Chapter 99

After the "cycle" ended and the veil of light was lifted, there were adults engaged in heated debate.

Blinking to adjust to the sensation and the reality of the world, I looked around, and Seriel noticed that the "cycle" had ended and patted my head.

"Don't worry, it's not a fight."

Feeling reassured by that calm, low voice, I observed the situation. It seemed the topic of discussion was about how to suppress light magic using dark attributes.

On one side was Ciel, who actually handles light magic, and on the other were the people from the Northern Demon King's Castle, who can't handle light magic but can use the opposite attribute, dark magic. They were discussing the characteristics of each, what they can and cannot do due to their opposing nature, and what they haven't done but might be possible.

"…Yuri, how do you perceive light magic?"

In the midst of this, Seriel suddenly asked.

Well, if I had to describe my image of light...

"...Something that illuminates. Something that heals. Something that envelops."

To put it simply, that's how I see it.

"...But, it only fits if it's not too strong or just right."

Light that is too strong is far from healing; it can cause physical and mental pain. Sunburn and sleep disturbance are good examples.

Healing power, like in autoimmune diseases, is supposed to protect by eliminating foreign substances, but it ends up destroying one's own cells and tissues, causing abnormalities. There's even a term for excessive regeneration, like when a shrimp regrows its lost legs and antennae or a lizard regrows its tail multiple times.

"Can't afford to fail, so the way you use it is important, right?"

Probably, you shouldn't use it unless you understand it. I think one of the things Seriel wants to say is correct.

How about it? I looked up at Seriel, who slightly widened her almond-shaped eyes.

"...Anything else?"

I was asked for more answers. ...Is there anything else?

As I thought about it, Seriel let out a small breath, a mix of a sigh, exhalation, and a groan, which made me tilt my head.

"Your understanding of the power is acceptable. However, the mindset needed to handle it requires education."

"Understood."

As I nodded at Seriel's evaluation, the surrounding people, who had noticed our conversation, were wrapping up their discussion.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

Vincent said to Seriel, who shook her head.

"...If you want, you can continue the discussion."

"Seriel-sama, are you going to lecture this child about light magic?"

"It's not necessary. This child already has a nearly correct understanding of light magic. What's lacking is the mindset and technique for handling it. If the lecture is only about the mindset, it should take no more than a quarter of an hour. There's no need to change the location."

"Huh?"

When Seriel explained the situation, everyone in the infirmary let out a half-lowered voice, as if to say, "What are you talking about, this guy?"

Oh, that's intimidating and scary.

"No, no, no. That's ridiculous."

"Understanding the three elements of light magic, the drawbacks of excessive supply, and the resolve that failure is not allowed. She already understands everything."

"...Seriously, what is this kid? Where did she learn such knowledge?"

Ciel was holding her head, but I don't know what to say to that.

"It was in a book."

Look, it was in a weekly magazine at the hair salon, or a health-related TV program that I got curious about and looked into. Well, it's just within the range of what a layperson can understand.

"Wait a minute, Yuri. You're not old enough to read such books yet!"

"Huh?"

"Wow, cute. ...No, not that!"

I always think, but if you say such things, I'm already a grown-up inside. Sushi.

And Ciel, you're even nitpicking about yourself. Good job.

"Ciel, I told you. This child is, in a sense, a member of the Northern Demon King's Castle."

"Huh? ...No way."

"Unfortunately, that's the case. Despite having no memory, she passed the entrance exam of the Northern Demon King's Castle with a perfect score and plenty of time to spare. Her knowledge and abilities are on par with adults. Her official assignment is to the cooking team, but she is also part of the second team, the documentation team."

"Oh, that's not the medical team, right?"

Vincent is trying to help me, but rather, that "oh" is what I wanted to say. I think it's a bit problematic. It's a minefield for Vincent.

I inadvertently glanced up, and our eyes met with Seriel's. We stared at each other for about three seconds.

I heard Ciel's very flustered "I'm sorry," and Seriel let out a deep sigh.

After all that, Seriel's lecture continued. For some reason, the others didn't return to their discussion and instead joined in to listen to Seriel's lecture.

"The three elements of light magic, to put it in Yuri's words, are attack, healing, and defense. Light magic contains the most powerful force among all attributes. The higher the spell, the more severe the consequences if it fails. Therefore, precise and cautious operation is required."

"Understood."

"The reason I asked about your perception of light magic earlier is that the caster's words often indicate their strengths and the forms of spells they can easily cast. Yuri's image of light is 'something that illuminates, something that heals, something that envelops'... It's likely that she is specialized in healing and defense, and not much in attack."

As I nodded in agreement with Seriel's explanation, Ciel was holding her head again.

"Ciel. ...It's time to accept it."

"Why wasn't this kid born as an angel? ...Actually, it's really good that Seriel-sama is her instructor. There are only three adults in the heavens who can properly educate someone with such rare attributes..."

At the conversation between the two angels, Sherifas' eyes sparkled.

"By the way, how do the three elements of light magic divide among the angels?"

"Most are specialized in attack. To be honest, while everyone can handle the basics of healing and defense, the advanced forms are only mastered by a select few."

"Ciel is specialized in defense within the attack category."

"And Seriel-sama is specialized in attack and can handle all three elements, from basics to advanced. If she wanted, she could even handle high-level magic. Then there's Yuri, who was born in the magic continent and is specialized in healing and defense, with no attack capability."

"Wow..."

The three from the magic team were really interested. Please don't all look at me like that.

No, I feel like a frog being stared at by a snake (rolling eyes).

"Probably because there were no light magic users around her. Angels often see adults using light arrows and meteor showers in training, which leaves a strong impression of attack on children. In contrast, Yuri, with no biases or preconceptions, formed her image of light magic based on her knowledge from books. Her aversion to conflict is also a factor."

"...Now that you mention it, that's true."

I couldn't help but tremble and cling to Seriel, who patted my back to calm me down and offered some supportive words.

"Our common sense is not Yuri's common sense. We need to align our understanding while educating her. At the same time, the probability of her coming up with unexpected new spells that have never been seen in the heavens is quite high. Ciel, I need your help with this."

"Feeling a very troublesome vibe... But, maybe it'll be a bit interesting?"

Ciel scratched her head. But her expression seemed a bit excited.

"Let's get back to the lecture. ...Yuri's basic knowledge is almost perfect. The rest is to confirm the necessary practical aspects and teach her step by step. The problem is the mindset... the mental preparation needed to use the magic."

As Seriel brought the lecture back on track, everyone's attention turned to her.

"This is just my personal observation."

At Seriel's preface, Ciel leaned forward.

"Generally, the basic mindset divides according to the three elements. Those who are heavily attack-oriented tend to be optimistic and straightforward."

"Ha ha! Beguel-sama..."

"Those specialized in defense tend to be hardworking and diligent."

"Shanael-sama!"

"Those specialized in healing tend to be self-sacrificing and stubborn at their core."

"...Exactly like Lusiel-sama."

It turned out to be a personality test for the three elements of light magic, with Ciel's explosive laughter and name-calling. ...So, it's not entirely off the mark.

"Hmm, Yuri seems to have a hardworking and self-sacrificing nature."

"This is based on my experience with my subordinates, but it's not absolute. However, it seems likely that she has a tendency towards self-sacrifice."

"...What do you mean by that?"

This time, Vincent reacted and asked Seriel.

"I asked if there was anything else that came to mind besides the basic knowledge, but there was no response. Normally, they would ask about how much they need to study, what kind of training they need, and what precise operation means. The lack of these questions suggests that they tend to push themselves to the limit before asking any questions or raising any doubts. This is also true when using magic."

"I see. There's a risk that they tend to overdo things and lack self-awareness."

"For this type, it's necessary to not only verbally warn them but also physically restrain them to help them learn their limits."

"Physically, too?"

"I won't overdo it!"

Hearing Seriel's explanation, Vincent's narrowed eyes were really scary! I'll be a good girl, Yuri!

"...You're a good girl now."

"Yuri, there's an archangel who reacts exactly the same way, but they usually end up overdoing it and getting scolded by everyone."

"Wow..."

"Ruu-sama, help me!"

"Probably not. I think it's better to set strict limits from the start."

Zero trust!?

I was completely untrusted by Seriel, half-eyed by Ciel, and the six from the medical and magic teams lowered their voices again. My plea for help to Ludwig was met with a quick rejection and a smile!

"Light magic is already a dangerous thing to handle. If you start doing things without awareness, it will be a problem. I will make sure to engrave the mindset in your heart."

This lecture on mindset, with no allies, felt like sitting on a bed of needles, and it was very uncomfortable (half crying).