CH 56

Magic.

It is a power that embodies miracles.

It brings about the occurrence of reality that disregards logic and common sense through the hands of humans.

The heyday was in ancient times.

The world prospered through magic.

However, that prosperity did not last long.

Magic was too powerful.

It exceeded human capabilities.

It expanded when it fell into the hands of small people, and there was no way to stop it.

Eventually, conflicts began to spread.

For power, land, people, and everything else.

If you use force, you can take them away.

If you don’t want to be taken away, you have to become strong.

The conflicts created bigger conflicts.

The world was filled with strife.

Someone may have thought that such a world was sad.

Who? There was a god at that time.

It was not human, not an animal, but an absolute existence that was not mortal.

The god, beyond human intellect, took away the power of magic from the people to return the world to its rightful state.

As a result, human beings declined and returned to primitive life.

Eventually, they continued to evolve calmly and gradually to create a new history of humanity.

It is because they lost the omnipotent power of magic that people struggled to find wisdom and courage.

It seems that magic was not necessary for people to live.

But still, there were those who dreamed of the power of miracles.

People who wished to obtain it, even if it took decades or hundreds of years.

So God gave again.

The power of miracles.

To only a few…chosen humans.

◇◇◇

“Yuren-kun’s older brother… is a magician?”

“Yeah. He’s said to be the strongest person in this country, not just because of that, though. Even from my perspective, it’s true.”

“W-Wow, that sounds incredible…”

“He’s an amazing person. But, I think it might not quite match up to what Aria is imagining.”

Saying so, Yuren-kun grinned.

To put it simply, I pictured a large and scary man…

If that’s not it, then what kind of person could he be?

As I let my imagination run wild with curiosity, Yuren-kun said to me:

“I think you’ll be able to meet him soon. It’s about time for him to return home for a short while.”

“Return home… He’s in another country right now?”

“Yeah, he’s half on a diplomatic mission and half on a deterrent mission. Because my brother is around, no country would dare to openly pick a fight with ours. That’s also part of the reason for his visit.”

“I-I see…”

I became even more curious.

Yuren-kun’s older brother… the second prince of Ash Salem.

I wonder what kind of person he is.

I’m looking forward to meeting him.

“I’ll introduce you then. It can be nerve-wracking meeting someone for the first time, right?”

“Yeah! I’d be happy if you did that.”

Afterwards, the two of us continued to have a great time together for a while.

We talked about trivial things, but I also learned about Yuren-kun’s older brother.

It seemed that he was the one who taught Yuren-kun swordsmanship.

He was a martial arts enthusiast since he was a child, and Yuren-kun often practiced under his guidance.

Yuren-kun’s brother was apparently a formidable opponent who Yuren-kun could never win against.

“When he comes back next time, I plan on having him teach me again.”

“Will you win next time?”

“That’s the plan. You understood me well.”

“It’s written all over your face.”

Yuren-kun tends to wear his emotions on his face, especially in front of me and Hisui-san.

I was happy and felt reassured that he trusted me enough to let me see that.

◇◇◇

The day after spending a peaceful and enjoyable holiday.

I was working hard in the workshop as usual.

“Do I take this to the Head Department-san?”

“Yeah, can you ask if it’s okay?”

“Okay. I’ll hand it over quickly!”

Fusaki-kun, who had recovered, was also working diligently with me.

I entrusted him with the package addressed to the Head Department-san and focused on my own work.

The light and sound of the Transmutation Circle, and nothing else could be heard.

When I concentrate, I can’t hear the sounds around me.

It is precisely at times like these that Yuren-kun suddenly calls out to you.

Just as I thought that, I felt a presence.

I immediately knew it wasn’t Yuren-kun.

Because…the sense of intimidation was different.

Someone was there.

A person with a strong presence was in front of the workshop.

I opened the door fearfully.

“Um…May I ask who you are?”

“Oh? You noticed me. You’re quite sharp.”

Standing in front of the door was a large man.

Should I call him a wall?

Or perhaps a giant tree would be more appropriate.

Not just because of his size, but he had a certain presence.

“You’re the new Transmutation Master, right?”

“Y-Yes. I’m Aria Lawrence.”

“Aria, huh. That’s a good name.”

“T-Thank you.”

I didn’t know who he was, but his attire suggested that he was of noble birth.

What caught my attention even more was the large sword on his back.

He carried a sword as large as his height.

He didn’t exactly look like a knight, but he reminded me of someone.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. They say you’re a skilled master! You even helped my little sister, and I’m grateful for that.”

“Huh? Your little sister?”

Wait, could this person be…

“Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet, have I? I am——”

“Brother! Don’t just disappear like that!”

“Yuren-kun?”

“You’re too slow, Yuren!”

Yuren-kun came running out of breath.

And he referred to him as ‘Brother’.

In other words, this person is… the older brother of Yuren-kun, the strongest person in this country.

He is the Second Prince, Ash Salem-sama.

No wonder he resembles someone.