Things You Can't Do Alone

He ran to the water's edge, undeterred by getting wet, and took my hand.

"My dad called me and said, 'Susie's calling for you.'"

That survival-obsessed principal? I stared in amazement as Adam nodded emphatically.

"When using powerful magic, human magical power isn't enough. We need the help of nature's forces."

Adam pointed to the neighboring island—a volcanic island emitting black smoke, where he had taken his practical training in terrain-altering magic. Adam's ability was "earth."

"I wonder if I can do it..."

"I can do it. I've been training for a long time."

Adam looked much stronger and more tanned than before, a truly manly man.

(It's not fair that he's come back after so long and looks even cooler!)

I ignored Adam and continued walking along the beach.

"Hey! Wait a minute! Where are you going? I'm your senior, you know?"

"I wasn't there during that difficult time, and now you're suddenly back."

"We both have so much to talk about, don't we?"

It was a long-awaited reunion with my mentor. We lay on an antique sofa with clawed legs and talked for ages. When I fell asleep, she covered me with a blanket.

We used flight magic and rode our brooms towards the volcanic island.

Above the crater, I unfolded the gigantic magic circle I had constructed into the air. However, the lines of light were broken and never fully connected.

"No way, with just two people, we don't have nearly enough magical power, let alone the number of characters needed for the spell...!"

It was at that moment, when I was overcome with impatience.

"Susie! Why didn't you call me?!"