Chapter 3: The Field Study Expedition Begins

“Don’t mess with me…! That’s practically a declaration of refusal to let me join…!”

That day, Burks Blaumohn, the director of the Imperial Platinum Magic Research Institute, was so enraged that he slammed his fist hard against his desk.

“You must know, don’t you!? How much I’ve contributed to the organization! How much I’ve donated over the years!”

Burks was probably in his forties or fifties. His skin bore wrinkles befitting his age. The top of his head was completely bald, and specks of white were visible in the remaining hair and the beard around his mouth. Yet, his eyes glinted like those of a carnivorous beast stalking prey in the dark.

“And still, you refuse to acknowledge my membership!? Are you saying my magical prowess is unneeded!? Are you claiming my skills and contributions don’t even reach the Second Order [Adeptus Order], let alone the First Order [Portals Order]!? How long do you intend to keep me as a mere probationer!? Answer me, Eleanor-dono!”

With raw emotion, Burks roared his questions at the woman standing calmly across from his desk—Eleanor.

“Please calm down, Burks-sama.”

But Burks’ anger passed over her like a breeze. Dressed in a maid outfit complete with a headdress and apron, Eleanor brushed it off with a gentle smile.

That maid attire was what Eleanor, an outlaw sorceress of the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom, had worn while infiltrating the imperial government as a spy. Her continued use of it suggested she’d grown quite fond of the look.

“The Grandmaster and the members of the Third Order [Heavens Order] aren’t refusing your membership… not at all. In fact, they hold your abilities in high esteem. With your prowess, you could skip the First Order [Portals Order] entirely and be welcomed into the Second Order [Adeptus Order]—and at a rather high rank, no less. However… to confirm your true loyalty to the organization, the Grandmaster has given you a trial.”

With a serene smile, Eleanor spoke matter-of-factly, never breaking her composed expression.

“Indeed… ‘Project: Revive Life’… Once you successfully complete that magical project, Burks-sama, you will officially become one of us, a comrade of the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom.”

“That’s exactly why I’m saying it’s a de facto refusal!”

Burning with rage at Eleanor’s attitude, Burks shouted even louder.

“Do you think I, Burks Blaumohn, hailed as an authority on platinum alchemy in this great magical empire of Alzano, don’t know what ‘Project: Revive Life’ entails!?”

“No, not in the slightest.”

“That ritual magic was the ultimate forbidden spell, achievable only by the peerless genius alchemist Sion!”

“Oh? Are you suggesting your abilities are inferior to Sion’s?”

“No way! I’m undoubtedly the true genius! I surpass Sion in every aspect! But… ‘Project: Revive Life’ is different…!”

Burks glared at Eleanor as if he might bite her.

“‘Project: Revive Life’ is, as I said, a feat only Sion could accomplish… In other words, that forbidden spell is akin to an original magic—nay, it is Sion’s original magic! It’s a spell that utilizes Sion’s innate magical traits, a spell exclusive to Sion! No one but Sion could ever succeed in casting that forbidden spell! You lot didn’t even realize that and treated Sion carelessly, letting the project’s success slip through your fingers, didn’t you!? And now you’re trying to shove the cleanup onto me!? What’s the meaning of this!?”

Having ranted all at once, Burks panted heavily, his breaths as fiery as his rage. His glinting, bloodshot eyes showed no sign of cooling.

“That stings to hear, I must admit. As you say, ‘Project: Revive Life’ is, without exaggeration, practically Sion’s original magic—a highly advanced ritual spell. With Sion gone, completing this forbidden spell is impossible… Yes, that’s how it was.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

Burks cast a suspicious glance at Eleanor’s cryptic words.

“We’ve found a way. A way to complete this project.”

“Hmph, spare me your nonsense. What’s that? Don’t tell me you’re planning to resurrect Sion himself with ‘Project: Revive Life’? Haha! That’s absurdly backward!”

Unfazed by Burks’ mocking tone, Eleanor continued.

“…‘Sympathetic Amplifier.’”

“What did you say…?”

“Soon, students from the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy will visit this institute for their ‘Field Study Expedition,’ correct?”

“Yeah, that pointless event. So what?”

“Among those students is a single ‘Sympathetic Amplifier.’ If you use their power…”

In an instant, Burks spat dismissively.

“This is why ignorant amateurs are so frustrating! I’ve already been down that road! Listen up! A Sympathetic Amplifier’s ability only enhances magic and mana! It can’t make an impossible spell formula succeed! I’ve bought Sympathetic Amplifiers on the black market, dissected them, and experimented extensively—I can say with certainty: it’s impossible!”

“Oh my, Burks-sama… You seem so serious, yet you’ve dabbled in some shockingly inhumane illegal activities… Heehee, I’m quite frightened.”

“Hmph! You, of all people, dare say that, you outlaw sorceress? Compared to what you lot do, my actions are downright humane.”

Eleanor chuckled softly, while Burks looked down on her with contempt.

To ordinary people, their madness was incomprehensible—it was their version of sanity.

“But there’s no issue in that regard. This ‘Sympathetic Amplifier’ is ‘special’… Here.”

Eleanor produced a wax-sealed scroll from her pocket and handed it to Burks.

“…What’s this?”

“You’ll understand once you read it.”

Reluctantly, Burks broke the seal and unfurled the document.

As he scanned its contents, his eyes widened in shock, almost tearing up at the corners.

“W-What—!? T-This… No way… This can’t be…!?”

“Heehee, what do you think?”

“Ngh… B-But! Is this really true…!?”

The earlier raging fury was gone. Now, Burks was so shaken he’d turned pale.

“Please take a look at the emblem stamped in foil at the bottom of the document.”

“The seal of the Twins… Could this be… directly from the Grandmaster himself…!? Then, what’s written here…!?”

“Yes, it’s true.”

With a snap of her fingers, Eleanor caused the document in Burks’ hands to burst into flames, burning to ash and vanishing in an instant.

Burks showed no particular surprise at this, already lost in thought, his mind elsewhere.

“Regarding the aforementioned ‘Project: Revive Life,’ our organization is highly optimistic. I should also add that the members of the Third Order [Heavens Order] have great expectations for you, Burks-sama.”

“B-But…”

“No need to worry. Preparations have already been made to secure the ‘Sympathetic Amplifier.’ There seem to be some rats from the Imperial Court Mage Corps skulking around the target, but they won’t pose a problem. And this time, we’ll introduce you to the finest collaborator.”

“…Collaborator?”

“Yes.”

With another snap of Eleanor’s fingers.

The door to the room opened, and a young man entered.

He was a youth clad in a white robe resembling a lab coat. His blue hair was a rarity in the Alzano Empire.

“Nice to meet you, Burks-san.”

The youth bowed politely.

“Who are you?”

“Oh? You don’t know me? I thought someone as knowledgeable about the great alchemist Sion and ‘Project: Revive Life’ as you would naturally know my name… Oh well. My name is—”

“No, wait… You look familiar…”

Burks’ expression gradually shifted, as if he were staring at a ghost.

“In the portraits from the documents about the mages involved in Sion’s ‘Project: Revive Life’ that came from your organization… Yes, I’m certain… Could it be you…!? The one who was Sion’s partner…!? You’re alive…!?”

The blue-haired youth grinned brightly, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

“Of course, even I, a lowly member of the Second Order [Adeptus Order], will spare no effort in assisting you, Burks-sama.”

“…”

Burks fell silent.

He had no choice but to acknowledge it. A special ‘Sympathetic Amplifier,’ Sion’s research partner, and the full backing of the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom… An unprecedented set of perfect conditions was now in place. The impregnable fortress of ‘Project: Revive Life,’ once thought absolutely impossible, was visibly crumbling before his eyes.

“What do you say? Will you accept this offer? You do wish to join our organization, don’t you? To see a new world governed and ruled by chosen mages… and to attain the great wisdom of the heavens—the ‘Akashic Records.’”

“…”

“Please make your decision. All glory and wisdom are already within your reach, Burks-sama. And you have the right and the qualifications to seize them.”

Facing the silent Burks. Eleanor, with her ever-present gentle smile, gave a courteous bow.

…Meanwhile, elsewhere.

At the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, in the classroom of Class 2, Year 2.

“So, that’s the deal…”

During the after-school homeroom. Glenn stood at the podium, looking thoroughly annoyed.

“I’m supposed to give you a rundown on the ‘Field Study Expedition’ you’re all attending soon… Ugh, what’s with this ‘Field Study’ nonsense? No matter how you slice it, this is just a class ‘outing’ where we all go have fun together…”

“Oh, come on, Sensei! Take it seriously!”

Sistine, reacting instantly to Glenn’s lackadaisical attitude, shot up from her seat and started yelling.

“For starters, the ‘Field Study Expedition’ isn’t a game or a trip! It’s a legitimate mandatory course where we visit magic research institutes operated by the Alzano Empire, tour the facilities, and attend lectures on the latest magical research—”

“Yeah, yeah, got it, got it. Thanks for the detailed explanation.”

As Sistine launched into lecture mode, Glenn scratched his head in exasperation and slumped his shoulders.

As Sistine said, the ‘Field Study Expedition’ was indeed a course offered by the academy for that purpose, and it was a required credit for second-year students like her. But, as Glenn pointed out, it also included plenty of free time outside of lectures and tours, so its nature as a trip wasn’t entirely deniable. That said, it also served to forcibly expose students—who usually stayed cooped up in the academy or Fejite—to the outside world, broadening their horizons.

Incidentally, the ‘Field Study Expedition’ was organized by class, with different destinations and schedules for each. This was only natural, considering the need to align with each class’s lesson progress, the schedules of the host research institutes, and the institutes’ capacity to accommodate visitors. It wouldn’t be feasible for all second-year students to descend on a single institute at once.

“The institutes are busy, and they’re making time for us, so you, as our guide, need to take this seriously and—”

“Alright, alright, I get it, I get it! Give me a break already!?”

While Glenn endured Sistine’s lecture, students around the classroom were buzzing with chatter about the upcoming ‘Field Study Expedition.’

“Cecil, the place we’re going to is that one, right? Uh, I think it was called Golden Magic…”

“Haha, no, you mean the Platinum Magic Research Institute.”

“Oh, right, right, that’s it. But, man, I kinda wanted to see the Cantare Military Magic Research Institute instead of the Platinum one…”

“Can’t be helped, Kash. If we’re talking preferences, I’d have picked the Iteria Magical Engineering Institute.”

While the academy conducted rough surveys of preferred destinations for each class, they didn’t have the resources to cater to individual requests. Which institute a student ended up visiting for their ‘Field Study Expedition’… it was purely a matter of luck.

Inevitably, complaints like “I wanted to go there” or “that place would’ve been better” started popping up around the classroom. And it was at that moment—

“Heh… You guys are so naive.”

Catching wind of the dissatisfaction, Glenn flashed a sly grin.

“You’re all thinking you got unlucky or that another place would’ve been better… But let me tell you, you’re lucky. Undeniably, absolutely, overwhelmingly blessed by the goddess of fortune…!”

“Huh…?”

“Think about it calmly. Where exactly is the Platinum Magic Research Institute located…?”

The Platinum Magic Research Institute, as its name suggested, was a facility dedicated to researching platinum alchemy.

Platinum alchemy was a composite discipline that combined white magic and alchemy to study the mysteries of life, requiring vast amounts of clean, high-quality water for its experiments.

Thus, due to the ley lines providing easy access to such water, the Platinum Magic Research Institute was located on Saineria Island…

“…Wait! Saineria Island is famous as a resort beach…!?”

“N-No way…!?”

Cecil gave a wry smile, but Kash and the other boys’ eyes lit up as they jumped to their feet.

“Heh… Finally catching on, huh? And this ‘Field Study Expedition’ has a decent amount of free time. It’s a bit early for the season, but thanks to the ley lines, Saineria Island stays warm year-round, making swimming perfectly viable… Plus, our class happens to have an unusually high number of stunningly gorgeous girls… You get where I’m going, right?”

“Sensei…!”

“No need to say it. Just follow my lead.”

“Yes, sir!”

At that moment, a strange sense of camaraderie and friendship blossomed between Glenn, the class’s homeroom teacher, and the students (well, a select group of boys).

“Is this class a den of idiots…?”

“Haha…”

“…?”

Sistine sighed in exasperation, Rumia gave a wry chuckle, and Re=L, sitting behind them, tilted her head slightly in confusion.

And so, the day of Class 2’s ‘Field Study Expedition’ finally arrived.

That morning, before the sun had fully risen and while the morning mist still lingered, the students—dressed in their uniforms and carrying travel bags—gathered in the academy’s courtyard.

“Heh, it’s finally here… I’m getting kinda hyped!”

“Hmph. You’re as excitable as ever, Kash. We’re not going to play, you know?”

“Man, you’re still such a buzzkill, Gibul…”

“The Platinum Magic Research Institute… I wonder what it’s like?”

“I know they conduct research on life-related magic, but beyond that, we won’t know until we get there.”

“Hey… I’m gonna confess to my dream girl, Wendy-sama, during this expedition…”

“Give it up, Alf. She’s way out of your league… I can only see you crashing and burning spectacularly.”

Despite the early hour, most of the students were brimming with energy and excitement, practically bouncing in place.

Feeling a bit dizzy from the stark contrast in enthusiasm, Glenn took roll call in a businesslike manner.

“Everyone here? Good? Alright, let’s move out!”

Under the guidance of their homeroom teacher, Glenn, the students split into groups and boarded several large intercity coach carriages arranged for them, then departed from Fejite.

Leaving Fejite’s West City Wall Gate, the carriages traveled southwest along the main road.

The students, jostled by the carriages, were greeted by a vast pastoral landscape of gently rolling hills. A carpet of pale yellowish-green grass stretched to the horizon, dotted with small hills and dense forests.

Scattered across the pasture were white specks—sheep. Fluffy, pre-sheared sheep clustered together, munching on the grass. Occasionally, a sheep would stray from the group, only to be herded back by a barking sheepdog, a scene visible from afar.

The morning air was crisp but clear, the weather fine. Cotton-candy-like clouds drifted slowly across the sky, carried by a gentle breeze. It felt as if time itself had slowed to match.

A serene, pastoral scene unfolded before them.

“It’s so peaceful…”

Sistine propped her cheek on the window frame, gazing out at the scenery.

For someone who rarely left Fejite, this view was a rare treat.

“Yeah… At the academy, we’re always rushing around, so this feels calming.”

Rumia, sitting primly with her hands folded, looked out at the landscape with a gentle expression.

“I guess. I don’t really get it.”

Re=L, seated next to Rumia, mumbled sleepily in response to their words.

“Do you go outside the city often, Re=L?”

“…Yeah. All the time.”

Surprised by Re=L’s unexpected reply, Sistine reflexively asked, “Oh? What for? Like, traveling?”

“No. Fighting.”

In that instant, Sistine cursed her thoughtlessness. Re=L was a court mage at her age. A moment’s thought would’ve made that obvious.

“When I leave the city… it’s always for missions or orders to fight.”

Re=L’s delicate face remained as sleepy and expressionless as ever, betraying no hint of emotion. Whether she found her life as a soldier grueling or truly felt nothing was impossible to discern.

Unsure how to respond, Sistine faltered, but…

“I see. So this is your first time leaving the city for something other than a mission or order?”

Rumia clapped her hands and said brightly.

“Probably.”

“Then look forward to it, Re=L. This trip is gonna be fun, I promise!”

At Rumia’s carefree smile and words, Re=L seemed to blink a little more frequently…

“…Okay. Got it.”

She replied curtly.

(Man, I can’t compete with Rumia…)

Sistine watched the two with a wry smile.

While the students enjoyed the scenery, chatted, played card games, or dozed off, the carriages pressed on steadily along the road. At regular intervals, they stopped at stations to change horses and take breaks, continuing their journey.

As the sun set and night fell, the students slept in the swaying carriages—

And while they slept, the carriages continued down the road—

…until noon the next day.

The carriages arrived at Seahawk, a port town southwest of Fejite.

The briny scent of the sea wafted through Seahawk, a port town where regular ferries connected the major cities and islands along the empire’s west coast. It was the gateway to the Yorkshire region of the Alzano Empire. Cargo ships from coastal areas and abroad constantly came and went, making it a vital trade hub for goods heading to southern Yorkshire.

Upon arriving in Seahawk, the students of Class 2 disembarked at the carriage station and were temporarily dismissed. They were given an hour of free time to eat and rest in groups before regrouping at the dock where the ferry to Saineria Island, home of the Platinum Magic Research Institute, would depart.

And then—

“…He’s late!”

Sistine stood before the vast ocean stretching to the horizon and the large sailing ship moored at the dock, glaring irritably at her mechanical pocket watch.

“It’s already past the meeting time! Where the heck is that guy wandering off to!?”

“Calm down, Sistie. It’s only five minutes late… and we still have plenty of time before the ship leaves…”

“That’s not the point! The problem is he’s not here at the designated time!”

Rumia tried to soothe Sistine, but Sistine wasn’t having it.

Looking around, all the other students were already gathered at the dock.

Roll call had been taken, and now they were just waiting for Glenn to show up.

And when Glenn’s presence was nowhere to be felt, Re=L predictably started to fidget.

“…I’ll go look for him.”

Muttering this, she started walking toward the town, but Rumia grabbed her hand to stop her.

“Wait, Re=L. This town’s small, but it’s still too big to search for one person. We might miss him if we split up. Let’s wait here together, okay?”

“But…”

Re=L’s sleepy eyes flicked away, tinged with dissatisfaction.

Compared to when she first arrived at the academy, Re=L was less prone to impulsive action, but it seemed like she might still take off to search for Glenn. If she got serious, neither Rumia nor Sistine could stop her.

“Ugh, seriously! Being ten minutes early is basic etiquette for any professional, right!? Today’s the day I’m gonna give him a piece of my mind…!”

As Sistine, flustered by Re=L’s restlessness, raised her voice…

“Heeey, ladies! Got a sec?”

A flippant voice called out from behind Sistine and the others.

Turning to see what was up, they found a young man striking a dramatic pose.

His long, bluish-black hair was tied back, and he wore tinted glasses, a silk top hat, and a stylish frock coat, with a cane in hand—an ostentatious look that screamed carefree, wealthy playboy. With a frivolous grin, he exuded the air of a flirtatious rich kid who’d never known hardship.

“Come on, come on, come on!”

The moment the youth casually placed a hand on the bewildered Rumia’s shoulder, Sistine reacted.

“…What do you want?”

Sistine swiftly stepped in from the side, brushing aside the young man’s hand and standing protectively in front of Rumia and Re=L, glaring at him with obvious displeasure.

“Well, well, aren’t you ladies just adorable? Oh! Those uniforms—are they from Fejite’s Magic Academy? So? So? What’re you doing in a place like this?”

Feeling irritation at the young man’s overly familiar attitude, Sistine responded, keeping her manners in check for now.

“We’re here for the Academy’s [Field Study Expedition]. We’re currently waiting for the regular ship bound for Saineria Island.”

“Ohh? Is that so? Waiting for a ship, huh? Hmm? What a coincidence! I’ve actually got some business on Saineria Island myself! Haha, doesn’t this feel a bit like fate? Don’t you think so too?”

“…I don’t.”

Sistine shot him down bluntly, but the young man persisted.

“Come on, meeting like this has to mean something, right? There’s still some time before the ship leaves, yeah? How about chatting with me for a bit? I could even treat you to something!”

“No, thank you.”

“Haha, don’t be so cold! Just a little chat, that’s all I’m asking!”

He was getting annoyingly persistent. Sistine’s patience was wearing thin. She had always despised this kind of sleazy, womanizing type. If it came to it, she was ready to knock him out with magic. Just as she was about to snap at him…

“Alright, that’s enough.”

Glenn suddenly appeared, grabbing the flirtatious young man by the scruff of his neck from behind.

“Gah!? W-What’s your deal, huh!? Don’t get in the way! This is a private matter between me and these lovely ladies…”

Ignoring the young man’s words with flair, Glenn gave Rumia and Sistine a quick glance.

“Sorry for being late, White Cat. I’ll take your lecture later.”

“S-Sensei…”

“I’ve got a little ‘chat’ to have with this guy. I’ll be back before the ship leaves, so take care of the class for me.”

Speaking calmly, Glenn dragged the young man, still gripping his neck, forcefully pulling him along.

“Gyaaah!? N-No violence, please!? Ladies, help meeee—!?”

Letting out a pathetic scream, the young man disappeared with Glenn into an alley across the street.

“Ha… What was that guy’s deal? Honestly, you find weirdos like him everywhere, don’t you…?”

Feeling a mix of exasperation and pity, Sistine let out a deep sigh.

Noticing Rumia looking slightly puzzled, she called out to her.

“…What’s wrong, Rumia?”

“Hmm, it’s just… I feel like I’ve seen that guy somewhere before…?”

And then—

In a dimly lit, slightly damp alley where no one else was around, the mood quickly shifted.

“W-What do you want, dragging me to a place like this!? S-Stop it! Violence isn’t the answer, right!? Eek!? I’ve never even been hit by my dad!”

The trembling, cowardly young man flinched as Glenn sighed and spoke.

“Enough already. …So? What’s your business, Albert?”

“……”

In an instant, the young man’s timid, pathetic demeanor vanished. He straightened his posture naturally, discarded his silk hat and tinted glasses, and untied his hair from its ponytail.

The atmosphere shifted abruptly—as if the surrounding temperature had dropped a few degrees.

Hidden until now behind those decorative tinted glasses, a pair of sharp, hawk-like eyes that seemed to pierce through the depths of a person’s soul locked onto Glenn.

Without a doubt, this was Albert Frazer, Glenn’s former comrade from the Imperial Court Mage Corps, Special Missions Annex, Executor Number 17, [The Star].

“…It’s been a while, Glenn. Since the Magic Tournament—the incident with the Royal Guard’s rampage, I believe.”

As always, Albert’s tone carried a chilling edge, as if rejecting others outright. Those unaccustomed to him would likely tense up just hearing his voice.

But—

“…What’s wrong?”

“Nothing… just…”

Holding his head, Glenn leaned against the alley wall.

“I knew you could perfectly play any role for a mission—whether it’s a refined gentleman, a sleazy flirt, or a notorious thug—but seeing the gap between your act and your real self after so long… it’s giving me vertigo…”

“Hmph. Pathetic. You lack mental discipline.”

Albert coldly dismissed Glenn’s words.

(Seriously, why are you even a mage? You could make a living as an actor…)

Swallowing the urge to say that, Glenn continued.

“Ah, I get it now. Seeing you, I finally understand why Re=L was chosen as Rumia’s escort. …She’s a decoy, isn’t she?”

“Exactly. By assigning such an obviously sloppy escort, we hoped the attackers would lower their guard and make careless moves. The real escort for the princess in question—is me. A top-secret mission known only to a select few in the military. I monitor the princess from a distance, detect any reckless moves by the enemy early, and deal with them discreetly. The goal was to catch them off guard and get a lead on their organization. Though, against that group, I doubt such petty tricks will work.”

“A faint hope, but better than doing nothing… In other words, that’s about the only move we have right now, huh?”

Even so, in terms of actual combat strength, having two ace-level mages from the Special Missions Annex (one of whom is overwhelmingly unsuited for escort duties) is an extraordinary measure for protecting someone who, on the surface, is just a commoner. Neither side has infinite resources, after all.

“Got it. That’s a relief. A huge relief. I was starting to think the Special Missions Annex had gone mad, assigning Re=L to this…”

With that explanation, Glenn could somewhat understand why Re=L was chosen as an escort… but couldn’t they have done something better? Exhausted, he let out a sigh.

“…So? Let’s get to the point. Why did you show yourself to me?”

“……”

“From the way you talk, the key to your mission is ‘staying unnoticed by anyone.’ That means deceiving even your allies with absolute secrecy. So why risk that to contact me?”

Albert remained silent for a moment, the air heavy with tension…

“…Watch out for Re=L.”

That’s what he said.

“…Huh? Re=L?”

Glenn’s face showed exasperation.

“Come on, I’m already watching her. You have no idea how much effort I’m putting into making sure she doesn’t go off the rails…”

“That’s not what I mean. Re=L… that woman is dangerous.”

At Albert’s blunt words, Glenn’s brows twitched upward slightly.

“…That’s not a funny joke. Re=L’s our comrade, isn’t she?”

“Yes, she is. But you and I both know how dangerous she can be.”

“…!”

Albert’s sharp accusation left Glenn momentarily speechless.

“…That was a long time ago. The Re=L now… is Re=L. An ace of the Special Missions Annex who’s taken down countless rogue mages. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Or is that just what you want to believe? Let me be clear—I still think Re=L should be dealt with or sealed away immediately.”

“Hey… even for you, that’s going too far. One more word, and I won’t let it slide.”

The dangerous edge in Glenn’s voice made the air freeze in an instant.

Glenn and Albert locked eyes, neither yielding, their gazes clashing fiercely.

“…Hmph. You’re as soft as ever.”

After what felt like an eternal few seconds, Albert was the first to back down. Not because he was intimidated by Glenn, but because he judged further argument a waste of time.

“Fine. I’ve warned you. I only hope you won’t hesitate when the time comes.”

With those cold parting words, Albert briskly picked up the glasses, cane, and silk hat from the ground, putting them back on.

In front of Glenn, he quickly tied his hair back…

“Well then, scary big bro! Catch ya later!”

“…Yeah, your acting’s too perfect. I’m beyond impressed—I respect it.”

Flashing a cheeky grin and tossing out a flippant line, Albert ran off.

Watching his retreating figure, Glenn felt vertigo creeping in again.

Carrying the students of Class 2, the regular ship departed from Seahawk, its four masts adorned with seven large sails fully unfurled, heading southwest.

The briny scent of the sea. A clear blue sky.

The vast ocean stretched endlessly, the horizon gleaming brilliantly in the distance.

A gentle, pleasant breeze caressed their skin and hair—

“Wow…”

Sistine, who had little experience on ships, seemed utterly overwhelmed by the grandeur of the sea. Standing on the forecastle, leaning over the railing, she held her wind-swept hair and gazed at the scene endlessly.

Watching the bow powerfully cleave through the rough waves, staring at the sea like this, for some reason, people felt a strange sense of reverence—

“Blarghhh…!”

“…You’re ruining it.”

The beautiful seascape, adorned with white waves, was sullied by vomit. Sistine clenched her fists, her temples twitching.

“Hey, Sensei! Stop ruining our moment!”

Sistine shouted in protest at Glenn, who was slouched over the railing on the main deck, a little ways from the forecastle, looking like a rag hung out to dry.

“Shut up! This isn’t something I can help, alright!?” — Urp…

Pale and haggard, Glenn shot a resentful glance at Sistine, but quickly covered his mouth and leaned over the railing again, peering at the sea.

“Are you okay, Sensei…?”

Rumia approached Glenn, rubbing his back with concern.

“…Honestly, I’m not okay… I wanna cry… Ugh, damn it… This is why I hate ships… Who’s the idiot who invented these things…?”

Having emptied his stomach, Glenn finally calmed a bit, slumping against the railing and muttering complaints.

“Sensei, I got this from one of the crew earlier.”

“…An apple?”

“Yes, they said it’s good for seasickness. Want to try it?”

“…Honestly, I’ve got no appetite…”

Rumia diligently tended to the groggy Glenn.

Sistine watched the two with a sigh.

“Still, what an unexpected weakness… It doesn’t suit him, you know? He’s got such a brazen personality.”

“Sistine.”

Turning at the call, Sistine saw Re=L standing there.

Re=L’s expression seemed faintly anxious—though she appeared emotionless at a glance, Sistine had recently started picking up on her subtle emotional cues. Re=L spoke.

“…What’s wrong with Glenn? Could he be… sick?”

“It’s not exactly sickness. What? Are you worried about Sensei?”

Re=L gave a slight nod, barely noticeable unless you were watching closely.

Finding Re=L’s concern endearing, Sistine reassured her.

“It’s fine, Re=L. He’s just seasick.”

“…Seasick?”

“Some people get it when they’re on a ship, but… no need to worry. He’ll be fine once we get off.”

“…I see. I don’t really get it, but… it’s the ship’s fault?”

“Well, yeah, you could say that.”

“Got it.”

As if she’d figured it out, Re=L turned on her heel…

“I’ll go sink this ship.”

“…Huh?”

She marched off toward a staircase leading to the ship’s hold…

“W-Wait a second!? Everyone!? Stop Re=L—!”

As expected, it was chaos even on the ship.

A few hours after departing Seahawk.

The ship finally arrived at Saineria Island.

“…So this is Saineria Island… huh?”

Stepping onto the dock, constructed with tightly packed cut stones, alongside her classmates, Sistine looked around with deep emotion.

The sea breeze was strong. Sistine held down her wind-blown hair and the hem of her fluttering clothes, gazing up at the sky. The grand sound of the tide. The cries of seagulls overhead. It was already twilight, and the sun, dipping toward the horizon, blazed, dyeing the world a deep golden hue.

Sistine’s gaze shifted toward the island’s center.

The island’s central region formed a complex valley, rising into hills overflowing with green nature.

While the Alzano Empire’s mainland was dominated by coniferous forests, this island’s ecosystem seemed primarily composed of broadleaf trees with distinctive leaf shapes. These small details made Sistine feel she’d come to a completely different place from her usual surroundings, stirring something in her chest.

Shifting her gaze, she traced the coastline from her feet, following the gently curving white sandy beach that stretched endlessly. At its far end, she could make out a stylish town, likely developed for tourists, with buildings clustered together.

Just then.

“Sensei, hang in there…”

“Ugh… Urgh…”

Supported by Rumia and Re=L on both sides, Glenn stumbled down the gangplank onto the dock, looking utterly wrecked. The sight shattered all the awe and emotion Sistine had been feeling.

“Ugh… He really knows how to ruin the mood. No delicacy at all…”

“Sh-Shut it, White Cat… You don’t know how much I’m suffering… Ugh…”

Glenn’s pathetic state drew stifled chuckles from the surrounding students who had disembarked earlier.

“Listen up! Humans are creatures meant to live with the earth! We’re children of the land! Humans can’t survive apart from the great earth! Rooted in the soil, living with the soil, and eventually returning to the soil—that’s the cycle of life, the wheel of providence born from the earth! Riding on a flimsy piece of wood like a ship, leaving the land to venture onto the sea—it’s fundamentally wrong as a human, as a living being—!”

“…Seasickness is making him spout some ridiculously grand nonsense.”

Sistine couldn’t help but be impressed by how fluently he rattled off such absurd logic.

“Sensei… if ships are that tough for you, maybe we should’ve picked a different destination for the Field Study Expedition. Like, say, Itheria’s Military Magic Research Institute—then all the travel would’ve been by carriage.”

As Rumia said with a wry smile, a month ago, when the class voted on potential destinations for the expedition and the Military Magic Research Institute and the Platinum Magic Research Institute tied, it was none other than Glenn who cast the deciding vote.

Tilting her head curiously, Rumia got a response from Glenn, his face more serious than ever.

“Seeing beautiful girls in swimsuits takes priority over everything. Obviously.”

A chorus of “Ooh!” rose from the surrounding male students.

When someone’s idiocy reaches such extremes, it transcends disdain and earns respect.

Ignoring Rumia’s wry smile, Sistine’s exasperated look, and Re=L’s sleepy expression, Glenn dramatically flipped his robe—worn loosely without his arms in the sleeves—and gazed at the sunset-lit horizon with a wistful, distant stare.

“Even if this were the front line of a three-nation conflict… I’d still choose this place.”

His robe fluttered in the sea breeze, his back looking unnecessarily cool.

…Utterly, pointlessly cool.

“Sensei… you’re a real man…”

“I’ll follow you for life, Sensei…!”

For some reason, Glenn’s back struck a chord with a few students (mostly boys), hitting them right in the feels.

Overwhelmed, some students shed hot tears at the sight of Glenn, like a devout seeker martyring himself for faith.

“Ugh! You’re all such idiots! And, like, ever since Sensei joined, haven’t the guys in our class been getting weirder and weirder!?”

Sistine couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease about her classmates.

“Come on, Sensei! Stop spouting nonsense and let’s get to the inn we’re staying at!”

Sistine and the students began moving, striding off.

The inn was a straight shot along the coast from here—no chance of getting lost.

“Hey, slow down! I’m half-dead here, cut me some slack…”

Sighing, Glenn trudged along weakly…

Just then.

Rumia quietly sidled up to Glenn and whispered softly.

“You didn’t want us getting too involved with military magic, right? …Thank you for thinking of us, Sensei.”

“…What’re you talking about? I just wanted to see you all in swimsuits.”

After a brief silence, Glenn turned away with a sulky huff.

“Even if—and this is a big if—that were true, it’d just be me forcing my ego on you. Nothing good about that.”

“Still, it doesn’t change the fact that you were thinking about us.”

“…I said that’s not it.”

Rumia giggled softly.

“Alright, I’ll let it slide.”

“…Hmph.”

With a grumpy scowl, Glenn snorted, and Rumia looked at him like an older sister watching her stubborn little brother.

The inn where the Magic Academy students would stay during the Field Study Expedition was located in a corner of the tourist town near Saineria Island’s dock.

Built in the ancient architectural style of the “Waltria Dynasty” from the Imperial Calendar’s golden age, the inn consisted of two grand buildings—a main hall and an annex. It exuded both the majestic splendor of a country manor built by landed nobility and the nostalgic charm of a bygone era.

Its aesthetic differed from the “Sarsan Dynasty” style—characterized by sharp-angled roofs and common in Fejite’s modern buildings—with features like arched designs, spires, and stone columns. Incidentally, the Magic Academy’s campus was also built in the Waltria style.

A lavish chandelier hung from the high ceiling of the entrance hall, the oak spiral staircase’s handrail was adorned with carvings of flowers and fruits, and the corridor walls were decorated with paintings, golden candelabras, and lush carpets…

Stepping into their assigned room, thrilled by the opulent interior distinct from the Academy, Kash immediately flung himself onto the bed.

“Yahoo! Whoa!? This bed’s insane!? It’s so soft! Worlds apart from the cheap mattress in my rented room back in Fejite’s student district!”

“Gods, you’re loud. Can you not make a scene?”

“Haha, you’ll get in trouble if you make too much noise, Kash.”

Gibul, looking exasperated, and Cecil, wearing a wry smile, entered the room.

The two would be sharing the room with Kash. The Academy students were generally assigned rooms in groups of three or four.

“Hey, Gibul, what’s the schedule from here on out?”

Kash asked, rolling around on the bed.

“…Didn’t you check the itinerary we got beforehand?”

Pushing up his glasses, Gibul grumbled irritably.

“Forgot it at home.”

“You’re hopeless…”

Gibul sighed in resignation.

“There’s nothing else today. Just dinner in the main hall, a bath, and that’s it.”

“Oh?”

“Tomorrow’s free too, actually. The first three days, including today, are padded with extra time to account for delays due to weather or other issues. Officially, it’s for ‘exploring the island’s ecosystem and ley lines,’ but in practice, tomorrow’s basically free time.”

“Nice, nice.”

“The real Field Study Expedition starts on the fourth day. That’s when we visit the research institute—the highlight of the trip. The fifth day is full of lectures, the sixth is free for exploring the island or sightseeing, and on the seventh, we head back to Fejite by sea and land.”

The above outlines the main schedule for the “Field Study Expedition” course that Glenn’s class will undertake. This itinerary, spanning roughly ten days, is considered relatively short for a “Field Study Expedition.” Depending on the research institute’s location, travel could take up significant time, sometimes turning it into a grand journey lasting over half a month.

“Got it, got it… I understand.”

At that, Kash stood up, a fearless grin spreading across his face.

“The round trip to the institute sounds like a real hassle, so tomorrow night’s gonna be tight… Same deal after the lecture on the fifth day. But waiting until the sixth day? Nah, that’s too long. If we’re gonna make a move, it’s gotta be tonight…”

“Make a move? Kash, what exactly are you planning?”

Cecil, a petite boy with delicate features, interjected, tilting his head curiously.

“Ain’t it obvious? Tonight, we’re sneaking into the girls’ rooms in our class for some fun! Isn’t that, like, the traditional event of the Magic Academy’s Field Study Expedition?”

Kash clenched his fist with determination, while Gibul and Cecil tilted their heads in unison, dumbfounded.

“Wait, it’s a tradition…?”

“…Hmph, what a ridiculous idea.”

“Ridiculous? How dare you call it ridiculous!? This is a man’s romance! I’ve been scrimping on my living expenses just for this day, stocking up on card games and board games!”

“But won’t we get in trouble if we’re caught? I mean, the teacher doesn’t seem that strict, but…”

“Heh, no need to worry, Cecil. If we get caught, well… that’s a price I’m willing to pay. I’d rather regret doing something than regret not doing it at all.”

Kash’s expression was that of a man resolved to march into a battlefield.

“So, what do you say? You guys in or what?”

“Hmph, no way. That’s absurd.”

“I-I’ll pass too… I’ve got a bad feeling about this…”

“Tch, fine. Guess you guys aren’t cut out for this kinda thing anyway. I’ll see if Rodd or Kai are up for it later…”

And so.

After the students gathered in the great hall for dinner and took turns using the bathhouse,

the hour grew late—it was bedtime.

“Alright, let’s begin the operation.”

Kash declared this from within the bushes of the courtyard separating the inn’s main building and annex.

“The corridor connecting the annex, where us guys are staying, to the main building, where the girls are… yeah, that’s a no-go. Too risky—someone might spot us.”

Behind Kash, Rodd, Kai, and a total of seven other male students nodded vigorously.

“So, we’ll circle around through the thicket out back, climb the trees, and slip into their rooms through the windows. Don’t worry—I’ve already scouted the routes and figured out whose room is whose.”

“W-when did you…”

“Man, Kash, you’re thorough!”

Admiration shone in the boys’ eyes as they looked at Kash.

“B-but what about the chance that Glenn-sensei might be patrolling?”

“That’s covered too. I had some cooperative girls subtly check for us. For the next thirty minutes, the odds of Sensei patrolling the back thicket are practically zero.”

“Incredible… It’s, like, too perfect!”

“Let me call you Aniki!”

“Heh, hold off on the praise, guys. It’s still too early for that.”

Kash flashed a fearless grin.

“The real deal starts when we sneak into the girls’ rooms and spend a dreamlike night with them… Right?”

“Y-yeah, you’re right… I’m gonna play shogi with Re=L-chan all night!”

“What!? That’s not fair, Kai! Let me join!”

“Cycer, I’m playing cards with Rumia-chan!”

“Oh, Bix, I’m gonna use this chance to talk tons with Lynn-chan!”

“I want Wendy-sama to call me a ‘rude fool’ and boss me around like a slave in a king’s game…”

“Sistine? Eh, pass. She’d probably just lecture us the whole time.”

“““Yeah, totally.”““

“Alright, let’s move! You all ready? Paradise is right in front of us!”

“““Hell yeah!”““

With Kash leading the charge, the boys sprang into action, brimming with enthusiasm.

…

It was impressive, to say the least.

Kash’s efforts, skipping meals to scout the area beforehand, were not in vain.

The way they navigated the tangled thicket out back with efficiency beyond that of mere students was reminiscent of an imperial army covert unit.

It was all driven by the full-throttle libido of teenage boys, fueled by the burning desire to spend even a single night laughing and playing with cute girls.

But—

“No… No way!?”

In the midst of their journey, they stumbled into a circular clearing in the woods.

“Why are you here—Glenn-sensei!?”

Boom.

There stood Glenn, arms crossed, towering like a guardian deity, as if he’d been waiting for them.

“Too naive… Way too naive, you lot. You’re sweeter than chocolate slathered with whipped cream, drizzled with honey, and dusted with sugar. Your little schemes? I saw through them from the start. After all—”

Glenn flashed a fearless smirk, glaring down at the students with commanding presence.

“If I were in your shoes, I’d definitely pick this route, this timing, and tonight to go see the girls!”

“Yeah, figures.”

Kash let out a sigh at Glenn’s shameless declaration, devoid of any guilt.

“So, that’s how it is. Back to your rooms, all of you. It’s the rules, you know.”

“…”

“Don’t worry, I’m not gonna snitch to the academy over something like this. I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything. So—”

As Glenn turned away, casually waving his hand, it happened.

“Can’t do that, Sensei…”

Kash’s words, laced with unyielding resolve, drew everyone’s attention.

“…What’s that?”

“There are times when a man can’t back down… For us, that time is now.”

“…”

Glenn’s expression grew deadly serious in an instant.

“I see… You guys have made up your minds. You’re ready to face the consequences, huh?”

Tension gripped the scene.

“What a shame. In that case, as your teacher, I have no choice but to take you down by force…”

“Sensei—!”

As Glenn assumed a fighting stance, fists clenched, Kash called out desperately.

“You’re supposed to be one of us! You, more than any stuffy adult at the academy, should understand why we’re aiming for ‘paradise’! So why!? Why are you stopping us!? Why do we have to fight—!?”

Kash’s soulful cry struck Glenn’s heart like a blade.

“You idiot! I get it… I get it! An event this enviable, this outrageous—I’d be the first to barge in if I could! But—!”

Thud.

Glenn slammed his fist against a nearby tree trunk, tears streaming down his cheeks, unstoppable.

“It’s over… I can’t go back to being one of you anymore… I’m chained to the prison called the Magic Academy, a slave called a lecturer. If the academy found out I let you go chasing ‘paradise,’ my already slashed salary would plummet into the negatives, and I’d end up owing them money…”

Wiping his tears with a sniff, Glenn let out a trembling cry from the depths of his soul.

“Man doesn’t live by bread alone—but without bread, man can’t live at all!”

Glenn’s anguished wail echoed through the woods.

His words now pierced the students’ hearts with sharp clarity.

“You get it, don’t you? This world, this garden created by the Lord… it’s ‘hell’ itself…”

“It’s because it’s ‘hell’ that we have to aim for ‘paradise’… You’re a sad man, Sensei… But even so, you won’t back down, will you?”

“…No.”

Everyone present was moved to tears by the overwhelming emotion of the moment.

Silence.

The night woods fell quiet, as if sensing the impending battle.

“I knew it, Sensei… I knew you were the wall we’d have to overcome…”

“If our positions were different… If we’d been born in a different era… Maybe I’d have stood shoulder to shoulder with you, chasing ‘paradise.’ But that’s a moot point now.”

“…”

“…”

The tension swirling in the air climbed higher, higher, without limit…

And then.

“Let’s go, everyone! Follow me! Take down Glenn-sensei!”

“Heh, bring it on, you punks! I’ll show you that spell-chanting skill isn’t the only factor in a magical battle!”

The boys fanned out with Kash at the center, while Glenn began chanting a three-verse spell.

Meanwhile…

“…Boys are such idiots.”

From the rooftop terrace of the inn’s main building, someone was watching the scene unfold with a deadpan stare, cheek resting on her hand.

It was Sistine. Clad in a loose negligee, her skin still faintly steaming from her bath, she’d come to the rooftop to cool off… only to witness the absurd drama playing out below.

“What’s going on, Sistie?”

“Just a bunch of idiots and one big idiot getting worked up over something stupid and messing around.”

Rumia, who had also come to the rooftop, looked down and saw flashes of Black Magic [Shock Bolt] crackling through the woods, accompanied by shouts and screams flying in every direction.

“Tch, they’re not hitting at all!”

“Damn it! He’s too quick—!?”

“Hahaha! If it doesn’t hit, it’s meaningless!”

Kash and the others were launching a fierce assault on Glenn with one-verse chants.

But, as expected of a seasoned former mage, Glenn darted between the trees, leaping, rolling, and springing back up—dodging their spells with razor-sharp reflexes and physical prowess while chanting three-verse spells of his own.

One of Glenn’s counterattacking [Shock Bolts] struck, and a student collapsed with a scream of agony.

“Alf!? Nooo! Hang in there, Alf!?”

“K-Kash… I’m… done for…”

“You idiot! It’s just a scratch! You’re aiming for ‘paradise,’ right!? You can’t give up here!”

“P-please… Kash… ‘Paradise’… The ‘paradise’ we’ve been chasing… Step over my body… For my sake… Reach ‘paradise’… See it… Come… back…”

“Alf!? Noooo!? Why—why am I even fighting!?”

Kash’s wail of despair echoed through the woods as he cradled the limp Alf…

“No one’s dying from a [Shock Bolt]. He’ll wake up in ten minutes.”

Sistine remained utterly unfazed by the heated scene below.

“Still, Sensei’s moves are impressive for no reason. A one-against-many magic battle is already insanely disadvantageous, and yet… Ugh, why’s he only serious at times like this?”

“Haha, that’s so like Sensei…”

Rumia gave a wry smile. Just then,

Sistine noticed Re=L stretching up to peer intently at the scene below from the terrace.

“Uh, Re=L? You… you can’t get rough with them, okay? Kash and the others aren’t, like, Sensei’s enemies or anything… They’re just playing around, sort of…”

Sistine’s heart raced, recalling the time Re=L had charged at Halley without hesitation.

But, surprisingly…

“…Mm, it’s fine. I won’t do anything.”

Re=L responded calmly.

“Because I don’t get any bad vibes from Kash and the others.”

Apparently, Re=L didn’t recklessly attack everyone who opposed Glenn. She was likely just extraordinarily sensitive to malice or hostility in others.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Sistine turned her attention back to the scene below.

“Hahaha! What’s wrong!? Is that all you’ve got—hey, wait!? Hold on!? Ganging up like that for a frontal assault is cheating—arghhh!? Ow, ow, that hurts!?”

Honestly, what are they even doing?

Sistine let out an exasperated sigh. Just then,

“I’ve never seen Glenn look so happy…”

Re=L murmured softly.

“Really? He’s pretty much always like that at the academy.”

“Back then… he was much darker.”

“…Re=L?”

“That’s why I thought I’d stay by his side and protect him…”

Re=L’s expression remained as impassive as ever, making it impossible for Sistine to discern the emotions behind her words.

Rumia, who was usually perceptive about such nuances, didn’t seem to have heard Re=L’s murmur. She was still smiling warmly, watching Glenn and the others.

“Um… Re=L?”

Unsure of what to say, Sistine was about to speak when—

“Oh my, so this is where you were, you three? I’ve been looking for you.”

The door to the rooftop terrace opened, and Wendy appeared.

“Oh, Wendy, what’s up?”

Rumia turned away from the scene below to face Wendy.

“Well, I was thinking we could gather in our room and play some card games together, so I came looking for you all.”

Wendy glanced at Re=L and smiled.

“Um… Re=L, would you like to join us? Play some cards with us?”

The awkward tension from earlier days had completely dissipated.

“Cards? Play? …Me too?”

Re=L blinked her sleepy eyes, a hint of curiosity in her demeanor.

“Yes, exactly.”

“…Mm. Okay. I don’t really get it, but… I’ll play.”

“Fufu, then shall we go together?”

Wendy turned gracefully, and Re=L followed.

“That’s great, Re=L. You’ve really bonded with everyone in the class, haven’t you?”

“Huh? Oh… yeah… I guess so…”

Sistine responded vaguely to Rumia’s delighted comment.

“Come on, let’s go too, Sistie.”

“…Yeah.”

Following Rumia, Sistine left the rooftop behind.

(Yeah… It’s just my imagination, right? Just my imagination… Things are going so smoothly, so I’m probably overthinking it… right?)

The faint unease she’d felt from Re=L earlier.

She didn’t know its source, but Sistine made a conscious effort to push it out of her mind.