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Humanity’s desire to fly boasts thousands of years of history.

Despite fierce opposition from religious groups centered around the Cult and Al-Yabd, nothing could quell the ambition of the aviator wanting to roam freely through the vast sky.

Thus, when the airship was first developed at the Magic Tower, many people were in a frenzy.

The day when humans would dominate the heavens, regarded as the domain of the gods, was not far off.

However, even after several decades, the aerospace industry still hadn’t achieved remarkable growth.

The reason is simple.

It’s because this place is infused with magic.

—

Episode 17 – The Blood-Drinking Tree

Alexandra Petrovna suggested that I watch Camila’s magic.

There was no particular reason to refuse the proposal.

“Sure. It would be an honor if you show me.”

There was no special reason for me to accept the Duke’s offer.

Personally, I was curious about how far Camila’s skills had grown and how impressive the techniques taught by Alexandra Petrovna might be.

After all, the Duke was “that” Archmage.

“I’ve heard of Your Grace’s reputation since I was young.”

I may lack the aptitude for magic and be unable to use it, but I had studied magic in both the academy and military.

Military magic is the core weapon of this town’s army. It is essential from small-unit tactics all the way to strategy for divisions and corps, prominently used in special operations.

Such military-purpose magic is primarily developed at the Military Research Institute and is handled with great importance in various public sectors and private fields.

And such advanced technology inevitably attracts the favor of intelligence agencies. Just like how the Chinese stole Samsung’s semiconductor technology, and the National Intelligence Service works to prevent such theft. The information war surrounding magic is fiercely contested.

Even today, it remains the same.

“To think that someone like you would show me magic, I feel honored.”

While I might not uncover anything particularly confidential by witnessing the Duke’s magic, it would be a different story if my testimony reached the Military Intelligence Agency.

After all, the Military Intelligence Agency leads the development of military magic. Experts specializing in internal magic within the agency might find valuable clues in the Duke’s magic.

“It’s nothing to be honored over. Why would using magic be a tiring task for a magician?”

Of course, Alexandra Petrovna herself didn’t seem to care much.

Maybe she didn’t think her magic was a classified secret to be guarded strictly.

Whether she considered that it wouldn’t be a problem to show it to Camila’s colleague, even if they were a foreigner, I couldn’t say.

Nonetheless.

The Duke moved to the backyard of the mansion. She explained that it was the place where Camila usually practiced her magic.

Though built for a single royal, the mansion was quite long and spacious.

Thanks to that, I was subjected to various questions from the two in a short period.

“It’s my first time properly seeing my magic, right?”

Camila was the first to take the stage.

Having eaten her fill of snacks, she was beaming.

She seemed all excited to show off her magic, looking remarkably cheerful.

“I’ve seen you diving into the fountain, but I didn’t get to see it properly.”

“Oh, come on! Stop teasing me!”

“Got it.”

I smiled as Camila glared at me, adding, “I’m looking forward to it.”

It seemed to please her, as Camila didn’t press the issue further.

“Just you wait. I’m going to show you awesome magic.”

“Hey.”

The Duke, walking ahead, let out a short sigh.

“No matter how glad you are to be reunited after so long, must you use such frivolous expressions?”

“Hey now. What are you nagging me about with this?”

“……”

The teacher rubbed her forehead at her disciple’s dismissive attitude.

Alexandra Petrovna mused that she should have taught her about etiquette if she had known it would come to this, but in my view, it was already too late.

In any case, regardless of her excitement, Camila was fundamentally a learned person. As she calmed down after being tackled, the Duke smiled as if a weight had been lifted.

Opening the door with magic without even laying a finger on it, she began to speak. The topic of conversation had shifted to me.

“I’ve heard stories about you. As far as I know, you’re not a magician. Nonetheless, you claim to know about my magic?”

“Oh, my younger sister is a magician.”

“So, you have a magician in your bloodline.”

The Duke nodded amicably as we passed through the corridor.

“You have a magician for a sister. Of course, that implies you might know about me. So, what kind of person is your sister?”

I answered honestly.

“She’s an ordinary girl. She has talent. She majored in elemental magic at the academy and university.”

“An elemental school magician.”

The Duke seemed intrigued that Ayla was a member of the school she had established and left a comment that she’d like to meet her someday.

Considering that the elemental school was one of the three major schools of the Magic Tower, that was quite unusual. It’s not like there are many mages better than Ayla among promising students not in the Magic Tower but in trade companies.

Even Duchess Francesca, who is close to the Duke, is a member of the elemental school. Many Oracle Committee members are from the elemental school as well.

In terms of lineage or reputation, there are plenty of people superior to Ayla.

Yet, the Duke pointedly named Ayla, who even the Oracle Committee would not meet. That must be because she’s connected to Camila through a common link.

“We’ve arrived.”

As we chatted, we soon reached our destination.

Crossing the tranquil courtyard, Alexandra Petrovna stood in the center, stepping on a marble platform paved through the grass.

She spoke.

“My disciple has learned many spells, but I can’t show you all of them here. Today, we’ll start with something simple.”

The Archmage addressed the young magician.

“Is there a particular spell you wish to show?”

Camila, receiving the question, fell into deep thought.

Her serious expression made it look like she was torn between her two favorite dishes.

“Hmm….”

With her arms crossed, deep in consideration, she suddenly lifted her head.

Then she looked at me, glanced at the Duke, then back at me again.

Her blue eyes gleamed with a mischievous light, as if she had just thought of an excellent way to tease me.

Sure enough, with an evil smile, Camila raised her hand, beaming.

“I’ll show you teleportation magic!”

—

Magic is the greatest obstacle to the development of the aerospace industry.

Among them, there is a particularly infamous type of magic known among scientists researching aircraft.

Spatial magic.

At first, I wondered why magic that manipulates space hinders the growth of the aviation industry, but as I read a bit and matured in thought, it became clear.

Spatial magic has an enormous range of applicability.

From compressing the volume of objects to reducing only the weight while leaving the volume unchanged.

Or one can separate space to create a virtual area.

This type of spatial magic was born through conflicts with the Cult.

The hidden sages from various fields pooled their wisdom for victory, and in that process, various magics were fused together, with spatial magic being one of the prime results.

This fusion magic, born right after the war ended, scattered in the aftermath. A significant portion of our ancestors’ heritage could not hold on and vanished during the turmoil of war.

Spatial magic was no exception.

While the magic that reduces weight and volume has successfully been restored, the most significant creation of spatial research, the magic of space separation, has been lost.

As such, today, it’s rare to find the separation magic outside the history books or magical tools kept in museums of the Magic Tower. For reference, one of the magical tools that uses separation magic is currently owned by the Dark Elf leading the Palm Tree Trade Guild.

Thus, the research on spatial magic, which lost one of its key components, has been neglected for the past several decades, even at the Magic Tower.

Yet, why has spatial magic, which has lost most of its heritage, risen to the position of hindering the growth of the aerospace industry?

That’s precisely because of teleportation magic.

“Teleportation is a masterful technique that encapsulates the essence of spatial magic. It allows one to transcend the constraints of space and move freely over long distances.”

Research on magic that transcends the limits of space—commonly referred to as teleportation magic.

The ability to traverse space freely breathed a new renaissance into the decimated Magic Tower after the war.

The Duke said.

“Teleportation boasts extremely high utility among spatial magics. If teleportation magic had not been developed, humans could not have advanced to become a race surpassing the Elves.”

“It is indeed an incredible technology.”

Camila nodded, arms crossed.

“The Warp Gate, which allows crossing continents in just five minutes, could not have been born without teleportation magic.”

“That’s true.”

The Duke agreed with a satisfied expression.

“The discovery of teleportation magic can be described as revolutionary. It’s not merely used for travel but in various fields as well. The military is a notable example.”

“The military?”

As the young magician tilted her head in confusion, the Archmage shot a knowing glance at me.

That was a cue for me to explain this segment.

I clarified for Camila, who looked puzzled.

“As the Duke mentioned, teleportation is used in many fields. The transportation industry, such as international mail delivery, is its primary application. However, the place that researches and utilizes teleportation most deeply is the military.”

“Oh, as a substitute for aircraft?”

“Yes.”

Teleportation magic, which revolutionized transportation and travel, also shines in the field of national defense.

In a world devoid of aircraft.

“In a land where there are no air assets, most air-related operations routinely use teleportation magic. Like situations requiring supplies to be urgently delivered to units isolated in enemy territory. But the true merit of teleportation magic lies elsewhere.”

Infiltration.

The reason the Ministry of Defense adopted the expensive teleportation magic was for rapid infiltration.

Instead of sending special forces by land and sea, they use teleportation to insert them directly into the enemy’s depths. Dropping hundreds of airborne troops and their gear at landing zones behind enemy lines.

“Teleportation magic has high military application value. Just imagine what would happen if airborne troops appeared over the capital the moment a declaration of war was given.”

“They’d be utterly helpless.”

“It’s not just a matter of being helpless.”

Airborne troops and special forces comprise a high percentage of combat magicians. While not every soldier is a magician, at least 40% of the troop consists of magicians.

If a hundred troops infiltrate, that means forty of them are magicians.

For context, the airborne troops from Abas’s strategies that drop into the enemy’s capital right after the onset of hostilities are at least brigade-sized. Hundreds of magicians descend from the skies alongside over a thousand infantry.

Given that, with special forces designated to target various military facilities and essential infrastructures in each region infiltrating, it would drive defenders to madness.

I continued.

“Of course, due to cost issues, regular drops are conducted via airships, but actual operations—meaning all airborne infiltrations conducted during wartime—utilize teleportation magic. Occasionally, even it is used for training.”

“Do you want to try it?”

“Then Frederick must have some experience too?”

“None.”

The training that utilizes teleportation magic is exclusively part of the Abas Special Forces High Altitude Drop training program, equivalent to South Korea’s Special Forces airborne division.

Regardless of whether it’s the Intelligence Agency or the Military Intelligence Agency, they send employees for special training with the Special Forces for high-altitude drop training, but a few conditions must be met to participate.

For reference, I did not meet those conditions this time.

To be exact, I had a harsh experience when I attended airborne training at the Intelligence Agency, so I intentionally avoided it. I did have parachuting training during my basic training, but I didn’t have the best relationship with airborne drops.

Anyway…

“It’s commonly used in the military, but it can’t be used just anytime. There are very few magicians qualified to use it. The cost of activating a magical tool is exorbitantly high.”

“That’s right. Teleportation is a type of magic that even the wizards of the Magic Tower find difficult to handle. You will practice that magic today.”

The Duke instructed Camila to demonstrate teleportation magic. By using what she had learned thus far, he intended to enhance her proficiency and provide feedback on any deficiencies.

“The teleportation magic used in the military is focused on long-distance, large-scale movement. It requires the assistance of magical tools and batteries to handle scales that are difficult for an individual magician. A lot of time is needed to prepare the magic.”

However, the magic Camila would demonstrate today was not large-scale. It was a short-distance teleportation, moving solo.

“Begin.”

-Fwoosh~!

At the signal, Camila transformed into a flame.

Leaving soot in her place, she vanished amid the smoke and sparks. And, in about two seconds, no, maybe an even shorter instant, embers began to flicker in the air.

“Wahoo!”

Camila appeared in the air alongside the flames.

Having swiftly covered a distance of about 8 meters, she landed on the grass and began to bounce.

“I did it!”

With a bright smile, Camila raised her voice in joy. Seeing her, Alexandra Petrovna began to show a gentle smile.

She clapped her hands while looking at Camila.

“Excellent. You’ve traveled quite a distance compared to the start. Once you master the magic, you’ll be able to move even farther in an instant.”

“Hehe.”

“Of course, just as there are advantages, there are also prominent drawbacks. First of all, the accuracy is lacking.”

The Duke immediately provided feedback. After all, he was an Archmage; it was possible for him.

Alexandra Petrovna pointed out that Camila had appeared in mid-air and offered a cautionary note.

“In an urgent situation, it may be okay to teleport to mid-air, but it is a dangerous action to teleport mid-air on a battlefield where a moment’s mistake could cost your life. What if you land improperly and injure your leg? Make sure to teleport to an accurate location next time.”

It wasn’t just verbal feedback; she demonstrated it herself.

With a flicker, blue flames surged up. At the moment the embers flared, Alexandra Petrovna vanished into the smoke.

Just as Camila turned to survey where she had gone, the Duke had already moved behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Like this.”

I couldn’t help but admire as I watched the Duke’s magic.

In the military, most teleportation magic sets the destination point in the air. If the coordinates get mixed up, you could end up inside a building or underground, risking your life, especially since the primary purpose of teleportation magic is airborne infiltration.

However, the trained magicians of the Special Forces could set their destination on the ground instead of mid-air. Those combat magicians had gone through about 20 years of service.

Even elite magicians would need the support of magical tools and considerable preparation to teleport, yet the Duke had casually moved behind Camila in the blink of an eye.

“Wow.”

As I clapped in awe, Alexandra Petrovna returned with Camila, via teleportation.

Many magicians struggle to move themselves, yet here was someone teleporting with another person. Truly, an Archmage was not to be underestimated.

“Now, try again.”

At the Duke’s signal, Camila used teleportation magic. It was quite impressive to see her consecutively perform high-level magic that even elite magicians of the Magic Tower struggled with.

It was astonishing whether it was due to Camila’s innate talent or the Duke’s quality teaching. I couldn’t take my eyes off Camila, who transformed into flames and hopped around.

It was while I was staring at her blankly that…

“What do you think?”

The Duke, observing the training, began to inquire about Camila’s magic.

“It’s amazing. I’ve never seen a magician handle teleportation so effortlessly, even in the military.”

“Is that so?”

Alexandra Petrovna nodded with a satisfied expression. She looked proud of Camila, who was skillfully performing high-level magic.

“It’s rare to find someone in the Imperial Army who can utilize teleportation magic. By the way, did you say you’ve never experienced teleportation magic?”

I nodded my head.

Teleportation magic is a high-level type, and the number of magicians capable of using it is minimal.

Ultimately, to use teleportation magic, one must rely on the power of magical tools. This tends to be more expensive than expected. Therefore, both the Ministry of Defense of Abas and the Imperial Ministry of Defense conduct most training via hot air balloons and use airships for regular drops. The teleportation magic is only briefly used in high-altitude training. Proper use occurs only in wartime situations.

That’s why I had never experienced teleportation magic.

Of course, I had used Warp Gates many times, but the simple magic of moving between fixed coordinates is classified as space travel, not teleportation. Moving to a desired location like Camila is real teleportation magic.

“Yes, I haven’t.”

The Duke nodded as if he understood the situation.

The Archmage, with his hands behind his back, was quietly observing.

Then, suddenly, he spoke.

“In that case, it wouldn’t be bad to experience it today.”

*

Moments later.

With a sulky expression, I stood in the grass alongside Camila.

“……”

“What’s wrong? You look super anxious.”

“…Doesn’t it look anxious?”

As I exchanged glances with Camila, who was glancing up at me, Alexandra Petrovna, who had organized the area around the backyard, approached us.

Magic circles spread across various parts of the backyard. With blue magic power flowing through the circuits, the Archmage began to speak.

“Teleportation magic is fundamentally a spell meant for oneself. However, not all magicians use magic to move themselves.”

The Duke opened his fingers to illustrate and continued explaining.

“When a magician uses teleportation magic on someone else, it can be broadly divided into two categories: the first is to move inanimate objects to a desired location, and the second is to move living beings to a desired location.”

“……”

“An advanced magician can teleport with others to their desired location. Today, we will practice this.”

Hearing Alexandra Petrovna’s explanation, Camila energetically replied.

“Yes!”

As she smiled widely, shaking her hair with excitement, I, who had a strand of red hair in my mouth, replied in a timid voice.

“…Yes.”

Unlike Camila, who had a smile, I was making a grimace. Understandably so; I was to assist in her practice of teleportation magic.

To explain why I ended up helping Camila in her practice, I had to reflect on the Duke’s earlier proposition.

“Hey, have you seriously never tried teleportation before?”

“Yes.”

“Then, would you like to experience it once?”

“Of course, that would be amazing.”

The Duke had suggested that I should try experiencing teleportation magic. An experience I had never had—teleportation, of all things.

To be honest, teleportation magic was a type of magic I had always wanted to try at some point.

Of course, if I simply wanted to experience teleportation, the Military Intelligence Agency would send me to the Special Forces for commissioned training, but that was more for training than experience.

I wasn’t desperate enough to apply for commissioned training just to try a spell. While I wanted to experience teleportation magic, training wasn’t exactly a desirable endeavor. Yet suddenly, the Duke asked me if I wanted to have a go at teleportation magic.

It was a suggestion I couldn’t refuse. So I eagerly accepted.

The issue, though, was that I wouldn’t simply be having a go at teleportation; I would have to assist in practicing the teleportation magic.

And the one using that magic would be none other than Camila.

“……”

I looked at Camila with anxious eyes. As if sensing my gaze, Camila turned toward me.

“What’s wrong again?”

“Camila. Don’t dive into the fountain like before.”

“I won’t do that. Don’t just be afraid…”

Camila, grinning and teasing me for being a coward, made me feel an intense urge to smack her on the head.

How am I supposed to know whether you’ll dive into the fountain or crash on the ground?

More than anything, I wanted to flee the scene, but regrettably, turning down the Duke’s kindness was out of the question. Camila was already gearing up to prank me as well.

Ultimately, I participated in the practice with the same feeling as a cow being led to slaughter.

“Alright, if we fall, the magic might fail, so get close to me.”

“Okay.”

At the Duke’s instruction, Camila held on to me tightly, ensuring I couldn’t escape her grasp.

“I’m excited.”

“……”

“I promised to show you an amazing spell, right?”

A mischievous smile spread across Camila’s face. Let go, dammit. I want to go home.

Despite my desire to pack my things and leave at that moment, it was pointless. Camila had locked her fingers together and firmly held onto me.

Let me go. I don’t want to. Please just let me go. What can you even do?

A tug-of-war continued between the one trying to escape and the one holding on. The Archmage watched the scene with a satisfied smile.

“You look so affectionate toward each other.”

“Seriously, does this look affectionate? I must be getting old—Oof…!”

“Silence!”

Camila clamped her hand over my mouth and nodded, signaling.

“I’m ready, Professor!”

“Good. Then without delay…”

“Oof! Mmm!”

Ignoring my flailing arms, Alexandra Petrovna continued to check the magic circle.

“Begin.”

“We’ll be off!”

The cheerful wizard and the spy vanished into the flames.

The scattering embers flickered before my eyes.

Moments later.

Flames blossomed against the clear sky.

 

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