Chapter 4: Chaotic Study Abroad Life

St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy.

In the dimly lit headmaster’s office, with the curtains tightly drawn.

“…So? It’s been five days now… Have you figured her out? That girl?”

Headmaster Marianne, hands clasped on her desk, posed the question to the female student.

“…Not yet.”

The girl responded in a clear, commanding voice, resonant like silver bells and brimming with confidence.

“The other day, during the magical combat training class… she was restricted from attacking and didn’t even take it seriously. There’s no way I could gauge her true potential from that…”

As the girl calmly raised her left hand, a sword appeared in her grasp as if by magic, despite holding nothing moments before.

The blade, with its circular guard adorned with an iron wire flower pattern, was sheathed in a black lacquered scabbard, its form gently curved.

The handle was wrapped with a meticulous grip, featuring diamond-shaped menuki ornaments aligned in a neat row.

The girl grasped it with her right hand…

Click. She gently parted the scabbard’s opening, drawing the blade about four inches. The sword’s body gleamed.

Forged from traditional steel, the ridged blade bore a wood-grain pattern. Its tempered edge shimmered like blazing flames.

The girl’s sharp, piercing eyes reflected in the mirror-like polish of the blade.

It was simply beautiful. A masterpiece that harmonized practicality and artistry at the highest level.

This sword, a rare sight in the Alzano Empire, was an Uchigatana—a blade from the East.

“…I’m confident. Ever since my father was defeated, I’ve trained relentlessly, aiming to surpass her. But to be absolutely certain, I want to observe her a bit longer.”

“…I see. Well, be as cautious as you like… After all…”

Marianne let out a soft chuckle.

“You have a fatal weakness, don’t you?”

At those words, the girl’s eyes, reflected in the mirror-like blade, clouded ever so slightly between her brows.

“…Oh? Did I upset you? I’m sorry… I was only worried about you. After all, you’re my precious…”

“…Who are you to say that?”

The girl’s expression remained impassive, but irritation crept into the edges of her words.

As if to turn away from the turmoil in her heart…

“Just watch, Marianne. I will cut her down.”

Chin… With a clear metallic sound, the girl sheathed the blade, letting the scabbard’s opening click shut.

Snap.

“Oh?”

Meanwhile, at the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, during a second-year Class 2 lesson.

Celica, who had been writing on the blackboard, blinked in surprise as the chalk snapped.

“Yare yare, got a bit too enthusiastic, huh?”

With a wry smile, Celica picked up the broken chalk fragments from the floor.

“You must be exhausted, Professor Arfonia… Why don’t you take a break?”

Wendy, her expression strained, offered her concern.

“Yeah… My shoulders are a bit stiff. Shouldn’t have tried something I’m not used to.”

Celica stretched with a groan, cracking her neck.

“Still… Teaching a class is pretty tough, huh? Glenn’s been doing this every day? Gotta say, I’m a little impressed.”

“Y-Yeah! Glenn-sensei always made lessons so clear, even for guys like us!”

“Sensei… He might not look it, but he’s always thinking about us when he teaches.”

“Wonder what Sensei’s up to now? Man, I wish he’d come back soon!”

Kash and Cecil, for some reason, enthusiastically praised Glenn.

Looking around, Gibul, Teresa, Kai, Rodd, Lynn… all the students of second-year Class 2 wore strained, perplexed expressions, sweating nervously.

Oblivious to the odd atmosphere, Celica, thrilled to hear Glenn praised, beamed with a wide grin and rolled up her sleeves.

“Well, well! Guess I’ve gotta step up and fill the gap Glenn left behind!”

“”“”No way! Professor, you don’t need to try that hard!””””

The students, teary-eyed and shaking their heads frantically, cried out in unison.

The blackboard was covered with the traces of Celica’s lessons—massive, hyper-complex magical formulas so advanced their purposes were incomprehensible, densely scrawled across the surface.

Naturally, not a single student in the room could understand them.

“Hahaha, don’t hold back, everyone. I know it’s a bit basic, but I’m gonna do my best to be a worthy substitute for Glenn!”

“N-No, that’s not what we mean, Professor…” (Wendy, pale)

“To you, Professor, amplifying energy convergence from multidimensional parallel worlds to the primary subjective plane might be as simple as 1+1, but…” (Gibul, sweating profusely)

“W-We just want you to teach us the 1+1 stuff…” (Lynn, teary-eyed)

But their murmurs went unheard by Celica, who was gleefully determined to take on Glenn’s role.

“Now, if you tweak this part, you get a 256% boost in output and a conceptual destruction attribute!”

The formula on the blackboard morphed further, evolving into something incomprehensible before the students, who had long since given up trying to follow.

(Wait… Wasn’t this originally the formula for the basic attack spell [Gale Blow]…?)

(What is that freakish formula? That’s not [Gale Blow] anymore…)

(Ugh… How did it come to this? Glenn-sensei’s ability to teach at our level was actually amazing…)

The students could only weep quietly.

Having finished her magical overhaul of the formula, Celica turned back with a proud smile, puffing out her chest.

“…And that’s it. With this, you all can—kill a god.”

““““As if we could—?!””””

““““Glenn-sensei, come back soon—!””””

“I can’t take this anymore—! I just wanna go home—!”

Meanwhile, far from the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy.

Glenn was sprinting down the school’s corridor like a rabbit fleeing a predator.

“Oh, please wait—! Renn-sensei—!”

Thud thud thud thud thud—!

A horde of female students, led by Francine, chased after Glenn in a frenzy.

“Hey, Sensei! Come have lunch with us!”

“No way! Stay back—! If I’m seen with you guys—!”

At that moment…

“Oi, Francine! What do you think you’re doing with our Renn-sensei—?!”

A new group, led by Colette, appeared ahead.

“Sensei’s eating lunch with us! Get outta the way—!”

“Gah—?! I knew it—!”

Glenn skidded to a halt, caught in the middle.

“Sensei—!”

“Whoa—?!”

Francine’s group caught up, tackling Glenn with enthusiastic hugs.

“Hey, what’re you doing?! Get off Renn-sensei!”

“Gyaah—?!”

Colette’s group charged in, joining the fray, and Glenn was overwhelmed in the chaos.

“Get… away from Renn-sensei… Colette!”

“You’re the one clinging to him, Francine!”

“Enough! You girls, take them down!”

“You lot, back me up!”

“”“”Yes!””””

And so, a full-blown magical battle erupted around Glenn.

Lightning and explosions flashed through the corridor…

“《O mighty wind》—!”

“”“”Kyaaa—!””””

A sudden, ferocious gust swept through, blowing Francine and Colette’s entourages far down the hall.

“What?!”

Francine and Colette, still clinging to Glenn’s sides, turned to look.

“Honestly… You people…!”

Sistine stood with her left hand raised, breathing heavily, clearly exasperated.

“…Ahaha, Francine-san, Colette-san… Don’t you think you’re sticking a bit too close to Sensei? Even a kind teacher like her might find it bothersome, you know? Right? Right?”

Rumia’s words were polite and gentle, but her eyes were devoid of warmth.

“Come on, Sensei! Forget these people and let’s go eat!”

“Hehe, Re=L’s probably starving and waiting for us!”

Sistine and Rumia tugged at Glenn from behind.

“W-Wait! Renn-sensei is with me—!”

“Hey, you! Sensei’s with us—!”

“Oh, really? Because last time I checked, Sensei was our teacher first.”

Sistine shot a cold retort at the indignant Francine and Colette.

The air grew tense, heavy with hostility.

Pop! As if on cue, the girls released Glenn.

“H-Hey… Guys…?”

Glenn, flustered in the center, was ignored as…

“Sistine. Rumia. I’ll admit, you two are impressive, having been taught by Renn-sensei for so long. I acknowledge it. You completely outclassed us last time…”

“But… ever since that day, we’ve taken Renn-sensei’s lessons seriously, studying what it means to be a mage with all our effort…”

“The mindset of a mage, the use of magic, its fundamental principles, magical combat theory… We were just showing off before, clueless. It was an eye-opener.”

“Through our time with Sensei, we’ve grown tremendously as mages.”

Francine and Colette smirked provocatively at Sistine and Rumia.

“Don’t you think it’s about time for a rematch?”

Rumble rumble rumble… The atmosphere felt as if such a sound could be heard.

“…What, you think a few days of lessons make you experts?”

“Hehe, the essence of Sensei’s teachings is so profound, you couldn’t possibly grasp it in such a short time…”

Boom boom boom… The heavy, ominous vibe intensified.

—A girls’ school. A garden of blushing maidens. A world of only girls. A dreamy paradise filled with refined, aristocratic young ladies…

Suddenly, the words of Glenn’s revered mentor echoed in his mind.

—Close your eyes, and you can picture it, right? Amid a noble, refined atmosphere… beautiful, fairy-like girls playing innocently together…

Indeed, looking around, the atmosphere was noble and refined (with countless mob ojou-samas felled by Sistine’s spells littering the area like a battlefield).

“Francine! Back me up! Let’s crush them!”

“Rumia! Watch my back! Time to teach these selfish girls a lesson!”

Indeed, beautiful, fairy-like girls played together innocently (so harmoniously that lightning and gusts were exchanged with fervor).

—If you manage to earn their trust as a teacher… you might find yourself overwhelmed with affection, maybe even a bit troubled… But that’s endearing in its own way.

Glenn gazed at the “adorable” girls with half-lidded eyes.

“Sensei doesn’t belong to you! Get that through your heads!”

“Shut up! If that’s how it is, we’ll take him by force!”

And then—

—Yes, you can become a resident of that dreamy, ideal paradise.

“Yeah, you’re right, Celica. Right now, the dream and ideal paradise I’ve always chased is unfolding before me… I’m so moved… Haha… Hahaha…”

Faced with the exact scene he’d once wished for, Glenn stood in awe.

With a serene smile, he gazed at the precious sight for a moment… and then…

“No, that’s wrong! This isn’t the scene I wanted—!”

Finally snapping out of his escapism, Glenn clutched his head and screamed to the heavens.

He rushed forward to stop his students’ rampage and deadly clash.

“Hey, you guys! Stop it—! Don’t fight over me—! Wait, this dialogue is all kinds of wrong—!”

“Oh no! A stray spell’s heading for Sensei—!”

“Gyaaa—!”

Inevitably, as always, Glenn was caught in the blast of a compressed air bullet, sent tumbling down the corridor in a chaotic heap.

Meanwhile… in the deserted classroom of the second-year Moon Class.

“…”

Re=L sat alone, staring intently at an open textbook.

It was a rare sight.

Normally, Re=L would follow Rumia and Sistine like a chick trailing its mother, but…

This time, Re=L had chosen to be alone of her own accord.

(I… have something I need to do.)

Re=L focused on the textbook, her thoughts vague but determined.

Yes. This short-term study abroad… Re=L secretly felt guilty for dragging Glenn, Sistine, and Rumia into it because of her own selfish wishes.

So, she had made up her mind.

She would overcome this trial on her own, relying on Glenn and the others as little as possible.

(Because of me, we came here… but Rumia and Sistine are always training with the class, even during lessons and breaks… They’re amazing.)

Flip. Re=L turned a page, her eyes diligently scanning the text.

(And at the center of that training is always Glenn… He’s working hard as a teacher. Impressive.)

On the first day, the class had harbored a hostility toward Glenn, but that was gone now. It seemed everyone had come to like him.

That was surely because Glenn had taken his teaching duties seriously.

(…Yeah. Everyone’s working hard… so I’ll work hard too. So Glenn, Rumia, and Sistie can feel at ease…)

Re=L’s gaze fell on the textbook’s cover.

(This book… Glenn chose it for me. I’m not that smart… but if I read it carefully, it’ll definitely help me…)

“Listen up! Your basic knowledge is a mess, so for now, just read through this book, okay? Got it—oh no, those two are coming—! Retreat!”

Re=L recalled Glenn’s words from the other day, when he’d hurriedly shoved the book at her before fleeing.

(…Yeah, Glenn. I’ll work hard. I’ll make this study abroad a success… so I can be with Sistine, Rumia, and everyone in Class 2 again, back in that classroom.)

With that resolve in her heart, Re=L returned to studying the textbook.

Her usually sleepy eyes were wide open, unusually alert.

A battlefield-like focus consumed her, her concentration absolute.

Flip. She read each page thoroughly, from the top left to the bottom right, before turning to the next.

(…Wow. This book Glenn gave me… The more I read, the more I feel like I’m getting stronger… Is studying… actually fun?)

She felt a surge of motivation welling up from deep within. If she kept moving forward step by step, maybe one day she could catch up to Sistine and the others academically…

It was then, as Re=L was lost in such thoughts.

“U-Um… Re=L?”

Someone timidly called out to her.

A petite girl with glasses… Elsa.

“What? Don’t bother me. I’m studying.”

Re=L shot Elsa a curt glance.

“S-Sorry… But, um…”

Elsa fidgeted, struggling to speak.

“What?”

“W-Well… Your book’s upside down…?”

At Elsa’s words, Re=L stared at the book in her hands for a long moment…

“…Didn’t notice.”

She slowly turned it right-side up.

“W-What…? You were reading it upside down, flipping the pages in order… so you were reading from the last page backward…? Have you not been reading it at all…?”

“No way. I’ve been reading it properly, like Glenn told me to.”

“Then… do you actually understand the content…?”

To Elsa’s question…

Re=L looked her straight in the eye and answered confidently.

“Mm. Not at all. What’s this book about?”

“…”

“…But it’s fine. Somehow… I feel like I’m getting really strong.”

With a soft “hmph,” Re=L Rayford puffed out her chest, her sleepy, expressionless face somehow carrying a hint of pride.

It was as if an aura of “praise me, praise me” was practically oozing from her.

“…T-That’s the worst way to study…”

By now, all Elsa could do was let out an awkward, strained smile.

“…It’s bad?”

“Yeah, it just makes you feel like you’re studying… but I don’t think it’s actually helping you at all, Re=L.”

“…I see… That’s troubling…”

At Elsa’s critique, Re=L’s shoulders slumped, as if she were deflating with a quiet shun…

“…But… I have to try… I…”

Slowly, with an almost tragic air, Re=L began flipping through her textbook again.

“Um, the basics of spells… Grammar…? Clauses…? Breaking it down… Ideographic runes and… phonetic runes… Mmm… It’s hard… zzz… zzz… zzz… zzz…”

In a mere ten seconds, she was already nodding off, letting out adorable little snores.

“…Hah! No… I have to do this properly… But reading normally makes me sleepy… So I’ll read it upside down… But then I don’t understand the content… Mmm, troubling…”

Re=L’s brow furrowed deeper and deeper. To an onlooker, it might’ve looked like a one-woman comedy routine, but she was genuinely distressed and at a complete loss.

“Haha… Re=L, you’re really something else, aren’t you?”

Elsa couldn’t help but smile warmly at Re=L’s antics.

“Hey, Re=L… If you’re serious about trying hard… why don’t we study together? If there’s anything you don’t get, I can explain it to you as best I can.”

“!”

Re=L stared intently at Elsa, who was beaming with a carefree smile.

Elsa. A new person she’d met during this study-abroad program, sparked by a chance encounter.

In a way, Elsa was the first acquaintance Re=L had made without Glenn or the others acting as a bridge.

Back at the Reitzel Cross Railway Station, Elsa had helped her out, and even here at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy, she’d been looking out for Re=L, who was struggling to adjust to life abroad, always offering help and care.

Honestly, Re=L didn’t dislike this girl named Elsa.

But…

“……”

“…Re=L?”

In the past, Re=L had been a girl who depended entirely on Glenn, her surrogate brother, and cared for no one else.

Recently, things had started to change. She’d grown close to Rumia Tingel and Sistine Fibel, and through them, she was slowly getting used to her classmates in Class 2 of Year 2. She was even starting to take an interest in them.

But that was only because Rumia and Sistine had been there to carry her along.

If she’d been alone, Re=L would probably still be a loner in class.

Even now, without Rumia and the others, she felt a slight resistance to interacting with her classmates.

That was exactly why Re=L had so stubbornly refused this short-term study abroad at first.

Deep down, she vaguely understood that this wasn’t good. She couldn’t keep relying on Glenn, Rumia, and Sistine forever… Was that really okay? She’d been starting to wonder.

Glenn and the others were always moving forward. If she stayed like this, she had a nagging feeling that one day, she’d be left irreparably behind… That thought haunted her.

—Hahaha. If you really feel that way… how about this? While you’re abroad, try making one or two friends without relying on Rumia and the others. That’d put their minds at ease a bit, yeah?—

On the way to this academy, Glenn’s words suddenly resurfaced in Re=L’s heart.

So this was her chance. Re=L steeled herself to take a step forward.

Words she never could’ve said before, without Rumia or the others by her side…

“…Okay. I understand… Teach me… to study…”

In a barely audible mumble, Re=L spoke, her voice almost fading away.

Her face, slightly downcast, was the same sleepy, blank expression as always. But inside, her heart was pounding, her body as tense as a statue, as she mustered every ounce of courage she had.

“…Um… P-please… El… sa…”

Her whisper was quieter than the flutter of an insect’s wings, but it reached Elsa clearly.

“!”

For a moment, Elsa blinked in surprise at Re=L’s response.

Then, with a bright smile, she took Re=L’s hand.

Re=L was caught off guard by Elsa’s action, but it didn’t feel bad.

Looking at Elsa’s warm smile, she felt a warmth spreading through her own chest.

…The saying goes, it’s easier to do than to worry. It seems that the world is often like that.

In the bustling cafeteria of St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy, filled with lively chatter.

Surrounded by Sistine, Rumia, Francine, Ginny, and Colette, along with a gaggle of other girls, Glenn was at the center of a noisy whirlwind.

Each girl had a tray piled with their chosen lunch, giggling and chatting as they ate.

To Glenn’s right sat Sistine, to his left, Rumia.

Across from him were Francine, Ginny, and Colette.

“Ohoho… If we’d just eaten together like this from the start, surrounding Renn-sensei, it would’ve been perfect,” Francine said.

“Hahaha! Can’t be helped! I’ll let it slide for today!” Colette grinned.

“Right? Food just tastes better when we’re all together!” Sistine chimed in.

“Eating together like this… it feels like we’re all getting closer,” Rumia added.

…Not a single one of them was smiling with their eyes.

Sparks practically flew as they shot glares at each other, checking one another with their gazes.

“…Yay, my dream harem… Not thrilled about it at all…”

Already feeling full before even taking a bite, Glenn could only clutch his head in despair.

“…My stomach hurts… Even White Cat and Rumia are in on this? What’s going on…?”

“Being a popular teacher must be tough, huh?”

Ginny comforted the slumping Glenn with a voice devoid of any warmth.

“You’re treating this like it’s someone else’s problem, huh?”

“Because it is someone else’s problem.”

Ginny’s response was utterly indifferent to Glenn’s resentful look.

“But… well, I am grateful to you, Sensei.”

“…?”

Glenn looked puzzled as Ginny glanced subtly to the side.

At the other end of her gaze…

“Man, Sistine, you’re seriously strong… Are you really a student our age?”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You guys are the ones who seem way beyond normal students!”

“Francine-san and Colette-san… don’t you think you’re a bit too out of sync? Like, you’re both doing your own thing too much…”

“Tch… Colette, we’re practicing teamwork later, got it?”

“Yeah… Being outdone by these guys like this just doesn’t sit right with me…”

Sistine, Colette, and the others were engrossed in lively conversation.

“Huh? Are they… actually getting along pretty well…?”

Glenn blinked in surprise.

“Thanks to you, Sensei, even our class—infamous as the worst in academy history—might improve a bit.”

“What do you mean?”

Glenn pressed Ginny for the meaning behind her cryptic words.

“In the end… these so-called ‘factions’ in the academy are just groups of sheltered, privileged ojou-sama forced into a mold in this closed-off space. They’re frogs in a well, clinging to their sense of ‘specialness’—their identity—through mutual flattery… Childish cliques, basically.”

“Oh?”

“It’s inevitable. They’re all naive, bound by family traditions and expectations that restrict their freedom whether they like it or not. They can’t even freely choose their futures. Naturally, they rebel against those constraints. At the very least, in this tiny world, they want to believe their ‘power’ is special. It’s only natural they’d band together and act tough… They’re young, after all.”

“……”

“But thanks to you all crushing their pride, they’ve realized that posturing alone won’t beat the ‘real thing’—and they can’t become the real thing that way. The way you taught them about being a 《Mage》… ‘An arrogant, sinful breed that bends even the laws of the world to their desires and goals, and thus, free’… For girls who’ve been coddled by their families, drifting along, thinking they had no choice, that must’ve been a revelation.”

“……”

“It won’t change overnight, but I think the faction rivalries will gradually ease up. In the end, it’s just teenage rebellion, isn’t it?”

“…Ginny, how old are you? You sound way too mature.”

“Leave me alone.”

Ignoring Glenn’s stunned expression and Ginny’s slightly annoyed huff…

“Haa… I wonder where Re=L went off to?” Sistine mumbled, twirling pasta around her fork.

“Yeah… Since we’re all eating together like this, it would’ve been nice if Re=L were here too…” Rumia added.

“Re=L? That blue-haired one? The tag-along with you guys?” Colette responded, leaning on her elbow and taking a big bite of rye bread.

“…Isn’t that her over there?”

“Huh!? Where!?”

Colette pointed, and at the far table—

“Ah! Re=L…”

“And Elsa too…”

There, sitting side by side, were Re=L and Elsa, eating together.

“…Thanks for teaching me to study, Elsa. This is a thank-you… A strawberry tart.”

“Oh… Sorry, Re=L… I’m not good with strawberries… I don’t think I can eat it…”

“Really? …Poor Elsa…”

“W-Wait, don’t look at me like I’m the most unfortunate person in the world…”

“It’s okay… I’ll eat your share of the strawberry tart too…”

“…Re=L, your eyes are sparkling so much…”

From this distance, their conversation was inaudible.

But Elsa was unusually cheerful, and Re=L didn’t seem to mind at all.

“Oi, look, Francine…”

“Yes… Elsa… So you can smile like that with someone.”

Francine murmured, a hint of relief in her voice as she watched Re=L and Elsa.

“Come to think of it… Elsa’s always alone, isn’t she? Even with you all split into two cliques… What? Is she an outcast? That’s harsh.”

“I don’t think that’s okay… Let’s all get along,” Rumia said, glaring at Francine and the others with narrowed eyes.

“Hey… Are you guys bullying her or what? I can overlook the nonsense you pull with me, but picking on an innocent girl? I’m seriously pissed!” Glenn cracked his knuckles and blew on his fist dramatically.

“N-no way! We’re not excluding her!” Colette protested.

“Exactly! She’s the one keeping her distance from us! Besides, bullying is unbecoming of nobles who protect the weak!” Francine added.

Flustered, Colette and Francine began explaining.

“She transferred into our class partway through the last term, but…”

“Of course, both Colette and I invited her to join our respective factions! To bolster our ranks!”

“You two never change, do you…” Glenn muttered.

“But… I dunno, she always dodged our invitations, all vague and slippery… Always alone, looking kinda lonely…”

“She’s top-notch in grades, impeccable in conduct. Polite to everyone, easy to get along with… but there’s always this wall she puts up. Like a kind lone wolf, you could say.”

“So yeah, I’m shocked. Elsa hanging out with someone like that? Never seen it.”

Hearing Francine and the others’ take on Elsa, Glenn mused, surprised.

(Elsa, a loner? Doesn’t seem like it…)

Elsa was indeed a quiet girl, but she’d always struck him as sociable, with plenty of friends.

Even now, watching her with Re=L, she didn’t give off a “loner” vibe at all.

If she really was a loner, why Re=L of all people? There were friendlier students among the exchange group, like Rumia or Sistine.

It could just be that she clicked with Re=L… but still.

“Actually… she’s got a bit of an issue in her heart.”

“…An issue?”

“It’s… kinda sad to see. Seems like it’s why she keeps her distance from us, even though we don’t care.”

“We shouldn’t say more. It’s not our place.”

Elsa’s issue. The reason she kept others at arm’s length.

It piqued his curiosity… but it wasn’t something to pry into. Not until she chose to share.

“Well… as long as she’s smiling with someone like that, that’s good, right?”

“Yes, it’s a bit of a relief.”

Colette and Francine smiled, visibly relieved.

A calm atmosphere settled over the group…

“Hah! Maybe she’s just creeped out because you two are so pushy with your faction nonsense!” Glenn teased, shattering the moment without hesitation.

“Ugh… I can’t exactly deny that…” Colette muttered.

“T-that’s a bit harsh…” Francine added.

“But, y’know… it’s nice, in a way.”

Grinning, Glenn looked at the sulking Colette and Francine.

“I thought you two were just troublemakers at first, but you’re actually pretty decent. I don’t hate that kinda thing, y’know?”

And then—

Whoosh! Whoosh! Instantly, Francine and Colette’s cheeks flushed bright red.

“W-What!? Y-You’re saying you like me!?”

“H-Hold on, Sensei! I’m only 15! It’s too soon! And we’re both girls—plus, I’m not mentally prepared—!”

“Oh, come on! How do you even get there from ‘I don’t hate you’!? Is that normal!?” Glenn yelled.

And so it went.

The study-abroad program, which had started with all sorts of chaos and looming trouble…

Once the class’s faction disputes settled, everything began to go smoothly.

During a break in the courtyard…

In the middle of a grassy area surrounded by trees…

“Hah—!”

Ginny’s dual short swords flashed in a blur of high-speed slashes—

“Hiyaaaaah—!”

Re=L’s massive greatsword swung upward, deflecting them head-on.

“Ugh—!?”

The heavy, sharp impact sent Ginny’s body reeling, one of her daggers flying from her hand—

In that instant, Re=L’s greatsword spun like a bolt of lightning, its blade stopping precisely at Ginny’s throat.

Unable to resist, Ginny raised both hands in surrender.

“I yield… As expected, Re=L. You’re as strong as ever.”

“Mm.”

As Re=L lowered her sword, it dissolved into particles of mana, scattering into the void.

“I see… I’m starting to understand my weaknesses. I’m more stubborn than I thought, refusing to back down in odd moments, which makes my moves predictable to you, doesn’t it?”

“Mm. I can kinda guess your next move.”

“Heh… You’re saying the same thing as my grandfather. Anyway, thanks for the spar today.”

“…Mm. I’ll take you on anytime.”

Re=L watched Ginny walk away, a faint air of satisfaction about her.

“Wow… No matter how many times I see it, Re=L, you’re amazing.”

Elsa, who’d been anxiously watching the spar, gazed at Re=L through her glasses with fervent admiration.

“I’m kinda jealous… How are you that strong?”

“I don’t really know. My techniques… they’re not really mine.”

“…What does that mean…?”

Elsa tilted her head at Re=L’s cryptic words.

“I can’t explain… or rather, I don’t know how to put it.”

Re=L looked slightly troubled, her gaze dropping.

“But… these techniques are important to me. When I wield them, I feel Sion-niisan and Illushia, who are gone, close by… And most importantly… they let me protect Glenn, Rumia, Sistine… the people I love.”

“Illushia…? Oh… I see… They’re precious techniques, aren’t they?”

Elsa smiled gently, not pressing further.

“Wielding your sword to protect… Maybe that’s the secret to your strength. That’s so cool… If only I were as strong as you…”

“It’s okay. I’ll protect you too, Elsa…”

Just as Re=L started to say something—

““““Senseiiiiii—♥””””

“Gyaaaa—!?”

Somewhere in the academy, Glenn’s scream echoed once again…

“…Alright, it’s about time to head back, Elsa. …Will you teach me more later?”

“Sure.”

And so, the two began walking side by side, close together.

The days spent at St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy flowed by like a raging torrent.

Glenn was constantly swept up in the chaos stirred by the girls in his class, led by Francine and Colette. For some reason, even Sistine and Rumia got dragged into the mess, making it all the more unmanageable.

Amidst all that commotion, Re=L deepened her bond with Elsa.

Their wavelengths must have aligned perfectly. In every sense, with Glenn, Sistine, and Rumia too busy to pay Re=L much attention, the time Re=L and Elsa spent together only grew.

“…Everyone’s working hard, so I’ll study hard too.”

Re=L, determined to make her study abroad a success, threw herself into her studies with unusual fervor, seeking Elsa’s guidance… and Elsa, always with a gentle expression, responded in kind.

Such days continued to unfold…

And then, with the sun long set and the cold night air and silence ruling the outside world, midnight arrived.

Within the grounds of St. Lily Magic Girls’ Academy, in one of the shared dormitories for students and faculty, resembling a noble’s mansion…

In a spacious bathhouse adorned with lavish marble—

“Haa… This body just can’t shake off the shoulder stiffness, can it…?”

Amidst the steam that clouded his vision in white, Glenn sank his female body into the scalding water of the vast, almost swimmable bath, slumping in complete relaxation.

“Heh… Let me explain! This time slot is reserved for faculty! And in this dormitory where I’m temporarily staying, there’s no other faculty around… Which means, this bathhouse at this hour is the one and only time I get to have some private, personal freedom…”

As Glenn muttered to no one in particular… it happened.

From the changing room outside the bathhouse, the sound of a large group of people bustling in grew louder.

“Sensei~~ ! We heard you’re taking a bath right now! Let us join you, please!”

“Sensei! We’ll scrub your back for you!”

The voices and clamor of Francine, Colette, and the girls from the Moon Class echoed through.

“Yeah, figures… Well, I saw it coming. Do whatever you want…”

Glenn sighed in resignation, the situation unfolding exactly as he’d predicted.

“…But, come to think of it… isn’t this, like, a crazy good deal? Guhehe…”

Realizing this, Glenn let out a sleazy, vulgar chuckle.

After all, in this situation, he could—without any social repercussions, perfectly legally, and openly—gaze upon the girls’ bathing, their bare bodies, up close and personal.

“Kuu~~ ! At first, I thought I’d been sent to some godforsaken place… And yeah, every day’s been a nightmare… But this reward? It makes it all worth it and then some… Uooohhh! I’m so glad I’m alive——!?”

Recalling all the hardships he’d endured, Glenn couldn’t help but burst into tears.

And then—

““““Sensei——♥””””

The bathhouse doors swung open, and Francine, Colette, and a flood of girls in their natural state came tumbling in—

“Uhyooo——!? Here they come——!?”

Splash!

Glenn shot up from the tub, raising a pillar of water, clenching his fists and dancing in wild ecstasy.

Before him unfolded a paradise of steam and skin tones.

Francine’s slender yet refined, elegant figure, shaped with delicate, alluring lines.

Colette’s dynamic, curvaceous form, with its wild, captivating beauty.

Every young girl, each with dewy, radiant skin, bared themselves freely amidst the steam.

From petite lolitas to statuesque, model-like beauties—every type was represented in this sacred scene, a celebration of the beauty and justice of girlhood, undeniably a glimpse of heaven.

Truly, a breathtaking paradise.

Eden was right here—

“Oh…? Sensei…?”

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying…?”

To Francine and Colette, who looked at him curiously…

“Haha… It’s nothing… Yeah… Nothing at all…”

Like the protagonist of a story who chose a life of solitary, eternal battle in the shadows to protect an irreplaceable everyday life, Glenn wore a bittersweet, tearful smile.

“That’s right… This is fine… The choice I made back then… It wasn’t wrong…”

“Fufu, you’re so strange, Sensei. But… being stared at like that is a bit embarrassing…”

Francine, her cheeks slightly flushed, crossed her arms over her chest and twisted shyly.

“Geez, what’s there to be shy about? We’re all girls here! Come on, Sensei, get over here! We’ll all scrub your back!”

Colette beckoned Glenn, guiding him to sit on a bath stool.

And then—

“Now, with all our daily gratitude, if you’ll excuse us.”

“If there’s anything you want, just say the word, alright!?”

Countless girls swarmed around Glenn’s seated form, washing his back, arms, and legs with graceful movements. Sponges laden with frothy soap scrubbed his entire body, covering him in mounds of bubbles—

“…I’m too much of a winner.”

Glenn’s utterly relaxed expression had looped around to an almost dignified air.

Alongside the pleasant sensation of the bubbles, the skin and fingers of countless girls roamed over his entire body.

A moment of pure bliss had descended upon Glenn.

“Man, maybe Alzano Imperial Magic Academy should just go under, huh?”

“Eh? Sensei, did you just say something?”

“No, no, no, no… Nothing at all.”

“So, Sensei! How’s it feelin’!?”

“We might be here a while, so please bear with us.”

“Fine, fine, take your time, please! Dehyahaha…”

As Glenn, brimming with confidence, surrendered himself body and soul to the girls…

At that very moment.

Crackle. …A strange sensation ran through Glenn’s female body.

Looking down, he saw smoke rising from his body, parts of it pulsing and twitching…

…He recognized this odd feeling.

“…What…? T-this… No way…!?”

His face turned pale as the memory hit him. This sensation was the exact same as when Celica had forced him to drink a transformation potion, changing his body from male to female.

In other words—

(Gah!? No way, am I turning back into a guy!? At THIS moment!?)

Magically altering a person’s gender was an advanced and specialized form of transformation magic, far more complex than others, and it didn’t last long. To maintain the transformation, one had to periodically take a specialized transformation maintenance potion…

(Wait—It’s not time for the next dose yet, is it!? That damn Celica, feeding me half-assed info——!)

Incidentally, the transformation maintenance potion Celica gave him was back in the room he was borrowing.

“This ain’t funny!? I gotta get back to my room—!”

If this kept up, he could revert to his male body at any moment.

Glenn hurriedly stood from the bath stool, but—

“Hey, Sensei, we’re not done yet!”

“You must be exhausted, right? Stay and relax a bit more.”

The dozen or so girls surrounding him grabbed the standing Glenn, forcing him back down.

In an instant, the angelic girls frolicking in paradise transformed into a horde of grim reapers heralding his social ruin.

“Gyaa——!? L-let me go——!?”

Completely caught by the oblivious girls, Glenn struggled.

He thrashed and tried to escape, but he was hopelessly outnumbered.

“I-I’m already overheated! So, uh—!”

“Come on, Sensei, don’t be like that. This is what they call bonding in the buff!”

“Though, there’s an awful lot of steam today… It’s hard to see Sensei’s body…”

“And, like… Sensei’s body feels kinda… firmer all over…?”

As they spoke, the strange sensation in Glenn’s body grew stronger.

A paradise where countless girls touched his body—yet one step beyond lay hell.

(Aaaaah——!? Whatever happens, happens——!)

…And then.

Naturally, as one might expect.

At some point, the girls washing Glenn’s body suddenly stopped.

Someone had poured water over Glenn’s bubble-covered body to rinse off the foam.

“Um… Sensei…?”

“Uh, that body… What’s…?”

Colette and Francine, stunned, spoke for the group’s collective shock.

“Heh… Yeah, I get it… My body and yours… If you look closely, they’re a bit different, right? Mainly around the central part…”

Glenn’s body… had fully reverted to male.

As if embracing his fate, Glenn stood tall, arms crossed, stark naked, exuding an imposing aura.

The girls, frozen like nude statues, stared at him from a distance.

The shocking scene created a blank in their thoughts, forming an indescribably immoral world of silence—

“Hey, you girls! That’s not allowed! This is faculty bath time!”

Bam! The bathhouse door was flung open again, shattering the silence.

Appearing were Sistine and Rumia.

Already undressed, they had bath towels wrapped around their bodies. But the precariously short towels did little to hide their slender legs, alluring collarbones, or the tantalizing curves of their chests and napes. The towels were no barrier to their captivating figures.

“You were planning to wash Sensei’s back, weren’t you!? That’s so unfair—I mean, against the rules, ethically wrong…”

“Exactly! If anyone’s washing Sensei’s back, it should be us…”

The two, caught up in their momentum, started saying something odd… and, predictably, froze.

Glenn, standing tall, locked eyes with Sistine and Rumia.

“““…”””

Silence. …Silence. …An agonizing silence. Absolute stillness dominated the scene.

And then—

“《Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa——!?》”

Sistine, snapping back to reality first, let out a scream transformed into a spell with unnecessarily advanced technique, unleashing [Gale Blow]—

“This is way too unfair——!?”

—blasting Glenn away, as usual.

While such a bizarre commotion unfolded in the bathhouse…

In a corner of the dormitory, in a student lounge—a refined space with carpets, sofas, tables, paintings, bookshelves, and a fireplace, all arranged with tasteful elegance…

The faint magical light from a mana crystal candelabra on the table dimly illuminated the darkened room in a warm, amber glow, casting shadows into relief…

“…”

Re=L spread textbooks and notebooks across the table, studying alone in silence.

The only sound in the quiet space was the scratching of her quill pen gliding across paper.

Eventually, perhaps reaching a stopping point, Re=L set her quill down on its stand.

With a cute stretch, she let out a soft “Nnn~.”

Click. …The lounge door opened quietly.

“Re=L… You’re still awake. You’re working hard, huh?”

Peeking through the gap in the door was Elsa, the bespectacled girl.

“Yeah. Thanks to you, I’m starting to understand a lot better.”

“That’s great… But it’s getting late, you know? You should sleep soon, or it’ll affect you tomorrow.”

“…Yeah. But… I need to keep working a bit more…”

With that, Re=L picked up her quill again and resumed studying.

“Fufu… You’ve been staying up late like this, working hard every night lately, haven’t you?”

Elsa gave a faint smile, then walked over to Re=L’s side and draped a blanket over her shoulders.

Due to the unique ley lines and climate, nights in the Alzano Empire were chilly year-round.

“Why do you push yourself so hard?”

“I… want to stay with Glenn and the others… So, I have to work hard.”

Without looking up from her textbook, Re=L answered.

Her eyes, as sleepy as ever, now held a clear spark of determination, as if she were chewing over the textbook’s knowledge, striving to understand it in her own way.

“Glenn and the others are kind… They’d probably stay with me even if I stopped moving forward… They always have… But I feel like that’s not enough.”

“…”

“Glenn and the others… I can’t quite explain it, but… I think they’re always moving forward. So, if I want to stay with them… I have to walk alongside them… Just hanging onto them won’t do… Something like that…?”

For a while, silence hung between the two.

Re=L carefully read through her textbook, occasionally jotting notes… while Elsa quietly watched over her.

Then, at last.

“I see… Re=L… You’re moving forward… toward the future, aren’t you… Unlike me.”

“…Elsa?”

Re=L tilted her head slightly, and Elsa returned a mysterious smile, saying,

“Hey, Re=L. Would you let me join you? If you’re okay with it… I’d like to help you with your studies…”

“Is that okay…? Why…?”

“I just… want to cheer you on. Is that alright?”

“Not a problem at all. Thanks.”

Re=L turned to Elsa, the corners of her mouth softening into a faint smile.

“Alright. Teach me this part. …I don’t get it…”

“Let’s see… Which one…?”

“…Man, that was rough…”

Glenn stomped down the dormitory corridor in his changed clothes, his body fully male again.

The makeshift transformation magic had worn off completely, and he could no longer return to a female body.

“Tch, what’s with you two, getting caught up in this? Your characters feel off lately, don’t they?”

Glenn glanced back irritably at Sistine and Rumia trailing behind him.

“Ugh…”

“Haha… Sorry, Sensei. It’s just… Seeing you get close with other girls made us a bit jealous… I couldn’t help it.”

Rumia clasped her hands together, smiling sheepishly as she apologized.

“What!? What are you saying, Rumia!? I wasn’t jealous or anything—!”

“Oi, it’s late, keep it down, White Cat.”

Sistine, utterly embarrassed, could only open and close her mouth wordlessly.

By the way… Regarding Glenn’s gender reveal, he’d pushed through with a flimsy excuse: “Due to a side effect of past transformation magic, getting wet turns me back into a man.”

Thanks to forged (but official-looking) documents stating that “Renn” was a woman, Sistine and Rumia’s desperate efforts to back him up, and the fact that Francine and the others were already so enamored with Glenn that they swallowed the outrageous lie without question, the situation had somehow been smoothed over.

Only Ginny seemed to have realized something, letting out an “Ah…”—but since she hadn’t said anything, she was likely letting it slide. Honestly, Glenn was grateful.

“Anyway, damn… It’s already this late, huh…”

Glenn glanced at the time on his pocket watch and sighed.

“Man, what am I doing… I was supposed to be helping Re=L with her studies…”

“You’re right… We got so caught up in this academy’s atmosphere, we let ourselves get carried away… Even though Re=L’s on the edge…”

Sistine muttered regretfully.

“Now that you mention it… Re=L didn’t get involved in our chaos at all this time, did she? She’s been even more… independent than usual, or something…”

“I thought letting her foster some independence was a good opportunity, so I left her alone… But maybe I overdid it. Especially when it comes to her studies.”

Glenn and Sistine sighed in unison.

“Sensei, Sistie. There’s still time, right? Why don’t we all help Re=L together?”

“You’re right. If we work together to teach Re=L, then…”

“But… Ain’t she probably asleep by now? Guess we’ll have to wake her up—!”

As they conversed, Glenn and the others passed by the lounge… when it happened.

From the slightly ajar lounge door, the faint sound of conversation reached their ears.

“Hm? …Who’s that? Up this late…?”

Curious, Glenn cautiously peeked through the gap in the half-open door…

“!”

Inside were Re=L and Elsa, sitting side by side with their backs to him.

Astonishingly… Re=L was studying with Elsa.

And not just being taught or forced to study by Elsa.

“…So… This spell… If I use this magical function to get the return value, that’s it?”

“Yes, exactly… You’re really getting the hang of it, Re=L…”

“Right. Then, in this case…?”

Re=L herself is thinking and seeking guidance from Elsa… In other words, Re=L is studying of her own accord. She’s not being taught—she’s learning.

“No way…”

Sistine covers her mouth, her expression one of disbelief.

It’s no wonder. At the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, the usual scene was Re=L, utterly unmotivated, with Glenn scolding her while somehow managing to teach her one-sidedly.

“…That girl.”

Glenn gazes at Re=L’s back… and lets out a soft chuckle.

“…What do we do, Sensei?”

Rumia, looking at Glenn’s profile, asks gently.

“Shall we all pitch in and help teach Re=L from now on? Though, somehow…”

Glenn lowers his tone and responds.

“Nah, let’s leave her be. …This time, it doesn’t seem like there’s a place for us.”

“Hehe, you’re right… It feels like Re=L doesn’t need us right now, doesn’t it?”

“…As her big brother figure, it’s a bit lonely, though.”

And so, Glenn and the others quietly slip away, careful not to make a sound…

“…Keep it up, Re=L.”

A murmur escapes Glenn’s lips, so soft that even Sistine and Rumia walking beside him can’t hear it.

And then—

The study abroad program has reached its fourteenth day in the blink of an eye.

Glenn is returning the results of the written exam from the previous day’s class to the students of the Moon Class.

“Oh, look at that! My grades have gone up quite a bit!”

“Compared to last time, mine have improved considerably as well…”

Under Glenn’s guidance, the students who have steadily improved their grades are buzzing with joy.

As soon as Re=L receives her answer sheet, she toddles over to Glenn.

“…Praise me, Glenn.”

Re=L holds up her exam paper in front of Glenn.

The score is 65 out of 100. It’s hardly an impressive result, and it’s unclear how long this progress will last… but for Re=L, it’s a remarkable improvement.

“…Well done.”

Glenn ruffles Re=L’s head affectionately.

“Mmm…”

Re=L narrows her eyes, looking pleased.

“Hey, Glenn… I worked hard.”

“Yeah… I can tell.”

“Thanks to Elsa.”

“You’re right… Thanks, Elsa.”

Glenn glances at Elsa, who is sitting at her desk, smiling warmly as she watches Re=L.

“No, really… I just helped Re=L while she worked hard.”

“Come on, if you hadn’t been there, this kid wouldn’t have put in this much effort. No matter how much I tried to teach her, she never improved this much… Haha, you’re making me lose confidence as a teacher.”

Glenn shrugs playfully, but…

“That’s not true, Renn-sensei.”

Elsa responds with a gentle smile.

“Re=L just hadn’t been serious about studying until now. But this time, she was desperate to stand on equal ground with everyone, to protect her place among them… That’s all it is.”

“Is that so… Re=L, huh…”

“Praise me, praise me!”

Re=L, looking sleepy yet somewhat proud, shows her exam paper to Sistine and Rumia.

“Guess… coming here was worth it, after all.”

Glenn murmurs with deep emotion, his eyes following the heartwarming sight of Re=L.

“Alright, then…”

Glenn pulls himself together, steps up to the podium, claps his hands, and draws everyone’s attention.

“Class is over for today. As you know, White Cat, Rumia, Re=L… their time with you guys is almost up. I know it sounds cheesy, but let’s make some memories. For the rest of the time, how about the whole class plays a game of Magus Volley?”

Magus Volley is a ball game similar to volleyball, played using magic. For the budding mages attending the Empire’s Magic Academy, it’s a fairly popular recreational activity.

Instantly, the classroom erupts with excited squeals and cheers.

“Hell yeah! That’s our Sensei! You get it!”

“Splendid! Let’s crush those Black Lily folks!”

“Hey, you guys! Don’t you dare lose to those White Lily jerks!”

“…Why is it always a showdown between those two factions…? Whatever, fine.”

And so,

Glenn and the others leave the classroom together, heading toward the outdoor sports field with high spirits.

“……”

But amidst the excitement… Elsa quietly slips away from the group, unnoticed…

“Oi, where do you think you’re going, Elsa?”

“Indeed. Surely you’re not so tactless as to bail on us at a time like this, are you?”

Blocking Elsa’s path are Francine and Colette.

“Ah…”

“Come on, Elsa-san, just for today, it’s fine, right?”

“Yes, let’s all play together for once!”

Sistine and Rumia approach Elsa as well.

Elsa lowers her eyes, looking troubled as she stares at the ground.

“B-But… I… I don’t have the right to join your circle…”

“Listen, Elsa-san. We’ve said this countless times, but… no one cares about your issues.”

Before they know it, Ginny has slyly joined them.

“The only one worrying and holding back is you. Besides… it looks like your friend wants to play with you.”

“…Huh?”

At Ginny’s glance, Elsa turns around.

There, standing quietly, is Re=L.

“Elsa… what’s wrong? Aren’t you coming?”

“N-No… I mean, I…”

“I want to play with Elsa… Is that okay?”

“…Re=L…”

Re=L gazes at Elsa, her eyes unwavering and pure.

Those innocent eyes, like a child begging for candy, meet Elsa’s.

After a moment of silence, Elsa finally gives in, letting out a soft chuckle.

“…Alright… I understand… Just for today…”

Watching the students from a distance, Glenn smiles gently.

This study abroad program has been a complete success—

At that moment, Glenn firmly believed it, without a shred of doubt.

…

That night.

(…Is this really the right thing to do? I…)

In the dimly lit, barren, and stark room of the student dormitory.

The girl sits on her bed, her eyes reflected in the blade of her sword, questioning herself.

(That girl… Is she really the demon living in my ‘Memories of Flame’? She seems like… someone just desperately trying to catch up to everyone, to be with them…)

Shaking her head vigorously, the girl tries to forcibly banish such soft thoughts.

“…No, that’s not it, me. Remember the humiliation of that day… the hatred…!”

That’s right. I have to defeat her. I’ve lived solely for that purpose until now.

That’s right. She’s nothing but a vicious criminal. And—my father’s enemy.

I must defeat her. I absolutely must defeat her. She must face retribution, the judgment of the law.

Only by overcoming her will my life finally begin.

But the more she recalls, the less the girl in her memories aligns with that girl—

No, to begin with.

Was the ‘she’ living in my ‘Memories of Flame’ really just a demon?

Because, in that final moment, she—

“……”

The sword, reflecting her eyes, offers no answers to the girl’s doubts or questions.

Her eyes in the blade waver with confusion and uncertainty.

As the girl wrestles with her thoughts… that’s when it happens.

“…I’d hate to think it, but…”

A midnight visitor—Headmaster Marianne—speaks to the girl with a mocking tone.

“You haven’t grown fond of her after spending time together, have you? That would be troublesome… After all, you’re the only one I can rely on…”

“…Don’t joke around.”

The girl mutters curtly—and in that instant.

Marianne catches her breath.

Unbeknownst to her, the tip of the girl’s sword is now pointed at her throat.

“I only got close to her to build superficial trust.”

The girl, aiming the blade at Marianne, mutters irritably, her sharp, jewel-like eyes piercing through her.

“All this time, I’ve been by her side, observing her movements, reading her breathing. I’ve gauged her strength… She’s a formidable opponent, but… I can win.”

With eyes that cut through Marianne, the girl declares as much.

“As planned, I’ll make my move tomorrow. Please follow through with the arrangements.”

“…Heh, hehehe… As expected of that man’s daughter. I’m counting on you… Elsa.”

To Marianne’s words, spoken as if suppressing her unease,

The girl sheathes her sword with a graceful motion…

And takes a pair of glasses from her pocket, placing them on her face.

“…Prepare yourself, Re=L… No, Illushia Rayford…”

Elsa murmured those words, her eyes, chillingly cold, enough to freeze the spine.

(Good grief, what a difficult child… Just a tool for my use…)

Marianne gazes coldly at Elsa’s back as she utters her resolute curse.

(But, well… if it comes to it, I have this. A child like her is no match for me… So, heh… Do your best to serve my purpose, Elsa…)

Smirking to herself, Marianne carries an old sword at her waist.

On the sword’s guard, ancient runes are engraved.

—‘Flame,’ it declared.