The outskirts of the Floating Island. On the road leading toward the center, a certain mage driving a car spotted a strange figure reflected in the rearview mirror.
An exceedingly tall... woman.
It was a little chilling, but not something to fret over on the Floating Island. After all, it was a place where all manner of magical incidents occurred.
The mage continued driving without giving it much thought.
Some time passed like that.
He glanced into the rearview mirror again, absentmindedly.
“......?”
The exceedingly tall woman was still there, standing at the edge of the mirror.
No, the car had been moving the whole time.
Yet that woman wasn’t getting farther away.
“What the......”
Belatedly realizing something was wrong, the mage stepped on the accelerator.
Vroooooom—
The vehicle sped forward, trying to escape the woman.
“!”
But at some point, the woman appeared right before his eyes.
Screeeeeech——!
The mage hurriedly swerved, and the vehicle crashed into the undergrowth of the Floating Island.
“Hah, hah, hah......”
Thanks to the support magic he had cast in time, the car was unharmed. The mage panted as he looked ahead.
The woman was gone.
She could not be seen in front, to the right, or to the left.
“Phew......”
Had he seen a hallucination?
He let out a sigh of relief and leaned back against the seat...
Rustle— rustle—
A presence came from the back seat.
In an instant, the mage’s back stiffened.
His bloodshot eyes widened, and he slowly looked into the rearview mirror.
There.
“......”
Sitting with its enormous body half folded,
a ghost grinning grotesquely, glaring with bright crimson pupils.
“Uaaaaaaaargh——!”
* * *
Epherene was discharged at once. No matter how fervently she talked about the ghost, neither Allen nor Drent—nor even the doctor—seemed inclined to believe her.
“Ah~ Classes start tomorrow already~”
Julie said this on the way back to the Magic Tower, after they ran into each other by chance.
Epherene studied the bracelet on her wrist. There was yet another accessory she hadn’t seen before.
At this rate, her whole body’s going to turn into artifacts.
“But, Ephy. Was it really a ghost? Wasn’t it a hallucination? You said Deculein had been putting you through the wringer all this time.”
“I really saw it.”
That horrifying appearance was not a lie. Nor was it a hallucination.
Of course, she had been tired at the time, but......
“Then, Ephy, why don’t you rest today? What if you see another ghost?”
“......No.”
Epherene shook her head. Her attitude was somewhat resolute.
“There’s something I need to check.”
The letter paper she had found in Deculein’s office, right before she saw the ghost. The strangely familiar texture. That sensation would not leave Epherene’s mind.
“Ephy, you’re such a study bug...... Gasp! Ephy! Over there, over there! Look over there!”
Suddenly, Julie made a fuss and flapped about. Epherene looked in the direction she was pointing.
Hup-two— hup-two—
A blond knight was running around the athletic field.
It was Gawain, a handsome man famous even across the continent for his looks.
“It’s Gawain!”
“......So it is. He is handsome.”
Epherene nodded as well.
Gawain of the Knights, Deculein of the Magic Tower. Those two were said to be the finest-looking men in the university.
Would that knight act the part because of his looks too, like Professor Deculein?
“Wow...... Look at him run. Is he a sculpture or what......”
Maintain your speed—!
Gawain, as an instructor in the Knight Department, led the cadets. Julie gazed at him with a dreamy expression, while Epherene chuckled and shook her head.
“I’m going on ahead. You can watch if you want.”
“Mm...... I’ll watch......”
And so, leaving Julie behind, Epherene arrived first at the entrance of the Magic Tower.
In the first-floor lobby, she met Allen.
“Huh? Assistant Professor Allen. When did you get here?”
Epherene’s eyes rounded. She was certain she had taken a faster route than Allen.
Allen smiled brightly.
“I walk rather quickly~ But what’s that~?”
“Ah.”
Epherene hid the letter in her hand behind her back.
“It’s a letter I’m sending to my sponsor......”
“Ah, I see~ The sponsorship mailbox opened today, didn’t it? It seems you received another sponsorship. Congratulations, Miss Epherene.”
“Ahaha...... I’m just grateful, that’s all.”
Epherene trudged over and placed the letter into the “sponsorship mailbox.”
In the meantime, Allen had vanished somewhere.
“He really does walk fast...... Anyway, there’s no way that could really be true...... right?”
Epherene looked at the mailbox and entertained a slightly strange thought, but she shook her head.
Even in the unlikely event.
Surely Deculein wouldn’t do that for her.
“Let’s prepare the report......”
Now it was time to focus on the report again.
* * *
......In-game, the use of the trait 「Encryption」 was probably simple.
Locking and storing items.
However, in this world, where unlike the game, freedom was infinite—and under Deculein’s distinctive mental fortitude—its versatility was amplified.
The first was “digitalization.”
Of course, that was merely a name I had attached to it; more precisely, it was the conversion of a tangible “object” into an intangible “mana code.”
This code was stored in my mind and functioned like a sort of inventory.
Even bulky wood steel could be easily stored through this “digitalization.” So long as I could reverse-calculate the code.
The second was “magic locking.”
Literally, it introduced a lock code into the circuit or formula of magic, making it so that only those I permitted could use it.
By combining the two methods above, it was also possible to code a certain magic and release it in an instant.
However, since the trait description explicitly included a section labeled “mental strength,” the mana consumption was one thing, but the headaches were severe.
If the pain was this intense even with the body of 「Iron Man」, then this was certainly “an application method far removed from the game’s intended usage”......
Knock, knock—
Just then, as I was analyzing the trait 「Encryption」 from multiple angles, a knock suddenly sounded.
Instinctively, I looked toward the door of the office.
Knock, knock—
However, the sound was not coming from the door.
It was the window.
Knock, knock—
Of course, that would not be an issue.
If this place were not the 77th floor of the Magic Tower.
I turned to look at the window.
Knock, knock—
......It was not some ghost.
It was a robed mage of unknown identity.
When our eyes met, the figure moved their lips.
—May I come in?
There were no particular death variables, nor any hostility.
No, there was no need for me to allow it in the first place. The mage passed straight through the glass.
The Magic Tower’s glass was supposed to be the product of magitech, yet it was passed through with extraordinary ease.
“Deculein. I’m not glad to see you, but it has been a while.”
The uninvited guest spoke without even removing the hood of the robe.
The voice was female, but I had no idea who it was.
“It’s me. Idnik.”
Idnik the merchant. Fortunately, I knew that name.
A companion of Rohakan, and one of the figures connected to the main quest.
In one hand, she was holding an object that looked like a “birdcage wrapped in cloth.”
“And—”
—I am here as well, disciple.
A strange voice came from somewhere. It sounded as if someone had swallowed helium gas.
“This, Deculein.”
Idnik placed the birdcage on my desk. From within the dark veil covering the cage, a voice leaked out.
—Lift this veil.
I did as he said and lifted it.
“......?”
The object revealed was a small cabin.
A cabin with a garden.
Inside it, which was the size of a miniature or a Lego house, an equally shrunken “Rohakan” was looking up at me.
—It has been a while, my disciple.
“......Rohakan?”
—Aye. Hahaha.
Rohakan laughed heartily. For a moment, I was dumbfounded.
“What are you doing in there?”
—It is a measure to avoid being caught. As you know, I am a Black Beast, am I not? I could not bring the cabin itself in here, so I reduced its size a bit.
I looked at Idnik. Idnik was still wearing the hooded robe.
“......You brought a subordinate with you as well.”
“Not a subordinate. A colleague.”
—Hahaha!
Idnik corrected me, and Rohakan smiled.
—Deculein. Have you read the Exploration Records of the Extinct Lands I gave you?
“Yes. I have.”
It was mostly content I already knew. Although I had been a designer, I had also tested the game, and I had picked up various settings from team members and Yu Ara.
—Good. This subordinate of mine and I have something to say to you—
“I said I’m not a subordinate. I’m a colleague.”
—Your head has grown rather large, it seems. This one.
“Hah. As if you can do anything without me.”
—Oh? Is that so?
At that, Rohakan extended his index finger toward Idnik. Bzzzzzz...... Mana released from his finger pulled Idnik into the miniature cabin.
Idnik had also become small.
—......Rohakan. I warn you. Turn me back.
—Why not return on your own? You said I could do nothing without you, did you not?
Idnik clenched her teeth. Rohakan shrugged and played innocent.
—......I’ll count to three. I have something to say to Deculein alone. Turn me back to normal.
—Count to three, then. If I die, you will be small forever anyway.
Idnik and Rohakan glared at each other, growling.
The more I watched, the cuter it was.
A standoff between miniatures, between figurines.
—Rohakan, I said turn me back.
—If you acknowledge that you are my subordinate, Idnik.
—My only master is Demakan.
—I was the one who introduced you to that Demakan.
Knock, knock—
A knock sounded then.
This time, it came from the normal entrance, the “door.” I covered Rohakan’s small cabin with the cloth.
—It’s Epherene.
I opened the door with 「Psychokinesis」.
Epherene walked in and held out a report.
“It’s the research report.”
I read its contents, but a sigh escaped me from the very first three lines.
It was still unsatisfactory.
Epherene asked,
“......Still not it?”
“That’s right.”
“......”
Then Epherene held out another sheet of paper.
It was a magic problem filled with complex formulae, equations, and calculations.
“This is an academic problem presented in the latest issue of Wizard Academic by ‘Telgend,’ the author of 「Harmony of the Four Great Elements」. Would you help me?”
“......A problem?”
“Yes.”
I thought I understood Epherene’s intentions.
It was a feeling I had experienced myself back when I was a designer.
When one kept getting criticized, thoughts such as, “Is that superior harassing me without even knowing anything himself?” would slowly creep up.
“......”
I quietly looked over Telgend’s problem.
At the same time, I activated Comprehension.
“Hehe.”
......As I listened to Epherene’s cheeky laugh.
Calculate the ratio of the four great elements presented by the problem setter, assume the framework in which the elements achieved harmony, predict the circuit based on that hypothesis, and present the “answer” that formed the totality of this study.
“22.1935%, 23.1105%, 27.8505%, 26.8455%.”
“......Pardon?”
Epherene’s face went blank. As if she had misheard, she tilted her ear forward.
“A-again.”
“22.1935%, 23.1105%, 27.8505%, 26.8455%.”
“Uh......”
“It is a problem that reveals the golden ratio required for the harmony of the four great elements. Were you unable to solve it?”
“N-no. I did solve it, but......”
She muttered in a small voice. Had he solved it before? How did he solve it so quickly? No, it was a problem from just four days ago......
“Epherene.”
I called the name of this impertinent girl.
“Yes, yes.”
“What you know, I know as well.”
“......”
“And what you do not know, I also know.”
At least in theory, she would not reach the level of refuting me. Probably forever.
Epherene scratched the back of her neck with a dejected expression.
“Devote yourself humbly. If you keep doubting in that manner, you will fail to reach even the heights you could have attained.”
“......Yes. I’m sorry.”
Epherene trudged out.
Creeeak—
Once the office door closed, I lifted the cloth again, and Rohakan spoke.
—Was that voice just now Epherene’s?
“Yes.”
—Hooh......
Rohakan and Idnik seemed to have reconciled at some point and were sitting at a table in the garden, sipping tea together.
A thought suddenly occurred to me.
“Can I enter that cabin as well?”
—No. It is possible for Idnik and me because we are bound by a contract. Of course, ordinary people can be forcibly pulled in, but not someone with resistance as strong as yours.
“Then what is your reason for seeking me out? At that time, I believe I clearly said that letting you go would be the last time.”
Back when I first met Rohakan.
I had warned him.
His words were a warning, but in truth, they were “concern.”
Concern that I might show off and get myself killed.
─······Who’s letting whom go? You, Deculein. This old man Rohakan?
Adnik muttered in puzzlement, and Rohakan continued gravely.
─I know. But there is something I must tell you.
“What is it?”
─The Altar is moving. A great threat will descend upon the Empire. More specifically, winter. The time when the Monster Wave will strike.
Winter, and the main quest.
In truth, I had expected as much the moment I saw Rohakan.
Rohakan was a man whose very existence was no different from a quest.
─Thus, I wish to ask one favor of you.
“A favor, you say.”
─Indeed. Let us meet in the winter, when the Monster Wave approaches. I will tell you the details then, when we meet in the Myeolji.
“What do I gain from it?”
I asked.
Rohakan pondered for a moment, then answered.
─······Life. Not only yours, but that of everyone on this continent.
At the same time, the main quest appeared.
[ Main Quest: Life ]
◆ Rare Trait Catalog
◆ Shop Currency +5
There was no need to think twice.
I nodded.
“I will consider it.”
─I will look forward to a favorable choice.
Having answered thus, Rohakan released Idnik from the cabin. Idnik, returned to her original state, looked at me.
─Idnik says she has something to discuss with you alone, so I shall take my leave. Until we meet again, fare well, my disciple.
Rohakan smiled brightly.
Immediately after, his cabin floated up into the sky and vanished with a pop.
“By the way, Deculein. Is your hospitality always this poor?”
Idnik said. She took out a cigarette as she looked around the office.
“An uninvited guest is normally not treated with hospitality, but with neglect.”
“······.”
“Say what you came to say.”
I snatched Idnik’s cigarette with 「Psychokinesis」. Idnik clicked her tongue and said one thing.
“Sylvia is in danger.”
“······.”
I silently looked at Idnik. Idnik frowned and said,
“Deculein. There was a promise you made back then.”
“Back then?”
“When you killed Cielia. I accepted your promise, and that was why I did not kill you.”
“······.”
There was no answer I could give to those words. It was a past of Deculein’s that I did not know.
“Don’t tell me you intend not to keep it?”
“······.”
I shook my head. At that, Idnik’s expression improved somewhat.
“Good. ······But you are still keeping ‘that child’ with you?”
“‘That child.’ You mean Epherene?”
“Yes.”
“Is there any reason I shouldn’t?”
“None.”
Idnik shrugged. However, there was sharpness in her gaze.
“I simply thought you would kill that child.”
At the sudden words, my eyebrow twitched. For the moment, I maintained my composure and asked back.
“Why?”
“Because the first person to discover that child was Dikailen. Anyway, let us return to the main point. Sylvia is in danger.”
Idnik habitually took tobacco from within her clothes. I snatched that tobacco as well with 「Psychokinesis」.
“You goddamn—”
“In my office, the mouth is used only for speaking. Continue.”
“······Impudent bastard. Fine. A murder occurred on the Floating Island.”
“And?”
Taptaptaptap— Idnik’s leg trembled. It seemed to be withdrawal.
“One of the prime suspects is Sylvia of the Regilo rank.”
“······.”
I merely blinked.
It was certainly a new incident.
“The details will be discussed on the Floating Island. For now, give me back my damn cigarette······.”
* * *
Late at night, in the assistants’ laboratory.
“Haaaaaahm——”
Epherene woke from sleep. No, it seemed she had dozed off for a moment.
“Ah······ It’s already night······. But seriously······ how did he solve it······?”
She recalled the incident from just before, which had been tremendously shocking.
Deculein had solved in a mere thirty seconds the problem she had agonized over for nearly twenty-four hours.
“Was I dreaming?”
“A dream?”
Allen answered Epherene’s mutter as she rubbed her eyes. Startled, Epherene soon smiled sheepishly.
“Haha. No, well······ I’m going to get some air for a bit~”
“Yes. Take care.”
Allen’s smile always put her in a good mood.
Epherene left the assistants’ laboratory.
“Huh?”
But at the end of that corridor.
The door to the [Head Professor’s Office] was open again.
“······.”
Epherene swallowed hard and hesitated.
There was something she really wanted to confirm. Should she just take one quick look?
No, of course, there was absolutely no way, but it still felt strangely unsettling······.
Right.
Let’s go.
It’s not going to be, anyway.
I’ll go and confirm it with my own eyes.
······Ah, wait.
What if the ghost appears again?
“So what?”
Assistant Professor Allen is in the lab too.
It should be fine.
Epherene crept toward the head professor’s office. She peeked through the slanted gap of the open door.
Darkness, without even moonlight seeping in. Deculein was not there.
Whew······.
Taking a deep breath, Epherene shone her mana like a flashlight and walked through the office without making a sound, holding her breath.
Hoo······. Hoo······.
Thus, drenched in cold sweat, she barely reached Deculein’s desk.
First, she crammed herself under the chair.
“Where did I see that again······.”
Deculein’s paper. A material so high quality that, once experienced, it was hard to forget.
Searching for that sensation, Epherene opened the desk drawer.
“······.”
There was no need to rummage here and there.
The moment she discovered something neatly placed inside that first drawer—
Epherene’s heart sank heavily.
“······Wait a second.”
A sound like a stone dropping inside her chest.
Epherene stared blankly as she muttered. She reached out with a trembling hand and picked up a neatly folded letter.
“Don’t tell me this is······.”
The first sentence reflected on her retina—[ Dear Sponsor! It’s Epherene again this time— ]—was.
Today.
The letter she herself had sent to her anonymous sponsor through the “mailbox.”
“······Hwaaaaaah!”
Startled as if she had seen a ghost, Epherene flung the letter away with both hands.
Her entire body trembled. Her head spun as though she had caught the flu.
“My sponsor······.”
Covering her mouth with shaking hands, she muttered in utter shock.
“······Why?”