Magnus stepped out of the bathroom on the fifth floor of the village hall, a towel wrapped around his waist and another in his hands as he rubbed at his damp hair. It was a habit he'd started taking more seriously ever since Celia had begun badgering him about it. As he walked toward his room, a slight shiver ran through him at the cool air brushing against his skin.
I really got spoiled with the baths at Takerth Academy. Should've guessed they wouldn't have hot water here. Not like they can use open flames inside a tree. Guess that just proves you take luxuries for granted when they're always around.
[Master, you could use earth, water, and fire elementrix to create your own hot bath.]
Magnus paused mid-step at Basker's suggestion, his brows knitting together.
Oh. Right… Damn it.
Clicking his tongue, he felt a stab of irritation at the realization. Few things were more annoying than enduring something unnecessarily. Luckily by the time he reached his room and stepped inside, he'd mostly shrugged it off. He finished drying off, changed back into his academy uniform, and stretched.
Slightly cold baths aside, at least I don't feel grimy anymore. Basker, remind me next time I overlook something obvious like that.
[Of course, Master.]
With that settled, Magnus was just about to figure out his next move when a knock came at the door. A moment later, a familiar voice followed.
"Magnus? Are you in there? Did I get the right room this time?" He recognized it immediately. Marilyn. Heading for the door, he opened it to find her standing just outside, hand raised to knock again. She lowered it quickly, letting out a sigh of relief.
"Marilyn? What are you doing here?" Magnus tilted his head slightly.
"Looking for you." She gave him a sheepish smile.
"Took me a bit, though. All these doors look the same, and I kinda forgot which one Grandpa said was yours. So… I've been knocking on all of them." Magnus nodded in understanding.
"Yeah, I guess that's fair. Not the most intuitive design. But why are you looking for me? I figured you'd still be hanging out with Mary and your grandpa." Marilyn wagged a finger in mock correction as she leaned in slightly.
"Nope! That was yesterday. Tonight, I'm here on official business."
"Official business?" Magnus echoed, frowning slightly.
"That's right. As the granddaughter of a village elder, it's my duty to act as a guide for important guests." Her tone carried a hint of cheer.
"Since most of the other elders don't have families in the village, Mary and I take over that role. She's already rounded up your friend, so I'm here for you." Magnus blinked.
"Wait… the banquet's already started?"
"Sort of. The main event hasn't kicked off yet, but people are already celebrating." She crossed her arms, her eyes lighting up.
"Oh, and don't think I forgot—you promised to let me ask you about magic when we got back." The excitement in her voice was impossible to miss. Her eyes practically sparkled, and Magnus could almost see the flood of questions waiting to burst out of her.
First Celia, then Eveline, and now her. What is it with random girls in this world being so enthusiastic about magic? I mean, I guess I can't really blame them… but still.
Magnus let out a short sigh before glancing at Marilyn and flashing a grin, his expression shifting to one of amused acceptance.
"Fine. But I can't go too deep into the explanations—it's one of the rules for mages," he said, his eyes flicking briefly to the hand marked by his Sigilbrand. He doubted the academy was actively monitoring him all the way out here, but he couldn't rule out the possibility. The Sigilbrands were tied to the academy's systems, and they might have ways to detect if students leaked sensitive magic information, even remotely. Normally, Eveline's protective measures in the dorm shielded him from worry, but here? Not exactly the time to test boundaries.
"Aw…" Marilyn muttered, her face dropping into a faint pout.
Magnus chuckled.
"Hey, I said I can't tell you. That doesn't mean I can't show you." With that, he turned and headed for the balcony.
"Huh? Wait—what? Where are you going?" Marilyn asked, her confusion obvious as she watched him stride to the door. Magnus pushed it open and stepped out onto the balcony. Turning back, he gestured for her to follow with a wave of his hand. She hesitated but eventually followed, stepping into the room and out onto the balcony. As soon as she joined him, her eyes widened in shock. Magnus had hopped over the railing.
"What are you-" she began, her voice rising in alarm. But her words caught in her throat when she realized he wasn't falling. Instead, Magnus stood on a rectangular platform floating in midair. Her eyes narrowed, focusing on it. It was a mana construct, but it wasn't like the usual black-and-white constructs she'd seen before. Instead, this one shimmered with a design resembling the night sky. Deep blues and purples swirled together, dotted with tiny shining specks of light that looked like stars. It was as if a piece of twilight had broken off and become solid beneath his feet.
"Mana is everywhere," Magnus began, his tone calm and steady.
"It flows constantly, like wind through the air or currents in the ocean. Normally, you can't see it or touch it. But in some places, it's thicker or thinner than usual. And with magic, you can condense it into forms like this." Marilyn's expression was a mix of awe and curiosity, her attention flickering between the construct and Magnus's words. The wonder on her face was almost childlike, and she seemed torn between listening and staring at the starry platform beneath him. Magnus smiled as he reached out a hand toward her.
"Come on," he urged.
"Huh? Uh…" Marilyn stammered, her hesitation clear.
Magnus laughed softly.
"It's perfectly safe, I promise."
"Are you sure…?" Marilyn asked, her eyes darting past the platform Magnus was standing on and down to the ground far below.
"Yes, I swear," Magnus reassured her with a calm voice.
"Alright… but if I fall, you have to catch me," she said, hesitantly raising her hand.
"Of course." Magnus took her trembling hand the moment it reached his, his grip steady as he guided her over the balcony railing. Her movements were slow and uncertain, but she managed to swing both feet onto the platform. The instant she stood on it, she crouched low, gripping the edge as tightly as if her life depended on it.
"Okay… I did it…" she whispered to herself, repeating the words like a mantra while pointedly avoiding looking down. After a few more moments, she spoke again, her voice shaky but tinged with humor.
"Ma- Mary's going to kill me if she finds out about this…" She let out a nervous laugh.
"In that case, we'd better head down to the banquet quickly," Magnus said, extending his hand to her again. She looked up at him and, with only slightly less hesitation, reached for it. Slowly, she rose to her feet on the platform, her balance unsteady at first. Then she asked the inevitable question.
"How… how are we going to get down?"
"The same way you found my room," Magnus replied with a small smirk as he stretched out a leg.
"We walk." Just as it seemed he was about to step into thin air, a patch of condensed mana formed under his foot—dark and sparkling like the night sky. Without waiting, he took another step, and the same effect repeated. Marilyn stared as each new step created a stair beneath him, one at a time, while the previous vanished. Gathering her courage, she followed him, tentatively stepping forward.
At first, her every movement was tense, her eyes glued to the disappearing stairs beneath her. But as they descended, her initial fear began to ease. Slowly but surely, she realized something incredible—she was walking on air. The doubt in her mind gave way to awe as she stopped looking down and began looking around. From this height, the village unfolded below, bathed in moonlight filtering through the leaves of the great trees. The world looked utterly transformed, a shimmering tapestry of silver light and shadow.
Her eyes sparkled as a smile spread across her face.
"This is… amazing!" she exclaimed, glancing at Magnus, who still held her hand and guided her steps.
"Do you do this all the time?" She asked, excitement bubbling in her voice.
"Eh, not really," Magnus replied casually.
"But since you seemed so into magic, I figured this would be fun. Though…" He glanced at her, a sly grin forming.
"We can make it a bit more exciting if you're up for it."
Marilyn blinked her expression a mix of curiosity and hesitation. "What do you mean?"
"This." Without warning, Magnus let go of her hand and leaped from the platform. His body arced through the air before another patch of mana formed beneath his feet, catching him smoothly. Turning back, he gestured for Marilyn to follow. Earlier, when she was still clutching the platforms in fear, she might have refused outright. But now? A mix of excitement, adrenaline, and newfound confidence coursed through her, overriding her nerves.
"I can jump anywhere?" She asked, her voice uncertain but eager.
"Yup. I'll make sure you're fine. Don't worry." Magnus's reassuring tone was enough to push her over the edge—figuratively and literally.
Taking a deep breath, she nodded and stepped to the edge of the platform. After another moment of hesitation, she jumped. A startled cry escaped her lips as she arced through the air, her heart pounding as she caught a glimpse of the village far below. Just as she began to think she'd fall, a platform materialized beneath her, cradling her landing. She staggered slightly before catching her balance, a nervous laugh bubbling up.
"Oh wow…" She breathed, a wide smile lighting up her face.
"Told you it'd be fun. Now come on, we've got a banquet to get to," Magnus said before springing off the platform and into the air, landing on another that materialized seamlessly beneath him. Marilyn hesitated for a moment but quickly followed, leaping in a random direction.
Magnus's mind worked swiftly, predicting her trajectory and forming a platform just in time to catch her. With every leap, her trust in him solidified. She glanced his way, fully realizing now—he wasn't going to let her fall.
And just like that, her fear melted away, replaced by exhilaration. The thrill of bounding through the air took over as they moved, platforms appearing and vanishing behind them like fleeting stars against the night sky. High above the ground, their laughter joined the sound of their footsteps echoing faintly through the crisp evening air.
Meanwhile, at the base of the village hall, the banquet was beginning to come alive. Warm light from lanterns strung on wooden posts bathed the area in a welcoming glow. Dozens—possibly over a hundred—tables were spread out, each crafted from the same sturdy wood as the rest of the village structures, draped with simple tablecloths. Villagers bustled about, finishing the last decorations, hanging lanterns, and helping each other find seats.
The scene was anything but rigidly organized, yet it didn't need to be. People were already laughing, chatting, and raising drinks, creating a lively, communal energy the village hadn't felt in a long time. Though not every seat was filled—some villagers had chosen to stay away—the turnout was impressive. It was a sight that spoke volumes about the resilience of the community.
"Where the hell are those two? The banquet's about to start," Mary muttered, her sharp gaze scanning the growing crowd. She was seated at the head table, which was tiered into three levels.
On the ground level, the captains sat. Clad in their armor and with weapons close at hand, they were clearly ready to respond to any threat. But their relaxed postures and occasional laughter showed they were enjoying the rare opportunity to unwind. Even Elip and Rasan were present, their faces softened by the atmosphere.
The second tier, accessible by a short set of stairs, featured just four seats—cushioned mats arranged before a low table. Mary sat to the far right, arms crossed in irritation. She looked far different from when Magnus had first met her and her sister. Her hair had been carefully straightened and styled, and instead of the plain clothing she had worn before, she wore a simple yet elegant dress in vibrant red hues that curved over her shoulders.
After voicing her complaint, she looked to her left, where Seraline sat with Halen perched on her lap. The little boy was wide-eyed, his excitement unmistakable as he took in the sea of villagers, the lantern-lit tables, and the food slowly filling the banquet area. His gaze darted from one platter to the next, each sight drawing more wonder to his face.
Villagers moved steadily from the kitchen, bringing out steaming trays and plates of food. Despite the limited resources, the dishes were hearty and inviting. Roasted legs and thighs of various animals, golden-brown and glistening with juices, filled the air with a savory aroma. Beside them, vibrant vegetables had been sliced open, their insides tender and steaming, drizzled with butter and topped with melted cheese.
Other trays held smaller but equally enticing offerings—salads with crisp, fresh leaves wrapped around perfectly seasoned meatballs, and enormous bowls of creamy soup brimming with chunks of sausage and diced vegetables. While simpler dishes rounded out the spread, it was no less appealing, enough to make villagers' mouths water as their eyes lingered on the feast before them. The only thing missing was dessert—a limitation imposed by circumstance rather than the skill of the cooks.
But even without it, the food was more than enough to lift spirits, as the warm chatter and laughter continued to grow.
"I'm sure they'll arrive soon; just be patient, Mary," Elder Rodgir said with a warm smile, noticing his granddaughter's leg bouncing slightly as she scanned the crowd for Magnus and Marilyn. His calm demeanor drew Mary's attention, and she turned to look at him. He was seated on the third tier of the head table, slightly above and behind the second. The table curved gently, with Elder Rodgir in the center, flanked by the other elders. Unlike the second tier, where mats were used for seating, the elders sat on chairs—age had long robbed them of the ability to sit comfortably on the floor.
"I am being patient," Mary replied with a slight huff, "but I'm worried Marilyn got them lost while asking a million questions about magic. You know how she gets when something catches her interest."
Her words earned a round of chuckles from the elders.
"Ah, I wish my sister cared about me as much as Mary does Marilyn—it's adorable," one elder remarked with a wistful smile.
"Same here, but for my brother," another added. Their comments made Mary narrow her eyes, and she quickly turned her attention back to the crowd, muttering under her breath.
Minutes passed before Seraline, who had been busy keeping Halen from squirming out of her lap, suddenly glanced upward.
"They're here," she said quietly, drawing the captains' attention as they followed her gaze. Her words, along with the captains' movements, rippled through the head table as the elders, Mary, and even Elder Rodgir all looked skyward.
Against the dark treetops, it was hard to spot at first, but soon enough, they saw it—platforms of starlight appearing one by one, forming a trail through the night sky. Silhouetted against the stars were two figures leaping gracefully through the air.
"Well, I suppose that explains why they took so long," Rasan remarked with a chuckle, the other captains nodding in agreement. Magnus was the first to come fully into view, descending with ease. Gasps of surprise rippled through the villagers who noticed, their conversations faltering as they saw the strange, otherworldly display. Magnus landed lightly beside Seraline, his clothes fluttering slightly with the motion.
"Sorry if we're late," Magnus said casually, glancing around.
"We were higher up than I thought."
"We?" Mary repeated, her brows knitting in confusion—until Magnus raised his arms and called out.
"Marilyn, just jump! I'll catch you." Mary's head snapped upward just as a figure emerged from the darkness. The fluttering hem of a green dress, slightly rumpled from the activity, became visible. Marilyn's flushed but excited face came into view, her styled hair slightly disheveled, and her chest heaved as she caught her breath. She leaped, and Magnus caught her easily, setting her down on her feet.
The moment her feet touched solid ground, Marilyn practically bounced with excitement.
"That was amazing! Now I get why mages are always flying around in stories!" Her enthusiasm bubbled over, and she laughed as she spoke, looking like she wanted to relive every detail. Mary, however, stared at her sister in disbelief.
"Wait… did you two do that all the way from the fifth floor?" Marilyn nodded eagerly.
"Yup! I was super nervous at first, but then it got so fun! It was like hopping across rocks in a river." She looked ready to gush further, but her words faltered as she noticed Mary glaring at her, her arms crossed and her expression stern.
"You… are you mad?" Marilyn asked hesitantly, shrinking back slightly.
Mary's voice rose, sharp and unforgiving.
"Hmm, I don't know. What do you think? I just found out my sister did something extremely dangerous that could've gotten her killed!" Marilyn flinched, her confidence crumbling under Mary's scolding.
"But- Magnus said he wouldn't let me fall. Right, Magnus?" She said, looking to him for support. Magnus opened his mouth, clearly reluctant to be dragged into the argument, but he couldn't deny it.
"Yeah, I-"
"I don't care what he said!" Mary cut him off, her voice firm.
"It was still reckless and dangerous. You should've known better."
"Sorry…" Marilyn mumbled, her gaze falling to the ground. Elder Rodgir sighed deeply, his voice calm but firm.
"Alright, Mary, I think you've made your point. Let's not be too harsh." Mary's head snapped toward her grandfather.
"What? You're going to let her off after something that dangerous?"
"Oh no, I agree it was extremely reckless," Elder Rodgir said, turning his sharp gaze to Marilyn.
"You should have known better." His tone made Marilyn shrink further, guilt written all over her face. Then his attention shifted to Magnus.
"And Magnus, in the future, I'd appreciate it if you informed me before attempting anything like this again." Magnus nodded quickly.
"Of course. I'm sorry." Elder Rodgir's expression softened back into his usual genial smile.
"Good. Now that apologies have been made and lessons learned, there's no need to sour the evening any further. Right, Mary?" Mary hesitated before letting out a heavy sigh.
"Fine," she muttered reluctantly.
Relieved, Marilyn quickly grabbed Magnus's arm and tugged him toward their seats. Once everyone was settled, Elder Rodgir stood, his gaze sweeping over the tables below. The food was laid out, and most seats were filled.
"It seems we're ready," he said.
"Shall we begin the banquet?"