The Archmage Doesn't Believe in Word Spirit (1)
As we drew closer to the Demon King's Castle, we faced ever taller and fiercer trials. The resurrected Demon King of this era sent wave after wave of fresh minions without ever tiring. He revived the monsters once commanded by ancient Demon Kings, but in more refined forms, hurling them at us. Confronting beasts I'd only read about in history books was never, ever a pleasant experience.
Of course, at first, it was a bit fun. As a mage devoted to pursuing truth, analyzing undocumented demonkin was thrilling. The prospect of dissecting precious specimens and penning new theses was pure delight. But as we ventured deeper into the cursed land, the ever-strengthening monsters... instilled in me an anxiety I'd never felt before. For the first time, I thought I might actually die if I were alone.
These weren't foes just any strong fighter could handle—they were overwhelmingly powerful. Yet I seemed to be the only one gripped by such unease. Everyone else moved as one, advancing without a flicker of doubt. It felt like the party's atmosphere had shifted dramatically in the few days I'd been absent. The current battle exemplified that unity perfectly.
"Over here! Young Master Leon!"
"Hup!"
The monster's fists—its upper body far more developed than its legs—clashed against Amelie Grace's longsword and Elahe's fist, losing their momentum. The bronze-mirror-shimmering beast let out a grating screech.
"Kek?!"
The two overcame their physical disadvantages through sheer skill, pinning the monster's legs to prevent escape.
"Be crushed."
Young Master Leon amplified the assault with his Word Spirit, swinging his greatsword in a long diagonal arc. The blade, weighted with his full body and a sweeping motion, sank straight into the gleaming hide.
"Groooarrr!"
Its bronze-like skin repelled all magic and shrugged off most physical damage like nothing—yet now it crumpled like wet clay under heavy pressure. The trio, specialized in close combat, dispatched the "Magic Mirror"—the mages' nightmare—with practiced ease.
"Grrr..."
Another monster, shifting forms like mist as it drifted about, seized the chance to charge in and aid its comrade. That amorphous fog... definitely the "Grave of Swordsmen." Bad matchup for our three melee fighters! Well, no helping it. Time for this genius mage to step up.
As the Runia Magic Tower's Blue Tower Lord, I already knew how to handle that thing...
"Get away from Leon... right now!"
Ah, right—our party had another genius mage. My senior, Bella Sodus, unleashed her spell, striking the beast. The icy blue magic, infused with northern chill, froze its skin on contact, cracking it with sharp snaps. Magnificent. Senior solved the problem her way, different from mine. The monster writhed against the cold, but her magic allowed no resistance.
While the "Grave of Swordsmen" was immobilized, Leon split the bronze monster's head in two for the finish. Then he pulverized the frozen one with a punch.
"...Ah."
The fight ended before I could lift a finger. Four perfectly synchronized members crushed the beasts without my help.
"C-Congratulations, Young Master Leo...n..."
"Leon!"
"Young Master!"
"Leon Sodus!"
Bella, Amelie, and Elahe swarmed to his side in an instant. Barred by their human wall, I couldn't even offer proper congratulations. And only after stepping back to watch did I notice something.
Everyone except me looked incredibly close. The haughty desert princess and the selfish knight, who once cared only for her kingdom, now chatted with warm smiles like old friends.
"..."
I fell silent as usual, staring at the scene.
When... did everyone get this close...?
The shocking realization hit me. I, Irina Belnova—hero of the Runia Magic Tower, Blue Tower Lord—might just be the party outcast.
After confirming no more demonic beasts nearby, the hero party reorganized. Meanwhile, back at her lodgings, Tower Lord Irina drowned in regret.
"Haa... I shouldn't have..."
She recalled the previous Tower Lord's earnest parting words, gripping her wrinkled hand tightly.
"Got it? Irina, go make friends. No matter how fascinating the new monsters are, build trust with the heroes saving the continent first. Please tone down that arrogant attitude!"
I should have listened...
She'd brushed it off then—who did he think she was, a baby?—telling him not to worry. But upon arriving in the cursed land, she'd gotten lost in the mysterious ecosystem and fresh demonic specimens, neglecting all socializing.
And that wasn't all. She'd flaunted her excessive pride in her magic, even reading books mid-battle. Hardly ways to win favor.
Thinking back, it wasn't like there were no chances to bond...
Memories flashed: Elahe the princess's sparring requests, Leon Sodus's invitation to a magic exchange, Amelie Grace's overtures for tower-kingdom ties. Too late now—the trains had left the station.
She'd assumed bonding with the hero party was easy, anytime. Arrogantly figured her genius mage status would let her befriend them whenever. What shook her was Elahe and Amelie Grace's transformation. She'd inwardly deemed them socially inept, yet here they were, chummy with everyone. A strange sense of defeat washed over her.
I thought I was at least a bit better than those two...!
That defeat fueled her resolve to end her seclusion and mingle with the others.
I don't want to be the lone outsider on this journey ahead.
...Though part of it was realizing isolation, far from the tower, felt a tad lonely.
"...There's still a way to get close."
Recalling Elahe always begging for spars, she knocked on the princess's door.
She loves sparring. Maybe we'll bond over it?
No luck at the training grounds. "...Huh? She's usually drilling this time...?"
Feigning a chance encounter, she timidly made her way to Elahe's room and knocked softly.
"Um, Your Highness~? Are you in...?"
The door opened, revealing the bronze-skinned beauty greeting her guest.
"Oh, Blue Tower Lord. Rare for you to visit. Business with me?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Might you... spar with me?"
Hah, this battle maniac will jump at it. Let her win a bit, play along, and we'll be buddies in no time?
"Heh, afraid that's tough right now."
The swift rejection blindsided her.
"Y-Yes, then at the training grou—huh...? W-Why?"
"Lately, I've been focused on 'other spars' with Leon. Can't squeeze you in."
"Other... spars? C-Could I perhaps observe—"
"Ob-Observe?! What nonsense is that! N-No, that's impossible."
She fanned her flushed face in embarrassment.
"Too soon to show you... Anyway, I've got things to do."
Overly flustered, she shut the door hastily. Rejection followed by a curt dismissal.
Keeping distance 'cause we're not close yet?
A vague resentment stirred. Weren't they comrades hunting the Demon King? Too firm a no.
But... the princess seemed a bit sexier than usual. Her outfit too, more revealing...
Shaking off the stray thoughts, she headed next.
"Then... Amelie?"
She'd ignored kingdom supply requests multiple times. Propose detailed talks now, build rapport?
"Feels like using the tower's clout instead of mine, but... whatever."
Knocking as before, calling for Amelie. Failure never crossed her mind—so the repeat rejection hit harder.
"Sorry, today's booked with Young Master Leon."
"Wha...? B-But ties with the tower would hugely benefit your kingdom?"
"Oh, that? We're good now."
She replied indifferently.
Good now? What did that mean? Civil war over?
"You might not get it yet. No more to say—off you go."
She stared blankly at the slammed door, lingering in a daze. Finally, she mulled the one name both mentioned.
"Leon... Sodus..."
I can't fathom what charm that big, somewhat handsome blond noble scion holds... but he's tight with everyone else in the party.
So, just win his favor, right? Easy. I'm beautiful, after all. Swaying a man's heart is child's play. Nod along, stroke his ego—done.
Use that goodwill to befriend the others. Simplest path, really.
I only knew he was a magic swordsman and Word Spirit user, but that's plenty. I know the perfect temptation for any mage.
Pulling out his "Magic Exchange Invitation," I knocked on his door.
"Ah, Lady Blue Tower Lord, hello. What brings you?"
Brief chit-chat, then to the point.
"Um, well... There's this record in a book on Word Spirit I don't quite get. Could you... teach me a bit?"
No mage resists the thrill of imparting wisdom to another. For arrogant, prideful mages, a peer humbly seeking guidance is an honor.
True to form, he welcomed me in, happy to help where he could.
Hah, mages...
A little acting for rapport? No big deal.
"Then, pardon the intrusion~"
Half mage himself? His room brimmed with magic tomes, just like mine.
Flashing a confident smile, I watched him hum and prepare tea.
Hmm~ This might even be fun?
No way something could go wrong with winning over a guy this easily.