Master’s gaze sharpened as she posed a question.
"Where in the brain is sorcery generated?"
"The frontal lobe, isn't it? That organ governs the rational side of a human being. It developed further from there, and that's where Code Theory is utilized—the so-called Magic Area."
"Exactly. But think about it. In the frontal lobe, the Code—the internal information format—is processed via Code Theory. That much is fine. However, to actually use Code Theory, you have to retain sorcery as a memory. It has to exist as a sort of mental model. Without that, a person would forget the sorcery immediately. It was by returning to the study of the brain that I developed Dual-Code Theory. And once it became clear that my research focused on the brain... the trend in this world shifted. It moved away from sorcery itself and toward the brain. You could say that sorcery and the brain are now inextricably linked."
Hearing her explanation, the pieces fell into place. I nodded and continued the conversation.
"I see... and that is where the Engram makes its appearance."
"Yes. They discovered something that stores sorcery as a memory within the nerve cells. That is..."
"An Engram."
"Indeed. You could call an Engram a 'sorcery memory.' What exists within the brain's circuits and nerve cells? To push the question to its limit: what is sorcery, what is the brain, and... what is the root of humanity? That is the current trend in research, but it’s where a problem has emerged."
Listening to her, I already had a rough idea of what Master was getting at.
If researching the human brain leads to the secrets of sorcery, then how should that research be conducted? How would one procure the brains?
The answer was exactly as I had feared.
"People have begun conducting inhumane experiments, haven't they?"
"Correct. They likely decided that rather than reading the mind through sorcery, it was better to just cut it open and tinker with it directly. But that... that is a dangerous ideology that strips away human dignity. I am still a Grand Rank sorcerer, and I’m well aware that I’m an abnormal person. However, I’d like to think I know where to draw the line. And yet, I received a certain message."
With that, Master pulled a letter from her pocket.
"What is that?"
"A letter. Apparently, they want to recruit me. The organization calls itself Eugenics."
"Eugenics... Are they literally steeped in eugenicist ideology?"
Eugenics. It was a dangerous school of thought that sought to rewrite the genetic structure of living things, preserving superior genes while eliminating the inferior. Under such a philosophy, everything was determined by genetics. It meant that human rights would effectively cease to exist.
To think an organization championing such a cause had surfaced... while it seemed absurd, it was also a reflection of human nature. In a way, I felt this might just be the flow of the times.
"Yeah. They claim they’ll provide the 'best environment,' but this is going straight into the trash. There can be no human progress without human dignity. Nothing awaits at the end of that path but a dystopia. Though I suppose to them, it's a utopia..."
"...I see. So an organization like that is on the rise."
"So it seems. Rumor has it they’ve completed something called the Dark Triad System."
"The Dark Triad System? Like the dark side of human psychology?"
The Dark Triad.
It referred to the three dark traits of human psychology: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
"Precisely. Apparently, they've found a way to apply those three traits to sorcery. I don't know the details, but I'm sure it’s nothing good. They prattle on about the 'truth of sorcery,' but they're genuine madmen. Anyway... I've said a lot, but word is they've reached out to the other Seven Grand Sorcerers as well. That’s what Carol told me. Which means..."
"They might reach out to me too?"
"Yes. That's why I'm warning you. Do not lend an ear to their words."
"Of course, Master. I haven't fallen so far as to aid such inhumane experiments."
"Well, I suppose not. You are my top disciple, after all. But please understand a master's need to worry. As I am now, I no longer have the power to protect you, Ray."
"...Yes."
Exhausted by the conversation, Master leaned back heavily into her chair and used her fork to bring a piece of pound cake to her mouth.
Feeling like I could use some sugar myself, I followed suit.
—Yes. It’s delicious!
As expected, I believed Carla's baking skills were the best in the kingdom. It was one of the reasons I was glad I came here.
Still, a group seeking the truth of sorcery... I should keep them on my radar. As Master said, I have to protect myself now. I can no longer rely on her to shield me as she once did.
The sight of her sitting in that wheelchair told that story all too clearly.
That was exactly why I felt that, from now on, I wanted to be the one who protects, rather than the one being protected.
◇
"Shall we go outside for a bit? The forest air is wonderful this time of day. I want you to come with me today, Ray."
"Understood, Master."
"The outdoor wheelchair is over there."
"Yes."
I fetched the outdoor wheelchair from the corner of the room.
Lifting Master's body in my arms, I moved her into it. Naturally, our bodies pressed close as I held her, which stirred various thoughts, but in that moment, a light fragrance wafted into my nose.
"Are you wearing perfume?"
"Yes. It’s because I’m seeing you today, Ray. It’s a special occasion. Besides, my clothes and hairstyle are pretty stylish, aren't they?"
"Yes. At first, I took you for a young lady from some noble house. You do have fine looks, Master."
"Hah? What do you mean, 'looks'?"
"I... No. Your personality is beautiful as well."
"Right? You do understand, don't you?"
"Yes..."
Well, the fact that I couldn't win an argument against her was the same as always.
After informing Carla that we were heading out, we stepped into the fresh air.
"Oh... this feels wonderful."
"Doesn't it?"
As I pushed the wheelchair, we made our way through the forest. The back that I used to only look up to had now become something I looked down upon from above.
Time truly flies.
"Oh, that's right... it's almost June, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"The Magics Chevalier is coming up soon."
"Um, if I recall, that’s the tournament where the three magic academies compete... right?"
"That's the one. Fair and square one-on-one combat. By the way, I won it four times in a row. Genuinely undefeated."
"As expected of you, Master."
"I think if you entered, Ray, you would definitely be able to win consecutive titles, but..."
"That would be impossible for me."
"I suppose so. It's a tournament, and sometimes there are back-to-back matches. It would be impossible for you as you are now."
"Yes. I intend to focus on my recovery... but I believe a friend of mine will be entering, so I'll be supporting her instead."
"Oh? Who’s that?"
"Amelia Rose. She’s the eldest daughter of House Rose, the head of the Three Great Noble Families."
"Ah... I think I’ve seen her before."
"Is that so?"
"At some party. But I see, you've made a friend your own age. You were always surrounded by people older than you."
"That is true. I still have few friends, but I intend to foster deep relationships with each one of them."
"Hmm... in that case, I'll give you this."
As Master spoke, she reached into her shirt and pulled out a set of documents.
"What is this? Wait... I recognize this."
"Yes. The Ainsworth-style Boot Camp. I have an arranged version that can be used for students too."
"I-I see..."
"You're going to help that Amelia girl, aren't you? You can use it then."
"If the opportunity arises... I will use it as a reference."
"Fufu, you do that."
And so, Master and I walked through the forest as the sunlight filtered through the canopy. We moved calmly and gracefully. Reminiscing about those bygone days, I wished that moments like this could last forever.
That was my prayer.