Returning to the lord's office, Yeriel retrieved her childhood diary. It lay in an old, dusty drawer, its pages filled with long-forgotten memories.
Today, I didn't get scolded at breakfast. Maybe that's why my brother talked to me. It made me happy all day.
At dinner, I dropped my knife. My brother gave me a disappointed look. It was my fault, and I felt really sad. I need to do better, even if he doesn't scold me. I'll try harder tomorrow.
My brother hates it when I cry, but I couldn't help it. Why can't I stop myself from crying?
"... Idiot," Yeriel muttered, unable to read any further.
She closed the diary with a sigh, wondering why she had been so weak and foolish. As she glanced at the gloves on her desk, a lavish gift from Deculein, another sigh escaped her.
"Present, my ass," Yeriel muttered under her breath.
She no longer remembered the days when she longed for Deculein's brotherly love. The child who trembled at his every word was gone. All that remained were painful memories she wished to forget.
"I won't fall for it, you idiot," Yeriel muttered as she grabbed the gloves, ready to throw them away. "... Damn it."
Her arm wouldn't move. It was the first gift she had ever received from him, as she had never even had a birthday celebration. Even if his words were empty, she placed the gloves back in the drawer.
"I just won't use them," she whispered to herself, nodding.
***
It was 9 p.m., and many people had gathered in the forest behind Hotel Hadecaine Romance. They were there to watch magical fireworks on the first night of their three-day, two-night Educational Retreat. With loud cheers, sparkling magical streaks shot up into the sky.
Bang, boom, Pop-pop-pop—!
The fireworks burst in the air, painting the night sky with beautiful colors.
"Wow..."
"So pretty..."
Despite the darkness, the night was bright with joyful exclamations. Among the crowd watching the fireworks were three children from the archipelago—Carlos, Leo, and Yuria.
"As expected from Sylvia, it was impeccable."
The professors from the Department of Magic scored the fireworks of each team. Sylvia's team received perfect marks from all seven professors.
"Ephie, are you ready?"
"Yeah."
Next was Epherene's team's turn. They had brought fireworks engraved with a pre-drawn spell.
As the team leader, Epherene announced, "We will present a combination of destructive and harmonious magic—"
"Launch them already," the professors commanded indifferently.
"... Okay," Epherene, looking dejected, said, channeling her mana into her bracelet. The surging energy infused the fireworks, which then shot up vertically.
Whiiiz—!
The magic soared into the sky with a resounding noise and then exploded.
Bang—!
As Epherene had described, the combination of destructive and harmonious magic created a beautiful curtain of auroras. Though it could rival Sylvia's team's display, the professors seemed unpleasant.
"It is beautiful, but excessively loud. It hurts my ears. I give it six points," declared Professor Siare from the Department of Destruction Studies.
"Four points," pronounced Professor Retlan from the Department of Spirit Studies.
"But why?!" Julia exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise, as they offered no explanation.
The professors stared in silence, causing Julia to pout and step back.
"It's okay," Epherene said, trying to console her.
They had somewhat anticipated this outcome. The professors disliked the Common Magic Research Club, also known as CMRC. However...
"Ten points. The destructive and harmonious magic was balanced correctly."
It was an unexpected perfect score. The low, calm voice delivered a succinct evaluation... Deculein.
Julia, shocked, asked, "What?! Ten points?!"
When Deculein nodded, the other professors began to look uneasy. Reluctantly, the next professor, Relin, also awarded a ten, followed by the rest. Only Siare and Retlan, who had given six and four points respectively, broke out in a cold sweat, thinking this might be one of Deculein's new ways of messing with them.
"The results of the magical fireworks competition are in! First place goes to Sylvia's team with seventy points. Second place goes to Epherene's team with sixty points. Third place goes to Beck's team with fifty-eight points—"
Thanks to Deculein, Epherene's team secured second place. While her teammates laughed happily, Epherene watched Deculein with mixed feelings. Without looking at anyone, he walked away.
"What was that, honestly?"
"Wow, this is ridiculous."
"Guys, see? Deculein only favors her. He burned Drent's thesis but gave her perfect scores."
"Exactly. She wasn't disciplined for that incident at the beginning of the semester because of Deculein. There are even rumors that he gives her private lessons."
"What? What's happening between them?"
"... No way. She's pretty, but I doubt Deculein is into her type."
A group of noble-born mages whispered, their gossip anything but noble. Though Epherene was angry, she stayed silent.
"Ephie, look! We won second place!" Julia exclaimed as she brought over the prize—a bottle of whiskey.
Epherene quickly grabbed the bottle, opened it, and took a swig.
"Whoa! Ephie, why did you do that?"
"Just a moment. I need to go somewhere."
Epherene handed the whiskey back to Julia and sprinted away. She remembered the direction Deculein had taken. There were countless questions she hadn't dared to ask, and her curiosity had been driving her mad. Tonight was merely the catalyst.
"Huff, huff, huff..."
After running for about thirty minutes, Epherene finally found Deculein sitting on a bench by the dark roadside, with a horse beside him. Nervously swallowing, she approached and sat on the bench opposite him.
"... Professor."
Deculein remained silent.
Epherene continued, "I apologize for disturbing you, but I have questions about the Thesis Colloquium."
Finally, Deculein turned his head slightly and asked, "Are you referring to Drent?"
"Yes, sir."
Epherene had felt something was off about the Thesis Colloquium. The Protective Fireball Drent had showcased its ritual. Her doubts grew stronger each day.
"The content of his thesis..."
"It was similar to your assignment. Almost identical. You are just realizing this now?" Deculein said dismissively.
"Umm..." Epherene's mouth dropped open in surprise.
Although she hadn't expected such certainty, part of her already knew. She lowered her gaze, sadness filling her face. The ignorant nobles believed Deculein favored her, mistaking it for affection. She questioned whether this could truly be called favoritism. If it was, she wondered why he favored her at all.
"... Why?"
Epherene stared at the stones scattered on the ground as the western wind rustled her robe. Nearby, the laughter of mages echoed.
"From the disciplinary action, the club, and this thesis..."
There was one crucial question she had never asked.
"Is it because of my father? Is it out of guilt?" Epherene mustered the courage to ask as she looked up.
Deculein, the professor she despised, stared back at her. His intense blue eyes made her tremble.
"Determine it yourself. Stop whining. You are not a child," Deculein said coldly as he stood up.
The tension left her body, quickly replaced by anger. Epherene clenched her fists.
"... I will!" Epherene shouted, causing Deculein to turn. She didn't avoid his gaze; the fire in her heart still burned. "I will join you and uncover the truth about why my father had to kill himself and why he had no other choice!"
Deculein simply stared at her, his expression unchanged.
"You once said I was a gem," she declared, her voice trembling. She might regret these words later; it might be the outburst of a naive half-wit. "You told me not to waste my talent."
Her eyes filled with tears, and her lips trembled, and shouted, "So, I will surpass you! I will become greater than you in your presence!"
Breathing heavily, Epherene wiped her tears with her robe. The cool night air began to calm her. Under the starlit sky, Deculein stood silently, his silence frightening her. She realized too late what she had done. But then he said...
"That is a commendable mindset."
He did not attempt to crush her resolve. Nor did he belittle or mock her.
"Continue to challenge yourself."
He respected her, offering only these words, "No matter what challenges you face, they will ultimately become your crown of achievement."
Deculein mounted his chestnut-colored horse. Epherene watched as he rode away, the horse quickly disappearing into the distance.
"... Fine," Epherene said with a bitter laugh, nodding in resignation.
As you said, I will continue to challenge myself endlessly. So, you should remain at the highest place, more noble than anyone else. When you reach the peak, where you can climb no higher, you must fall to me, and only to me. Until then, I will...
"Ow!"
A dull pain shot through her shoulder. Looking down, she saw a stone lying on the ground.
"What the...?"
Looking up, she saw a hawk glaring at her from a tree. It seemed impossible, but the hawk appeared to have thrown the stone on purpose. It now had another stone in its claw, which it hurled at her.
"What are you— Ow! Stop it— Ow! No, that bird—"
***
I arrived at the entrance of Crebas Canyon. The Red Hare performed so well that it only took an hour.
"There is no gas mask that fits you, so this is as far as you go today. Return to the stable and come back at noon."
I sent the Red Hare back. Whether it would follow my command, I couldn't be sure, but its spirited neigh showed no sign of fatigue.
"... Could this be a potential death variable?"
I stood still, recalling the recent events with Epherene. Her declaration wasn't a death variable specifically, but it was unexpected. Epherene joining me as an assistant wasn't necessarily bad.
However, it was unclear whether this would be a threat or an advantage. It was all too sudden, and I still didn't know exactly what Deculein had done to her father. It could have been a crime deserving the death penalty or something warranting a lighter punishment. I wanted to know, but for now, it was beyond my reach...
[Independent Quest: Traverse]
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At that moment, a system message appeared. In the distance, I saw Charlotte and her party approaching. Covered in dust, they breathed a sigh of relief when they saw me. However, only Maho, Charlotte, and Ron were present. The other member, Gedeur, was missing.
"Are there only three of you?" I inquired, addressing Charlotte.
She didn't answer. It seemed Gedeur had died on the way, which was unfortunate. Just then, Maho peeked out from behind Charlotte.
"Hello, Professor Deculein~ You are the one assisting us, right? Charlotte has told us so much about you," Maho said with a shy smile.
Her chatter was both familiar and welcome. Her face matched my design perfectly, and her personality was just as I had seen in the game.
"Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Deculein von Grahan Yukline, the Head Professor of the Mage Tower of the Imperial University."
"Wow, Head Professor, that is truly impressive. Your magical skills must be extraordinary..."
I smiled in response and turned to Charlotte, whose expression remained unpleasant.
"Here, take this. It's a note from the adventurer's guild," Charlotte said, handing me a piece of paper.
Be aware: About thirty-seven assassins and a Diarnath are tracking you.
I frowned at the mention of Diarnath, a wave of instinctive disgust washing over me and said, "Has the Leoc Kingdom truly descended into such corruption?"
"... Indeed, it has."
Diarnath, a hybrid of ghost and demon, looked like a human, had human-level intelligence, and spoke like one. However, at its core, it was no different from a demon.
What made Diarnath even more disgusting than a demon was that it was created through a pact. The dark mages of Ashes used Demon Summoning magic, which required blending an intact human body with demonic horns. Diarnath was difficult to defeat both physically and magically.
"... Will you be alright?" Charlotte asked.
"Certainly, I will be."
I had more than enough odds in my favor. Once inside the Crebas, my mana quality would upgrade to fourth grade, and my mana recovery rate would exceed consumption, amplifying the power and output of all my spells. Since Diarnath was a demon-type, I could tear it apart thoroughly.
"Princess Maho."
"Yes? Yes, sir?"
I placed my briefcase on the ground. When it opened, fifteen Wood Steel shurikens floated into the air. Maho's eyes widened in astonishment.
"These steels will protect you from now on."
"Wow..."
Charlotte muttered as she pulled out gas masks, "Perfect magic for protection. Do you need a mask? I have four."
"There is no need," I replied, shaking my head.
***
The group entered Crebas Canyon. The entrance was much like any other mountain path—narrow and rugged, but otherwise unremarkable.
"Professor Deculein, you appear to be a truly kind person," Maho said.
"Do you think so?"
Charlotte was more surprised by Deculein's unexpected demeanor than by the tranquility of the scene.
"Absolutely~ The other nobles in the Empire seemed to dislike me. They would ignore or ridicule me, which made me feel quite sad... But you are different."
"Pay no mind to such people," Deculein said, treating Maho with the utmost respect. His speech was laced with courtesy, and his actions were full of grace. "The more ignoble someone is, the more they look down on others to elevate themselves."
"Pardon? Oh... are you saying I am ignoble?"
"No. The clumsy nobles of the Empire are. Princess Maho, you are undoubtedly noble, but true nobility isn't just about blood. You possess the qualities that befit your status."
"Wow... I've never heard anyone say that for me before..."
Feeling uneasy, Charlotte interjected, "That's enough."
She then whispered, "At this rate, you're going to make her fall for you."
Deculein nodded and continued walking silently. His steps showed no hesitation as he guided them through the canyon, a path he had clearly traversed many times before.
As they advanced deeper into the secluded canyon, the forest and vegetation took on a purple hue. The air stung, but the mining gas masks they had prepared made breathing manageable. Despite this, Deculein remained bare-faced, embodying the legendary Demon Slayer Yukline.
At that moment, a monkey appeared out of nowhere. Ron quickly swung his sword, but a Wood Steel shuriken orbiting the group skewered the monkey first.
"Wow!" Maho exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.
Deculein continued to watch the path ahead and said, "This area is thoroughly protected, so there is no need for concern. We should reach the border of Yuren in approximately four hours."
Charlotte bit her lip in frustration, her voice tinged with impatience. "Four hours is too long."
"There is no alternative. If we run, we risk being poisoned by demonic energy."
"What about Diarnath chasing us?"
"Do not worry. I shall eliminate it."
"... You?"
"Yes."
Charlotte shook her head, determined to sacrifice herself if necessary, and said, "No. I will—"
"Shut it," Deculein's voice changed abruptly.
"... What?"
Whirrrrr—!
Suddenly, a swarm of bats appeared. Though there were hundreds, Deculein's cherished item moved gracefully, piercing them all. The bats couldn't even breach the protected area before being killed.
"That was remarkable! What kind of magic is this? Professor, could you—" Maho said, clinging to Deculein's back.
"Princess," Deculein answered quietly.
"Yes?"
"Remain silent for a moment."
"Oh, okay," Maho said, startled. She mimed, zipping her lips, and mouthed, "I am silent now. See?"
Whistle—
A whistle echoed from nearby. Charlotte gripped her sword, sensing an approaching demonic presence that seemed to pierce their backs. Deculein halted, and Charlotte glanced at him.
"... Hey."
His blue eyes gleamed with an eerie phosphorescence, and his face twisted in barely restrained anger. Charlotte felt a chill.
Whoo, whoo—
The whistling grew closer, accompanied by light footsteps and the unnatural rustling of branches. She hugged Maho and activated her Protective Defensive Qi.
"I caution you," Deculein said with a calm but threatening tone. "The moment you come closer, your limbs will be torn apart."
The group on the other side didn't retreat. Instead, they revealed themselves, mocking Deculein. In that instant, the Wood Steel tore through the air. The speed of the Telekinesis was too fast for human perception, transforming the area into a wasteland.
The waves of force overturned the canyon, shattered bushes, and sent debris flying. The debris included blood, flesh, and organs, all mixed together.