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“Is this… really how it’s supposed to be done?”

“That’s right. Just channel your mana a bit stronger there, and if you modify this formula like this, the effect will multiply.”

Shione and Epheana were glued together, testing the modified spell.

The power of the magic itself was supposed to amplify Shione’s abilities and purify her magic. It seemed she needed to cast the modified spell on her own magic to confirm if it was working properly.

Thus, she was immersed in perfecting an altered ancient magic formula under Epheana’s guidance.

“Let’s give this a try. The magic and theories used today, the formulas— they all originate from the Empire. The ancient magic of the kingdom is a method left by dragons that dedicated themselves to the royal family, while the Empire’s magic was devised purely to wield miracles through human capability.”

“So the magic I use is—”

“As you might expect, it’s the kingdom’s way. In fact, it’s the essence of the Young Lady’s magic to channel innate talent and put her wishes into mana to create miracles, rather than unfolding the Divine Will based on thoroughly researched and improved formulas.”

“Ah—”

“Of course, the old way of inscribing that formula on paper is fundamentally different. You have to depict things more broadly, with a bit more vagueness.”

Shione’s magic circle scattered into particles of light as her concentration faltered.

Epheana watched for a moment before continuing.

“The ancient magic theories of the kingdom make it so the talents and wishes can easily overcome what remains in the world. It’s a foundation that allows for interpretation with modern formulas. So while it’s great that we’ve woven it together… trying the existing methods wouldn’t be a bad idea either.”

“But I lack the talent for magic to use the old method… and I’m not used to the concept of wishes either.”

“You won’t know until you try. Gather your mana.”

Following Epheana’s words, Shione began to handle her mana.

“The magic inscribed upon the Young Lady is not your wish, but the wish of the founder of the house that created the magic. Ironically, even though ancient magic is supposed to be cast in perfect harmony, if the thoughts you put into it differ even slightly from what’s embedded in the magic, it won’t resonate.”

According to Epheana, the magic Shione had used until now wasn’t the one that erased illusions from the demon of mirage and deception when maximally amplified.

If it became stronger, it was clear that the demons or cultists would be delighted. Even simply grasping this hint could be seen as a significant achievement.

“The effect of the formula you’re practicing is amplification. The emotion you need to infuse into the magic to control the amplification is… up to you, Young Lady. Now, fill the mana with your emotions and draw that formula. But it must be steadfast without wavering.”

“I will try.”

Furthermore, Shione calmly began to manipulate her mana.

A simpler formula than what was in Shione’s magic. It seemed to be the most basic foundation with an amplification effect.

However, whether it was that manipulating mana infused with solid emotions that wouldn’t waver was quite difficult. She hesitated for a moment and then looked at me.

“Amplification…”

I had no idea why she was looking at me for hints, but ultimately she successfully structured and cast the magic.

“…You completed it in one go. Can you overlay that formula onto the simple magic?”

Then she executed the light wind magic she’d successfully played with earlier, as a gust began to swirl with the new formula.

Whooosh─!

“Ugh…!”

With Shione’s startled voice, an undeniable strong gust erupted.

Before I could even process, there was Shione’s disheveled hair and Epheana looking entertained by it.

“It seems the Young Lady might just have more talent in the kingdom’s ancient magic than in the Empire’s. To create such a strong amplification in one go.”

“Did I really master ancient magic?”

“Since the formulas are simpler than those of the Empire, the instability of the effects is greater, and yet you excelled at this?”

Following that, Epheana mentioned that there wasn’t much magic left to practice. However, she added that, in contrast to the Empire, interpreting or training each piece of magic was quite difficult, but this didn’t seem to enter Shione’s ears.

If she had a tail, she’d probably be soaring into the sky in glee. It seemed Shione was quite pleased to have found another field to delve into besides archery.

“You should focus on familiarizing yourself with that sensation today—so then… Ray, it’s your turn now.”

With that, Epheana entrusted me with a notebook full of information about the formula she used.

She drew her sword.

“From now on, we’ll cover how to respond when facing a Battle Wizard in close combat. The training ground is often used for public duels, so don’t worry about the surrounding facilities. However, I haven’t set up any safety equipment for when attacks land… so today, I’ll just give you a rough demonstration.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Would you cooperate for a moment?”

I too drew my sword and stood in front of her.

Once I signaled that I was ready, Epheana closed the distance as if she’d been waiting for it.

No need for an intense battle. She incited just the right amount of tension with her words.

Swoosh—!

The sound of our blades intertwining filled the air, like metal scraping against metal, accompanied by her voice.

“Despite being a wizard, Battle Wizards often showcase their strength more in close combat than in ranged combat. Do you know why that is?”

I felt the pressure from her as she bore down on me. Yet, her grip on the hilt remained loose, indicating she wanted me to ease off my strike.

Clang─!

As I lightly swung my sword, hers flew up towards the sky.

“Even in this defenseless state, she can put up considerable defense against most knights with prepared magic—and—”

With her gaze, she drew her sword.

An instant later, an invisible barrier surrounded her, strong enough to withstand typical force.

“You can lead the surrounding environment to be in your favor.”

A chilling sensation filled the air.

Before I knew it, the ground was slick with ice, disturbing my center of gravity—just as I thought her assault would grow fiercer.

But rather than a relentless onslaught, she supported herself with her sword and said.

“Moreover, once you seize the upper hand, you can unleash sizable attacks without hesitation, using magic embedded in your sword.”

Suddenly, a spike of ice erupted from the barren ground.

Ice spikes shot out in a fan shape from the earth. Each sharp point seemed strong enough to pierce a monster’s hide and tear flesh. Such a sudden area attack would naturally leave even most knights unable to react in time, likely suffering considerable damage.

“Then let me share some things that might surprise Battle Wizards.”

Afterward, she poured out tips based on her experiences.

Whether or not such situations would arise in a real battle and if I could employ them were secondary. Just then, while focusing on the interesting stories, Sion stealthily approached during a break.

She seemed to have watched Epheana’s magic while practicing earnestly. Considering the kingdom has fewer wizards than the Empire, and it was rare to witness such flashy magical attacks this slowly, it seemed she found it intriguing.

“May I ask why Lady Epheana from the Alenarr Marquis Family chose the path of a wizard?”

“Why did I choose the path of magic, you ask—”

Epheana replied without any hesitation to Shione’s question.

“Swinging a long stick or scaring off bears in the north is less appealing than mastering such dazzling magic that stirs the heart of a woman, don’t you think?”

Epheana seemed like a good match with Siabel. Indeed, magic was glamorous and splendid.

Spear-wielding Aria Alenarr.

One point for Epheana in romance!

*

“Here’s the document you requested regarding the report tracing back.”

“Has the information been thoroughly verified?”

“Yes, we’ve confirmed it several times with various witnesses and wizards.”

“Hmm…”

The Headmaster’s eyes quickly skimmed through the contents of the document.

From the bottom to the top, and top to bottom as the instructions gradually morphed, the document only contained the names of the parties involved without considering external factors—it was still lacking. But seeing this much, she was confident.

“From the intermediate managers, the reports are getting increasingly muddled. Whether it flows up or down, the omission and misrepresentation of information are only growing…”

Unless there is some kind of pressure on the reporting system, that shouldn’t have been possible.

Moreover, the fact that this issue had gone unaddressed for nearly a month meant the Academy was rotten to the core.

“It would be safe to say that the spies are gnawing at the Academy. And they’re placed quite high up, no less.”

As the Headmaster’s anger surged, the mana inside her office began to stir.

The Headmaster of the Royal Academy was usually appointed from the royal faction rather than the noble faction. As someone who fervently supported the royal faction, she was one of the nobles.

The Royal Academy is where the most talents serving the royal family are born above all else. It’s understandable that the presence of cultists in a sacred educational institution is an unforgivable crime.

She finally suppressed the murderous intent that had begun to swell with the careful words of her secretary.

“…Headmaster, Sion Shianella has arrived.”

“Is it already that time?”

As she stood, she continued.

“Investigate every detail about the heads of the knightly department… don’t leave a single stone unturned.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“During the time when four of them disappeared, I haven’t seen a single proper response from their department. The investigators and garrison have already been through there.”

Her sharp gaze turned toward the report brought by her secretary once again.

“I have no qualms about tearing them apart if necessary.”

She was already half convinced that was how it would come to pass.

*

Time flew by during the magic practice. It turned out Shione had a surprising natural talent for ancient magic, quickly succeeding in casting spells at a similar level with ease.

I could also reflect on the content Epheana explained to me while watching her.

‘Low mana sustainability, huh—’

Battle Wizards must utilize all varieties of mana, for defense, offense, and environmental changes while juggling numerous spells. They often have significant vulnerabilities.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to consider how to fight before my next duel with her.

Thus, after today’s meeting, Shione and I faced…

“Sister, Ray, I’ve just spoken with the Headmaster.”

I spotted Sion, his expression deeply furrowed.

It seemed what he heard during his discourse with the Headmaster didn’t sit well with him.

 

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