“Looks like a 3D Magic Circle.”
Dennis tilted his head.
Seems like he still doesn’t know much. There’s a special technique called ‘Ultimate Move’ that only certain characters can use. For a player to learn it, they had to take a really tough route.
“Drake uses Dragon Kill, while Dennis’s case is the 3D Magic Circle.”
I approached the blackboard. I drew a big circle in the center and a smaller one beside it, like a little satellite. Ah, there’s chalk here too!
“It’s simple. You create a 3D structure from a flat surface, allowing multiple spells to be used simultaneously.”
“Then can’t you just cast the spell multiple times?”
“Your improvisation skills are lacking. When do you ever draw circuits multiple times? If I do it my way, I can carry over a hundred Magic Circles in one hand, Professor.”
I drew lines, slicing the big circle into eight equal parts. I used four different colors for it.
“Licht, it’s been a while since I’ve heard an interesting theory. Aren’t you missing something?”
“I’m aware that Magic Circles can only be activated on a flat surface.”
“Good. Keep going.”
He opened his mouth, seemingly intrigued.
This one’s yours. I’m just pretending to talk like I did with Kainel.
I locked eyes with the golden retriever who was intensely staring at the blackboard. Still, Dennis probably wouldn’t be able to use it no matter how much he looked.
“By following the lines, you use the small circle drawn next to it as a satellite, making it revolve around.”
I connected a long curve like Saturn’s rings to rotate the big circle.
“Then a cross-section is formed. Is this one Magic Circle worth?”
“That’s correct. As expected of you, Professor.”
“The PhD course at the Wizard Tower wasn’t for nothing, Licht.”
Sipping coffee, Dennis drew a line at the corner of his mouth.
“What about the problem when the spells are clustered together? They’ll have affinities, you know. Right, Helmet-kun?”
“That’s right. There might be an explosion.”
Oh, good point! Is he talking about weak attributes? Definitely a Mage of Flame.
Unexpected question raised his eyebrows slightly.
“So only you, Dennis, will be able to use this. Since water is easy to dissolve most attributes.”
“Exactly. It’s very clear.”
The Glass Knight chimed in. I guess being a spellcaster means they know everything I know.
I felt ashamed of my arrogance for knowing future knowledge.
“But if you layer flat Magic Circles to make it 3D, won’t you have to memorize all of them?”
“That’s why the magic serving as a ‘satellite’ is important.”
“Like a guide, huh? Feels like an index in an encyclopedia.”
This time, both Kainel and Dennis spoke.
Deep in thought, the Hero placed a hand on his chin while Dennis looked at me as though he now had something to do.
“Licht, where did you hear this theory?”
“I thought of it on my own. I guess I admire magic since I can’t use it.”
I stuttered. How could I mention that there’s a nickname called 3D Magic Circle among users? The three of them focused on me.
“I’ll allow the application.”
“Really? Thank you, Professor!”
After a brief silence, he signed the paper I submitted.
Is this success? He’s doing it with magic too.
“However, Licht.”
His eyes locked on me, like a predator spotting prey. I had felt this before. Dennis placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Would you come into my research lab?”
“Me?”
“Your intellect and academic zeal are remarkable. It’s like you know the future of magic with your theory.”
I do know, but… goosebumps ran down my neck.
What if I’m captured and they read my thoughts?
“I do use water magic a bit…”
He conjured a sphere made of four rings in his palm. It was the shape I drew on the blackboard. He can do this right off the bat. Truly a top-tier Mage among the Ten Heroes.
“It’s been a while since I could verify something right in front of my eyes.”
He created a water orb with his other hand, changing form every time the 3D Magic Circle satellite revolved beside it.
It switched from gas to solid, then liquid repeatedly.
“I can provide any books or materials you need. Why not work under me, Licht?”
“I’m not sure what you mean…”
“I’m asking if you have no intention of pursuing graduate studies. Come find me after graduation. Until then, stay active in your club.”
I felt dizzy. There’s a grad school here too. It’s supposed to be a romantic fantasy Academy. Why’s there a research lab overflowing with academic zeal and tired assistants?
“You also don’t like not being able to use magic, do you? Just a few more years of investing time.”
Dennis, is this really your personality?
“If you can use a medium to replace circuits, it should be possible. So I need a little bit of a test subject… I mean, your help.”
Looks like he’s looking for a legal slave for the 21st century.
“It’s a reality that nowadays, if you can’t use magic, it’s tough to get a job. You know that, right?”
“That’s true, but I’ll decline.”
“Really not interested? You’ll get funding from the Empire, you know? We’re researching a Teleportation Magic Circle, and I think it’d be great if Licht helped…”
“No way. Licht.”
Thanks, Crown Prince! You just saved me from becoming a magic theory dispenser’s future.
Maybe he’s not such a bad guy after all. Not pestering Ariel or anything.
Mardol separated me from Dennis.
“Teach me Swordsmanship.”
“Uh, sure.”
He came close to me and spoke in a voice that echoed, sophisticatedly overlapping words. What a fancy helmet he has.
‘Cancel the thought that he’s a good guy.’
I swallowed, dejected. Either way, needless trouble awaits. Is it really okay to just carry on with club activities like this? The Glass Knight couldn’t help but step back, leaving Dennis with no choice.
“…We still have plenty of time, so think it over, Licht.”
With bright blue hair, he returned to his seat. When did the title change again?
Dennis must feel relieved knowing there’s no other route but her.
“For now, everyone, I sincerely welcome you to the Magic Club.”
In any case, it was a success.
If I spend my time with Dennis like this, it’ll be easier to weave a love line. Ultimately, I must prepare the story of [Night Heart]. I let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank you, Professor.”
“We’re in the same club.”
Oh, suddenly, my distance to Mardol was subtly shortened.
Now that I think about it, he was someone who was obsessed with strength for some reason.
What was the reason… I had erased it from my memory since he was such a Mary Sue character.
“How lucky! Helmet-kun!”
“Licht, you shouldn’t use magic. Conscientiously.”
For now, I decided to think about it later. It was already overwhelming to have these two around me playing matchmaker. The Crown Prince wouldn’t have any couple routes, so he should be fine.
“I’ll leave it for later. Kainel.”
With that mindset, we sat together in the club room, sharing snacks.
*
Clop-clop.
The sound of shoes echoed.
In the underground, where no light shone, a special secret meeting was occurring at a certain place when Licht and the others met Dennis.
“Oh, hello, young sheep. It’s been a while since the war, hasn’t it?”
A woman with half-squinted eyes dressed in black nun attire.
“Cardinal Beatrice, the Day of Prophecy is approaching.”
“I know that. Why did you call me right after finishing at the Academy? I almost got caught.”
She was a professor who lectured on Divine Power Studies just this afternoon.
She stood before a group clad in snowy white, with four swords emblazoned on their attire.
“I apologize. The Hero confirmed the final schedule just yesterday.”
“…That person truly has a fragile heart. Is the Death count at a minimum?”
A figure who seemed to be the tallest among them responded.
“Yes, everything is ready, Cardinal.”
“The moment of fate prophesied by the Hero is upon us.”
She slightly opened her golden eyes and twisted a smile.
“I’ve already selected the Heroes. They were so naive.”
“Really? As expected of you, Cardinal. Incredible.”
“I merely spoke the truth; there was no suspicion at all.”
A chuckle escaped her lips.
“Well, there is one person that’s somewhat bothersome.”
“Who is that? Don’t tell me the Hero is mistaken…”
“Disgusting.”
Before her words could finish, the blonde nun reached out toward the person she was referring to.
“…Watch your mouth. That wouldn’t be the case for that person.”
“Ah, I’m sorry, Cardinal!! Ugh! Uh! Ugh!!!”
“Can the next person continue speaking? I dislike dirty words.”
Using her Divine Power, she sealed their lips shut while maintaining her half-squinted expression.
The air around them froze with that chilling act.
Suddenly, someone raised a hand and asked Beatrice.
“Um, are we the Ten Heroes..? Have our plans been exposed?”
“No, I thought I saw a tiger cub.”
“If you’re saying that…”
“There shouldn’t be any interference. Let’s believe in our Hero who always gives their best.”
I recalled the Black Knight I saw during class. Drake’s Swordsmanship, which no one could learn. He stood in stark contrast to the Hero they believed in.
If it were advantageous, then it would be so; there shouldn’t be any negative outcomes.
‘Ah, soon that person’s kind grace will return to the world…’
Her face was filled with ecstasy. A pain in her chest, she clasped her hands over her heart and even prayed. Like a girl in love, her face was flushed.
“I’m truly glad to have become a professor.”
Her eyes, however, were still not smiling.
“Just as predicted by the prophecy, it’ll also make it easy to capture the princess.”
“Is that true…? Cardinal?”
“Yes, it will surely yield tremendous results.”
Now she wrapped herself in her arms, trembling.
“It looks like this time we will succeed!!”
“Do we finally not need to be in the shadows anymore?! Cardinal!”
“Long live the Hero! Long live!!”
The words spoken by Beatrice sent the surroundings into a frenzy.
“That should be the case. There’s nothing the person wouldn’t know!”
With her arms wide open, a light of Divine Power shone behind her like the sun. The peculiar light created by the black nun.
It signified that something was seriously wrong.
“Now then, let’s gather our strength for the Hero Church, my young lambs!”
The bobcut nun concluded her speech.
