In the dim light of the magic lamps, several carriages were slowly moving forward.
　The old dwarven road, nowadays called the [Northern Underground Trade Route], has begun to be used by merchants from the Kingdom of Issaras and the Imperial Kingdom of Atollum.
　One of the central trading points is the underground ruins city of Ether Lante.
　After the opening of the underground passage, many merchants began to come and go along this passage. Their purpose is to obtain mineral resources.
　The magical kingdom of Solistea is poor in mineral resources, and the only way to obtain them is through trade with other countries.
　However, importing minerals from other countries would require a large amount of money to be spent at checkpoints. This is a big disadvantage for both the merchants and the country.
　Moreover, most of the mineral resources are produced by the Holy Law Goddess Kingdom of Metis. The reason for this was that they had started a religious war and dominated a small country.
　Metis, which had grown into a major power, exerted economic pressure on the surrounding small nations by restricting the sale of mineral resources.
　Of course, there were other countries that produced mineral resources, but they were also large countries and it would take a long way for the Solstice Magic Kingdom to import minerals.
　As a means of revival, the Kingdom of Magic of Solstair and the Imperial Kingdom of Atrum, which had been expanding the old Dwarven Underground Roads, finally opened the roads and began trading. As a result, the Kingdom of Isaras, which was close to extinction, was saved economically.
　If the timing of the opening had been any different, the Kingdom of Issaras might have been incorporated into the Metis Holy God Kingdom. The timing was very critical.
　Several carriages were moving along the trade road that connected the three countries.

It's a long one: ....... How far does this road go?
"According to the map, we should be at Ether Lante in a few minutes.
According to the map, we should be almost at Ether Lante.　Why are you both so calm? Don't you feel uneasy?
Zveit is used to it. Croisus is looking forward to ...... the living ancient city and he's excited. You get the idea, Dio .......

　You know, Zveit and the rest of the top students at Istor Academy of Magic.
　To be honest, the problem was that they were too good. Since the summer vacation, they had made remarkable progress, and their grades had risen to the point where the instructors were worried.
　The instructors of each faction were troubled and finally decided to expel them under the name of investigating ancient ruins. However, the trouble is that the current top performers are the ones who disagree with the government's internal policies, initiate faction reforms, and frequently cause human disasters in the name of experiments.
　They were forced out of the academy for good reason, as they felt that they would be held responsible for the management of the academy and their own heads would be in danger. In short, things got out of hand.
　Being good is good for the faction, but being too good is bad for those who want to maintain the status quo.

I don't care how you do it, but where did you get that map of Croisus ......?　It looks like it depicts the entire city in great detail. ......
I've got a lot to tell you. I got it from a friend of mine who graduated. Please don't ask any more questions. Depo-con rarity.
It's Dio!　Why Depokon Chin?　Who's that?　That's not even one letter!　And you almost said 'diversion'!
My sister learned our names, and he's .......
Don't get mad, matsunroe. It's Croisus, remember?　He can't remember anything he's not interested in.
Yay, he can't remember my name either!　Who the hell's Matsukenro?　Who's Matsukenro? He's funky, he dances to the rhythm of the samba.

　Zveit and Croisus still couldn't remember each other's friend's name.
　Incidentally, Makarov and Dio had both been classmates with them. Since they still don't remember each other's names, they must be really unimportant to these two.
　It might be safer to give up on them.

By the way, brother, ......
Hmm?
He's your brother's bodyguard, isn't he?
Him?　Oh, ...... Elomra.

　I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you've seen it.
　I'm not sure what to do. He is currently looking for a girlfriend.

"Oh, so you don't have a boyfriend~. How about me?　I'm the type of guy who'll do anything for you.
"Huh?　But you seem so frivolous.
No, no, no. I'm a serious guy.　I'm talking to you like this, but I'm trying to be brave.
"No way, you don't look like that. Are you sure?
Really, really, really, really. I'm a lonely vagabond looking for a woman to love.

　I was in the middle of a hookup.
　He was in the middle of a hookup, and his mercenary guards were getting annoyed.

"The mercenaries will beat you up again anyway. Leave them alone.
"That's pretty bad. You're not going to help them?　Well, I don't really care since it's someone else's problem.



　Croisus was terrible.
　In fact, there have been several fights to get here, but Croisus has just ignored them.
　He had no intention of intervening.

"Huh~ ......, can't wait to get there.
"I've heard that line many times on the way here. You'll have to be patient.
"That line, too.

　I had a lot of time on my hands on the way to Ether Lante.
　That boredom is still going to continue.

　The boredom would continue.

　Among the top performers, of course, were Celestina and her friends.
　These days, they are called "magic angels," "genius magic girls," and "sisters," but they are also feared by instructors as "classroom heretics" and "rebel Celestinas.
　Like Croisus, she is too good to be trifled with, but until a while ago she was called "incompetent". However, the problem is that she has become able to use magic with her own strength and has become a "talented woman".
　The instructors also knew that there were people who were not good at magic, but none of them had risen to become mages on their own.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.　All by yourself, you know?　Why can't you guys teach him what the students were able to do?　Hey, are you listening? And so on. No, actually, they already said that.
　To make matters worse, Celestina started teaching those who were not good at magic. This made the incompetence of the instructors stand out even more.
　It was not that the instructors were slacking off. Celestina, too, was merely teaching out of kindness to those who were in the same situation as her or in a similar position.
　This act of volunteering out of kindness ended up strangling the instructors. They began to be compared with each other, and they couldn't stand it any longer, so they sent most of their top students to the island. Before that, there was no one who could teach her anything.
　And among the high achievers, there is also Carostee ......... 　

".........
"Huh, ......, with all this free time, I'll probably end up eating too many Yee Ling cookies and gaining weight.
What?　My fault?　It's just that Selina eats too much, isn't it?
It's your fault that you make such delicious food!　Ugh. ...... I just went on a successful diet. ......
Selina is very susceptible to temptation.

　Celestina and Carosti stared at Selina and Yee Ling during snack time.
　They slowly looked at their own breasts and then back at them. Mostly their breasts.

Not too big, not too small. ...... Selina's breasts are probably beautiful.
Yee Ling's breasts are as stunning as ever. ....... And she has a baby face. She's a good housewife. ...... She's a smart young lady who is devoted to her husband. It's very popular with many men, you know?
"And she's surprisingly soft-spoken. There was once a rumor about a strange relationship between her and your brother, but she was the culprit.
She's a good woman, you know.　The only thing is that she seems to have a bit of an off-kilter sensibility. ......

　Usually, Yi Lin is a quiet, chubby girl.
　But she's even better than that. She's one of the top four girls when it comes to grades alone.
　She went to the forest of Rahmah for actual training, but since her party included underclassmen, she took it easy and did some gathering.
　She only fought goblins.

Her nickname is "the school nursemaid". It is said that she is Croisus-sama's lover.
It's true that Brother Croisus needs a woman who can take care of him quite well. ......

　Two people who for some reason feel defeated .
　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.

"Mi, you have a future. We still have a long way to go!
"The future of ......? Considering our current size, I don't think we can hope too high. ......
You can't give up!　If we give up, our game is over!

　I don't know what kind of game I'm trying to play.
　Both of them have never done any housework, and they are both researchers who devour knowledge related to magic.
　I thought that I was not attractive enough as a woman, but when I saw Yee Ling in front of me, with her motherly bearing and maternal style, I could not help but be aware of my own lack of feminine power.

I heard that there is a hot spring in the city beyond Ether Lante. I'd like to go there.
"What?　But it's in the territory of the Atollum Empire.　Won't they get mad if I go there without permission?
It's supposed to make your skin smooth. It's good for your beauty.
Wow.
"What?



　For both of them, it was a fascinating word.
　However, it was a vexing problem, because they could not give priority to their personal desires when they were going to Ether Lante as part of their studies.
　Even if the academic work itself is in the foreground, a student who does not know the facts cannot go to another country without permission. If it is not done well, the instructor who leads the students will be dismissed.
　It was indeed uncomfortable for both of them to sacrifice others for their desires.

I'm sure you can find a hot spring near ...... that will boost your feminine power.
I'm not going to bother other people just for the sake of beauty. You'll have to give up in tears. ...... By the way.

　If you're not sure what you're looking for, you can always ask your doctor.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.
I'm not sure what to do. You can use the magic power gathered in the soles of your feet to explode the moment you accelerate using your entire body as a spring. ....... I'm not sure what to make of it.
I'm not sure what to do.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. It was like instantaneous movement.
　The mercenaries who were escorting her were startled by the sudden appearance of the maid, and Miska smiled evilly at the sight of her. She was smiling like she was having a great time.
　He loves to surprise and tease people.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
I'm sure you're not in a position to participate in this investigation. ....... I'm sure you're not the only one.

　I'm not sure if you'll be able to find a way to find out more about it. Miska is a maidservant who takes care of her personal needs, and she is not qualified to participate in the survey of ruins, which is her schoolwork.
　She should have been, but for some reason they were here.
　Miska came back with a proud look on her face, and Urna looked at her with respect. Anzu was cool about it.

I'm not sure why Miska and Urna are here.　No matter how you look at it, it's not right for them to be here. ......
You ask why? That's a silly question. It's because she's a maid.
The definition of a maid is wrong!　Please don't think you can get away with anything with that one word. This is an academic event, you know.
"Don't be fooled by ...... anymore!　Simply put, it's a vacation. I've been given a vacation from my husband, so I thought I'd go to the hot springs. And then I kidnapped Urna who was bored - no, I just invited her to join the survey team. What about it?
"Abducted?　Didn't you just say that you kidnapped her?　And in a hot spring?　That's not fair!

　Ms. Misuka, you're just saying that.
　It was obvious that an outsider was taking advantage of the situation, but Miska's unconcerned demeanor did not allow people to distrust her. Moreover, she is saving the cost of hiring an escort by joining the queue.
　The problem is Urna.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.　If you don't get enough credits, you might end up staying in school next year. ......
I'm sure you're aware of that. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. No problem.
Kuromail?　Did you threaten the headmaster?　What is Miska doing that I don't know about?

　Miska's glasses shone eerily.
　I can't see her face, but her mouth is lifted in the most vicious smile I've ever seen.
　There was no hesitation in it.

There are a thousand or two secrets that you don't want people to know about, don't you think?　I'm just asking you for one of them. You've given me your permission.
There are usually not that many!　What's more, aren't you threatening me after all?
Oh, you're so selfish, young lady. ....... I have a wonderful present for you, young lady.
"What's that ...... book?　I'm not sure what to say.

　Miska handed me a book made of black leather that was full of pressure.
　When Celestina saw the title on the cover, she stiffened. Then she shivered.

"Mimi, Mimi, Miska, ...... why is this a book ......?
"It's worth the trouble I went through to edit it. I've heard that sales have been brisk lately.　The royalties are going to be great. You did it, young lady!

　A thumbs up with a very nice smile.
　Miska was filled with a sense of satisfaction at what she had accomplished.

"That's not what I was told!　Why is this story being sold as a book?
Because I thought it would be a shame to leave it out in the open and buried. I thought it would be a shame to keep it buried in the public domain. The publishers were astonished at the unexpected sales.



　It is the black history of Celestina.
　It was inspired by a thin book that Miska was interested in through a prank, and it was a work of art that she put all of her desire into, and it is her sealed negative legacy.
　At the time, it was nothing more than a fantasy, but unbeknownst to me, it had been made into a book by Miska. And it seems to be selling well.
　Incidentally, the title of the book was "Man and Beast's Lamentations: The Fool Dances Madly in the Garden of Roses".

Oh, I've read that book too. It's about a group of orphan boys who rise through the ranks of the underworld, isn't it?　That ...... is a love-hate story of gentlemen who sometimes hurt each other and sometimes love each other madly. I cried a lot at the end.
I'm not sure what to say.　How did you know about it, Ms. Carosse?
Why, it was on display in the new release booth at the Grand Library.　I picked it up by mistake, but it was a much better story than I expected. I'm so glad I picked it up by mistake.
I'm sure you'll agree.

　Kuro history has been widely circulated in the world.
　And the fact that it's more highly rated than I imagined is even more painful. And it hurts.

When two best friends had to kill each other because of their differences, it made my heart ache. The scene where they left the bed without saying a word was sad and yet loving. Oh ...... ♡ Giovani-sama♡".
I put a lot of effort into editing that part. It's the best part of the scene where the guys are torn between love and duty.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!

　In addition, Carostee had also fallen into that side of the world in no small part.
　Celestina feels like dying when she thinks that the reason for this is because of the fantasy story she wrote. Praise is sometimes more vicious than a torture device.
　Even if she gets high praise, that favorable opinion becomes a sharp knife that mercilessly cuts into Celestina's heart.
　Her HP is already at zero.

I'm glad to hear that, young lady. ....... You've gained the support of your friends, haven't you?
"d*mn ...... kill me!　I'd rather kill you all in one fell swoop!

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to use the site, you can call us at our own website. It's a terrible master-servant relationship.

By the way, when is the sequel scheduled to come out?　I'm looking forward to it.
I'm currently editing it with all my might. We're working on editing it with all our might. We'll have it ...... by next year.
Kahwa!

　Celestina finally collapsed, unable to bear the reality.

"Oh, I can do the blink!
"...... You're good. At this rate, you might be able to learn [contraction] quickly. ......
Really?　Yes!

　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find it on the web.
　These two do not seem to hear the commotion around them. They seemed to be enjoying themselves.
　In her distant consciousness, Celestina fell into the darkness, listening to the two slow-paced voices and envying them.

　I'm not sure what to say.

　The caravan of academy students that had made the long journey was now being checked at the main gate of Etherrante.
　Many merchants lined the streets, vying for the newly opened business opportunities.
　The trade route that used to only go through Metis Holy God Kingdom has now been extended to the Imperial Kingdom of Atollum and the Kingdom of Issaras, making it possible to travel back and forth to other countries without incurring unnecessary expenses.
　The Kingdom of Issaras produces ores and gemstones, and the Imperial Kingdom of Atollum is able to purchase high-quality materials for demons. As a merchant, he is desperate to find a trading partner before anyone else and outsmart the other merchants.
　However, there were so many merchants that the checkpoints were getting jammed up.

"Seriously, it's ...... Ether Lante. No way. ......
"...... is real. If you think I'm dreaming, why don't you punch me?
"Don't do it, you'll die. ......

　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of these in the marketplace. I'm not sure what to make of it.
　Anzu and Eromura, both reincarnated players of Sword and Sorcery. Anzu was accepting, but Elomra couldn't believe it when she saw the main gate in front of her.
　There are many thoughts about being reincarnated in another world, but it never occurred to them that an underground city, one of the initial bases of the game world, existed and that they were actually standing there.
　It's a scene that doesn't seem real, that seems to be a dream, and yet the common sense that this is reality is at odds with each other. It was as if we were playing "Sword and Sorcery".
　However, I was also aware that this feeling was extremely dangerous.
　If you surrender yourself to the feeling of the game, your fear of death will be diminished. This is because this world is real, and there is no "return to death" as in the game.

I shouldn't have come here to ....... I feel like I'm in the world of Sword and Sorcery.


"...... There is no [Resurrection Temple] here. If you are not aware of it, your life is in danger.
I know, but what does this mean?　Why does Ether Lante exist?
I don't know. ....... Maybe that's something the Annihilator is looking into.
"That old guy, he seems to be a top player. I'm sure he's good at researching things, and he might have some information.

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please contact us.
It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money. You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.
　It is possible that he has some information, but Elomra did not dare to ask. Before that, he didn't know where the Annihilator was.

"My guess is ....... Want to hear it?
"Seriously?　No, let's not do that right now. I'm not brave enough to know the truth yet.
"...... is a badass in so many ways.
Anzu, that comment really hurts my feelings.

　Eromura wants to enjoy life in another world. In contrast, Anzu doesn't know what she's thinking.
　The expressionless schoolboy stared at the gate of Ether Lante and did not change his expression.
　In addition to these two, Zveit and the others were also staring at the gates of the ancient city, frozen in place.

It's amazing ...... that there is still an ancient city alive.
I'd like to explore every inch of ...... this city, every inch of it. I feel like I could devote my life to researching this place.
Croisus ......, you're that much of a research idiot--or at least you've always been that way.
Makarov, I think it's a little late for that, don't you?　It's more than that. This is an impregnable underground fortress.

　Makarov is a researcher and Dio is a cadet studying tactics.
　In terms of magical technology and defensive tactics, this ancient underground city was the best subject for research. Moreover, it was one of the few ruins where the city was still functioning normally.
　Naturally, from the moment they arrived in this city, the two research groups were divided. One for tactical research and the other for magical technology research.
　As a student of the academy, you are not allowed to enter the important places. But other than that, you are allowed a certain amount of freedom of movement.

Hmm ...... we will probably be staying at the old consulate site. It is said that the heart of the city lies deep beneath the consulate, but this area has been sealed off.
"Your research started with the investigation of the magic tools, right?　We'll be examining the city's defense structure and defensive tactics here. What kind of command will we have in the field and what kind of contingencies are possible?
Will I still have to submit a research report?
You will. We've been on a bit of a roll lately, and there's been a lot of attention from the top.

　Croisus and the Saint-Germain faction had been attracting attention for their improvements in potions and formulas. In particular, the announcement of the method of deciphering magical formulae caused the progress of all research to temporarily stagnate.
　At the same time, however, the previously unknown structure of the magic formula was clarified, and the analysis work began to progress at a frightening pace. When a new possibility is presented to researchers, they forget their limits and run wild.
　Zveit and the Weasler faction also proposed new tactical concepts and organizational reforms, some of which were adopted as test cases for the organizational reforms of the Order of Knights and the Order of Magicians, and the current military structure is rapidly changing to one that emphasizes efficiency.
　Only the upper echelons of the Order of Magicians and the Order of Knights were left behind, while the lower echelons were integrated into a larger organizational structure. It was officially decided that they would be dispatched to various regions.
　It would no longer be possible for the upper echelons to confront each other as they had in the past, and in some cases, this would lead to a situation where they might be relieved of their duties.

I hear those who have been taking advantage are being kicked to the curb. That's good, yeah.
"Dio, that's only one side of it, okay?　It's actually quite a mess. I heard that the number of mages who have only been providing logistical support has been greatly reduced by the Order's training. A lot of them have been fired for refusing to take close combat training.
You're right, Mashu Ahea. The time has come for mages to fight on the front lines. You can't just sit in the back like you used to. He didn't realize that and as a result of his lame defiance, he was rejected. It's a kind of example.
"It's Makarov, brother. ....... Well, I'm a researcher, so I have nothing to do with the battlefield.
I'm a researcher, so I have nothing to do with the battlefield. ...... I think these guys are actually misspelling my name on purpose.　It seems like every time they talk, they're getting further and further away from their real names.

　This was the moment when Makarov became suspicious.
　But unfortunately, the two of them are not intentionally misspelling names. It's a serious mistake, which is why it's so bad.
　In addition, even if they were classmates, they were not very close.
　We only talked a little, and because our fields of specialization were different, a distance naturally existed between us. This distance made our memories vague, and when we were divided into classes, we completely disappeared from our memories.
　In fact, it is better that they remember my face.

"Come with me, Croisus.
"Thank you, Makarov. Didn't Mr. Croisus make a fool of himself?

　The main members of the Saint-Germain faction joined Croisus and the others.
　From here on, they would split up into their respective laboratories.



"Yee-Ling and Selina, they're fine. That Croisus guy was unusually quiet.
Oh, that's unusual. I wonder if the remains will be buried in the ground tomorrow?
"Selina ......, is it so strange that I did not experiment?　It's not like I'm causing a ruckus every time, no matter what.
""What?"

　I'm sorry, but Croisus's argument doesn't hold water.
　You don't have to say it, but Croesus is always at the center of the commotion. Croisus is responsible for about 20 percent of the riots that occur in the academy.
　That's why no one will believe you when you say that you are not the one causing all the commotion. Because I have witnessed the moment when it causes a human disaster right in front of my eyes.

"Don't lie to me, Croisus.
"You're causing accidents while you're saying it. You can't convince me!
The other day, when I was teaching my junior students how to create potions, they created potions with strange effects, didn't they?　When I was teaching my younger students how to create magic potions, you created some strange potions with strange effects, and the affected children suddenly started revealing their embarrassing hobbies and s*xual habits!
"Oh, did that ever happen?

　I tried to cover it up with a smile, but the cold stares of the three of them pierced me.
　It's not good when you add extra ingredients on the spur of the moment. There is no word in Croisus's dictionary that says, "Don't mix, it's dangerous," but instead it must say, "Mix as your soul desires. 　
　It's a good thing that no one has been killed or seriously injured yet, but that doesn't mean it will continue.

"A magic potion that reveals secrets without asking ...... is a truth serum. I can use .......
"Zveit?

　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find it on the web. Dio was also surprised by this.
　When there is a war, there are times when secret agents are sent to other countries and vice versa. Intelligence services may capture such agents of other countries.
　However, various methods are used to extract information from them, and the most effective is torture.
　The potion that Croisus had created saved him the trouble of doing so. This is because it can easily extract information without trampling on the dignity of others.
　After all, since it speaks information at will, it reduces the number of torturers who become insane and turn into criminals through torture, and shortens the time it takes to extract information.
　Zveit's idea is that there is no magic potion more suitable for military use than this, because it is a very effective and inexpensive way to gather information in a conflict between nations where information is constantly changing.

"Croisus ......, have you kept the recipe for that potion?
Of course. Why wouldn't I keep a record of my research?
I don't care if it's later, just get the recipe and submit it to the Academy Council. What you've created will be useful to the military.
It's just a coincidence, sir. What the hell is it for?　Besides, I don't do research on those things, you know.　I have too much to do and too little time. Well, I'm interested.
Don't ask me what it's for. Don't ask me how to use it. If I tell you it's used by the Intelligence Department, you'll understand, right?　If you want to develop it, the Magic Research Department will do it.
I see. ......

　There are two main research organizations that investigate the effects and quality of potion sales.
　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the software, please contact us.
　Ostensibly, they are recognized as part of a single organization, and the name of the [Magic Research Department] rarely appears on the surface.
　The reason for this is that the people responsible for the management of these two organizations are different. The [Laboratory] is under the direct control of the Magic Division, while the [Magic Research Department] is under the direct control of the Royal Family.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at our own web site.
For the time being, the current situation is that we are keeping a close watch on the situation.
　It can be said that the magical kingdom of Solistea has renewed the organizational structure of the old era and entered a period of preparation for a new era. The magic potion of Croisus would be researched and produced by the [Magic Research Department].
　However, when Croisus learned that someone else would be doing the research, for some reason, he showed a very disappointed expression.

"You ...... said 'I don't do research,' didn't you?　Why do you look so disappointed?
"No, the thought of someone else researching a potion with benefits that I've discovered is ......
That's selfish!

　As a researcher, Croisus was greedy to an extent in his quest for knowledge.
　It is true that it was Croisus who created the truth serum, but it would be unacceptable for other researchers to study it.
　But there is much work to be done, including what I am working on now. I've never felt so sorry for having only one body in my life.

"Hey!　"Hey! How long are you talking for? Hurry up and move forward!　You're in my way!
I'm trying to get into the city, pack it up, d*mn it!
There was 「「「「「「 ......」」」」」」

　While we were having this conversation, the checkpoint was moving forward and the line in front of us was getting farther and farther away.
　The merchants, wanting to get into the city of Etherrante and get lodgings as soon as possible, were shouting in frustration.
　Tsveit and the others hurried forward, fearing that a fight might break out if they continued.
　It would be another thirty minutes before they could get through the checkpoint and through the gate. At any rate, they were able to reach Ether Lante safely.