Chapter 20

"Wow, it's so big!"

"...The other side seems far away..."

In front of Laura and me, a lake spread out, so vast that it could be mistaken for the sea.

The next day, we arrived at Lake Biharnu, a large lake located a bit away from the capital.

In this world, there are transfer arrays—devices that connect different points. We used one to move from the capital to the nearest point, and then walked the rest of the way.

The lake is known for its size, one of the largest in the kingdom. Its surface is so clear that it is often praised as if it were filled with melted jewels—

"It's not very pretty, though."

"...Yeah, that's true..."

The lake was murky, as if mixed with a large amount of ink.

"Hey, everyone!"

The one shouting was Furin, who was in charge of leading the students.

"This is Lake Biharnu! It's actually a very beautiful lake, but it has become polluted over the past six months."

"A teacher, why did it get polluted?"

A male student asked.

"Good question! The answer is... we don't know! That's why we're here to investigate!"

"So, are we going to do the investigation?"

"That's for them!"

Furin pointed to a group of people a bit away.

"The real investigation team from the academy will handle it. Some of the students will assist them later."

...I see. The elite among the selected team.

Hearing Furin's words, the students' eyes changed.

"You will practice Purification!"

Purification—a magic used to purify water.

"...This is bad."

At my murmur, Laura tilted her head.

"What's bad?"

"I can't use Purification."

Furin continued speaking.

"There's plenty of polluted water! Purify to your heart's content! Please practice a lot here!"

After setting up the tents we brought, we started the water purification training at the lake. I put my hand in the lake and recited the trigger phrase.

"Purification"

The lake remained murky, as if nothing had happened.

...Well, I knew that would be the case.

Next to me, Laura cast the same spell.

"Purification"

Then, the water within a few meters of Laura's hand gradually turned into a clear, beautiful color.

Wow.

...Of course, it quickly turned back to a dirty color as it was mixed with the surrounding polluted water.

Thinking back to my classmates from ten years ago, there were few who could purify so much water in an instant. Laura's talent is indeed extraordinary.

"You did well."

"Oh, no... There are always better people—"

Laura's expression changed.

She was looking at a male student with straight blue hair and a very handsome face.

He put his hand in the lake and opened his mouth.

"Purification"

Immediately—

The water in a large area, more than ten meters, turned into pure water.

The students around him let out exclamations of amazement.

"Amazing..."

"Yes. That's the genius magician Brain Milhis, who represented the new students at the opening ceremony. He is expected to be the next great talent after Carail."

"Wow—"

Representative at the opening ceremony—meaning, top of the class in the entrance exam.

If he can boast such power as a first-year, his achievement is no fluke.

However, I was more interested in another word.

"...Milhis?"

"Yes. He is the son of the Milhis Marquess family."

"Oh, I see."

No wonder it sounded familiar.

...After all, I used to be a noble too.

"He has already mastered level 80 magic at his age."

A magician is considered fully qualified at level 100—Handred. It usually takes years of training for adults to reach that level.

So, to achieve level 80 at such a young age is quite impressive.

"I'm still at level 20... I need to work hard...!"

...I'm at level 1, though.

Well, there's no point in getting anxious. I've made my decision. I will follow my own path. Everyone has their own path.

"Oh, Furin-sensei is—"

As Laura said, Furin approached Brain.

I couldn't hear what they were talking about, but the students around them were buzzing.

When Brain nodded, Furin took him to the 'real investigation team.'

He was chosen, as an elite among the selected team.

"Of course, it's Brain-sama."

Laura nodded in agreement.

Furin also led a few other students who caught his eye to the investigation team.

The remaining students were buzzing about those who were chosen and those who were not.

But it doesn't concern me.

What I need to think about is whether I can use Magic Arrow to purify water.

Is it possible?

If it is, how?

My mind was filled with only Magic Arrow.

At that moment—

"Ugh, what a lack of judgment! To overlook a water noble like Missisnia of the Fadar family! Young teachers are no good!"

A woman's shrill voice rang out.

I turned my attention, and there was a young female student. She had dull blonde hair and striking upturned eyes that conveyed her strong personality.

"Really, it's so true!"

"How could they not choose Missisnia-sama? It's impossible!"

Her followers were chattering away. Missisnia Fadar, the daughter of the Fadar Count.

I know this woman.

...Not a pleasant memory.

Missisnia spoke in a high-pitched voice, making sure it was heard by those around her.

"Doing an investigation is pointless! Just ask the water spirits who live here!"

"But to do that, we need to summon the water spirits..."

"Then do it! I can do it, you know?"

Missisnia said with a generous amount of self-esteem.

Summoning spirits—

It's not an easy magic. It's at least of intermediate difficulty. It's not something students can easily use.

Missisnia shouted loudly.

"Look! I'll show you all! The spirit summoning of Missisnia-sama!"