Chapter 52

The magic formula for the barrier is known as the "perfect formula."

It is a composite formula that combines a special vibration formula that monsters dislike with a protective formula that is difficult to overlay. It can only be applied using the direct endowment method, which requires high skill, but once activated, it operates stably and continuously.

The protective formula is particularly complex and is designed so that only those with the skill level of a royal court mage can interfere with the magic formula. The protection of the barrier's magic formula is so robust that even when the barrier stone is updated, a designated mage is chosen to deactivate it.

However, the barrier stone found in the eastern region had a monster-attracting magic formula overwritten on it without deactivating the barrier's magic formula. The level of the perpetrator was equivalent to that of a royal court mage. If this were to happen again, and if it were to occur in many places, the Magic Bureau felt a sense of crisis and ordered the royal court mages to develop a new magic formula. Viela was also called to join the development team, and while listening to the explanation from Fran, a male mage from the Development Department in the Magic Bureau's conference room, she sighed deeply in her heart.

(If the perfect formula is not surpassed until it is completed, I really can't resign...?)

What she usually does is to develop gadgets by arranging existing magic formulas, which is a different level from developing a new magic formula. This is the world of the Development Department, which is fully committed to the task. There is no telling when the goal will be achieved. Originally, she was called to investigate the incident.

Magic formulas have their own quirks. With the writing endowment method, it's the handwriting, and with the direct endowment method, it's the individuality in the connections of the formula. Viela was supposed to help decode these quirks and narrow down the list of suspects based on them, but the topic never came up. It was too much. Fran continued his explanation, oblivious to Viela's feelings.

"So, the new magic formula that we in the Development Department are building must be one that other team members can endow. As a preliminary step, we will have the head of the Barrier Department, Clement, conduct the endowment experiment, and we would like you, Viela, to verify whether the formula is difficult to deactivate."

Indeed, Clement was also part of the development team. It had been since the mysterious warning that they had been face-to-face. Confused about how to approach him, Viela was met with a bright smile from Clement, who was sitting next to her.

"Viela-senpai, let's work hard together."

"...Yes, let's work hard."

"I was angry about the incident, but although it's not appropriate to think this way, I'm looking forward to seeing your deactivation skills up close."

His attitude was surprisingly ordinary, just like before the expedition, with a strong interest in magic and a friendly demeanor. Viela, who had felt comfortable in the relationship between senior and junior, secretly felt relieved that it hadn't been broken. Just as her mood was lifting, Fran from the Development Department asked her a question.

"I think your deactivation ability was cultivated in the Technical Department, but is there something different from other staff members?"

"I felt it was a waste to fail in endowment with high-grade materials, so I've been deactivating all kinds of magical tools. I've picked up some tricks and can mostly deactivate them by feel. When I asked Director Drescher, it seems I'm the only one doing this... hehe."

She was worried about the cost to the Technical Department after she resigned, as the materials would not be reusable. She hoped Director Drescher would work hard to train young staff members who were good at deactivation magic.

"If it's difficult for Viela to deactivate, the perpetrator will give up, I suppose."

As Fran nodded, Clement's expression turned grim.

"However, Sir Fran, if the formula is so difficult to deactivate that even the deactivation specialist of the Barrier Department struggles, it will be difficult to perform stable updates. Can you prepare a reverse calculation magic formula that will serve as the key to deactivating the protective magic?"

"Reverse calculation magic? If we prepare that, there's a risk it will be misused if the key magic formula leaks. It would be better to have veterans actually demonstrate the deactivation and teach the tricks to the responsible parties, as before. The problem is that there are limited people who can teach it..."

Fran and Clement's gazes turned to Viela.

"I don't know when I'll resign. I don't think I can take on the training of mages..."

She smiled, hoping to be let off the hook. Fran and Clement also smiled in unison.

"Well, let's discuss that issue gradually within the Magic Bureau. First, we need to develop the new barrier. Our department has already come up with several candidates and plans to conduct an experimental field trip... to a town next to the capital soon."

"Field trip...?"

Viela and Clement's voices overlapped. According to Fran, the experiment would require repeated magic endowment and deactivation, and they chose a location near the barrier stone manufacturing factory to ensure a steady supply of materials in case of failure. The initial experimental field trip was expected to last a week to record ample data.

Unlike regular field trips, the experimental field trip would involve staying at a hotel, which was known for its delicious food and laundry service, making Viela's eyes sparkle.

"Isn't this field trip the best?"

"Viela-senpai, aren't you too excited?"

"But it's a high-ranking hotel. The food is delicious, you know?"

"That's true, but I wish our Barrier Department's field trips to the regions were as well-equipped. I understand it's difficult due to the location, but it's too discriminatory."

On the other hand, Clement looked into the distance and grumbled. Despite his strong sense of mission, saying "we need to toughen up," field trips were still tough for him. Still, Clement and the other mages of the Barrier Department didn't seem to want to quit their jobs. They took the exam with a certain pride and resolve from the beginning, and almost no one retired from the Barrier Department for reasons other than injury or age.

"Clement-sama, let's be happy it's not a camping field trip!"

Viela encouraged him, but Clement's expression didn't improve. If anything, it seemed more exasperated.

"Viela-senpai, you should think about how to explain the field trip to Mr. Lukas."

"I'll explain everything properly. I've also booked a room at the mansion, so I need to inform them of my absence."

She answered cheerfully, but for some reason, her junior said, "I warned you," with a look of pity.