Seeking refuge while Lilia-san gave Lunamaria-san a "physical" lecture, the three of us from the same world ended up wandering through the mansion together.
Come to think of it, I hadn't really spoken much with either Kusunoki or Yuzuki yet. I’d had a short conversation with Kusunoki last night, but we hadn't been on the same wavelength. I figured I should start by apologizing for that.
"Um, Kusunoki-san. About last night—"
"I'm so sorry!"
"—Huh?"
I had intended to apologize for my awkward phrasing that had unintentionally made her anxious, but for some reason, she beat me to the punch.
"You were the one having a hard time, Miyama-san, yet I went and asked such a strange question..."
"Ah, no, I’m the one who should be sorry. My response was weird, too. I might look calm to you and Yuzuki-san, but I was actually pretty confused... I just couldn't explain things well."
"No, I think that’s only natural."
"...I feel kind of left out. Aoi-senpai, Miyama-senpai, when did you two talk?"
The atmosphere, which had been a bit stiff because of last night, seemed to soften once we exchanged apologies. Yuzuki asked her question with a puzzled expression since she didn't know the context, but I was focused on something else. To be honest, it had been bothering me since yesterday.
"We just ran into each other in the hallway last night and talked for a bit. More importantly, I’ve been wondering... Why do you call me 'Senpai,' Yuzuki-san?"
"Eh? Because, Miyama-senpai, you’re an alumnus of our high school, right?"
"Wait, what?"
"Wait, Hina-chan, is that true!?"
"Ah, yes. Probably..."
I was genuinely surprised by how casually Yuzuki said it. It was true that I was a graduate of the school they attended, but I had graduated three years ago. I didn't think any current students would know who I was.
"I mean, it's true I went to the same school, but I graduated three years ago..."
"Um, I wasn't sure at first, but the description I heard from my brother matched, so I figured it was you."
"Your brother?"
Another mysterious word popped up. Not to brag, but during my high school years, I was a student with zero distinguishing features. I wasn't in any clubs, my grades were perfectly average, and I didn't have any major "episodes" to my name. It was actually a bit depressing to admit, but I’d been a loner with hardly any friends.
Even now, I was desperately scouring my memories for anyone who might be Yuzuki’s brother, but I came up blank.
"Yeah. He told me about a guy with a large scar stretching from his right ear to his neck, so when I saw that, I thought it might be you."
"...Well, that is a pretty easy trait to spot, but I don't remember anyone who could be your brother..."
I’d been in an accident a long time ago that left a fairly large scar from my right ear down to my neck. It was a distinct physical trait, sure, but for her to have heard enough about it to recognize me meant her brother must have talked about me pretty often. For a guy like me, who felt like every group assignment was a form of bullying, I honestly had no clue who he was.
"He used to complain all the time about how you were always sleeping in class and how you wouldn't listen no matter how many times he warned you..."
"...Ah. I see. The Class Representative, huh..."
It must have been during my second year of high school. I’d been obsessed with an MMO—an online game—and was living a life where my days and nights were completely reversed. I’d stay up all night gaming and sleep all day at school. Looking back, I was the height of irresponsibility—a rebellious kid who thought he was too cool for the world. Eventually, the teachers just gave up on me and stopped saying anything.
However, there are always serious people in every crowd, and the Class Representative was the only one who warned me literally every single day. Back then, I found him incredibly annoying, but now that I’ve matured a bit, I just feel bad about it. Come to think of it, I believe his surname was Yuzuki. Everyone just called him "Class Rep," and I never really spoke to him otherwise, so I’d completely forgotten.
"Miyama-san... what exactly were you going to school for?"
"Well, you know, a lot was happening back then... Yuzuki-san, tell him I’m sorry when we go back in a year."
"Roger that!"
Kusunoki, who seemed to be the serious type, gave me a judgmental look while Yuzuki gave me a playful, exaggerated salute.
It didn't look like I was going to land the role of the "reliable older brother figure," but thanks to this talk, I felt like the distance between us had shrunk just a little.
After a quick stroll through the mansion, we returned to the room from before, where Lilia-san greeted us with a gentle smile. As expected of a noble, her smile was picture-perfect—full of dignified grace and charm. I decided to ignore the heap lying in the corner of the room like a tattered rag.
Once she confirmed we were all seated, Lilia-san nodded and began to speak.
"Today, I'd like to discuss something I'm sure you’re all curious about... Magic."
"Ohh..."
I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Even in just half a day at this mansion, I’d seen magic-like technology everywhere, and I’d even used some of it. The gemstone in the bathroom that triggered the shower, the lamps floating in the hallway... According to the tattered rag—rather, Lunamaria-san—you just had to touch them, but there was no doubt that was magic.
Kusunoki and Yuzuki also looked at Lilia-san with expectant eyes. Magic was, after all, the true essence of an isekai experience.
"First, I’m sure you’re wondering if you can use magic yourselves. Regarding Magic Power, the source of all magic, those from other worlds possess it without exception. That means you have the foundation to use it. However, whether you actually become able to manifest magic... depends heavily on talent. I cannot guarantee that you will be able to use it."
As Lilia-san spoke, Lunamaria-san—who had resurrected at some point—placed a book in front of each of us. Ah, she just shot me a resentful glare. Hey, what happened earlier was your own fault.
"It's said that during a Hero summoning, the individuals become able to understand the language of this world. Since you all seem to understand our speech, I don't believe there will be an issue, but please check the text just in case."
This was a classic trope, but an incredibly important one. My English grades had been terrible; if I didn't have a language comprehension buff, I’d probably spend the whole year just learning how to read.
With that thought, I looked down at the book. I could clearly read the words: "Introduction to Magic." Oh, I can actually read it.
"...There seem to be no problems. Now, regarding the actual manifestation of magic... to be honest, it's quite difficult. While there are large individual differences, it requires a significant amount of time to master."
"There are very few people who can use magic well enough to earn a living as a Mage," Lunamaria added.
I immediately understood why Lilia-san and Lunamaria-san were being so cautious. As I flipped through the book, I saw it was filled with incredibly dense theories and complex formulas.
"This looks... difficult."
"Ugh, I'm ready to give up just by looking at the pictures."
Kusunoki and Yuzuki shared my sentiment, staring at the introductory book with grim expressions. This definitely wasn't something you could master in a day or two. It seemed impossible.
"Fufufu, even I took three months before I could activate a simple spell."
"Milady was actually on the faster side. The average is about one year."
"……That does sound tough."
I was honestly a little—no, quite shocked. It wasn't like I wanted to use magic to fight monsters, but I’d definitely wanted to try it out.
"……However, that is only if you are 'activating the magic yourself.'"
"""Eh?"""
"Since the Friendship Treaty, the most revolutionary technology to come from the Demon Realm has been 'Magic Tools'—the technology to store magic formulas. There are gemstones called Magic Crystals that can store both mana and formulas. By pre-loading a spell into them, anyone can use that magic simply by touching it."
"Wait... like those blue gems in the bathroom?"
"Yes, exactly. In your world—I believe you called them 'batteries'? In the same way, if you pre-store mana in a Magic Crystal, the user only needs a tiny amount of their own power to trigger the stored spell. Nowadays, this is the mainstream. Technicians who can create these Magic Tools are the ones usually called Mages."
"As a side note," Lunamaria put in, "magic tools with high offensive power require official permits, and their use within city limits is strictly prohibited. And of course, there are purchase restrictions."
I see. So Magic Tools are essentially the equivalent of flashlights or lighters in our world. We’d been using them in the bathroom and our rooms just by touching them; no difficult theory required.
"So, to put it bluntly... unless you're aiming to become a professional Mage, you don't strictly need to study magic. But as I said, mastery varies by individual, and being able to cast spells on your own is very convenient. It wouldn't hurt to learn the basics."
As she spoke, Lilia-san manifested a glowing magic circle in her hand, and a gentle breeze swirled through the room.
"There are attributes of Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Thunder, Light, and Darkness, plus No-attribute magic—eight types in total. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. For example, my specialty is Wind, while Luna’s is Water."
"Seeing it in person is really something else," Yuzuki whispered, looking impressed.
While she admired the demonstration, my mind went back to the magic-like things Kuro used. That multi-purpose coat was definitely magic, but what attribute was it? Usually, you'd think Darkness for a demon, right? The coat was black, too... but then again, the tatami mats she brought out were green. I’d have to ask her next time.
"You may keep those books. Please look through them when you have the time."
After that, we received about an hour of theoretical explanation before being dismissed.
The second day in this other world passed without incident. By nightfall, I was in my room reading the introductory book, but honestly, it was all Greek to me.
Each attribute had its own theory and fundamental formulas; it was incredibly complex. Apparently, people in this world attend a Magic Academy to learn it. Lilia-san had learned in the knights, and Lunamaria-san had gone to an academy. It was that hard to learn on your own; having a specialist instructor was considered essential.
Lilia-san had offered to arrange an instructor if I was interested, but I felt bad about being a burden and declined.
It was also exactly as I’d imagined: Demons were overwhelmingly superior to Humankind in magic. While proficiency varied, almost all Demons could use some form of magic. However, most Demons apparently used magic by pure instinct. Reaching a level where one could actually teach others was limited to high-ranking Demons with advanced knowledge, so Demon instructors were almost unheard of.
Demons of that caliber could supposedly cast spells without incantations or even magic circles—Wait. Haven't I seen that somewhere? Isn't that exactly what Kuro does? If so, I could just ask her... but I had no idea when she’d show up—
"I felt like somebody called me!"
"Bwah!?"
The moment the thought crossed my mind, the little girl Demon appeared gallantly—by trespassing into my room. Her black coat fluttered, revealing a glimpse of white legs. Her coat was so oversized I hadn't noticed before, but was she wearing shorts underneath...? No, that's not the point! That was way too fast! Why did you appear the second I thought of you!? This girl has to be psychic.
"It’s another lovely night, isn't it~"
"...A-Ah... wait, when did you even!?"
"Now, now, don't sweat the small stuff. Here, baby castella. I put jam in them today!"
At that point, aren't they just mini jam buns? Is there even a point in making them look like baby castellas?
As I popped the naturally offered snack into my mouth, Kuro naturally sat in a chair she’d pulled out of nowhere and placed a cup of coffee on the table.
Faced with her innocent, beaming smile, I either got used to her antics or just didn't have the energy to argue anymore. I just drank the coffee she gave me. Then, I suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, wait... wasn't today the day where Demons aren't supposed to eat anything except 'specified' items?"
"Yep. These are specified, so it’s fine."
"I... I see."
I’d recalled what Lilia said about the Demon New Year, but apparently, baby castellas and coffee were on the approved list. Just who among the Six Kings specified baby castellas and coffee? Or maybe this combo is just that popular in the Demon Realm.
Kuro then noticed the book in my hand and tilted her head curiously.
"Hmm? What's that book?"
"Oh, it’s an introductory book on magic."
"Heh~ you're learning magic? Oh, is that why you wanted to see me?"
"Well, yeah, something like that. I tried reading it, but with eight different types, I don't even know where to start..."
"Eight types? But there are only 'two' types of magic, right?"
"……Huh?"
I’d been about to complain about how hard it was to learn eight different theories, but I froze at her casual remark.
Only two? I was told there were seven—Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Thunder, Light, and Darkness—plus No-attribute. That makes eight.
"Only two?"
"Yeah. There's 'Non-conversion Magic,' where you just use mana as it is, and 'Conversion Magic,' where you change mana into stuff like fire or water. That’s it."
"……Um... Kuro, I have to ask... normally, how long does it take to learn how to cast a simple spell?"
"Hmm. It depends on your talent, but usually... 'one day at the fastest, one month at the longest,' I think?"
"……Huh?"
Dear Mother, Father—I've started learning about magic. But between the Demons and Humankind... their stories don't match up.