"Kana, next we're going to my favorite crepe shop."
"Really? That sounds fun. Do you like sweets, Lavinia?"
"Yes, I do. Sweet things taste best after studying magic."
Saying that, the girl smiled shyly, and I nodded in agreement. I understand well that sweet things taste better after studying hard. By the way, when I brought her some Japanese souvenirs, the first things she chose were Japanese sweets and mochi. Especially the mochi—when I showed her how to cook it, she watched intently until it puffed up. The happy look on her face as she ate it with kinako was saved in my mental album.
After all, seeing my friend's happy face made me feel that it was worth the effort to find her. She, Lavinia, smiles so happily. I can't help but get caught up in her excitement. So, I decided to enjoy the moment she was guiding me around as promised. Lavinia must have thought of a recommended course for her friend.
"By the way, I always thought wizards just studied all the time, but they run all kinds of shops too. The place we're heading to next is also run by a wizard, right?"
"That's right. This place is where the Gray Wizard makes some extra money and also presents his research findings."
"Presentations?"
"I think I told you that there are various types of magic. The field is also very diverse. There are those who research attack magic like the kind I often use, those who study magic for daily life, and even those who specialize in culinary magic."
"Magic for cooking?!"
That's way too innovative. The image that came to mind was a wizard conjuring up a feast with just a wand. If you can cook with magic, that's incredible. Or maybe it's automatic cooking machines powered by magic. Humans are obsessed with such niche details.
"Ah, of course, only a few people research cooking with magic. That kind of magic might be developed by the organization in Golden Dawn. Here, most people are researching or creating prototypes of foods from the underworld that have been modified for human consumption. The crepe shop we're heading to uses ingredients from the underworld."
"Ah, so that's the kind of cooking you're talking about. And the Golden Dawn is an organization of magicians who deal with modern magic, right? The Gray Magicians are closely connected to the underworld, so they're eager to study it. But prototypes? Is that okay?"
"Sometimes crazy things turn out crazy, but the place we're going to is fine. Don't worry."
...Um, Lavinia. Did you just casually say something crazy? I no longer felt any reassuring elements related to food in this area. With a twitch at the corner of my mouth, I resolved to avoid eating anywhere other than the restaurant she recommended. If I ever end up working as an information broker here, the first thing I'll do is compile a list of safe restaurants. I'll give it my all.
After arriving via teleportation magic in the morning, I relaxed for a while, and in the afternoon, the two of us decided to go out. That's how I ended up learning various things about magic users and the underworld from Lavinia while exploring. She was guiding me around the city, so it was simple information, but it was easy to understand, and I found myself listening intently. I remembered the name "Gray Magician" from the original work, but I couldn't recall much about other magic user organizations.
The only other ones I vaguely remember are an organization of rogue wizards called Hexennacht, and the magical organization that Lufay Pendragon belonged to, the Golden Dawn. I managed to recall the names just now. I heard the names of other organizations too, but they seem too difficult to remember.
"But even though there are so many magical organizations, most wizards belong to this one, right? Is it because they have a strong connection to the underworld?"
"That's part of it, but the main reason is because the chairman, Mephisto, is here."
"You want to have a connection with demons?"
"Wizards and demons have had a deep relationship since ancient times through contracts. There are also cases where the reasons are similar to those of Kana and me. Most wizards are human. Non-humans can also use magic, but they combine it with their own unique abilities. Demons have demonic power. Angels and fallen angels have light power. Youkai have youkai power. There are also various other types, such as senjutsu. However, the only powers humans can possess are magic and sacred gears. There is also fighting spirit, but that is difficult to achieve with human physical abilities."
"...I see, so wizards are also easy targets."
The same reason as us. In other words, they want a powerful ally that will protect them from other organizations. Thinking about it, it makes sense. Those who possess sacred gears are targeted. The same goes for mages who wield power. Especially demons, who seek out talented subordinates. If they want to reincarnate humans, there's no better candidate than a mage. It wouldn't be surprising if there were mage hunts for the sake of subordinates. Under normal circumstances, they probably couldn't have existed openly as a human organization like this.
So it was Mephisto who made that possible? He created a place where wizards could freely pursue their research. Demons wouldn't dare touch wizards in an organization led by the oldest demons. Demons are strict about hierarchy, so that's especially true. I think I finally understand why the Gray Wizards grew so powerful.
Wizards are often single-minded in their research. They're also laid-back and have strong convictions. Some may want to become demons to gain longevity and continue their research, but many don't. The reason is that if you become a demon's subordinate, you have to obey your master's orders. Only a handful of demons can become high-ranking demons through reincarnation. For those obsessed with research, becoming a demon must be unbearable. If there were demons who would let you pursue your research freely, that would be ideal, but such demons are rare.
Now that I think about it, the contract between demons and magicians might also serve to instill respect for magicians on the demon side. Just as humans are necessary for demons, magicians are also necessary for demons. In the original work, the reason there are few human magicians among demons might be because of this awareness on the demon side. Well, that's just my guess, so I might be wrong.
"Ah, this is the shop. Which crepe would you like, Kana?"
"Um... Lavinia. I've never heard any of these names before, so I have no idea what they taste like."
"Hmm, since you're Asian, something too sweet might not be your thing."
"Oh, maybe you're right. Hmm, what about this 'Amon's Fruit' crepe?"
"Oh, that one is recommended for human tourists, but it causes a week of uncontrollable desires, so I wouldn't recommend it."
"...Lavinia. Is the sense of security in this magical town really this high-stakes, right next to danger?"
"Huh?"
Lavinia tilts her head in confusion at my question. Yeah, she's cute. Her golden hair sways in sync with her movement, like a painting. I can't handle this without escaping reality like this. This wizard town is scary because I have no idea what might happen. After spending just over an hour with her in the town, I started to feel sad about whether I could really make it here.
Then, I played it safe and chose the same kind of crepe as Lavinia. The sweetness spread in my mouth like carbonation, and I was surprised by the taste I had never experienced before, but I managed to finish it all. However, I did feel that it was a bit too sweet.
"Hey, it sounds like you had fun exploring. Did you have enough pocket money?"
"Lord Mephisto. Yes, I was surprised by many things, but I had a good time. Thank you for the money. And thank you for the translation tools for me."
"Don't worry about it. But Kana is here to study languages, so I'd be happy if you didn't rely too much on translation and tried to learn as much as you can."
"I'll be careful."
After that, we walked around for another hour or so, and she showed me some interesting places. From areas accessible to travelers with connections, to areas only accessible to those affiliated with the Gray Mages. Though the latter half was mostly just the key spots. Lavinia returned to the association and, after a while, headed off to her work as a mage. She also promised to give me a lecture on the sacred gears tomorrow. It's so kind of her, even though she must be busy.
Until then, I decided to finish my summer homework in the room assigned to me. I had to study hard. Even the other members of the Gremory family were apparently finding time to study during their summer training camp in the underworld. Fraction addition and subtraction were no problem, but trick questions in the word problems were quite tricky.
While I was spending my time like that, a magic circle appeared in my room, projecting a three-dimensional image of Mephisto. He was waving a fan with a picture of Mount Fuji and the words "Japan's Best" written on it. I'm glad you liked the souvenir. I was surprised at first, but then I remembered he had said, "Let's talk later." I thought he was going to the principal's office, but this is fantasy after all.
By the way, his name is now "Lord Mephisto." I was torn between calling him "Feres," "President," or using his full name, but he told me, "Just use my name," when I first came here. Apparently, he didn't want to be too formal if he was going to be with Lavinia.
"Yeah, that's good. Lavinia has been working on her course plan at her desk since yesterday. I finally got her to go to bed before midnight, though."
"Ah, I see. I thought she was really into it. Thanks to her, I already have some fun memories."
"You should tell that to Lavinia. She'll be happy. ...Well, now that we've relaxed a bit, shall we get started?"
"Yes, please."
I pushed my homework aside and sat up straight, facing him. I was still nervous, but I wasn't stiff because of Mephisto's personality. He seemed to be creating an atmosphere that made it easy for me to talk. I guess this is what you call the presence of an adult.
"First of all, I'm sorry for bringing you all the way here from Japan. I didn't want to keep you away from your parents for over a month either."
"No, I understand, and I talked it over with my family. In fact, I'm deeply grateful for all the consideration you've shown me. You even arranged the trip and the pickup."
By the way, the person who picked me up was the same Milky Magician. If you're going to teleport long distances from Japan, he's the one to call. When I mentioned my connection with the chairman, he gave me a thumbs up and said, "No wonder you were guided by Milky!" I wasn't sure whether to be happy or not. Also, I'm being casually counted as one of his allies.
Additionally, he's a wizard who has the Four Great Demon Lords as his regular clients. And you shouldn't underestimate their magical girl magic. Because their magical girl magic is improved every time with hundreds of documents from the Demon Lord herself. The magic used by the Demon Lord herself. In other words, Milky the Wizard is one of the top wizards in Japan. Is it wrong of me to think this world is cruel yet somehow off?
In any case, he also seems willing to take responsibility for protecting my family in Japan. Once he found out the target was related to me, he gladly agreed alongside Milky Devil. I'm deeply grateful, but for some reason I can't bring myself to be happy. Am I just being selfish? My family, protected by a magic girl-loving old man. I decided to stop overthinking it.
"So, Lord Mephisto. What should I do from here on out? I need to train with the sacred gear, build up my physical strength, and gain knowledge. Plus, since it's a magic users' association, I should probably learn magic too..."
"Don't rush, don't rush. Listen, Kana. Trying to make the most of every moment is a human virtue. But pushing yourself too hard and breaking down is also one of the scary things about being human. Don't push yourself too hard, like that. Especially if you want to live a long and happy life."
Humans and non-humans. I think the difference between them is really huge. The main characters were able to do such reckless things and train like they did in the original story because they were demons. They trained during a summer camp and achieved a sudden power-up. But I probably can't expect to see such results. Mephisto tells me to endure my impatience. It's frustrating, but I think he's right.
"I understand your desire to become stronger, Kana. That's why you need to be careful. If you intend to live as a human, you should remember this. There is a clear difference between humans and non-humans. And only a select few can bridge that gap as humans. No matter how much you train to become stronger, no matter how much you sacrifice, there are some things you will never be able to achieve."
"...It's a harsh world."
I think that to reach their realm as a human, you need innate talent, special abilities, or a strong will. And those who can go even further are probably only those like Lavinia, who possess the God-Slaying Tools. My master also said to clearly recognize my own limits. Mephisto smiled gently at my muttered words.
"I won't deny it. But the interesting thing about humans is... Sometimes, there are those who overcome the barriers between species that are supposed to be insurmountable by approaching them from a different angle."
"...Are you talking about weirdos?"
"Yeah, weirdos. Humans find ways to win that would never occur to non-humans. I've seen it many times. If they can't win with strength, they try to make up for it with speed, information, wisdom, connections, negotiation skills, tools, or strategy. Such opponents are the most troublesome. Even if you can defeat them in battle, you don't want to deal with them because they're a hassle. That feeling exists even among non-humans."
I just listened quietly to his story. After that battle, I felt a compulsion to become stronger. I knew that if I didn't become stronger and win, I would lose something. That wasn't wrong. But I realized that it was only one of many possible answers.
"Alright, Kana, let me ask you again. The strength you seek is the power to fight non-human beings head-on and win, right?"
"...No. The strength I seek is the power to survive. If I can survive, I don't mind escaping from non-human beings. If I can protect what I want to protect, I don't mind being laughed at for being pathetic. It's not about winning; it's about not losing. That's the strength I want."
"Alright, well said. To be honest, given your personality and your sacred gear, I don't think head-on combat is really your thing."
Ah, so even the oldest demon sees it that way. Still, I think I understand why Lord Mephisto drove that point home to me. What I need to do probably won't change much from before. I'll continue training with my sacred gear and building my physical strength. But at least I've clarified the direction I need to head in. The power I want isn't something I can obtain through reckless training. I can now nod in agreement to his words, "Don't rush."
"However, Kana, I think you have the potential to become the kind of troublesome opponent I mentioned earlier, the kind you'd rather not have as an enemy because they're too much trouble."
"Um, is that something to be praised?"
"Hahahaha!"
He laughed it off!
"Anyway, we have about a month. We'll teach you everything we can. You're one of us now."
"I understand. I'll train hard and avoid reckless actions."
"That would be appreciated. Lavinia would be sad if you did something reckless."
As expected of Mephisto. His unwavering love for his daughter is wonderful.
"First, you should learn about the sacred gears from Lavinia. I can teach you a few basic spells, but we need to establish a direction. Magic is diverse, after all. As for physical training, you could help Lavinia with her work. It'll be useful for learning the magician's trade."
"But won't that be too much for Lavinia?"
"She volunteered to do it herself. So, I'll just support her decision and stop her if she tries something reckless. Children grow the most by trying everything. I think the elderly should just watch over their growth in silence."
... I don't know how to put it, but Mephisto's laissez-faire approach feels warm and nurturing. He lets them do what they want, but he sets a clear direction and scolds them firmly when they go too far. It makes me feel a little uneasy. His way of thinking is amazing. He's truly an incredible person.
"Well, yes. As for the sacred gears, Lavinia can teach you some basics, but she can only teach you the simple things. Beyond that, it becomes a specialized field. The downside is that it might be tough to develop your abilities further with just that."
"Yeah, my sacred gear and hers are completely different in terms of power..."
"Hmm, Kana. I'm honestly torn, but I know a method that can definitely enhance the power of your sacred gear. Lavinia was able to master the God-Slaying Tool using that method, after all."
"What? Really?!"
At Mephisto's words, I blurted out in a rush. After all, it was a sure way to improve my abilities. Plus, there was the proven track record of being able to master the God-Slaying Tool Absolute Demise. However, the fact that Mephisto, who never smiled, was making an unusual expression made me feel a bit uneasy. But I didn't have the confidence to improve my abilities on my own, so I should probably just accept his help.
"Lord Mephisto, if it's not too much trouble, could you please teach me the method? I think the most important thing for me to do is to master the power of the sacred gear. Please!"
"...It's going to be tough."
"Yes!"
".....I mean, it's really going to be tough."
"Yes, sir..."
Why are you emphasizing it so much? My resolve is starting to waver. How difficult is it? Is it going to be such a grueling training that I'll see hell? But Lavinia went through the same thing, didn't she? Mephisto allowed it, so it can't be illegal or life-threatening, right?
"I understand. I accept your decision."
"Um, did something sound off just now?"
"I'll do my best to protect you... Stay strong, Kana."
"Wait, wait, Mephisto! You're not serious, are you? The magic circle communication is cut off!"
This is bad. Did I step on a landmine? But I can't go back to the principal's office and refuse now. Lord Mephisto said that for my sake, and I know it's necessary. But this uneasy feeling won't go away. I have a bad feeling something bad is going to happen... I couldn't help but pray to God that nothing strange would happen.
Needless to say, the next day, my bad feeling came true.
***
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