Chapter 21: Learning as I Teach

The following morning, Y sat alone inside a vast hall, empty of people.

A teacher without students, quiet, his gaze wandering across the space in silence, while his fingers idly played with a pen.

Behind him hung a painting he had made himself—an exact depiction of the very hall, drawn with striking precision.

The air was so still that one could hear nothing but his own breathing, until the silence was broken by the sound of footsteps entering the hall.

Ash appeared, her eyes sweeping over the scene with a faint smile.

—“I didn’t know you had talent.”

Y: “Do you mean the painting, or the way I spin the pen between my fingers?”

Ash: “Both. I’ve never seen you draw before.”

Y: “I never felt like drawing.”

Ash: “Yet your level seems high.”

Y: “I’m not sure. All I can really do is copy what I see… or in other words, reproduce anything before my eyes.”

Ash (laughing): “So now you copy magic too, not just sketches. But tell me—why did you learn to draw in the first place?”

Y: “In the game we used to play, there was a feature where you could design your own character.

Many of the players there were artists, and some began sketching the characters of their teammates as gifts.

I asked a few of the artists in my team if they could draw mine, but it seems my request bothered them… so they ignored it.

That was when I decided to learn to draw myself, so I could create my own character.”

Ash: “And did you draw it, in the end?”

Y: “Not yet. If I did now, I think I wouldn’t draw again.

I know myself too well… I only painted the hall because I was bored.”

Ash (glancing around): “The hall is almost too quiet…”

She walked with confident steps and took a seat on one of the benches, her tone playful:

—“I could be your student.”

Y chuckled softly.

—“On the contrary, I should be learning from you.”

Moments later, Anna, Diona, and Lunaria entered the hall.

Ash raised her hand cheerfully:

—“Perfect timing—the great Professor Y is about to begin his lecture.”

The girls took their seats. Anna smiled brightly:

—“We wouldn’t want to miss Professor Y’s very first class.”

Y replied:

—“You already know the nature of magic in this world. There’s nothing I need to explain.”

Anna raised her hand in jest:

—“Who wants to see Y actually teach? Hands up!”

At once, every hand shot into the air—even Lunaria spoke with interest:

—“I’m curious too.”

Y smiled faintly.

—“Very well. But remember… this was your request.”

He rose to his feet and asked in a calm tone:

—“First question: what are the most important classes for hunters?”

Lunaria hesitated before answering:

—“And what does this have to do with magic?”

Y, coldly:

—“The question is directed at you, Lunaria.”

Lunaria: “I suppose a mage can both attack and heal at the same time.”

Y: “Not a bad answer… but incomplete. What if their mana runs out?”

Diona interjected:

—“Then wouldn’t the swordsman be better?”

Y: “Another incomplete answer.”

Anna spoke up with a small smile:

—“They’re all important.”

Y’s lips curved.

—“Correct. You get the point.”

He continued:

—“A good team is built on balance between the classes.”

Lunaria thought for a moment, then said:

—“That’s true… In the past, every party was made up of four main roles:

the swordsman as the core fighter,

the knight to shield the team,

the mage for offense and support,

and the archer to attack from afar.

But over time, new roles emerged—like assassins, or battle-mages, and many more.”

As the conversation carried on, two girls passed by the classroom and paused at the doorway.

One whispered softly:

—“Who is that teacher? I haven’t seen him before.”

The other replied:

—“He’s the one the Headmaster mentioned.”

The first girl’s eyes widened:

—“So this is the man who managed to wound the Headmaster without using magic?”

Before they could continue, the sound of slow footsteps echoed down the hall, each accompanied by the steady tap of a cane against the floor.

—“Are you interested in him?”

They turned quickly.

—“Headmaster! Why are you here?”

Dansleif smiled with his usual dignified presence.

—“This is my university, after all.”

He cast a contemplative glance toward Y in the distance and murmured:

—“He seems to be enjoying himself.”

Turning away, he walked off slowly, his voice carrying like gentle counsel:

—“You haven’t chosen a teacher yet, have you? My advice… take advantage of this one while you can. No one knows when he will appear again.”

The girls exchanged a long look before one of them asked:

—“So what do we do now?”

The other answered in a serious tone:

—“It’s rare to hear the Headmaster recommend someone. Besides, I’ve already learned everything this university can offer me. Choosing another teacher here won’t add much. What about you?”

The first lowered her gaze.

—“I don’t have any other choice. I struggle with controlling my magic. My brother, Leonard, is one of the instructors… and he’s asked the others not to accept me. So I’ll choose this man.”

Her companion smiled lightly.

—“Then… let’s go in.”

⸻

Y was about to ask his next question when he stopped, noticing the two girls entering.

He stepped forward calmly and introduced himself:

—“I’m the temporary instructor until the exams are over. How can I help you?”

One of the young women, radiating a strong red aura, stepped forward with confidence.

—“My name is Klee.”

Her hair, black tinged with crimson, was cut just short enough to frame her face neatly, and in her hand she held a uniquely crafted magic staff. Her clothes, however, were unlike anything worn by the university’s mages.

—“My magic is fire and explosion. I specialize in offense and support.”

Then the other girl bowed with professional grace.

—“My name is Angela. My magic is light, and I specialize in offense.”

Her attire was immaculate, her golden hair styled in ornate waves that reflected both calmness and quiet confidence.

Y looked at them and spoke softly:

—“Tell me… what do you expect from me?”

Klee: “Honestly, I don’t know. But you seem different from the university’s instructors.”

Y: “And you, Angela?”

Angela: “You’re my only option.”

Y nodded.

—“I see… one girl who wishes to become the best fire mage, and another who seeks control over her magic. Am I right?”

Klee and Angela, both startled:

—“How did you know?!”

Y smiled faintly.

—“It’s simple. An aura is the user’s soul. Klee, your aura is strong, but something is holding it back.

As for you, Angela—your aura burns like fire itself, difficult to control.”

Klee stared at him in awe.

—“With a single glance, you revealed our truth… it seems we’ve come to the right place.”

Y gestured toward the seats.

—“Please, take a seat.”

They sat quietly, and Y continued:

—“Next question… what are the fundamental elements of magic?”

Klee interrupted, a hint of shyness in her voice:

—“Forgive me, but isn’t that common knowledge?”

Y smiled.

—“You’re right, it may sound trivial. But even the greatest things are built upon simple questions.

And I am here to learn as well… so this question is important to me.”

Ash answered:

—“The basic elements: fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning… with light and darkness sometimes added.”

Klee: “Not only that—there are derivatives, like iron magic or nature magic.”

Ash: “True! And there are the unique magics, the rare ones, like gravity or blood magic.”

Angela: “Even light and darkness could be considered unique in their own way.”

Y responded quietly:

—“I have nothing to add.”

After a brief silence, he asked again:

—“But why does magic use differ from one person to another, even if they share the same type?”

Ash: “For many reasons—imagination, study, heritage, talent, even personality… and perhaps the amount of magic one possesses as well.”

Y’s lips curved faintly.

—“As expected from a remarkable spirit.”

Klee shifted slightly.

—“But… I still don’t understand why you ask these questions.”

Diona spoke lightly:

—“Because Y doesn’t know much about this world’s magic.”

Klee turned to her in shock.

—“What?! He’s a teacher… there’s no way he’s ignorant of magical laws!”

Then she faced Y seriously.

For a moment, silence fell, and every gaze settled on him.

Y sat calmly on his chair, placed one hand over the other, and looked at them with a serene smile.

Anna and Ash couldn’t hold back their laughter before Y finally said, quietly:

—“Diona is right.”

Angela: “So… you weren’t joking when you said you’re here to learn?”

Y: “It seems there’s a misunderstanding. I do have a solid background in magic—but I’m simply seeking more knowledge.”

Ash: “In short, Y appeared in this world only six months ago. He hasn’t had enough time to study magic in depth… but that doesn’t mean he’s ignorant. He already holds a wealth of experience.”

Klee: “That makes sense… and enrolling in the University of Mages to study magic is the best choice.”

Angela: “But how did you manage to wound the Headmaster in such a short time?”

Y: “On the contrary, it was a one-sided fight. Dansleif dropped an entire meteor on me… but at the very least, I managed to wound him.”

Klee: “That’s an incredible feat. Most mages here can’t even reach half his level, and yet you were able to harm him!”

Y: “He commands many elements.”

Klee: “Nearly all elements… that’s why he’s called the King of Mages.”

Y (quietly, with a faint smile):

—“Just as I thought.”

Suddenly, the ringing of the bell resounded across the university grounds.

Y: “So, class is over…”

Then, glancing around, he asked calmly:

—“By the way, where is the library?”

Angela: “Follow us.”

Klee: “We’ve arrived.”

She pushed open the door, revealing a vast library, immense and perfectly organized, its rows of books stretching almost endlessly. The air was heavy with the scent of old paper and magic.

Klee: “Angela, shouldn’t you be preparing for your exam?”

Angela: “Sir Alexander!”

Y and the others turned toward a man in his thirties. He wore enchanted spectacles and held a book in his hand. His appearance was refined, blending so seamlessly with the library’s atmosphere that he seemed to be a part of it.

Klee: “Allow me to introduce him. This is Mr. Alexander, the keeper of the library.”

Alexander placed a hand upon his chest and inclined his head slightly with a gentle smile.

—“An honor to meet you.”

Klee: “And these are… Anna the elf, Ash the spirit, Lunaria the human, and finally Diona the cat.”

Angela: “And the last one… where’s the teacher?”

Ash: “Over there… among the books.”

Alexander turned toward the shelves, and when his eyes fell upon the man standing there, they widened in shock.

Klee: “This is our teacher… his name—”

Alexander: “Y…”

Y turned slowly, a calm smile on his face.

—“Alex? It’s been a while. How have you been, my old friend?”

Klee: “You two know each other?”

Alexander: “How could I not? Y was the one who shared the most hunting adventures with me. His hair was smooth as silk, and his weapon was a twin blade capable of cutting through anything… a kind heart impossible to forget.”

He chuckled lightly before adding:

—“It’s been so long. I never thought you’d still remember me after all that’s changed.”

Y: “I never forget someone I enjoyed fighting beside.”

Alexander: “I’m glad to hear that. By the way, where have you been all this time? Many people have been searching for you.”

Y: “It’s a long story…”

Then, with a faint smile:

—“But I’m not who I used to be.”

Alexander: “You reappeared only six months ago… In any case, it’s good to see you again. The team was far too quiet after you were expelled.”

Y: “I would expect so.”

Ash: “Expelled? You mean there was actually a team that dared to throw Y out? Their leader must’ve been brainless.”

Alexander: “I won’t argue with that. His expulsion was kept secret, never made public.”

Anna: “I know what you’re talking about.”

Y: “It’s an old story… and it’s over.”

Diona: “But why was he expelled?”

Alexander: “Because he tried to help.”

Lunaria: “What do you mean?”

Anna: “Years ago… in the other world.”

A hush fell over the group before she continued, her tone calm and steady:

“Y had joined a new team in a game that was the most popular at the time. There was a mission—nearly impossible: a monster that could kill any player in a single strike. We tried over and over, and fell just as many times, until at last we brought it down.”

“After that, we began helping others. Y would check player records at the gathering hub, and he noticed that some members of his team hadn’t cleared the mission. Elishel was one of them.”

“He offered her his help… and she agreed. But her level wasn’t high enough. We kept trying for a whole week, and she failed every time. Then he told her he would ask some of our friends for support.”

“The next day, she left without a word… and began avoiding Y. Every time he entered the hub, she would walk out. I couldn’t understand why.”

“Until her close friend appeared, and told Y:

‘If you approach her again, you’ll pay the price.’”

“Y simply answered, calmly:

‘I don’t care what you say. If she doesn’t want me, she can just say so herself.’”

“That was when Elishel stepped in and said:

‘You just want to humiliate me… because I’m weaker than you. I don’t want your help.’”

“Her friend added confidently:

‘You heard her. We don’t need you.’”

“But Y replied quietly:

‘You need help more than she does.’”

“After a string of conflicts… he was expelled from the team.

The leader… was her friend as well.”

Klee: “Clearly, that was nothing more than a misunderstanding.”

Y: “An old story… no need to dwell on it.”

Alexander: “How can I help you?”

Y: “I’m looking for books on magical tools.”

Alexander: “I understand.”

He stretched his hand into the air, and suddenly a book appeared out of nothing, a slip of paper dangling from it, marked with a complex magical seal.

Y: “Is that your magic?”

Alexander: “It’s a technique I learned recently.”

He raised his hand to reveal the same slip of paper and explained:

—“This sheet is made from magic itself, and the seal upon it allows the transfer of anything to or from it, depending on the inscription used.”

Y: “May I examine it for a moment?”

Alexander: “Of course.”

Y took the paper and studied it intently. He traced the intertwined lines with his fingers, then spoke with a faint smile:

—“Interesting…”

Angela: “He’s smiling.”

Ash: “That means he has a crazy idea.”

Y: “Klee, Angela… where is Dansleif’s office?”

Klee: “Follow me.”

Y: “I’ll take the paper with me for a while.”

Diona: “I’m coming too!”

And together they set off toward the Headmaster’s office.

⸻

Ash: “How long have you known Y, Mr. Alexander?”

Alexander: “Just Alexander.

As for Y… the story goes back far. We didn’t talk much, but we were in the same team for a time, and shared many missions.”

He sighed before continuing:

—“But after his expulsion, he vanished without a trace.”

Anna: “The expulsion wasn’t the reason. Right after that, his main account was lost. He left the game for a while, until he managed to regain access.”

Alexander: “He lost his account? That explains a lot.”

Ash: “Tell me more about him.”

Alexander: “Of course—but don’t think of me as his closest friend.

I remember the first time I saw him in the game… He cleared the main story in a single week, then spent two more weeks reaching level seventy-five. After that, he joined the team I was in.”

He paused, smiling faintly as though recalling an old scene.

—“For us, it was refreshing to see new players, but Y was entirely different. He didn’t talk much, and he joined any mission, no matter how dangerous. He preferred quests with fewer players… and he loved recording battles.”

His gaze drifted upward, as if reliving the past.

—“With each mission, he grew at an astonishing pace. In no time, he was standing shoulder to shoulder with the greatest players. Even the veterans began to seek his advice.”

Anna (laughing): “I remember it clearly—they thought he was some veteran playing under a new identity!”

Alexander: “Having him in any mission made the fiercest monsters seem easy.”

Anna: “I still remember when the final monster appeared…”

Alexander: “Yes, the great dragon… able to defeat anyone in a single strike.”

Lunaria: “One strike?!”

Ash: “It must’ve been a nightmare!”

Anna: “It was—the entire community struggled with that quest.”

Alexander: “True. But thanks to Y’s insight, his clever use of shields and the right tools, he reduced the difficulty greatly.”

Anna: “He used the Holy Blessing back then… but his method spread later among players, though no one knew who created it first.”

Alexander: “Before Y, the Holy Blessing was considered an ordinary skill. But thanks to him, it became a cornerstone of hunter combat strategy.”

Suddenly, the library doors burst open.

Klee (breathless): “We have a problem!”

Alexander: “Klee! What happened?”

Klee: “Leonard… challenged Y to a fight!”

Alexander: “What?!”

Ash: “Who’s Leonard?”

Alexander: “Leonard is Angela’s elder brother.”

Klee: “They’re on their way to the arena right now!”

Alexander: “Then we must hurry!”

Y stood there in silence, his presence alone sending shivers down spines.

His features were shrouded in shadow, as though even the light itself hesitated to approach him.

Rose: “The fight is about to begin…”

Anna: “What happened?”

Angela: “It’s all because of me… I’m the reason.”

Klee: “No, that’s not true.”

Dansleif: “The fault lies with Leonard.”

⸻

A few minutes earlier…

Y and the girl had entered the office, where Leonard and Rose were already seated, waiting as though they had anticipated this moment.

Dansleif lifted his gaze with a faint smile.

—“I thought you’d be busy.”

Y, with his usual composure:

—“I want this spell for someone.”

Dansleif: “It’s a simple technique for transferring items quickly… what will you use it for?”

Y smiled softly.

—“To move a few things.”

Dansleif chuckled.

—“You trickster… it seems you’ve got something interesting planned again.”

He opened a small portal and drew out a book.

—“The technique is within this tome. Open it, and you’ll learn it. But you’ll need practice to master it.”

Y: “I assume you’ll want something in return.”

Dansleif: “Not this time. It’s relatively simple—no price to pay. By the way, who’s the girl with you?”

Y: “Her name is Diona.”

Rose, watching intently:

—“So she’s the one in need of help.”

Dansleif looked toward her.

—“Tell me, girl, do you know the nature of your magic?”

Diona (hesitant): “I think it’s similar to Anna’s…”

Dansleif: “It is far more unique than that.”

Diona (startled): “You know what my magic is? But I’ve only used it once!”

Dansleif: “I am the one most versed in magic in this world.”

Diona: “Then… what is it?”

Dansleif (calmly): “You will learn soon… very soon.”

Suddenly, the office door burst open—Klee and Angela stepped inside.

Klee: “Y, aren’t you done yet?”

Dansleif: “Have you chosen your teacher?”

Klee: “Yes. Y will be our teacher.”

Rose: “I didn’t expect that.”

In that moment, Leonard’s face changed. His calm expression vanished, replaced with tension and anger.

He spoke sharply:

—“Professor Y… I demand that you dismiss Angela.”

Y lifted his eyes toward him with quiet steadiness.

—“A sudden request, Professor Leonard… you must have a logical reason.”

Leonard: “She’s my younger sister. I want to train her myself.”

Y: “I don’t recall any law forbidding me to teach her. And she chose me herself. I won’t abandon someone who placed their trust in me.”

Leonard’s voice rose as he turned to Dansleif:

—“Headmaster, I object!

Klee is one of the university’s prodigies—she should be under our supervision.

And Angela is my sister, which makes me more fit to train her than this man… who possesses no magic!”

Then he shouted:

—“I challenge you to a duel! The winner earns the right to train both Klee and Angela!”

Diona (angrily): “Y is a great teacher!”

Leonard (mocking): “Look who’s talking… a girl who doesn’t even know her own magic.”

He reached out his hand toward Diona’s head—

But Y’s expression shifted.

The calm mask was gone.

In its place, a single look—one that thickened the very air in the room.

He stepped forward slowly, his voice cold and cutting:

—“You’ll have your wish.”

Leonard flinched despite himself, looking away from Y.

—“You are all witnesses.”

⸻

Back to the present—at the arena.

Rose: “It looks like this will be an exciting match…”

Dansleif (quietly): “I don’t see it as a match at all.”

Rose: “What do you mean?”

Dansleif: “The outcome was decided the moment Y agreed.”

Anna (softly): “You don’t understand what it means to anger Y.”

Dansleif: “You will… very soon.”

At the heart of the arena, Y drew his twin blades.

He didn’t take a stance.

He didn’t show readiness.

He simply… stood.

As if his presence alone was threat enough.

Leonard (furious): “If you won’t move, I’ll make you!”

Then—silence.

Not the silence of anticipation.

But a suffocating silence, as though the world itself had stopped.

In that instant, Leonard saw himself dead.

Not an illusion—

But a flash in his mind:

A wound, a severed hand, his body collapsing without resistance.

He trembled.

“What is this feeling…?”

Every cell in his body screamed.

Every breath came heavy.

Even the air whispered: “One more step… and you die.”

He lifted his eyes slowly toward Y…

And what he saw before him was not human.

Leonard (to himself): “What… is this man?”

On the side, Rose felt the aura press against her chest.

“What is happening…?”

But Dansleif’s voice was steady:

—“This is the difference between one who holds true power… and one who merely shouts.”

“One single step separated Leonard from his end.”

Lunaria: “This feeling… it’s the same as my first encounter with Y.”

Then Y moved.

He didn’t swing a blade.

He didn’t raise his voice.

He simply walked forward, steady, passing by Leonard as though he didn’t exist, and spoke quietly:

—“Next time, think twice before you insult someone I know… especially if she’s my little sister.”

And he left the arena without a backward glance.

Leonard froze in place, his body screaming, his legs refusing to move.

He muttered with a trembling voice:

—“Your… little sister…”

Rose (stunned): “He… walked out? Does that mean he forfeited?”

Dansleif: “No. He spared Leonard the humiliation,

and proved to everyone who is stronger… without disgracing anyone.”

Ash: “The students may think he withdrew…

But those who truly understand know exactly who the victor is.”

Y gathered with Klee, Angela, and Lunaria after the events in the arena had ended.

The air was heavy with awe and respect, silence falling before any words were spoken.

Angela bowed shyly and said,

“Thank you… for what you did for me.”

Y: “There’s no need for that. In the end, your brother isn’t evil… only someone who doesn’t know how to express what he truly feels.”

He lifted his gaze to the group, his calm voice steady as always:

“It’s time to begin the real training.”

He then drew out an old book and placed it into Lunaria’s hands.

“And this… is a gift for you.”

Lunaria (astonished): “A spellbook?”

She opened it, but the words vanished at that very moment.

Suddenly, Dansleif appeared, with Rose and the others alongside him.

Dansleif smiled as his eyes fell on Y.

“So this is your idea…?”

Y: “Now, we are ready.”

He extended his sword toward Lunaria.

“Hold this for a moment… we’re going to the training grounds.”

Dansleif struck the ground with his palm. Complex magic circles flared beneath them,

and in an instant, everyone was transported to a vast training field.

Rose: “I haven’t seen you this excited in a long time.”

Dansleif: “You’re about to witness something remarkable…”

Klee (curious): “What is he going to do now?”

Y produced the paper he had taken from Alexander and began studying it with painstaking focus.

Time crept by as everyone watched his concentrated silence.

After ten minutes, he finally raised his head with confidence.

“I’m ready.”

He retrieved his weapons from Lunaria, then signaled to Diona.

“Step closer.”

Diona approached—only for a sword to materialize before Y, born of Lunaria’s magic!

Lunaria (stunned): “I forgot… he can do that.”

Rose: “How is he able to wield magic?!”

Y lifted his hand, and a sheet of paper appeared, inscribed with a familiar magical seal.

Alexander: “That’s the technique!”

Y set the paper on the ground, then conjured another and pressed it onto the sword.

He raised the blade high, then suddenly grasped Diona—

and the two vanished together!

The next instant, they reappeared at the sword’s location, where another blade was embedded in the earth.

Anna (in shock): “But… if we combined this with Lunaria’s multiple swords, it would transform her entire combat style!”

Ash: “Not just that… the fact that Lunaria and Y can work as a team—this alone is extraordinary.”

Dansleif: “I agree. Y could be seen as a second version of anyone he observes…

but when his skills merge with Lunaria’s magic, it surpasses all expectations.”

Y advanced slowly to the center of the field.

He raised his hand, and countless swords began forming in the air—

each one bearing the same sealed paper.

Rose: “Every sword carries the same seal…

that means endless possibilities in battle!”

“If someone mastered this, they’d be a foe to be reckoned with.”

Klee (confidently): “It’s not a big deal. I can destroy them all in a single strike.”

She unleashed a massive explosion toward the floating blades.

But in a flash, Y moved lightly among them,

releasing only two swords—one to meet Klee’s attack, the other soaring upward.

And then… the explosion vanished, erupting instead high above in the sky with a thunderous roar.

Klee (staggered): “What just happened?!”

Alexander: “He transferred your attack! The first sword absorbed your energy,

and the second determined where it would be released.”

Angela: “Such precision… such incredible reflexes!”

Rose: “Does that mean he can transfer us as well?”

Meanwhile, Diona’s eyes stayed fixed on the paper, her thoughts burning in silence:

“I want to learn this technique… no matter what it takes.”

Dansleif stood in silence, watching the aftermath unfold.

For a long moment, he said nothing—only a faint smile curved his lips, one that carried both pride and a quiet ache.

Then, without another word, he turned away, his coat brushing lightly against the marble floor as he walked toward the exit.

As he reached the doorway, his gaze drifted for an instant, and a thought passed through him like a whisper only he could hear:

“You didn’t lie… my old friend.”

He left the hall in silence, leaving behind the echo of his steps—

and the faint warmth of a smile that spoke more than words ever could.

Y then leapt lightly onto one of the floating swords,

looked down at Lunaria, and said:

“Your training ends here. The rest… depends on you.”

Angela: “It seems we truly are in the right place.”

Lunaria (softly, her eyes on him):

“I never imagined he had thought of all this… not only did he teach me,

he gave me an enchantment made perfectly for me.”

She lifted her gaze to him with a gentle smile.

And within her heart, the decision was already made:

“I’ve decided… I will join them.”

While peace lingered over the Academy of Magic…

the spark of war ignited at the gates of Mond.

In a distant kingdom, Team Mond stepped forward — bearing the honor of their realm.

Its members stood together beneath the silent sky: King, Aris, Kaguya, L, and the newest among them — Scarlet.

King:

“We stick to the plan… no one acts on their own.”

The banners of Mond were raised high, while the eyes of the world followed the scene through a live broadcast from the battlefield.

⸻

Meanwhile, atop Mond’s walls,

a tall man stood firmly, his gaze fixed on the horizon, with Leona by his side.

Below, a massive army marched steadily toward the gates.

Man:

“Are you certain about this? Because I won’t leave anyone alive this time.”

Leona:

“No one else can stop them right now but you.”

Before she could continue, a blazing spear tore through the sky, crashing down like a meteor into the front plaza!

Leona (shocked):

“Who’s there?!”

From the rising dust, a man appeared, clad in a black skin-tight suit beneath a short jacket.

He stood with absolute confidence, speaking in a calm tone:

Phoenix:

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Zinger… How’s your daughter, Scarlet?”

Zinger (in a heavy voice):

“And you? Weren’t you on another raid, Phoenix?”

Phoenix:

“I received a message not long ago… It said my brother has finally appeared. That’s why I’m here.”

Zinger:

“My brother? You mean… Y?”

Phoenix:

“You know him?”

Zinger:

“You could say that.”

Phoenix stepped to the edge of the wall, his sharp eyes fixed on the advancing army. A faint smile curved his lips.

“How bold of them… they even set up broadcast devices so the other kingdoms could watch.”

⸻

Down below, the army’s commander raised his voice with fury:

“We are the army of Estinor!

We have come to reclaim the honor of our prince, humiliated in the duel!”

He thrust his hand forward:

“Fire the attack!”

Dozens of magical blasts rained toward the fortress walls.

But before they could strike, a man with long hair and an imposing armor engraved with runes raised his shield.

A black gate, like a devouring void, opened from it—

swallowing all the attacks in an instant.

Phoenix:

“Leave them to us.”

He then leapt off the wall into the battlefield below, his long spear gleaming under the fiery light.

Army Commander (alarmed):

“What are they doing? Rank A hunters, here?!”

Phoenix landed gracefully, driving his spear into the ground.

“I’m in a good mood today… I suggest you retreat before I change my mind.”

Leona (from above):

“Continuing this war means you’ll all be annihilated!”

The commander turned his gaze toward the man beside her — Zinger, Scarlet’s father.

His trembling voice grew louder:

“Even a Rank S hunter is here?!”

But before he could issue another order, a soldier came rushing, shouting in panic:

“Urgent report! Our kingdom… has lost the duel!”

The commander froze, heavy silence weighing over him. Then, with a grim face, he raised his hand.

“All troops… retreat immediately!”

At the Academy of Magic, a calm silence lingered after the day’s training.

Lunaria sat quietly, gazing at the sky, before asking in a hesitant voice:

Lunaria:

“I have a question… How can Y use more than one kind of magic when he doesn’t possess any magic of his own?”

Anna (with a faint smile):

“That’s a good question… and the answer isn’t as complicated as you think.”

Klee (surprised):

“I’ve never heard of such a thing before.

Someone giving up their magic, yet still using the magic of others? That makes no sense at all.”

Anna:

“On the contrary… it makes perfect sense.”

Ash:

“Y appeared in this world without magic — without any power at all.

But he learned from every battle he fought, and from every person he met.

He observed, he noticed, he analyzed everything around him.

And yet, only a few truly understand his real value.”

She turned to Lunaria with a gentle smile.

Anna:

“You’ll find out who he really is… very soon.”

Lunaria (softly):

“I’ve been with him for a month now… and still, not a single day passes without him surprising me with something new.”

Klee (thoughtfully):

“So that’s how he uses the magic of others…

But I still don’t understand how he can control it, shaping such complex spells, especially when it’s his very first time using them!”

Lunaria:

“I have the same question…”

Angela:

“And me too… I want to know more about how he controls magic.”

Anna:

“Very well, I’ll explain it simply.

So far, Y relies on two main methods to learn new techniques so quickly.”

She stepped forward, speaking with deliberate focus:

Anna:

“The first… is careful observation.

For example, he watched Lunaria’s magic for an entire month.

That allowed him to analyze her technique with his own eyes and understand how it worked in detail.”

Ash:

“That’s true… and the second method is much harder.”

Anna:

“Exactly.

The second relies on letting the spell strike his own body.

From there, he analyzes it from within — through the pain, the impact, the magical structure he feels firsthand.

Just like when he was struck by Dansleif’s meteor spell…

He endured it multiple times, which allowed him to understand its inner structure.

And if he had the right energy, he could reproduce it himself.”

Anna (continuing):

“But even so, there are still techniques far too complex to learn with only these two methods.

That’s why he gains experience day after day, until eventually he reaches a stage where he can grasp any technique, no matter how complicated.”

A brief silence followed, before Rose spoke in a quiet tone of admiration:

Rose:

“I always wondered why Dansleif respects him so much…

Now I see.

He’s someone who makes perfect use of everything around him.”

Lunaria:

“And not just that…

He makes those around him grow stronger too, even if they’re not part of his team.”

Angela:

“He even thinks of his enemies before he thinks of himself sometimes.”

Diona smiled, her eyes full of confidence as she looked at the others. Then, with clear pride, she said:

Diona:

“Welcome to the team… This is our leader, Y.”

All eyes turned to him. Y, however, simply shook his head slightly and spoke in his calm, steady voice:

Y:

“I’m just a leader in name… nothing more.”