Zveit was dreaming.
　The reason why he realized he was dreaming was because the scenery around him was a dimly lit mansion.
　Judging from the state of disrepair of the rooms, which seemed to be in ruins, it was hard to believe that it was real.
　More than anything, it was because Zveit's body was moving on its own, as if it was being lured by something, and he was walking forward regardless of his own will.
　The unrealistic floating sensation made him realize that this was a dream, but the trouble was that he didn't know how to wake up.

　Then Zveit quietly opened the door to a room without any intention of his own.

You're here, Zveit. I've been waiting for you at .......

　The voice was familiar.
　The voice was familiar to me. I was sure it was Dio, my best friend, a dreamer from the same faction, and my roommate.
　However, for some reason, he wore a jet-black cloak and refused to look at me.
　I'm sure he's a good friend of mine and my roommate.

"Dio ....... What do you want from me?
"Dio ...... Dio ....... That's an old name.
No, Dio, right?　What is it?　That ...... old-fashioned cloak of yours. ......

　He didn't answer.
　When Zveit had no choice but to go to him, Dio slowly opened his mouth.

"Zveit ....... I really want to spend the rest of my life with her. But you know there are people in the way of that, don't you?
"Oh. ....... I'm sure you're well aware that your love life is difficult.
"That's why. ....... I've decided to join forces with ...... Croisus.
No, why Croisus?　You can't beat your grandfather by teaming up with him, can you?

　But Dio didn't stop talking.
　On the contrary, he was shaking his shoulders in a somewhat amused manner. He was laughing.

That's because he's only a person. ...... zweite......
"Huh?
"So ...... I've finally abandoned people, Zveit!
"What did I become after I stopped being human?

　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a few things you can do.
　Some native king wore it and was buried with it, and now it's on display in a famous museum.

"If you have this power, you can ...... get laid!
What?　What do you mean by that?　Is it your grandfather or is it Celestina?
I mean both!　I'll have to thank Croisus for that.

　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here.

"Croisus!　What did you do to Dio?
What did you do to Dio?　I didn't expect this to happen. ...... Very interesting.
"Seriously, what did you do to that guy?
"It's a lot of things. ....... Yes, a lot of things. ......

　I'm not sure if you've ever heard of this, but I'm sure you've heard of it.
　But this is not the end of the story.

There you are, the dung beetle that gathers around Tina!　I won't let you, I won't let you, I won't let you!
"Geez!　Grandfather ......?　I mean, which one do you mean?
Of course, it means both!

　The old Creston appeared out of nowhere.
　I'm not sure what you mean. However, ...... his body looked unusually muscular, perhaps because of his chi.
　You can see it even on his clothes, his physique is solid. In the eyes of Zveit, the figure of his grandfather looked much larger.

"I've been working out so hard to get rid of those maggots that come near Tina, ...... and I've got a body of steel!

　He kicked his jacket, and there was a body that was stronger than the old man's.
　The head is a good old man, but the body is a true warrior. This is not the body of a mage.
　Zveit was so shocked that he was stunned.

"Grandfather ......, what is that body ......?
I'm not sure what you mean by that. I can kill most of them with just my fists!

　The spotlight shone again, and right underneath him, a hard-boiled, smiling Xellos puffed on a cigarette and casually raised his hand with a thumbs-up in satisfaction.

I'm not sure what you're doing here.
I'm sure you've heard of it.　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few things to do. ...... You've done a wonderful job of modifying your body. That's ...... not an old man anymore. ......
No, I don't want you to ...... regret it with a serious expression. .... What do you have to do to become macho like that?


"I've survived ...... hell. That's what I'd say. .... You're already out of your element. I'm scared. I'm scared.
I'm not regretting it at all!　I'm not sure what to do.　I'm not sure what you're doing to me, Master.

　Ignoring Zveit already, the two modified humans confront each other.
　One is physically altered, the other humanly altered. Both of them are no longer human.

Interesting ....... Would you like to see which of us is the strongest?
I'm good!　You'll burn me to ashes!
You'll be burned to ashes! I'll burn you to a crisp. URYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
Burn them to ashes with my fire!　Drag inferno distraction!　

　And then they both unleash an outrageous display of fire and fighting spirit.
　As they stare at each other, their power fills the room with a grim intensity that threatens to ignite the situation. The two men facing each other were ready to kill, and it was chaos indeed.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.
I'm with you. You've produced some very interesting results. How does an old man become that fit and healthy? ....... ...... is really wonderful.
I'm not sure what to do.　I'm not sure what to do.
"Oh, .......
"What?

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you can do to help. It was complete collateral damage.
　Zveit's consciousness faded, and then ......

I'm not sure what to say.
"Whoa!　You scared me. ...... Don't scare me, Zveit.

　...... I'm awake . 　
　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've.
　You can see the birds happily flying around outside the window. It was a very quiet early morning.
　The room was neat and tidy, with not a single piece of trash left behind.
　Nearby, Zveit jumped out of bed and was startled by his roommate, Dio. He was the one who caused the nightmare.

"Dream, ......, I had a weird dream.
I'm sure you'll be able to understand.　Can I ask you what it was like?
"Don't ask me... but what's that mask you're holding in your ...... hand?
Is that it?　It's something Croisus said he'd give me, but it looks fishy. I don't know what to do with it. ......

　It wasn't a jade mask, but it was a stone mask that looked suspiciously like one.
　There is an indentation around the forehead where some kind of gemstone can be fitted.

Croisus. ....... No offense, but don't wear that mask, okay?
I'm not wearing it!　I'm having trouble getting rid of it because it's just too vague. It was given to me as a gift, so I can't just throw it away. ......
That's okay. ....... He's got a collection of stuff, so it must be worthless.
I agree with you. Anyway, breakfast is almost ready, why don't you go change?　I'm going to the cafeteria first.
Yeah, well, what are you going to do with the ......?
I'll put it in a box and seal it up. I'm going to put it in a box and seal it up, because if anyone gets their hands on it, it's going to be irreversible.
That's wise. ......

　Zveit breathed a sigh of relief at Dio's common sense.

　The gift of Croisus was thus sealed.
　Zveit had a strange dream, but he pulled himself together and returned to his normal routine. Breakfast was the first thing on his mind.
　It's not clear where the mask disappeared to after that.
　And where Croisus is getting his dubious items from, Zveit wonders very much.

"It's not going to be... ・・・・・・ a legitimate dream, is it?

　As Zveit changed his clothes, he only prayed that the dream would not become a reality.
　The early morning was supposed to be brisk, but for some reason there was a cold wind blowing through.

　I'm not sure what to say.



　At noon that day, the three siblings were meeting on the cafeteria terrace of the school.

Here he comes: ...... Master is coming: .... To be honest, it's hard to meet ...... with no results on magic yet.
"Yes, you're right. ....... To be honest, I'm not sure if it's the right time for us to meet.
I'm not sure if it's really that scary.　You know, Xelloss-dono?

　I'm not sure what to make of this.

　In the first place, Croisus had never met Xellos, and although he had heard of him through word of mouth, he had no clear impression of him. He had never met Xellos before, but he had heard about him through word of mouth, but he hadn't been able to get a clear impression of him. He had been described as "a great sage who has mastered wisdom," "a recluse who loves farming," and "a great mage with unusually high fighting ability.
　The personality of Xellos, which he heard, is also incomprehensible: "He is warm, but his personality is distorted, and he is a good person who gives charity to orphans, but he is a destroyer who mercilessly slaughters his enemies.
　A person who slaughters people is not a good person, and a good person who gives charity to orphans has a distorted personality. I can't decide whether he is cruel or merciful.
　Also, if he had been repeatedly experimenting with magic while traveling from place to place, he should be a very cruel person, but for some reason, he is living a modest life while farming.
　In addition, if his personality is similar to Croesus', then he becomes all the more elusive. 　

I don't know what to say. ....... I don't know what to say. You and I seem to be opposites.
Don't worry, I'm sure you and I will hit it off. ......
Yes, we do. You and Brother Croesus think alike and have similar standards of behavior, don't you?
I'm not that twisted, though. I'm not that warped, but I don't really care about anything other than my research, and I don't really want to get involved with other people.

　Celestina and Zveit inwardly said, 'No, we're similar enough!　Besides, the very idea of it is a distortion of human nature! Celestina and Zveit were shouting aloud, 'No, you are similar enough!
　The only one who didn't understand was Croesus.

When will the Master arrive?
"According to Miska, he'll probably arrive in the afternoon. ....... I won't be able to meet him today, as I'll be teaching you magic. I'm sorry. ......
I have a faction meeting too. What a pain in the ass. ......
That would mean that I would have to meet him. ...... We've never met before, have we?
Don't worry about that.
"Whoa!

　The cool maid appeared out of nowhere.
　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

"Miska ......, when did you...?
"You're as mysterious as ever ........ Please don't startle me.
Is there something ...... wrong with you lately?

　She's been somewhat frivolous lately. She acts more out of context than she should.
　Although she looks cool, she occasionally makes fun of Celestina with outrageous jokes.
　Naturally, this has an effect on Zveit and Croisus as well.
　There are many things to poke fun at.

"According to our information, Lord Xellos will be arriving in the city of Sezan shortly after noon, and we expect him to arrive here an hour later. It seems that he has created an amazing magic tool, and we will be there to welcome him.
"A magic tool?　The Great Sage?
Croisus!　You're talking too loud!
You know you have to keep your profession a secret, right?　You must not speak of your profession!
"Excuse me, ......, I couldn't help but be intrigued. What kind of magic tools are you using ......, or perhaps, from what you say, are you using them for transportation?　

　When it came to research, much less magical tools, Croisus' brain cells were activated.
　The story of Xellos' creation of the motorcycle is not known, and only a few people have seen it, so we don't know what it actually looks like.
　Well, the magic tool (motorcycle) is a simple toy with a simple structure, made from several common magic tools, but its speed and strength are still astounding.
　Iron and mithril or orichalcone. In addition, the bike, which has been fitted with an unidentified and vicious magic tool, possesses enough offensive power to make it problematic to be a toy.
　The material used is also insane, so it is something that anyone looking at it would want to have.
　After all, the scales and shells of the black dragon are used, and even magical attacks are easily repelled.

　The problem is that the creator, an old man, has put so much emphasis on the appearance that he doesn't really understand its performance.
　At the beginning of the production, he thought, "It's better to look cool. ....... No one knows that he said, "A bike like some rider is desirable, but a transformable bike is also a dream.
　I thought about transforming it, but I gave up because of structural problems. What he was trying to make is a mystery.

"Hey, Miska ....... It's a three hour carriage ride from the city of Sezan.　What the hell did you make, Master?
"What?　It's an insane thing, no doubt about it. Lord Xelloss, you know?
It's no surprise what the Master has made. Maybe it's a useful tool. ......
Useful tool? ....... Are you saying that a farm machine that flies through the air at ridiculously high speeds is a useful tool, young lady?
"Huh?

　The old man once made a prototype of a winnowing machine that conquered the sky, but only a few people know about the failure.
　Miska's information network ...... and the information network of the Dukes of Solistea are not to be underestimated.



"Why, what makes farm equipment fly?　What did the master make? ......
I don't understand. ....... Is it because I'm inexperienced that I can't even understand what he wanted to do?
You just failed, didn't you?　I don't know what you made, but perhaps you made a mistake with the magic formula, or conversely, made it too powerful?
"You know your master well enough, ...... Croisus.
Yes, I do. ....... Why is it that you seem to understand your teacher more accurately than those of us who have been taught?

　Even though he had not been there, Croisus had guessed the truth.
　This alone suggests that he is in the same league as Xelloss.
　When it comes to hobbies, they are very similar in that they go to extremes. The difference is whether he is an indoor person or an outdoor person.

"To be honest, if you learn martial arts besides magic and become very strong, I'll be your master. We really do have the same personality.
"But you kept your affairs in order, didn't you, sir?　He's not as bad as Brother Croesus.
Oh, there's that, too. ....... Croisus' room is a danger zone. ......
"Are you using Mister Xelloss as an excuse to ruin me?　Is that a roundabout way of advising me?

　As a result, it will be.
　No matter how old you are, you should at least keep yourself tidy. It's not like Croesus, who creates a Dangerous Zone across the Sea of Corruption.

It's time to go, miss. If you don't hurry up and get going, your sisters who are watching you in the va*in* will come rushing in.　They're coming for Master Croisus. ......
"Sister?
I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one. They even call her "Sister.
What are you doing too, Celestina?　What are you doing, Celestina? Why are you going down the sister route?

　In her case, it all started with a simple act of kindness in teaching her magic, and before she knew it, she had become a big sister.
　It's not that she's a yuri girl. This is the result of being adored in a normal way.

They're all good girls, you know.　But for some reason, everyone calls me 'big sister'. Why is that?
You're not even aware of it. ....... You don't understand what it means. ......

　She did not understand the meaning of "sister".
　In the event that you've got a lot of time and energy, you'll be able to make use of it.

　The current Celestina is called [Magic Angel] by two names, and the person himself does not know it at all.
　She has become an object of admiration and worship for those who are perceptive and some of the people involved.
　He is a come-from-behind victor that everyone admires, and is even said to be a genius, but no one has approached him, and he still thinks that his only friends are Carosti and Urna.
　He still believes that his only friends are Calostee and Urna. He is insensitive to the favors of others due to the fact that he has been a loner for so long. If Croisus were to join them, it would be obvious that he would be in trouble.
　After all, Croisus is very popular. He is as popular as a handsome actor.
　In fact, he is very handsome, but no one but a few people know that he is a disappointment inside.

It can't be helped. ....... I'll ask my master to meet Croisus. You have to thank the ring for being a magical medium, right?　It's a problem for the dukes to leave it to Miska alone. Please, Miska.
"Ah!　There you have it. This ring is very good. The ring is really good. Hmmm ......, it might be a good idea to meet in person to learn more about it. It would be a shame to miss out on this opportunity.
"Yes, Mr. Zveit. If you send Master Croisus alone, he might purchase something strange from a shady street vendor. I don't want to cause any more trouble for the academy.
Please. ....... It may be unreasonable to ask this of Celestina, but she does not know the face of her master. The others can't do it either.
"The maids under Croisus' command have all run away. Without Master Yiren, Master Croesus will rot in the garbage. That's for sure.

　Miska was relentless, even with her employer's family.
　Rather, she was valued for her ability to speak clearly. It meant she could be trusted.
　At the same time, she is trusted by the head of the family because she never reveals confidential matters to the outside world.
　Miska is a very good maid. Regardless of her usual demeanor, she can be found at .......

So, Master Croisus, I will come for you when the time comes.
That's right. Then I'll make some preparations until the time comes. I'd like to hear what Lord Xellos has to say about it.
"Oh, ......, I'll have to go to another fruitless debate. I don't even want to face those bloodline idiots. ......


I've been promising for a while. ....... I must expand on what my teacher has taught me as much as possible.

　Celestina was eager to teach the younger students, whose magic was severely lacking, the correct perception of magic.
　She has no idea that behind her is a mage from the Solstare faction who is trying to draw her into their faction.
　The younger students she came into contact with already belonged to the Solistare faction. The fact that it was a free faction where birth and upbringing did not matter was well received.
　Recently, the faction began to gain strength rapidly, to the bewilderment of the other factions.
　The reason behind this is the existence of magic optimized by some great sage, but everyone is tight-lipped about it.
　The main thing is that Celestina's own improved magic formula is widely available, and the Solstaires have begun to use it.
　The main thing is that Celestina's own improved magic formula has become widely available and the Solstaires have begun to use it.

"Well, that's all I have to say for today. I'll take the bill.
"Excuse me, Brother Zveit. I'll leave you to it.
I'd better get started on my preparations. I'll get started on my preparations. ...... Come to think of it, I've always wanted to talk to Xellos about magic, so this is a perfect opportunity. It's going to be fun." ......

　Croisus was going at his own pace.
　And he seemed to be truly enjoying himself.

"Master Croisus, will you be wearing your crimson robes when you meet Lord Xelloss?　Or do you wear the tacky dark blue robe you always wear?　I would recommend the blue robe you sent me the other day.
"Can't I wear this one?　It's very useful because it doesn't show when it gets dirty.
"You can't wear that robe to meet people, you know.

　The robe that Croesus is wearing is a cheap navy blue robe that is commonly available in the market.
　You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best in the world.

　Croisus is a top student at the academy, and like Zveit, he was sent a crimson robe by the academy.
　I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but in this country, lower level mages wear gray robes. Intermediate mages are required to wear black and advanced mages are required to wear crimson robes.
　The elite mages who are responsible for the defense of the country wear pure white robes, but the criteria for being given these robes is related to their grades at the academy. By achieving certain grades, they are recognized as full-fledged mages by the students of the academy, and even if they wear gray robes, they become objects of admiration for the students of the academy.
　This is a shortcut to becoming a top-ranking mage if you can use a lot of magic, regardless of your ability, and this is a lazy thing that depends on your personal qualities. The rest was favoritism by the backing of faction members.

　Both Zveit and Croisus were mages who were able to learn many spells at a low level due to their lineage, but their abilities were not that high.
　Originally, the robes were given according to merit, but after the factions came to power, meritocracy began to be determined by performance, and the robes became a formality that has now become a skeleton.
　The reason why Croisus does not wear the crimson robe is that it does not suit him.

I don't want to wear a crimson robe, though. I don't want to wear crimson robes. They don't look good on me, and I'd rather wear the blue robes my parents sent me. ....... What?　Where did I put it? ......
You ....... The robe was sent to you yesterday, right?　Have they already disappeared into the garbage?
Brother Croisus, ...... I heard you say that the academy was complaining, but you hadn't put it in order yet?
"No one is helping me, sir. I'm sure you're not the only one.

Of course not!　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm sure you're right. Celestina thought.

　After that, the three of them parted ways, but Croisus had to fight through a pile of luggage to find the blue robe that had been sent to him.
　Needless to say, his room became more and more cluttered as a result.
　And so the sea of rot continues to spread. And today, another unidentifiable creature is released into the wild.
　How he was able to remain unharmed is truly a mystery.

　This is a very good article.

"Ah, ......, another fruitless day. It was a waste of time. ......
It's true. The tactical plan that Zveit came up with was much more thought-provoking. The damage estimates were carefully calculated, and the tactical plan to minimize the damage accordingly was brilliant.
No, ...... would be better off without war. It would be better if these tactical plans were never used.
Yeah, but it was Zveit who broke down the idea that reality isn't so easy, you know?
Well, ...... is why you have to expect the worst in order to keep the peace. If you're led by people who only want credit, there will be unnecessary casualties.

　As usual, Zveit and Dio attended the tactical debate of the Weasler faction.
　There was no fruitful debate, just a bunch of convenient tactical ideas from the pedigreeists, which Zveit and his friends were able to defeat.
　It's always the same, and I'm getting tired of it. I can only sigh in front of the aisle.

"Mmm?
"Geez, .......

　Naturally, I pass other faction mates, but today, I'm meeting someone I don't like.
　It was the bloodline, including Sumptroll and Blemite.

"Nice to meet you. You've got some nerve, .......
We both do. You've been sneaking around behind my back, talking to dirty people, trying to get rid of me?
What are you talking about, .......? You don't know what you're talking about!


I'm not sure what you're planning to do by contacting the remnants of the people ...... my father destroyed.

　I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, but it's a good thing. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

It's okay. I'll play my best hand if you want me to. I'm sure my father will take out the backers.
You don't know what you're talking about, I don't know what you're talking about!　What are you talking about?
If you don't know what I'm talking about, why don't you just listen?　You're not the only one who's skilled at this. We're not the only ones. We have the best in the world, as recognized by the Mages of Purgatory.
What?　What the heck is ......?
If your plan fails, what will be your position?　Even if you succeed, you'll be doomed.
"I don't know what I don't know!　Don't be ridiculous!

　Sam trolls had never felt despair before.
　He was terrified that not only was his contact with the underworld known, but that something had already been done about it.
　He didn't know how much Zveit knew, and he felt like he was getting closer to ruin with every move he made. Even before that, the accuracy of the Dukes of Solstice's information network was unfathomably frightening.
　Brainwashing Zveit was an effective means, but at the same time, it was too bad to antagonize the Dukes of Solstair. They already had him by the throat.

"Well, enjoy the moment at best. In any case, you will be dealt with accordingly.
"Hmph!　I'm of the Weasler bloodline!　You can't ......
You can. You've already been disowned by the Weaslers. It doesn't matter what you do with them. You've gone too far, Sumptroll.

　This was the first time Samtror knew he was alone.
　The Marquesses of Weasler are a royal family. As long as the Dukes of Solistair were of royal blood, they would naturally be cut off if they were hostile to that family.
　In addition, if the assassination of the heir to the dukedom had already been discovered, the death penalty alone would be a lukewarm punishment. The situation had developed to a level where it was no longer a matter of youthful rashness.
　The reason why he did not notice this was because he himself was an arrogant fool.
　He did not even listen to the opinions of others, but forced his own opinions on them through brainwashing, and this was the result.

"Well, it doesn't matter to me. The rest is your problem, and you should think about what to do with yourself.

　With these words, Zveit and Dio left the scene.
　As for the remaining Sumptrolls, ......

"Success or failure, you're going to hell. ...... You've got to be kidding me!
What will you do, Sumptroll? ....... The Dukes of Solistea have turned completely against us, and once we've dealt with Zveit, we're ......

　The Blemites were pale.
　In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to get in touch with your doctor.
　Even without proof, the Dukes of Solstice could easily dispose of themselves. And his family, the Marquesses of Weasler, would not protect him.
　Sumptroll finally realized how shallow he was, but it was too late.
　If he hadn't asked for the assassination, he would have had a way out, but now he has nothing but death on his hands.

"d*mn it!　If this happens, I'll ...... take him with me. ......

　A fool is a fool no matter how far he goes.
　In his arrogance, Sumptroll had not even considered the possibility of selling the assassin.
　If he had sold the existence of the assassin to the Marquess, he might have been able to save his life. However, the decision he made was inescapable until the end.

"This is not good. ....... I don't want to end up with this idiot.

　Bremite made the decision to sell Sumptroll for his own protection.
　It was just a group of people who wanted power, and there was no trust between them.
　They put their own safety before power.

　At any rate, the situation had already begun to unfold.