gotten lost, not knowing where to go after injuring his leg from a fall. There were scratches but no traces of being attacked by a magical beast.

“For now, let’s go back.”

“Okay.”

Ted wiped away his tears as he stood up. At the same time, the sound of broken trees was heard.

Good grief. It has to show up at the worst possible timing.

In an instant, the monster known as Kamui, resembling a pure white bear, broke through the trees.

The biggest difference between it and a normal bear was the third arm on its back, which looked like a scorpion’s tail. Although it’s not poisonous, that long arm has enough strength to blow away an adult easily.

“Wow! I-It’s a magical beast!”

“Don’t shout too much. It will get agitated.”

Well, it’s already agitated.

Kamui lay down on all fours and charged straight ahead at us.

I held Ted and jumped to the side, narrowly dodging Kamui’s third arm.

“A-Amazing! That’s so amazing!!”

“Ted, please be quiet for a moment.”

Kamui stood up and thrashed around with its strong arm, causing the ground to be gouged and trees to fall from their roots. Of course, its slow attack would never hit me.

I then circled behind Kamui.

“Double・Fireball!”

I deliberately aim my attack to the left and right of Kamui. With its surrounding area lit up, I could tell that Kamui flinched in fear.

“Let’s stop here. If we continue fighting, I’ll have to eliminate you seriously.”

Kamui’s eyes met mine.

It is impossible for a wild beast to understand words, even if it is a magical beast. However, because it is a beast, it should be able to tell the difference in our strength.

Kamui then growled in response.

Hmm. This is a little surprising. Is it still going to fight? As a beast, its own life should be the most important.

I observed Kamui and discovered something. An arrow was stuck in it. A fox hunting arrow with a decoration attached was lodged in its thick hind leg. I see. So that’s why it was so agitated.

I let go of Ted and slowly approached Kamui. It was making threatening noises, but I didn’t avert my gaze because a beast might do something unexpected when you look away.

“It’s okay. I am not going to eliminate you. I just need to get a little closer.”

I slowly approached Kamui. 

“A-Abel!”

Ted’s voice made Kamui flinch. I sent a look to Kamui, assuring it that there was nothing to fear.

“Ted, just stay right there and be quiet.”

I touched Kamui’s body, and it continued to growl. Normally, I would have been bitten at any moment. Well, even if I were bitten, I don’t think it could break my body strengthening magic.

“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you. I’ll apply healing magic now.”

The magic syntax flows into Kamui’s body. Then, I numb the leg where the arrow was pierced and remove the arrow. Blood flowed out, but I immediately stopped the bleeding with healing magic. The treatment was finished in a matter of seconds.

“How’s that? It doesn’t hurt anymore, right?”

Well, the result is somewhat apparent. Kamui stopped growling. Instead, it rubbed its nose against me.

“Is this your way of thanking me? You don’t have to worry about it.”

I lightly stroked its forehead. Kamui let out a small voice, then got up and slowly entered the forest’s depths.

After seeing it off, I turned to Ted.

“All right. Let’s go back, Ted.”

Ted looks at me with his mouth open in a daze. Seriously, what is wrong with him?

With these thoughts in mind, I carried Ted on my back and descended the mountain.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

The next day after the incident with the magical beast, I met with Lilith and Evans after coming down from the mountain.

After explaining the situation, Evans widened his eyes in surprise and suggested we hold a commendation ceremony in the town. However, I didn’t want to draw too much attention to myself and explained that to Evans. He agreed, saying that they would handle the aftermath properly.

I closed my book while yawning. I was feeling a bit sleepy today. Perhaps my young body didn’t have enough magic power. After all, activating healing magic consumes quite a bit of magic power. I used a lot of magic power to heal Kamui, whose body is twice as big as a human’s.

Suddenly, the door was opened with great force again today. Honestly, I wish he would open it quietly. However, Ted looked different than usual today.

“Hey, Abel. About yesterday… thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me. I only acted based on my own convenience.”

As I shifted my gaze back to the pages of my book, Ted leaned over and looked at me with a smug smile.

“Hey! Abel! As a reward for yesterday, I’ll let you teach me magic personally!”

“Hmm?”

What is he talking about? Why do I have to teach Ted magic? I don’t see any merits for myself. It seems like a punishment to me.

“No thanks. It’s too much trouble.”

“Whaaaat? W-Why not!? I’m personally asking you to teach me, you know!?”

“I don’t want to. If you understand, then go somewhere else.”

I kicked Ted out of my room and locked the door quickly.

“Wait, Abel. Wait a minute! Teach me magic, pleaseeeee!!”

From that day on, Ted started begging me to teach him magic. At first, I refused, but eventually, I got tired of saying no and found myself teaching him magic without realizing it.

And that’s how Ted ended up becoming my apprentice, although that’s a story for another day.

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Chapter 10

Chapter 10 – Announcement of Successful Examinees

The day after the tumultuous entrance exam, we spent the night at a nearby inn and decided to go see the announcement of successful examinees.

That said, I didn’t have to do anything. The announcement at the Arthurian Magic Academy was in the form of representatives from each household going to the reception desk to receive an envelope containing their pass or fail notice. In other words, I just had to wait for Ted’s report while drinking coffee at a nearby café.

“Master! Sorry to keep you waiting!”

With a thud, Ted, a slightly shorter boy with burnt amber blonde hair than me, entered the café.

“Please take a look! I passed the exam! What do you think!? I did my best, you know!?”

said Ted, holding out a piece of paper with ‘Passed’ written in large red letters.

Haa. He’s such a noisy guy. He’s so uncouth even though I was enjoying the taste of coffee in the city.

In the era two hundred years ago, coffee was called ‘the demon’s drink’ and was only enjoyed by a few enthusiasts. However, in modern times, it seems to have completely permeated society.

“Hehehe! You also want to check your results, right, Master?”

While peeking at my facial expression, Ted said with a grin.

“There’s no need for that. I probably passed anyway.”

“Eh?”

To Ted, who had a look of confusion, I explained part of my reasoning.

“It’s a simple trick. The seal has been opened, albeit slightly. Considering your personality, you wouldn’t have bothered to ask that question if I had failed.”

“Ugh. A-As expected of Master. You see through everything, as always…”

Good grief. You’re two hundred years too early to try to outmaneuver me.

Ted seemed upset that I had hit the bull’s eye.

“So, Ted. Who’s that customer over there?”

It is something that I have been wondering about for a while now.

At the same time that Ted entered, there was an impudent person who sneaked into the café and eavesdropped on our conversation.

The person seems to think they have hidden themselves well, but I could see some of their hair bouncing off the top of the sofa. With the distinctive scarlet hair, I suppose it’s not suitable for covert operations.

“Um, well, you see…”

Ted avoids my gaze as if it’s difficult to answer.

I see. Based on my assessment, Ted seems to have noticed her presence but intentionally acted as if he didn’t notice.

Well, that’s understandable. Nothing is more awkward than pointing out to someone who thinks they’ve successfully tailed someone, ‘I can see you, you know?’.

“Oh, you’re the one from back then!”

With a theatrical voice, a familiar face peeks out.

‘W-What a coincidence to meet again in a place like this. I love the cupcakes here.”

Haa. Could she not think of a better excuse? I checked the menu a while ago but could not find anything like cupcakes anywhere.

“Drop the act. What do you want from me?”

Needless to say, Eliza’s ancestor, who is the Hero of the Fire, Maria, and I was friends two hundred years ago. And that is why I want to build a friendly relationship with Eliza, too. However, it is a different story when the other side is hostile. If she is persistently sniffing around us, I will have no choice but to be cold with her.

“I-It’s nothing like that…”

When I pursued the matter, Eliza started to interlock her fingers restlessly.

“I was curious about which class you are in.”

“…What do you mean?”

“B-Because… you’re one of the few people I know. So I thought I’d gather as much information about the academy as possible before entering…”

Hm? What is she talking about? What can she get by knowing about my class? I don’t think it’s worth risking anything to obtain such information.

However, when a person lies, there’s usually some sign that appears, but I don’t see any of that from her right now.

“Master, she’s going to find out sooner or later anyway. So why don’t we just tell her now?”

“Yeah. I don’t mind at all.”

“Master and I are in the same Class A. It would be nice if Eliza-san were in the same class, too.”

Even Ted started saying incomprehensible things. Is there any advantage for the three of us being in the same class? It is just going to be noisy, and I will not be able to concentrate on my own studies.

“So! You’re in Class A, huh…! Alright, then!”

After hearing that, Eliza left the café with a spring in her step.

Good grief. In the end, what did Eliza want? The expression on her face as she left looked energetic as if she had something to be happy about.

“It’s going to get busy from here on out!”

“We’ve got to start preparing to move first.”

The Arthurian Magic Academy has a dormitory. It is not realistic to commute from the house to the Royal Capital by horse-drawn carriage, so it is inevitable that we have to use the student dormitory.

“Come to think of it. Master lives with Lilith, right? Is it okay for you two to be separated from each other?”

“I don’t know. But I’m sure she’s got it all worked out.”

I wonder why.

I had no particular reason to believe this, but I was absolutely certain that it would happen.

“As expected of Abel-sama. You understand me very well.”

As I was thinking about this, Lilith suddenly appeared before us.

“L-Lilith-san!? Why are you here!?”

Seeing Lilith appear in front of us while concealing her presence, Ted seemed to be in a complete panic.

“So, what’s with your outfit?”

When I asked, Lilith raised the rims of her glasses as if to say, ‘I’ve been waiting for this.’.

“Yes. I have a report for Abel-sama. As of today, I’ve been hired as a teacher at Arthurian Magic Academy. Therefore, I have made a change to my appearance.”

Haa. That is what I thought.

Lilith’s outfit today is certainly somewhat intellectual and teacher-like.

It’s frustrating that she looks good no matter what she wears because she is good-looking, to begin with.

“EEEHHHHH!? At this timing!? So conveniently!? What kind of magic trick did you use!?”

Unable to accept the reality of the situation, Ted seemed to be in disbelief.

There is nothing to be surprised about. If Lilith feels like it, she could easily manipulate the hiring process at the Magic Academy. After all, she has lived a longer life than most people.

“From now on, I will support Abel-sama’s life as a housemaid-turned-Magic Academy teacher.”

said Lilith with a big smile on her face, as if it were their first reunion.

Good grief. It seems that my daily life surrounded by noisy companions will continue for a while longer.

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Chapter 9 Part 2

～～～～～～～～～～～～

The situation has turned for the worse.

Until now, the entrance exam had been proceeding smoothly without any major problems, but at the very end, a big hurdle awaited me.

Somehow, I ended up in a duel with the feisty Eliza.

“Now, draw your weapon! I’ll defeat you with my magic!”

Good grief. What an impatient girl.

Standing before me, Eliza picked up her weapon and seemed to have entered a fighting stance.

“Sorry, but I won’t be using any weapons. I’m not very good at fighting with a magic tool.”

“Heh. Any special reasons for that?”

I don’t really have one. For me, it is faster to construct magic from scratch rather than depending on a magic tool. My fighting style is not the emotionalism represented by ‘obsession’, but is the result of my pursuit of rationality. Of course, people would not believe me even if I told them that.

“I can’t tell you the reason. But I can assure you that I will not disappoint you.”

Perhaps my words pleased Eliza, as she showed a slight grin.

“So, you prefer the old-fashioned way of fighting. But well, I don’t hate that either.”

With a fearless smile, Eliza draws her sword.

*Whoosh*

The next moment, she charged straight at me like a bouncing rubber.

I see. She is truly fast.

Even in this world where magic has declined, there are still people of this caliber left. It’s a little surprising. However, naturally, for me, stopping Eliza’s sword strike is the same as killing a fly.

After stifling a yawn, I decided to get behind Eliza.

“WHA ―― !?”

Eliza’s expression twisted in shock as I took her by surprise. However, she was still able to keep up the pace.

She is truly outstanding. If she had to stop every time she is surprised by her opponent’s actions in the middle of a battle, there would be no end to it.

“Flame Edge!”

In response to that, Eliza immediately casts magic with her magic tool as she turns around.

Flame Edge is the same basic fire attribute magic as Fireball, but with an additional syntax of ‘Sharpness Enhancement’. For me, it is the most basic magic among all the tens of thousands of magic I have made.

Let’s see… Avoiding her attacks is easy, but repeating the same thing is just boring.

“Flame Edge!”

Compared to Eliza’s magic, I decided to activate the same magic with twice the power, perfectly timed to counter her attack.

“EH ―― !?”

Eliza, who was overwhelmed by the counterattack at an incredible speed, had a look of despair on her face.

*Bang!*

*Zagagaga!*

With the sound of air combustion, my Flame Edge engulfed Eliza’s magic. For a moment, the sound of an explosion erupted.

It seemed that Eliza managed to avoid the attack somehow, but the ground was cratered by my magic.

Hmm, maybe I went a little too far.

It is easy to break Eliza’s spirit by demonstrating the difference in our abilities but ending the match too quickly is not very interesting.

In this kind of mock battle, the elegant way of winning is to draw out the opponent’s full potential and win.

“TAKE THIS!!”

However, it seems that I underestimated Eliza’s abilities a little.

Even in the face of an overwhelming difference in our abilities, Eliza did not flinch. She disappeared into the smoke, waiting for the perfect chance to strike back.

“That’s a good one, commoner! If you want to catch my attention, become stronger than anyone else. I am not interested in anyone but the strong.”

At that moment, I remembered the words that Eliza had said to me when we first met.

I see. It seems that Eliza’s respect for the strong is genuine.

Even in a situation where one would feel despair, Eliza seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself.

Good grief. It seems that I have also been caught up a little in her enthusiasm. It’s been a while since I’ve found fighting against others to be interesting, even if it’s only a little bit.

However, deliberately holding back and prolonging the fight against an opponent who is seriously coming at you is also in poor taste.

“The plan isn’t bad, but you met the wrong opponent.”

“WHA ―― !?”

I avoided Eliza’s attack and quickly constructed a magic syntax.

The next magic I chose was the intermediate magic I had been using for the longest time in actual combat.

“Burning Bullets!”

From what I have seen so far, I have a rough understanding of Eliza’s abilities. She probably won’t be able to avoid the next attack at this range.

Although I adjusted the power to the extent that it wouldn’t kill her, even with the barrier magic, continuing the fight would be difficult if she were to take this attack head-on.

This should be the end. Goodbye.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

In the midst of pressure that could cause her to lose consciousness at any moment, Eliza was swinging her sword mindlessly.

(This guy…! Is strong…!)

That was Eliza’s honest impression of Abel.

Firstly, his speed for constructing magic was abnormal. At first, she thought he might be hiding some magic tool, but apparently, that wasn’t the case. He was fighting completely barehanded. It was truly unbelievable.

Being able to construct magic quickly was the biggest advantage of magic tools. But with this, she was losing sight of why she was using magic tools.

Next was the extraordinary power of his magic. Normally, when the power of magic is increased, the amount of information that needs to be processed also increases, making it more prone to defects.

But in this person’s case, no matter how much he increased his power, the quality of his magic was impeccable. It was too strong, to the point that it didn’t make sense.

However, the overwhelming difference in their abilities has ignited the fighting spirit within Eliza. Gradually, she began to enjoy the hopeless situation she was in.

“Burning Bullets!” 

At that moment, a total of 12 Fireballs appeared in front of Eliza. She intuitively understood that he was trying to put an end to this battle. The energy contained in each of the Fireballs is incredible. It would be a tremendous feat for an ordinary magician to produce even one Fireball of this magnitude.

On the other hand, Abel showed no sign of using his full power and still seemed to have plenty of energy left. That’s why it’s terrifying.

(…It seems that I have no choice but to stop holding back.)

This attack is completely impossible to avoid. However, if she tried to take the attack head-on, even her consciousness could be blown away along with the barrier magic she had on her.

After much deliberation, Eliza chose the third option, which she had intentionally kept sealed until now.

The Forbidden Technique ―― <<Rose Madder Sky>>.

It is the ultimate technique inherited from her ancestors after enduring rigorous training.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

*Zagagaga!*

*Dodododoooooon!*

A massive explosion occurred due to my <<Burning Bullets>>, and smoke rose up with a deafening sound.

Hm, I’m a bit surprised.

It seems that even after taking that magic, Eliza is still unharmed.

As the flames weakened, the field of view opened up. Immediately afterward, I saw Eliza’s silhouette crouched in the white smoke.

“Hey! Are you okay!?”

The examiner, who was worried about Eliza, rushed over.

“Your barrier magic is destroyed! Please abstain now!”

“No. Not yet.”

Eliza, who was acting stout-heartedly, took one look at the examiner who had rushed to her aid.

Seeing her determination, the examiner couldn’t help but shake his shoulders.

“I have certainly lost the match. However, we are still in the middle of a personal duel.”

She’s an incredibly sore loser. It’s enough to make me laugh.

Needless to say, the rule for this mock battle was ‘whoever’s barrier magic is destroyed first loses’. However, the situation would be different if this were a ‘personal duel’ unrelated to the exam. The match would continue until one of us was incapacitated. In other words, Eliza abandoned the match and came to win in the ‘rules of her own making’.

“I… I will prove that I am stronger than anyone else…!”

Using the magic tool in her hand like a cane, Eliza stood up.

The damage from the previous magic must still remain. Her steps are so weak and feeble that they seem painful to watch.

“Can I ask you one question? Why are you so obsessed with ‘strength’ in this peaceful world?”

In the era two hundred years ago where I lived, such a strong-willed girl like Eliza would not have been rare, but in this era, it is unusual.

The rich kid of nobility (older brother), Bass, once said, ‘In this peaceful era, we can live happily even without using magic’.

“The word ‘peace’ is nothing but a lie.”

Eliza muttered, as if spilling water.

“A time of peace… a hundred years without conflict…. is that really true? The neighboring Kingdom Kurdrhea is steadily strengthening its military in preparation for a great war that may happen someday. Besides, are the demons really extinct? A few years ago, there was an incident involving the demons. However, the public is not informed of it. Just so they could protect the word ‘peace’.”

Perhaps fueled by the overflowing words, Eliza’s eyes gradually regained their strength.

“Will there be no war because of international treaties? The demon king’s soul has perished, so it will never be resurrected again? Who decided that!? I absolutely don’t want to sit on the sidelines of a false peace!”

I see. There’s some truth to this girl’s words.

It’s true that we are currently in a peaceful era, but not all threats have completely disappeared. The seeds of war are steadily taking root all over the world.

If a full-scale war were to break out against the demons, the weak magicians of this era would surely be swept away.

“That’s why I will become stronger! And I will definitely rebuild the house that raised me!”

said Eliza, her eyes slightly teary.

To rebuild the house that raised her, huh?

Perhaps the old ways taught by Eliza’s family were no longer relevant in modern times. Those who say ‘prepare for war’ in this peaceful era are simply dangerous individuals.

Alas, that is the sad truth. Humans have a tendency to recognize those with different opinions as enemies. That is why Eliza’s family could not keep up with modern values and fell.

“Forbidden Technique ―― <<Rose Madder Sky>>!”

The next moment, Eliza shouted loudly, and magic circles appeared around her body.

Is that a kind of body strengthening magic? I immediately began analyzing it.

It’s a complex magic circle. Indeed, this magic seems to exceed the level of a student.

“<<Physical Flare>>!”

Ah, I see. I’m a little surprised. So, ‘that woman’ left behind this magic two hundred years in the future?

I can imagine the kind of family environment Eliza grew up in from this magic.

Various questions were answered at the same time, and I felt relieved.

Perhaps the reason why Eliza was able to withstand my ‘Burning Bullets’ earlier was because she was clad in this flame armor on the spur of the moment.

“Brace yourself! I’m completely different now!”

Hmm. It certainly is a good sight to behold in its own way. Although she has a sharp tongue, Eliza is quite good-looking.

In front of me is a girl clad in flame armor. Everyone present seemed utterly captivated in the face of its divine appearance.

A moment later, two wings sprout out from the flame armor, propelling Eliza high into the sky.

“I-I can’t believe it! She’s flying!”

“Flight magic!? Wasn’t that just a myth!?”

Everyone is in uproar as they watch Eliza fly through the air.

Certainly, ‘Flight Magic’ requires a certain skill level as a magician. Not many people could handle this magic even two hundred years ago.

This is because constructing ‘Flight Magic’ requires the ability to handle multiple attribute magic in a well-balanced manner.

It might be possible for someone like me with amber eyes, but for a magician like Eliza with the <<Burning Eyes>> to handle ‘Flight Magic’, it would require an effort that would make blood spill.

“I bet you have never seen this magic before ―― !”

That is not true. For me, that magic is something I’ve grown tired of seeing.

I never expected that the unique magic that existed two hundred years ago would be passed down in exactly the same form.

Perhaps Eliza’s family, for generations, have all been ridiculously serious.

“―― Analysis complete. <<Dispel Magic>>.”

It goes without saying that the fact that I’ve seen that magic many times before means that I can use <<Dispel Magic>> to analyze and nullify my opponent’s magic. When facing magic that has already been analyzed, it can display unparalleled convenience.

*Crack!*

A sound like shattering glass echoed.

Eliza’s technique and her flame armor shattered into pieces.

“Eh? Eehhh? EEEEHHHHHHH!?”

Eliza, who had become an ungraceful mess with her wings torn in mid-air, screamed while holding her skirt down to prevent them from being rolled up.

Good grief. She is like a helpless princess.

I predict the falling point and successfully catch Eliza’s body.

“You must be a descendant of the Hero of Fire, Maria.”

“―――― !?”

Hearing that, Eliza looked shaken, as if to say, ‘What’s going on here?’.

“You’re pretty good, just like that muscle-brained woman. Keep up the good work.”

Haa. Is this girl really the same age as us? I feel like she may already weigh more than Lilith at this point. Unfortunately, I have no obligation to give her a princess carry.

*Rumble Rumble*

I let go of Eliza, and she messily rolled onto the ground.

“The winner is examinee number 27, Abel-kun!”

The examiner who had been watching our match declared my victory.

At that moment, everyone erupted in cheers, like a bomb had dropped.

Haa. It seems that Eliza’s ancestors have inherited the magic developed by Maria perfectly, thank goodness.

Originally, <<Rose Madder Sky>> is a magic that significantly enhances combat ability by burning the caster’s own life force. If the battle had dragged on, it could have caused fatal after-effects on the caster’s body.

“What’s going on…? What the hell is he…?”

To Eliza, my existence must seem quite mysterious.

As she lay on the ground and looked up at the sky, she wore a dumbfounded expression.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

The time had advanced about three hours since Abel and the others took the entrance exam.

“This year’s examinees are quite interesting.”

This is the staff room of the Arthurian Magic Academy.

As usual, the staff room is abuzz with talk about this year’s examinees.

“Oh, you must be talking about the G3, right?”

“What’s G3?”

“The Genius Three. It means three geniuses. Everyone’s talking about them, that there are three geniuses in this year’s examinees.”

Among the staff, the names of Ted, Eliza, and Abel had become a hot topic. The three stood out among the more than two hundred examinees and had become the focus of attention from the teachers who served as examiners.

“Heh. This is a good opportunity. Hopefully, this will raise the level of our students a little…”

“Absolutely. I hope we can make it to the top three in this year’s inter-school competition…”

The Arthurian Magic Academy was once known as the top Magic Academy in the country, but that was in the past. In fact, the recent results of inter-school competitions had been declining, and the academy’s former glory was fading.

“…What G3? That’s just nonsense.”

There was one man who spewed venom as if to throw cold water on the conversation among the teachers. His name is Emerson. He is a slender teacher with curly hair and round glasses. 

Emerson, who could express his own opinions without being swayed by others, is known as the ‘eccentric teacher’.

“There is only one true genius, and that’s Abel-kun.”

said Emerson with a clear and confident look on his face.

“When you say Abel, you mean the commoner with amber eyes, right? His magic abilities are certainly formidable, but…”

“If we’re just talking about sheer ability, Eliza-san is not inferior either.”

“………”

Emerson, who had overheard the teachers’ evaluation, sighed with a look of disbelief.

The future looked bleak with the teachers responsible for training future magicians acting like this.

Emerson, who is currently grading Abel’s answer sheets, shuddered as he realized the extraordinary ability that Abel possessed.

(What a surprise! I never thought a student could solve the ‘Final Theorem of Depolnix’ perfectly…!)

In fact, the ‘Final Theorem of Depolnix’ that Abel solved was an extremely difficult question that most of the existing magic researchers don’t even understand.

The reason why the question was used in the students’ exam was mainly due to Emerson’s mischievous spirit.

Of course, Emerson, the questioner himself, did not expect anyone to answer correctly.

(No, this is not just perfect. It is more than perfect…!!)

Upon closer inspection, Abel’s solution was not just simply imitating the existing ‘Final Theorem of Depolnix’.

Compared to the usual Depolnix, it was a solution with improvements everywhere.

If this fact were made public, it would be a feat worthy of national recognition.

“Hohoho. It seems like there’s a lot of excitement around the topic of this year’s examinees.”

“““H-Headmaster!?”””

An old man steps into the noisy staff room.

His name is Mikhail, the academy’s headmaster, and he was renowned as the greatest magician in the kingdom in his younger days.

Mikhail was not only an excellent magician but also possessed the ‘Hero’s lineage’ and is the academy’s symbol. He also had a strong influence both inside and outside the country.

“He’s truly amazing!!”

“Hohoho. To have the brilliant Emerson-sensei praise him that much… It seems that the student you were speaking of has great talent.”

Emerson is one of the most accomplished magicians in the Arthurian Magic Academy.

Even though he is still young, he has acquired several patents in the field of magic tool development and is well respected by the teachers around him.

“Yeah. His name is Abel, a magician with amber eyes. He will become the best magician to lead this country in the future. I guarantee it!”

“EHH ―― !?”

The headmaster, Mikhail, was shocked when he heard Emerson’s words.

“H-Headmaster!? Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s fine. I’m sorry, Emerson-sensei, but could you please tell me his name again?”

“Yes! It’s Abel. Abel-kun! He’s the most brilliant genius in the academy’s history, with perfect scores in both the written and practical exams!”

“………”

Mikhail was holding his head in his hands. And that is because he is the only one in the staff room who recognized the name ‘Abel’.

“Um, perhaps the headmaster knew Abel-kun?”

“No, that’s not the case… I’m sorry, Emerson-sensei, but could you tell me more about him in detail?”

If this was a bad dream, Mikhail wanted to wake up from it. With a bad feeling, Mikhail tried to extract as much information as possible about Abel from the teachers.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

In the darkness where nothing could be seen ahead, the only reliance was the light from the lamp in hand.

Mikhail headed towards a staircase that led to the basement of the academy.

(Abel… That Abel!? No way. It can’t be…!!)

He shifted his gaze to the stone statue of a knight holding a sword placed in the underground passage. Tracing his finger over the crest on the hilt, the stone statue moved to the left, revealing a hidden door.

What was hidden behind the door was the headmaster’s office, which only a limited number of people in the Arthurian Magic Academy could enter.

“Let’s see… I’m sure I kept it around here somewhere…”

Mikhail opened the locked wooden desk drawer and took out a carefully wrapped envelope.

Inside the envelope was a worn-out letter that had been discolored by the sun and the passages of time.

“To my descendants,

Listen well. I’ll tell you the truth about this world.

People call us, the four magicians of Fire, Wind, Water, and Gray, including myself, the ‘Four Great Sages’ who defeated the Demon King.

However, that’s not the truth.

The only one who actually defeated the Demon King was an amber-eyed magician called Abel.

The four of us were powerless in the face of the Demon King.

In fact, Abel defeated the Demon King all by himself.

This is the truth buried in the darkness of history.

That’s why, don’t ever get carried away when people call you the ‘Descendant of the Hero’.

The only true hero was Abel.

Keep that in mind.

Sincerely,

Roy,

Hero of the Wind.”

Mikhail’s hands trembled as he reread the letter.

There was a story that his grandfather, who passed away long ago, had often told him until it was ingrained in his memory.

―― Among the ‘Four Great Sages’, there was a ‘Lost Fifth Person’.

It is said that because that man had the same amber eyes as the demons, he was severely persecuted by the world, and despite his overwhelming power, his name did not remain in the annals of history.

Even the hero, Roy, who continued to leave behind brilliant achievements even after the defeat of the Demon King, apparently remained concerned about Abel’s whereabouts in his later years.

“Haa. Can I really regard this as a coincidence?”

Of course, dismissing it as a story from over two hundred years ago is easy.

No matter how great a magician one may be, living for over two hundred years into the future is impossible.

That’s right. It would be impossible for the Abel that Hero Roy spoke of and the Abel being discussed in the staff room to be the same person.

However, for some reason, Mikhail, who had lived for years as a descendant of the hero, is filled with a vague sense of unease from his experiences.

“I need to investigate and determine whether this boy’s abilities are genuine…”

Mikhail muttered solemnly and sat down in the armchair in front of the desk, adjusting his white beard under his chin.

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Chapter 9 Part 1

Chapter 9 – Final Exam

After having successfully completed the ‘Power Test’ exam, we moved to another hall to take the next exam.

“Master! I did great, didn’t I!? I got the same Grade A as Master!”

‘Grade A’. There was no higher grade than that, but it was still sad that Ted and I were grouped together.

“Oh! It looks like the waiting room for examinees who received a ‘Grade A’ is behind this door.”

Ted had been emphasizing the ‘Grade A’ since earlier. Perhaps he was so happy to have been recognized in the practical exam.

With a click, I turned the doorknob and opened the door.

Inside, there were a little more than twenty people. They were mostly nobles and seemed to know each other from before. Even though we were still in the middle of the exam, they appeared relaxed, chatting with each other.

However, as soon as they made eye contact with me, the examinees fell silent and looked awkwardly away.

Hm? What is this all about?

“Perhaps… it’s because rumors about Master destroying the dark matter have spread.”

“I see.”

It was uncomfortable, but there was nothing to worry about. And so, I sat down on a chair and let out a small sigh.

Most of the examinees gathered in this hall were probably prideful elite nobles. Some may have felt frustrated for losing to a commoner, while others may have thought that commoners were bothersome. And then, there were those who probably thought that there was no way they could lose.

“Hey, you.”

A girl approached me.

It was the same girl with scarlet hair that I had seen in front of the school gate. Seeing that it was her, I let out a small sigh and remained silent, avoiding eye contact.

“Hey! What’s with that attitude!? I went out of my way to talk to you, so look at me!”

“Good grief. As a commoner, I’m not good at flattery, so I’m just trying to remain silent.”

I didn’t really hold a grudge, but I didn’t want to get involved in any trouble either. If ignoring her would prevent me from having anything to do with the scarlet-haired girl, then that would be for the best.

“That’s very thoughtful of you. But let me clarify for the sake of my reputation. I’m not someone who upholds noble principles. I just happen to hate weaklings.”

said Eliza, puffing out her ample chest, which was disproportionate to her age.

I see.

Come to think of it. This girl has said before, ‘I’m not interested in anyone but the strong.’.

Although there are excellent magicians from commoner backgrounds, the ratio is still relatively low compared to nobles. And that’s why, in this girl’s mind, ‘I’m not interested in anyone but the strong’ and ‘I hate commoners’, are probably similar but different.

“I see. That’s good.”

I flipped through the pages of the book in my hand and exuded an atmosphere as if I were ignoring Eliza.

“Anyway! Is it true that you smashed a dark matter target to pieces in the practical exam?”

“………”

The girl, who introduced herself as Eliza, sat beside me without hesitation and asked her question immediately.

“Well, I wonder.”

“How did you construct the magic? What is the additional syntax? In the first place, I heard that amber-eyed magicians could not handle magic. So, is there some kind of attribute that you are good at? Did you perhaps train under a famous magician?”

Good grief.

It seems that this girl, Eliza, is not the type to read the atmosphere around her, especially when it comes to magic, her eyes suddenly light up. Of course, I could answer her questions, but personally, I’m not very enthusiastic about it. Above all, I dislike troublesome things. I have a feeling that getting involved with her here could lead to more trouble later on.

But luckily, the heavens were on my side.

“Everyone, please be seated. I will now explain the rules for the final exam.”

A female teacher who seemed to be in charge of this exam came into the waiting room through the door.

Her eyes were gray.

Seeing that she is wearing a white coat indicates that she is a healer magician.

“That’s too bad. I guess we’ll have to continue our conversation some other time.”

“Hmph. Well, that’s fine. Trying to dodge the questions is pointless. After all, everything will become clear with the results of this exam.”

After leaving behind some meaningful words, Eliza returns to the seat where she originally sat.

Hm? What is she talking about?

Apparently, Eliza knew the contents of the exam that the academy had prepared beforehand. The meaning of her words became clear as the contents of the final exam were explained.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

The examiner in a white coat began writing the explanation of the final exam on the blackboard.

―― The nobles have fought for various things since ancient times. It can be anything from a woman, territory, or even their own lives. This was also the case during the war against the demons. I remember how often the nobles fought among themselves over things. Whenever such disputes occurred among the nobles, they often resorted to a tradition called ‘duel’.

“The final exam is a practical exam that simulates a duel. But please keep in mind that the result of this duel will greatly affect your final result.”

Despite the upcoming duel, the atmosphere in the hall was quieter than expected.

I see.

The content of this final exam seems to have not changed much over the years as the examinees calmly accept the words spoken by the examiner.

“Now, I will explain the three rules.”

The three rules presented were easy to understand.

First, the duel must be one-on-one.

Second, the duel is decided by the state of the barrier magic deployed by the examiner.

“We will now cast barrier magic on all of you. While it can withstand a few hits of low-power magic, please keep in mind that it can be destroyed with a single blow if subjected to high-power magic.”

As the examiner explained, she began casting barrier magic on herself.

Hmm.

Well, I guess it is necessary for an exam that simulates a duel. The problem is that the barrier magic deployed by the examiner is not very reliable, but still, this level is probably sufficient for a battle between the students.

“Lastly, I will explain the third rule. Your opponent has been selected based on the results of the previous exam, as someone who is ‘close to your own abilities’. I have written your opponent’s examinee number on the paper I am about to post, so please check it.”

Let’s see… My opponent is examinee number 86, huh? It does sound familiar, but I don’t remember who it belongs to specifically. I haven’t been checking on the other examinees since I don’t have any interest in them.

“Once again, is it okay if I sit beside you, Abel-kun?” 

Just as I was thinking of looking for my opponent, I was approached by an all too familiar girl.

Oh, I see. So, that is what this is about.

The girl with scarlet hair, Eliza, had a plate on her chest showing the examinee number 86 on it.

“Hey, look at that!”

“It seems like the rumored inferior eyes and the scarlet-haired girl are going to fight each other!”

I see. Our battle seems to be one of the highlights of this exam. The examiner said that they chose opponents who are ‘close to your own abilities’. Perhaps, in the previous exam, Eliza and I passed first and second, respectively.

“Come, let’s dance together. I’ll see what you are capable of.”

With a confident statement, Eliza reaches out her hand toward me.

Good grief.

All I really wanted was to graduate from this academy peacefully, without attracting any attention or notice. But it seems that life doesn’t always go according to our plans.

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Chapter 8 Part 2

～～～～～～～～～～～～

Am I dreaming with my eyes wide open? 

From then on, the examination went on like a child’s playground.

“Fireball!”

“Wind Edge!”

“Ice Needle!”

The examinees who had gathered here were each forming their own magic using the magic tool that matched the color of their eyes.

No. I do not feel comfortable calling this, magic.

I never thought that there would be people who cannot handle magic properly even if they use magic tools as a support item.

In hindsight, even Bass, the rich kid of nobility (older brother), might have been an excellent magician in this world.

“Err. Then, last but not least, examinee number 27, Abel-kun. Would you like to take the examination?”

asked the examiner in an oddly gentle voice.

Good grief.

Perhaps this examiner, like all the examinees here, has the prejudice that amber-eyed magicians are not capable of using magic.

It is hard to imagine what the future holds when such educators are responsible for the training of future magicians.

“I will take the examination.”

I replied and moved to the place the examiner had indicated.

“Then please begin.”

The examiner signaled the start of my examination.

Now then, how should I go about this? Simply constructing magic according to the given syntax is too dull. I might just make some fine arrangements and show my ability in a casual way.

“Hey. Look at that amber-eyed commoner.”

“Hahaha. I can’t believe it took him this long to form a fireball. As expected of the inferior eyes.”

As I was concentrating on the magic, I did not pay any mind to the onlookers. 

I quickly modified the magic syntax and adjusted the entire thing so there would be no flaws.

<<Bullet Velocity Level ―― Fastest>>

<<Power Level ―― Boost (Large)>>

<<Additional Formula ―― Scatter Shots>>

Oh, yes. I forgot one last important thing.

<<Limiter Release>>

That should do it.

All that remains now is to focus on the target and activate the magic.

It is ordinary magic that is not even worth a mention, but considering the abilities of the magicians gathered here, this is for the best.

“Fireball ―― Spread Rain!”

The next moment, the air trembles.

What I formed was a fireball about one meter in diameter.

However, it would be boring to activate the same magic, so I modified the magic syntax for this magic so that it would split up mid-air.

*Hoowl*

*BOOOOMMM*

The Fireball that flew toward the air split up and rained down toward the target like rain.

Oh? Looking closely, the target, which was said to be unbreakable, is broken. Perhaps they had used dark matter made of inferior material for the examination. Otherwise, there is no way dark matter could dissolve with this level of magic.

“T-T-T-This…”

Hm? What is wrong with him? For some unknown reason, the examiner next to me was sitting on his butt, with his mouth repeatedly opening and closing like a washed-up fish gasping for air.

“W-What… just happened…”

“I-I can’t believe it… It’s a scorched field all around…”

The other examinees were all looking in my direction and muttered something.

Could it be that the magic I cast earlier was so rare? 

No, that cannot be it.

The ‘Scatter Shots’ are the absolute basics of applied magic.

Even though the level of magicians has declined, there should still be many people who can use this level of magic.

“W-Why can an inferior eye use this kind of magic?”

One of the examinees cried out while collapsing to the ground.

I see. That made sense.

Perhaps the people around me overreact because an amber-eyed magician could form magic normally.

I am glad that I have corrected the wrong perception of an amber-eyed magician.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

The Arthurian Magic Academy was built by renovating the Royal Library, which had deteriorated and was no longer in use.

Careful observation of the walls, which are made of rock colored like the scales of a white dragon, reveals that they are three libraries that have been constructed, fused together to be one large structure.

Inside the building, dark matter was used in abundance and the structure was so robust that it would not break even if magic were to break out. 

(…The Arthurian Magic Academy is a truly outstanding school. The level of the facilities is exceptionally high. It is no wonder that it is said to be the best in the country.)

This is Hall B, which is in the opposite direction from where Abel and the others are taking their practical examination.

In Hall B, there is a girl who looks bored and lets out a sigh while her scarlet hair flutters in the air.

Her name is Eliza.

With her outstanding ability and good looks, Eliza had already become the center of attention among the other examinees taking the examination.

“It’s her, isn’t it? The one who protected the commoner.”

“She’s unpleasant. I mean, she’s supposed to be a noble, right?”

“I’ve never seen that family crest before. Must be from the countryside, anyway.”

What Eliza had been hearing is a torrent of unjustified slander from the other examinees.

(That said, the quality of the examinees is not the best in the country.)

There was no need to deal with people whose only skill is talking behind someone’s back.

According to Eliza’s estimation, there are probably less than half who can pass at this Hall B.

There was no need for her to be concerned about their jeering as they might not even cross paths after this.

“Next up. Examinee number 86, please come forward.”

“Yes.”

When her number was called, Eliza stood up straight.

“Please state your name.”

The content of the practical examination is the same in both Hall A and Hall B. The only difference was that here the examiners were looking at the examinees in the order of their number.

“Examinee number 86, Eliza. I’m ready.”

The hall was abuzz.

Madder red hair, pure white skin. Her elegant appearance is further complemented by her burning eyes like a freshly polished ruby.

Above all else, that beautiful bow.

She mistakenly thought she was being ridiculed, but she was not.

Her well-groomed appearance and demeanor captivated everyone as if she were a regal noble. And the examiner was no exception. 

Even the girls were the same as they held their breaths when admiring her beauty.

“…May I begin?”

“Y-Yeah. Please, go ahead, Eliza-san.”

After getting the examiner’s permission, Eliza readied her magic tool.

The magic tool was the same red color as her eyes.

“Flame Edge!”

At that moment, the air trembled.

The magic syntax that had been constructed in advance was quickly altered to do more damage to the target.

*Clash!*

The Flame Edge unleashed by Eliza pierced the target.

“I-I can’t believe it…! The dark matter has been damaged!?”

The examiner, who witnessed Eliza’s magic, shouted in astonishment.

The examinees also sensed the difference in their abilities at a glance and seemed to shrink completely.

(…Ahh, it’s so boring. Only low-level people can be surprised by this level of magic.)

Eliza let out a sigh, but then she noticed a sense of discomfort.

At the back of the hall, more than twenty meters away from Eliza, a teacher came running with a strange expression.

<<Body Strengthening Magic, Hearing Enhancement>>

Eliza wondered what was going on and decided to stand there and listen.

“Fedia-sensei! There’s an emergency! Something huge has happened! Please come quickly!”

The white-robed examiner summoned by the young teacher was a magician who oversaw this examination.

(Heehh. That pompous-looking examiner is called Fedia. That said, what do they mean by an emergency?)

When Fedia instructed her to speak clearly, precisely, and concisely, the young teacher just smiled bitterly as if she was having trouble saying it.

“The dark matter target was smashed to pieces by an amber-eyed examinee…”

“WHA――――!?”

Eliza could not believe her ears.

But as she heard more details, she also doubted herself and her common sense.

Apparently, the boy had not only smashed the target to pieces but had also turned the surrounding grassy field into a burnt wasteland.

“What is the name of that examinee? Which noble family is he from?”

“It… It seems that he is not a noble… but he is from the Langobalt’s territory. His name is…”

Hearing the name of the boy in question, Eliza’s heart swelled with anticipation and excitement.

Abel.

The teacher answered in a small voice.

How could that be?

How could a boy with the <<Inferior Eyes>>, which has zero aptitudes in all attributes, be able to form magic that surprised everyone around him?

From then on, Eliza began to develop a strong sense of rivalry with the boy called Abel.

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Chapter 8 Part 1

Chapter 8 – The Practical Examination

After the three-hour written examination, the practical examination comes next.

“Ugh. As expected of Arthuria Magic Academy. The written examination was extremely difficult.”

“Hmm? Was it?”

Ted is sitting next to me with a deathly look on his face.

It seems that he did not do well on the written examination.

Well, I do not have to take Ted’s words seriously, especially since he does not have a good head on his shoulders.

Probably, the examinees gathered in this hall must have gotten a perfect score in all subjects, as a matter of course.

“Now, those of you with examination numbers of 1 to 40, please follow me.”

My examinee’s number is 27. Ted’s is 28.

The next examination is supposed to measure our practical magic skills, but I wonder what it would be.

“Master! Let’s go!”

Ted hurries me to the examination hall.

Our next stop was the huge school ground at the back of the academy.

Hmm. Presumably the area was built primarily to test out magic. I could see several ‘Targets’ already set up.

“Listen, examinees. This examination will be conducted using the magic tools provided here. Each of you will pick up the magic tool that matches the color of your eyes.”

Underneath the tent were various magic tools, each imitating the shape of a different weapon, such as a sword, a gun, and a pair of gloves.

Each of us takes the prepared magic tools in numerical order as instructed by the examiner.

That said, there were no magic tools available for amber-eyed magicians, as a matter of course. So, I had no choice but to pick up a red magic tool. It has the shape of a one-handed sword, which seems the best for now.

Although amber-eyed magicians are capable of mastering magic of all attributes depending on their training, there are also some incompatibilities for each individual.

In my case, I am not good at recovery magic, as that is a special attribute to the gray eyes, but on the contrary, I am good at fire, water, and wind attribute magic.

Well, even though I am not good at it, I can use gray eyes’ magic to the extent that I have completed the <<Reincarnation Magic>>, which was unprecedented even in my previous world.

“Hey, look at that inferior eyes over there.”

“Hahahaha. He just picks a random one because there’s no suitable magic tool for him!”

The curious stares from the other examinees are all on me.

Good grief. I did not pick one at random, though. 

It seems that amber-eyed magicians are looked at with prejudiced eyes even in this examination hall.

“Now, I will go through the explanation. This examination is to test the power of your magic.”

I see. So, this is an examination of one’s power of magic.

Well, it is a safe test to measure the examinees’ ability.

Since the magic tools are given in advance for this examination, it is impossible to distinguish oneself from others in magic syntax.

In other words, they will be required to have a certain amount of magic power they were born with and the skill to efficiently cast magic with them.

“The ‘Targets’ made for the examination are sturdy and will never break, so please don’t hesitate to cast your best magic.”

Since it is unbreakable, some tampering must have been done on the ‘Targets’.

Interesting. This examination will be the perfect touchstone for measuring the magicians’ abilities.

“Well then, those who are ready will go first.”

“Me, me! I will go first!”

Ted was the first to raise his hand in response to the examiner’s words. He looks determined. Perhaps Ted is trying to make up for his failure in the written examination with this challenge.

“All right. Then, let’s start with examinee number 28.”

“Yes! I’m the first!”

Will he be all right?

Even though I took care of him for a while, his level as a magician is still pretty immature.

According to Lilith, Arthurian Magic Academy is a school that attracts the best of the elites from all over the country. 

If this continues, would he not be humiliated in front of so many examinees?

Standing in his designated position, Ted holds up a gauntlet-shaped magic tool.

“Now, let’s begin.”

“Fireball!”

Ted thrusts his fist wide and releases a fireball.

Wow~. T-This is terrible.

Ted’s fireball was so terrible that anyone could tell it was low quality.

Well, this is kind of expected.

Ted, who is low-level to begin with, is using a magic tool he is unfamiliar with to cast his magic. So perhaps it is inevitable that the magic that he casts is of low quality.

*Clash!*

Ted’s magic disappeared as it was absorbed by the target.

I see. That target seems to be made of dark matter, an ore that absorbs magic.

Well, since the target is made of dark matter, it will not break easily, even when it is hit by somewhat more powerful magic.

In the previous world that I knew, dark matter was difficult to supply stably, but in the present day, they have probably overcome that drawback.

“““Eh…!?”””

There was a commotion for a moment.

See? That is what I am talking about. Ted’s magic was so terrible that everyone must have been dumbfounded.

“That’s amazing!! Why would someone talented like him take the general entrance examination?”

Hm? What did the examiner… just say? Did I misheard him? Which part of that magic looks amazing?

“I can’t believe it. The Langobalt family is a frontier noble living in the countryside, right?”

“Wow… This is bad… I have lost my confidence after seeing such amazing magic…”

The reactions of the other examinees do not seem to be joking either.

I-I can’t believe it. Is the current magic in this world really at a level where that kind of magic can be praised as ‘amazing’?

“What a monster. It seems we witnessed the birth of a genius magician once in a hundred years.”

“………”

said the veteran examiner, who appeared to be in charge, as he exhaled the cigarette smoke.

Ted is a genius!? Moreover, the genius in one hundred years?

It was then that I realized, albeit belatedly, that I was in a ridiculously low-level space.

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Chapter 7

Chapter 7 – The Written Examination

And so, the day of the examination has arrived. After crossing several mountains, it took half a day by horse-drawn carriage to reach the Royal Capital, Midgard.

Currently, the Royal Capital is divided into five major districts.

The eastern district is a market and industrial area facing the harbor. The southern and northern districts, where the districts still retain the countryside but are inhabited by merchants and ordinary people. The central district is where the nobles live. And finally, the western district, where various academies and research institutions are located.

It is a magnificent view. 

The academy stands majestically, towering like a castle. From what I hear, the Arthuria Magic Academy is one of the oldest buildings in Midgard.

I see. As expected of the most prestigious academy in the country. It is old, and the academy’s buildings have an atmosphere where one can feel the weight of their history and tradition.

I remembered Lilith’s words as I passed through the gates decorated with a silver dragon.

‘Abel-sama. The Arthuria Magic Academy is an elite academy where the country’s best and most promising students gather. Please don’t let your guard down.’

These were the words Lilith whispered to me as we left the house.

I doubt I would fail the examination. But still, I have to be careful.

“Hey-Hey. He doesn’t have a family crest. Is he, by any chance, the rumored inferior eyes?”

As I walked up to the school gate, I felt the gaze of those around me.

“This is the worst. The Arthuria Magic Academy has lost its reputation.”

“Haa… The commoners should sit back and plow their fields.”

Mmm.

At first glance, they all seem weak, or rather, the epitome of modern magicians. Seeing that they are wearing uniforms, they must be the students here.

Many good magicians are skilled at concealing their power. So, let’s keep my guard up, just in case.

“Why is there an inferior eyes taking the entrance examination?”

“I heard that he received a recommendation from the family that donated a lot of money to the academy.”

“Oh? Then, it’s a back door. He will probably fail the examination.”

“No, no. Maybe they are bribing the examiner.”

Hmm. Magicians with the <<Amber Eyes>> are always viewed with a biased perspective. It is troubling that even the elites, who are supposed to be the most knowledgeable in this country, are joining the prejudices.

“Just let them say whatever they want! These people only judge people by the color of their eyes!!”

Good grief. I never thought the day would come when Ted cheered me up. I have fallen from grace as well. Did he perhaps forget that he was thinking the same not too long ago?

“You people should be ashamed of yourself!!”

Just as I was lost in thoughts, I heard a strong-willed voice coming from behind me.

She had long, bright red hair that looked as if it had been cut out of a madder red sky. And her eyes were the <<Burning Eyes>> that shone like garnets. The clothes she wore bore the emblem of a dragon and a sword. It must be her family crest.

Oh? I think I have seen it somewhere before, but I cannot remember.

“To call yourself a noble for talking behind a commoner’s back!”

Is this girl also a student here? Even so, her body seems strangely well-developed.

“…Who are you?”

“My name is Eliza! Five years from now, I will graduate at the top from the Arthuria Magic Academy and become a great magician who will go down in history!”

The girl who calls herself Eliza makes a lofty declaration proudly.

“What is it with this rude girl?”

“Hey, examinee. Come here. We’re going to teach you the proper way of talking.”

The upperclassmen are clearly irritated by Eliza.

I thought about helping her for a moment, but quickly reconsidered as it was unnecessary. The differences in their abilities were obvious, so I didn’t need to step in and help.

“Now then… I wonder which one of us is the one who doesn’t know the proper way of talking.”

Smiling wryly, Eliza draws the sword from her waist.

Mm, great swordsmanship. It seems that she is more than just talk. It has been a long time since I have been impressed by anyone after my reincarnation. 

“…Eek!?”

The student, with a blade thrust at his throat suddenly, sits powerless on the ground. 

“Now, get out of my sight.”

“““I-I’m sorry!!”””

The students who were stared at by Eliza’s <<Burning Eyes>>, all scattered.

Good grief. The examinations have not started yet, and we have already caught up in a terrible mishap.

“Hey, you there.”

I did not ask for it, but I am sure Eliza was covering for me. In that case, it would be polite to give my thanks.

Just as I was about to reach out to Eliza from behind.

*Slap*

Suddenly, I was slapped on the hand.

“You lowly commoner… You have the nerve to touch my body…!!”

“Hmm?”

What in the world is this girl talking about?

The red-haired girl glared at me, and from her eyes, I could catch a glimpse of the same or even greater sense of discrimination than the students from just now.

“Weren’t you trying to help me just now?”

“What are you talking about? I just don’t like people who sneak around and talk about anyone behind their back! I don’t remember giving permission to allow a commoner to speak to me.”

“………”

Give me a break. Is everyone in this academy the same? 

“Listen, commoner! If you want to be in my sight, be stronger than anyone else. I’m not interested in anyone but the strong.”

The girl who calls herself Eliza said that and walked away from me.

Good grief. I did not think there were girls with such a strong will in this era.

“Master! W-What is wrong with that girl just now!?”

“Beats me. I would like to know as well…”

That said, I feel like I have met her somewhere before.

I felt a sense of déjà vu about the girl with the scarlet hair, but I went through the school gate as I was going to be late.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

The Arthuria Magic Academy has two examinations. A written examination and a practical examination.

A perfect score would be 200 points, with a maximum score of 100 points each.

*Scribble*

*Scribble, Scribble.*

The quiet examination hall was filled with the subtle sound of pens running.

The written examination consisted of three subjects. ‘General Education’, ‘Magic Language’, and ‘Magic Engineering’.

The first one was General Education. It was so easy that it would have been strange to be unable to solve it.

The contents of the examination covers a wide range of topics, ranging from simple mathematics using figures to questions that test reading comprehension.

However, this kind of examination was also given two hundred years ago.

The contents have not changed much. In other words, there is no way I could make a mistake in this examination.

The next one was Magic Language. It was so easy that it seemed to be making fun of me.

Due to the level of magic at this era being low, and since the level is further lowered for students, the questions were enough to make me yawn.

Of course, it cannot be anything other than a perfect score. If anything, I have found four mistakes by the question setter.

And lastly, Magic Engineering. It was slightly more challenging than the previous two, as if the mean-spiritedness of the question setter was apparent.

However, even though it was a bit of a hurdle, it was nothing but child’s play for me.

Good grief. At this rate, I am going to pass the examination with a perfect score in all subjects.

The last question ――

Question 12: This question is based on the Final Theorem of Depolnix. Prove below that the human soul cannot be created by magic.

Hmm? At the very end, a unique question has popped up. The difficulty of the problem has also risen to an incomparable level. 

Perhaps it was set up for the purpose of preventing examinees from getting a perfect score.

I cannot help but smile a little. 

―― Because it was none other than me who created this problem in the first place.

That was two hundred years ago, when I was less than ten years old.

At that time, the world was at the height of the ‘Human body transmutation boom’, and various magicians were searching for ways to create human souls.

It was discovered that some of the most famous magicians had taken the lives of numerous people in what they called ‘Experiments’, and it had become a societal issue. It was truly ridiculous. Creating the soul of a living creature through magic is impossible.

So, I decided to put an end to the nonsensical ‘boom’ by anonymously publishing this <<Final Theorem of Depolnix>>.

Well, it was not nonsensical for me, because I was able to complete <<Reincarnation Magic>> as the result of my research at that time.

Now, back to the main topic.

Even though the difficulty has risen, this is nothing more than a ‘Service Problem’ for me.

After all, the first time I solved this problem was when I was less than ten years old.

I was the only one who knew that the name <<Depolnix>> came from the name of a dog owned by an elderly couple who lived in the neighborhood.

And that was it.

Now that I think about it, the <<Final Theorem of Depolnix>>, which I published at that time, was incomplete and pure nonsense.

Good grief. Even if it was from my childhood, I am truly ashamed of my past self for publishing such an incomplete thing.

And so, I finished the written examination by writing an answer that made up for the shortcomings of the existing Depolnix.

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Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – Lost Path

Two years have passed since I awoke from my sleep caused by the <<Reincarnation Magic>>.

During these two years, I looked around at different areas of magic.

However, I was not surprised to find that there was not much that I could truly admire within the scope of this territory.

Of course, the quality of magic had also deteriorated catastrophically.

At first, I thought that the decline of magic in this world was due to ‘magic tools’, but now I don’t think that was the only reason.

The decline in the level of this world’s magicians is, to put it bluntly, at a level that one would call ‘abnormal’.

Maybe Lilith would know something about it, but I would like to discover by myself the things that have happened in the past two hundred years that caused the decline in magic. My recent interest has been solely that.

“Abel-sama. Tea is ready.”

“Mm. Thank you.”

The decline of magic is saddening, but in this world, several revolutionary items have become popular instead.

The item called the heating pot that Lilith has is particularly useful. Its special characteristic is that it is good at regularly producing heat energy.

“How was the homemade herbal tea?”

“Mm. It tastes good.”

Maybe all the talented people are gathering in the field of magic tool development.

Perhaps what is needed in this peaceful era is not ‘magic’ that requires rigorous training, but ‘magic tools’ that anyone can easily use.

As a person who was reincarnated from two hundred years ago, I have slightly mixed feelings.

“Master! It’s done! I finally learned that magic!”

With a thud, Ted opens the door and walks in. He is a little shorter than me, with burnt amber blond hair.

For the past two years, Ted had begun to call me his master and begged me to teach him magic.

His speech, which had been rough when we first met, has now completely improved.

“Then show it to me here.”

“Eh? But…?”

“Do you think that I can’t stop your magic? There’s no need to hesitate.”

The technique of analyzing the opponent’s magic and instantly neutralizing it is called <<Dispel Magic>>.

As a matter of fact, <<Dispel Magic>> can only be used if there is a significant skill gap, but it would not be a problem against Ted.

“Okay. Then here I go!”

With both eyes closed, Ted drew a magic syntax in his head.

“Flame Barrage, Burning Bullet!”

The next moment, the air vibrates.

A fiery bullet with a diameter of about ten centimeters was formed at Ted’s right hand.

While drinking the herbal tea that Lilith had brewed, I was evaluating Ted’s magic.

I see. Well, that was about it. It may be a low-quality magic, but it is pretty good for a magician of this era. Above all, he does not rely on toys like magic tools. Those tools will only stop him from thinking, and not understanding the magic itself.

“Eh!? Eeehhhhhh!? Why is my magic disappearing!?”

Ted let out a bewildered voice as his magic was suddenly neutralized.

Good grief.

I wonder if the magicians of this era do not know about <<Dispel Magic>>?

Although <<Dispel Magic>> is surprisingly useful depending on how it is used, the drawback is that it requires a significant skill gap between the caster and the target to use it.

It reads the opponent’s magic formula and creates a syntax that is exactly the opposite of that magic. That sequence needs to be carried out no later than immediately after the opponent’s magic is activated.

After all, it is flawed.

It is effective against a simple-minded magician like Ted, but it is of no use against a competent opponent.

“You’ve improved, Ted.”

From my perspective, Ted’s talent for attribute magic was hopelessly low.

To make it worse, Ted is not smart and has a bad memory, so I had a hard time teaching him.

“Really!? That’s great!”

Was he that happy that I praised him?

Ted, in a good mood, hops around the room like a puppy.

“I’m really glad, Master! I will do my best for the magic academy’s entrance examination tomorrow!”

“Oh, there was such an important event. Go for it.”

The academy, huh?

Ted has reached that age, after all. Children grow up so fast, don’t they?

When I first met Ted, he was just a childish little brat, but now he has grown up to be a very fine young man.

“What are you talking about? I heard from Lilith that Master is going to take the examination, too.”

“Hmm?”

Hearing that, I tilted my head. 

I am going to take the magic academy’s entrance examination?

I who was called an ‘Unrivaled genius’ and was considered to be unmatched by anyone else two hundred years ago, but now I have to go to the academy?

Good grief. She has bad taste for a joke.

“Hey, Lilith. What’s going on? I’m taking the entrance examination for the magic academy?”

Maybe Lilith was acting on her own without telling me?

Hearing that, while washing the dishes in the kitchen, Lilith put on a neutral expression.

“On the contrary, I would like to ask Abel-sama… What do you plan to do in the future if you don’t enroll in the academy?”

“Well… Just like before, I will be traveling around as an adventurer…”

“With all due respect, Abel-sama… The adventurer profession was completely abolished ten years ago.”

“―――― !?”

A shocking fact that is now revealed.

I see.

All the books in the library had been published a long time ago, so I did not know about the recent situation.

I guess that is how it is.

In my time, an adventurer was to kill monsters and sell some of the materials to the Adventurer’s Guild.

However, in this era, with the monsters’ populations plummeting, it has become an ‘Unnecessary’ profession.

“Abel-sama is planning to work on magic in the future, right? If so, in this peaceful time, you need to graduate from the academy before you can do that. Do you understand?”

I understand the logic, but I don’t feel happy about it.

To think that I have to go to the academy after all these years.

There was no one who could teach me magic even two hundred years ago. It was a harsh world.

“Or is Abel-sama going to just depend on me financially?”

Well, I don’t mind at all, but…

“I understand. I guess I should take the examination.” 

It cannot be helped.

It is true that I am just living off of Lilith like a leech right now. I do not wish to be fostered by a woman forever.

So let’s just think of it as something necessary to expand my views of the world.

TL Note: This novel will be dropped due to getting licensed. The translation on Volume 1 is now completed and is pending editing. The remaining chapters will be posted as soon as they have been edited.

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Chapter 5 Part 3

～～～～～～～～～～～～

That night, thick midwinter clouds covered the air.

There was no moonlight, and the only thing that stood out was the orange light from the magic lamp, which leaked out of the window of the mansion where Lord Langobalt resides.

There is one person walking with his back straightened on the bright red carpet in the long corridor.

The boy’s name is Bass Langobalt.

His golden hair, which had been his pride and joy, had all been shaved off and became a bald hill.

His green eyes were dark and sunken, and his fists were tightly clenched.

He knocks on the black tea tree door at the end of the corridor.

Come in. A low, heavy voice said.

“Excuse me. Father”

This is the study of the master of this mansion.

Evans Langobalt, a muscular man with a beard like a lion.

“What do you want, this late at night?”

“…I’ll get straight to the point. Father, would you please rid this domain of Lilith and Abel?”

Evans just shook his head, at a loss for words.

“That’s not possible”

“Why’s that!?”

“I’ve told you before. Lilith-dono is not just a maid. She is my benefactor. I can’t ignore her wishes”

“What does that mean!?”

Bass raised his voice so loud that it echoed in the darkness of the night.

As a matter of fact, the story that Lilith is not just a maid had been told to Bass by his father when he turned ten.

With its many geological disadvantages, this village had been able to prosper largely due to Lilith’s accurate information and recommendations.

“We don’t need to rely on them, we can already govern this domain ourselves. It shouldn’t be a problem at all!”

“…Bass. You’re wrong”

“I’m wrong? Why’s that!?”

“Father. Bass nii-chan. What’s going on? I can hear you from all the way down the corridor…”

The door opens, and Ted walks in, yawning in his pajamas.

An orthopedic cast was wrapped around his leg like an iron.

“Ted. You can walk!?”

“Yes. Look! As you can see, I can walk just fine! I’m fine!”

Ted leisurely replied to Bass’s surprise.

Evans saw this and sensed something but said nothing of it.

“Bass, Ted. I was going to tell you the truth when the time came. About my relationship with Lilith-dono. And why I have such respect for her”

“…Father. What sort of respect makes a noble bow?”

Evans fell silent for a moment.

He was going to tell his two sons that Lilith is a demon and that he is sheltering her for a reason.

But Evans had a hunch.

Bass is feeling very gloomy right now.

Even though Bass is his son, he could not let him in on the secret.

“You’re not going to answer me, are you?”

“I can’t answer you now”

“In that case! That’s fine!”

His father’s vague words made Bass even more displeased.

But after a while, Bass seemed to have come up with an idea.

“Father! Can you recommend me to Arthuria Magic Academy!?”

“―――― !?”

His father, Evans, slowly shook his head when he heard Bass’s words.

“That won’t do. You will stay in this domain and study to be a lord. Isn’t that what you promised me?”

The Arthuria Magic Academy is a prestigious school that has produced many elite magicians.

But since it takes at least five years to graduate, Evans was reluctant to enroll his sons.

“I want to learn more powerful magic! More power, more incisive. So that I can, with fierce magic, mince my enemies and shake them off without mercy! And for the likes of commoners. No, I will become the most powerful magician that no one, not even nobles, can defeat!”

Evans was surprised.

In Evans’s eyes, Bass is a sensible son who never lets his emotions get the better of him.

“…Bass nii-chan. Don’t be so hard on yourself”

“Shut up! You are a disgrace to all nobles!”

At that moment, Bass took an action that stunned his father, Evans.

That’s because he pushed his injured younger brother away.

“Hey! Stop that!”

“But… It’s… It’s his fault…! He’s a noble, yet he’s getting along with a commoner!”

Evans had changed his opinion of Bass, who repeatedly spoke and acted like a child.

In any case, in his current state, Bass could not be entrusted with the work of a ‘lord’.

In that sense, Bass’s wish was favorable to Evans.

“I understand. I’ll recommend you to Arthuria Magic Academy”

“…Really!?”

“Yeah. Leave this domain to broaden your horizons and see how much more the world has to offer”

“…I knew you would say that, Father. Thank you”

Evans waved his hand, and Bass walked out of the room.

Looking at Bass’s back, Evans felt pain in his chest.

Where had I gone wrong with that boy? Evans wondered.

“…Ted. Are you okay?”

“It hurts. But I’m fine”

“Is that so”

Despite the unreasonable violence, Ted’s response was calm.

Apparently, I had been blind to my sons at every turn. 

Although he seemed like a mischievous child, Ted was actually more mentally mature than his older brother.

“Ted. I’ll tell you the truth”

“Father?”

“…Ted. I was saved by Lilith-dono in the past”

“Eh?”

“One snowy day. I was hunting in the forest. When suddenly I was about to be attacked by a monster”

I dared not tell Ted that it was a long time ago.

Evans had known Lilith for more than twenty years.

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Since then, Lilith-dono has aided me greatly. To me, Lilith-dono is like a good neighbor and a teacher in life”

At the time, their relationship was a bit like that of Abel and Ted.

That day.

When I asked her, ‘Why are you doing so much for me?’, Lilith’s reply was unexpected.

‘I want an environment where my special someone can live in peace when he wakes up’

When I first heard of this, I did not understand what she meant, but now I understand.

That day, when a monster almost attacked me in the forest, Lilith ‘kept me alive’, all for a day like today, I guess.

“Really? I didn’t know. That there was such a side to that nee-chan maid”

“Yeah. That’s why Ted. You mustn’t become like Bass. Get along with Lilith-dono and her siblings”

“You don’t have to tell me that! Abel is my underling… No, my beloved friend, after all!”

Bass, who continues to reject Abel for childish reasons, and Ted chose to accept him.

The two siblings are clearly divided on this day.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

I’ll tell you what happened next.

A month after that day, I had a very peaceful life.

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping in the morning, had breakfast with Lilith, and studied in the library until just past noon. After eating Lilith’s pre-made lunch, I took an hour-long nap.

When I wake up, I stay shut in the library and continue my research on magic.

The library was bathed in the afternoon sunlight.

As I yawn, I suddenly see my face reflected in the window.

I haven’t played tag with the rich kid of nobility (younger brother) since that day.

Haa. After all, if I don’t workout on a regular basis, my body will grow dull.

I looked down at my book but decided to close it immediately.

My ears can’t miss the ‘noise’ outside the room.

That’s right. Since that incident, I haven’t played tag once.

“Excuse me! Please take good care of me today, too! Master!”

The door swings open, and Ted bursts into the library.

Since the duel with Bass, there has been only one small change in the routine.

“…Hey. I’ve told you many times. Open the door quietly when I’m reading”

“Rather than that, Master! Hurry up and teach me the rest of yesterday’s magic! I’m actually starting to get the hang of it!”

“……”

That’s right. The change that came about in my daily life was that, before I knew it, Ted had come to look up to me as his ‘master’.

Of course, I refused at first.

But no matter how many times I refused, Ted persisted and wouldn’t stop calling me ‘master’.

“Looks like your leg has recovered”

“Hehe! Of course! An injury like this doesn’t even count as a scratch!”

Lies.

When you fell off the roof, you were shedding a lot of tears, weren’t you?

“Well, it’s been a while. Then shall we do it?”

“Eh? Do what?”

I took my scarf and wrapped it around my neck.

“Tag”

The rich kid of nobility (younger brother)’s eyes lit up like a dog’s when it realized it was going to be playing a game. 

“Alrighty! I’m going to defeat Master today!”

“It’s fine that you’re so confident, but you should apply the body strengthening magic that I taught you yesterday. You’ve got the hang of it, haven’t you?”

“Hehe! Don’t worry. I got this!”

It is one of Ted’s few merits that he responds well, but the problem is that in many cases, he is just all talk.

I open the window to go outside.

A refreshing breeze blew in, turning the pages of the book on the table.

This is how my nonchalant life slowly passed.

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Chapter 5 Part 2

～～～～～～～～～～～～

An hour later.

I could heal Ted’s injuries, but I wanted to see the current skill level of the medical magicians in this era.

That is why I decided to climb up a tree and sneak a look from outside the window to check on the situation with the rich kid of nobility (younger brother) in the infirmary.

“It will take six months to heal fully”

“Is… that so”

“Young master. I understand that you want to play, but you must be patient”

It will take six months to heal completely, huh?

That is quite a long time.

No matter how much the injury was aggravated due to Bass’s recovery magic, I didn’t think it was that serious.

It seems that in this era, the level of medical magicians has also fallen.

*Kachak*

After confirming that the old doctor had left the room, I snuck into the infirmary through the window.

“Eh…? Is that you, Abel…?”

“Yeah. How’s your injury?”

“Hehe. Of course. An injury like this doesn’t even count as a scratch!”

The rich kid of nobility (younger brother) acted stoutly, but he could not hide his exhaustion.

“ZZZ…”

After a while, Ted fell asleep.

Hmm. He sure does have an unattractive sleeping face.

As usual, there is not a shred of intelligence on his face.

“I won’t wait for six months, you know?”

I created several magic syntaxes in the air.

<<Deconstruction Technique – Low-Level Recovery Magic, Small Heal>>

<<Reconstruction Technique, Healing Magic. Parallel Activation, Recovery Magic>>

<<Body Strengthening Magic, Change Application, Healing Power Enhanced>> 

All right. That should do it.

I removed Bass’s lousy magic and applied the bone joining magic.

After that, I boosted the healing power, so with this, it should heal fairly quickly.

“Sorry, Ted. But I’m impatient”

Of course, I don’t care about the injury of the rich kid of nobility (younger brother).

It’s just that losing my daily workout partner would be a blow to me as well.

There is still value in this guy.

Let’s hope he heals quickly and continues to work hard for me.

～～～～～～～～～～～～

“Hmmm? Who might you be?”

A day has passed since the duel occurred.

Early in the morning of that day, I opened the front door and saw a young man I didn’t recognize.

“Could it be? You are… Bass?”

I asked him while still half-convinced.

I didn’t recognize him because of his new hairstyle, but upon closer inspection, I noticed that his clothes and facial features are similar to those of the rich kid of nobility (older brother).

Somehow, his hair had been cut so mercilessly that it looked quite tragic.

“Insolent fellow! How many times have I told you to call me master!? Ouch!”

Behind him, a lion-like mane ── or rather, a stern-looking man with a beard hit Bass on the head.

He has the same burnt amber blond hair as Ted.

The color of his eyes is blue, so he has the <<Blue Eyes>> which are good at water attribute magic.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Evans Langobalt. Abel-sama”

He said his name in a low, intimidating voice.

Evans then immediately dropped to his knees.

“Abel-sama. I’m very sorry for what happened! I beg you. Please forgive my foolish son!”

Hmmm? What is this person saying all of a sudden?

Forgiveness or not, I wasn’t angry from the beginning.

“Father! Why are you apologizing to this commoner with inferior eyes! He is the younger brother of one of our maids, isn’t he!?”

“You fool! What are you saying!?”

*Whack* A dull sound was heard.

A clenched fist is firmly stuck on Bass’s head.

Hmm. It’s a good punch with a lot of his body weight put into it.

Perhaps Ted’s physical abilities are something he inherited from his father.

“Listen. Bass. I think that this is a good time to tell you this! We didn’t hire Lilith-sama! She hired us!”

“……Come again?”

Bass seemed stunned by Evans’s words.

I see.

So that is how it is. It made sense.

I’ve always wondered.

Why a high-ranking demon like Lilith is serving under a human.

Even though the times have changed, it’s hard to imagine demons working for humans.

Then why?

Why is Lilith working as a subordinate to a noble?

Perhaps Lilith knows the noble’s secrets.

For a demon to live among humans, there are bound to be some obstacles.

I guess that using the influence of a noble to survive is one of the ways for the demons to survive in this era.

“Haha ──! Abel-sama! I beg of you! Please be lenient with the punishment!”

He said all of that while bowing his head on one knee.

Evans grabbed Brass by the head and forced him to bow. A look of humiliation can be seen on Bass’s face.

What sort of secrets does Lilith know to get a proud noble to get down on his knees?

I’ll have to ask Lilith about that next time I see her.

“You can raise your head. I was never angry in the first place”

“Abel’s sama generous words! I can’t express how grateful I am! Thank you very much!

“……”

Evans began to bow his head with increasing vigor as if he was about to sink into the ground with that all said and done.

I told him to raise his head.

This family really doesn’t listen.

*Sniff Sniff* “What the hell…? What the hell… is going on!?” 

Forced to kneel on the ground without knowing the reason, being on the verge of crying, Bass’s desolate shaved head is pointed towards me.

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