The actual battle training organized by the Istor Academy of Magic has ended without anyone being killed.
　However, there were a few injuries, and it was fortunate that even the most seriously injured had only broken bones. Once the bones are fixed, recovery medicines can be used to heal them to some extent.
　There were many mercenaries escorting the party this time, and it was fortunate that there were several mercenaries escorting one party. Until last year, they would have hunted recklessly and dozens of patients would have been seriously injured for a month. Compared to that, it was a sufficient achievement.
　The benefits of magic potions are quite high in this world.
　The mercenary guild has completed its annual event, and tomorrow the usual routine will begin.

　Meanwhile, a mercenary was visiting the guild master's room.
　A shy and taciturn mercenary named Rathus.

"......, excuse me.
"Hello, welcome back. So?　How did it go?　Larsus.
Stop saying "......". The ...... student escort ended successfully.

　There was Seiphon, the guildmaster, the head of the mercenary guild in the city of Stila.

And how did it go?　I'm sure you'll agree.
...... Honestly, I can't see the bottom of it. You can't believe he's a mage, he's so used to fighting. And he doesn't even show a hint of his ability against demons. It's a terrifying ability.
You're right. I'm not sure who he really is, as even I was easily defeated by him.
...... You think you're easy?　I believe you have a level of 420. Are you saying you're better than ......?
I'm sure you're not the only one. I'm sure he knows how to use it, but I don't think he's ever fought with it to the fullest.

　Larsus participated in this escort request as a watchman for the mercenary guild.
　The reason for this is that he is also an S-ranked mercenary and is in a position to monitor and sometimes scout for mage eggs who will become mercenaries. Incidentally, his second name is "Rathus the Stiff".
He used to be in a party with Seifong, and was a skilled mercenary who had completed various requests.
　He knows how good Seiphon is, which is why he can't believe he was so easily dismissed.

...... So much. I'm not sure what to make of it. In particular, in a life-and-death environment, his personality changes drastically. He's become quite belligerent, hasn't he?
"Oh?　Is it possible that you have a dual personality?　I hadn't noticed that.
No. ...... If anything, I think it's because I know how dangerous demons are that I can be so ruthless. In fact, when I defeated a demon, I took care of it in an instant.
Oh, ......, but you don't think that's all, do you?
Oh, ...... I get the feeling that there's a kind of madness lurking in the background. It sent chills down my spine at times.
If Ralthus says so, he's probably right. That's scary!

　Larsus is a well-trained mercenary with a wealth of experience in the field, so he often participates in these important requests as a watchdog. He has a keen sense of intuition, and sometimes it is his job to catch mercenaries in the act.
　However, his keen instincts led him to judge Xellos as dangerous.

"...... Why do you look so happy?
"Well... I think it's probably because he knows he can become stronger.　I'm not sure what to make of that.　Don't you think we can be better than that?
"...... I'm not denying it. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.　They're no better than demons.
As long as you don't make enemies, you'll be fine. If you can communicate with them, then it's just a matter of sincerity.　If you reject them out of hand, then you'll have to confront them.

　If you reject him because he's strong, the risk of antagonizing him is immeasurable.
　Xelloss was indeed strong, and he had burned through the goblins with a simple initial magic [Fire]. It's hard to imagine how powerful he would be if he really used magic.
　More importantly, there was a small circle of people around him. This means that he has the capacity to tolerate others, which those who are obsessed with strength do not have.
　Those who are obsessed only with power inevitably reject and sometimes despise others.
　If you look at him as a powerful person, he is dangerous, but if you look at him as a human being, you can trust him. However, they are still troublesome.

"Well, I'm sure he'll be fine.　The duke will take the reins, and he doesn't seem to be interested in mercenaries.
...... is fine, but I can't imagine what would happen if he were to make a serious move?
Yeah. But wouldn't you like to see it happen?
...... No. I'm sure it will be messy. I don't want any trouble.

　Larsus is an instructor for training new recruits in the guild. The reason he is in such a position is because he is married.


　The mercenary business was not suitable for him to quickly return to his wife and earn a stable income.
　In spite of his rugged face, he is a devoted man who loves his wife to the end.

Now that the work is done, why don't we have a drink at my place?　My wives would love to have you over.
"No, I'm going home to ....... I want to see my wife's face. Besides, I don't feel comfortable at your house. ....... Especially your wives.
Yeah?　I think it's better than being a girly girl, don't you?　I don't feel comfortable in Larsus' house.
・・・・・・・・・

　Seiphon's preference is for masculine women. In simple terms, he preferred boyish, stocky, athletic women.
　Larsus, on the other hand, is a petite, girlish woman. He tended to be attracted to women with what people call a "loli" body type.
　Incidentally, Rathus's wife was a toddler despite her age, and was what is commonly called a legal loli. She was also a lovely looking Dwarf.
　Rathus was not a pedophile. For some reason, he is attracted to women with fancy tastes, and inevitably seeks out petite, lovely women. However, he has been rejected because of his strong face and sturdy physique.
　It was only a few months ago that he got married, and he was actually a newlywed.

Well, it would be foolish to ask you out as a newlywed. You should go back to your wife as soon as possible today.
"...... will do. I've been wondering about this for a while.　I've been wondering about that for a while. ......
I'm sure you will.　But it does make me feel loved and handsome. It's very thrilling, isn't it?
...... is a state of affairs I don't even want to know about.

　It's better to have a happy family than a shaky one.
　I don't envy my comrades-in-arms who are in a deeper realm than I am. I'm not jealous of my comrades-in-arms who are in a deeper realm than I am, and I'm still trying to figure out his character. But it was enough for me to realize that the relationship between a man and a woman is deep.
　After that, he left the chief's office and went straight home to see his wife.
　He seemed to be a loving wife, just like his comrades-in-arms. The only problem is that he is suspected of being a pedophile in the guild, probably because he married a woman who looks indistinguishable from a girl.
　Larsus is a man of many hardships.

　I'll be back.

　After returning to the city of Steeler, the old men decided to take a good rest at the inn to recover from the fatigue of the day's journey.
　Iris and Janae agreed to rest, but only Lena went out into the city at dusk, and no one has seen her since.
　It was too late to go into where she had gone, but by simply laying hands on the boys who were to be sacrificed, Xellos could pretend that all this had never happened.
　His body was not tired, but he didn't need to take the initiative to get into trouble.
　With that thought in his head, he went to bed.
　And the next day. Xelloss was dressed in his usual gray robe, and Iris and the others were gathered in the inn's dining room.
　The question was: .......

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

　I'm sure you'll agree.
　After finishing her work, as expected, Rena seems to have come back to the inn after accomplishing another work. That's what people call a morning return.
　She seems to be in a very good mood, but no one pursues her deeply.

What are you going to do now that your escort work is over?　Since we have nothing to do, I think we'd better go back to Santor.
I'm staying in the city of Steeler for the day tomorrow.　I'm going to stay in the city of Stila for a day tomorrow, because I need to do some research in the city's big library. 　If you want to go back to Santor, I can take you back to the city where there is a boat landing.
...... I'll pass. I'm sick of riding that thing.
"I agree. ...... I don't feel like living.

　Jahne and Lena refused to ride the [Waste No. 13].
　No one wants to ride a motorcycle where the front and rear wheels are spinning at high speed at the same time and going into maximum speed at once. Moreover, they were not accustomed to such vehicles.
　In this civilized world where horse-drawn carriages are the norm, riding a vehicle that is several hundred years ahead of its time would be tough.
　It's like putting the natives living in the virgin forest of the Amazon on a jet coaster. It takes time to get used to it.

I think you two should go back to Santor as soon as possible.
"What about Iris?　Are you going to stay in town with Mr. Xelloss?
I will. I'll be safe with my uncle, and I'm curious about what the Academy of Magic is teaching.

　Iris, like Xelloss, is also a reincarnated person in this world.


　Naturally, he was not familiar with the common knowledge of this world and needed to gather information from various places. He felt that he lacked common sense about the other world, given that he had been captured by bandits before.
　In short, he is trying to find out more about the other world by Xelloss' side. The more information she has, the more advantageous it is in both reality and games, so she is trying to increase her range of choices.

The library is a good place to do some research, since it is open to the public, although students are not allowed to take books out of the library. By the way, are you sure you don't need a ride home?
　It costs money to get on a ship, right?　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.　Lena and I will take our time getting home.
Can you go home ......?　It's you, Lena.

　All three of their eyes focused on Rena.
　After all, if she found a boy she liked, she would suddenly disappear. It's hard to believe that she can return home normally.
　There was no doubt that she would disappear somewhere and miss the boat.

Excuse me!　I choose the right time and place. I'm not like your sister, Xelloss!
"How can you say that .......? I think you're weak, inexhaustible and self-sacrificing. ......
I'm not going to spend the money for the boat ride home to talk about love with the boys!　And if it weren't for Xellos, the dukes wouldn't have paid me for my escort request. I'll be quiet.
"'That's a lie!

　At this moment, the three of them synchronized their consciousnesses perfectly.

The other day, you came out of the inn saying you had no money, right?　Didn't you come out of the inn the other day saying you had no money?
It was my imagination. Or an illusion, as Mr. Xellos saw it. I don't remember going to any of those places.
I don't remember going there.　If you've really forgotten, I feel sorry for the boys. ......

　As for the affair with the boys, I don't trust Rena.
　After all, she disappeared in the middle of a request and was later seen coming out of the inn. It seemed risky to give her the money.

"Mr. Jarnay. Here's the boat fare. I'll also send three of my birds to escort you and somehow get Lena back to Santor.
"...... Yes, sir. I'll take care of Rena. The less casualties the better, and in case of emergency, we can count on the strength of ...... those three birds.
After that, I'll give you this jewel as lodging in case something happens, so please don't let Rena take it from you. If she uses it for lodging, she'll be in trouble.
"...... is a big responsibility. I'm not sure I'm up to the task.
Excuse me, both of you. -------?

　You've got a heavy burden on your shoulders.
　She's the kind of woman who hides out in inns with boys when she's broke. I have to be careful, I can't help but worry.
　Well, it's mainly the boys who are the victims. .......
　Lena seems to be very upset about the exchange between the old man and Janae, but I guess she deserved it. There's no smoke without fire.
　There is no choice for Lena, who is playing with fire, not knowing when she will be taken care of by the guards. She is so anxious that if she could, she would have to be wrapped up, put in a box, nailed down, and then packed in chains.

By the way, what are you looking for?　Materials for magic or medicine?　Oh!　Or materials for weapons and armor?
Mainly history. Especially some of the stuff related to the four gods and evil gods. ....... I'd like to know how far the hypothesis is correct, and in some cases, I might get involved in strange things. I want as much information as I can get.
"Oh, ......, that's one thing, Uncle, you're especially serious. You're the Great Sage.
"The Great Sage?　You're kidding!

I'm sure you've heard of it.
　It is said to have been wiped out in the War of the Evil Gods, and is now a fantastic profession that appears only in plays and stories.
　They are the ultimate beings who can skillfully manipulate healing and offensive magic, as well as create magic potions and special equipment. If their existence were to come to light, many nations would come to scout for them.
　And Janae and Rena didn't know Xellos' profession. That's why they were so surprised.
　They had never dreamed that they would have the ultimate mage by their side.
　The old man glared resentfully at Iris. It is better not to divulge any unnecessary information.

"Iris, ...... is an invasion of privacy.　I don't want my job to come to light, you know. ......?
"Ugh. ...... Sorry.

　In contrast to Lena and Janae, the two of them are very different. In contrast, Lena and Janae are in a panic.


It is said that the Great Sage is the highest-ranking mage, and is the counterpart to the Great Bishop, who is a restorer. 　
　However, in reality, mages can also use recovery magic, so priests are no different from mages.
　In general, they have a strong impression of being those who have mastered magic, and are treated as lower than the High Priest in religious nations, but in reality, they are slightly higher-ranking than the 【Archbishop】 due to their higher growth in magic power.
　In this world, [Archbishop] is a religious title, which is different from [Archbishop] in the status.
　Even if the nominal Archbishop uses recovery magic, if his status occupation is Priest, there will be no correction to the magic effect, and there is a big difference in the effect of the recovery magic he can use.
　However, if your status occupation is 【Archbishop】, you can use recovery spells to heal patients who are seriously injured or dying.
The only difference between [Great Sage] and [Great Bishop] is whether recovery magic or attack magic has a higher correction effect, the rest is not so different.
　If you're a mage, you're going to have a higher [Defense] than [Archbishop], but instead [Archbishop] has a higher [Speed]. Both of them also increase their magic power and magic effect, but the "Archbishop" increases his magic power and the "Great Sage" increases his magic effect.
　In the case of the old man, with the effects of the production profession, the fighting profession, and the effects of the limit-breaking skills, there are no more blind spots. In fact, even other professions are overwhelmed, so it was not a meaningful common sense.
　He could even defeat the evil gods, and if word of his unparalleled strength got out, he would be in a lot of trouble.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
"Daiyunder?　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.　The newer .......
Mr. Iris. I think the lyrics are a little different.　And before that, do you even know the old one?　How old are you really?
"No, -----!　What the hell is that?　That's not the point, Iris!　You really are an old man. ......
I shouldn't have said that. ....... Was I supposed to say that?
Of course not. ....... I don't want to deal with people who come to scout for me from the bigwigs of the country. It's a pain in the ass, and worst of all, Luceris, Iris, and the others will be involved.　I don't know if I'd want to tell anyone about it.
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work. I get it. ....... I'm not sure what to make of that.

In the event that you've got a lot of money to spend, you'll be able to take advantage of it.
　I'm not sure what to do. If you look at it in terms of strength, he is a dangerous person who can take on a whole country by himself. There's a good reason why he keeps his profession a secret.
　But Iris accidentally revealed it. The five Annihilators were an insane party, all of whom were "Great Sages". That was why they were famous in the online game.
　It was something I took for granted, but I let it slip.

"I have a simple question, is ...... [Sage] such a big deal?
What?　I'm not sure what to make of it, but it's a good idea.　I'm sure you'll agree that it's a great thing to be in a place where no one else can get to it.
I'm not sure what to make of that. Isn't it a legendary profession that everyone dreams of?
"On the contrary, he seduces young people with plausible claims, and comes out to cast spells at the right moment. I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I'm sure you've heard of it.　You guys go ahead and die! And that's the role of dying, right?　Can this be called a profession?　Isn't he just a poor man who is sacrificed?　I don't want to sacrifice myself for some random stranger. ......

　Although Xelloss's perception of wise men was skewed, the role of most wise men in most stories is like this.
　Even in other worlds, many of the wise men's roles were identified with the stories, and they were thought to be the ones who gave the best of their wisdom for the benefit of others, but Xellos' perception was different.
　It sounds good that he has reached the pinnacle of wisdom, but he thinks he is a recluse who does nothing but research and is a helpless mad scientist. There is no way that such a person would fight for the sake of others.
　If he were to fight, it would be as an experiment to confirm the results of his research, and there would be no noble intentions such as "sacrificing oneself for the sake of others.
　In fact, Xellos is such a person, and his motto is "Peace every day. He has decided to ignore the war or the Demon King's attack as long as there is no harm done.
　He does not have the spirit of self-sacrifice as in the story.

"Yes, that's true ........ There is no reason to serve others just because you are a wise man. ......"

　But Janae and the other three are not convinced. The promise of fantasy has been broken, and Iris is feeling disappointed.
　This must be the influence of legends and stories. In reality, no one understands what the wise man is fighting for.
　It is even doubtful that he really fought for the people.

Well, please don't tell anyone about this: ....... If the people in this country make a move, then ......
"And then what?
This country will be wiped off the map. I hate people who try to use their power to sway others to their will, so the worst that can happen is war.
I don't like people who wield power and try to influence others.　Don't you hate people in power?
I don't like people who are crazy with greed. Um, they remind me of my rotten sister. ......

　There are many who would love to learn from the Great Sage, but it would trigger a war.
　The current magical kingdom of Solistair is dominated by magical nobles, and they will approach Xellos with their desires out in the open. If that happens, a war is sure to break out, and you may be annihilated because of your resemblance to your sister.
　There are some people who genuinely want to reach the pinnacle of mage, but for the old man, having a few students is enough.


　The people who impose their authority as honor and pride are a hindrance.

"Oh, by the way, Uncle. Your sister couldn't be killed, right?
"Because she was using the [Demon Doll]. If the main body can't be defeated, it would be foolish to fight seriously. You can't just wipe out the forest without a trace, and if it had been you who was there, you would have killed him first. He saved his life. ...... Tsk!

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'd like to know what to do. That's why he moved to get rid of the troublesome tool and prioritized setting up a system that would allow him to be the first to get rid of it if it appeared later.
　He also made sure to torment him thoroughly and make sure he knew what he was doing, but Xellos predicted that Sharanra would resent him. Perhaps it was because they were related by blood, but they were very much alike.

"Why do you hate your own sister so much? ....... Are sisters and brothers supposed to have such a bloody relationship?　Isn't it supposed to be warmer than that?
"Don't ask me. I'm sure Mr. Xelloss' place is out of whack.
I don't think it's me, I think it's just that he's always been so brazen. If we were to accidentally become friends, he would say, "If you're my friend, you'll fall into slavery to pay off my friend's debt, right?　Because you're my friend, you'd be willing to sacrifice yourself for me, right? I'm sure that's what he's saying. Definitely ....... It's okay to have illusions, Mr. Jhanet. But it's important to accept reality as well.
"You're a piece of trash, .......

　I'm not a slave, but I'm an old man who has experienced similar things being said to me.
　For that reason, it would not be wrong to want those around you to be wary. To Sharanra, strangers are just disposable tools.

I'd like you to be wary of that rotten sister of yours. ....... At times, I wonder if Janae and her friends are planning to leave the city today?
Oh, ...... the ship is leaving today, apparently. We need to get out of town as soon as possible to make it.
"Right. It's a three-hour carriage ride, so we're pretty close.
What did you do before the last minute, Lena?　You're looking very glamorous. ......
I'm not going to ask. The only thing between a boy and a woman is a beast called lust.
I'm sure you're not the only one. ----!!!

　Even though time was running out, Lena was true to her desires .
　It seems that in her mind, there is only the image of 'boys and women = carnal feast'. And she is a boy lover.
　I can only imagine the hardships that Janae will have to endure as her chaperone.

"Mr. Jarnay. If you can't help it, please tell Wu Kei and the others. They'll get you on the ship even if it takes you out.
"I'll ask them if things get out of hand. Léna's always like this. I'm used to it.
If she's not listening and she's about to disappear, go to .......
I'm going to rely on you guys. I don't think I can control Lena on my own. ......
Hey, that's not so bad!

　Not too much. In fact, in terms of annoyance, Lena is on the same level as Shalala.
　She's either unpleasant or harmless if you don't get involved with her, but both are troublesome if you see them as acquaintances.

Please be careful on this three-day boat trip. Be especially careful if you see any minors.
I know. I don't want to think that Lena is that careless either, but it would be nice to have a force that we can control just in case.
I don't want to think that Lena is that unsuspecting, but it would be nice to have a force that can control her just in case.　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get the best out of it.
"Suppression!　What kind of eyes are they looking at me with?
"An unsuspecting shorty.
"A dangerous man with an inferiority complex for children.
"Loves children (in a s*xual sense) more than food.
"・・・・・・・・・・

　Being understanding is also a good and bad thing.
　And it was enough for me to realize how the people around me saw me.
　I don't think Lena will reflect on this, but for now, I'll just say, "What's wrong with loving a boy?　What's wrong with loving a boy? It's not fair," he said, successfully depressing me.
　No, I'm not sure if I'm depressed.　I'm a little worried.

Are you sure you're okay? Are you sure you're okay?　That thing is ...... terminal, you know?
If it weren't for that, I'd be a pretty reliable guy. ....... I don't know why I'm so anxious.
Well, it's Rena. ....... I don't think she's going to be remorseful if I warn her now. Because it's Rena-san, right?



　Iris's words were convincing enough.
　Lena, the lone outsider, was pouting. Well, I guess she got what she deserved.

　An hour later, Janae and Rena left the city of Steeler with Wu Kei and the others.
　As a side note, it goes without saying that Rena was attracted to a passing boy. Naturally, she was hit with an iron fist by Ukei and the others, and was sent away.
　He seemed to be in serious condition.

　"Over here.

"This way. Doctor.
"Wow~~~ ......
It's amazing. ...... (It's like Notre Dame Cathedral)

　After parting with Jahné and the others, Celestina led Xellos and Iris to the Great Library.
　It was not a library to say the least, but rather a building with the architectural style of a church or cathedral. From the design, it was clear that it had been built as a church and then converted into a library.
　The light coming through the large stained glass windows created a solemn atmosphere inside the library, creating a sense of sanctity that was hard to believe for a public place.
　The space for students to read is quite large, but the bookshelves are even more impressive. It is hard to tell how many books are stored in the library.

As you can see, ...... collects books from all over the country. That's a lot of books. ...... I don't know how much of it is true, but...
You can't say that, Uncle.　A book is an expensive thing, right?　Doesn't the accuracy of the content vary depending on the country or place where it was written?
"That's why you can't deny that there is a bias. How many books written from multiple perspectives still exist, and whether you can read the truth in them is another matter.

　Books in this world, even from a general point of view, tend to be written for the convenience of the side that won the war.
　It would be difficult to find an unbiased record among them. This is because most of the records are written for the convenience of the victors, and most of them omit unnecessary backstory.
　To find out what's going on behind the scenes, we need to know the history of the defeated side, and if we start pursuing it, we won't have enough time. For this reason, Xellos decided to focus only on the origins of religion in this world.

The four gods came to prominence after the War of the Evil Gods. With that in mind, it is understandable that the now-defunct creationist religion was believed in first. The question is, why were the four gods born?
"Isn't it because the creator gods disappeared?　Or a religious war?
"But if you look into it, there is no history of such wars. It's as if the believers of the God of Creation switched to the Four Gods. I have a hunch. ......
I'm not sure what you mean by that.　Without any conflict?　How is that even possible?

　I'm not sure if it's possible, but I think it is.
　At the same time, the Emergent Theocracy's power declined at an unusually fast pace, and most Emergent Theocracy temples disappeared in just fifty years. They were transformed into temples of the Four Gods.

According to the doctrine of the four gods, the four gods created the world, but I don't know what that actually means. ......
"We don't even know if the evil gods exist, do we?　We don't even know if the evil gods existed in this world from the beginning or if they just suddenly appeared from somewhere else. ...... What we do know is that ......
The four gods cannot defeat the evil gods. You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the best results. I'm not sure what to do. This hero is also a crook. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
I'm not sure what to say.　It's like a game.　No way. ......
"I summoned them from another world. I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who'd like to know more about this.　I'm sure you've heard of them. It's more likely that they were disposed of as dangerous molecules.

　All of this is speculation, but from the information gathered, this is how it can be explained for now.
　And there are still heroes in this world today. In the headquarters of the Four Divine Religions, the Metis Holy Law Divine Kingdom.
　It is the largest religious nation on the continent, and it is also a troublesome nation that frequently causes wars. The reason for this is that they have received an oracle from the Four Gods. It is a very bad story.

Why are you looking into the Four Gods?　It's a bit crazy, but it's also a good country that takes care of orphans and treats injuries and illnesses.

　In response to Celestina's question, which he had been listening to silently until now, Xelloss smiled a grin and said, "......" before turning to face her and answering her question.

"Of course, I don't like it. ......

　Celestina would never know that I consider all four religions to be enemies.
　But that doesn't mean she hates all of them. The only thing he wants to know is, "Are the four gods really gods? Is that all he wants to know?
　Knowing the identity of these four gods was one of the options that would determine his future actions.
　Above all, if he didn't know who the evil gods were, it would be a catastrophe after he revived them.


　Worst case scenario, the world might die.
　Therefore, he could not tell his student that he was cautious about this matter.

　The old man went to the reception desk of the library, deceiving himself appropriately. He walked to the reception desk of the library with a light step and no sense of tension. .......
　The old man did not know that the library was a non-smoking place, and was scolded by the receptionist.
　Even if there is a portable ashtray, it seems to be useless.