To the Elven Haven
For Yohan, the loop was akin to salvation. It was the rescue he had encountered in his darkest moments. He could not claim there had been no hardship, yet that did not mean he would ever abandon this loop.
I know all too well how fortunate it is to be able to try again.
The stability granted by the knowledge that he could restart at any time was profound. The simple truth that failure did not mean the end, that he could attempt it once more. The reassurance this fact provided surpassed imagination.
That was why Yohan had never crumbled despite dozens of failures. It allowed him to take on challenges while fully accounting for the possibility of defeat.
However.
The realization that someone had noticed this loop was an entirely different matter.
How much does the professor know?
Yohan asked, his expression remaining rigid. The situation was grave enough to warrant it.
I see.
Yohan let out a long sigh. The situation called for it.
This has never happened before.
Not even once. No one had ever detected Zeno’s existence, the loop engraved upon his body, or any part of it.
Just when?
Just when did she notice?
Yohan could not hide his unease. Zeno recognized the tension as well.
Though this was new information, Yohan did not blame Zeno. Instead, he nodded as if he understood the explanation perfectly.
“No. What could be done about it?”
It was unavoidable.
I never thought it would become a problem either.
Who could have imagined that a mark left by a god could be detected in such a manner?
It would be more reasonable to conclude that the professor possesses power beyond imagination.
Yes, that line of thinking was safer.
Yohan exhaled slowly. His mind cooled in an instant.
Let me piece together the situation…
When considering how Professor Aria had uncovered it, one inference stood out.
It must be related to the formula.
The ability to summon Zeno, the partnership that followed, and even his entry into this loop; everything was connected to that formula. Yohan therefore surmised that this was how Aria had detected the engraving on his body.
“Zeno, is it possible the professor might attempt to interfere with the loop?”
Yohan considered the worst-case scenario. Any situation in which Professor Aria touched the loop had to be avoided at all costs. The aftermath was impossible to predict.
Aria had indeed noticed the mark on Yohan’s body, but she could not tamper with it recklessly. Only an existence equal to a god could touch such a thing. On this point, Zeno spoke with absolute certainty.
“That is enough.”
He could endure interrogation. As long as he kept his mouth shut, it would be fine.
No matter what is done to me, I can endure it.
As long as the loop itself was not directly affected, it did not matter.
Still.
I will need to remain vigilant.
He would have to stay alert.
“Well, there is no helping it.”
He would simply have to remain on high alert as he had in the past. His body would grow weary, but that could not be avoided.
Some time later, Serafina finished all her tasks within the Magic Tower and climbed into the carriage to depart.
The chancellor should be arriving soon.
Serafina had boarded the carriage early at Aria’s instruction. As time passed without Kassian appearing, she tilted her head.
The departure time was drawing near.
“He is not one to be late.”
Chancellor Kassian was never one to break a time commitment. Having met with him several times in Aria’s stead, Serafina knew this fact well.
She waited anxiously for a short while. Only when the scheduled departure time arrived did Kassian finally appear.
He was not alone.
One other person followed behind Chancellor Kassian. A woman with white hair and crimson eyes, every bit as beautiful as Professor Aria.
Serafina’s gaze was briefly stolen by the woman before she realized her lapse in manners and rose from her seat.
“There is no need to stand.”
Kassian waved his hand, indicating it was unnecessary, and Serafina sat back down somewhat awkwardly.
“My apologies for the delay.”
“Not at all, Chancellor.”
Serafina shook her head. Kassian continued.
“This is a high-ranking mage from the Magic Tower who will be traveling to the academy with us.”
“My name is Rania.”
Rania extended one hand. Serafina quickly offered her own, and they exchanged a handshake.
“She has been away from the Magic Tower, so today is likely the first time you are seeing her face.”
Serafina nodded. Indeed, she had never seen Rania’s face when meeting other mages within the tower.
“I was on an assignment elsewhere. Now, however, I have been assigned to the academy.”
Rania smiled and briefly explained the situation. Serafina nodded in understanding.
“Now that I think about it, I heard that Assistant Serafina’s research has become a hot topic within the Magic Tower.”
At Rania’s remark, Serafina waved her hands in denial. It was far too generous an assessment.
“The other mages are also eagerly awaiting the completion of your research.”
Within the Magic Tower, stealing another mage’s research was strictly taboo. If word of such an act reached Aria, the offender would be expelled from the tower and stripped of the title of mage entirely. That was also why Serafina had been able to comfortably share the details of her research with them.
“Thank you.”
Serafina bowed her head at the continued praise.
“If it is not too much trouble, could you explain it to me in greater detail?”
Rania expressed her desire to examine the work closely. Serafina nodded.
“This is extraordinary.”
Rania could not stop marveling as she examined the details of Serafina’s research. It was a magnificent study. Although she had encountered vast amounts of knowledge at the Dragon’s Nest, this offered a completely fresh perspective.
“How are you conducting such research all on your own?”
Rania’s gaze turned toward Serafina.
“In truth, it is difficult to say I did it alone.”
Serafina shook her head, looking embarrassed by the admiration.
“Did you receive assistance from the mages of the Magic Tower?”
Serafina shook her head again. Another face rose in her mind.
“No. Actually, I received help from one of the students.”
Kassian immediately recognized which student she meant. It was because of what Aria had told him.
She said he helped with the research Serafina was conducting. I haven’t asked him about it yet, but it seems he still has interest in research and such matters.
Perhaps Student Yohan may return to the academy after all.
Of course, Kassian knew multiple conditions would have to be met first.
I will need to solidify the board of directors.
Kassian made up his mind with firm resolve.
“A student, you say…”
On the other hand, Rania wore an astonished expression. Whoever the student was, they had to be remarkable.
Though the same could be said of both of them.
In her eyes, Serafina herself was no ordinary person. Nevertheless, Serafina continued to insist the research had not been conducted alone, waving her hands in denial. Naturally, Rania’s curiosity about the student grew.
I would like to meet them once. The same goes for Lady Aria’s disciple.
Rania never imagined the two were the same person.
Yohan was alone with Aria in her bedroom.
“Aside from what Claire prepared, there is nothing else you need to bring, correct?”
“Yes, there is nothing else.”
They were making final preparations to travel to the Elven Haven. Yohan had packed only a few items: a change of clothes, some tools, and, most importantly, a magic device for communication.
“Is there really a need to bring that?”
Aria, of course, expressed dissatisfaction upon seeing the magic device. Yohan could only offer an awkward smile.
It cannot be helped.
It was the same device he had used before, the one with limited uses due to the hasty repairs. “In any case, I will continue supplying it with mana.”
He did not know how many times it could be used, but it served as a kind of safety measure. A device to create distance from her should Professor Aria ever attempt to touch the mark on his body.
“I will have to make it work somehow.”
If he claimed to be tired, she might allow him to rest for a while. It was better to have such a contingency.
“Well, that is enough. We will move now.”
Aria took Yohan’s hand. Physical contact was necessary to cast Space Movement Magic.
“The distance is great, so we will move several times. Tell me immediately if you feel dizzy.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Yohan nodded. Soon after, Aria’s mana stirred, and the two of them vanished from sight.