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Magic is the artificial manifestation of miracles through people. In essence, it’s about the realization of imagination and understanding phenomena. Moreover, with sufficient talent, one can use magic without the need for a magic circle. However, since few possess such talent, that is rare.

Wizards have consistently developed magic circles as a tool. These circles are composed of various forms resembling complex equations. With a proper understanding of them, one can delve deeper into the meanings and manifestations contained within and utilize magic more efficiently based on that understanding.

In modern times, one could say that mastering the extensively categorized fields of magic requires the use of magic circles.

But for someone like me, a Spirit Mage, it’s a bit different.

“Spirit magic, after all, allows one to contract with spirits, so it’s not necessary to deeply delve into magic.”

That’s how it is for me.

I mainly utilize basic magic and mana manipulation, while the rest are simply spirits summoned through trivial low-tier summoning spells. Since fundamentals are always important, I do adapt my magic to suit the situation, but most of the spells I directly use are nearly of the same type. It’s mostly just about adjusting the amount of mana used to reduce or increase its power.

For me, it’s easy to utilize magic by asking my adorable spirits for help as long as I have enough mana.

Thanks to that, I have significantly less knowledge about the magic circles compared to other wizards.

So, I couldn’t help but question Epheana’s words.

“It seems casting a magic circle would be difficult for me. Even as a Spirit Mage, I’ve never learned much about such intricate magic circles.”

“Then did you just attach magic to your sword without a magic circle earlier?”

“Yes, because I’m weak with magic circles, I focused on mana manipulation. I managed to coat my sword with magic.”

“…That’s still quite impressive.”

Epheana, who said this, stared intently at her notebook filled with magic formulas, revealing a hint of disappointment.

“This formula looks quite similar to Spirit Magic, so I was hopeful. It would be best to seek additional books.”

It seems that amidst the various formulas infused into Shione’s magic, there might be a method suitable for a Spirit Mage hidden within.

Unfortunately, my Spirit Magic only allows for the launching of arrows, so Epheana had no choice but to give up and move on to the next topic.

“I’ve roughly grasped the formulas that make up the Young Lady’s magic. It seems her formulas are primarily composed of highly advanced ancient magic entwined with various fields. Some of those formulas contain methods I’ve never seen before.”

“…Is developing magic difficult?”

“It would certainly be difficult, but I don’t think it’s impossible.”

Epheana’s face was filled with confidence.

“Did I not mention that I’ve become the leading professor of magical theory?”

Her reaction displayed a strong belief in her skills, revealing the composure of a veteran.

“Among various theories, I specialized in ancient magic theory, so I believe I can sufficiently improve it.”

She began to draw forth mana with her wand held forward.

“While ancient magic may not have a greater variety than modern magic, fully realizing it can showcase even greater power. For instance… combining this amplification formula with basic magic—”

A flame appeared before Epheana.

As a small flame materialized, another of Epheana’s magical formulas was added on top of it, causing the flame’s size to expand dramatically.

The flame, glowing quietly and about the size of a hand, soon grew large enough to engulf three sturdy adults, blazing fiercely and showcasing its might.

“Even such basic magic can feel sufficiently threatening, can’t it?”

Thud—

As she tapped the ground with her wand, the flame instantly vanished.

With a look of surprise, Shione was adorably agape, and Epheana shared a similar reaction.

“By the way, I’m amazed. I didn’t realize it would be this effective with just a small amount of mana.”

Shione was stunned that she was capable of wielding such magic.

Epheana was tingling with excitement at the thought of something new to research.

Given the significance of this magic, it would certainly be impossible for Epheana to carelessly speak of Shione’s magic or let it out. However, such opportunities could provide her the chance for greater growth.

Epheana carefully tucked away her notebook filled with formulas and quickly regained her composure.

“I’ve made a separate contract and promise with Ainel, so I shall definitely improve the Young Lady’s magic to be superior.”

“I’m truly glad to have come to the Academy. I trust you, Professor.”

Epheana grinned widely.

Was it just my imagination, or did she have the look of a professor who found an adorable graduate student?

With a somewhat chilling sensation enveloping Shione, I listened intently to Epheana’s words.

“However… the Young Lady must cultivate her abilities sufficiently to be able to use the improved formulas.”

“Those complex magical formulas you mentioned?”

“While today’s magic can be used without difficulty through special means, if there are transformations in the formulas that constitute the magic, it will be up to the Young Lady to grasp and cast those parts herself.”

“Oh.”

“There’s no need to show such a worried expression. When researching magic, the Young Lady’s help will certainly be needed. I shall teach you directly.”

“I am grateful for the kindness…!”

I knew this would happen.

The life of studying magic alone with a professor was no different than living as a tightly-knit graduate student.

Without any doubt, Shione accepted this, and I can already vividly picture her coming back with weary eyes, tired and seeking comfort from me.

However, it seemed Epheana wasn’t satisfied with just one graduate student.

“And Ray Karpel. I believe I can assist you as well since I happen to need help with Spirit Magic too. Won’t you join us?”

“Ah, I—”

The thought that I could be helpful in research due to my deep understanding of Spirit Magic didn’t even cross my mind.

Do I really need to? I can just ask Tania, who’s smart and very opinionated, to tell me more about Spirit Magic.

Just when I momentarily hesitated in response to Epheana’s suggestion, Shione’s sparkling eyes seemed to implore me that it would be truly wonderful to study magic together, so I couldn’t resist and blurted out a response I didn’t genuinely mean.

“…I will also join you.”

*

Arriving at the male dormitory of the Divine Faculty, Sion pulled out the necklace that he had carefully hidden away.

A small sacred item and gift, requested from the Count’s church. Luckily, it seemed she had been wearing the necklace he gave her continuously.

He gazed at the necklace for a moment before exhaling softly.

“I’m glad to see it.”

After all, a name that had become known throughout the kingdom after traversing dangerous places.

The divine power residing within the necklace still bore the same purity as his in the past, and it didn’t seem to require recharging.

There must have been plenty of dangers along the way. Yet, the consumption of divine power within the artifact didn’t seem as significant as he had thought, and a sense of relief washed over him.

“…It would be best to wrap this up quickly and rest.”

Just then, as Sion was about to channel divine power to replenish the energy of the necklace, a knock came at his door.

“Is Sion Shianella there?”

“Who is it?”

“We’re from the Royal Academy Crime Investigation Agency. Do you have a moment?”

“The investigation agency, you say?”

As Sion opened the door, a woman who appeared to be a wizard and a man who looked like a priest bowed lightly.

They revealed their identities with familiar gestures. There was no doubt they were affiliated with an organization under the Academy, so Sion quickly understood why they were seeking him.

‘This must be about the investigator I saw last time—’

There wouldn’t be a reason for the investigators who’d recently been busy to come looking for him otherwise.

The incident he witnessed back then was of such a gruesome nature that even the faint-hearted Young Adults would have a hard time taking it in.

Although he had finished almost all the statements last time, upon seeing the investigators’ gazes, which had turned even colder and more somber than before, Sion complied readily with their inquiries.

The wizard cast a spell to block any internal discussions from leaking out; then, they began their questioning directly.

“Sion Shianella, could you describe the wounds left on the investigator you discovered earlier?”

“…The wounds, you say?”

“Yes, we would like to hear about the shape of the wounds on her chest, and if possible, we would prefer to know in detail what you observed at the scene.”

“That’s a bit sudden. I thought you had finished everything already. I wonder why you’re asking in particular about the shape of the wounds.”

At Sion’s question, the investigators exchanged glances for a brief moment.

Had they coordinated their story before arriving at his dorm? They nodded at each other as if silently agreeing, without uttering a single word.

The priest, who had been quiet until now, spoke in a serious tone.

“The investigator who was receiving treatment was found murdered in her ward last night. The escort who was with her is also missing.”

“……”

“Sion Shianella, could you cooperate with the investigation?”

Sion’s blood ran cold at the news that the investigator he saved had been murdered.

 

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