"■"
The spell I triggered via the spell bundle was Illusion System Magic: Mimicry.
Normally, this magic transformed the caster into a specific person they envisioned. However, by using Grimo and Jiriel’s mouths to perform Triple Casting and intentionally avoiding a fixed image, I gave the spell a unique property: my appearance would vary depending on who was looking at me.
By not specifying the form, I became "anything" to "anyone." Essentially, the spell forced the observer’s mind to fill in the blanks, making them perceive me as whoever they assumed I was.
Of course, I had modified the spell formula so heavily that it was impossible to see through, even with visual enhancement magic like See-through.
While it would be obvious if I used this in broad daylight, there wouldn't be any problem as long as I stayed hidden within this white smoke. Probably.
As I thought this through, I closed in on the two of them. All right, time to put them to the test.
"Grimo, give me that."
"You got it, boss!"
Grimo pulled my custom magic sword, the Sword of Magic Absorption, out of his mouth.
This blade was embedded with a formula designed to suck in and neutralize magic. It could swallow hundreds of low-level spells, or several advanced-grade ones, before reaching its limit.
"I can take my time analyzing the magic sealed in the sword later. For now, I'm just going to collect your formulas."
—Langris Style Swordsmanship: Hedgehog.
Holding the sword with a short grip, I dropped into a low stance and unleashed a localized storm of thrusts in every direction.
This was a defensive technique meant to counter things like a rain of arrows. Every Fireball and Iceball that touched the blade vanished instantly.
"Wait, if I keep this up, the steam from the water vapor will dissipate... Hup!"
Simultaneously, I activated a Fireball and a Waterball but intentionally "failed" the Double Casting. This created a massive amount of white smoke—a steam explosion commonly known as a Smoke Ball.
Poof! Bam! As white clouds billowed in continuous bursts, I continued to collect their spell formulas.
I had gathered quite a few by now, but it would be boring if they just kept using the same tricks over and over.
"All right, since I'm already here, I should get them to show me something else."
I released the Fireballs and Iceballs I had sealed within the Sword of Magic Absorption right back at the two of them.
My timing was perfect, catching them just as they finished their own volleys. There was no way they could handle this without being forced to reveal a different technique. Now, what will you do?
As I watched with excitement, Gazel frowned slightly and snapped his fingers.
In an instant, the Iceball closing in on his face detonated.
Hmm... that was just a normal Fireball. How boring. Still, detonating an intercepting shot at such close range was a feat even I might find tricky.
"Master Lloyd, you always have a Barrier active, so you don't really have a reason to do anything that dangerous," Grimo muttered.
Well, that was true. More importantly, how was Noah handling it?
"Oh...?"
Noah’s eyes widened slightly, yet he didn't even bother to take a defensive stance against the approaching Fireball.
The moment before impact, the Fireball shattered. It had struck a thin membrane of mana—a Barrier.
It seemed Noah, like me, kept a Barrier deployed at all times.
"Hmph, what a flimsy-looking Barrier. It can't even hold a candle to Master Lloyd’s," Jiriel scoffed.
Well, that was also true. Still, both of them had handled my interference without breaking a sweat.
You can judge a mage’s true caliber by how they handle the little things. Although I’d hoped to see a wider variety of magic, this was interesting in its own right.
Since we were schoolmates now, I’d have plenty of opportunities to study their magic at my leisure. I had a lot to look forward to.
I quietly slipped out of the smoke and vanished from the training grounds.
◇
That night, we gathered for dinner at the dormitory.
"How is it, Master Lloyd?"
"It’s great, Sylpha. Ren, your cooking has really improved too."
"Ehehe, thank you!"
To give us some space, Birgitte had rented out an entire dormitory building for our exclusive use.
The building had two large common rooms and ten smaller private rooms; it was almost absurdly spacious for five people and one pet.
"But... is this really okay, Birgitte-neesan? We are technically students here."
"Don't sweat the small stuff! I paid the bill, didn't I? Besides, we're royalty. We’ve gotta keep safety in mind," Birgitte declared airily.
Well, I wasn't going to complain about having a massive room to myself.
"Plus, this way I get to eat Sylpha’s delicious cooking. I’m countin' on you girls to handle everyone’s nutrition!"
"I am honored, Princess."
"Me too!"
Ren hurriedly bowed her head along with Sylpha.
After thanking the maids, Birgitte turned a sharp, narrowed gaze toward Albert.
"...More importantly, Albert, about today’s lesson... Sigh, you really don't have a lick of economic sense, do you? Siphoning off profit without the other guy even noticing is the absolute basic of basics!"
"Older sister, that is a loss when viewed from a long-term perspective. By acting with integrity, one can build lasting relationships with business partners. If you do that, profits will follow naturally."
Albert didn't back down, offering his own theory in return. Birgitte let out a theatrical sigh, though her eyes looked somewhat pleased by his defiance.
"You're such a softie. With that attitude, those crooks out there will pluck you clean down to your last hair before you even know what's happenin'."
"Even so, I refuse to resort to deception."
"Oh, really? You've got a lot of nerve talkin' back to this Beautiful Teacher. Just so you know, I rented this place out specifically so I could keep tutoring you at night. I’m gonna cram some sense into that flowery head of yours, so you’d better be ready."
"I ask for nothing less, Older sister."
The two of them were practically shooting sparks at each other.
I didn't have much interest in economics, so it didn't really matter to me, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
"By the way, Ren, how was your day?" I asked.
"Oh! It was so much fun! I even made a new friend!"
"Ren, that is not what the Prince asked," Sylpha said, shaking her head. "As one who serves Master Lloyd, are you conducting yourself with the proper dignity? How were your exam results? Are you able to keep up with the curriculum?"
"U-Um... I think I’m keeping up with the classes okay. My new friend, Rosetta, even complimented my work..."
Rosetta... I’d heard that name somewhere today.
"That would be the Top Student of the Medicinal Arts Department, the lady known as the 'Fragrant Purple Rose,'" Jiriel interjected with a creepy giggle. "I have only heard rumors, but they say she possesses the beauty of a blooming flower. I simply must meet her. Hehehe."
Now I remembered. Shido had mentioned that name when he was bragging about the academy's elite.
To have already befriended someone like that—not bad, Ren.
"Very well. Continue to apply yourself," Sylpha said.
"Y-Yes, ma'am..."
Ren breathed a sigh of relief at Sylpha’s approval.
I wondered how Sylpha’s own day had gone. As if reading my mind, Albert spoke up.
"I heard from some people I met in the Swordsmanship Department that Sylpha apparently struck down her examiner."
Wow, she really did it... I could easily picture the scene.
"And not only that," Albert continued, "I heard she accepted a duel from the department’s Top Student, Maximilliam-To, and finished him off in an instant. Between her overwhelming strength and her refined poise, everyone is already calling her the 'Beautiful Crimson Rose.'"
"I am deeply embarrassed by the attention," Sylpha said, respectfully lowering her eyes.
Birgitte had certainly told her to make an impression, but taking out the Top Student on day one seemed a bit excessive.
"I’ve heard the rumors, Sylpha. I’d say that’s a solid start. Keep that momentum goin'!" Birgitte said, giving her a thumbs-up.
It was only the first day, and she already wanted Sylpha to stand out more? I felt a headache coming on.
"Man, everyone is just as incredibly talented as ever," Grimo remarked.
"Indeed. As expected of Master Lloyd’s siblings, not to mention Sylpha-tan and Ren-tan," Jiriel added.
Just as the familiars said, everyone seemed to be making quite a splash.
At this rate, I probably wouldn't have to worry about drawing any unwanted attention to myself. I hoped they would all keep up the good work.