Chapter 6

Thank you for reading.

Today, there will be two chapters posted. The second one will be at 9 PM.

"Last week, I mentioned that enchanted weapons are often compared to magic swords, right?"

When Arnaul asked, Noel nodded and said, "Yes."

Noel had asked if it was true that enchanted weapons were priced the same as magic swords, as written in a book.

"Enchanted weapons are indeed priced similarly to magic swords," Arnaul replied.

Magic swords have a longer history than enchanted weapons, he explained.

Enchanted weapons and armor are ranked as low, medium, and high, based on their durability and the strength of the enchantment. The value can be roughly determined by measuring the magic power.

"The definition of a magic sword:

Broadly speaking, a sword imbued with magic power can be called a magic sword, but in a narrower sense, it refers to a sword of unknown origin that is imbued with magic power.

In other words, swords made by enchanters are distinguished from magic swords. Some magic swords are created by curses, which are considered taboo, so research on them is limited.

However, let's put that aside.

Many magic swords are difficult to use.

In the past, there was a sword that, upon being held, would kill any living thing in front of it and then stab the user's throat.

This effect, or rather, curse, is one of the characteristics of magic swords.

Holy swords and magic swords are similar in that their power does not easily diminish over time.

However, there are quite a few recorded cases where magic swords suddenly turned into ordinary swords.

As for enchanted weapons, those on the market usually have an effect that lasts from one to ten years."

"Even one year is amazing..."

Noel was surprised that her egg barrier lasted a month.

"Cursed swords are said to maintain their effects by absorbing the malice and curses around them.

In contrast, enchanted weapons absorb the ambient magic elements.

Your egg barrier is now in its second month."

"R-Really?

That's surprising. I always thought the magic power was absorbed and disappeared when I touched it..."

"Is that true?"

Arnaul's eyes widened.

"Yes, I didn't know, Mr. Teacher."

"I didn't know either.

That's quite a piece of information."

"Eh? A piece of information?"

It was surprising to Arnaul that the magic power simply returned to the owner. Later, when he tested other enchanter's items, it was confirmed that the magic power could not be absorbed. Additionally, Noel's items, which he had created, could be touched without the magic power being absorbed, as if they were repelling it.

◇◇◇

When Noel entered the academy, she underwent a magic power test. The result showed that her magic power was "high," and her magic attributes were "wind" and "fire," followed by "earth." She also had a little "water."

When she was four, her magic power was evaluated, but no mention was made of her magic attributes, possibly because her magic power was very low at the time.

Arnaul re-examined Noel's magic attributes in detail.

"Your water attribute is slight, but your earth attribute is quite strong," he said, looking at the magical device used for the evaluation.

"I was surprised to be told I had an earth attribute when I entered the academy.

I couldn't create earth clumps."

"Earth magic is harder to master compared to wind or fire.

Creating earth clumps also requires a bit of technique.

Since you have high magic power, you can probably do most things with brute force.

Try creating water.

It's easy to do in your room."

"I'll practice.

Mr. Argan said I should practice even the magic attributes I'm not good at."

"That's the basics.

Having four magic attributes is rare. It might be tough, but try to practice once a day.

You're good at barrier magic.

The strength of your barriers is related to your earth attribute.

The sturdiness and robustness of barriers fall under the domain of earth magic.

It's natural that you have an earth attribute.

In fact, given how skilled you are at barrier magic, it seems even stronger than fire or wind.

This is probably because you've trained your earth attribute through barrier magic."

"Is that so?"

Noel thought magic was deep and complex.

"By the way, Noel, do you know your sister's magic attributes?"

Suddenly asked,

"Since we're sisters, they should be the same, right?"

Noel answered hesitantly.

"No, siblings don't necessarily have the same attributes.

In fact, it's more common for them to be different."

"I see. I think Zelaphi is very strong in fire."

"She could light a flame at the age of three.

I have friends at the royal academy, so I often hear about notable students.

Your sister Zelaphi is stubbornly focusing on fire attacks."

"She's just like her sister."

—Zelaphi is still Zelaphi, even at the academy, Noel thought.

"Since the Vione family is a line of mages, she probably has two or three more magic attributes.

She has high magic power, but only being able to use fire attacks is a problem.

While magic attributes can be strengthened through training, they can also weaken if not used.

Your sister is 14, right?"

"Her birthday has passed, so she's 15."

"In that case, time is running out.

The most effective period for magic training is up to the age of 16.

If she doesn't train intensively by then, her growth will stagnate.

However, if she's been left alone until she's 15, it's quite challenging.

Unused magic attributes wither and solidify, and then start to decay.

Well, there's nothing we can do about it."

Arnaul shrugged.

Come to think of it, the private tutor who came to the house always scolded Zelaphi.

She probably only used fire magic and didn't listen to instructions. Noel had never seen Zelaphi use any magic other than fire attacks.

The fact that the magic teacher changed two or three times might also be due to this.

If she has been focusing on fire attacks even more, the risk has probably increased.

Noel couldn't help but shudder.

—Absolutely not going back.

If she has to go back, she'll run away.

◇◇◇

Six months passed, and Noel turned 13.

Since she has been eating properly at the academy, her uniform, which was a bit big, now fits better. She would like to develop her chest a bit more.

Since then, Noel has been practicing water creation without fail, but even a cup's worth was difficult.

It's frustrating to be able to do it but not quite manage.

She realized that having a "weak" attribute rather than a "non-existent" one is like this.

If it were completely impossible, she might have given up, but since it seems possible, she gets anxious.

She thinks it would be impossible for the short-tempered Zelaphi.

Zelaphi has probably never had to endure anything in her life.

That's why she only uses fire attacks.

It's easy and feels good to use your own strong magic.

Still, being able to create water would be convenient for travel. Even a cup's worth could be life-saving in an emergency. Thinking about this makes her want to try, even if it's difficult.

She also practices barrier creation and earth clump creation.

"Noel, I have something to talk about."

During their usual enchantment training, Arnaul started with a serious expression.

"Yes, Mr. Roché."

Noel answered, feeling puzzled.

"The headmaster has confirmed that Noel is definitely an enchanter, although her rank is still unknown."

"Is that so?"

Well, that's what I thought, Noel thought.

If the information from Arnaul was correct, that would be the case.

Noel had successfully enchanted a small knife with fire magic.

Although it had only been a month, the knife still carried the fire magic.

Even a simple fruit knife could now easily hunt minor monsters.

"Thus, it was suggested that we report to the royal palace.

Do you have any preferences, Noel?"

"If possible, I don't want to be surrounded by the state."

She answered hesitantly, as she had been thinking about this for a while.

"Well, I thought you might say that, Noel."

Arnaul smiled wryly.

"Also, it's not clear if the fire magic on the knife will last, right?"

"If the magic power has settled so cleanly, it should last."

Arnaul easily dismissed Noel's desperate excuse.

As Noel was thinking of another excuse, Arnaul spoke first.

"Noel, I understand your feelings, but please try to be positive.

Our country has never imprisoned capable mages. We are not like the corrupt noble families.

You know I'm a healer, right?"

"Yes."

"Then, do you know how many healers there are?"

"Um... I heard there's about one healer per 200 people in a village."

Noel recalled the statistics she learned in class.

"Right. The ratio of people with healing abilities is about that. It's the same in any country.

However, healers with magic power classified as 'high' are about one in a million.

While there are about one healer per 200 people, those who can heal physical damage are about one in a million.

Our country has 17 healers, which is almost in line with the statistics.

Of these, 13 are active healers.

The remaining four live freely, like me."

"Free, huh?"

"Yes, free."

Arnaul smiled, as if to encourage Noel.

"I understand...

But what does reporting to the royal palace entail?

The Vione family won't be told, right?"

"Of course not. We will never tell your family.

I feel bad that we can't take action against the Vione family, but..."

Arnaul furrowed his brow.

"No, if the Vione family isn't informed, that's fine. Please do what's necessary."

"Understood.

The report will likely go to the prime minister, relevant ministers, and the national defense department, such as the head of the knight order. Then, the director and deputy director of the magic research institute.

As your enchanted weapons and armor become necessary, more people will be involved, but your identity will remain confidential."

"...The top officials in the country are quite important, aren't they?"

The mention of such high-ranking officials left Noel speechless. She had no choice but to leave it to them. It's just a report, and Noel won't be directly involved.

—The Vione family hasn't contacted the academy.

If I can stay away from that family, it's fine.

Besides, I've been taken care of by Mr. Roché.

About five months ago, Noel had her back burn scars healed.

At the time, she felt embarrassed but showed her back, keeping her chest covered.

Arnaul took a deep breath and said in an angry voice,

"Noel...

Your family should be prosecuted as criminals."

Noel felt a chill and thought for a moment.

"But proving it is difficult, right?"

"I heard that your sister caused the burns.

Also, your mother probably just made you do household chores, right?

In that case, your sister could claim she didn't know, or that it was just household chores. Dealing with nobles is complicated for the academy. To prosecute them as criminals, evidence is needed.

Worse, the Vione family could claim that you were 'causing trouble at home' and demand your return."

"In that case...

I would rather stay at the academy without taking the risk."

Noel decided quickly.

Not involving them was the most important thing for her.

"Abandonment is clear, so the academy can protect you.

You can rely on us."

Arnaul said this.

That alone is enough.