Chapter 80

"Holy Magic" — Hikaru learned this word in the dungeon "Ancient Divine People's Underground Street."

At the very end was the castle of the ancient Poelnsinia dynasty.

According to records, the use of "Holy Magic" was commonplace in the ancient Poelnsinia dynasty, and it seemed to have been used throughout the capital.

It appeared that the entire capital had been transferred underground.

However, this technology was interrupted by the invasion of giants.

"What kind of energy is 'Holy Magic,' Headmaster?"

"Someone more suitable than me can answer that. The researcher and top magic tool craftsman of the academy, Katie Kotobi."

Hikaru politely thanked the headmaster for showing him the catalog. The headmaster said, "If anything happens, please consult me," and left. It seemed kind, but it also sounded like, "I want to know before any problems arise."

Hikaru left the library and decided to look for Katie. She should be in a lecture now.

He wanted to know about "Holy Magic."

It might be a technology developed by a transferer or reincarnated person, and it was likely used in Hikaru's revolver.

"Is this it?"

The largest lecture hall in the Lecture Building A, capable of holding the most people.

There is no door, so the voices can be heard from outside.

(That's impressive...)

The seats are arranged in a fan shape around the podium.

The slope allows even those in the back to look down at the podium.

There must be at least 100 seats. Not only are they all full, but there are even standing spectators.

It would be nice if some "C Building" instructors could learn from this.

The students in the seats are completely different from those in the greatsword lecture. First, the ratio of female students is high. They all look slender, and it seems there are no Jalarack students.

Everyone is enthusiastically writing, comparing the books on their desks — probably textbooks — with the blackboard.

(I wonder if Japanese universities were like this...)

Imagining a future he might have had, Hikaru felt a little sad.

"Regarding the manufacture of magic tools, no special application is required, but for those using high-magic-suitability catalysts, it is advisable to inform the security authorities in advance. They can respond quickly if it goes out of control. Consider manufacturing a magic tool as a task for this winter."

The woman at the podium — Katie Kotobi — was facing away, writing about the "task" on the blackboard.

She was a tall woman.

She wore a white coat that was clean and neatly rolled up to just below the elbows.

She was dressed in a slim pantsuit and wore blue shoes without heels.

Her long, night-colored hair was gathered on the left side. It was braided in several strands, with silver decorations at the ends.

Kotobi is a small country famous for precious metal manufacturing. It is common for both men and women to wear a lot of accessories.

Many of the students in the lecture were from Kotobi and wore silver accessories.

For married people, they become gold.

"Well, the lecture is almost over. I will now accept questions about today's lecture."

Until then, Katie had been calmly explaining the task.

Her voice seemed flat, but her explanations were clear and showed her intelligence. This was to be expected of a researcher.

She said she would accept questions and turned around, causing Hikaru to exclaim, "Ah!"

"Hmm? What is it, a question?"

"A, uh, ah..."

Not only Katie but also the students' gazes pierced Hikaru, who was standing at the entrance of the lecture hall.

It was understandable that Hikaru shouted.

"Right, this may be a bit off-topic, but is it okay?"

Having regained his composure, Hikaru asked:

"Do you know a magic tool craftsman named Kelbeck?"

Katie, it seemed, resembled the leader of the thief guild he met in the Ponde underground waterway, Kelbeck.

Moreover, Katie had a tattoo on her cheek and neck that resembled a flame — the same as Kelbeck's.

"..."

Hikaru's question made Katie's garnet-like deep red eyes narrow.

She was beautiful but had a cold air about her.

"Indeed, there was a magic tool craftsman named Kelbeck in Kotobi. His magic tools were so complex that they ignored efficiency and usability. They were almost impossible to use without an instruction manual. In terms of complexity, they were similar to the relics found in Tsuvra."

A murmur of "Oh" rose from the students.

The relics of Tsuvra must be quite famous.

"However,"

Katie cut off the murmur and continued.

"About ten years ago, Kelbeck disappeared. He was expelled from the Kotobi Magic Tool Guild, and his magic tools were strictly stored and no longer released. In other words, he was treated as a 'dead person.' — Is this answer satisfactory for your question?"

"Yes, thank you."

After a moment of hesitation, Katie said:

"What's your name?"

"Hikaru"

"I see. Hikaru, come to my laboratory after this lecture."

It was enough to pique interest — perhaps even too much.

Because a considerable number of students were whispering and staring at him.

Hikaru left the large lecture hall and sat on a bench in the corridor.

When the lecture ended on time, students poured out of the large lecture hall.

"Hikaru"

The voice came from Ryou.

Ryou had mentioned that his Soul Board had a "medicine tool" and that he wanted to take a magic tool lecture but couldn't because the instructor was from Kotobi.

Later, he heard that Ryou had started taking the lecture, which was likely Katie's.

"Lord Ryou"

Hikaru was thinking of a casual greeting like "Hey," but there were three female students behind Ryou. They were probably from Romania. It seemed better not to show that he was on familiar terms with Ryou — the heir of the top clan in Romania.

When Hikaru stood up to respond, Ryou's eyes widened in surprise but quickly realized Hikaru's intention — "Thank you" — and continued in a voice only Hikaru could hear:

"So, Hikaru — what was that question just now?"

"It seems I disturbed the lecture. I'm quite embarrassed."

"Did you have an interest in magic tools?"

"I do, but..."

"Then let's take the class together next time."

He invited Hikaru with a smile, but Ryou was more focused on the three girls behind him. They were saying things like, "Lord Ryou, is the conversation going to be long?" "Let's go for tea soon," "No, I'm shopping today," and so on.

It seemed very troublesome to deal with them.

"I don't seem to have the talent. I don't want to be a bother, so I'll pass."

"Please, don't be modest. Let's study together."

"No, no."

"No, no."

Hikaru thought Ryou was being too pushy, but Ryou whispered:

"...I need your help."

He said it with a troubled look.

Hikaru suddenly remembered that Ryou hadn't come to today's small sword lecture.

In fact, Ryou always came to that lecture alone. Sometimes with Roye. Usually, he would come after getting rid of the female students.

He couldn't do that anymore, could he?

"...I'll think about it."

Saying this reluctantly, Ryou visibly relaxed.

"Then, at the next lecture."

He was pulled away by the three girls.

"Being popular is tough, isn't it?"

After muttering this to Ryou's retreating back, Hikaru headed to Katie's laboratory.

It's the nostalgic Kelbeck (resident of Ponde underground waterway).