Chapter 26

Miraluka's research lab. I came in and put the reference books into an empty bookshelf. Before long, Miraluka brought a notebook and showed it to me.

"It's Manarina's research notebook. She said she wanted to show it to Dick too, as she's about to master magic."

"Are you studying offensive magic? I've never used spirit magic, but is it easy to learn?"

"Most students specialize in spirit magic because they can learn it from textbooks. Sacred magic, however, can only be learned by studying the Albein religion in this country, so only priests can master it. Other divine magic doesn't have much power here."

Listening to Miraluka, it feels like I'm attending a lecture.

Since the magic university allows enrollment at any time, it's not impossible for me to attend now. I've become a bit interested in student life.

Well, it's not like I can start studying right away, so I'll just keep it as an interest. I just felt like calling her "teacher" because of her unexpected teaching style.

"What kind of students are in your seminar, Miraluka?"

"In my seminar, there are Manarina and a few others."

"Hmm... I thought there would be about ten, but not that many?"

"I want to spend as much time as possible on my own research. Due to the nature of my research, I can't spend much time at the university."

Among the professors of the Offensive Magic Department, Miraluka is clearly an outlier.

Miraluka's 'Spatial Expansion Magic' is something that others cannot imitate. Normally, one would chant a fixed incantation, obtain permission from spirits or gods, and then cast a spell, but her magic doesn't require such procedures.

She weaves a magic array with magic power and deploys it in space, directly interfering with the world. The range of the magic effect is the area where Miraluka can deploy the magic array, which can cover the entire capital.

Miraluka's magic arrays come in countless varieties, each with different effects. All of them are designed for destruction and annihilation, and she cannot use any other type of magic.

When she volunteered for the Demon King extermination team, her adventurer strength was 102,952, most of which was due to her offensive magic evaluation. To demonstrate her strength, she went to a distant wilderness and used a magic array called the 'Wide-area Annihilation Type 152 Vibration Destruction Array' to bury a cave where dangerous monsters lived.

An SSS-rank adventurer is no longer human. I thought that about myself, putting myself on a pedestal.

At first, I was very careful not to anger such a Miraluka, but despite her immense power, she is rational. Controlling the range of the magic array and delivering the necessary impact to the necessary targets is one of her aesthetics. She also says that the most beautiful annihilation magic is the one that achieves the greatest and highest destruction.

"So, what do you want me to do?"

"Ah, right. I want to talk about the university too, but let's start with this."

I began explaining how Kirsch, a servant of the Vinsbruck family, had asked me to prevent his master's rebellion and what I needed to do about it.

While talking, I prepared juice made from 'Mystic Grapes' from the southern forest and marble cookies made from 'Wisdom Beans' powder. The juice has a mental concentration effect, and the wisdom beans enhance memory. Although Miraluka's basic abilities are already high, she seemed to enjoy them and ate a few while listening to me.

"Are these cookies not baked by the Demon King? It's fine, though."

"Haha... I baked them. I'm not good at making sweets, though."

"Your 'not good' is better than most people's 'good.' You should be aware of that. Excessive modesty can be seen as arrogance."

"I'll keep that in mind. I don't think highly of my own character, though."

"...Well, some people like that about you. Manarina, for example, likes it because you look good in front of Cody."

She put a cookie in her mouth. With some powder on her lips, she looked unusually innocent, despite her usually mature appearance.

"These cookies are incomparable to those sold in stores. What am I going to do? Even if I buy sweets from the university cafeteria, they won't taste as good."

"I don't think they're that good, but I'll give them to you whenever you come. About five silver coins each, I guess."

"...That's expensive for cookies, but considering the ingredients and taste, it's reasonable. You could be a confectioner if you wanted. If you open a shop, I'd invest in it."

"I'll pass. I can make souvenirs for the tavern, but I can't compete with professional confectioners."

"...I don't think so. This grape juice is also delicious, and it's frustrating how good it is."

I don't know anyone else who says "frustrating" while looking happy—anyway.

"So, what I need to do is to block the route that Vinsbruck will use to guide the Belvekia army, using magic, right?"

"You're quick. I feel a bit childish asking for your help, but I think it's the best option."

"Let me say one thing: I want to avoid mass slaughter using my magic. I don't want to destroy everything indiscriminately."

"I see. I want to act as soon as possible, but can you come with me now?"

Suddenly asking her to leave her lab and go to the western border, deep in the mountains, is too much to ask.

However, Miraluka looked at me silently, drank the juice, put the glass down, and said:

"You brought a request to me, right? Then I have one condition."

"Sure, tell me. I can pay a reasonable reward if it's not too unreasonable."

"I don't like using my annihilation magic for money, so bring me some treats to my lab from time to time. Anything from your shop is fine; I haven't found anything I don't like yet."

"I don't want to become a regular at the university... Ah, I see. How many times should I bring them?"

"Until I say it's enough... but it's up to you. Let's go now, then."

Miraluka said casually and started preparing to go out.

I thought we could leave today or tomorrow, but she's ready to act immediately.

"...What? Are you going to say you're not prepared?"

"No, honestly, I'm quite grateful. I owe you one."

"I don't like indiscriminate destruction. Let's finish this quickly before the Belvekia army passes through the route. Is there anyone living around there? I heard there are mountain tribes in the Western Mountains."

"I think Vinsbruck is keeping the mountain tribes away from the route to avoid interference... but I can see the area, so I won't blow them away accidentally."

"See the area... How do you plan to see the mountains? Is there a magic for that?"

With enhancement magic, I can expand my vision, and I can send 'Small Spirits' for reconnaissance. However, this time, I'll use a different method to see the wide mountain area.

That is, I can look down from the sky.

◆◇◆

The dragon pasture west of the capital, where the old dragon master Shura takes care of the fire dragons.

I borrowed a horse and, after about two hours from the magic university, visited Shura with Miraluka.

"Oh, Mr. Dick. Did you come to check on the fire dragons? Or is it about the matter we discussed?"

The breeding season will continue for a while, so the fire dragon mothers, fathers, and babies are all together. The baby fire dragons have grown quite large, and while they can no longer be carried, Miraluka was petting and feeding them.

"Good, good. You're starting to look like your parents."

Their chirping is still cute. The fire dragons remember playing with Miraluka and are very fond of her.

"The young dragons listen well to this old man. It's been a long time since I had my son and grandson, so I can't help but love them."

"I'm glad you enjoy your work. So, about taming a fire dragon for riding..."

"Yes, I've used the 'Dragon Flute' on the father dragon to teach him to obey the person I allow. With a saddle, two people can ride without any problem. Would you like to take the young lady for a ride in the sky?"

"...Dick, are you saying you'll let me ride this fire dragon with you? Have you ever ridden a dragon?"

"Yes. When I lived in the countryside, I helped a wounded wyvern and rode it."

"If you can ride a wyvern, you can ride other dragon species without any problem. Wyverns lack front legs, making them harder to ride than four-legged dragons."

The wyvern I helped recovered and returned to its flock. I wonder if it's still doing well.

When I decided to create the dragon pasture, I didn't think about it, but having a dragon master as the caretaker changed things, and I started considering using fire dragons for emergency transportation.

Can I fly after a little practice? I took the dragon saddle from Shura, climbed onto the father dragon's shoulder, and attached the saddle.

I handed the belt to Shura to wrap around the dragon's belly and secure it. When I finished, I motioned for Miraluka to come over. She tried to climb onto the father dragon's back by herself but didn't do it as well as I did. It's understandable since she needs practice.

"Miraluka, give me your hand. I'll pull you up."

"Y-Yes... Ah!"

I grabbed her hand and pulled her up quickly, seating her in front of me. With my enhanced strength, she probably felt like she was flying.

"...It's about three times higher than a regular horse. I'm surprised you can ride at this height."

"Do you have a fear of heights? If so, you should close your eyes."

"No, it's not that... It's just that I'm not used to it. Teach me how to ride properly."

"I'll support you from behind, so you don't have to worry about falling. I'll tie a safety rope too."

"..."

I placed my hands on her waist and shoulders to correct her posture, making her lean against me. If I hold her from behind, she won't panic when we start flying.

"...Will you hold the reins? It feels like you're taking control..."

"Mr. Dick, the dragon flute responds to the user's magic power and gives commands to the fire dragon. While using it, you can be considered a skilled dragon master."

Shura, who makes such flutes, is indeed a seasoned dragon master. I'm curious about his life, so after this job, I might bring some drinks to this forest.

"Then, I'll leave the reins to Miraluka. I'll blow the flute."

"Y-Yes... But I don't know how to do it at first, so help me."

"Help...?"

Miraluka didn't say anything and pulled my hand to hold the reins together.

"This is fine. Now, make the dragon take off. Show the Belvekia army the power of the 'Masked Savior.'"

Not as part of the Demon King extermination team, but as the 'Masked Savior.'

We will block the path of the Belvekia army, riding the fire dragon.

As we put on our masks, we realize that Miraluka is quite enthusiastic about wearing a mask.

"Young people are truly wonderful... This old man's blood is boiling too."

Shura didn't laugh at our appearance but watched us with a nod, as a senior in life.