To forgive is to forget. To remember is to return.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Mercedes Caulis – First Floor: Secret Base for Single Witches
"After all... you're the Headmistress, right?"
Will's seemingly casual remark lingered in the air like mist.
Julius and Kiki looked between him and Ceridwen, utterly baffled.
Then the tension shattered as Ceridwen stuck out her tongue and scratched her cheek sheepishly.
"So you figured it out… that Ki thing of yours is quite the nifty tool."
Will raised a brow, unimpressed.
"You know about Ki."
Ceridwen leaned back in her chair, smirking.
"I may or may not have been secretly observing your training," she said lightly, "and I may or may not have listened in on all your conversations."
Will tensed, meanwhile Ceridwen winked mischievously and brought a finger to her lips.
"Be careful what you say or do in this tower. You never know who's watching."
Will sighed and gave a short nod.
"I'll keep that in mind—"
"Just wait a minute!" Julius suddenly shot to his feet, pointing at him. "How can you be so casual about all this?!"
Will smiled wryly.
"Julius, just—"
"And you!" Julius cut him off, turning on Ceridwen now. "Y-you're the Headmistress?! J-just how?!"
Ceridwen gave an exaggerated shake of her head, equal parts mock disapproval and regret.
"Oh, Mr. Reinburg. You were ranked third overall and in the written curriculum. Who would've thought you'd be so slow on the uptake?"
"Grrr…" Julius shot her a sharp frown, while she raised her hands innocently.
"Kidding, kidding," she said with a grin. "Yes, I am the Headmistress, as Mr. Serfort so eloquently pointed out."
Julius blinked like his brain had stalled.
"B-but you look so—"
"Hot?"
"Youthful," he muttered, denying it with a visible shiver.
Ceridwen sweatdropped.
"Please, spare me the look of disgust, Mr. Reinburg."
Julius dropped back into his chair with a huff.
"Well I didn't think the respected principal of Rigarden Academy had such a fetish... waltzing around in a body like that."
Ceridwen clicked her tongue, amused.
"This is hardly a disguise, Mr. Reinburg. This is my real body… and Ceridwen is my real name."
Julius turned to Will, still disbelieving.
"She seems to be telling the truth," Will said simply, arms crossed.
"But how?" Julius demanded.
"An aging spell," Ceridwen answered, sighing wistfully. "Switching from wrinkly to busty is quite rough, you know."
Julius snorted, brushing off the comment lest his former respect for this woman drop any further.
"Whatever." He leaned forward pragmatically. "So? Spill it. What kind of training do you have in mind for us—or more specifically, this dunce?"
Rude. Will pouted and resumed eating his spaghetti.
Ceridwen chuckled, motioning to the table spread.
"No need to rush, Mr. Reinburg. You'll be here for a while. Help yourself first—"
"I already said I won't eat a single thing you give me."
Ceridwen froze mid-gesture. Will turned to him, startled.
"Julius? She's the Headmistress—"
"And what of it?!" Julius snapped, eyes sharp. "So Caldron Anouve was just an alias? That means we don't really know who or what this woman is!"
Will nearly jolted up from his chair.
"S-still, I can tell she means us no harm! And she's Ms. Serah's master—"
Bam!
Julius slammed both palms against the table.
"Well that's not good enough for me! Nothing in this world is foolproof—not magic, and not your Ki! If anything, this woman is more suspicious now than ever!"
Ceridwen remained silent, sipping her tea with her eyes closed.
Julius kept going.
"She's called the Witch of Hammer for a reason! She's rumored to have experimented on countless mages, schemed behind the scenes for decades! Who knows what she's really been up to during those convenient absences from the academy?! What does she want with us now?!"
Will blinked, surprised. Decades…? Just how old is this woman?
Clack.
Ceridwen calmly set her teacup down on its coaster. She smiled—but this time, Will saw the edge in it.
"Oh my. They do say caution is a mark of any decent mage… but this is truly excessive."
A breeze stirred beneath her hat as her glittering hair lifted with her raised finger.
"All right, then."
Vwom!
"?!"
The boys stiffened as dozens of magical arrays—vast and intricate—materialized around them, humming with power.
Will narrowed his eyes.
That speed… she conjured a full barrage without even chanting?!
Julius was equally stunned.
Fire, wind, earth, water, lightning… and even dark?! Every element except light?! Is she a multos?! No—can someone even have that many attributes?!
Ceridwen's smile turned patronizing.
"With your current level… if I truly wanted to, I could crush you both in two seconds flat."
With a snap of her fingers, all the arrays vanished.
She leaned back in her chair, amusement dancing in her eyes.
"That was meant to prove that if I wished to harm you, I wouldn't waste my time with something as bothersome as poison."
Her gaze shifted.
"However, Mr. Serfort… you still don't seem convinced."
"Huh?" Julius turned, only now noticing the quiet frown on Will's face.
"...You're definitely stronger than us, Headmistress," Will said slowly, eyes firm. "But if it came down to it, I don't think taking either of us out would be as easy as you believe."
Ceridwen blinked, then let out a melodious laugh.
"That was just a tease of my power, boy. I'm capable of so much more. I'm disappointed you don't realize that."
Will shrugged.
"And I'm disappointed the real you thinks so little of us."
Ceridwen froze. Then her lips curled into a wide, genuine smirk.
"I never imagined you'd have such an arrogant streak, Mr. Serfort. I must say… it's quite appealing."
She licked her lips.
"I see why Albis Vina is so smitten with you."
Will flushed and quickly ducked his head. Julius scoffed.
"Déviante."
Ceridwen chortled, but her expression soon grew serious.
"That all being said... since you're so curious, and clearly in no mood to eat, I won't keep you guessing."
She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and folding her hands beneath her chin.
"First off, I know a little something about Wis."
Silence.
Ceridwen waited for shock, or at least surprise—anything other than the flat, deadpan stares she got in return.
Eventually, Julius and Will responded in unison.
"Yeah, obviously."
"Mreow!" Kiki lifted a paw in lazy agreement.
Ceridwen blinked. "...Huh?" She tilted her head, baffled. Why does this conversation keep veering off course?
Julius snorted, twirling a frosty strand of his hair.
"If even the professors know something about it, it'd be a real issue if Rigarden's own principal was the one left in the dark."
Will gave a sheepish shrug.
"Maybe you didn't listen quite as closely to our conversations as you thought you were. We discussed looking for you this morning." …And even did.
Ceridwen flushed and cleared her throat.
"R-right… fair enough."
She composed herself again, trying to steer things back on track.
"Still, is there any other reason you came looking for me specifically? I'm not exactly known for giving straight answers."
Julius glanced toward Will—it had been his idea.
Will chewed his lip and let out a quiet sigh.
"I learned what you were doing with my memories… from my master."
Julius stiffened. His memories? What's he talking about?
Ceridwen's expression darkened.
"That explains it."
Will's brows furrowed as he clenched his jaw.
"I'm thankful, Headmistress. I mean that. Letting me stay at the academy, letting me keep my dream, protecting me from the shadows over and over… even though you never asked for thanks."
He looked down.
"I can't even begin to repay that."
Ceridwen scratched her chin.
"I'm sensing a but coming."
Will tensed for a moment, then slumped forward.
"But. That all being said… I know you don't owe me anything. No debt, no promises. Still… I have to know."
His voice dipped.
"That memory with Colette. You know which one I mean. Why didn't you give it back to me?"
Julius's eyes narrowed. He had questions too, but for now, he stayed quiet.
Ceridwen twirled a lock of her hair, contemplative.
"There were a few reasons," she said at last. "I could only restore your memories accurately through a combination of using your diary… and the perspective of someone else. Without Colette's help, I couldn't do it."
Will sat up straighter.
"I don't mind. I trust her."
Ceridwen nodded.
"And that's your choice. But I'm sorry. Wis is too important—not just to us, but to the world. It's part of something much bigger. I couldn't risk telling anyone else about you. The more people who know, the more likely someone slips. And if they do…"
Her voice lowered.
"...There are those out there who'd come for you immediately."
Will clenched his fist.
"And? The other reason?"
Ceridwen hesitated.
"What do you even remember about that day?"
Will held his head, eyes distant.
"Just… screaming. And flaming rocks falling on the academy. I must've been ten, maybe eleven."
Julius's pupils dilated.
Flaming rocks…? Wait—is he talking about that time?!
Rap.
Rap.
Rap.
Ceridwen tapped her nail against the table's edge, caught in some silent debate. Then she sighed.
"The one responsible for that fire... is the same person who took Elfaria away to the Tower."
Will froze, jolting upright in his chair.
Ceridwen pressed on, her voice even.
"I doubt you'll believe me, but he was justified in both actions. More than justified. Even so… we wouldn't be human if we chose logic over emotion every time."
She met his eyes.
"I feared that with a sharp mind like yours—if you ever regained both memories—you'd connect the dots… and form a grudge. One you couldn't let go of."
Her tone dropped, grim.
"A grudge you'd eventually try to settle. And that would end badly—for him, for you, for everyone."
She let the words hang for a breath, then added quietly:
"So I used a bit of hypnosis. Made you believe you and Colette were always close… that your friendship felt natural. That you didn't need to question where it all began."
Will's hand flew to his chest. His breath hitched. He could feel it spiraling.
No… calm down…
He bit his lip hard—until copper filled his mouth and pain grounded him.
"A fire mage," he muttered, voice shaking. "One you wanted to protect from me… and me from?"
A face, a name—flashed in his mind.
Yesterday's threats…
"...Incindia Barham?"
Julius stiffened beside him.
Ceridwen gave a solemn nod.
"Precisely."
Will let out a bitter, breathless laugh.
"He took Elfie away. Nearly killed Colette. Wants me dissected. And you expect me to just… let it go?"
Ceridwen nodded again, slowly this time.
"I can't excuse the last part. But he was justified with everything else."
"Bullshit—!"
"If it hadn't been him, it would've been someone else," Ceridwen cut in, cold as frost. "Colette crossed a line. And your tragic romance with Albis Vina doesn't outweigh the safety of the world."
The words hit like a slap. Both Will and Julius went still.
She didn't stop.
"They sent Cariott because he's used to doing the Vanders' dirty work. He doesn't mind being hated for it. That's why they chose him."
Her voice softened just slightly.
"So don't hate him too much. There are few people out there who care more for this world than he does."
Will trembled slightly, forcing out a twisted smile as his teeth ground together.
"Then what did Colette do? And who is Evan? Why does that name make my skin crawl?"
Julius blinked, his thoughts stirring.
Evan... wasn't there a Professor Evan once? He left not long after Lady Elfaria was sent to the Tower... for some other opportunity, right?
Ceridwen sighed, shaking her head.
"We don't have time for this now. As you slowly piece your memories back together, you'll find your answers."
Her tone softened a little.
"If you're truly curious, ask Colette. Or Albis Vina herself."
Will slumped back in his chair, exhaling a weary breath.
"Fine. Then tell me—why else are you helping us?"
Ceridwen smiled faintly and held up a second finger.
"Originally, I was content to let your training play out. Especially with the progress you both made on your own. I'll admit... I was impressed."
Will didn't react, so she continued.
"But recently, there have been stirrings in the Upper Institute. Nasty ones. Undercurrents running through the tower—and many of them are directed at you, Will."
Will narrowed his eyes.
"You mean… him?"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Upper Institute – Floating Castle:
"Will Serfort has disappeared?" Kreutz repeated, certain he'd misheard.
Charles stood stiffly behind him, keeping his gaze pinned to his superior's back.
"Yes. So has Julius Reinburg. According to reports, Edward Serfence and Argenta Hivernelle intervened."
Kreutz paused, fingers tightening behind his back at the names.
"And we have no trace of them?"
"No." Charles shook his head. "Edward Serfence is lounging in the Dark Faction manor, while Argenta Hivernelle... continues to sleep in her tree. Both seem unbothered. However, there's no sign of Serfort or Reinburg with either of them."
The room held still for a breath.
Then Kreutz spun around and roared.
"Then what are you waiting for?! Search every nook and cranny—the tower hasn't logged any signature indicating they've left the first floor! And bring me that treasonous pair this instant!"
"..." Charles hesitated. His mouth opened, then shut.
"Sir... you are aware we're the ones violating the tower's laws, correct?"
Kreutz snorted.
"On the First Floor, I make the rules—"
"Sir!"
"WHAT, CHARLES?!" Kreutz's voice cracked the air.
Charles swallowed hard.
"As an Ascendant, Edward can only be judged by the Vander. At most, you can file for a formal trial—but that takes time, and your influence isn't absolute."
Kreutz sneered.
"Then bring me Hivernelle—"
"She's under Albis Vina's watch!" Charles interrupted, voice rising despite himself.
"You've already antagonized her over Serfort. There's only so much more she'll tolerate!"
Another sharp exhale from Kreutz. He turned back toward the glowing screen, arms crossed.
"Tch. As if I care for the complaints of that pubescent child."
He spoke the next words with a bitter sigh.
"She sullies the title of Vander with her whims and immaturity. If only Sarissa Alfeld and Edward Serfence weren't so incompetent, we wouldn't be wasting time placating that waste."
It's not like you're a Vander either.
Charles ran a troubled hand through his unkempt hair.
"If I may, sir? Your issues with her aside, why are you so intent on targeting Will Serfort that you're even willing to risk Lady Elfaria's wrath?"
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Kreutz began typing across the archaic technomagical keys, inputting commands without so much as a glance behind him.
"I refuse to allow such valuable material to fall into the hands of that indolent parasite—or any of those crass, war-obsessed factions."
He punched the enter key.
"Wis must be put to good use. Efficiently, and to its fullest potential."
Vrm!
A heavy drawer slid open from beneath the panel with a mechanical hiss.
Inside were two objects that would've stunned most of the tower's residents.
"Like this Mage Slayer."
Resting within was a fully intact Mage Slayer... and beside it, a restrained Dinoboros, shackled in layers of glowing magical arrays.
The Upper Institute, it seemed, had been busy in secret during the Terminalia.
While citizens fled for their lives and mages begged for backup, a select few from the Institute had slipped out unnoticed—returning not to aid their comrades, but to harvest one of the very monsters tearing through the city.
Kreutz adjusted his glasses, eyes gleaming behind the lenses as he observed his... prize.
"It's uncertain which organization was responsible for its creation. But I can't deny its magnificence."
He slowly drew his wand, raising it over the drawer.
"A mass-producible weapon... one even the lowliest dwarf could wield." Not that I would ever hand such power to those savages.
He smirked.
"Armaments that can turn untalented mages into useful foot soldiers."
"This—" he said, tone sharp with conviction, "—this is what the magical world should strive for."
"True power lies in numbers. In efficiency. Consistency. Balance."
He turned his gaze to the screen, as though he could see the far future beyond its glow.
"When the Fated Day arrives, those five won't even be able to guarantee their own survival—let alone anyone else's."
"A few unstoppable wands won't save us from the Celestial Host. What we need isn't some glorified 'Supreme One'—"
Kreutz's voice dropped. "—but a standardized ultimacy."
"A structure doesn't stand tall because of a few fragile pillars. It endures because of a level foundation."
His eyes glinted with the fire of a man utterly convinced.
"For every mage to wield the power of Wis. That is, without doubt, our true prime directive."
Vmm.
Dark magical energy coiled around Kreutz's wand like smoke, wrapping it in a corrupted enchantment.
The mana extended and twisted—reshaping itself into a dagger.
He raised it high.
"And to that end, I require Will Serfort's body... so I may cut it open."
Kssh!
The blade carved cleanly through the Dinoboros' chest—like a hot knife through butter.
Surgical. Effortless. Practiced.
Thump.
Charles fell backward, landing hard as warm blood sprayed across the lab in thick arcs.
He stared, eyes wide, throat dry.
Kreutz's expression twisted into a deranged grin.
Not even the Magia Vander… no, no one in any faction knows this side of him.
The hidden face of Sir Kreutz... the Mad Dissector!
Kreutz plunged his hand into the open cavity and pulled out the monster's heart.
He held it aloft for a beat—examining it like a precious gem—then closed his fist.
Kssh.
The heart burst into a bloody pulp, spraying across his robes, lenses, and face.
He didn't flinch.
"Charles," he said calmly, still facing the corpse. "Inform the factions I'll have a strategy for countering the Mage Slayers soon. I've nearly grasped the core principle."
Charles remained frozen.
"And then," Kreutz continued, voice almost reverent, "I will solve the puzzle that is Wis."
A cold shiver ran down Charles's spine.
If Lady Elfaria finds out about this… it'll truly be the end of the Upper Institute!
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Ceridwen nodded calmly. "Yes, Kreutz Harlon is undeniably responsible for the trap you just walked into."
She sipped her tea again. "And he'll surely spring many more, should you linger outside."
Clack.
She set down her cup.
"He will stop at nothing to sabotage your attempts to pass the next Bloom—just so he can eventually get you on his dissection table. All to indulge his twisted fantasies and continue that immoral research of his."
She extended a palm toward him.
"I can help you overcome this next hurdle. A talent like yours shouldn't be wasting time at the bottom of the Tower. So, what do you say, Mr. Serfort? Do you accept my offer?"
Will didn't answer right away.
"…Why are you offering to help me?"
Ceridwen beamed. "Like I said, as an educator, nothing brings me more joy than seeing my students realize their potential. I want you to become a Sword that can be a Wand, not some guinea pig left in a cage."
She chuckled, leaning back into her seat.
"More than that—sweet little Elfaria personally asked me to help."
"?!" Will's eyebrows shot up. He blinked, then smiled faintly. "Is that so…"
"Yes. So—what will it be?"
Again, the magical swordsman hesitated.
He glanced toward his friend, as if seeking input—only to flinch.
Julius had been mid-bite, and didn't even try to hide it.
He chewed quickly, dabbed his mouth with a napkin, and let out a sigh as he set his elbow on the table. "Do what you want," he said with a small eye roll. "It's your decision."
Will tilted his head. "You sure—?"
"Yes, I'm sure!" Julius cut him off with a finger flick to the forehead.
Twack.
"Augh, Julius, what was that for?!" Will groaned, clutching the sore spot as his eyes watered.
Julius huffed and crossed his arms, looking away.
"Here you are, turning your back on me the second someone better comes along. What a wonderful friend you are."
Will sweatdropped. "W-wait! That's not what's happening!"
"Then what is?" Julius turned back sharply.
Will fell quiet, then met his gaze with a steady, serious look. "I'm not asking your permission or blessing to leave you. I just want your opinion on whether we can trust her."
Julius froze, then turned beet red.
He smacked Will across the head again. "S-shut up! I'm only using you! There is no we!"
"But you just said we're friends—"
"I SAID NO SUCH THING!!" Julius snapped, face burning, as both Will and Kiki sweatdropped.
Heh heh. Across the table, Ceridwen watched the exchange with a warm smile.
They're such good friends now.
Clap.
Ceridwen brought her hands together and stood, stealing their attention with a playful flourish.
"Well! Now that that's out of the way, it's time for some power-up training!"
Will straightened in his chair like an enthusiastic schoolboy.
"Y-yes, Headmistress!"
Ceridwen gave him a coy wink.
"Call me Ceridwen when I'm right in front of you like this. Alright, boys?"
Will flushed and nodded stiffly. Julius, however, remained unimpressed.
Unbothered, Ceridwen leaned back and blew Will a sultry kiss across the table.
"Now Will, I know this might sound a bit forward, but… could you take off your clothes?"
Will froze, a twitch forming near his eye.
"…Come again?"
Arms crossed, Julius let out a sharp snort.
"Déviante!"
A minute later, Will stood at the center of the room, shirtless and shivering, slowly inching away from a very starry-eyed Ceridwen.
For a brief second, Julius faltered. His gaze drifted toward Will's torso, and his breath caught.
All those scars… where did they come from?! I'd heard rumors, but… did he really torture himself this much just to get into the Tower?!
His focus snapped back to Ceridwen. He jabbed a finger in her direction, outrage building.
"I knew it! Like master, like disciple! In the end, you're just some freaky pervert!"
Julius's hands trembled as he clenched his fists.
"I can't believe I even respected you once!"
Ceridwen, completely unfazed, continued to gawk at Will's abs—cheeks flushed, hands twitching in a greedy little gimme pose.
"T-that's not true at all! This is all part of the ritual. So please, Will, just put your hands down, alright?"
Will looked mildly horrified, but seemed close to complying.
Before he could, Julius and Kiki stepped forward in sync, shielding him like bodyguards.
"It's 100% true! Now back off, creep!"
"Mreow!" hissed the Carbuncle, fur bristling in agreement.
Ceridwen paused, coughing lightly into her hand, a touch of embarrassment coloring her cheeks.
"Alright, I'm done fooling around." Her tone shifted—still friendly, but far more serious. "Will, could you be a dear and lower your arms?"
Julius and Kiki exchanged a wary glance.
Will gave them a small, reassuring nod, and though clearly reluctant, they stepped aside.
He slowly let his arms drop.
Thump.
Thump.
The quiet clicks of Ceridwen's heels echoed as she began to circle him, idly twirling a strand of hair between her fingers.
"Hmm… let's see…"
She eventually came to a stop behind him and placed her fingertips gently on a jagged, x-shaped scar etched across his back.
Will flinched slightly but didn't move, holding still as she spoke in a calm, almost clinical voice.
"Will… do you know when and how you got this scar?"
He squinted behind his glasses, brow furrowed.
"I think… Father once said I shielded Elfie from something when we were little…"
What did I forget this time…? he inwardly sighed.
Ceridwen, however, smiled softly behind him.
"I see…"
Bap.
"Eep?!" Will yelped, jerking as she gave the scar a gentle tap.
"This is probably it."
He looked over his shoulder, puzzled.
"…What is?"
Ceridwen chuckled lightly.
"The Key. The first of many."
Will blinked. "The Key?"
She nodded, now resting her hands firmly on his shoulders.
"Finn showed you the first door… and you just showed me the first key."
Will blinked, mind momentarily blank, while Ceridwen smiled at him.
"You two achieved far more during training than I expected." She turned her attention to Julius.
"Coming up with the idea to have him anchor your magic was brilliant. If he can learn how to harness it—and control it—he'll have mastered Wis…"
...Or at least, the first phase of it.
"..." Julius didn't budge. He shoved his hands in his pockets and muttered, unimpressed, "Spare me the flattery. Just tell us where I was wrong."
Ceridwen let out a soft laugh.
"But you weren't. The concept itself was sound."
Julius hesitated, eye narrowing slightly as she gave him a sincere look.
"You should have as much confidence in yourself as you pretend to, Julius. You're an excellent mage. If you actually applied yourself, you'd have been neck and neck with Will in the Writing component."
She gave a small shrug. "Surpassing Lihanna would've been a given."
Julius went quiet for a beat, then clicked his tongue.
"Tch. Just explain already."
Ceridwen folded her arms, regaining her focus.
"When it comes to anchoring magic—or storing it inside himself—I'm sure you've both realized by now: Will's already done that."
Neither of them denied it.
Will was certain he no longer needed Julius's help to access that strange silvery light. However…
Julius crossed his arms. "Just doing it nearly kills him. And for what? A few pathetic traces of snow and ice?"
Ceridwen twirled her wand between her fingers, grinning playfully.
"Which only proves your theory was right. The method just needs… a little refinement."
She turned back to Will.
"Something a tad more elegant—and a lot less painful. Something that leans into your magical bloodline. Wis is a spell, after all."
Magical bloodline? Me...?
Will froze, that same haunting vision from the dungeon flashing across his mind—the moment just before he'd first used Wis to defeat the Grand Duke.
His hand curled into a fist.
"…Can you tell me about her? That lady in black?" His voice was low, almost pleading.
Julius blinked, taken off guard. "Huh?"
Ceridwen went completely still. Her playful air vanished as her expression softened, her voice turning to a near whisper.
"Maybe another time. This isn't the right moment… or the right place."
Will bit his lip. "Then when will it be?"
Ceridwen sighed, her tone gentle but firm.
"You'll know, Will. Trust me. When it's time… you'll know." She hesitated, then added with a faint smile, "Besides…"
"Besides?" he echoed.
"I'm not really the best person to tell you that story."
Will was quiet. Another face flickered in his memory from the same vision. He nodded slowly.
"…Okay. I understand."
"Good."
Ceridwen gave him a small, apologetic smile, then smoothly returned to the topic at hand.
She placed her palm lightly on his back.
"The issue with your brute-force method through… Ki... is that your body isn't shaped like a Wand's. Your physique works against the natural flow."
She tapped his shoulder, voice steady.
"Instead of releasing magical energy outward, your body hoards it greedily. So when you try to force it out, it turns into a tug-of-war with your internal organs—ones that don't want to let go. That kind of strain is incredibly dangerous… and honestly, suicidal."
Will winced. "Then what am I supposed to do?"
Ceridwen smiled, but this time with something more mysterious behind her eyes.
"We'll follow Little Argenta's advice. It's time you connected with the soul of Wis, yourself."
Myself? Will's eyes widened, stunned.
Julius, off to the side, looked mildly hopeful for once.
"And you actually know how to do that?" he asked.
Ceridwen puffed up proudly, sticking out her nose and chest.
"I've been researching this nonstop for the past six years—always in preparation for this very day!"
Will blinked, surprised by the sudden declaration, before narrowing his eyes.
"…Why?"
"A tale for later," Ceridwen replied breezily, pointing her wand downward.
Fzh.
A narrow beam scorched the floor beneath them as she slowly traced a perfect glowing circle around Will with calm precision.
She spoke as she moved.
"What you're going to do now is locate the proper command sequence for Wis. The key to accessing its full power—at will."
Her eyes flicked toward him, subtle and meaningful.
"The story of your magic is woven into your blood… and your memories. By retracing that path, you'll gain the ability to self-charge. A charge not dependent on anyone else's magic…"
She paused, smiling faintly.
"A charge of feelings."
"Charge of feelings…?" Will echoed, as Ceridwen pointed to the center of the circle.
He stepped forward and stood there. She moved behind him, her wand now aimed squarely at his back.
"Memories aren't just passive recordings. They're scenes engraved into our minds and hearts—bound by emotion and thought," she said, her tone rising with conviction.
"They're not just brain data. They're spirit. They're soul."
"And to grasp that… you must return to where it all began."
Vrm.
The circle beneath Will pulsed, evolving into an intricate magical array he couldn't even begin to interpret. Wisps of smoke and that same cackling, silver light began to rise from its lines.
Julius and Kiki instinctively took a step back, as Ceridwen raised her voice over the hum of energy.
"I'll pour my magical energy into your Key, guiding you to that place—That time your mind can't remember… but your heart never forgot."
"When you're there, remember. Remember your origins. Your purpose. Your will. Then carve the method of revival into your very being, so you can summon it at will."
Zsh.
A glowing circle appeared at the tip of her wand, and she pressed it gently against the scar on Will's back.
Her voice lowered into an ethereal chant.
"Here the oath binds the true name of the concealed sword… The trace of the uncharted bloodline…"
Vrm.
A translucent, spectral key emerged from the glowing array beneath them, drifting through the air.
It began to embed itself into Will's back—like a lock recognizing its rightful mechanism.
"Here the keyhole finds the good name of the witch who borrowed it. Now… unfold thy tale."
Ceridwen leaned in, whispering with a warm smile.
"Have a good time, Will."
Chank.
The key began to turn.
"Unlock: Twarv Historia!"
Fairy dust swirled around Will as space twisted in on itself, warping like a dream collapsing inward.
At once, he felt rooted in the same room… and yet pulled elsewhere.
Badump. Thump. Badump. Thump.
His heartbeat surged, pounding through his chest as his body went stiff. He couldn't move.
Then, something ripped—his soul yanked clean out of his body.
"What?!"
But he wasn't hallucinating. His physical form stood there, glazed over like a zombie… empty, lifeless. A vessel without its pilot.
Meanwhile, his spirit floated—hair and skin turned ghostly white, just like when he'd unleashed Courage.
Suddenly, the magic circle flared beneath him and dragged his soul down in a spiraling pull.
"Hah?!"
He was falling—headfirst—rocketing through space like a shooting star.
"W-what is this?!"
All around him, countless books floated in the void. Pages flipped open mid-air, each one filled with vivid, lifelike scenes that knocked the breath from his lungs.
Because they weren't just any images—
"These are… my memories?!"
Some he remembered clearly. Others he didn't recognize at all.
Yet they felt like his. Real. Lived.
He reached out, desperate to touch them… but his hands passed through like mist.
Then, a white light appeared—a starry opening like a hole in the sky—and he fell straight through it.
"Waaahhh!!"
Thud.
"Ow…"
He landed hard, rubbing his back with a wince—then froze.
Fsh.
A soft breeze brushed past, rustling tree leaves overhead. Birds chirped, startled, and scattered into the blue sky.
Will's breath caught in his throat.
Because this place was… home.
The forest just outside the village where he'd been raised. He recognized every inch of it.
Then he looked down at himself—and everything stopped.
His arms… frail and skinny.
His clothes… a plain white shirt, cheap shorts, and worn sneakers.
"What in the world…?"
Did the Headmistress really send me back to that time...?
There was only one way to find out.
"Will!" called a cheerful, familiar voice. His heart froze.
He turned—and saw her.
That sundress. That smile.
She ran to him without hesitation, just like back then.
"Are you okay?" she asked, eyes bright.
Will exhaled slowly, heart aching.
At that time, they were inseparable. Two peas in a pod.
That little girl from so long ago beamed up at him, her hand outstretched.
"Come on! The woods can be dangerous, so let's hold hands!"
"…El…fie…"
Elfaria Serfort giggled, blushing as she took his hand.
"I'll keep you safe, Will!"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Julius blinked, stunned, while Ceridwen calmly waved her wand.
A gentle shimmer of silver light enveloped Will's body, lifting him into the air. With a quiet flick, she guided him across the room and laid him softly on an empty bed.
She glanced down at the scrutinizing Carbuncle and let out a light chuckle.
"No need to worry. Your master will be fine," she said warmly. "He just needs to sleep for a while."
"Mreow."
Kiki purred and hopped onto the bed. She circled once, then curled up beside Will, letting out a tired yawn before her eyes slowly shut.
Ceridwen turned to Julius with a thoughtful hum.
"Alright, Mr. Reinburg," she said, tapping the wand against her chin. "Now, what to do with you?"
Julius hesitated. "Me?"
"Yes, you," she replied with a soft smile, pointing the wand at him. "I promised to train both of you, didn't I?"
He opened his mouth to reply, but she continued before he could.
"Of course, you could reject my offer," she added with a teasing tilt of her head, "but I'd feel bad if you spent the next five days doing nothing. And well… neither of us has plans."
Her smile widened just slightly.
"So what do you say? Want to train under me? I am pretty strong, you know."
Julius clenched his fists, a flicker of excitement stirring in his chest. Being trained by the Headmistress herself?
That was the kind of chance most mages only dreamed of. And considering her alter ego—Caldron Anouve—was even more legendary than people realized...
He was about to accept, but paused, glancing back at Will's sleeping figure.
"D-don't you need to keep watch over him?" he asked. "In case something goes wrong?"
Ceridwen stilled, then smiled even more gently.
"You're a really good friend, Julius. You know that?"
He instantly went red and waved her off. "W-we're not friends! H-he's just my investment! I only helped him to smooth things over with Lady Elfaria!"
Ceridwen chuckled under her breath.
"No, I don't need to keep watch. There's still much I don't fully understand about this magic... but I know he's safe now."
Julius let out a breath and nodded, slipping into a more composed, indifferent expression.
"I see. Then... very well. I suppose I could humor you and give you the honor of instructing me—"
"But speaking of Elfaria," Ceridwen cut in smoothly, her voice dipping into something sly and cryptic.
She leaned forward slightly, as if sharing a secret. "Julius, would you be interested in me showing you... a different path?"
He froze.
Then tilted his head, unsure.
"What do you mean?"
Ceridwen's smile deepened as she raised a finger to her lips.
"Well," she said playfully, "lend me an ear for a moment. Will you?"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
50th Stratum: Asta & Noelle's Temporary Quarters
"Bah-un! Aga! Aga!"
Nigel laughed brightly as he held up a small, dark-blue snake-like creature with a vertical scar running up what was once a smooth belly.
The poor creature looked about ready to barf, sweating buckets as Nigel bounced him up and down by the throat like a common toy.
Floating nearby was the source of Nigel's joy.
A tiny, impish, and beautiful woman hovered in the air—her dress a flowing cascade of water, her ears delicate and fin-like. Undine grinned as she pulled silly faces at the baby.
"Come on, baby! Say Aunty Undine!"
"Bah-un! Unnie!"
"Undine!"
"Unnie!"
"Undine!"
"Unnie!"
Unnie was the best Nigel could manage, much to Undine's frustration. Still, she didn't give up, puffing her cheeks in determination.
Meanwhile, Leviathan had gone a sickly shade of green, jaw trembling as nausea took over.
Please… Little Dragon… Mercy…
The sea god begged the baby in silence, but Nigel—unable to hear his thoughts—continued his enthusiastic play.
Desperate, Leviathan reached out to his master instead.
Host… do something!
But Noelle ignored him completely.
She sat at a round table a short distance away, focused on a document in front of her. Papers were scattered across the surface, though only one held her full attention.
Across from her, Asta sat watching with an amused smile. He offered a brief mourning glance toward the suffering dragon god, then turned back to his wife.
He reached across the table and gently touched her hand.
"Are you actually going through with this?"
"I'm considering it," Noelle replied flatly, eyes not leaving the case file.
Asta scratched his cheek, frowning slightly. "It's just… kind of strange. He used to bully Will for a while, you know."
"That's why I'm only considering it," she said, still not looking up. "And they seem to get along just fine now."
Asta leaned back in his chair and folded his arms behind his head.
"Well, this is your call. I trust my wifey's choices."
Noelle's cheeks turned a faint pink. But she didn't take the bait. She wasn't about to reward him with the flustered reaction he clearly wanted.
Her gaze lingered on the name in front of her.
Julius Reinburg.
Deep in thought, she said nothing more.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
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