Chapter 10

"Looks like it's fine. Then, can I aim for that wall from here?"

"Yeah, it's fine. That direction is a forest, so even if it penetrates, there won't be any problems. Well, as I said earlier, the barrier has never been broken, and the thickness of the Daryl steel behind it is fifty centimeters. Even the head court magician, Mr. Darvitz, would find it difficult."

"Hahaha, Lord Bent. If even Mr. Darvitz can't do it, I definitely can't. Besides, I'm not a magician who doesn't know how to control my power."

But to be honest, I had a little, just a little, desire to pierce through that barrier and the Daryl steel. I said I didn't have any destructive impulses earlier, but when provoked so clearly, it just welled up. However, my childhood friend interrupted.

"Hey, Jade? Really don't break it, okay? Just a light touch, alright?"

"Meena, I know. I'm not the same as when I was thirteen. I have some sense now."

But Meena looked suspicious and whispered, "Really?" How rude.

"Alright, then, Mr. Jade, show me a magic spell with more than four syllables."

"Yes!"

(Hold on. More than four? Did he say more than four syllables? Oh, that's five syllables? When did it become a five-syllable spell instead of four?)

I realized I was supposed to use a spell with more than five syllables, not four. It's strange. But I had already agreed, and I couldn't say, "Actually, can I just use a four-syllable spell?" to Lord Bent, who was glowing with excitement. I had been skillfully guided—so it seemed.

Reluctantly, I began to cast a five-syllable attack spell.

"Phira—"

A magic word formed at the tip of my right hand, forming a circle. It was about ten centimeters with one syllable. A small electric current appeared at the tip of the magic circle.

"Elbalt—"

Two syllables—twenty centimeters. The electric current changed shape, forming a sharp arrow.

"Quartlick—"

Three syllables—forty centimeters. The single lightning arrow split into four.

"Reside—"

Four syllables—eighty centimeters. The lightning arrows, now twice as thick, emitted intense sparks.

"Amazing. I can feel the air trembling. You're going to layer it even further from here?"

There aren't many magicians who can use a four-syllable spell. In the capital, only the court magicians and a few others can. And—

"Verges"

Five syllables—according to my knowledge, there are only a handful of magicians who can use a five-syllable spell. The magic circle, now one hundred and sixty centimeters in diameter, had the four arrows twist together into one. The sound of burning air continued, and the wind blew in all directions as if the air were escaping.

"Fantastic. I've never seen such a huge magic circle. Is this Phira Elbalt? What a joke... This really—"

Then I declared to Lord Bent, who was trembling.

"Then, I'll fire."

The magic circle glowed, and a massive lightning arrow was released.

Despite the considerable distance to the wall, no one could follow the arrow with their eyes. It blew away all the air, creating a momentary vacuum—then a gust of wind. At the same time, a sound like thunder. A moment later, the sounds of crumbling and cracking reached my ears.

(Crumbling? Cracking?)

I had a slight, just a slight, bad feeling about the unfamiliar sounds that followed the spell.

Looking at the wall, a one-meter diameter hole was cleanly cut out, and the building materials were crumbling. The forest beyond was also scorched where the lightning arrow had passed.

"..."

I was speechless. Even I could tell—this was way overboard. I couldn't see Lord Bent's face, so I turned to Meena. She was smiling. A very good smile. I moved my mouth to ask, "What should I do?" But Meena gently moved her palm, gesturing me to go to Lord Bent. That was not an option because Lord Bent was there. But I couldn't just run away. I hesitantly turned to him.

"Lord, Lord Bent... I, I'm very sorry! I, I'll pay for the damages!"

"Ah... Ha, sorry. I was so shocked that my mind went blank. First, thank you for showing me such an amazing spell. You mentioned paying for the damages? That's not necessary. This was the result of my request, and I'll pay for it personally. It was a good opportunity to test the durability. I'll inform the workers who constructed it. They'll know it was broken by a five-syllable attack spell."

Then Lord Bent smiled. But I didn't have the nerve to smile at such a time.

"No, even so, I can't just do nothing..."

"Hmm, I see. Then, is there a way you can repay me that only you can do?"

Lord Bent said this with a face like a boy who had just come up with a prank, drawing a small circle with his finger.

"Magic...? No, I understand. If you need me, I'll gladly do it."

"Jade!"

"No, Meena. I was originally willing to accept the request. I was just scared of the new changes. So, from the day after tomorrow, we'll be colleagues."

Meena probably thought I had reluctantly accepted the responsibility for breaking the wall. She called out worriedly. But for me, while it was a very troublesome situation, breaking the wall had finally solidified my resolve.

"Hmm. Thank you, Mr. Jade. I, Elm Academy, welcome you. Let's go back to the principal's office and talk about the academy and the future. Miss Scarlett, can you contact the workers who constructed the magic barrier and this wall? It's my personal expense, so feel free to add some color and get it repaired as soon as possible."

Miss Scarlett nodded and immediately headed somewhere.

"Principal, I—"

"Yes, would you like to join us, Miss Meena? It's a good opportunity. I'm thinking of asking you to be in charge of Mr. Jade's education."

Meena looked surprised at this but quickly regained her composure and gave an affirmative response. As for me, after a series of unexpected events since yesterday, I was no longer fazed by this. Being taught by Meena was something I couldn't have imagined sixteen years ago, but seeing the grown-up Meena, I felt it would be fine.

Then, the three of us headed to the principal's office.