“If you are entering the academy, you’re probably already aware, but I’ll briefly go over the origin of magic. It’s a basic part of magic studies.”
“In the distant past, there were many differing opinions on what magic truly is. Some said it was a miracle granted by the gods, others claimed it was a rebellious force against divine law, some believed it was a stepping stone to approach the divine. There were countless other theories as well.”
“However, modern magicians don’t worry about such things anymore. The great mage Erginus revealed the true origin of magic.”
“Magic is the act of extending one’s will into the world through magical power. It is the mercy granted by the gods to powerless humans and a collective wisdom built up by the sages of the past.”
“Future magicians, the contents written in textbooks will be your foundation, but don’t let yourselves be confined by them. Magic is as diverse as the people who use it. Keep exploring yourselves for the day you will discover your own magic.”
When Joey first entered the academy and met the professor of magic, the renowned mage in the academic world began the first lesson with these words.
Most students thought of her words as the usual teachings given by magicians and let them pass in one ear and out the other, but not Joey.
Having seen firsthand what magic for an individual could look like, Joey knew the professor’s words were not just empty talk but sincere advice.
And because she understood how sincere it was, she also grasped how difficult it was to reach that level.
Her father, the Duke of Partlan, performed miracles so extraordinary that Joey sometimes doubted whether she could ever reach that level, even if she dedicated her entire life to it.
“Magician?”
“...Yes. Four?”
“Focus.”
“Understood!”
Joey snapped back to reality at the sound of the skeleton’s voice. She took a deep breath, then exhaled and turned her gaze back to the magic circle.
Until now, Joey had never thought there could be magic beyond what her father, the Duke of Partlan, had shown her.
As the kingdom’s top magician, known to rival the greatest geniuses of the Mage Empire, the magic of the Duke was filled with awe.
However, in this moment, Joey had to admit her thoughts were wrong.
The greatest magician in history, who had earned respect from even the gods of magic, was showing her things that expanded Joey’s worldview.
“Now, let’s begin the lesson.”
“...Ah.”
As the skeleton snapped his fingers, the magic that had been completed through the great mage’s abilities reverted to its original state.
Joey sighed in disappointment at the loss of the awe she had just experienced, but the skeleton ignored it and spoke again.
“This part—what was the intention behind this?”
“I was trying to deal with hallucinations. I brought in something related to the magic associated with Haeju and...”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“...Huh?”
“Magician. Did you truly think Haeju was needed to counter the powers of the Void?”
“...”
“I don’t think so. But because you lacked confidence in yourself, you tried to consider everything, and that’s why you went off course from the start.”
The skeleton scolded Joey and erased the elements related to Haeju from her magic.
Joey’s magic then became much cleaner than before.
“Magic is the act of extending your will into the world through magic power. If the gods of magic heard this, they would probably get angry and say that it’s not like that, but what do I care? In my view, magic is just that. Magician?”
“Yes.”
“Think of it as a prayer. Between one desperate wish and a multitude of desires scattered in all directions, which one would be clearer?”
“One wish.”
“Magic is the same. One strong, desperate wish is more powerful than dozens of petty tricks. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”
“Focus on making one clear wish within your magic.”
Upon hearing Joey’s answer, the skeleton let out a small laugh.
“Good. Let’s move on. Now, erase what you think is unnecessary in your magic.”
Joey, as though entranced by the skeleton’s words, focused intently on what he had said.
The friends standing around her, even the quiet snoring from the corner, and the sound of someone swinging their mace—none of these distracted her.
For Joey, the only thing that mattered was learning about magic.
“...This is hard to follow.”
Feivy, who had been listening with Joey from behind, let out a small sigh as she felt her head spinning.
Though she had been learning divine magic under Bishop Johan and had increased her knowledge of general magic, there were limits to her understanding.
In the end, Feivy had chosen divine magic as her field of expertise.
Lacking basic knowledge of regular magic, she could not fully follow the skeleton’s explanations.
Arthur, who was standing next to her, was in the same position. Despite his high rank at the academy, he struggled to follow the explanation, just like Joey.
When Joey nodded in awe, Arthur had to rack his brain desperately to understand.
When Joey answered and made the skeleton laugh, Arthur, too, realized something.
There was a clear gap in talent between the two.
He had always known that Joey was a genius, but strangely, today, it seemed like she was standing on a different level.
A place he could never catch up to.
Joey, her eyes sparkling and speaking without pause, and the skeleton, responding to her, kept the flow going.
Meanwhile, the other two desperately tried to catch up with the skeleton’s explanation, but it all came to an end when the skeleton closed his mouth.
“...Erginus?”
“At this point, I think I’ve given enough advice for you.”
“But there’s still—”
“Helping you from start to finish isn’t advice. From here on, you’ll have to think for yourselves.”
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“...Do you think we can?”
“It’s possible. I, the great mage Erginus, guarantee it.”
With that, Erginus turned his head away, leaving Joey, who was still full of regret.
After being alone for so long, he was so excited to meet such good talent that he had ended up giving away even unnecessary information.
...Time is truly a frightening thing.
He muttered inwardly, justifying himself by thinking he had to offer some guidance, as those who would accompany the apostles of the gods had to receive advice.
“You, the devout one. You are on the right path. If you keep pushing forward, surely the gods will answer.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve already received their guidance.”
“Indeed. That’s a fortunate thing.”
After facing Feivy’s bright smile, Erginus turned his gaze to Arthur, pausing for a moment before cautiously speaking.
“Soladin’s bloodline, huh?”
“Yes. Please speak.”
“Do you remember what I said at the beginning?”
“The part about... desperation?”
“In order for desperation to be truly desperate, you must not doubt it. Don’t turn away. Face it. That’s the best advice I can give you.”
“...I’ll remember it.”
The skeleton seemed to have something more to say, his lips twitching, but he didn’t say anything further and turned his head.
At that moment, his gaze landed on Lucy, who was repeatedly striking her mace in the corner of the room.
At first glance, it seemed like she was just randomly swinging her mace, but it wasn’t that simple.
She was gradually adjusting her posture, trying to find the movement that suited her best.
Watching Lucy’s movements intently, the skeleton gained a certainty.
When he first encountered her, he had his doubts, but now it was clear.
He was sure of it.
The one giving advice now was undoubtedly—
The skeleton approached Lucy and created a space where only he and Lucy could hear.
Lucy, having noticed the skeleton’s approach long ago, checked the barrier and glanced at him.
“What is it, virgin mage? Came to ask how to get close to the foolish fox?”
“...Ahem.”
For a moment, the skeleton almost nodded, but he suppressed it with superhuman patience. This little brat would blabber on if he showed the slightest opening.
“Little brat. You’re asking for advice from that Luell, aren’t you?”
“The old grandpa, who’s so cute, is offering to help me, so I’m just humoring him. He’s such a bothersome old man.”
“...Hah. Ha. Ha ha ha!”
The skeleton laughed louder than ever at her insulting words about his companion.
Ha ha! To think someone could say that to that prickly guy!
When we lived as heroes, we’d never have imagined such a thing!
Is Luell just standing there quietly, taking this? Is he enduring it inside!?
That guy’s really gone soft!
“Virgin mage. Have you finally lost it?”
“No! I’m still fine! I can’t show any weakness in front of Luell!”
“Really? Then how about you bring the foolish fox over.”
“Deal. Please. I’ll give you proper advice.”
“Hmph. Do it. I’ll listen and decide.”
Though it was a brash attitude toward a great mage, the skeleton forced himself to accept it.
If that alluring woman comes near him, he would surely lose his mind.
But no.
No matter what, Luell would never enjoy this.
Absolutely not!
“You’re trying to find the right movements for your body, aren’t you?”
“Wow. How did you know? Were you staring at me with some sticky gaze when I wasn’t looking? The foolish fox was just a distraction, but actually, you’re attracted to me, right?”
“Shut up! What do you think I—! ...Ahem. Anyway, back to the point. When creating something new, it’s better to take Luell’s advice with a grain of salt. That old man, by instinct, is always seeking order and rules.”
When creating something new, there’s no need to completely discard the existing knowledge, but you must not depend on it too much.
If you cling too much to the existing knowledge, what you create will just be a derivative of it.
“By now, that idiot Luell is probably ranting. Pass it on. I’ll argue with each of his points.”