Chapter 5: Re=L

And so, the next day, the day of the research institute visit, arrived.

After a light breakfast in the morning, Glenn and the students of Class 2 set out from the inn in the tourist town. They began walking in a group toward the Platinum Magic Research Institute, located in the heart of Saineria Island.

While the northeastern coastal area around the tourist town has seen considerable development and progress, most of Saineria Island’s land remains an untouched primeval forest, a realm of the unknown.

The ecosystem of this unknown region has yet to be fully understood, with new species of flora, fauna, and magical beasts reported every time survey teams from the magic academy or imperial university conduct periodic investigations.

Except for the northeastern coastal area, where safety is assured, and a few designated outdoor exploration zones, the majority of the island is still off-limits to the general public.

The Platinum Magic Research Institute, the destination of this “Field Study Expedition,” is situated near the very center of Saineria Island.

Glenn and the others trudged along the road connecting the northeastern coast to the central region, heading toward the island’s heart. The path, paved with cobblestones, cut through the dense forest, flanked by lush, overgrown primeval trees. Their sprawling branches stretched overhead, forming a canopy that blocked out most sunlight, with only faint rays filtering through to cast delicate slivers of light onto the road.

Though the path was paved, it was far from the refined cobblestone streets of Fejite. The natural undulations of the terrain were still evident, the stones arranged haphazardly, making it extremely difficult to walk. In some places, the path wasn’t paved at all, turning into a rugged, trail-less stretch.

Except for Glenn, who had spent years in the military, and a handful of students from rural areas who had come to Fejite to attend the academy, the predominantly city-bred students were already starting to complain.

“Haa… haa… ugh…”

“Zee… zee…”

“Hey, you okay, Lynn? I’ve still got some energy, so want me to carry your stuff?”

“…Th-thank you, Kash-kun… As expected from someone aiming to be an adventurer in the future…”

“Haha, just a country boy, that’s all.”

“Kiii! Why… must a noble like me… endure this…?! Bring a carriage…! A carriage…!”

“Hmph… You’re awfully… out of shape, aren’t you, Wendy? …Is this too much… for a refined lady like you?”

“And you… don’t have… your usual sharp wit… do you, Gibul?!”

The same struggles applied to Rumia and the others.

“Haa… haa… haa…”

Rumia, panting and wiping sweat from her brow, pressed forward with determination. Sistine, noticing her struggle, called out with concern.

“…You okay, Rumia?”

“Not… really… okay, maybe. …How about you, Sistie?”

“I’m pretty beat too, but… I think I’m still managing… maybe?”

As she said, while Sistine showed some signs of fatigue in her demeanor, her breathing was lighter compared to most of the class.

“You’re so strong, Sistie… I’m already wiped out…”

“That’s weird, though… You and I should be about the same in terms of stamina, right? Could it be… all that stuff from the past few days is making a difference…?”

“…? All that stuff?”

“Huh? Oh, no! It’s nothing!?”

Sistine hurriedly shook her head, and Rumia tilted hers in confusion.

“A-anyway, speaking of strong… it’s gotta be her, right?”

To change the subject, Sistine glanced back.

There, right behind them, was Re=L, keeping pace closely.

Re=L looked completely unfazed, as usual. While every other student showed varying degrees of exhaustion, Re=L maintained her sleepy, expressionless face. Not a single breath was out of place, nor a drop of sweat on her brow. She was so serene, it almost seemed like she wasn’t breathing at all.

“…As expected of a court mage… a military operative…”

Sistine whispered to Rumia, her voice tinged with awe, audible only to her.

“Still, I’m so glad Re=L is okay…”

The mention of Re=L brought Rumia’s thoughts back to that morning.

“When I woke up, Re=L wasn’t in the room…”

“We all panicked and searched everywhere, but we couldn’t find her. Then, right before we were about to leave, she just showed up out of nowhere.”

Sistine, recalling the morning’s commotion, sighed and turned her head to address Re=L.

“Don’t go off on your own like that, okay? If you keep doing stuff like that, you’ll end up like Glenn-sensei.”

“……”

Re=L remained silent in the face of Sistine’s warning… until that moment.

“!?”

It seemed there was a poorly paved section of the cobblestone path that had started to crumble. Re=L stepped on it and, though she didn’t fall, stumbled uncharacteristically, her balance faltering. It was a rare mistake for her.

“Re=L!?”

Forgetting her own exhaustion, Rumia rushed to Re=L, who was down on one knee.

“…You okay? The footing’s bad around here. Be careful.”

Rumia reached out a worried hand toward Re=L…

Slap.

Re=L swatted the offered hand away.

“…Huh?”

Rumia froze, stunned, unable to process what had just happened.

“…Don’t touch me.”

Re=L stood up, her words cold and edged with hostility.

She started to walk away briskly, leaving behind Rumia and Sistine, who had instinctively stopped in their tracks.

“…Hold on, Re=L.”

Unable to let it slide, Sistine reached out and grabbed Re=L’s arm as she tried to leave.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but that was uncalled for! Rumia was just worried about you…”

But.

“…Shut up.”

“What?”

“Shut up, shut up, shut up!”

The sudden outburst made the entire class halt, all eyes turning to Re=L.

That quiet Re=L, raising her voice with such raw hostility—it was unthinkable.

The shock and disbelief were plain on everyone’s faces.

“Stay out of my business! Just leave me alone! You’re all so annoying!”

“…!?”

“I—hate all of you!”

Re=L shouted like a petulant child, shaking off Sistine’s hand. She turned her back on them with a huff, shoulders tense with anger, and stormed off.

Left behind were Rumia and Sistine, speechless and dumbfounded.

“…What the heck…?”

“Those three… they were pretty close until yesterday, right…?”

“I thought they’d finally started to get along…”

“…Did something happen?”

The students whispered among themselves, casting awkward glances at Rumia and the others.

“…! What’s her deal!? Re=L, what’s gotten into you—!”

Sistine, her temper flaring, was about to chase after Re=L to protest…

“!”

Rumia grabbed her arm.

“Rumia?”

Turning back, Sistine saw Rumia shaking her head sadly.

“I don’t know what happened, but… let’s leave her be for now, okay?”

“…If you say so.”

Though unconvinced, Sistine exhaled deeply, trying to calm herself.

“But seriously, what’s her problem? After how things were yesterday, this attitude… I don’t get it.”

“…Hey, Sistie.”

Rumia’s expression was colored with worry and sorrow as she continued.

“Maybe… she didn’t like it?”

“!”

“Re=L… she lives in a different world from us, doesn’t she? I dragged her into our world without thinking… Maybe she didn’t want that, and she was just putting up with us all this time? Was I… meddling too much?”

To Rumia, who spoke with such sadness.

“That’s not true.”

A blunt voice came from behind, startling Rumia and Sistine as they turned around.

There stood Glenn, who had been bringing up the rear of the group. The commotion had slowed everyone down, allowing him to catch up to Rumia and Sistine.

“Sensei…”

“Let me thank you. You’ve been so good to that socially inept, uncooperative, common-sense-lacking problem child. …Thanks.”

“It’s not like that… I just…”

“And let me apologize too. Last night, I said something careless that upset Re=L… She’s a bit unstable right now. …Sorry.”

“Sorry!? So Re=L’s acting like this because of you!?”

Sistine’s eyebrows shot up instantly.

“And don’t tell me her disappearing from the room this morning was your fault too!? Honestly! What kind of tactless thing did you say!?”

Sistine berated Glenn, as if everything had suddenly clicked into place.

But…

“……”

“H-huh…?”

Glenn didn’t offer his usual childish excuses or nonsense. He just stood there, silent, looking awkward and guilty. Seeing him like a scolded boy made it hard for Sistine to stay angry.

“…She’s a kid, you know.”

Glenn muttered softly.

“She may look about your age, but… her heart’s still that of a little kid. She had a unique upbringing that made her that way…”

“Her upbringing… What does that mean…?”

Before Sistine could finish her question—

“It’s better not to ask for details, right?”

Rumia interjected, as if reading the situation.

“You’re quick on the uptake, and I appreciate it. I don’t want to lie to you two, who’ve been so good to her.”

Sistine, who had been ready to pry into Re=L’s past, faltered at the exchange between Rumia and Glenn.

“…? What’s up, White Cat?”

“N-nothing!”

“…? Alright, whatever. Anyway, that’s how it is. I know it might be tough, but… I hope you won’t give up on her just because of this…”

“It’s okay.”

Rumia smiled reassuringly at Glenn.

“We were getting along so well until now, so her sudden rejection caught me off guard. But I won’t hate Re=L over something like this.”

“We’re fine. But Sensei, you’d better make up with Re=L soon, okay? Honestly, everything you do always ends up causing trouble for us… Ugh!”

Sistine turned away with a huff, but her clumsy concern was genuinely appreciated.

They’re good kids, aren’t they? One of them’s a bit… cheeky, though.

It might be selfish of me, but I really think Re=L belongs in this bright, sunny world with these girls, not swinging a sword and casting spells in that bloody, dark underworld. I want her to stay here.

Such thoughts vaguely crossed Glenn’s mind.

Two hours later.

The group wound along a path beside a steep cliff, crossed a suspension bridge spanning a valley, and followed a clear, cold stream through a gorge… until they finally reached the Platinum Magic Research Institute.

“…Goddamn, who builds a research institute in the middle of nowhere like this…?”

Even Glenn, feeling the weight of fatigue, grumbled as he looked up at the institute.

The Platinum Magic Research Institute was a temple-like structure, framed by a majestic waterfall cascading from a cliff just behind it and surrounded by dense primeval forest on both sides. The plaza in front of the main gate was open, paved with square stones arranged at regular intervals. Sparse aquatic trees dotted the area, and shallow, clear water flowed endlessly between the stones.

The constant sound of running water tickled the ears, and mist from the waterfall’s base faintly clouded the temple’s foundation. The sunlight sparkled off the water, weaving vibrant rainbows into the scene. It was a breathtaking view, one that wouldn’t be out of place as a tourist destination.

“Still, it’s so otherworldly that it feels less like a research institute visit and more like an expedition to some ancient ruins…”

The surreal scene before him prompted Glenn to mutter as much.

“Haa… haa… I’m done for…”

“So… tired…”

Around him, exhausted students slumped to the ground or took off their shoes to dip their feet in the flowing water.

Re=L stood a little apart from the group, motionless, doing nothing in particular.

“Alright, one, two, three… Everyone’s here, right? No one got lost?”

As Glenn double-checked the headcount, it happened.

“Welcome, everyone from Alzano Imperial Magic Academy. Thank you for making the long journey.”

A man in a robe appeared before Glenn and the students.

He was an older man, perhaps in his forties or fifties. His head was completely bald, with traces of white in the remaining hair and the beard framing his mouth. Yet, his kindly, grandfatherly demeanor made him oddly approachable.

“I am Burks Blaumohn, the director of the Platinum Magic Research Institute.”

“Oh, so you’re Burks-san.”

Glenn wiped sweat from his brow, straightened up, and faced Burks.

“I’m Glenn Radars, the magic instructor for Class 2, Year 2, at Alzano Imperial Magic Academy. Thank you so much for your cooperation with our class’s ‘Field Study Expedition.’ I bet it’s a pain for a pure researcher like you, Burks-san, to have a bunch of kids wandering around your institute, but please bear with us for today and tomorrow.”

“No, no, it’s quite alright.”

Burks responded cheerfully, unfazed by Glenn’s slightly informal tone.

“All of you here are the budding mages who will shape the empire’s future. If this visit can nourish and strengthen you, there’s nothing more I could ask for.”

“Haha, you’re a real saint, aren’t you? If it were me, I’d find it way too much of a hassle.”

Glenn gave a wry smile and shrugged.

“Now then, shall we get started? Glenn-san, please gather the students and follow me. I’ll guide you through the institute.”

“Huh? Wait… You’re personally leading the tour!?”

Glenn looked at Burks, startled.

“No, that’s too much… You must be busy with your own magical research. You don’t have to do it yourself—couldn’t you just assign someone else to handle it…?”

“It’s fine. Research can be draining, and it’s refreshing to interact with young people now and then. Besides, with my authority, I can show you areas that are usually off-limits. I want the empire’s future mages to see the very best and learn as much as possible.”

“…Seriously? You’d go that far…? Wow, thank you, really.”

Even Glenn couldn’t help but feel humbled by Burks’s generosity.

Watching the exchange from the sidelines, Sistine felt a surge of excitement and turned to Rumia, speaking eagerly.

“Hey, did you hear that, Rumia? This ‘Field Study Expedition’ is going to be amazing! Getting to see cutting-edge magical research is insanely lucky! Normally, even when they say ‘latest,’ you only get to see stuff that’s one or two generations behind!”

But Rumia remained silent, her expression tinged with unease.

“…Rumia? What’s wrong? Is something up?”

“…Huh? Oh, no, it’s nothing, nothing at all! I was just surprised by how well they’re treating us. Burks-san seems like a really great person, doesn’t he?”

“Yeah. It’s rare to find a pure researcher mage with such a great personality.”

That’s right, it’s just my imagination… Rumia convinced herself.

Rumia had heard Burks’s name in magical papers but had no personal acquaintance with him. Today was their first meeting.

So.

The fleeting moment during Burks’s conversation with Glenn, when his eyes seemed to pierce her with an icy coldness… it had to be her imagination.

There was no reason to share such baseless, uncertain fears and worry her best friend, who was looking forward to the institute tour.

Rumia told herself it was nothing and forced herself to forget it.

Led by Burks, Glenn and the students began their tour of the Platinum Magic Research Institute.

The institute truly lived up to the description of a “Temple of Water.”

Water channels crisscrossed the interior, from rooms to hallways, with clear water flowing everywhere, filling the air with the pure scent of water. Despite being indoors, trees and plants grew freely, their vibrant green life force palpable in the space. Luminous moss likely grew in patches throughout, as the building, which should have been dim, was mysteriously well-lit without windows or lamp flames. At regular intervals, glossy black stone monoliths stood, their surfaces inscribed with some kind of magical formula. Too complex to decipher, Sistine guessed they were likely for maintaining the institute’s internal environment.

“Platinum Alchemy… a composite art of white magic and alchemy. As you all know, this field primarily deals with life itself. Thus, our research requires a space constantly filled with fresh, vital mana. That’s why the institute is designed this way. The slight inconvenience of navigation is, well, part of its charm.”

Burks led the students through various research labs within the institute.

A room with sprawling fields of medicinal herbs, testing improvements in their varieties and properties.

A room developing mineral-based lifeforms, with rocks and crystals arranged on magical arrays.

A room lined with massive glass cylinders containing a vast array of plants and animals, studying biological structures.

A room researching the creation of chimeric magical beasts by crossbreeding various plants and animals.

A room housing multiple monolithic magical computation devices, analyzing vast genetic and soul data from humans and animals.

In every lab they visited, researchers—likely top-tier mages—were engrossed in their work, paying no attention to the visitors.

“…This is incredible.”

“Yeah… amazing.”

“Truly… breathtaking.”

The students, unaccustomed to such advanced facilities and environments, were utterly overwhelmed by the array of magical research from fields they’d never encountered.

“…This is really amazing. I can’t believe humans can achieve this much…”

Sistine was no exception, her eyes glued to a researcher carefully manipulating a pipe-organ-like magical device with incantations, controlling biological cells and their data at a microscopic level. Beside the device stood a slab of magical crystal, projecting the results and images of the cell manipulations through light magic.

Sistine watched intently, almost entranced, before turning to Rumia beside her.

“I’m planning to specialize in magical archaeology in the future, but… seeing this makes me waver a bit. What about you, Rumia?”

“Well, you know… I’m aiming to be a magical bureaucrat, not a researcher.”

Rumia leaned in, whispering so only Sistine could hear.

“Besides… being here… it kind of makes me uneasy.”

“…Uneasy?”

“I mean… is it really okay for people to tamper with life so freely like this…?”

Rumia’s candid words made Sistine involuntarily catch her breath.

Indeed, it was likely something none of the students dared to dwell on… but surely, it hit the mark for everyone.

Certainly, not everything they had seen in this research institute was beautiful or mystical.

When they toured the specimens of homunculi—artificially created lifeforms that could only exist within glass cylinders—a sense of indescribable guilt and unease welled up. There were also grotesque, failed specimens of life, so repulsive they made you want to avert your eyes. Though currently suspended, it seemed there had once been research aimed solely at creating chimeric war beasts for the purpose of killing. The outlines, progress, and outcomes of those studies were displayed in the exhibit hall.

A sense of immorality for toying with life. An arrogant act, as if blaspheming against the divine. It was no wonder Rumia felt uneasy.

Yet, the pursuit of life’s mysteries remains an eternal theme of magic. Once someone touches that forbidden fruit, as a human—and as a mage—the insatiable curiosity for knowledge becomes impossible to suppress. Humanity will likely never cease its quest to unravel the mysteries of life, not for all eternity.

Even Glenn, who usually proclaims his disdain for magic, couldn’t resist its allure and found himself engrossed in the research. Sistine couldn’t help but be astonished by this.

“I see… if you go too far, you fall into becoming one of those so-called heretical mages…”

Suppressing the exhilaration stirred by the array of supreme mysteries before her, Sistine muttered bitterly.

“As humans, seeking knowledge is inevitable. But we have to be careful not to go overboard. We mustn’t forget what we’re doing or why we’re doing it.”

“…Yeah, you’re right. We need to be careful not to get consumed.”

As if to calm herself, Sistine let out a deep breath.

“Still, I guess… as expected, that research doesn’t seem to be happening here. Well, that’s only natural, I suppose.”

To lighten the heavy atmosphere, Sistine spoke in a joking tone.

“What’s that research, Sistie?”

“Oh, um, well… it’s about the resurrection and revival of the dead. There was this massive magical project the Empire once launched, and I think the name of that project was… uh—”

“…[Project: Revive Life].”

Suddenly, a third voice cut in from behind.

When Sistine and Rumia turned around, startled, they saw Burks standing there, his face as kindly and grandfatherly as ever.

“To think I’d hear that term from a student… You’ve studied well. With bright young minds like yours, the Empire’s future is in good hands.”

“N-No, it’s nothing like that! It was just by chance! And, um, sorry for saying something rude!”

Sistine hurriedly apologized, flustered.

Not understanding why Sistine felt the need to apologize, Rumia voiced a question that had popped into her mind.

“Um… Burks-san. What exactly is this [Project: Revive Life]?”

“Hm? What do you mean by that?”

“Well… I learned in class that resurrecting or reviving a dead person is theoretically impossible, so…”

“Haha, you’re referring to the derivative of Marvell’s Cosmozone Theory—the Absolute Irreversibility of Death, yes?”

Burks responded with a warm smile.

“Indeed, as you say. A living being consists of three elements: the physical ‘Material Body,’ the mental ‘Astral Body,’ and the spiritual ‘Ether Body.’ When a being dies, these three elements separate and return to their respective cycles. The Material Body returns to the cycle of nature, the Astral Body dissolves into the eighth world of the collective unconscious—the sea of consciousness—and the Ether Body returns to the cycle of reincarnation, the wheel of providence. Thus—”

Burks paused briefly, looking directly at Rumia as he continued.

“After death, the Astral Body melts into the sea of consciousness, and the Ether Body moves on to the next life through reincarnation. Therefore, resurrecting the dead is impossible—this is the Absolute Irreversibility of Death. As of now, no magic exists that can overturn this principle. Hence, the project to resurrect the dead, [Project: Revive Life]—or as it’s commonly called, ‘Re—’”

“[Project: Revive Life] was essentially an attempt to replace those three elements of a living being with substitutes to revive the dead.”

Suddenly, as if stealing the end of Burks’ sentence, Glenn interjected.

“Using genetic information from the person you want to revive—the ‘Gene Code’—you alchemically create a substitute body. Then, you take an ‘Alter Ether,’ an initialized soul processed from someone else’s, as a substitute for the Ether Body. The mental information of the person ‘to be revived’ is converted into an ‘Astral Code’ to serve as a substitute for the Astral Body. Finally, these three substitutes—body, soul, and mind—are synthesized into one to revive the person… That’s the gist of the spell.”

“Hey, Sensei! I appreciate the explanation, but Burks-san was talking! It’s rude to interrupt like that!”

“Whoops, my bad. It just sounded like such an interesting topic, I couldn’t help myself…”

Glenn placated Sistine, who was glaring at him, with a sheepish grin.

“Sorry for cutting in, Burks-san…”

“No, no, it’s quite all right. As expected of an active instructor at the academy—your explanation was clear and concise. It likely got the point across faster than I would have.”

While Burks smiled kindly and Glenn gave a wry chuckle, Rumia stood lost in thought.

The resurrection project, [Project: Revive Life].

In essence, it was the act of combining multiple layers of imitation—copy upon copy—to fabricate a replica of a human. Nowhere in the process was there anything truly identical to the original person.

“But… can that really be called resurrection?”

“Indeed, a person revived through this method wouldn’t strictly be the same individual. However, to those around them, it would appear as though the person they lost has returned, unchanged in appearance and personality. That was the practical value proposed for the project. If successful, great heroes or exceptional talents who met untimely deaths could be immediately revived with the same abilities and appearance… or so it was argued.”

Rumia felt a chill run through her. If she were to die… and a different version of herself, not truly her, was treated as Rumia by Sistine and the others. Or vice versa.

The more she imagined it, the more it seemed warped and horrifying.

“I understand your unease. The concerns you’re likely feeling were debated extensively throughout the project’s duration. There were heated discussions with the priests of the Imperial National Church, and at one point, even the Church of St. Elizares from the Rezalia Kingdom got involved.”

That made sense. Life is a creation of the divine, and the teachings of both old and new Elizares faiths proclaim blessings after death and hope for the next life. A project that directly contradicted such doctrines would undoubtedly cause significant conflict and confusion among devout believers.

“But rest assured, the project ultimately ended in failure. As the research progressed, it hit an insurmountable barrier: the functional limitations of the magical language ‘Rune.’ As a result, the project was abruptly abandoned.”

“…Functional limitations?”

“Indeed.”

“What does that mean? Was it because the spell construction techniques of the time weren’t advanced enough or something like that?”

Rumia asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Rumia, you remember that Rune is a language crafted to be close to the ‘Primordial Sound’—the tone emitted by the first soul born in this world, right?”

This time, it was Glenn who answered her question.

“Oh, yes. Because Rune is close to the Primordial Sound, its incantations require special vocalization techniques. Even if we can’t consciously understand the meaning, our subconscious can, right? But since it’s a human-made language, it’s quite crude compared to angelic or draconic languages…”

“Exactly. Good memory. To get back to the point, magical functions are created by combining Runes, and those functions are used to construct magical spells. But no matter how you arranged them, it was impossible to create a function or spell that could synthesize those three elements into one. This wasn’t due to a lack of spell construction techniques—it was a fundamental flaw in the Rune language itself. Its potential and specifications simply couldn’t support such a spell. That’s what’s meant by the functional limitations of the Rune language.”

Glenn shrugged as he finished his explanation.

“In short, no matter how skilled a swordsmith is, if they’re working with steel, they can’t forge a blade capable of cutting through a mithril shield, which surpasses steel in both strength and toughness.”

“Hahaha, that’s quite a clever analogy, Glenn-sensei.”

“And there was another fatal flaw—one that was arguably an even bigger problem.”

Brushing off the praise, Glenn continued matter-of-factly.

“One of the three elements needed for revival—the substitute for the Ether Body, the ‘Alter Ether’—could only be created by extracting, processing, and refining souls from multiple unrelated individuals.”

“What!? You mean… no way…”

“Exactly. To revive one person, several others would have to die. There’s no way that could be allowed. No human, no matter how godlike, has the right to decide who lives and who dies.”

“My, my, Glenn-sensei has stolen all the spotlight. As he said, various issues arose, and the project was ultimately sealed away.”

Burks, smiling warmly, supplemented Glenn’s explanation, which had taken center stage.

“Though, there’s a rather dubious tale that some magical society stole the project and, with the help of a once-in-a-generation genius alchemist, managed to bring it to completion.”

“Oh yeah, I’ve heard that rumor. It’s practically an urban legend, though.”

“…Sensei?”

Rumia noticed that, for just a moment, Glenn’s expression turned grave, and he fell silent.

“…It’s nothing.”

Glenn turned away abruptly, brushing it off.

To dispel the awkward atmosphere Glenn had created, Rumia directed a question at Burks, if only for the sake of keeping the conversation going.

“Um… this is just out of curiosity, but… if someone were to actually try to succeed with [Project: Revive Life]… what would be needed? Assuming the issue of sacrifices was resolved, I mean…”

“Oh? You’d challenge the [Project: Revive Life], branded as absolutely impossible?”

“N-No, not like that! I’m just curious, that’s all…”

Rumia waved her hands in a fluster.

“That’s perfectly fine. We’re often so bound by magical common sense that we lose the chance to reexamine things from the ground up. A young perspective like yours is truly enviable.”

“Haha… thank you…”

Burks placed a hand on his chin, pondering for a moment before continuing.

“Hmm… well, to succeed with the so-called impossible [Project: Revive Life], two main approaches come to mind. The first is Original Magic.”

“…Original Magic?”

“Yes. Original Magic is a spell derived from an individual’s unique magical traits—the nature of their soul. Original Magic often achieves what’s theoretically impossible. If someone with magical traits specifically suited to [Project: Revive Life] existed… that person could likely succeed.”

“But the odds of such a person appearing would be astronomical, wouldn’t they?”

Sistine couldn’t help but interject.

“Hahaha, quite true. The second approach would be to use a magical language even closer to the Primordial Sound than Rune—such as draconic or angelic languages. These are said to be overwhelmingly closer to the Primordial Sound than Rune. The possibility of success would be significant.”

“But humans can’t use draconic or angelic languages as magical languages, right…?”

“Precisely. So, if there were a magical language superior to Rune that humans could use… well, that premise itself is rather absurd, isn’t it?”

Burks let out a soft, knowing chuckle.

“S-Sorry for asking something so pointless…”

“Not at all. Talking with young people like you makes me feel young again. Especially when it’s with such lovely young ladies like yourselves.”

“Oh, um…”

“Haha, you’re quite the charmer, Burks-san.”

Rumia and Sistine blushed, smiling shyly.

“Now, let’s move on from this talk and head to the next room. There’s still so much more for you to see today…”

One after another, a parade of mysteries unfolded before their eyes, each moment brimming with endless wonder. For the students of the magic academy, who aspired to pursue paths related to magic in some form, it was a truly meaningful experience.

Time flew by, and by the time the institute tour concluded, it was already evening.

Reluctantly embarking on the journey back, the students, still buzzing with excitement from the tour, forgot their fatigue from traversing rough roads and engaged in lively magical discussions. By the time they arrived at the lodging in the northeastern coastal area, the sun had fully set, and darkness had fallen.

Free time began. The energetic ones headed into town for meals or to browse street stalls, while the exhausted returned to their rooms to rest. The students split into groups, each doing as they pleased.

Re=L stood apart from the others, alone, doing nothing in particular, simply standing in front of the lodging. Her back seemed smaller than ever.

Unable to bear seeing Re=L like that, Rumia mustered her courage and approached her.

“Hey, Re=L. We’re thinking of going into town for some food. Would you like to come with us…?”

“…No way.”

But Re=L bluntly refused and began walking off somewhere.

“Re=L…”

Rumia gazed sadly at her retreating figure.

Sistine, with a faint trace of irritation on her face, glared at Re=L’s back.

Then, someone strode purposefully toward Re=L.

“Hey, that’s enough, Re=L.”

It was Glenn.

He could no longer overlook her behavior. Even setting aside their personal rift, Re=L’s attitude was starting to interfere with her primary duty of protecting Rumia. Prepared to scold her if necessary, Glenn grabbed Re=L’s shoulder.

“How long are you going to sulk by yourse—”

“Shut up!”

But Re=L shook off Glenn’s hand and bolted, as if fleeing. Shoving past passersby, she darted into an alley and vanished in an instant.

“…Tch. That idiot…”

What to do now? As Glenn wrestled with how to handle Re=L, Rumia spoke up.

“Please go after her, Sensei.”

“We’ll be fine. Right now, Re=L needs you. If we chase her, it’ll probably backfire… so please, be there for her now.”

“…Sorry.”

Glenn couldn’t leave the emotionally unstable Re=L alone in her current state.

“I’m gonna go talk to Re=L.”

With that, he took off after her.

“Ha—ha—ha—”

Amid the scenery rushing past like a torrent, Re=L ran, driven by an impulse she couldn’t name, lost in thought.

What is this? This haze. This suffocation. This pain in my chest. This heat in the corners of my eyes.

Am I sick or something?

Unanswered questions swirled in her chest, refusing to clear.

Rumia’s sad expression.

Sistine’s angry glare.

Why did seeing them look at her like that make her chest feel so heavy, her eyes burn, and her mood plummet into something unbearable?

Could it be… she’d done something wrong?

…It doesn’t matter. It’s their fault Glenn left me.

I could never stay with the ones who stole Glenn from me.

They’re the ones in the wrong. It’s all their fault.

That’s why I must hate them.

That’s why the comfortable feeling I had when I was with them before—it was a lie.

That’s why this pain in my chest is just my imagination. It has to be.

…But.

“Then why… does it hurt so much…?”

Repeating the same thoughts over and over, Re=L ran. She ran and ran.

As if escaping something. As if trying to break free from a dead-end of thoughts.

Relentlessly, endlessly.

…And then.

Still running, Re=L found herself at the northernmost edge of the northeastern coastal tourist town.

She had reached the old development district.

Once a site for tourism development, it had been abandoned for various reasons and was now a ghost town, devoid of human presence.

The area was pitch black, without a single lamplight.

Re=L wandered aimlessly through the desolate, lifeless town.

Eventually, her aimless wandering brought her to an abandoned old port.

Waves crashed against the pier, sending sprays of water into the air.

The cold, relentless sea breeze stung Re=L’s skin without mercy.

Before her stretched a sea of deep, abyssal black. At any moment, it seemed some monstrous creature could emerge from its depths—a primal, terrifying darkness.

Why was it like this?

Last night, the sea she’d seen with Rumia and Sistine had been so beautiful.

Now, it was nothing but a terrifying, monstrous expanse that made her knees tremble.

Would she ever see that beautiful moonlit sea again?

The moment that thought crossed her mind—

“…Ugh.”

For some reason.

“…Sniff… ugh…”

Re=L.

“Why… why…?”

Tears began to spill naturally from the corners of her eyes, and soft sobs escaped her lips.

She didn’t wail or cry loudly.

But the tears flowed endlessly, showing no sign of stopping.

What was this? This crushing sensation in her chest.

Something was wrong with her.

Ever since she came to that academy for her mission and started spending time with those two, something had been off. Something was out of place. She’d never felt anything like this before—

Re=L stood alone, quietly crying.

…………

…And then.

It happened suddenly.

“…Are you crying, Re=L?”

A voice called out from behind her. It sounded vaguely familiar.

To think someone had approached her without her noticing—she really was out of sorts.

“—Who!?”

Re=L spun around swiftly, crouching and touching the ground, instantly alchemizing a greatsword—

In that fleeting moment, the tip of her whirling blade pointed at a young man standing there, clad in a white coat-like robe.

His hair was a vivid blue, rare in the Empire.

(…Huh?)

This young man… she’d seen him somewhere before… hadn’t she?

“…W-Who are you!? Who the hell are you!?”

But she couldn’t remember.

The harder she tried, the more her memories and thoughts clouded like mist, keeping the young man’s identity just out of reach.

Driven by an inexplicable sense of urgency, Re=L pointed her trembling sword at him, demanding answers.

“That’s harsh. To think you’d forget me… Well, it has been a while, so maybe it can’t be helped.”

“Answer me! Who… who are you!? How do you know me!?”

“…It’s okay.”

In stark contrast to Re=L, who seemed ready to lunge at him in a frenzy, the young man maintained a gentle, serene smile. His demeanor radiated complete trust in her.

“You know who I am. Just think carefully…”

“……”

Re=L stared intently at the young man’s face.

His features. His mannerisms. His expression. They were familiar.

When was it, exactly? Where did we meet?

□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□.

…And then.

The answer… for some reason, it suddenly bubbled up from the depths of my heart, like a fleeting air pocket.

“…Nii-san? No way… is it really you, Nii-san?”

Startled by her own murmur, Re=L gazes at the young man.

The young man flashes a warm smile and…

“That’s right, Re=L. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? …I’ve been wanting to see you for so long.”

He says something like that.

“…Tch.”

In the depths of a misty night forest, shrouded in darkness.

A man clad in a jet-black cloak, arms crossed and leaning against a towering tree—Albert—lets out an irritated click of his tongue.

The place where Albert stands is the forbidden forest sea, west of the northeastern coastal tourist town.

There, Albert is multitasking far-seeing magic, keeping watch over Rumia and the others.

Since Re=L separated from Rumia’s group, he’s directed his magical gaze to monitor her as well, but…

“…So that’s how it’s gonna be.”

The enemy organization… The Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom aren’t about to let that slip pass unnoticed.

But to think they’d so dutifully make their move even now—their reach is honestly terrifying.

—It’ll take Glenn a bit longer to reach Re=L.

—Guess I should make a move myself.

With that judgment, Albert starts to dash toward the tourist town, but—

“…Hmph. As expected, they’re quick. Or rather, I was too careless.”

Albert immediately halts, scanning his surroundings with unwavering vigilance.

Unbeknownst to him, an overt warding barrier has been erected around the area, complete with a sound-blocking spell. Whatever happens within this barrier, no one outside will notice.

For someone to go through such lengths in a remote place like this, where no unrelated person would bother coming, the one behind it must be exceptionally cautious.

—And then.

“Fufu… Are you all alone tonight, Albert-sama…?”

A seductive woman’s voice, laced with a dangerous heat, echoes through the air.

“If so, would you care to keep me company this evening? My body’s been burning with desire, and I simply can’t help myself… If you’d indulge me…”

From behind Albert, emerging softly from the shadow of a tree, is that woman—

“I’ll offer you a night of fiery dreams, a moment of decadent, forbidden ecstasy…”

“Sorry, but no thanks.”

With refined, economical movements, Albert spins around, flicking his left hand’s fingers.

A pre-chanted spell, held in reserve, activates with a delayed trigger. Black Magic [Lightning Pierce] unleashes a radiant bolt of thunder, tearing through the night’s darkness, streaking straight toward the woman.

She dodges with a graceful leap, landing lightly on a branch of a nearby giant tree.

“I’ve got no interest in cheap harlots like you. Get lost.”

“Oh, how cold… and cruel. You should handle a lady with the gentleness of touching silk.”

“So it’s you, huh? The Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom, Second Order [Adeptus], the heretic mage Eleanor Charlet.”

“Oh my, my rank’s been exposed? The military’s quite impressive, isn’t it?”

The woman—Eleanor—stands at the point where Albert’s hawk-like, piercing gaze fixes, her alluring smile cutting through the darkness like a streak of vermilion.

“If you’re showing up, it means you’re scheming something nasty involving that princess again, aren’t you? But this is as far as you go. You’re getting kicked out right here, right now.”

“Oh dear, such an impatient man. Men who lose themselves and pounce on a woman set before them are so unattractive. No need to rush…”

Eleanor mutters a spell under her breath and snaps her fingers with a sharp click.

From the ground around Albert, figures begin to burst through the soil, rising one after another, surrounding him.

Instantly, a putrid stench, the smell of death, fills the air.

Decaying flesh, bones exposed in patches. At a glance, it’s clear—these are all corpses.

And for some reason, every single one is female. For whatever twisted reason, Eleanor has summoned a horde of exclusively female undead.

All of them, women—it’s as if this reflects a corner of Eleanor’s warped madness.

“As you can see, we lovely ladies are fully prepared to offer you our warmest hospitality…”

“…Necromancer.”

Albert spits the word with disgust, his sharp gaze piercing Eleanor.

“Fine, heretic. I’ll play your game. …But I’m picky about women, you know.”

“Fufu, I’ll do my very best to please you, Albert-sama—here we go.”

Eleanor begins chanting a spell rapidly.

In response to her incantation, the horde of undead surges toward Albert all at once.

“Hmph, 《Roar, Flame Lion》—”

In answer, Albert chants a single rune verse.

His left arm bursts into flames…

And in a corner of the dark forest sea, a massive pillar of fire erupts.

“No way… Nii-san… How… Why…?”

Stunned and dazed… Re=L stares at the man before her.

The person she once wanted to protect, but failed to—the goal she’d lost sight of, the purpose she’d been searching for a replacement for—is standing right there, right in front of her.

“You… Nii-san… You were definitely… dead… Killed by that guy…”

“…That guy? Who’s ‘that guy’?”

“…Th-that’s…”

Re=L falls silent. Right. Who was it that killed her brother?

□□□□.

No good. She can’t remember. That memory is stained white.

“Who killed me doesn’t matter, does it? What’s important to you is that I, your brother, am standing before you again… Isn’t that right?”

Yes. That nameless guy doesn’t matter at all.

“Nii-san, why… How are you alive? You were definitely…”

“It’s true, that day when our plan to escape the organization together was leaked, I fell to the organization’s hands. But you were so distraught back then, you probably didn’t notice, did you? That I was still breathing.”

Yes, that day. The day her brother died.

That day—□□□□ killed my brother’s □□□, and I □□□□□□□□□□□□□□□…

□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□.

“Ugh…”

Her head starts to throb. There are strange blanks in her memory. Something’s off.

Glenn always told her not to dwell on the past, and honestly, whenever she tries, her head hurts, so she’s avoided it… but something feels wrong. It was only two years ago—should it really be this hard to remember?

“H-hey, are you okay, Re=L? That day was a traumatic event for you… If it’s making you feel sick, it’s better not to think too deeply about it, alright?”

“…Mmn…”

At her brother’s concerned words, Re=L stops thinking.

No, she should think… Somewhere deep inside, a faint alarm bell rings, but since thinking makes her head hurt, she ignores it.

Besides, to Re=L, her brother’s words take priority over everything else.

“S-so… Nii-san… Why… are you here…?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I came to see you, Re=L.”

Her brother continues, his expression calm and gentle.

“Two years ago, you miraculously managed to defect to the Imperial Court Mage Corps and gained your freedom. But I failed… and I’m still a slave to the organization.”

“That’s… no…”

At her brother’s words, Re=L feels a crushing wave of guilt, as if her chest might collapse.

If what her brother says is true… then what has she been doing all this time, when she swore to protect him?

“N-nii-san… I-I’m… s-sorry… I didn’t… know…”

“You don’t need to apologize. It’s not your fault. But… if you feel even a bit guilty about me…”

Pleading, almost clinging, the young man speaks.

“…Please, help me, Re=L.”

At those words, Re=L’s eyes widen slightly.

“…Help you?”

“You know, don’t you? What happens to traitors in that organization… I can’t take it anymore. The only reason I’m still alive is because I happen to have abilities the organization finds useful…”

“B-but… help you… What should I do?”

Her usually stoic face betrays unmistakable agitation as Re=L asks hesitantly.

“Rumia Tingel.”

“!”

At her brother’s response, Re=L’s face turns deathly pale, and she freezes.

“Right now, the organization is moving forward with a certain plan. That plan requires a girl named Rumia… and the magic instructor protecting her, Glenn, is in the way. He needs to be eliminated.”

Even Re=L understands what her brother is implying.

“Help me, Re=L. For two years, I’ve obediently served the organization… and they’ve given me a chance. If I secure Rumia and make this plan succeed… they’ve promised to grant me freedom.”

“Ah… aah… aah…”

In other words, betray Glenn and Rumia.

And if she agrees… she’ll likely never be able to return to this side again.

…Why is it?

Glenn’s exasperated face, Rumia’s sorrowful expression, Sistine’s angry scowl—they flash through her mind.

Why does this feel so terrifying?

She should be able to do anything for her brother—she did live that way before, didn’t she? What is there to fear now?

Glenn just happened to remind her a little of her brother, so she used him as a substitute. Rumia was just part of her mission, nothing more. And Sistine? She was just a bonus.

But still. Even so.

Betraying them—why does it fill her with such overwhelming dread?

Wasn’t she living solely for her brother?

Didn’t she think everything else was irrelevant?

“Ugh… aah… I…”

Re=L clutches her head, stumbling back from her brother.

It feels like the ground is crumbling beneath her feet.

Staring into her brother’s eyes, it’s as if she’s losing herself…

And then.

To Re=L, her brother murmurs sadly.

“Re=L… Didn’t you promise to protect me? Are you going to abandon me again and leave me behind…?”

“Ah…”

At those words.

Something inside Re=L’s heart shatters.

“…I… I…”

Just as Re=L’s lips are about to form some fateful words—

“Re=L! Get away from that man!”

Suddenly, a sharp, menacing shout echoes through the air, and a figure dashes in like a gale, stepping between Re=L and her brother.

The figure, wearing a robe with sleeves unthreaded, flips it dramatically and faces her brother.

“…!? Glenn Radars!?”

Re=L’s brother stares at the sudden intruder with a mix of shock and fear.

“Oh? You know my name… You’re with The Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom, aren’t you?”

Glenn, his name called out, raises an eyebrow and hurls a low, intimidating question at the man who’d approached Re=L.

“N-no… I’m…”

“No excuses. That robe you’re wearing is the ceremonial garb of that idiotic organization’s First Order [Portals]. You think I’d mistake that garbage getup? And…”

Glenn glares at the man, as if seeing through him.

“If you’re a member of that organization, you’ve got a tattoo somewhere on your body—a snake coiled around a dagger. I’ll beat you to a pulp and check. If I’m wrong, I’ll grovel or whatever.”

“Ugh…”

At Glenn’s words, the man’s face pales, and he visibly panics.

From his rattled demeanor, Glenn is almost certain he’s guilty.

“Goddamn, you Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom are way too dedicated. Making a move even at a time like this? Take a break once in a while, you bastards. But you screwed up.”

In Glenn’s hand is the Arcane of ‘The Fool.’

“I don’t know what you were whispering to Re=L, but giving me time to get here was your mistake, you heretic mage.”

Glenn has already activated his Original Magic [Fool’s World]. A spell that completely nullifies all magic activation within a certain radius around him—a mage-killer’s magic.

A third-rate mage with a mere three-verse chant and average mana capacity, yet this secret technique made Glenn one of the aces of the Imperial Court Mage Corps. Before ‘The Fool,’ all mages are as helpless as babies.

Judging by the man’s reactions, he doesn’t seem like a combat-oriented mage skilled in battle… but Glenn stays cautious.

“No matter what tricks you’ve got, it’s over. You’re neutralized. You’re probably just some grunt from the First Order [Portals] with no valuable intel, but just in case. Re=L, let’s take this guy down.”

Glenn tucks the Arcane of ‘The Fool’ into his pocket and begins closing the distance with the man.

At this moment, Glenn is utterly convinced of his advantage in this situation.

Magic activation in the area is sealed. It’s two against one.

He and Re=L are among the top close-combat fighters in the Imperial Court Mage Corps, and Re=L has already conjured her sword. The opponent has no visible weapons or active magical artifacts.

The situation is overwhelmingly in their favor, and with Re=L by his side, victory is certain.

So—

“…Huh?”

Glenn suddenly can’t comprehend the impact that hits him from behind, nor the searing heat that surges through him in the next instant.

“Guh…!”

He chokes on the metallic taste flooding his throat.

“…Re… L…?”

Turning only his head, Glenn looks back at Re=L with a dazed expression.

It’s some kind of joke, right? A mistake.

“……”

Re=L, her eyes hollow and unlit, grips a greatsword with both hands, plunged deep into Glenn’s back. The white blade has pierced clean through from his back to his right chest, the blood-soaked tip protruding grotesquely from his torso.

“Gah…!? …Wh… why…!?”

Spitting blood, Glenn asks a now-pointless question in this situation.

“…Y-you… no way…!? It’s not… true… right…?”

He can’t believe it.

To Glenn, overflowing with that raw emotion.

“…Thank you for everything.”

Re=L, her vacant face stained with splattered blood, turns away and mutters a quiet thanks.

“But I… I live for my Nii-san over there.”

“…Huh? …Brother?”

In that moment.

Glenn’s eyes widen, staring at Re=L as if he’s seen something unbelievable.

“…R-Re… L… What are you… saying…!?”

“…Goodbye.”

With those words of farewell.

Re=L swings the greatsword, still impaling Glenn, with reckless force.

Blood sprays as Glenn’s body spins around Re=L in a wide arc.

“——!?”

The momentum rips Glenn’s body free from the sword, sending him flying in a parabolic arc.

Crimson droplets trace his path, scattering into the void like falling petals…

And with a tremendous splash, he plunges into the dark sea.

Glenn’s body is swallowed by the raging waves in an instant, never to resurface.

“……”

Re=L stares at the sea where Glenn sank, her eyes like glass marbles.

She says nothing. Her gaze reflects no emotion.

Only the cold sound of the sea breeze blows through the emptiness of her heart.

“…Re=L.”

To Re=L, standing there in a daze, her brother offers words of comfort.

“Thank you… for doing this for me. It was hard, wasn’t it, Re=L…?”

“…It’s fine. I… just… for Nii-san…”

Re=L murmurs in a ghostly voice, barely audible.

“…So… it’s nothing… nothing at all…”

Right, it’s nothing. She’s just returning to how things were.

Killing for her brother, protecting only him, wearing down her life for his sake. Back to that old way of living.

That’s always been her reason for living, her way of life. There’s no room for regret.

So, this crushing sensation in her chest must be a lie. An illusion.

The sense of loss, that Rumia and Sistine have somehow slipped away to a place impossibly far— that’s a lie too. An illusion.

So, the tears streaming endlessly from her eyes, trailing down her cheeks— they must surely be some kind of mistake.