Chapter 152
Alter faced Alraune in the academy's laboratory for the first time in a while.
As a great mage, Alraune was passing down profound knowledge and long-standing order.
Because of that, Alter tried to listen to Alraune's words with a reverent attitude.
"I have implemented two advanced spells recently. You probably remember the spatial distortion spell."
"Yes. It was used to evade the dragon's attack, wasn't it?"
"The other is a forced summoning spell. You must specify coordinates for the target to use it."
"I don't think I've seen that spell... When did you implement it?"
"I used it to subjugate the Frost Witch, so it would have escaped your notice."
"Then, you designated the summoning coordinates in the first battle?"
"That's right. Because I couldn't conclude things in the first battle, I prepared it as a measure."
Alraune explained with composure and looked at Alter.
Probably, if they were to be compared purely by the density and amount of mana, Alter might be far superior.
However, since his knowledge of magic was somewhat lacking, he had to diligently continue learning.
"Do you know why these spells are classified as advanced?"
"Because implementing them is difficult and they contain latent dangerous elements."
"And also... Only those with innate talent can reach advanced magic. This distinguishes it from the attributes of magic."
Alraune was wary of the uniqueness and influence of advanced magic.
Advanced magic demanded massive amounts of mana, and its overwhelming effects could even break the law of nature of this world.
That was why previous great mages were cautious of advanced magic and tried to limit its use to special circumstances.
"Even before I became a great mage, I believed that advanced magic ought to be forbidden. I judged it to be simply too dangerous for an ordinary human to handle."
"But simply knowing about it doesn't mean one can use it, does it?"
"All the more reason it must be prohibited. How many mages do you think use magic with proper understanding? Those who only grasp a portion of advanced magic often abuse it. Eventually, failing to realize their own arrogance, they bring about their own downfall."
"Are you referring to precedents?"
"After seeing those precedents, what viewpoint have you adopted?"
"I realized that it's not only the user, but innocent people who are harmed."
"That is precisely the situation I want to prevent. Would it do for a great mage to commit such a mistake?"
Alter agreed with that remark, swallowing his reply.
Advanced magic, worthy of its power, imposed vast restrictions on its user.
That was why it had to be explored deeply in theory and hypothesis before being implemented even once.
"For that reason, I don't wish to teach you advanced magic. Excelling in ability does not guarantee the conclusion."
"......"
"However... I have come to hold a different perspective regarding you alone. You neutralized a breath by yourself and even implemented it on your own. Besides, you defeated three dragons; I cannot doubt your ability."
Alraune hesitated briefly, then soon accepted Alter's existence.
He had suffered from a vicious curse for a long time, but had overcome it, albeit late, and reached the ultimate realm.
In addition, if he possessed the power of the dragons, wouldn't he be able to reliably master even advanced magic?
"I will now explain the fundamental principle of advanced magic. Advanced magic begins with the concept of time and space—spacetime. In my case, I used magic associated with space."
"Then, does that mean you can't handle time magic?"
"For me, that is correct. Even previous great mages could not comprehend time magic. While spatial magic is limited to the present, time magic is linked to both the past and future."
Of course, Alraune had attempted to implement time magic before.
But as a human living in the present, he could not dare interfere with time.
Moreover, even now, time kept flowing, and the past and future cross in just a moment.
Hence, no one could truly escape from time.
"That is why previous great mages, including myself, only implemented spatial magic. Generally, we research ways to manipulate space and then apply them in detail. Are you familiar with the first great mage?"
"Yes. He established the foundation of magic and the society, and with the first Emperor, defeated Ekexax the Tempest, didn't he?"
"The first great mage wielded a spell called space severance. Because of it, Ekexax the Tempest was gravely wounded."
"But no one since has been able to reproduce space severance. Is it only attainable with innate talent?"
"The realm of talent must not be underestimated. There are definite limits to mere effort. Thus, space severance should be regarded as a power possessed solely by the first great mage."
Alraune had clearly understood the gap in talent since childhood.
Fields that seemed complex to the majority were considered passing theories by a handful of geniuses.
Because of this, the value of hard work became distorted, and only the chosen could reach the ultimate realm.
"I would like to give another example. Didn't you mention your mother manifested residual consciousness?"
"Yes. I remember it well, as I experienced it myself."
"Residual consciousness can also be classified as spatial magic. You should consider it the separation or duplication of the user's consciousness into an individual space."
"... Residual consciousness is spatial magic?"
"By conventional means, human will can't be conveyed. But if one transcends the law of nature, it becomes possible. Isn't spatial magic precisely the method to defy the law of nature?"
Alraune idly reflected on Uriel's ability and skill.
She was merely his junior, but in practical terms, she was a fellow disciple of the great mage.
Even though she gave up magical training to marry the Northern Grand Duke, before dying, she had already achieved a superior realm.
"I only became certain after learning about residual consciousness. If your mother had continued her magical training... she might have become a great mage."
"......"
"I won't force advanced magic on you. And even as a great mage, one doesn't have to master advanced magic. Some past great mages kept away from advanced magic and pursued their own beliefs."
"But don't I need advanced magic?"
"Hm......"
Alraune couldn't give a definite answer and vaguely knitted his brows.
A friend who had pursued astrology called Alter Radiant and Brillie Illenat the ones who would decide the world's end.
If so, shouldn't his disciple definitely awaken advanced magic?
"If that is your thought, I won't stop you. Is there a particular magic you wish to learn?"
"I want to learn space severance."
"You've chosen a difficult path. It's not magic you can master just because you wish for it. Will you still not give up?"
"Yes. I need to face formidable foes."
"... Very well. I cannot disregard your will to achieve your objective."
Alraune murmured calmly, albeit with concern.
It was only a gut feeling and speculation, but Alter lacked the talent to master space severance.
Rather, he might need to dig deeper in a different direction.
'If it's with the power of the dragons, maybe it's possible to implement time magic....'
* * *
Brillie caught her breath a little late after finishing her sparring with Megarexor.
As things stood, she could not confidently expect to beat Lailnetia the Devouring or the Knight of True Flame.
That meant she needed to further train her swordsmanship and Radiance to draw out even greater might.
"Is it alright for you to tire yourself out like that when you're a newlywed?"
"I'm fine so far. You aren't going easy on me just because of that, are you?"
"Wouldn't it be obvious soon enough? But I can't just ignore it entirely, can I?"
Megarexor, feeling uneasy inside, stole a glance at Brillie.
Frankly, attacking a newlywed woman was a mistake to begin with.
If she happened to be with child, he couldn't help but find himself in a tough spot.
"You don't have to worry. I'd notice that first myself."
"Are you still hung up on that guy?"
"I can't just leave him be, can I?"
"I agree with you there, but he's not easy to go up against anymore. If something goes wrong, you or I could die."
Megarexor remembered his defeat in the past and frowned deeply.
Even when he used only flame, he couldn't overcome the Knight of True Flame.
But now, how was he supposed to kill a foe who had added lightning?
"I believe in my husband. So I must do my part just as well."
"The youngest of the grand duke's house is strong, sure... but aren't you uneasy?"
"There were definitely precarious times. But we've made it this far, haven't we? That's enough reason to be reassured."
Brillie forced herself to cover her true feelings with a little white lie.
Every time she stepped onto the battlefield, she was burdened with worry that either she or Alter might be hurt.
Now that they were married, wouldn't that fear only intensify further?
"You called it 'Radiance,' right? Are you trying something with that?"
"Yes. With this power, I think I can fight. The Knight of True Flame even ran away from it, didn't he?"
"It seems there's hope, so it's not something to give up on easily."
Wearing a subtle expression, Megarexor gazed at the sword set to one side.
As a swordsman, he had fought countless enemies, and his blade carried a weighty creed.
Eventually, he'd hit his limits, but with Sword Flower, maybe Brillie could surpass him.
"That man was taught by the Sword Saint, right? Then he must know the weaknesses of swordsmanship?"
"My swordsmanship is based on balancing offense and defense. It's not reckless, but neither is it overly defensive. Perhaps being too unremarkable is its flaw."
"... Then do I just need to break the balance?"
"If offense and defense don't work together, my swordsmanship will lose its characteristics. That's why I often focus only on the parts that connect. But I can't say for sure myself."
"Is it because of the dragon's mana?"
"That guy can now handle not just flame but even lightning. Even if you break his swordsmanship, can you overcome the difference in mana?"
"You're just telling me what you felt, right?"
"Exactly. The reason I lost to him is clear. Even if my swordsmanship holds, it's hard to overcome the dragon's mana."
"......"
Recalling Megarexor's advice, Brillie slowly replayed the dizzying moments in her mind.
Had Alter not stepped in, she would have been cut down by the Knight of True Flame.
But she erased that outcome thanks to Radiance, creating new possibilities.
'I still don't know what Radiance is. But if not for this power...'
Brillie suppressed her vague fear with resolve.
She would not be swayed by the fortune-teller's prophecy nor by the warning of the Goddess Semerune.
She would simply strive forward, keeping only her and Alter's happiness in her sights.
'When everything ends, will I be able to lay down my sword? To me, the sword is...'