Chapter 84 – Deciding Match During Field Practice (2)

“All magic operates within the framework of the Three Originals, arranging its formulas accordingly. For elemental magic, the deployment of Prium Mobile and Terrarius depends on its properties.”

It was nearing the end of the first semester. Adela, sitting in her basic magic theory class, found her thoughts complicated by the way people’s perceptions of Louis had changed recently.

Her main concern was the caliber of those now showing interest in him—particularly the women. Whether she liked it or not, “that woman” was the top of her class, and just yesterday, a senior she met at dinner turned out to be none other than the lord of Farencia.

“All phenomena occurring within this algebraic yet irreversible field must be thoroughly controlled by the mage’s calculations. Over the course of this semester, you’ve learned the fundamental principles of basic magic.”

In contrast, Adela still struggled to properly use her unique magic. The prestige of the Rochear name? It might as well have been digested alongside yesterday’s bread.

“From this point onward, we’ll move into second-semester material. The final element of the Three Originals, the Tree of Sephiroth, represents the caster themselves. In truth, magic is not always activated through calculations alone. At times, primal emotions can draw out even greater power.”

Professor Roilen’s lecture barely registered in her mind. Adela’s thoughts were preoccupied with the proposal Louis had received from Darling yesterday.

While it wasn’t an invitation to a ball or a social club, it was still an official request. The idea of Louis being taken away gnawed at her. When Louis had asked her to manage the shop briefly in the evening, she had reluctantly nodded.

“In such cases, controlling one’s emotions is important, but sometimes using them in reverse can open another level of mastery. Miss Adela?”

“Y-yes!?”

“Could you provide an example of someone who defined the Tree of Sephiroth?”

“Uh, um…”

Unable to focus, Adela fumbled for an answer. Seeing her hesitation, the professor tapped the lectern with his staff before pointing to another student.

“Carl?”

“Yes, professor. One of the saints who emphasized the manifestation of magic through emotions rather than deliberate calculation was Lord Oliver Scarlet, the Master of the Tower of Dubhe, also known as the Five-Colored Duke.”

“Correct. Although a master of elemental magic, he also believed magic transcended the realm of pure calculation.”

The core lesson of basic magic theory was that magic doesn’t operate through a single method. In practical situations, the ability to cast spells without relying on formulas drawn in the sky or on the ground proved invaluable.

“The reason we’re covering this today is because your field test begins soon.”

“A field test?”

“Yes. In four days, the entire first-year class will participate in a field training exercise in the western forest.”

Field training was the culmination of the first year. Students would venture into the forest and face monsters directly. It replaced their final exam and was both a vital learning experience and a dangerous trial where injuries were common.

“From today, you’ll be forming teams. Make sure to pair up with those you trust.”

As some students began discussing potential teammates, Professor Roilen offered advice, particularly to those like Adela, who looked uncertain.

“In the field, your teammates will be the only ones guarding your back.”

Darling’s request for me was to prepare the western forest for the first-year field training.

Heading west from Farencia’s central square, I passed through the western gate. The further I went from the city, the more tunnels emerged—remnants of the monster wave that had swept through seven years ago.

These tunnels varied in size, and over time, the larger ones had transformed into dungeons. Monsters continued to breed within, turning these places into dangerous zones requiring adventurers to clear them out regularly.

Additionally, when monsters became tainted by karma, they evolved into demonic beasts. These creatures grew more ferocious, physically stronger, and capable of emitting toxic substances. While such evolution was rare under natural conditions, monsters themselves were far from weak.

Every year, the dungeons in the western forest were surveyed to prepare for the unexpected.

“Ugh… I just want to die…”

“What’s with the gloom, Mark? Something happen?”

It was evening when I arrived at the torch-lit western gate, where I found Mark, the academy’s guard captain, grumbling with a sour face.

“Try stepping into my shoes. I got beaten half to death by a Rochear family knight, barely recovered, and returned to find sand mixed in my pay. When I complained, I got dragged to the temple for questioning as a rebel sympathizer. And now I’m stuck doing this hellish overnight forest survey…”

It dawned on me that it had indeed been a tumultuous year for the academy guards.

“You don’t understand how I feel, Louis.”

“You wouldn’t understand mine, Mark.”

At least he hadn’t been fighting dragons in the Lavierre Mountains last week.

Once preparations were complete, the guards and Farencia soldiers lined up. As I debated whether I needed to stand in formation with them, a young attendant approached me.

“Are you Sir Louis?”

“Yes?”

“The lord requests your presence. It seems you’ll be traveling by carriage.”

“Ahem…”

I avoided Mark’s envious gaze as I made my way to the carriage. Darling Ruhillen’s summons likely had a purpose—perhaps to oversee the soldiers in Bill’s absence.

“Some people are honored with medals yet suffer through this drudgery, while others get picked by noble ladies just for their looks…”

“What nonsense are you on about now?”

“Louis.”

Tap.

“I thought you were my comrade.”

Amid the jealousy and complaints, I left the group and arrived at the carriage. When the attendant knocked, the door opened, and four folding steps unfurled one by one.

Inside, Darling sat with a dissatisfied expression, her gaze following mine to the stairs.

“What are you staring at? Get in.”

“…Yes, ma’am.”

“Store Owner.”

“Yes?”

“If there is even a single centimeter of that staircase you believe I owe to your height, speak now. Otherwise, shut the door.”

Silently, I climbed into the carriage and shut the door. Like anyone else, Darling clearly didn’t appreciate comments about her height.

I noticed the seat she occupied was the only one with a thick cushion. When I moved to sit across from her, she patted the spot next to her.

“Sit here.”

“Was I summoned to replace Bill?”

“Bill always sat beside me. Come here.”

When I obliged, she leaned slightly against me, her gloved hand brushing my knee.

“Wake me when we arrive. I’m tired.”

“Wouldn’t it be fine to send the soldiers alone?”

“Absolutely not. Everything that happens there must be under my supervision.”

Perhaps she feared finding her parents’ remains. It was clear that as a merchant leader, lord, and academy overseer, she still carried burdens that demanded her presence even this late at night.

The forest was bustling with people. Soldiers directly under the lord’s command, the academy’s guards, and even additional adventurers gathered for the task.

Professor Marco, who was overseeing the first-year field training, addressed the group about their duties.

“Ahem! Under the direction of your respective superiors, you will proceed into the marked areas on the map to explore the dungeons. Any creatures classified as dangerous by the adventurers must be eliminated, as they pose a threat to the students. Additionally, if you encounter any monster encampments, report them to the command center. My lady?”

“Proceed.”

To ensure safety, the forest where the field training was held was treated as a controlled zone.

As the soldiers began to move forward, I grabbed a nearby torch to light my path.

My presence here wasn’t solely to fulfill Darling’s request. I often sourced materials for the store from the western forest.

One such material was Yagum wood, which was used to craft staffs. Other items like mana stones and hides collected from monster corpses were also valuable.

I had hoped this trip would allow me to bring back some new items for the store, but my thoughts were interrupted when Darling pulled me aside.

“And where do you think you’re going?”

“To the dungeon…”

“A servant leaving their master behind to venture into a dungeon? Ridiculous. Come with me.”

She led me to a small outpost within the forest. The building was well-furnished, with luxurious sofas and a half-finished bottle of wine, indicating that she frequented this place. The refreshing night air of the forest drifted in through the windows.

Darling picked up a glass and gestured at me with her chin.

“Pour.”

“…”

“Store Owner?”

I gently pressed the bottom of the wine bottle against the top of her head.

“Argh—! Don’t press my head! Stop it!”

“Who said I came here to serve wine? I thought you needed help with some task.”

“Fine, fine, just stop pressing my head! It’ll make me even shorter!”

Ignoring her protests, I asked, “Where’s the carriage?”

“I already sent it back.”

“Efficient as ever. Why did you summon me?”

“Well…”

“My lady!!”

Her irritated tone was interrupted by a shout from outside.

“My lady! May I enter?”

Probably a soldier, given Darling’s position as the field commander. However, she didn’t respond, remaining silent in her seat.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you going to answer?”

“…”

“Viscountess?”

Curious, I moved the wine bottle aside and saw her pale face. Her hands were tightly clasped, and her lips trembled as though dreading the news from outside.

“What’s going on out there!?”

“Ah, well… Captain Mark Botervall says he’s experiencing severe stomach pains and wishes to rest in the rear…”

“Tell him to shove it and get back to work!”

“Y-yes, understood!”

A small sigh of relief escaped from under her breath. I uncorked the wine bottle with my teeth and placed my arm over her shoulder.

“Scared? Afraid of facing what you’ve been searching for all this time?”

“…Not at all.”

“It’s true, then, that Bill was always by your side?”

“…Yes.”

No wonder she seemed stressed. It wasn’t just her usual demeanor—she clearly carried her own burdens.

I leaned back on the sofa and took a swig. Seeing this, Darling seemed to relax slightly.

“How long do we have to stay?”

“A few days for the work to be completed. The field training should start soon.”

“Good.”

“If a message comes from the Phecda Tower, I’ll withdraw as well, so it won’t take too long.”

“The Phecda Tower? Why them all of a sudden?”

“You didn’t know?”

Regaining some composure, Darling explained the rules of the field training to me, mentioning that she herself had participated last year.

“The first-years traverse the forest to locate a small dungeon set up by the organizers. In teams, they defeat the monsters within and retrieve the emblem at the end to pass.”

But it wasn’t just about fighting monsters. The training prioritized adaptability to unfamiliar environments and the skill to hunt beasts driven purely by instinct.

And—

“The emblems are guarded by second-years selected for the task. Most of them have returned from their magical training and have been assigned already. The only exception is Phecda Tower, which is slightly delayed…”

Combat against other students. Similar to a magic duel.

“They should be arriving soon.”

Darling’s mention of the tower brought Liv to mind. I also thought of Adela, likely waiting for me back at the shop.

Surely, the odds of the two encountering each other in the same dungeon were—

“Store Owner?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Surely, it wouldn’t happen.