!” (Reiji)

When Reiji casts the magic, his body is suddenly covered in flame. He’s now even stronger than he was when he was summoned.

“Ohhh.” (Suimei)

Suimei lets out a voice of admiration upon seeing this. The execution is excellent. He handles the process very well. Even though it’s not really efficient, but to do this in two months is something admirable.

It looks like this magic is of the fire attribute. His power is amplified. Also, the wind attribute will hasten movement, the water attribute will smooth movement, and the earth attribute will harden the body.

Suimei is a.n.a.lyzing Reiji’s body strengthening magic. t.i.tania is entranced by this sight and approaches him.

“As expected, Reiji-sama is awesome.” (t.i.tania)

“Ahahaha. Thank you Tia.” (Reiji)

Said Reiji while smiling, and that name is like a pet name. When did they get this close?

Mizuki is p.i.s.sed a bit seeing t.i.tania.

“Tia, isn’t that a bit too close?” (Mizuki)

“Isn’t it fine Mizuki? Mizuki is always close to him, isn’t it fine to let me this time?” (t.i.tania)

“Eh? N-No! I’m not close to him!” (Mizuki)

“That’s not true. Mizuki is always close to Reiji-sama. It’s unfair.” (t.i.tania)

The topic was about Reiji’s strengthening magic, but there’s a spark between them.

“Hm, Reiji is quite cool huh…” (Suimei)

“Eh? That’s right! This magic is convenient, I like it.” (Reiji)

“It unexpectedly looks quite cool…” (Suimei)

This is Suimei’s true opinion. It looks like dragon’s flame. The impact shown on the other party is obvious. Be it admiration or fear. It’s quite an advantage.

Thinking that, somehow Mizuki turns to Reiji, not me.

“I-I can do it too!” (Mizuki)

“Is that so? As expected, Mizuki is working hard as well.” (Reiji)

“Um, well, yeah…” (Mizuki)

Suimei has a blank look hearing the response. It looks like because of t.i.tania’s actions, Mizuki can no longer see anyone besides Reiji.

“Kukukuku…” (Suimei)

“Wh-What’s the matter Suimei-kun?” (Mizuki)

“Ah, it’s nothing, good luck.” (Suimei)

“Yeah, I won’t lose!” (Mizuki)

When he thinks about the talk that one of them will become the Demon Lord, it seems impossible watching this situation.

After that, I try to ask again.

“Then, what else?” (Suimei)

“Eh? Well, various things…” (Reiji)

Reiji answers that while averting his eyes, it seems this is the cause of what Suimei felt.

“What’s wrong, Reiji-sama?” (t.i.tania)

“Eh? It’s nothing.” (Reiji)

“Ojou-sama, is there anything strange that happened?” (Suimei)

“Eh? I don’t think anything happened. More like that Reiji-sama got another cool thing.” (t.i.tania)

It seems the princess didn’t lie. Then, what made Reiji like this? Why is he trying to deceive us?

I asked t.i.tania the details.

“That is?” (Suimei)

“Eh? That is…” (t.i.tania)

Reiji tried to stop her, but t.i.tania continued, trying to brag.

“All magicians from Astel’s guild’s specialists came to practice with Reiji-sama.” (t.i.tania)

“Eh~ Magician Guild huh…” (Suimei)

Magician Guild. Though I haven’t researched the details, it’s true that it exists.

“And because of that, everyone gathered to welcome them.” (t.i.tania)

The specialists are probably the executives there.

“Is it that rare?” (Suimei)

“Yes. That’s because they have their own business.”(t.i.tania)

That’s why it’s rare for them to gather. The various specialists are more interesting.

“By the way, what do you mean by various?” (Suimei)

“Fire, water, wind, earth, thunder, wood, light. They are the best of them. They can easily surpa.s.s our magicians. And they each have their own Emperor nickname. Like the Emperor of Fire or Emperor of Light.” (t.i.tania)

“…..” (Suimei)

Is it fine? Emperor is a great name even in j.a.pan. Even though there might be error since the language here has been converted into j.a.panese, it’s still great.

“Suimei-sama, are you interested?” (t.i.tania)

“Then, who won?” (Suimei)

“Of course, it was Reiji-sama’s victory!” (t.i.tania)

t.i.tania happily brags about it.

“And then, he got a t.i.tle from the Guildmaster.” (t.i.tania)

“A t.i.tle?” (Suimei)

A t.i.tle is something that represents a person’s achievements, strength, or features. Of course, this is only in fantasy.

Reiji is embarra.s.sed and tries to change the topic.

“Isn’t it fine not to tell him?” (Reiji)

But, seeing Reiji like that, Mizuki snickers.

“Fufufufu.” (Mizuki)

“What’s wrong Mizuki?” (Suimei)

“No, it’s nothing.” (Mizuki)

“Then, Princess, what’s the t.i.tle?” (Suimei)

“Suimei, please…” (Reiji)

“Because he conquered all elements, he is called the ‘Supreme Ruler of All Elements’.” (t.i.tania)

The moment she says that, the room is silent. But, Suimei can’t hold it.

“Buhohohoho” (Suimei)

“Suimei-sama!?” (t.i.tania)

“Ah, Supreme Ruler, of, all elements, ah, I can’t take it, help me, hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaa!” (Suimei)

t.i.tania is confused as to why he’s laughing. Reiji can only shake his head and Mizuki is laughing too.

While Suimei is laughing, Reiji says.

“See? I told you.”(Reiji)

“Hm? Why? Receiving a t.i.tle from the Guildmaster is a great thing. Why are Suimei-sama and Mizuki-sama laughing?” (t.i.tania)

“Bu-But, it’s ‘Supreme Ruler of All Elements’ you know? Just hear it, it’s got no sense, it’s got… Ah, my stomach hurts. Fuahahahahahahaha.” (Suimei)

“Suimei, please, stop it…” (Reiji)

The laughter echoes and the story ends here…

“North building… Nothing strange…” (???)

Eji, with the military boots, is patrolling. Eji is checking the last room at the north building.

That’s right. That night, Eji was patrolling. This is the daily task every night. The job is to defend the castle at night when everyone is sleeping.

Camelia is different between day and night. At day, it’s bright. At night, it’s completely different. Usually, they have candles, but as to boost the economy, now, it’s all not lit up.

The only light is the one in Eji’s hand. And Eji has to go patrolling in the darkness. n.o.body wants this job since it’s creepy. Eji is forced to do this job and has to remember every nook and cranny.

“I hope it’ll end soon…” (Eji)

Anyway, it would be stupid if anyone tried to invade this place with the hero in it.

The king himself issued Eji to strengthen the security.

Eji also once saw the hero’s training. It’s very harsh. The hero Reiji fought against the Knight Captain and now he can defeat many men easily.

So, even though it’s the hero, they are afraid and want to strengthen security, since their best men have been defeated. Though, Eji saw this as unreasonable.

That time, Eji saw a human figure.

“Hm?” (Eji)

Eji heard the sound of metal, and immediately turned the candle to the source.

“Is there anyone there?”(Eji)

There’s no response. What’s left is only the spooky room mages use.

Eji has been here before. There was nothing strange. But, back then, there was a metal statue.

“Peter? Is that you? Stop the bad prank.”(Eji)

Eji anxiously called the name of his friend that usually pulls pranks. He tried to look ahead, but it’s all painted black. And he can’t hear his friend’s usual laughter.

Then, the similar “GASHAN” sound is heard again.

Eji’s back is trembling. Could it be? An intruder? Even his friend wouldn’t go this far. Eji wouldn’t know where it got the info from, but it might be a demon trying to kill the Hero. Eji drew his sword and slowly approached. Eji also prepared a flute to call reinforcements in the worst case. And then-

“What? Hmph, there’s nothing.” (Eji)

It’s only the statue in front of the room. Well, there’s no way a demon would be here anyway. It’s only natural.

In the first place, there’s no way anything would be crawling in the castle at night, other than Eji. Having confirmed that, Eji felt tired and went to bed.

“Whoa, that was close…” (Suimei)

Suimei waved his hand in front of the sleeping Eji, and felt relieved.

He never thought he’d meet a guard here. The guard is not a magician, just a normal human. He should not be able to get caught practicing magic here, though he didn’t expect anyone to be awake.

In the first place, the source of the issue was the armor beside him…

“No no, to think they left an automaton here. There was nothing before…” (Suimei)

For safety, Suimei took another glance at the armor.

Automata are golems that have imitations of built-in organic functions. They can be programmed to perform automated actions. Like androids.

It’s one of the mysteries of Hebrew and Kaballah in the previous world. There’s no technique there to create it. Setting that aside,

When Suimei touched it, it was disa.s.sembled and became sc.r.a.ps. Loud noises were created, but everybody was sleeping, so no one came.

Suimei sighed. The first noise was when he got near the armor, and the second one was when he destroyed it.

(But, it sure is quite well made. I’ve never seen something like this before coming here. It’s like it’s not something the people here created…) (Suimei)

But, where did they get this? When he came here, he realized its existence. He noticed the risks. – This is quite well-made.

The automaton absorbs magic from nearby intruders. It’s a good counter against magic and physical attacks. It also has a sword which makes it aggressive and powerful.

Cool, and cruel…

“But, that girl, seriously, what’s she’s thinking? Just because this is inside the castle, she did something like this. She’s got no sense of responsibility.” (Suimei)

He complained to the non-existent Felmenia. Even if they are both magicians. To think that she’d prepare a trap like this. Where is the service they boast? Now that the great me has come, I won’t show any mercy.

“Ah… I guess it’s natural for a mage…” (Suimei)

That’s right. Magicians are magicians. You can target their research, and in return, they will try to kill you. It’s common sense here. Though he doesn’t know that for sure.

He looked again to the remains of the armor… It’s alright if it’s Felmenia, but it’s bad if anyone else finds it and makes ruckus.

“’Kay, let’s fix it…” (Suimei)

Magic surged from his feet. A red circle was created below him. The magic circle rotated and became bigger. After connecting several strings, it stabilized.

And then-

“

” (Suimei)

“Rather than a repair, it’s more like returning it to its previous state. The circle separated into two from below the armor. It rotated and flew up. The parts return back to their original places. When the magic circle reached the top, the armor was back again.

“Good. Just like before. Not good, not bad.” (Suimei)

Bragging a little about his magic, he tapped the automaton. It can’t move anymore. Since the magic inside is already destroyed, this is nothing but a wreck shaped like the automaton.

Suimei entered the room the automaton was guarding; it was another room other than the archive room.

That’s right. It’s the summoning room.

The purpose was to a.n.a.lyze the summoning circle and find a way to reverse it. If that can’t be done, he just has to make it himself. And now, he’s rummaging through the summoning research book.

I want to return. I have a duty to my father. To achieve it, it’s best to return there with the research results, magic items, and research materials.

Even though he’s sure he can do anything here if given the time, he doesn’t want to waste anything. He doesn’t know if he can make it there in time. Time is scarce. That’s why the top priority is to return home.

That’s right, and the other reason is…

“They both also want to return right…” (Suimei)

Said Suimei with a faint voice, while looking up the ceiling.

Suimei knew that Reiji sometimes looked up at the sky. Suimei knew that he had lingering affection for the people he left there.

He also knew that Mizuki was always sobbing alone in her room, wanting to be at the side of her loved ones, despite the fear, to stop the loneliness.

While thinking that, something came up in Suimei’s heart.

He couldn’t describe it, it was something hot… That morning he was supposed to meet his family. Those people that he can’t meet again. Embracing the sadness and sorrow. He knew he would have to say goodbye someday, but as long there is hope, he won’t give up.

That’s why he learned magic from his father, to overcome anything no matter how unreasonable.

“This is not like me, well, I guess I have to work hard.” (Suimei)

He was determined. He can’t take it back once he said it. That’s why he said it. Since he won’t be going with them, he swore to find alternatives.

While he’s determined, a magic presence could be felt…

Even if they tried to hide it, it’s a human presence. No. It was not a normal person. It was Felmenia Stingray. She stood out in front of the automaton and then came in. It seems she saw the opened door.

He knew she was tailing him and purposefully left a trail. But to think she was this persistent…

Maybe she’s observing me…

She peeked for a while, and then left…

Then…

“The bait is effective, next is the timing stage huh…” (Suimei)

That’s right. This is an appropriate punishment for dogs who like to sniff. They also intend to punish me anyway. In return, their surprised faces will be funny…