Seven Grand Sorcerers.
That is the collective name given to the seven highest-ranking individuals among those who have reached the Grand Rank. Of course, it wasn't as if a specific organization had decided on the term. It supposedly originated naturally from a sense of reverence and awe, though theories on its true beginning varied.
Suppose someone asked the question: "How does one become one of the Seven Grand Sages?"
If it were me, I would answer that no such method exists.
One does not aim to become one of the Seven Grand Sages. Rather, you simply realize that you have become one. That was what I was taught.
The Grand Rank is a den of monsters. It is a realm that has already surpassed the boundaries of humanity. That much is certain, as my master had told me so many times I was sick of hearing it.
She had blonde hair and blue eyes, and her beauty was the kind that would make anyone stop and stare. When I first saw her, I honestly thought an angel had descended to this world. But after I started living with her, I learned the truth. She was incredibly lazy—she never cleaned or cooked, and her domestic skills were effectively non-existent. The only things she ever made were mysterious fried lumps. Her reasoning was always the same: "Everything tastes better when it's fried."
Because of that, I handled all the housework myself.
One day, while I was cleaning as usual, she abruptly spoke to me.
"Ray. How do you think one becomes a Grand Rank sorcerer?"
"It's simple, Master. The condition is being able to cast Grand-tier Magic."
"Exactly. Unlike other ranks, no tedious examinations are necessary. Written exams, practical tests—the things established by the Magic Association don't matter at all. One simply needs to reach the pinnacle of the magical arts. That's all. They call it the Grand Rank, but in reality, it's a den of lunatics. Did you know? A few times a year, invitations are sent to the Grand Rank sorcerers for parties at the Magic Association and whatnot, but almost no one goes. There's no sociability in those who have lost their minds; they possess nothing but a crazed desire to pursue the truth of magic."
"But Master... aren't you a Grand Rank sorcerer as well?"
"I go to those parties properly, you know."
"But didn't you say the other day it was because you could eat for free...?"
"You idiot!"
"Ow! What was that for!?"
She smacked me on the head. This woman had no mercy, even for a child. I could still vividly remember being pummeled during our training sessions.
"Listen. If you're going to reach the Grand Rank, don't worry about the small details."
"Wait... isn't that a contradiction?"
"Hah, who cares about that? Just remember, Ray. That is the path you're walking."
"Yes, Master..."
"Now, here's another question."
"What is it?"
"What is the essence of the Ice Sword Sorcerer?"
"Ice magic, surely? You're highly proficient in it, Master."
"You idiot!"
"Ow!"
"Did you think I would just hand over the core of my art so easily?"
"Ugh... this is so unreasonable..."
She was always like this. Completely unreasonable. Contradicting herself was a given, and if I ever pointed it out, I’d get a light smack on the head. For the record, I did try to dodge, but I never once succeeded.
"Ice Sword Sorcerer. Literally, it refers to a sorcerer who excels at using an Ice Sword. But at the same time, its true essence lies elsewhere. In the first place, only children are foolishly honest enough to talk about their own strengths. A name always has a meaning—something hidden beneath the surface..."
"And what is that...?"
"Feel it for yourself."
"Huh?"
"You're going to learn from here on out. You will discover what the essence of magic is, and what it truly means to be a sorcerer."
"...I see."
Even if I only half-listened most of the time, she would occasionally say something that truly opened my eyes.
And so, I took the words of my master, Lydia Ainsworth, firmly to heart.
"Is it morning already...?"
I felt like I had been dreaming of the past. Now that I was awake, however, I couldn't quite remember the details. I was certain Lydia had been in the dream, but the specifics escaped me.
"Goo... guuuuuuoooh... ooooooh..."
Evi's snoring was deafening. Fortunately, I had been trained to sleep through the sound of explosions, so falling into a deep sleep despite the noise was easy.
The current time was five in the morning—far too early for most. To be honest, I could have slept until seven and still had plenty of time for class, even including breakfast. However, waking up at this hour had become a habit.
"Alright..."
I didn't change into my school uniform. Instead, I put on some light, athletic clothing. After a quick stretch, I left the dormitory.
Spring had arrived, and the sun was beginning to rise a little earlier each day, though it was still dark at this hour. Stepping outside, I began my morning run. It was a simple, repetitive routine. I didn't manage it every single day, but I kept to the habit as often as possible.
"Hah... hah... hah..."
I ran through the academy grounds. Since the campus was vast, it was a perfect place for a jog. I continued running with a clear mind until a female student came into view.
I wondered what she was doing up so early, but I decided it wasn't worth bothering her and intended to simply pass by.
"Oh? To be out this early in the morning—that's quite impressive."
Since she had addressed me, I slowed down and came to a halt in front of her.
Her pitch-black hair was incredibly glossy, catching the faint light in a beautiful halo. The beauty mark under her right eye was strangely captivating, and her calm, gentle way of speaking suited her perfectly. She also had an exceptional figure; while it would have been rude to stare, I couldn't help but notice her mature curves.
Judging by her aura, she was an upperclassman, so I addressed her with proper formality.
"Are you a new student?"
"Yes. My name is Ray White."
"Oh. So you're the one..."
"Do you know of me?"
"Yes. You're the first Ordinary to attend since the academy's founding. You're quite famous, you know?"
"I am honored."
"..."
"Is something wrong?"
She was staring at me so intently that I couldn't help but ask.
"No. I thought you were putting on an act... but I guess not."
"Did I do something discourteous?"
"No, no. Not at all. You're very polite. It's quite refreshing."
"Yes. I am honored."
"That's right, I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Rebecca Bradley. Please, feel free to just call me Rebecca-senpai."
"I understand, Rebecca-senpai. I am still lacking in knowledge, so I would be grateful for your guidance regarding the academy."
"...By any chance, are you unaware?"
"Unaware of what, exactly?"
"I'm from one of the Three Great Noble Families, you know?"
"Oh! In that case, you are the same as Amelia."
"Oh? You know Amelia-san?"
"Yes. She is a friend from my class."
"I see. So that's how it is... Even so, you really aren't very familiar with the world of sorcerers, are you?"
"...My apologies. There are certain circumstances."
"Does it have something to do with being an Ordinary?"
"Well... you wouldn't be wrong to think so."
"I see. Still... you're very composed. It's hard to believe you're a junior."
"Speaking of which, what year are you in, Rebecca-senpai?"
"I'm a third-year. Did you think I was a senior?"
"Yes. I thought you might be a fourth-year. You are very beautiful and possess a certain mature charm."
"My, my. You certainly have a silver tongue. Fufu..."
Rebecca-senpai gave me a bright smile.
This was a four-year academy, though not everyone advanced through the grades on schedule. Every year, there were inevitably those who failed and had to repeat a grade. However, being from one of the Three Great Noble Families, she was likely on the fast track.
"Oh, look at the time."
She checked her wristwatch and spoke again.
"I'll be going now. Goodbye, Ray-san."
"Yes. I look forward to speaking with you again."
"I'm sure we will. In fact, I'm certain we'll meet again quite soon."
"What do you mean by...?"
"Well then. Good day."
She didn't answer my question as she turned and walked back toward the dormitories.
I suppose it couldn't be helped. Shrugging it off, I resumed my run.