Chapter 85.4 - The First Year at the Academy - A Multitude Of Colors (4)
"That is… the New Year's bell?"
"No, signal for that it's almost here."
Lola informed me as I gazed into the distance.
Something like a New Year's Eve bell? It wasn't that in Leadvarth.
"Well then, shall we go outside?"
Elphimia said that and headed to get her coat.
Lola followed her as if it were only natural.
It seemed like a New Year's visit.
But we've already done that.
Curiously, I looked at Elphimia, and she turned back.
"Is the roof still open?"
"At the moment, it's in the middle of repairs. I haven't done anything yet."
"Then let's climb up to the roof."
As if it were a brilliant idea, everyone went upstairs.
Under Lambert's command, we used chairs and shelves to create makeshift stairs.
Most of us could climb on our own, but Lola, Lily, and Dana needed help from the rest to make it up to the roof.
The winter sky was clear, and the moonlight poured down on Selene.
Numerous bonfires were lit on the main street, making it brighter than an ordinary night.
As my home used to be a commercial facility, it was taller than the surrounding buildings.
Although I couldn't see everything, I had a good view of a considerable area.
By this point, I had a vague idea of what to expect.
In my previous life, New Year's Eve was a solemn occasion, but I had heard that it was more festive overseas.
And if it's Selene, there can only be one thing.
"Magic, right?"
"Yes. People celebrate the New Year by casting magic into the sky."
Lola replied, looking a little chilly.
As everyone waited in line, the bonfires on the main street started to go out one by one.
It was about to begin.
Amidst Selene's moonlit streets, the bells rang once more.
Even though I knew it was coming, I couldn't help but be amazed.
People simultaneously cast countless spells, illuminating the city with hundreds of colors.
That was no isolated event.
It happened all over Selene.
Most were bolt-type spells, but there were also many ball-type spells, some of which I had never seen before.
How many magicians were hidden in this city?
"There's the academy over there."
When I looked in the direction Rola pointed, the school building was illuminated by spells like [Light] and [Torch], and dozens of long-distance spells colored the night sky.
They aligned the attributes and calculated the number and directions of the spells.
If I'm living in the dormitories, Elphimia and I would probably be participating as well.
I was captivated by the magical extravaganza woven by seniors and classmates.
In the midst of it, the academy suddenly sank into darkness.
In an instant, flames spread across the sky above the academy.
"That's [Spread], isn't it? A fire-type area spell that pairs with my [Freezing Storm]."
"Helena-sensei, right?"
I tried to fix my eyes on her.
But, just like when she appeared, she suddenly disappeared.
We waited for a while, but the academy remained silent.
"…Is she not going to attack anymore?"
"No, the real show for the academy is just beginning."
Not only me but Elphimia also tilted her head at Rola's words.
And then, right after that…
"No way, that's…"
Elphimia muttered in shock.
Suddenly, a green membrane appeared, covering the massive academy.
"That's [Bulwark]. It's the highest-level non-attribute spell, the strongest anti-magic barrier among those that currently exist. There shouldn't be anyone who can use it…"
Elphimia's explanation triggers a memory.
"Could it be magic artifacts?"
"Oh, that's possible! The Empire—"
She stops herself mid-sentence in a hurry.
Perhaps they have such artifacts at the royal court too.
Pretending not to notice, she continues the conversation.
"Professor Rackendale mentioned that the academy is protected by defensive magic. It's probably that. So, they must be using magic for attacks. That's why nobody is casting spells anymore."
Afterward, the same green membrane appears in two places.
One is the Joint Government Office. The other place is—where?
"That's the Lapnus Academic Institute."
"Really? Lapnus is located there?"
It is southeast of Selene, across the main street, on the opposite side of Cartilaar.
Leaving that aside.
There are at least three artifacts on par with [Trefas Masnit].
Elphimia seems to share the same impression and lets out a deep sigh.
"I've never thought this city could be so ridiculous."
"Agreed."
From Lola's way of speaking, this is an annual tradition.
Even though Elphimia closed her mouth, she's still revealing it openly.
Truly, this city embodies Alpha's spirit.
Meanwhile, a variety of lights continue to color Selen's night sky.
This spectacle will go on until morning as long as there is magical power.
I thought there were unusually many visitors to the city, but this must be the main attraction.
As I contemplate this, Elphimia takes a step forward.
"I can't compete with something like that."
Concentrating, she releases [Freezing Storm] above my house.
Tiny ice shards flutter down.
Everyone voices their admiration.
Alright, I'll join in too.
Dodging through the [Freezing Storm], I cast [Fireball].
Then another one. And one more.
Ice shards glitter amid the bursting balls of flame.
While everyone is captivated by the sight, Elphimia suddenly tugs at my sleeve.
"Hey, they're overlapping."
Ah, I must have used [Multiple Casting].
I slow down my pace and, while I'm at it, slip [Shock Bolt] in between the [Fireball].
The ice shards reflect the lightning, making them even more beautiful than the [Fireballs], but they appear a bit feeble.
I want to use [Multiple Cast] on a grand scale.
Even with basic spells, it would look spectacular.
Elphimia adds [Sanctuary] to her [Freezing Storm].
The ice shards shimmer in blue, creating a stunning beauty.
Before I know it, residents have come out of the surrounding houses, forgetting about the cold as they look up in awe.
It seems like the neighbors are enjoying themselves too.
I wonder if I've been able to be of some help.
Not to be outdone, I start firing [Fireball], [Shock Bolt], [Magic Bolt], and [Ice Bolt] one after another, trying to use flashy magic that would stand out against the night sky.
"How many attributes do you have?"
I hear Lambert's voice from behind.
That's not the point.
Even with all this, I'm still losing.
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