"Is this the magic circle that's popular these days?"

"Yes. Although it's a replica, the spells used are the same."

Beriel Castero, the Head of the Department of Magic, received a piece of paper in his residence.

As Beriel infused mana into it, a flower appeared, and soon an illusionary magic unfolded around it.

"It's a unique idea. Above all, this... it expresses the 'contradiction' quite well with simple spells."

The elaborate illusionary magic, unfolded through the dual magic circles, held no meaning for Beriel.

His aesthetic sense was different from others, and he couldn't relate to anything beautiful or pretty. All he could see was the flower withering away in its green state.

"To think he was such a student. The more I see, the more amazed I am."

"He's been the talk of the town lately. It seems he's making her mark in the field of creation."

The professor from the Department of Magic, sitting across from Beriel, spoke, and Beriel smiled.

"Adrias Cromwell. How interesting. Oh, by the way, I have to thank that student for the accommodation here. It's truly a surprising coincidence."

"I-Is that so? That darn brat!"

"Oh no, it's not because of the student, it's thanks to him. I'm really satisfied right now."

"Oh, I see. Well, being the Head of the Department of Magic is quite a demanding position. I hope you can relieve your fatigue and return refreshed."

"What's so demanding about being the Head of the Department of Magic? I only need to pay attention to a few students who requested personal tutoring from me among the graduating class. And even that can be rejected if I don't feel like it. There's nothing difficult about it."

As the professor's words didn't match his own thoughts, Beriel closed his mouth, looking perplexed.

Whether the professor said anything or not, Beriel, with an indifferent expression, just stared at the flower that bloomed on the magic circle.

"The more I look at it, the more I'm in awe. Should I teach him?"

"Do you mean Adrias directly?"

"Well, the Dean Deos scolded me this year for rejecting all teaching requests, so it worked out well. I'll teach Adrias then."

"But Adrias is only in his fourth year."

"Just a one-year difference, what's the big deal? Why? Are you trying to stop me, professor?"

"N-No, it's not like that..."

"It's just a joke. Anyway, thank you for informing me of this news today. You can leave now."

"Yes? Yes. I'll take my leave then."

As the professor left, Beriel calmly examined the magic circle.

However, for some reason, he couldn't stop chuckling.

"Ah, really. This is hilarious."

With a piece of paper containing the engraved magic circle in his hand, Beriel triggered an unknown magic.

Although magic was clearly triggered, there was no apparent change.

But Beriel knew.

The flower on his hand, though it appeared fine on the surface, was already withered and dead.

'One of the greatest 'contradictions'—'Immortality'. It became the foundation of 'Immortality'. How admirable.'

It is through such ideas that powerful and great magic is born.

The term "Original Magic" refers not only to magic that embodies "contradiction," but also to magic that embodies "understanding" and "purity." When magicians create their own original magic, they are bestowed with the title of "Warlock" and receive countless honors.

'Adrias Cromwell. Will you truly be the foundation of my growth? I'm very curious.'

Muttering to himself, Beriel set fire to the paper in his hand using pure mana.

.

.

.

.

For the past few days, my magic circles have caused a commotion in the surroundings. Although I thought I had hidden the dual magic circles well, they ended up being exposed in a place where people had gathered.

Thanks to that, the illusionary magic created by my magic circles was revealed to a crowd, and as a result, the Department of Magic is currently bustling with magic circle fever.

'It was a unique idea, even in my own opinion. Inserting another magic circle into the plants created by the magic circle, it's a high-level trick. The magic circle for the illusionary magic was quite a significant spell as well.'

Although I didn't see it directly, apparently, in addition to Dianne, who received the magic circle as a gift, Vivianne and Lucia were also present. I can't understand what exactly happened in that situation.

I can understand if Lucia was curious, but why was Vivianne there? And at the location of the Department of Magic, no less.

'Well, it doesn't matter. The results were good, so it's fine.'

In truth, I created the dual magic circles to honor my father.

The flower garden of the fairy where my father left behind his original sin.

When I was designing the magic circles, the thought of creating flowers naturally brought my father to mind.

By the way, today is finally the last day of the exchange event.

Thanks to the magic circle lectures with Keshrun, we quickly became close, and I was able to achieve what I had aimed for. One regret is that I didn't manage to firmly put Grace in his place, which could have become a stumbling block for Keshrun later on.

'He was sulking quietly after the first day, so I hesitated to provoke him unnecessarily.'

It wouldn't have been good for my image to harass someone who wasn't doing anything.

If I had known, I should have tied up the loose ends more decisively during the duel.

But at that time, I felt it was sufficient, and there was nothing I could do about it.

'Even so, a prince is still a prince.'

Knowing Grace's personality, I judged that he would find an opportunity to cause trouble later on.

In the end, Keshrun will have to handle it on his own.

Now, I'm heading to the banquet hall, which is the last item on the agenda after all the lectures have ended.

The first and last days of the exchange event were decorated as banquets, as if to mark the occasion.

I thought it was a bit of a waste of time, but I knew I wouldn't have many opportunities to see Keshrun, so I gladly set aside the time.

As I made my way to the administrative district to catch the train, I saw familiar faces.

'Dianne and Vivianne? Dianne, I can understand, but why is Vivianne here?'

Could she have had some business with the Department of Magic?

With a glad heart, I approached them and greeted them.

"Dianne, Vivianne. Are you heading to the administrative district?"

"Oh? Adrias. You came at a good time."

Dianne hesitated for a moment before pointing at Vivianne.

At her gesture, I turned my gaze towards Vivianne, who averted her eyes and fidgeted as if she had done something wrong.

What happened?

"I came here to catch the train, and coincidentally, Vivianne was here. But there's no reason for her to be here, and it was frustrating that she wouldn't tell me even when I asked for an explanation."

"Is that so?"

She suddenly cut in.

She must have regretted her words.

Seeing Dianne casually calling Vivianne, she seemed pleased to have made a new friend.

I was a bit worried because Dianne always kept her distance, but it seems like I can worry a little less now.

"From my perspective, it seemed like you were waiting for me no matter how I looked at it. Since you asked for the magic circle I gave you last time, I thought something was strange. Are you two in some sort of relationship?"

"D-Dianne Alven!"

Vivianne suddenly raised her voice, but what is she saying?

What kind of relationship do Vivianne and I have?

'If I were to describe it, would it be a deep bond or a relationship as life saviors?'

Experiencing the Sloth Barrier was an event that would be difficult to encounter twice in a lifetime.

Thanks to Vivianne, I survived the subsequent terrorist attack as well.

By the way, I wondered why Vivianne was there at the place where the magic circle was activated.

She's not even a magician, so why did she try to claim my magic circle?

Putting aside my doubts for now, I decided to answer first.

"Vivianne and I were in the same group for the midterm evaluation last year. We became close while fighting against the dark mage together."

"Is that so?"

She sent me a suspicious look.

Nothing more to say. Let's go back.

Since I couldn't get more than that as an answer, this time I stared at Vivianne intently.

Then, Vivianne's face gradually turned red.

'"She's angry.'

Well, the person in front of me is Vivianne Velocan.

When did she become capable of flipping her eyes and wielding a sword?

However, contrary to my expectations, Vivianne only blushed and didn't say anything, fidgeting her body.

'Vivianne, you've grown a lot. You've developed patience.'

It's all thanks to me.

Dianne, you owe your life to me.

With such frivolous thoughts, the three of us boarded the train together.

Before long, we arrived at the administrative district and entered the building where the previous banquet had been held. Most of the students were already gathered there.

And I immediately looked for Keshrun with his blue hair.

Despite knowing that I won't see him for at least a few years, I felt a little regretful. But I should be grateful that we have connected in some way. 'Keshrun is only in his second year, so he still has a few more years of academy life ahead of him. It's fortunate that we were able to form a connection before I graduate.'

As I approached Keshrun, he greeted me warmly.

"Ah! Adrias hyungnim."

"You were here before me."

"I thought it would be too regretful if I didn't come right after the event ended."

From his address, I could see the effort he put into it, and it made me proud.

Before we parted ways, I wanted to have a conversation and enjoy the banquet together to commemorate the last day. But suddenly, Keshrun spoke up.

"Your name is Vivianne Velocan, right? It's a bit regretful that we didn't have much time to spend with the Knight Department. But I see that you're always with Adrias hyungnim, so you must be very close?"

After hearing Keshrun's words, I looked to my side and realized that Vivianne was standing beside me.

Honestly, I hadn't even noticed. She's almost as good at hiding her presence as Nickel's stealth form!

Vivianne nodded calmly and swirled the glass in her hand.

When did she even get that?

"Vivianne and I have a deep connection."

"Oh? Is that so? I thought you two made a great pair even without saying that."

"What?"

What a nonsensical misunderstanding.

I glanced at Vivianne to see if she was bothered by it.

As I expected, her face had turned red, showing signs of anger.

"Keshrun, you should apologize to Vivianne quickly. It's impolite to suddenly say something disrespectful to a lady."

If you don't want to die, apologize quickly.

"Haha, yes. I apologize for my rudeness. I'm sorry."

It seemed like Keshrun took my words as a joke.

If you keep it up, you'll really die.

But once again, Vivianne's patience shone through.

She simply nodded slightly and accepted Keshrun's apology. To me, it seemed like she had reached the limit of her patience and barely held herself back.

'I'm saving a lot of people today.'

Dianne and Keshrun.

'Did you guys owe me something? Got it?'

Having sealed Vivianne's rampage, we resumed our conversation. However, I suddenly realized that Grace was nowhere to be seen in the banquet hall.

"Come to think of it, Prince Grace is not here."

"Oh, Prince Grace mentioned that he had some business to attend to and would join us later."

"Is that so?"

There seemed to be no room for him to intervene until the end.

It's a little disappointing, but there's nothing I can do.

Perhaps since that day, he had already been subdued as I desired.

I don't know if he'll regain his spirit when we meet again, but I hope Keshrun can breathe a little easier at least.

...That's what I thought.

"I have arrived!"

Someone suddenly entered the banquet hall and shouted.

We, who were enjoying the banquet, turned our attention to him, wondering what was happening.

"Prince Grace?"

His sudden appearance was indeed surprising, but what caught my eye was the potion bottle in his hand. It looked oddly familiar.

"No way...?"

It couldn't be, right? It must be something else.

It's still a long time before Kyle's potion is leaked, right?

"Adrias Cromwell! I'll kill you right here!"

"Why are you saying that?"

"It seems like His Highness was under a lot of stress. No matter what, doing something like this to a noble from another country is just asking for trouble."

As everyone watched the situation with confusion in their eyes, Grace began to drink the potion.

'I have to stop him.'

I immediately rushed forward, drawing my sword.

But it was too late. The gust of wind I created to intercept him came too late.

Quaaang!

Grace effortlessly blocked my gust of wind and looked at me with eyes devoid of white.

"Is that all you've got, Adrias Cromwell?"

An intense surge of mana began to whirl around Grace as its center.