Magic—a concept practically synonymous with stories of other worlds—was a topic where Lilia-san’s explanation and Kuro’s words simply didn't align. Lilia-san had said that mastering magic was a difficult endeavor, taking a few months at the very least. In contrast, Kuro had just asserted that it could be mastered in a matter of days. Neither of them felt like they were lying, and yet...
"Kaito-kun, can you let me see that book for a second?"
"Eh? Oh, sure."
Perhaps Kuro shared my doubts, as she asked to look at the introductory text I was holding. Having no reason to refuse, I handed it over. Kuro flipped through the pages with a practiced ease.
"Ah, I see. So this is how Humankind teaches magic... It’s no wonder it takes so long."
"Does that mean the human study method is wrong?"
"Hm? No, I think it’s actually quite well-constructed. It’s just that... how should I put it? It feels more like they’re training 'magicians capable of crafting Magic Tools.' Since the process is tied so heavily to theory, I think it inevitably takes a long time."
"Wait, I’m not sure I follow..."
Kuro seemed to have reached a conclusion, but I was still in the dark. She closed the book, offering a lovely, endearing smile before explaining further.
"If you just want to activate a spell, all you need to do is grasp the sensation of moving your Magic Power. For example—"
"Whoa... the book is floating."
"Yep. I’m just using Magic Power to keep it aloft. As long as you can move your Magic Power even a little, anyone can do this regardless of whether they’re Humankind or a Demon. All it takes is the right image. However, if you wanted to create a Magic Tool that does the exact same thing, it gets a bit more complicated."
"I see..."
"Since making a Magic Tool involves engraving a Magic Formula into a Magic Crystal, doing this same thing would require... a formula to designate the target, a formula to make it float, one to adjust the height, and a switch to toggle the activation on and off. It would look something like this."
As Kuro spoke, lines of glowing characters manifested in the air, swirling together until they formed a circular Magic Circle. Seeing it like that made it truly feel like "magic."
"That’s the difference between using magic intuitively and using it theoretically. Think of it like this, Kaito-kun: you can move your own hands easily, right? But if someone told you to write down the exact biological and neurological principles behind that movement in words, wouldn't you find that difficult?"
"...I see. That makes sense."
"For us Demons, being able to use Basic Magic is a given. We only study the theory if we’re aiming to be a Magic Tool Craftsman or if we want to use more complex, powerful spells. But for Humankind, I suppose the sentiment is that anyone who can use magic should also be able to make Magic Tools. That’s why they study the theory from the start. It’s very much like the serious, hardworking Humankind."
Kuro’s explanation was remarkably clear. There was no doubt that humans had a tendency to overcomplicate things.
It wasn't that one way was right and the other wrong; it was simply a cultural difference. Just as Lilia-san had mentioned earlier, for Humankind, a magic user was a professional specialist. For Demons, magic was a basic life skill, and only the "scientists" who researched it deeply were considered professionals.
"Well, this study won't be a waste. You’ll need a solid grasp of theory if you ever want to use High-level Magic. Humankind is quite good at detailed theoretical frameworks, so if you learn this, you’ll eventually be able to make Magic Tools yourself."
"Hmm. Still, I’d be lying if I said I didn't want to try using magic sooner rather than later."
"In that case, shall I teach you?"
"Eh?"
I understood the importance of theory, but I was in another world, after all. My desire to actually use magic was strong. Hearing that I could use simple spells in a short amount of time if I didn't worry about crafting tools made my heart lean toward her offer.
Seeing my reaction, Kuro made her proposal with a grin.
"You can keep studying the theory from that book, and I’ll teach you the sensory side of things. Believe it or not, I’m actually pretty good at magic."
"...Is that really okay?"
To be honest, it was an incredibly generous offer, but I also felt a bit intimidated. Kuro was undoubtedly—or rather, certainly—someone with a profound mastery of magic. At the very least, she was far and away the most powerful being I’d met in this world so far. Between pulling things out of her coat, creating tools to find specific people just by thinking of them, and flying through the sky, it felt like there was nothing she couldn't do.
"It’s fine! I’ve taken a liking to you, Kaito-kun, so I’ll teach you what I can."
"T-Thank you."
She gave me a smile filled with straightforward, unconcealed affection. I had no idea what she had found to like about me, but Kuro was incredibly friendly toward me. While she certainly dragged me along on her whims, talking to her brought a strange sense of security. More than anything, she made me feel at ease.
Well, I suppose I am a man... Even if her actual age was far greater than mine, being the target of such direct affection from a girl this cute made me blush.
At the same time, a strange fear gripped me: was I actually a lolicon? No, that couldn't be it! I’m not a lolicon! I’ve just been a loner until now, and I’m just flustered because I’ve never had someone be this attached to me!
Regardless of whether she noticed my internal crisis, Kuro began the lesson with her usual beaming smile.
"All right, let's start with the absolute basics: how to handle Magic Power. Kaito-kun, can you feel your own Magic Power?"
"No, not at all."
"Yeah, well, you lived in a world without magic until now, so that’s only natural. Then, let’s try this—"
"–!?"
As Kuro circled her finger toward me, my body was suddenly enveloped in a faint light, and I felt a gentle, permeating warmth.
"I’ve wrapped your body in my own Magic Power and made it visible... How does it feel?"
"Hmm. Like being soaked in lukewarm water... It feels warm."
"Good. That sensation is important. That’s the basic state you need for using magic. For today, try moving around like that and get a firm grasp of what Magic Power feels like!"
Dear Mother, Father—I’ve gained a magic teacher in this other world. But I promise—I am not a lolicon.
A short time earlier, inside a certain building in the Demon Realm.
As Kuromueina was leisurely watching the Demons celebrate the New Year, a Demon wearing a ritual mask made of bone and feathers approached her.
"Krom-sama, an invitation has arrived from the Kingdom of Sinfonia."
"Hm? An invitation for what?"
Tossing a Baby Castella into her mouth, Kuromueina looked back with a look of genuine curiosity.
"It is for the New Year’s celebration. I expect it is also meant to introduce this year's Hero..."
"For the New Year? I wonder why they sent it this year of all years. Have I ever attended one before?"
"No, you have not. I suspect it is because Krom-sama visited the King not long ago."
As a Demon, Kuromueina usually spent the New Year according to the customs of the Demon Realm. She had never participated in the parties Humankind held on the fourth day of the New Year, and the humans, understanding this, had never bothered to send an invitation before.
However, an invitation had arrived this year. The Masked Demon surmised it was because she had recently visited the castle at the King of Sinfonia’s request.
"...I only went because I happened to be nearby."
"Ah, as I recall, you went to buy jam. Were you able to find something good?"
"Yeah, it has a lovely sweetness. It goes perfectly with Baby Castella."
"Ho-ho, that is wonderful to hear."
Hearing Kuromueina speak so happily, the Masked Demon nodded repeatedly, looking as pleased as if it were his own good fortune.
"...And regarding your response?"
"I’m not interested, so I’ll pass."
"Hahaha, I thought as much."
Kuromueina flatly dismissed the luxurious invitation bearing the King of Sinfonia's seal. The Masked Demon had clearly expected this answer and simply nodded without further question.
"However, you would have the chance to see this year’s Hero."
"I’m not interested in that either this year. I’ve already found a 'favorite' of my own..."
"Oh? Well now... that person is quite lucky to have caught Krom-sama's eye."
"Right? It’s been such a long time! I felt a spark the moment I saw him. It felt like fate!"
Her disinterested expression vanished, replaced by a radiant smile. The Masked Demon watched with a fond look as Kuromueina became visibly high-spirited, clearly enamored with this new person.
"Then I shall send word that you will not be attending."
"Yeah, do that. I’m completely focused on him right now, so I don't care about anything else."
"As Krom-sama wills..."
"Oh, and... could you write a letter to Shiro for me?"
"To Shallow Vernal-sama? I understand, but what should I write?"
Hearing the name Kuromueina used, the Masked Demon looked slightly surprised. There was only one person she called by that nickname—a being so significant that even he addressed her with the utmost respect. To the Masked Demon, she was a presence far above the clouds.
"Just keep it simple. Shiro will understand if you just say, 'Please give Kaito-kun a blessing.'"
"...Understood."
Though internally stunned by the request, the Masked Demon nodded.
At that moment, Kuromueina, who had been lounging on a plush sofa, suddenly bolted upright.
"Wait! I feel like Kaito-kun is calling me! I’m going for a bit!"
"Eh? Ah, yes. Have a safe journey..."
Before he could finish, Kuromueina vanished in a burst of black light, leaving the bewildered Masked Demon alone.
A moment later, a knight clad in jet-black armor approached.
"Oh? Where is Krom-sama?"
"Ah, Noin-dono... Apparently, she felt that someone named Kaito-kun was calling for her..."
"Kaito-kun? Ah, the person from another world who became Krom-sama’s favorite."
The jet-black knight, Noin, nodded understandingly as the Masked Demon spoke in a daze.
"Good heavens, she really does seem taken with him. To ask Shallow Vernal-sama for a blessing..."
"A blessing from Shallow Vernal-sama!? That is a truly staggering request. One hardly knows whether to be impressed by Krom-sama or simply shocked..."
"That poor soul from another world... his life is certainly going to be difficult."
"...Well, once you’ve caught Krom-sama’s interest, being whirled about by her whims is practically a certainty. It was the same for me, after all."
Realizing that a terrifying foundation was being laid without the person in question knowing a thing about it, the Masked Demon and Noin shared a sigh of pity for Kaito. They could only imagine his future, being dragged along by a master who was the living embodiment of free-spiritedness.