After returning ho, Shirone spent a joyful ti with his parents. Whenever he had a mont to spare, he wrote letters to his friends.
Marsha had conveyed her emotions through a blank sheet, but her wit was sothing Shirone couldn’t match. That’s why Shirone poured even more care into filling the letters with heartfelt words.
Shirone: "I’m done. Now I just need to send them."
He planned to go to the city tomorrow to mail the letters. By the ti the letters reached his friends, the vacation would be nearing its end. After returning from heaven, Shirone had co to appreciate the preciousness of everyday life. He couldn’t wait to return to school and see his friends again.
Mother: "Shirone, co down and eat."
Shirone: "Okay, I’m coming."
At his mother’s call from downstairs, Shirone blew out the candle and left his room.
The Capital, Bashka
The residence of the rcodaine family, located in the royal administrative district.
On a modest dining table, unworthy of a first-class noble family, sat unidentifiable vegetable side dishes that even a beggar might hesitate to eat.
Iruki’s mother was appalled, but the rcodaine father and son enjoyed their simple al. They disliked the sluggishness that ca from eating at.
Iruki scooped rice with a fork and occasionally chewed on so greens.
Across the table sat a man who looked exactly like Iruki, save for a few more wrinkles. He was Iruki’s father, Albino rcodaine, the head of the Dragon Thunder faction. Though not a servant, he was a man of vast knowledge, to the point where if he didn’t know sothing, no one in the world did.
At an odd mont, Albino asked:
Albino: "How’s the entropy problem coming along?"
Iruki: "I think I’ve solved it, more or less."
Iruki answered without even looking up. Their relationship wasn’t bad, but he believed that answering questions only required ears and a mouth.
After finishing his al, Albino set down his utensils and asked:
Albino: "Iruki, what’s one plus one?"
Iruki: "Two."
Albino: "No. It’s three."
Iruki finally looked up. This was a situation where eyes were indeed necessary.
Iruki: "No, it’s two."
Albino: "Then make it three."
Iruki: "Why?"
Albino shrugged.
Albino: "Does it matter?"
Iruki: "Does it?"
Albino: "Prove it and bring it to . If you can do this, you’ll be closer to the answer you’re seeking. Consider it your final assignnt for this vacation."
Iruki: "It’ll probably take at least six days."
Albino’s eyes lit up.
Albino: "Oh? You’re already getting a feel for it?"
Iruki: "No. You’re leaving on a business trip in five days."
Iruki resud eating his rice, one grain at a ti. As long as he had the minimum energy to keep his brain running, he didn’t need to feel full. After spending the entire vacation without a mont’s rest, even a servant’s brain felt overloaded.
Albino spoke up belatedly.
Albino: "I won’t check. I’ll trust that you’ve done it."
Iruki: "I didn’t know you trusted so much."
Albino laughed. Even if Iruki didn’t solve the Akashic Records within six days, it didn’t matter. He was just proud of his son for calculating his business trip schedule first.
Albino: "No amount of knowledge can surpass wisdom. Let’s say you’ve won."
Iruki: "Thank you for the al."
Iruki bowed his head slightly and cleared the table. While Albino sipped tea and read the newspaper, Iruki finished washing the dishes. As he was about to leave, the head butler entered.
Butler: "Young master, a letter has arrived. It’s from Arian Shirone."
Iruki: "Huh? Shirone?"
As Iruki’s face brightened and he rushed over, Albino pretended to read the newspaper while subtly observing his son.
Arian Shirone. The na that had co up 3,742 tis in his son’s conversations since he returned from school.
In his opinion, Iruki was a promising talent. He had the capabilities of a genius and a rich emotional depth.
Though he had struggled with these traits as a child, the son who returned after finishing the sester was different.
He no longer feared his own talents, and Shirone had played a significant role in that change.
Iruki: "Haha! This is so like Shirone. What kind of letter is this long?"
It was a rare sight to see his son laughing so brightly at ho. Finally admitting defeat, Albino put down the newspaper and asked:
Albino: "Is that the kid you’ve been talking about?"
Iruki: "Yes, he sent a letter. He writes really well."
Albino: "If you’re that close, invite him over. I’d like to et this Unlocker."
Iruki: "...Alright. I’ll ntion it."
Iruki’s response was lifeless. Introducing Shirone wasn’t the problem, but introducing his eccentric father to his friends was a whole different matter.
’Six more days, Father.’
The Central City of Sadia
The central city of Sadia was ho to the largest number of local nobles in Tormia.
Known for its fertile plains, the region had a solid financial foundation. While few ventured outward, internal competition for territory was fierce, leading to frequent shifts in rankings. Neid’s family, the Wests, were no exception.
During the vacation, Neid practically lived in his workshop. Having stayed up for two nights straight, his eyes were sunken and hollow.
The workshop looked like an expanded version of a supernatural psychic science research lab. Unidentifiable tools rolled across the floor, and the engine parts of a chanical device lay on the table.
Neid: "Phew, I’ll stop here for today."
Though autumn had arrived, the workshop was stiflingly hot. As he threw off his shirt, a diagonal scar across his back beca visible. It was an old wound, but it occasionally throbbed unbearably.
Neid pulled a tarp over the table. If his family found out, they’d throw a fit over him wasting money on useless projects.
Though the family had fallen from grace, just three generations ago, half of Sadia’s fertile plains belonged to the West family.
Neid had never been told why the family’s fortunes had declined. But after living for 17 years, he figured there was no special reason. They had simply squandered everything.
Mother: "Neid, Neid."
As he returned to the mansion, a voice that could stop his heart reached his ears.
It was ironic that the voice belonged to his mother, but to Neid, she was the most terrifying person in the world.
Neid: "Yes, Mother."
Mother: "You said you’re good with machines, right? Go to the Jones family and fix sothing for them."
Neid: "Let just get so sleep first, then I’ll go."
His mother’s face twisted like a monster’s. It was like a lock that rendered Neid immobile.
When he was younger, he had once defied her. But when she resorted to self-harm, he beca the villain.
He couldn’t win against a mother who hurt herself. In this world, no child can defeat their parents.
Neid: "I’m tired. I haven’t slept for two days."
Mother: "What kind of child are you? You’re not earning money, and you’re not helping the family either. I didn’t tell you not to sleep, so why can’t you go?"
Neid clenched his facial muscles. He didn’t want to end up with the sa face as his mother.
Mother: "Don’t you see how hard your mother works? Do you know how much money we’re spending to send you to that fancy magic school? If this is how it’s going to be, just disappear from this house. I can’t support you anymore."
Neid tried to recall when she had ever supported him. But there was no such mory. All he felt was the throbbing pain of the brutal scar on his back.
No one in the West family had ever tried to start even a small business with their remaining wealth. They did nothing. Because they had never done anything.
Neid: "I’m sorry, Mom. Alright, I’ll go."
A burning pain radiated from Neid’s scar. But he couldn’t show it. His family couldn’t move her. No, they avoided dealing with her altogether.
And if she ever resorted to self-harm again, all the family’s frustrations would be directed at Neid.
When he was younger, he didn’t understand why he was the only one who had to endure this. But as he grew older, he realized there was no reason.
Neid’s family blad everything on others, and he was the only one who knew that wasn’t the way to live.
Mother: "Go before sunset. The Jones family is looking for soone to inspect their boiler. Have you ever thought about becoming a repairman?"
Neid: "I’ll be graduating soon. Let finish school first."
Mother: "That school is just a parasite that sucks money without teaching anything. I should just die."
Neid wanted to understand his mother.
She had married into a wealthy family, only to see them squander their fortune. It was understandable that she’d be upset.
But no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t find a reason why he should beco a boiler repairman for their sake.
As his mother returned to the mansion, a hot breath escaped through Neid’s teeth.
It felt like malice was building up in every cell of his body. Just a little more... Just a little more, and he would explode.
Butler: "Young master, a letter... Eek!"
The butler who had rushed in turned pale. Only then did Neid snap out of it and shake his head. The mont he realized his mother’s face had imprinted itself on his inner self, a second wave of pain washed over him.
Neid: "Ah, I haven’t slept. What is it?"
Butler: "A l-letter... From Arian Shirone."
Neid: "What? Shirone?"
Neid’s face instantly brightened. He snatched the letter and began reading the words written in Shirone’s handwriting.
The mont he read the part about missing him, a wave of sorrow welled up, and tears brimd in his eyes.
Neid: "Just wait a little longer, Shirone! I’ll be there soon!"
Neid clutched the letter and left the mansion. The Jones family wouldn’t need to repair their boiler for the next ten years.
The Fortress Residence in Creas
Seriel’s family, the Fortress, had their main residence in Creas, just like Amy’s family.
Though not high in noble rankings, they were a prestigious family known for producing many great doctors, earning them high recognition in the kingdom.
At school, Seriel was known as the model student Amy’s best friend, but at ho, she was a wild filly who stayed in the shadows while her younger brother, an aspiring doctor, took the spotlight.
Today, she was hiding for the third day to avoid her mother’s nagging. Her younger brother’s room, where the future top doctor was expected to erge, was a nag-free zone.
Seriel: "Sniff... What am I going to do? This is so touching."
Seriel, who had been reading a romance novel under the covers, finally burst into tears.
Her younger brother, Vail, sitting at his desk, was on the verge of losing his mind.
Vail: "Sis, quiet! I’m studying! Either go to your room or stop whining!"
Seriel hugged the novel, which had ended in tragedy, savoring the lingering emotions. By her own assessnt, it was one of the best stories she had read during the vacation.
Seriel: "It’s such a sad love story. Ah, where can I find a man like Joseph?"
Vail, who had been taking notes, looked up.
Vail: "There is one."
Seriel: "Really? Who?"
Vail: "Joseph."
Seriel: "You’re asking for it! Are you ssing with ?"
Vail: "Why not? If he doesn’t exist in reality, just hold onto a fictional character, hehe."
Seriel glared at the back of her brother’s head and bit her lip. She hadn’t scolded him for letting her stay in his room for days, and now he was trying to climb all over her.
Just then, the door opened, and a letter dropped in along with her mother’s nagging.
Mother: "A letter ca! I won’t tell you to study, so stop bothering your brother and co out. If you’re going to play, at least wash up. Tsk tsk."
Seriel pouted her lips and crawled under the bed.
She thought the letter was from Amy, but the sender turned out to be soone unexpected.
Seriel: "Huh? It’s Shirone! Shirone!"
Seriel quickly opened the envelope and read it. Her eyes instantly softened with affection. Slling the fragrance embedded in the paper, she hugged the letter and muttered:
Seriel: "Ah, where can I find a man like Shirone?"
Vail, who had been diligently reading his book, rolled his eyes.
’Shirone is a real person, you idiot. Just go and date him.’
The words rose to his throat, but he knew they wouldn’t reach her. After spending days buried in novels, it was clear she wasn’t in her right mind.
Creas City Training Grounds
Mark paid the expensive entrance fee and entered the training grounds. Having successfully advanced early alongside Maria, he was excited to be assigned to Class Six next sester.
’Finally, I’ll have junior students in the advanced class.’
If he hadn’t t Shirone, this day would never have co. After losing at the Uncrossable Bridge, he had taken Shirone as his role model and worked tirelessly to achieve his goals.
Mark: "Hey, Maria."
Maria: "You’re here? You’re earlier than yesterday."
Maria, who had been waiting at the training grounds, teased him with a playful scolding. Mark laughed. The girl who had once been so depressed that she activated the Uncrossable Bridge’s chanisms to endanger students had beco much brighter after becoming Sad’s apprentice.
Mark: "Sorry. My father was giving looks. He said there are good teachers at the Magic Association, so why go out to train?"
Maria: "Well, the Slider family is involved with the Magic Association. Are you sure you’re okay with continuing this?"
Mark: "No problem. I’m the kind of guy who follows through."
Mark winked and gave a thumbs-up. In truth, he had barely escaped after skipping breakfast. At so point, the fifteen-year-old boy had started seeing the nineteen-year-old girl as a woman.
’I must be completely crazy. How could I have thought of tornting such a cute girl?’
Sade: "Hey! You’ve been waiting long, right? Sorry I’m late."
As Sade ran in from the training ground entrance, Mark’s expression soured. He was none other than his greatest rival. It was ridiculous for a master and apprentice to be vying for the sa girl, but since the twenty-six-year-old man and the nineteen-year-old girl had a reasonable age gap, and Sad didn’t seem to mind, it was a problem.
Whether or not he knew Mark’s feelings, Maria greeted Sade with the warst smile.
Maria: "No, we just got here too."
Sade: "Good. I was a bit late seeing off the principal."
Maria: "Oh, where’s the principal going?"
Sade: "Yeah, there’s so business. Anyway, sorry for making you wait."
Feeling left out of the conversation, Mark was uncomfortable. He was used to Sad’s flirtatious nature, but his extra kindness toward Maria was particularly grating.
Just then, Maria clapped her hands and pulled a letter from her bag.
Maria: "Oh! I almost forgot. Shirone sent a letter!"
Mark: "Shirone? What does it say?"
Maria: "Let see... Oh! He says he misses us and can’t wait to see everyone again. He also wrote about his adventures during the break. It’s so sweet!"
Sade: "Shirone’s always been thoughtful. He’s the kind of person who rembers everyone."
Mark: (muttering) "Yeah, too thoughtful sotis..."
Maria: "What was that, Mark?"
Mark: "Nothing! Just saying it’s nice to hear from him."
Maria smiled, clearly excited by the letter.
Maria: "I should write him back. It’s been too long since we last talked."
Sade: "You should. Shirone’s the kind of friend who makes you feel like no ti has passed, even if it’s been months."
Mark crossed his arms, feeling a little left out again. He couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy at how easily Shirone seed to connect with everyone.
Mark: "Well, I guess we should get started with training. We’ve got a lot to catch up on before the sester starts."
Sade: "Right. Let’s not waste any more ti."
As they began their training, Mark couldn’t shake the thought of Shirone. He was always so far ahead, yet he never made anyone feel left behind. Mark wondered if he’d ever be able to catch up to him.
Maria: "Oh, right! Did you see this? A letter ca from Shirone."
Mark: "Huh? From Shirone? I didn’t get one."
Maria: "You probably did. I picked it up on my way here. I haven’t even read it yet."
Maria waved the envelope proudly, then pulled out the letter and began to read. Her expression lted as she absorbed the heartfelt words.
Maria: "Ah, he’s really amazing. Strong yet so kind. I wonder how lucky Amy is to be dating soone like Shirone."
A strange tension flickered across Sade’s face.
Honestly, he had been about 70% confident that Maria was head over heels for him. But now, hearing her talk like this, he wondered if it was just admiration.
As Sad egrew visibly gloomy, Mark felt a sense of satisfaction.
Most of the female juniors talked about Shirone like this, so Mark didn’t feel jealous of him.
After all, Shirone had Amy by his side—an insurmountable wall.
’Great! My goal to follow in Shirone’s footsteps has only grown stronger!’
Desperate to recover, Sad tried to lighten the mood.
Sade: "Haha! That’s true. Shirone is amazing. But don’t most people prefer soone older? Or at least the sa age. Younger guys aren’t as fun, right?"
Mark quickly fired back.
Mark: "Where did you hear that? Love knows no borders, so what does age matter?"
Sade: "Age matters more than borders. Should we ask Maria? Would you choose soone older or younger?"
Maria propped her chin on her hand, pretending to think, then playfully stuck out her tongue to avoid answering.
Maria: "Haha, who knows?"
Both Mark and Sade, who had been eagerly waiting, were left deflated. Perhaps she was the true master of playing hard to get.
In any case, they couldn’t waste ti chatting after paying such a high entrance fee. Mark and Maria began warming up with ntal exercises using nurical sequences. anwhile, Sad gazed at the sky, thinking of Shirone.
’The vacation’s almost over. I wonder what kind of trouble he’ll stir up when he gets back.’
Shirone’s actions since enrolling in the magic academy were unparalleled in the school’s history.
But that’s exactly what made Sade uneasy.
Depending on the answer his teacher brought back, everything about their school life could change.
’This ti, it won’t be easy, Shirone.’
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