Chapter 41 - The Magic Otaku Becomes Absorbed
"...Saki, Saki? Are you listening?"
Roche's voice snapped me out of it. We were in the great dining hall on the first floor of the Gold Dragon Hall, the boys' dormitory. I was sitting at a table with Roche and Isak, eating dinner. Apparently, I had completely missed what Roche had just said.
Let's see, I went to the Great Library today, solved the riddle of the hidden room, and got the book. Then I parted with Ruria in front of the dorm, and then... and then what?
This was bad. I had no memory of when I returned to my room, how I got to the dining hall, or even how I got my food. I'd been so preoccupied with the contents of my new grimoire that I'd apparently tuned out everything else.
"Huh? Sorry. What did you say?"
Roche just stared at me with a heavy, silent gaze. It was such a cold look that I couldn't help but complain, my own expression turning a bit disgruntled.
"I know it's my fault for not listening, but don't you think it's a bit rude to just stare at me like that without saying anything?"
"I am not blaming you. I am being cautious. When you are off in your own world, it usually means you are absorbed in something outrageous."
"You really don't trust me, do you..."
That stings more than a normal scolding.
"To put it briefly, both Isak-san and I are trying to decide on our fourth spell. We were hoping to hear your opinion, Saki."
Beside him, Isak nodded in agreement. I see, so that's what this was about.
Both Roche and Isak had finally managed to learn their third spell today. Among our year, they were the third and fourth to do so, right after Ruria and me. It was a testament to the prestige of the Arcalai private academy.
They had said they were on the verge of learning their third spell before even enrolling, so I'd honestly thought it had taken them quite a while. But that was a huge misunderstanding on my part. Apparently, it's common to take several months to learn a single spell, which meant Roche and Isak were actually progressing quite quickly. I got chewed out again for using me and Ruria as the benchmark. Damn it.
Speaking of which, their attitudes had mostly returned to normal, a far cry from how withdrawn they'd been after I snapped at them out of frustration. I honestly enjoy this kind of banter, so my real feeling is that they only need to be mindful of our different stations when it truly matters.
But back to the topic at hand: their fourth spell. Right now, they both knew the exact same three spells: [Light], [Magic Missile], and [Armor]. The basic [Light] spell we teach first at our private academy, the offensive [Magic Missile], and the defensive [Armor]—a perfectly balanced set.
Where they went from here was a matter of personal preference, but since they were asking for my advice, the answer was practically decided.
"In that case, [Sending] is the only choice."
"Is [Sending] really that useful?"
"Our Arcalai faction uses [Sending] constantly. If you get used to it now, it will serve you well after you graduate from The Academy."
From my father's prized network of spies to everyone else, the Arcalai faction made frequent use of the [Sending] spell. If these two planned to walk the path of a magic user, learning it sooner rather than later would be a definite advantage.
In fact, why don't magic users outside our faction use this spell more often? The ability to communicate instantly regardless of distance is almost ridiculously effective. I suspect it has something to do with their pride or their fierce spirit of independence. What a waste.
Incidentally, perhaps because we communicate with [Sending] so often, our faction seems to be more cohesive than others. Constant communication and status reports—that stuff is important.
That reminds me, what should I do about my daily report to Dad? Reporting the book I got today would be a hassle, since it's related to ritual magic. Hmm, but if I keep quiet, Grandma will probably hear about it from the Academy Head, and then I'll get scolded for neglecting my reports again. What to do...
No, I haven't even properly read the book yet. I'll decide whether to report it later. Instead, I need to make sure I report that I taught Elisha the Triple Circle Method. I might get chewed out for teaching someone without permission again, but she already knows about Spell Gesture Omission, so what's done is done.
As I pondered this, my hands paused mid-meal and my gaze wandered into space while I muttered to myself, completely oblivious to the exasperated looks Roche and Isak were giving me.
I was in my dorm room. On the desk where I sat was the book I'd acquired from the Great Library earlier today.
The time has finally come, I thought, rubbing my hands together in delight. For the record, I had no idea what I'd eaten for dinner, how I'd cleared my plate, or if I'd even said goodnight to Roche and Isak. Such things were trivialities before the momentous task of deciphering this book.
An all-nighter was inevitable, so I already had a light source from the [Light] spell floating above me. I probably should have prepared some tea or water, but I restrained myself, fearing I might accidentally spill it on this ancient tome. All that remained was to face the book with stoic determination.
Now then, let's open the cover...
...
...
On the title page, a title-like script was written in large, slightly faded crimson letters. "The Book of the Spirit"? No, it was Book of Spirits (Liber Spirituum). The rest of the text was written in the ancient language of this country, but the title alone was in Latin. I wonder if that means something. It was the only part written in colored, decorative script, so there might be a special reason for it.
The preface... "This book is a guide to the rituals for evoking and commanding the spirits and powers that exist throughout the world," it said. This is it. This is the good stuff. The scroll I'd deciphered back home described the Evocation ritual for a [Fire Elemental], but this book seemed to explain the evocation rituals for other spirits as well. This is insane. I want to try every single one.
Curbing my enthusiasm, I decided to first skim through and see what kinds of spirits could be evoked. The four basic elementals, powerful spirits, special rituals... Whoa, this is no good. Every single one looks so fascinating, there's no way I can just skim through.
The details of the rituals were particularly engrossing. There were detailed notes on the altars, ritual tools, and other implements to be used. This was information I'd never had before, and I found myself devouring the text.
To be blunt, rituals like these can be effective simply by having the caster perform the incantations according to the formula, but only an Adept (Master) can successfully summon the target entity that way. For a pre-dawn magic user like myself, performing an evocation ritual requires preparing the space with a magic circle, an altar, magical weapons, and various other tools. Only then can one evoke a proper high-level entity.
When I performed the evocation for a [Fire Elemental] late at night in Arcalai village, all I could summon was a tiny bonfire of a spirit. At the time, I had simply drawn a magic circle on the ground with my [Fire Short Sword] and made no other preparations. This book suggested that if I, in my current state, were to prepare an altar and ritual tools according to its instructions and perform the ritual again, it might be possible to summon a much more powerful spirit.
What also caught my eye were the descriptions of how the required ritual tools differed depending on the target of the evocation, and how certain items were more or less effective than others. This meant that by sparing no expense or effort to gather costly tools, one could give even an unskilled caster a significant advantage. Of course, if a great master were to perform a ritual in a carefully selected environment with the finest equipment, they could probably summon something so tremendous it could be called a god or a demon.
Hmm. I'd anticipated this to some extent, but now that I see it in writing, living in a dorm at The Academy is not an environment conducive to practicing ritual magic. These rituals require a decent amount of space where one can work unseen and ensure safety, which is difficult for a student who just goes back and forth between The Academy and the dorms. Procuring the necessary items for the rituals is also extremely difficult, since we first-years aren't allowed to leave The Academy grounds.
It seemed I would need to think more carefully about my future magical research. Just as I was thinking that, my vision suddenly went dark. Ah, the [Light] spell must have gone out. Once cast, it's supposed to last for several hours unless I actively dispel it... Does this mean it's already past midnight? The moment I had that thought, a wave of sleepiness washed over me. I'd been so focused on the book that I hadn't realized I was long past my usual bedtime.
I could probably stay up longer if I forced myself, but I decided to be sensible and go to sleep. The grimoire wasn't going anywhere. I gently closed the book, placed it by my pillow, and decided to turn in to prepare for tomorrow's classes. Oh, I forgot to report to Dad that I taught Elisha the Triple Circle Method. But sending a message at this hour would probably be a bother. Right, I'll do it tomorrow.
And with that, I swiftly let go of my consciousness and fell into darkness.
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Roche Lamed would later recall Saki's state during this period vividly.
"It was as if his mind was always elsewhere. If you greeted him, he would respond, and his answers in class were proper. But even then, while he seemed to be looking at us or the professors, he wasn't really seeing us. He was constantly thinking about something else, never focused on what was in front of him or who he was talking to. Even Ruria-san, who is endlessly patient with Saki, seemed a little irritated by it."
"The moment class ended, he would head straight back to the Gold Dragon Hall and wouldn't come out of his room except for meals. One time, he didn't show up at the dining hall even when it was dinnertime, so I went to his room to get him. I knocked softly on the door, but there was no answer. I called out and was about to go in when he came rushing out, apologizing, 'Sorry, sorry. It's dinner, isn't it? I didn't notice.' And even when he finally sat at the table, he would silently shovel food into his mouth without saying a single word and then immediately return to his room. I was beyond exasperated."
"If it had been just one day, that would be one thing. But when it continued for two days, three days, and then a whole week, I moved past worry and started to feel scared. There was something that had captivated Saki so completely, and he was wrestling with it all alone, in secret, without telling anyone. How can I put it? It was like standing on the bank of a fast-flowing river, watching the water level rise and rise, about to overflow the embankment."
"That's probably why. When that incident happened soon after, I wasn't particularly surprised. It was more of an 'Ah, of course' feeling."
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I always think this, but why does time fly so fast when you're having fun?
This past week spent poring over the Book of Spirits has been pure bliss. I've studied the ritual incantations, contemplated the descriptions of the magic circles and the meaning of the ritual tools, and mused on the beings that could be evoked. Even during classes at The Academy when I didn't have the book with me, I couldn't stop recalling its contents and thinking about this and that. To be honest, I have no memory of this past week other than reading the Book of Spirits.
But at last, the honeymoon has come to an end. Last night, I finally finished reading the Book of Spirits from cover to cover. Of course, rereading it would be enjoyable a second time, but there's a reason I can't.
As promised, I have to teach Ruria about the contents of this book. I'll also have to lend her the Book of Spirits itself so she can read it on her own. It will be a brief farewell, but it can't be helped. Once she understands this book, Ruria's knowledge of magic will deepen considerably. I absolutely need her to become my partner in magical research.
In any case, as long as I'm a student at The Academy, my duty is to study and practice magic. I leaped out of bed, got dressed, and headed from my room to the first-floor dining hall.
"Ah, Roche, Isak, good morning."
As soon as I left my room, I ran into Roche and Isak, who were also leaving their respective rooms, so I greeted them. But there was no reply. They were both just staring at me in surprise.
"...What's wrong, you two?"
"Ah, oh. Good morning, Saki."
"G-good morning, Saki."
Isak often stumbles over his words, but this morning, even Roche's speech was slurred. What in the world was wrong with them?
"Still half-asleep? If we don't hurry, the dining hall will get crowded."
I said, urging them on. I could sense them tilting their heads and exchanging glances behind me, but I paid them no mind and headed for the dining hall.
After breakfast, I went outside the dorm and waited for a short while at a spot a little ways away. Meeting up with Ruria and Elisha as they came out of the Red Dragon Hall, the girls' dormitory, had become a daily routine.
As I waited, I could feel the tense morning air beginning to relax a little. Come to think of it, about two months had passed since we enrolled at The Academy. The winter chill still lingered, but it seemed the footsteps of spring could be heard in the distance. I don't dislike the harsh cold of winter, but I do like the warm cheerfulness of spring. Autumn is my favorite season, of course, because of my name from my past life. The one I can't stand is summer. I can endure the cold, but I'm the type who's weak to heat.
Though that was in my past life. Right now, I'm in a different world, a different country, and my body is still that of a child. I feel like even my past self was running around outside without a care for sunburn at this age. I rarely think back on it anymore, so my memories of that time are a bit hazy.
As I was lost in such thoughts, Ruria and Elisha emerged from the Red Dragon Hall. I greeted them as they approached.
"Hey, Ruria, good morning. Good morning to you too, Elisha-san."
As I spoke, a light flickered in Ruria's sleepy eyes for a moment, but she quickly pouted and turned away. Despite that, she smoothly sidled up to me, took my left arm, and settled into her usual spot. What was that reaction?
"Good morning, Saki-san. You seem to be your usual self today."
Elisha spoke to me next, but what was she talking about? I'm always my usual self.
"Huh? Was I not my usual self yesterday?"
"Not just yesterday, but for a while now. Even when I spoke to you, your mind was elsewhere, and you barely replied. Ruria-chan was worried about you, which is why she's been in a bad mood, you know?"
"...Is that true?"
I asked, turning to look at Roche and Isak. They both nodded vigorously, as if to say, "You said it!" They were giving off a "Couldn't have said it better myself" vibe. Ruria, beside me, still wouldn't meet my eyes. It seemed to be true.
"My apologies. I've been studying rather intensely lately."
"My, Saki-san, you are so brilliant and yet you never cease in your efforts. You truly are admirable. Perhaps you should try to relax a little more?"
I responded to Elisha's praise with a vague smile. It was studying, yes, but ritual magic, not classroom magic.
"Speaking of which, Ruria, did you return the book you borrowed from the library?"
"Mm."
I changed the subject by turning to Ruria, who gave a short reply. A week had passed since then, so she must have returned it already. No, knowing Ruria, she probably finished the book immediately and might have repeated the return-and-borrow cycle several times.
"I have to return a book I borrowed too, so shall we go to the Great Library together after class today?"
"Mm."
Her reply was just as curt as before, but I could tell the difference. There was a slight bounce in the tone of her voice. It seemed I had managed to improve her mood, at least a little.
With my light-footed childhood friend pulling on my arm, I headed towards The Academy building with my friends.
"Permission to use the spell laboratory after class?"
"Yes. I wanted to stay behind a bit and practice my magic. Would that be impossible?"
"Hmm. I can't say for sure without discussing it with the faculty council, but no student has ever made such a request before. I wouldn't get your hopes up."
"Could you at least bring it up for consideration? Please."
After our usual afternoon practical magic session ended, I reported to Professor Hazza that we were done using the spell laboratory. Right then and there, I made the request I had been considering for a while. I couldn't think of any other place within The Academy where I could conduct magical experiments without being seen.
The ritual hall in the back of The Academy, which I'd only entered once during the entrance ceremony, would have been the best place. It even has an altar. But I couldn't imagine a student being allowed to use that space, so the spell laboratory was the next best option.
There, I could be completely out of sight, and no matter how much noise I made, it wouldn't leak outside. It was impossible during class, of course, with Roche and the others watching, but if I could borrow the lab again after the practical session was over, I could try out all sorts of things.
Professor Hazza didn't look too pleased with my plea, but he promised to at least consult the faculty council. Relieved, I left him and returned to my friends, where Roche spoke in an exasperated tone.
"Ruria-san is one thing, but you are also quite tireless, Saki. I cannot imagine anyone would normally think of practicing more magic after class is over."
"You think so? I don't think it's impossible if you put your mind to it."
"N-normally, by the time class is over, you're c-completely drained."
"Using magic is incredibly exhausting, after all. I can't even make my magic last through the afternoon practical session."
Ah, that's right. Casting a spell consumes mana, but it also drains a fair amount of physical stamina. For first-years, using a spell a few times a day is about the limit, and even then, casting it repeatedly in a short time will leave you exhausted. That's why students pass the time between practice by observing others' incantations or practicing drawing [Sigils] in the air. I've long suspected that mana is a form of life force, and the fact that you get tired from overusing it is one of the reasons why.
Thanks to that mana absorption method of mine, I can recover my mana little by little while practicing spells, which allows me to cast them repeatedly during the practical session. Also, and this isn't something to be proud of, my base mana is so incredibly low that I'm used to the sensation of losing it rapidly.
Ruria is in a league of her own. She possesses such an enormous amount of mana that casting a First Tier spell doesn't seem to diminish it at all, no matter how many times she does it. She would cast spells dozens of times so casually that in the beginning, Elisha would worriedly tell her, "Perhaps you should stop there for now?" over and over. Now, though, even she's completely used to Ruria's extraordinary nature.
"In any case. Practicing your spells is fine, but please do not do anything too dangerous, all right?"
"You worry too much, Roche. Do you really not trust me?"
I retorted, but not just Roche, but Isak and Elisha as well, simply gazed at me with lukewarm expressions. Damn you all, that kind of reaction really hurts, you know?
"W-well, Ruria and I are going to the library to return our books. We'll be back before dinner."
The awkwardness getting to me, I took Ruria's hand and we left the school building, heading for the Great Library.
As usual, Ayala-san was sitting at the reception desk of the Great Library, her eyes looking sleepy. I returned the book I had borrowed, "A Study on the Origins of Names and Surnames," and then showed her a glimpse of the Book of Spirits I had brought with me to ask for permission to bring it inside.
"That's the book you had when you came here before. I don't mind you bringing it in, but what kind of book is it, exactly? Won't you let your big sister see just a little?"
"I would love to oblige, but it is not my decision to make. Perhaps, if the opportunity arises."
"Aww, you're so stingy. Fine, but you have to show me before you graduate."
"Haha, well then, if you'll excuse us."
I answered Ayala-san's direct request with a noncommittal reply, pasting on a smile to smooth things over as we left the reception desk. That was close. If she had made a cute plea like that, the contrast with her usual downer vibe might have made me blurt out, "Well, just a little then." Then again, the way she pouted was also quite...
"!!"
A sharp pain shot through the inside of my upper left arm, the one Ruria was holding. Beside me, Ruria was pinching my arm, her usual half-lidded eyes holding a dangerous glint as she stared at me. Come on, what was that for? I was just thinking it! Even the constitution guarantees freedom of thought!
Of course, I didn't say any of that out loud. I gave the guard a natural-looking smile and a nod, and he opened the door for us. We entered the main hall on the first floor of the Great Library.
As usual for this time of day, there were few people in the library. Still, it wasn't completely empty. After passing through the rows of bookshelves and reaching the spacious reading area, we saw two or three other patrons. The vast space with so few people in it only seemed to emphasize its immensity.
We chose a seat in a corner as far away from the other patrons as possible and spread the Book of Spirits on the table. I wanted to avoid letting any third party see even a glimpse of this book's contents, so I was constantly aware of our surroundings. I would have preferred a more isolated place, but the library was about the only place Ruria and I could spend a significant amount of time together, so it was a desperate measure I had to adopt.
If Professor Hazza approves my request to use the spell laboratory after school, we'll be able to study and experiment with the Book of Spirits there, so for now, we just have to be patient. Speaking loudly is taboo in a library anyway, but to prevent our conversation from being overheard, I leaned in and began my explanation, whispering into Ruria's ear.
"Like I said before, I'll tell you what I've deciphered about this book. First, let's talk about the purpose for which this book was written..."
The moment I started talking, I heard Ruria make a small sound, "Nnh." I instinctively leaned in to look at her face, and she looked back at me, her usual half-lidded eyes looking somewhat moist. When I whispered, "What's wrong?" she just shook her head, but at the same time, she pressed herself closer to me, listening to my explanation while practically glued to my side.
Well, she didn't seem to be bothered by it, so I guess it's fine. More importantly, if I dilly-dallied, dinnertime would be upon us in the blink of an eye. I continued to speak in the smallest voice possible, giving Ruria a simplified summary of the Book of Spirits.
While I was talking, I felt like Ruria kept glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. I wonder what that was about.