On the outskirts of the Floating Island.

A wizard driving toward the center saw a strange person reflected in their rearview mirror: a very tall woman. It was a little chilly, but it was nothing to worry about on the Floating Island. It was a place where so many magical events happened, after all.

The wizard continued to drive on without giving her much further thought. After some time passed like that, she casually looked into the rearview mirror again.

?

Even then, the very tall woman was standing in the corner of the rearview mirror. The car kept going, but the woman didnt grow any more distant.

What

The wizard, belatedly noticing this oddity, stepped on the accelerator.

Vroom

Her car raced to move away from the woman.

!

But, she appeared right before her eyes.

Screech!

The wizard cranked the steering wheel, driving it into the bushes to the side of the road.

Hah, hah, hah

The car was unharmed thanks to her quick application of auxiliary magic. The wizard paid it little mind, however, as she caught her breath and searched ahead. The woman wasnt there. She was nowhere to be seen, neither in front, behind, or to the sides.

Whew

Did she imagine it? The wizard sighed, leaning back against the drivers chair.

Rustle- Rustle-

She felt movement behind her. The wizard stiffened, her bloodshot eyes widening as she looked up to the rearview mirror.

Sitting with her huge body half bent over, the ghost smiled bizarrely at her, her bright red pupils flashing violently.

Ahhhhhhhhh-!

* * *

Epherene was discharged immediately. No matter how much she talked about the ghost, Allen and Drent, let alone the doctors, didnt believe her.

Ah~, tomorrow is the start of the class~.

On the way back to the tower, Julie, whom she met by chance, walked beside her. Epherene looked carefully at the bracelet on her wrist, another new accessory she had never seen before. Her whole body would turn into an Artifact at this rate.

But, Ifi. Was it a ghost? Didnt you see things? Youve been having a really hard time with Deculein.

I saw it.

That terrible visage was no lie, nor was it a hallucination. Of course, she was tired at the time, but

Then Ifi, why dont you take a day off? What if you see the ghost again?

No.

Epherene shook her head, determined.

I have something to check.

Just before seeing the ghost, there was the letter she found in Deculeins office. It was made of a familiar material for some reason, but she couldnt quite place where she had seen it before. It kept bothering her.

Ifi, youre such an over-work oh! Ifi! There! Look over there!

Julie made a fuss, pointing until Epherene looked.

One, two One, two

A blonde knight was running across the sports ground. Gawain, famous for his good looks throughout the continent.

Its Gawain! How dreamy.

Yeah. Hes handsome indeed.

Epherene nodded. Gawain of the Knights Templar and Deculein of the Tower. These two were said to be the most handsome men in the University. Did that knights skill fit with his face like Professor Deculein?

Wow look at him running. So handsome

Keep your speed!

Gawain led his cadets as an instructor of the Knights Department. Julie watched him with a hazy expression while Epherene smirked and shook her head.

I will go first. You keep watching.

Yeah I want to watch him.

So, she arrived at the towers entrance after leaving Julie behind. Stepping inside, Epherene met Allen in the lobby on the first floor.

Huh? Professor Allen, when did you arrive?

Epherenes eyes widened. She shouldve had a shorter trip than Allen, but he only smiled brightly.

Its because I walk a little fast~. But what is that~?

Oh.

Epherene hid the letter she still held behind her back.

This is a letter to my sponsor

Oh, I see~. The support mailbox opened today, so you must have received support again. Congratulations, Epherene.

Ahaha Im just thankful.

Epherene put the letter in the sponsorship mailbox. Meanwhile, Allen disappeared somewhere.

He does walk fast thats that, but theres no way, right?

Epherene looked to the mailbox and had a strange thought but soon shook her head.

If, by any possibility no way, Deculein couldnt do that to her.

Lets just prepare the report

It was time to focus on the report again.

* * *

The use of the attribute called Encryption in-game was probably simple: locking and storing items. However, in this world where the degree of freedom was infinite, and I was under the unique mental power of Deculein, its versatility was amplified.

The first was digitization. Of course, this was just a name I used. Precisely, it converted a tangible object into an intangible magic code. This code was stored in my head and functioned as a kind of inventory. Even my cane could be stored simply with this digitization if only the code could be reversed.

The second was Magic Lock. Simply, it was introducing a password to a magic circuit or rite so that only people I allowed could use it. By combining the above two methods, it was also possible to code certain spells and release them instantly. However, it consumed a hefty amount of mana and caused migraines if misused.

Even with Iron Man, it was a bit beyond becoming something reliable for now. In other words, it was clearly beyond the scope of the games capabilities.

Knock, knock-

At that moment, while analyzing the attribute Encryption from knocked. I instinctively looked toward the office door.

Knock, knock-

It wasnt coming from the door, however, but the window.

Knock, knock-

Of course, that wouldnt be a problem if I werent on the 77th floor of the tower. I looked out the window.

Knock, knock-

It wasnt a ghost but a robed and unidentified wizard. Her lips moved when our eyes met.

-Can I come in?

were coming off her, nor did she appear to be actively hostile. I didnt need to allow her, either. She went straight through the glass.

The glass in the tower must be a product of magic engineering, but she slipped through it easily.

Deculein. Im not happy to see you, but its been a while.

The uninvited guest spoke without putting down her hood. I still didnt know who she was.

Its me, Idnik.

Trader Idnik; fortunately, I knew the name. Rohakans companion and one of the characters involved in the main quest. She was holding a cage hidden away by cloth in one hand.

And-

-Im with her too, Disciple.

The strange voice sounded like he had breathed in helium.

Its this, Deculein.

Idnik put the cage on my desk. A voice leaked from beneath the dark veil.

Take off this veil.

I took it off.

?

What was revealed was a small cottage hut with a garden. Inside the miniature, roughly the size of a Lego house, a similarly reduced Rohakan was looking up at me.

-Its been a while, my disciple.

Rohakan?

-Yeah. Hahaha.

Rohakan chuckled. I was dumbfounded for a moment.

What are you doing there?

Its a way to avoid being noticed. You know, Im at the Black Beast level, right? Since the hut cant fit inside, Ive reduced the size a bit.

I looked at Idnik, her hood up as always.

I see you also brought your subordinate.

Im a colleague, not a subordinate.

Haha!

Idnik corrected me while Rohakan grinned.

Deculein, have you read the annihilation log I sent you?

I have.

I already knew most of it. Although I was a designer, I also play-tested the game, and some things reached my ears through the team members and Yoo Ara.

Yes. Here, my subordinate and I have something to tell you-

Not subordinate. Im a colleague.

-You got a bit ahead of yourself, huh.

Ha. Without me, you cant do anything.

Huh. Really?

Rohakan extended his index finger toward Idnik.

Wheeeing

The mana released from his fingertip drew Idnik into the miniature hut, turning her just as tiny as him.

Rohakan, Im warning you. Turn me back.

Cant you turn yourself back on your own? You said I couldnt do anything without you.

Idnik ground her teeth, but Rohakan ignored her with a shrug.

Ill count to three. I have something to say to Deculein. Turn me back.

Do it. If I die, you will be small forever anyway.

Idnik and Rohakan growled, staring each other down. They looked cute, locked in their miniature battle.

Rohakan, turn me back.

Idnik, only if you admit that you are my subordinate.

My only teacher is Demakan.

I was the one who introduced you to Demakan.

Knock, knock-

Then, someone knocked. This time it was actually at the door. I covered Rohakans little hut with the cloth.

Its Epherene.

I opened the door with Psychokinesis, revealing Epherene with her report in hand.

This is my research report.

I read it, but just the first three lines were enough to make me sigh. I still wasnt satisfied.

Again?

Yes.

Then Epherene held out another piece of paper. It was covered in various complicated formulas and calculations.

This is an academic problem presented in this issue of Wizard Academic by Telgend, the author of The Harmony of the Four Elements. Can you help me?

Problem?

Yes.

Epherenes thought made sense. It was the same feeling I experienced when I was a designer. If you keep receiving a rejection, a feeling like, Is my boss trying to bully me? will appear.

I looked into Telgends problem. At the same time, I activated [Understanding].

Huhu.

Listening to Epherenes cheeky laugh, I calculated the ratio of the four elements suggested by the examiner, assumed a framework in which the elements harmonized, and predicted the circuit based on the hypothesis. Then, I presented the answer.

22.1935%, 23.1105%, 27.8505%, 26.8455%.

Yes?

Epherenes face went blank. She leaned forward with her ear first as if she had heard wrong.

A-again.

22.1935%, 23.1105%, 27.8505%, 26.8455%.

Uh

Its a problem revealing the golden ratio necessary for the harmony of the four elements. Did you not solve it?

N-No. I did, but

She mumbled quietly. Was this a problem I had already solved before? How could I solve it so quickly? No, it was a problem released only four days ago

Epherene.

This cheeky girl.

Yes, yes.

I know what you know.

And I know what you dont know.

At least, in theory, her level wasnt yet enough to refute me. Maybe it would never be. Epherene scratched the back of her neck, looking depressed.

Be humble. If you doubt it like that, you wont even be able to reach me.

Yes. Im sorry.

Epherene left. As the office door closed, I rolled up the cloth again, and Rohakan peeked out.

Was that Epherene just now?

Yes.

Huh

Rohakan and Idnik were sitting at a table in the garden, sipping tea together as if fully reconciled. I suddenly wondered.

Can I enter the hut too?

No. This is possible because Idnik and I have a contract with each other. Of course, I can pull ordinary people by force, but a guy with strong resistance like you is impossible.

Then why did you come to me? Before, I must have said that it would be the last time I would let you go.

When I first met Rohakan, I warned him. Well, the words were a warning, but in reality, it was a concern. Concerns about not dying after he meddled.

Who let whom go? Deculein, you? This old man?

Idnik murmured suspiciously, and Rohakan continued seriously.

I know. But I have something to tell you.

What is it?

The Altar is moving, and a great threat will befall the Empire. Specifically in winter. Its time for the monster waves to come.

Winter, and the main quest. As soon as I saw Rohakan, I expected it. Rohakan was a character whose existence was no different from a quest.

So, I would like to ask you a favor.

A favor?

-Yes. Lets meet in winter when it approaches. For more details, Ill let you know when we meet then.

What do I get?

I asked, but Rohakan pondered only for a moment before answering.

Life. Not only you but everyone on this continent.

The main quest floated in front of me at the same time he spoke.

[Main Quest: Life]

Rare Attribute Catalog

Store Currency +5

I didnt even think twice before nodding.

I will think about it.

-I expect a positive choice.

In response, Rohakan released Idnik from the hut. Idnik, returning to normal, looked at me.

Idnik said that she has something to tell you alone, so Ill just leave. Until we meet again, be well, my disciple.

Rohakan laughed softly. Immediately after that, his hut floated up into the air and vanished.

But Deculein. Are you this poor in receiving visitors?

Idnik looked around the office as she pulled out a cigarette.

It is normal for uninvited guests to be despised, not treated.

Just tell me what you need to say.

I stole Idniks cigarette with Psychokinesis. She clicked her tongue before continuing.

Sylvia is in danger.

I silently watched Idnik, eliciting a frown from her.

Deculein, remember what you promised then.

Then?

When you killed Sierra, I took your promise and did not kill you.

I couldnt say anything to that. It was a part of Deculeins past that I did not know.

Are you not going to keep it?

I shook my head. Immediately, Idniks expression lightened.

Good by the way, do you still have that child with you?

That child. Do you mean Epherene?

Yes.

Is there any reason why I shouldnt?

No.

Idnik shrugged, but I noted the anticipation in her eyes.

But, I thought you were going to kill that child.

My eyebrows rose, but I kept my composure and asked again.

The reason being?

Because the first person to discover that child was Decalane. Anyway, back to the point, Sylvia is in danger.

Idnik habitually took out another cigarette, which I also stole with Psychokinesis.

God damn-

In my office, ones mouth is only used to speak. Keep talking.

Arrogant bastard. Yes, there was a murder on the Floating Island.

So?

Idniks legs trembled. It appeared to be a prohibited event to discuss.

One of the prime suspects is Sylvia.

I just blinked. It was definitely a new case.

Ill tell you in detail on the Floating Island. First, give me my damn cigarette

* * *

Late night, assistants lab.

Haaam

Epherene woke up. She had fallen asleep while working.

Oh it is already night but really how did he solve it?

She recalled the recent incident. Deculein solved the problem she had been pondering over for 24 hours in just 30 seconds.

Did I dream it?

Dream?

Allen replied to Epherenes self-talk as she rubbed her eyes. Epherene, startled, immediately laughed.

Haha. No, well Ill get some air and come back~.

Yes, alright.

Allens smile was always pleasant. Epherene left the assistants lab.

Huh?

But at the end of the hallway, the door of the [Head Professors Office] was open once more.

Epherene swallowed hard, contemplating. There was something she wanted to check. Should she take a quick look? No, of course, he would never do that, but it just left a bad taste in her mouth

Okay, lets go. There wont be anything anyway.

Ill go and see for myself with my own eyes.

Oh, wait.

Then what if the ghost appeared again?

So what?

Professor Allen was in the lab too.

Ill be fine.

Epherene sneaked up to the Head Professors office. She glanced through the gap past the slanted open door. Darkness that even the moonlight could not penetrate greeted her, but Deculein was absent.

Whew

Taking a deep breath, Epherene used her mana like a flashlight and crept into the office, holding her breath and moving slowly to pad her footsteps.

Whew whew

Drenched in a cold sweat, she managed to reach Deculeins desk. First, she leaned over the desk.

Where did I see it?

Deculeins paper was a material that was difficult to forget once you saw it because it was too luxurious. Looking for that easy-to-recognize texture, Epherene opened the drawer of his desk.

There was no need to rummage around. However, the moment she found something lying in the first drawer, Epherenes heart sank.

Wait a minute.

Epherene muttered blankly and looked at it. Stretching out her trembling hand, she picked up a neatly folded letter.

No way this is

She read the first sentence, [Sponsor! This time, its Epherene again]. It was the letter to the anonymous donor she put in the postbox today.

Ahhhhh!

More shocked than if she had seen a ghost, Epherene shook her hands and threw the letter down. Her body trembled as a wave of dizziness washed over her.

My sponsor

She covered her mouth with trembling hands and murmured:

Why?

[Reminder: There is a glitch stating that chapters are 50 ATC. Theyre all actually 9 ATC and the proper amount will be deducted from your balance.]