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We classified people all day based on espionage accessibility.

Researchers with access to confidential information and those without.

For the latter, we determined the likelihood of information leakage to be low, thus excluding them from potential suspects and releasing them.

Primarily, it was the short-term researchers, the lab newbies, who were set free, and they scurried around the institute, inspecting the equipment for checks.

I spent the day reviewing personnel records and personal cards with the authorities to decide who to investigate first, greeting people who came from outside, calling Clevenz to report the situation, and asking the commander of the military eavesdropping unit to send the communications interception report.

Time was tight, but the investigation gradually gained momentum, and the research institute was ready to welcome guests.

And then the next day at 10:17 AM.

Camila Lowell arrived at the institute.

—

Episode 3 – A Fantastic Vacation

The fresh autumn breeze lightly pricked at my forehead.

Rubbing my slightly bloodshot eyes and squinting to focus, I spotted a girl hesitantly descending from a broomstick in the distance.

“Ms. Camila Lowell, it’s been two days.”

“Huh? Uh-oh?”

With her crimson hair and a look of surprise, we hadn’t seen each other since we parted at the train station. It felt like an odd situation.

She pointed at me with her finger and fidgeted like a fish out of water.

“Colonel…?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Good to see you again.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Uh, well, I’m on official business. I have matters to attend at the institute.”

What can I say about Camila Lowell’s expression? It seemed a mix of bewilderment, joy, and surprise.

“You came for an inspection, didn’t you?”

“Ah, yes. They said it’s for two days…”

“Due to some circumstances at the research institute, the inspection schedule has been extended a bit. I apologize for the inconvenience, but please bear with us just a little longer.”

“Is it serious?”

“No, it’s not that serious.”

Initially, all 917 researchers were supposed to participate in Camila Lowell’s inspection.

However, due to the industrial spy issue, all the research personnel were detained.

While we released the senior and former researchers, many of the research staff were still under investigation, making it impossible for the inspection to conclude within two days.

But that was not something she needed to worry about.

She didn’t need to know what was happening at the institute. It was better if she didn’t.

So, I just shrugged it off and guided her into the research institute.

“Let’s head to the research institute for now. Please follow me.”

—

The Advanced Military Magic Research Institute is located at the foot of the mountain.

With the ongoing pseudo-Cold War, security is tight, as there are measures in place in case the institute comes under attack.

After taking the elevator down to the underground, we hopped onto the tram and traversed the subterranean world.

“Wow…”

Camila Lowell gasped, captivated by the scenery reflected in the window.

The secret underground research facility, which could only be seen in movies, was akin to another world for her, a mere ordinary university student.

“Exciting, isn’t it?”

“Yes!”

She flashed a bright smile.

The tram moved along the tracks, showcasing the peculiar underground research facility. She gazed at the scenery for quite some time, her mouth slightly agape, completely enraptured by the sights.

As I watched her in awe, I shifted my focus back to my notepad.

“First, we plan to assess Ms. Camila Lowell’s abilities.”

“Isn’t that magic?”

“I’m not entirely sure if it’s magic or not.”

We still had no clue whether her abilities were magical or something else altogether.

Why don’t we know? It’s due to the uniqueness of the Heroes.

Records of past Heroes show that each utilized different abilities.

Some wielded divine power, some used magic, one was just incredibly strong, and some, it’s impossible to discern what ability they had.

With so few samples observed, and each using different abilities, it’s difficult to categorize anything.

“So, today’s examination will determine what Ms. Camila Lowell’s abilities are.”

“Hmm… I hope it’s magic.”

Camila Lowell, who had been murmuring to herself, suddenly declared her desire to use magic.

“You really like magic, huh?”

“It’s not so much that I like it; there’s just something magical about it.”

Magical?

Confused, I tilted my head as she giggled, clearing my curiosity.

“…Like Harry Potter.”

—

“…What on earth is this?”

“This is a magic power measurement tool.”

The first test was the magic power compatibility measurement.

When you hear the name, you might envision placing your hand on some crystal ball that shines and spews light to measure magic power, but…

“…A vending machine-like thing?”

“Yes.”

Reality was anything but that.

Camila Lowell gazed at the measurement device with an expression of disbelief.

“What did you imagine it would be?”

“Well, I thought it would be like, something you place on your head, like a hat….”

Where on earth would that be coming from?

As I dredged through memories from decades ago to recall something, a researcher preparing for the measurement answered.

“Measuring with crystals or hats is an outdated method from decades ago. They started switching over to machines about 20 years back.”

“That sounds so.”

“Hmm….”

While she squinted at the gadget, researchers with master’s and doctorate degrees from renowned universities finished preparing to take measurements.

Hearing that any misstep could land them in jail instead of the interrogation room made everyone behave.

“Now, please put your hand inside the machine.”

“…There wouldn’t be any issues, right?”

“It’s fine! We all used it when we were young.”

As the researchers anxiously wiped their sweat and reassured her, Camila Lowell carefully placed her hand into the measuring device.

Amidst the tension, as everyone, from magicians to suit men, swallowed nervously.

“Um?”

One of the researchers peering into the panel made a puzzled sound.

They pressed various buttons, pried open the machine to peek inside, tried every conceivable action, and ultimately started to smack the device.

“Is there a problem?”

“Ah, no. Not exactly….”

“Do we have a problem or not?”

“No, no! Just, uh, please give me a moment….”

Startled by the guard’s abrupt question, the researcher, sweating profusely, asked us to wait a bit.

Some flipped through the manuals, and others looked inside to fix the wiring.

As the magicians, researchers, and guards were flapping around in commotion, Camila Lowell and I exchanged blank stares.

“Did you touch it wrong or something?”

“Did I do something wrong…?”

“Why are you asking me?”

She stared at the device with a puzzled look, and I seriously wondered if she was supposed to pay for repairs on that machine.

How long had we waited? Just as the wait was becoming exhausting, one researcher shouted.

“We’ll measure again. I apologize, but just once more….”

At the researcher’s request, Camila Lowell placed her hand back in.

And then,

“Huh…?”

The machine emitted a flash of light.

—

“…So, we have determined that the Hero utilizes magic.”

The senior researcher, with tears swelling in his eyes, rubbed his face with his sleeve.

“I’m sorry, I’m just a bit emotional….”

“It’s fine.”

The flustered researcher, who blushed while rubbing his eyes, began to explain.

“Your magic power compatibility score is notably high. Such occurrences sometimes happen during magic power measurement.”

“…Is it common for machines to shine like that?”

“Uh, no, no! It really happens at a very low rate. It might happen once every hundred years.”

The researcher frantically waved his hands in dismissal of his earlier statement.

During the test, the measuring device had burst into light and smoke, akin to a computer power surge.

Whether it was an issue with the machine or not, I didn’t know. All I could think about was the blinding flash and the scene of chaos it had caused, with researchers panicking, guards having fits, and Camila Lowell being utterly surprised.

Given that a bomb had exploded two months ago, it was natural that the reaction would be somewhat sensitive.

While I might be okay, Camila Lowell had been struggling because of that incident. It was certainly a traumatic experience.

Fortunately, since there were no casualties, I calmed my mind and listened to the researcher’s explanations.

“I’m not too familiar with the mechanics of the device, so I can’t offer details. However, the machine won’t explode, and it will definitely not harm your health.”

As she quietly listened, Camila Lowell exhaled a sigh of relief, stroking her chest as her shock seemed subsiding.

The researcher, noticing her response, wiped his cold sweat away and showed her the test results.

“Uh, first off, your magic power compatibility is extremely high.”

“I heard that earlier.”

“Right, well, and along with that, I have a bit more to explain.”

Nodding slightly, the researcher cleared his throat and began speaking.

It felt much like when a patient listens to a doctor’s diagnosis alongside their guardian.

“Magic power compatibility doesn’t just assess how much magic a subject can wield. While we usually label those with a certain level of compatibility as magicians, that simply means they can use magic seamlessly based on their magic power.”

“It’s like a certificate.”

“Exactly, it’s a form of certification.”

The researcher pointed at the chart on the test result with his pen.

“Also, the higher the compatibility, the more it impacts your growth speed and limit. You will be able to learn magic more quickly and your total mana capacity will significantly increase.”

That’s certainly great news.

Already being compared to elite magicians, what would happen if she continued to grow from here? She would surely become one of the few magicians surpassing those in the Magic Tower.

Since magic is a systematically established subject, even if she studied while reading, she wouldn’t need to isolate herself in some remote mountain practicing endlessly.

And this was good news for Camila Lowell too.

“Magic…”

She seemed unable to believe that she was a magician, speaking in wonder as her mouth hung open.

The researcher went on for quite some time about her abilities and magic. As time passed, Camila Lowell shook her head in disbelief as if she still couldn’t grasp it.

With the senior researcher at the Advanced Military Magic Research Institute finally concluding his lengthy explanation.

“…Thus, we believe that further detailed examinations of the Hero’s magic ability are necessary.”

 

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