“Phew... that’s a wrap. Ray, Deruku, want to grab some food?”
As their workout came to an end, Howard spoke up. However, Deruku gave an apologetic bow.
“Sorry! Today is the day I’m seeing my wife and son!”
“I see. Family comes first. Sorry for the sudden invite.”
“No, I’m the one who should be sorry. I’ll make it up to you later!”
With those words, Deruku hurried away. He had originally planned to head out immediately, but since he’d had more time than expected, he had joined Ray and the others for training.
“Howard. Deruku’s family is...”
“Yeah. He’s married and has a kid. I believe his son is the same age as you, Ray.”
“I see...”
Ray watched Deruku’s broad back as he walked away. The sight made him wonder... what exactly was a family?
Family. A group of people bound together by blood. He knew the definition, and he understood perfectly well that blood was not a strict requirement to become family.
Ray thought of everyone in the Special Selection Unit, Astral, as his family. However, that was only a manner of speaking—metaphorically, they were his family.
He did not know the true meaning of the word.
He found himself wondering what it would be like if he had a family of his own. What kind of life would he have led if he had lived as an ordinary child?
He certainly didn’t think of himself as unhappy. Yet, he was lost enough that he couldn't help but indulge in such daydreams.
“What about you, Ray? Are you going back to eat with Ainsworth?”
“No... I’ve already prepared Master’s meal at home. Besides, I’d like to have a meal with you for a change, Howard. I’ll go.”
“Oh! Well, aren’t you a sweetheart!”
Howard gave Ray's head a vigorous, messy rub, and Ray accepted it. Lydia always did it with brute force, but Howard’s touch had just the right amount of pressure.
This was the first time Ray would be alone with Howard, and he felt like he wanted to talk with him face-to-face.
“Today’s on me. Eat as much as you want, okay?”
“Can you say the same thing in front of Master?”
“U-Ugh... no, that’s impossible... Actually, she really put me through the wringer back in the day. I was terrified...”
“Hahaha! That makes sense. Master really does eat a lot.”
“Yeah. Her appetite is nothing short of extraordinary...”
Engaged in easy conversation, Ray and Howard headed out together into the city.
As night fell, the streetlights began to flicker on along the road. Most shops were closed, but for the restaurants, things were only just beginning. The Kingdom’s entertainment district was bathed in light.
It wasn't one of the world's leading powers for nothing. The vibrancy of the district was among the best in the world. People on the streets passed by the two of them, their laughter filling the air.
“Ray, what are you in the mood for?”
“Anything is fine. You want to drink, don’t you, Howard? I’ll go wherever you want.”
“Oh, that’s a big help. But you’re not drinking, Ray, got it?”
“I know. Master’s tried to push it on me plenty of times when she’s drunk, though.”
“Hahaha! That sounds like her. Well then, shall we head to an izakaya?”
The place they headed for was an izakaya Howard frequented, and he was well-known to the owner.
“Howard! It’s been a while!”
“Hey, Shopkeeper!”
“Huh? Don't tell me... is that your kid?”
“No, no. He’s a relative’s kid!”
Howard laughed as he offered the cover story. Since they couldn't tell the truth, the unit had agreed that they should use the "relative's child" excuse when out in public.
“I see. There are seats open in the back. Sit wherever you like.”
“Thank you.”
Howard headed for a seat in the rear. It was a spot that was a blind spot from the outside. It was a conscious choice; he didn't want people to see him with Ray too much, just to be safe.
“Ray, is here okay?”
“Yeah.”
Once they sat down, a staff member came over and placed water on the table. They looked at the menu and considered what to order.
“What’ll you have, Ray?”
“I’ll leave it to you, Howard.”
“All right. No dislikes or allergies?”
“No. I can eat anything.”
“Okay.”
Howard ordered a mix of things he liked and things Ray might enjoy. Since the drinks arrived first, they started with a toast. Howard had alcohol, of course, while Ray had a soft drink.
“Well then, cheers.”
“Yeah. Cheers.”
With a clink, they bumped their glasses together and drank.
“Aaaah! Nothing beats this after work.”
“Does it taste good? Master says it's delicious too.”
“Well, it is good. Once you’re old enough to drink, Ray, I’ll take you out properly.”
“I’ll look forward to that.”
The dishes arrived one after another. While eating, the conversation shifted toward the future.
“Ray. Seriously... are you going to be okay?”
“About the Far East Campaign?”
“Yeah. To be honest, I have a very high opinion of you. As a sorcerer, your skill is already beyond my reach. But still, you’re just a child. No matter how strong you are—”
Howard tried to continue, but Ray spoke up, cutting him off.
“It’s fine.”
A chill ran down Howard's spine. For a moment, it felt as if there were no light dwelling in Ray’s eyes. It was a terrifying, bottomless pressure. The fact that he possessed such a presence at his age was shocking... but for the first time, Howard felt a glimpse of the depth of the terror Ray could project.
At the same time, he realized something.
Lydia and Ray were, after all, standing in a different domain from him as sorcerers. Howard had been raised as a genius. He had been a top prospect in both the Magic Academy and the military.
He had truly believed he was a genius—until he met these two.
Lydia Ainsworth.
Ray.
These two were clearly in a different class. It wasn't a level one could reach through mere effort. They were separated from the rest of the world by a massive wall called talent.
Howard was once again painfully reminded of this reality.
“I see. My worries were groundless.”
“It’s my first time in actual combat, but I can do it. Besides, everyone in Astral is strong. I don't think there's any way we could lose.”
“Well, that’s true! We are the strongest, after all! Ahahaha!”
“Are you perhaps drunk already...?”
“No, I’m not drunk. Not even close...”
Howard stared at Ray, who tilted his head in confusion. Ray’s existence had significantly changed the members of the Special Selection Unit, Astral. That included Howard.
Before meeting Ray, Howard had been a genius who was, in some ways, full of himself. He had thought that by being selected for Astral, he would continue to race down a path of glory.
He had known about Lydia’s reputation, but he still believed he wouldn't fall behind. He’d had that kind of pride.
However, he couldn't reach Lydia, and he realized he could no longer catch up to Ray’s skill as a sorcerer either.
To be overtaken by a child like Ray... there were moments when he felt he could never truly make it big as a sorcerer. There were even times when he had found himself resenting Ray.
And yet, despite all that, Howard liked Ray. For some reason, he always found himself reaching out to him.
Let’s train together, let’s go eat together, let’s go shopping together.
When he said those things, Ray would smile slightly and follow along. For Howard, Ray’s presence had become very significant. Through him, he had learned the value of humility.
He knew now that he was still nowhere near the top. Compared to Ray, he was still a lesser existence. But precisely because he couldn't reach them yet—because he wasn't there—he still had a reason to move forward.
Howard had been overconfident in his power, but he was no fool. He had the will to reflect on his mistakes and use them as fuel to advance. That was why he was grateful to Ray.
Thank you for showing me how vast the world is—he felt a deep sense of gratitude.
“Ray. Once the Far East Campaign is over, I’m sure we’ll get a long vacation. Why don’t we go on a trip with the whole unit?”
“A trip?”
“Yeah. You don’t know much about the world outside the Kingdom, do you? Actually, I love traveling. I know plenty of great places.”
“Is that so? That sounds nice. I’ll look forward to it.”
Ray flashed a genuine smile. Seeing him like that, Howard felt a new resolve.
The Far East Campaign was about to begin. They would surely be sent to the front lines. It would likely be a hellish battlefield, and there was no guarantee they would return.
But that was exactly why he would fight—to protect his teammates and ensure they all came home.