"Ki manipulation...? Um, what exactly is Ki?"
"Ki is, simply put, a power inherent to all humans. People used to call it things like 'superpowers' or 'Psi' before the concept of Ki was formally established. To put it in a way that's easy for you to grasp, Sophie, it's essentially a higher-order version of the Six Basic Types of Support Magic."
"Since you mentioned the Six Basic Types, does that mean it's a power that draws out one's inherent potential?"
"That's exactly right. In fact, the Six Basic Types were originally developed as training aids for mastering Ki manipulation. They’re meant to help people learn the sensation of the Ki within their bodies being activated by magic."
"I see... I had no idea."
Sophie listened to my explanation with rapt attention, but she still looked like she was struggling to fully connect the dots.
"Explanations only go so far without firsthand experience. Let’s try this: I’ll cast a support spell on you now. I want you to focus your awareness inward."
"Y-yes. I understand."
Sophie took my advice to heart, closing her eyes to sharpen her concentration.
"—[Status Up]."
As the buff took hold, she slowly opened her eyes.
"...It feels like the same buff I always receive. Is this what it feels like when my Ki is being activated?"
I nodded and pulled a single magic stone from my storage magic tool, resting it on my palm.
"Exactly. Now, while holding onto that sensation, try to levitate this stone using [Psychokinesis]."
"I-I’ll try. ——Wait...?"
As the stone lifted from my palm, Sophie let out a soft, bewildered sound.
"How did it feel? Was anything different than usual?"
"No, the [Psychokinesis] itself felt the same as always. But... I definitely felt a similarity. The sensation of using [Psychokinesis] and the sensation of receiving that buff were almost identical."
"That’s because both are the result of manipulating Ki."
"So this is Ki manipulation..."
"Up until now, Ki manipulation was a technique guarded by a select few. However, there are plans to gradually release this information to the public through rumors soon. For any explorer aiming to conquer a Great Labyrinth, Ki manipulation is going to become a mandatory skill. In that regard, Sophie, you're already miles ahead of the competition."
"Because I can already use [Psychokinesis]?"
"Precisely. In the past, [Psychokinesis] was considered the ultimate realization of Ki manipulation. I’ve heard that throughout history, the number of people who could truly master it could be counted on one hand."
Besides Sophie, the person I knew who was most proficient with Ki was likely Haruto-san. Yet even he hadn't mastered [Psychokinesis]. Most likely, Sophie and I were the only people alive today who could use it.
"Is that so? Thank you for telling me, Orun-san! I feel like... like my possibilities have just expanded!"
"I'm glad. Like I said, I didn't want to limit your future."
"You aren't limiting it at all! You’re always the one opening doors for us, Orun-san. I am who I am today because of everything you’ve taught me. I don't know if I'll ever walk the exact same path as you, but the promise I made back then hasn't changed!"
"The promise...?"
When I repeated her words back to her, Sophie flashed a bold, determined smile.
"'I will surpass you, Orun-san—so that I can be the one to help you when you’re in trouble!'"
"............"
Those were the words she had spoken the day they officially became explorers for the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky—the day Twilight Moonbow was born.
"...That’s right. I remember now. In that case, I’ll be sure to call for you whenever I'm in a pinch, Sophie."
"Understood! You can count on me when the time comes!"
After our talk, Sophie and I headed toward the entrance, where Carol and Log were waiting.
"Ah, they're finally here~!"
Noticing our approach, Carol waved enthusiastically.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"It wasn't that long. We barely waited at all," Log replied.
"Yeah, yeah! More importantly, Sophie! What were you and Master talking about all by yourselves~?"
Carol immediately started prying. Judging by Sophie's expression, Carol had clearly sensed it was safe to tease her. Her social intuition was as sharp as ever.
"Ah, um, well... I'll tell you later."
I watched their playful exchange with a smile, almost forgetting the final item on my agenda.
"—Oh, right. I have something to give you three."
"For us?"
"Ooh! Is it a present!?"
"It’s more like a return than a gift. Here—the necklaces I was holding onto."
I pulled out the necklaces adorned with magic stones that I’d given them last year, back when the three of them had first tackled the 30th floor of the Great Labyrinth of the South on their own.
"Oh, that's right. You were still looking after them, Master."
Originally, these necklaces were designed to alert me if my disciples were in mortal danger. However, since we were parting ways and I now recognized them as full-fledged explorers, I felt it was wrong to keep them on such a short leash. I had taken them temporarily to modify their enchantments.
"I’ve explained the new functions to Sophie, so you can ask her for the details later. I’d honestly prefer if you never found yourselves in a situation where you needed them, but if the worst happens, don’t hesitate to use them. Also... I trust you, but please don’t use them for anything questionable."
"I don't know what they do yet, but this is a precious gift from you, Master. We would never dream of misusing it!" Log promised.
"Me neither! I'll cherish it!" Carol added.
"I’m glad to hear it. ...Now, you’d better head to the Academy soon or you'll be late. But before that..." I turned toward a corner out of our direct line of sight. "Is it really okay for you to stay hidden over there, Luna?"
"Eh? Big Sis Ruu...?"
Luna stepped out from the shadows with a wry, self-deprecating smile.
"I suppose I can’t hide from you, Orun-san."
"Big Sis Ruu! You came to see us off too!"
"You didn't have to hide," Log noted.
"My apologies. I was questioning whether someone like me—who left the clan so abruptly—even had the right to stand before you. I just couldn't bring myself to step out."
"Geez, you’re overthinking it! Your withdrawal was settled with that talk we had the other day!" Carol insisted.
"Exactly. We would have been sad if you hadn't come to say goodbye," Log added.
Luna smiled warmly at the disciples who accepted her so unconditionally.
"Thank you. In that case, I will take you up on the offer and see you off properly."
Luna paused for a beat, her gaze becoming serious and sincere as she addressed the trio.
"I only spent a short time—less than a year—exploring with you. But as someone who has watched you grow from up close, I can say this with absolute certainty: all three of you possess incredible talent. I truly believe that you will be the ones to conquer the Great Labyrinth of the South. Please, use your time at the Academy to hone your skills even further. And one day, I want to see you achieve that dream every explorer shares—the 'Great Labyrinth Conquest'—with your own hands."
Log spoke up, his voice steady.
"Thanks, Big Sis Ruu. We’ll definitely conquer it! We’ll make sure the names of Twilight Moonbow and the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky are known across the whole world!"
"I look forward to the day those names reach my ears," Luna replied.
Once she finished, I spoke my final piece.
"The path you’re choosing is a steep one. It won't be easy. But I know you three can walk it without faltering. After all, you’re the disciples I’m most proud of. Even if our paths diverge from here, the fact that I am your Master will never change. Our bond won't disappear. So, go forth and walk the path you believe in."
"Yeah! I've got your words right here, Master!" Carol chirped. "We’ll work our hardest so you can keep being proud of us!"
"Right. Well then—"
I stopped and caught Luna’s eye. Together, we spoke the final parting.
""—Take care.""
"""—We're off!!!"""
With that, the disciples turned and walked out of the manor. The door swung shut behind them, cutting off the view of their departing backs.
As if she had been waiting for that exact moment of silence, Teruche-san approached us.
"—Master Orun, the preparations for your departure to Kyokutou are complete."
Thank you for reading. I would be happy if you read the next chapter as well.