Magic Maker - How to make magic in another world - - Chapter 68.1

Magic Maker – How to make magic in another world –

Chapter 68.1   Who am I?

It’s hot.

My whole body is filled with heat.

What am I doing?

Where am I?

I don’t even have the luxury to think about such things.

Hot. Hot. Hot.

Something surges from within, permeating my body.

Stealing my will, even my body.

If I relax, it feels like my body might burst.

It was the limit of endurance.

I can’t take it anymore.

If I let my guard down, the power will be unleashed.

If that happens, I will die.

I hold an unfounded conviction.

Nothing is visible.

Darkness fills my field of vision, but then light emerges.

The light flickers from a distant place and approaches.

When it comes in front of me, I finally recognize its true form.

A fairy.

She is, without a doubt, the fairy I helped.

She flies in front of me, showering particles of light.

And when she stops in front of me, she shines exceptionally brightly.

Then, the darkness is instantly dyed white.

At the same time, the heat recedes, and the pain disappears.

The fairy smiles happily and disappears into the distance again.

What she left behind was the lingering fragrance of magic.

○●○

I woke up.

The first thing I saw was the ceiling.

Without thinking, I stared for a while, and then my eardrums vibrated.

“S-Shion-kun!?”

At the same time as I heard the voice, a shock ran through my body.

The faintly reaching scent was a smell I recognized.

“Mom…?”

“Yes. It’s your mother.”

My mom was hugging me.

Once I realized that, I understood that this place was safe.

The slight wariness I had been holding onto instantly dissipated.

It seemed to be Alfonse clinic.

It was like a private room with only one wooden bed and some furniture.

It was probably around noon, sunlight streaming in through the window.

As I felt my mom’s warmth, the door opened.

“Shion! Are you awake!?”

The one surprised to see me was Cole.

He quickly came to my side and began examining me.

After answering several questions, my mom, though looking worried, stepped back to watch my movements.

“…Everything seems normal. There doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with your body.”

Relief washed over my mom’s face, and my chest twinged.

“How long have I been sleeping?”

“One week. You’ve been asleep the whole time.”

“That long?”

Why had this happened?

Was it because I was bitten by Einzwerf after all?

At that time, it said something strange.

About becoming a servant, or the blessing of the fairy.

A fairy… There seemed to be something, but I couldn’t remember.

“Your parents and friends were worried about you.”

“R-Right. I’m sorry, Mom.”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize.”

Relief and fatigue were evident on my mom’s face.

For a week, how much mental strain had she endured?

Not just my sister, but if both she and I had been bedridden, or worse, never woke up again…

It wouldn’t be strange to think about it that way.

Even though I felt guilty, I couldn’t say anything.

I directed a question to Cole.

“Is Dad, Glast, and Rafina okay?”

“Yeah. Fortunately, all three of them got away with minor injuries. They’re leading normal lives.”

“That’s a relief. So, what happened after I collapsed?”

“…We managed to defeat all the monsters, but the damage was extensive. There were about 120 casualties and around 300 injuries. Things have settled down considerably now, but it was chaotic on the day.”

“I see… So many people lost their lives.”

If only I had done better, I might have been able to help. If only I had acted sooner. Even though I knew it was pointless to regret with “if only.”

“It’s not your fault. I heard that if you hadn’t been there, we wouldn’t know what would have happened to the town. You don’t need to blame yourself. Instead, maybe you should take pride in your accomplishments?”

Cole seemed to understand my emotions and offered comforting words. Despite his gruff exterior, he was unexpectedly kind. His sentiments reached me.

“Did anything happen during the week?”

“No, nothing. The monsters that appeared that night haven’t shown up since then. The symptoms of the Lazy syndrome patients haven’t improved either.”

It seemed there were no lingering effects from the Scarlet Night. That was a relief. After the previous Scarlet Night, the number of patients with Lazy syndrome had increased dramatically. There was a possibility that the second time could have been even worse. However, it seemed to be an unfounded fear.

I suddenly remembered and looked down at my hands. I clenched my fists a few times. There was no pain.

Strange.

When I defended against Einzwerf’s attack, I thought my bones were broken.

“Hey, wasn’t my hand bone broken?”

“Broke? No, it wasn’t.”

“…I see.”

Was it a misunderstanding? No, it wasn’t. There should have been no mistake; that pain was undoubtedly a broken bone or at least a fracture.

But now, those symptoms were gone. Did it heal while I was sleeping? No, if Cole hadn’t noticed, it meant that I had fainted, been carried, and healed before undergoing an examination?

I gradually began to realize.

Something was different.

My body was different.

Clearly different.

Ah, yes.

Finally, my mind started working.

What was this light filling my field of vision?

It was coming “from my body.”

This was magic power.

The light of magic power.

A scale of magic power that filled the room.

It was overflowing from my body.

And it felt remarkably well.

This vitality overflowing throughout my body.

Was this the influence of magic power?

My current magic power seemed to be close to a million. It wasn’t as much as Einzwerf, but there was a clear increase in the amount of magic power. Whether it was the influence of the Scarlet Night or being bitten by Einzwerf, I didn’t know. However, after that day, my total magic power had increased dramatically, to about a hundred times its previous amount.

I deliberately diverted my awareness of magic power outward. By doing so, the light of magic power no longer appeared in my field of vision. Visual perception, recognition of internal magic power, interference with the magic power possessed by others—these were three skills I had developed over the years.

The pulsating movement of magic power within my body. In the face of such overwhelming power, I felt a slight sense of fear.

“What’s wrong? Shion-kun.”

“Mom, I want to talk to Dad and Duke Balkh.”

“…I’ll call them right away.”

My mom left the room in a hurry. There was no need to rush. I needed time to calm down. I shouldn’t be hasty. I had to accurately assess the situation and make decisions.

After waiting with Cole for a while, my mom returned. Behind her were Duke Balkh, Dad, and Glast.

Just a few minutes. Were they waiting in the waiting room?

“Shion! Are you okay!?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. There’s nothing wrong with my body.”

After checking my body multiple times, Dad let out a big sigh.

“I’m relieved, truly relieved… On that day, when I noticed the appearance of the wraiths, I headed to Istria. I’m glad I made it in time.”

“That’s right. That’s why Dad was there.”

“Yeah. I didn’t contribute much, though.”

“That’s not true! Thanks to Dad and Glast slicing Einzwerf’s arm, I was able to defeat him!”

While Dad chuckled, Glast took the lead in speaking.

“No, it seems his body had clearly become more flexible. Probably because he was suffering just before. I think that was the cause. The first strike apparently had no resistance at all.”

“Yeah, Glast’s right. Thanks to Shion, it seemed like attacks were effective against that demon. It was just a coincidence. If there’s a next time, the same trick won’t work.”

Certainly, the magic power of Einzwerf, who had sucked my blood, was severely disturbed. If that’s the case, magic power seemed to be the source of his defense.

I knew that the answer wasn’t necessarily wrong. Right now, I could painfully understand that. Duke Balkh, who had been standing behind, stepped forward.

“Shion, it seems you’ve overcome the ordeal. There was a time when you were suffering from a high fever.”

“Yes, somehow. But this time’s incident was filled with uncertainties. Einzwerf claimed to be a demon. Talking about events from a thousand years ago, mentioning Rugure, it’s all so confusing…”

As they heard my muttering, a strange atmosphere filled the room. I thought I was probing, but all four of them, excluding Cole, exchanged glances.

“I’m sorry, Cole. Could you step outside for a moment?”

“…Understood.”

Without changing his expression, Cole bowed and left the room. As his footsteps faded away, Duke Balkh turned to me.

“Shion, you must have many questions. Before the events unfolded, or even before it became apparent, I hesitated about whether to speak. But now, there’s no choice but to talk. You, being astute, must have noticed some points. I’m willing to answer your questions.”

Duke Balkh, Dad, Mom, and Glast. The fact that all four of them were in the room meant that they all knew. I had a vague sense of it, but it hit me that everyone knew something I didn’t. However, when given permission to ask questions, I felt bewildered. There were numerous questions, but digesting each one would take a long time. After a few seconds of contemplation, I arrived at an answer.

“Who am I?”

The expressions of the four changed simultaneously. Surprise painted their faces. I continued to weave my words.

“When I first started using magic, Dad opposed it, but in the end, he supported me. Mom was the same, and I thought it was because they were considering my well-being. Of course, those feelings were there, but I also thought they ‘understood too much.’ If that were the only reason, it wouldn’t have bothered me much. However, Glast showed a surprising yet oddly accepting reaction to my magic, and sometimes he spoke as if he knew something. I felt there was something about me—not just the fact that I could use magic but something deeper. That’s what I believed.”

“How old were you then?”

Duke Balkh still seemed puzzled. I answered his question calmly.

“I think I was around six. Can I continue?”

Deep furrows appeared on Duke Balkh’s forehead. I couldn’t discern his true feelings, but they didn’t seem positive. The Duke nodded gracefully, encouraging me to continue.

“My doubts grew stronger on the day I met Duke Balkh. Dad talked to him about magic and me. There could be reasons for that; they were old acquaintances. But Duke Balkh believed my story without questioning it. Most importantly, he believed it without ‘seeing my magic.’ It was strange no matter how you looked at it, as if he knew ‘magic existed.’ While treating the magic that only I should be able to use as special, he still believed my words—what could easily be considered the ramblings of a child. It was comforting for me, but such convenient things don’t happen in reality unless Duke Balkh has a special impression of me, unless he harbors the conviction that I am deeply involved with Lazy syndrome and wraiths. If it weren’t for that, even if I could use magic, I wouldn’t be in this situation. That’s why I asked. Who am I? Everyone here knows, right?”

Originally, I had thought about it. The magic I created was a product of my will—undoubtedly a power I had diligently worked on, developed, and spent time discovering. And once, Dad had told me to stop developing magic. So, the fact that I could use magic was not forced by anyone, and it wasn’t something someone had orchestrated. However, after gaining the ability to use magic, it proved to be incredibly useful. And everyone—whether it was towards magic or towards me—didn’t seem to harbor any doubts. Accepting the existence of such power, which is unrealistic, happened surprisingly smoothly. It was too convenient. Everyone’s faces turned stern at my question. A heavy atmosphere lingered. Still, without retracting my previous words, I awaited a response. Duke Balkh let out a long sigh and, after a moment’s pause, spoke.

“Lord Gawain, Lady Emma. Is it alright?”

“Yes. We can no longer keep secrets from Shion.”

“Me too. I am prepared.”

Serious expressions. Enough to fuel my anxiety. I didn’t know the clear answer. I had some guesses, but I shouldn’t have touched the core. That’s why it was frightening. What would they say? Duke Balkh looked straight at me and then spoke.

“You are a descendant of Rugure. Rugure was the name of a race that engaged in a fierce battle with the demons a thousand years ago. They had red hair and eyes and were said to wield a mysterious power called ‘sorcery.’ A thousand years ago, Rugure sealed the demons in battle but was cursed to death by the demons and eventually perished.”

I had anticipated it. Einzwerf referred to me as Rugure, so it was likely. However, I didn’t know that Rugure was the name of a race and that they could use sorcery, or rather, magic. Additionally, I wasn’t aware that the name Rugure from the Rugure War a thousand years ago referred to the name of that race.

“W-Wait a minute. If that’s the case, why am I here? I’m supposed to be a descendant of the Rugure tribe that perished a thousand years ago, right?”

“Yes, the appearance and power are undoubtedly Rugure’s. However, I don’t know why the Rugure tribe, which was supposed to have perished, still exists. I’ve heard that a woman who suddenly appeared before Queen Laxua in the capital of Lystia, brought you with her. She left behind the words, ‘This child is a descendant of the Rugure tribe, the only light that will save the world. Raise and guide him. Otherwise, humanity will perish.’ The queen entrusted that child to a man she trusted after much deliberation.”

“That was Dad?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Dad and Mom wore somber expressions. They couldn’t look at me—or rather, they couldn’t meet my gaze. I had somewhat sensed it along the way. I wasn’t their biological child. In hindsight, my earliest memories were not from my immediate birth. Some time had passed since my birth. Before those memories, I must have been brought here.

“That’s how it was. But what about Sister? She seemed unaware of me.”

“Marie seems to have no memories from that time. We intentionally didn’t talk about it. We were planning to raise you as our own son.”

“I’m sorry, Shion-kun… for keeping quiet for so long.”

“No, it’s okay. I somehow had a feeling, and besides, even if we’re not connected by blood, you two are still my Mom and Dad. Nothing will change.”

Dad and Mom displayed a mixture of surprise, joy, and sorrow all at once. The reason I accepted was because I am a reincarnated individual. If I were only the personality of a child named Shion, it would have been shocking. That’s why I believe Dad and Mom had a harder time coming to terms with it. Nevertheless, it was undeniably a profound revelation for me.

“Please continue the story.”

“Well, about the matter of Rugure, the royal family had some information. The Queen, with mixed feelings, thought that if the baby were truly Rugure, a dangerous future might be looming. Believing this, she decided to raise the child. However, openly raising the child was not an option. So, at that time, she entrusted the child to Gawain, who was engaged to Lady Emma.”

“So, Dad and Mom knew that I was a descendant of Rugure?”

“That’s correct. However, even if you were a descendant of Rugure, we didn’t raise you for the purpose of saving the world. Frankly, we wouldn’t have thought your power was necessary if it weren’t for this recent incident. But as the woman who brought you here said, without you, many people would have died. That’s why we came to believe in her words. The idea that you are a Rugure was also somewhat doubtful until that moment.”

I chewed on the Duke’s words, committing each piece to memory. Who was the woman who brought me here? The questions persisted, but it seemed unlikely that they would be answered here. I decided to ask another question.

“I was curious; is it common for a Duke to address my father as ‘Gawain’ instead of the usual title? It feels a bit too respectful for addressing a lower-ranking noble. If it were used in addressing someone of equal or higher status, I could understand.”

“Hmm, quite observant, Shion. I’ve known Gawain for a long time. He was a renowned knight commander in the Lystia Kingdom until a decade or so ago. Back then, he was said to be a silent figure, and with one swing of his sword, ten enemies would fall. He always wore a helmet, so only a few within the castle knew his face. Well, at that time, he was known for strictly adhering to the knight’s code, or rather, he exuded an aura that said, ‘Don’t come near me.’”

So, it was like that. It sounded a bit like chuunibyou, but Dad had substance to back it up. Was his social status that of a knight, I wondered, glancing at him briefly, only to find his face turning bright red.

“Duke, please forgive me for that!”

“A-anyway! The Duke and I have known each other for a while. Also, Glast served in the military, so he is acquainted with the Duke as well.”

“Well, I don’t really mingle with noble folks.”

Glast just shrugged his shoulders. There seemed to be a hidden meaning in his words, but dwelling on it might be futile. Anyway, the Duke and my dad knew each other from way back, and since Glast was once in the military, he also had some familiarity with the Duke.

Anyway, the Duke and my father had known each other for a long time. And since my father was a famous knight commander in the Lystia Kingdom, I wondered how impressive that title was. But maybe I should steer clear; my dad didn’t seem eager to talk about it, and I could understand why. Black history was something one wouldn’t want to share. Behind my father, my mother was quietly chuckling. It seemed she also knew about my father’s past.

“Father used to be a knight commander. But now, he’s a lower-ranking noble, right? Did he marry into the Ornstein family, Mother’s family?”

“…Let Emma and I explain that part. Is it okay, Duke Balkh?”

“Of course. I don’t know the details either.”

“Thank you. Shion, the truth is, we’re not nobles.”

“Not nobles? What do you mean?”

“Strictly speaking, we’re not ordinary nobles. We’re honorary nobles, a unique class without titles. Normally, nobles are nobles because they hold titles, but honorary nobles don’t have public titles. Instead, the Queen herself becomes their patron, granting them a special status. Because we don’t have titles, it’s a bit troublesome when it comes to addressing ourselves, so we often refer to ourselves as lower-ranking nobles. Originally, the existence of honorary nobles was rare, and since we live quite remotely and don’t participate in social events or gatherings, hardly any nobles are aware of us.”