Chapter 15
Chapter 15
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: As Expected, a World Without Mana Only for Me Is Wrong
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"A 3D Magic Circle, huh."
Dennis tilted his head.
He still didn't seem to get it. There were so-called 'ultimate skills' that only specific characters could use. Players had to go through incredibly tough routes to learn them.
'Drake had Dragon Slayer, and for Dennis, it was the 3D Magic Circle.'
I walked up to the blackboard. I drew a large circle in the center and a small one next to it like a satellite. They even had chalk here.
"It's simple. You turn a flat plane into a 3D structure and use multiple spells at the same time."
"Then why not just cast multiple spells in sequence?"
"That lacks flexibility. When would you have time to draw circuits over and over?
With the method I came up with, you could carry over a hundred magic circles in one hand. Professor."
I drew lines dividing the large circle like slicing a pizza. With the circle split into eight sections, I used four different colors.
"Student Licht, it's been a while since I heard an interesting theory. You're not missing anything, are you?"
"I'm aware that magic circles only activate on flat surfaces."
"Good. Carry on."
He opened his mouth, looking intrigued.
This is your technique. I'm just pretending to explain it like I did with Kainel.
My eyes met those of the mutt staring intently at the blackboard. Not like he'd be able to use anyone but Dennis anyway.
"You use those small circles drawn along the lines as satellites, orbiting around it."
I drew a long, curving line rotating around the large circle like Saturn's rings.
I shaped the circle to look like a sphere.
"That creates a cross-section. Is that equivalent to one magic circle?"
"Exactly. As expected of the professor."
"I didn't go through the doctoral program at the Magic Tower for nothing, Student Licht."
Dennis sipped his coffee, a smile playing on his lips.
"But what about when the spells clash? They have affinities, you know. Glasses."
"Right. It could cause an explosion."
Oh, good point. Talking about elemental weaknesses? As expected of the Blazing Flame Mage.
His eyebrows rose slightly at the unexpected question.
"That's why only Professor Dennis can use it. Water neutralizes most attributes easily."
"Spot on. It's advantageous."
The Glass Knight chimed in. Maybe because they were all magic users—they knew the basics I recalled.
I felt ashamed for getting cocky just because I knew future info.
"But even if you stack flat magic circles into a 3D sphere, wouldn't you have to memorize them all?"
"That's why the 'satellite' magic is key."
"Like a guide. Kind of like a table of contents in an encyclopedia."
This time, Kainel and Dennis spoke up.
The hero pondered with his hand on his chin, while Dennis eyed me like something fun had come up.
"Student Licht, where did you hear this theory?"
"I came up with it myself. Since I can't use magic, I ended up admiring it."
I let my voice tremble. How could I say it was nicknamed the 3D Magic Circle among users? All three sets of eyes fixed on me.
"...I'll approve your membership application."
"Really? Thank you! Professor!"
After a brief silence, he signed the paper I'd submitted.
Success. He even does that with magic.
"In exchange, Licht."
Eyes like a predator spotting prey. I'd experienced that gaze before in my past life. Dennis placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Why don't you join my lab?"
"Me?"
"Your intellect and passion for learning are impressive. It's like you know the future of magic."
I do know it. Goosebumps prickled my neck.
What if he drags me off somewhere and reads my mind?
"I do use water magic a bit..."
He formed a sphere of four rings in his palm. Just like what I'd drawn on the board. He pulled it off right away. As expected of the third-ranked among the Ten Heroes.
"It's been ages since I saw something like this right in front of me."
With his other hand, he made a water orb. As the satellites of the manifested 3D Magic Circle orbited, its properties shifted.
From gas to solid, back to liquid, repeating the cycle.
"I'll give you all the books and materials you need. Work under me, Licht."
"I'm not sure what you mean..."
"I'm saying think about grad school. Come find me after you graduate. Until then, stick with the club."
My head spun. Grad school here too? Isn't this a romance fantasy academy story?
Why's there a research lab full of academic passion and exhausted TAs?
"Don't you hate not being able to use magic? Just invest a few more years."
Dennis, is this your real personality?
"Using a medium to substitute the circuits might make it possible. So I need your help as a subject... er, assistant, just for a bit."
Looking for a legal 21st-century slave, huh.
"These days, you can't even get a job without magic. You know that, right?"
"That's true, but I'll pass."
"No interest at all? The Empire funds us, you know? We're researching a teleportation circle right now. It'd be great if you helped..."
"No. Licht."
Thanks, Crown Prince! You saved me from becoming a magic theory dispenser.
Maybe he's not a bad guy after all. He doesn't harass Ariel either.
Mardol pulled me away from Dennis.
"Teach me swordsmanship."
"Ah, sure."
He leaned in close, his resonant voice echoing. What a luxurious helmet.
'Cancel thinking he's a good guy.'
I swallowed hard, dejected. Either way, hardship awaited. Was sticking to club activities the right call? With the Glass Knight blocking, Dennis had no choice but to back off.
"...You have plenty of time, so think it over. Licht."
The blue-haired one returned to his seat. When did the honorific change again?
Dennis had no other routes except hers, so I could relax.
"Anyway, everyone, I sincerely welcome you to the Magic Club."
Either way, it was a success.
Staying around Dennis like this would make building the love line easier. I had to prepare for Knight Heart's story anyway. I let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Professor."
"Same club."
Hm?
The distance with Mardol felt subtly closer.
Come to think of it, he was obsessed with strength for some reason.
What was it again...? I erased it from memory since I couldn't relate to the Mary Sue character.
"Good thing! Glasses!"
"Licht, don't use magic. On principle."
I'd think about it later. These two bridge roles around me were enough hassle. The Crown Prince had no fixed coupling, so it should be fine.
"We'll see later, Kainel."
With that mindset, we sat amicably in the clubroom, sharing snacks.
Click-clack.
The sound of heels echoed.
In an underground chamber where not a speck of light entered.
While Licht's group met Dennis, a special clandestine gathering was underway elsewhere.
"Oh my, hello, little lambs. It's been since the war, hasn't it?"
A squinting woman in a black nun's habit.
"Archbishop Beatrice. The day of prophecy approaches."
"I know that. Why'd you summon me right after leaving the academy? I almost got caught."
Until this afternoon, she'd been lecturing on divine power studies as a professor.
She stood before a group in pristine white robes emblazoned with four crossed swords.
"Sorry. The Hero confirmed the final schedule just yesterday."
"...That person really has a soft heart. Is the minimum number for the death squad correct?"
A crest of swords in different colors forming a # shape.
The tallest among them answered.
"Yes, preparations are complete. Archbishop."
"The fated moment prophesied by the Omniknowing Hero is upon us."
She slightly opened her golden eyes and twisted her lips into a smile.
"I've already singled out the Hero. So innocent."
"Really? As expected of you, Archbishop. Impressive."
"I just spoke the truth, and there wasn't even a hint of doubt."
A soft "huhu" laugh escaped her lips.
"Well, there's one irritating human."
"Who? Surely not the Omniknowing Hero mistaken...?"
"Disgusting."
No sooner had the words left her mouth than the golden-haired nun reached toward the speaker.
"...Mind your words. That person wouldn't do such a thing."
"Ah, aa... Archbishop, please forgive...!! Urgh! Guh! Mmph!!!"
"Will the next one continue? I hate dirty talk."
Having fused their lips together with divine power, she resumed her squint.
The chilling act froze the air around them.
Suddenly, someone raised a hand to question Beatrice.
"Could it be... one of the Ten Heroes? Did they uncover our plan?"
"No, it just felt like spotting a tiger cub."
"If you put it that way...?"
"No issue. We trust our Hero who always does his best."
She recalled the Black Knight from class. Drake's swordsmanship that no one could learn. He stood directly opposed to the Hero she believed in.
If anything, it favored them—no disadvantages.
'Ah, that person's gentle grace will soon grace this world again...'
Her face was enraptured. Her chest ached; she clasped her hands over her heart in prayer. Like a girl in love, her cheeks flushed,
"I'm so glad I became a professor."
But her eyes didn't smile.
"Thanks to the prophecy, we'll easily capture the princess too."
"Is that true, Archbishop?"
"Yes, a tremendous harvest."
Now hugging her own shoulders, the nun shivered.
"This time, we'll definitely succeed!!"
"Do we finally not have to hide in the shadows anymore, Archbishop?!"
"Long live the Omniknowing Hero! Long live!!"
Her words plunged the surroundings into狂 frenzy.
"Indeed. That person knows everything!"
She spread her arms wide. A divine glow like the sun shone behind her. The alien halo from the black nun.
It signified something gravely amiss.
"...For the 'Hero Cult,' let's all give our all, little lambs!"
The short-haired nun concluded.