Chapter 25

"First, please deploy your defensive magic. Without incantation."

"...Yes."

Chanting is an important act when using magic. The words themselves are imbued with magical power, enhancing the spell's potency and making it easier to control the magic. Therefore, almost no mage uses magic without chanting. If it's better to chant than not, anyone would do it, right? It's not like it's a hassle. Well, there are drawbacks, such as the loss of time and being vulnerable during the chant, but the most important thing is to use magic stably. In the end, everyone chants.

Well, there are exceptions. Occasionally, there are people who don't fit the "everyone" category, and they are the ones who naturally give unreasonable orders. Despite this, Sophia nodded. Her philosophy is that when you're in a position to learn, you should try it first. Understand the other person's intent and the system before asking questions. Proposing something comes after that, and that's how Sophia has lived for 15 years. At this moment, she didn't feel like objecting. "Objection!"—no, she wouldn't laugh at that.

There's no point in resisting.

Sophia began to channel her magic within her body.

"Do not complete the defensive magic. Channel your magic, probe it, and pull it... then stop. Yes, look at the magic of the monster in front of you, the magical power that constitutes it. There should be some that are missing, damaged, or torn."

Renee's calm words guided Sophia, who focused intently. She felt as if the blood in her veins was flowing like a torrent. She let out a breath, and sweat dripped down. Her body felt restless, as if it were about to boil, yet her mind was calm. Even her usually hyperactive brain was fully engaged. She perceived something distorted and broken.

"You found it. That's it. Now, observe its original form. What's the difference?"

Next to the broken and damaged something, there was something desperately trying to hold it together. They were originally one. She understood. Yes, these were once together, holding hands, forming this great power, this body. It was round, sparkling, and warm, even sacred. Yes, this was the magical power that created this great being.

"Good. Now, try to restore its shape."

"...How...?"

As Sophia asked, breathing heavily, Renee's voice remained calm.

"However you like."

No way.

Sophia felt as if her brain, which had been working hard, had flipped over. *Thud*.

"Sophia, magic is about imagination. Visualization. If you were to repair something that is broken and torn, how would you do it?"

Repair. Mending, perhaps. Sophia was troubled. She hated embroidery. It was a painful time when she was forced to stitch intricate patterns. Her skills were so avant-garde that her teacher turned pale and covered her mouth. Sophia never knew what might have come out of the teacher's mouth, but she had to spend several times more effort to get a nod from the teacher.

So, healing, curing, recovery—these words didn't resonate with her. She was afraid that something bad might mix in, and she struggled to think. Something broken, torn, unable to stand, unable to go anywhere. It was like...

It was like herself.

Sophia laughed.

Oh, that's easy. Leave it to me. Sophia closed her eyes.

She didn't need to endure. Realizing this, Sophia tried to stand up alone, as usual. She didn't know where to go, but she wanted to go somewhere, so she tried to stand up alone. Her body was heavy, and she was afraid of the value of the self she had abandoned, but she stood up alone.

Because she thought it was normal.

Because the world was like that.

But, it's not. You don't have to think that being alone is normal. You can reach out for what you want.

It's light. It's joy. It's a blessing. Ah, yes, the color of love!

Sophia's magic stirred.

*Whoosh*, it surged, leaped, danced, and burst out, hugging the broken magical power. It merged, becoming part of the sparkling white light.

Yes, it was lonely. It was scared. It's okay, I'll give it to you.

Sophia nodded to the sparkling white light. Her hyperactive brain gave a standing ovation. It's okay, because I already have so much of it.

The feeling of liking someone. The feeling of being cherished by someone.

It was the light of the night when Sophia was reborn.

The large, dented area with a hole in it was completely restored, enveloped in white light.

Sophia opened her eyes.

Her extended hands felt heavy. As she slowly lowered them, Renee's red hair and eyes returned to their original black color. She had cast a defensive spell around them to prevent any accidents, using a minimal amount of magic. However, it was ready to expand immediately if needed. Sophia deeply understood the incredible skill required for that.

"Even just healing a wound is so difficult... to be able to do such precise manipulation... Renee is truly amazing..."

As she wiped the sweat from her forehead, Renee shook her head.

"Healing others is difficult because their magic can resist. Sophia, you did well."

"...It's because Renee is a good teacher."

A good teacher praises their hardworking students. What a wonderful teacher. A bit too forceful, perhaps, but the sense of achievement is great.

Sophia looked at the large, white, furry feet and smiled. When was the last time she felt this good? She was so happy, and she giggled. A warm hand touched her shoulder.

"Good job."

Renee looked down at Sophia with the most beautiful face in the world. If Livio could smile like that, Sophia felt she could do anything, and she was happy.

"Yes!"

"Okay."

She laughed back with all her might, and Livio groaned.

Huh? Tilting her head, she saw Livio sheathing his greatsword. There was no danger. Looking up at the large white body, she felt unsteady.

"Let's sit down."

"Yes..."

With Livio's help, she sat down. Renee handed her a handkerchief, which she gratefully accepted. Amazing, even the handkerchief is black.

Looking up at the giant body again, a voice echoed. Low, rough, and calm, an incredibly beautiful voice.

"Huh?"

"Eh?"

Surprised, Sophia spoke, and Livio looked at her.

"Did you hear that?"

"...What did you hear?"

Since Sophia was leaning against him, Livio bent down to look at her face, which was very close. Her brain, unused to such proximity, started to get excited. No, no, calm down. Looking at Renee, who was kneeling beside her, Renee nodded.

"I didn't hear it, but it's probably his voice."

She looked up.

Renee's neck seemed like it might break as she looked up at the white giant, who laughed. The air seemed to vibrate, and the voice sounded amused.

"That witch has good instincts."

"Thank you. What is your name?"

Sophia thought.

In such situations, you shouldn't reveal your name lightly. Whether it's a person or not, personal information should be kept confidential.

"We don't know who you are. It would be impolite to reveal our names to someone like that."

It didn't seem to be a monster. The warm, sparkling, and even divine magical power suggested a higher being. Renee had noticed this too. Therefore, they couldn't reveal their names so easily.

A name is the soul.

The most important thing that defines oneself. It can't be handed over to a powerful being. Looking up, Sophia saw the giant chuckle.

"You're not a fool."

What a rude one.

"Then, you name me. I like your shy, charming, warm magical power. I will recognize you as my master."

"Huh...?"

Sophia's mouth opened in surprise. That was a bit rude.

Renee, with her black eyes, turned to Sophia and asked, "What did he say?"

"He wants me to be his master."

"Sounds good. What should we name him? Furball?"

Eh, is this okay? And where did she get such a bad sense of humor? The lack of expression was scary.

"...Don't listen to that witch."

"Um"

"Renee, are you sure this is okay?"

Worried, Livio asked, and Renee nodded.

"Unlike before, the magic flowing now is very clean and clear. It's like divine energy. I've never met one in person, but it's probably close to a spirit or a god."

Hearing this, the voice laughed and *pon*! It glowed. Closing her eyes, she saw a large white bear standing on four legs. It was fluffy and soft, a white bear. Though it was no longer towering, it was still a large bear that made a tea leaf look insignificant. It *pon*! glowed again.

"!"

This time, it turned into a pure white wolf. Its flowing fur was beautiful, and its sharp blue eyes were intelligent.

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise, and it *pon*! glowed again, turning into a large white rabbit. A blue-eyed rabbit, not a red-eyed one.

"I am a being of divine status. The one who governs light, a being connected to the first god. How do I look in this form?"

*Hmph*, in the cute form of a rabbit, with a deep, good voice, Sophia's mouth dropped open. What did this rabbit just say? A god. A god. Eh, gods exist? Well, they must. The god himself said so. Eh, can a person be a god's master? Hmm, maybe. The god himself said so. Upstart? Is this an upstart?

"I like the bear."

"Hm?"

The words that came out of Sophia's mouth were trivial. She was surprised herself.

"Um, I mean..."

*Pon*! The white god changed into a bear, tilting its head. *Aww*, so cute. The fluffy head tilted. So cute.

"Alright, then."

"Is that okay?"

It's okay. Because Renee said it was. Sophia is weak for cuteness. Deciding to live freely, Sophia decided to value her own sensibilities. Because the knight who enveloped her back was the most beautiful and cute in the world.

"Then, how about naming him Milk?"

"Um..."

Regarding the naming, I think it's best to remain silent.

---

I received my first review!! I'm so happy!!

Thank you, Haru-san. I'll do my best to meet your expectations!!

Also, I received a question about what to abbreviate. Taking it from "The Bell of the Beginning," let's use "Hajikane." Thank you very much.

I would be happy if you could tweet a lot.