After returning home from the underground city of Ether Lante, Celestina and Tveit were at Creston's villa, receiving combat training from Xellos in the morning and magic training in the afternoon.
　The time was already dusk.
　Celestina and Zveit, who were being instructed by Xelloss, were taking a class on the full-scale use of a special magic tool called a smelting table, but they were struggling with the sheer difficulty of it.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it'll help.
"It takes a lot of concentration just to change the shape of the metal. You also need to be careful about the magic power you consume. ......

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to get the best results, you can contact us at our website.
　It's not a special item like Zeroth's [magic smelting sheet], but a smelting table in this world, but it's not easy for ordinary mages to use because the detailed work depends on the skill of the magician himself.
　However, it is also an excellent training tool for improving the user's ability to control magic power, since the image to be smelted is operated by magic control.
　If you can use it perfectly, you can be called a top-notch user.
　However, when Zeroth started tutoring, Zveit and Celestina were not able to use the smelting table because their magic control was poor and they had little magic power.
　Since they had just learned the skill of [magic control], they could not use it for training because even a small operation would cause them to run out of magic power. Considering that both of them now had the magical power to use the alchemy table, they must have been training to increase their magical power without a break.
　Even so, it was just barely a passing grade.
　That training, by the way, was the rough work of using magic continuously and deliberately depleting her magic power and then letting it recover naturally.
　Since the depletion of magic power is quite a burden on the mind, it means that you have grown up to the point where you can use the alchemy table, so if you look at it in a different way, it means that the efforts of the two of you have paid off.

Hmm...... this is how it is.
I'm sure you'll agree that it's a great idea.

　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a number of things you can do.
　Celestina, on the other hand, is clumsy and has a lump of metal lying on the smelting table that I don't understand what it is. At this point, Zveit's ability to control magic power was shown to be higher than others.

"That's surprising. I didn't know you had this kind of talent, Zveit.
"No, I make and sell these small items by metalworking to earn money. It's easy for me to imagine. Well, it's half a hobby.
So your hobby is engraving. I wonder if a dwarf craftsman would want you for an apprentice.
Don't do that. If they find out, they'll kidnap you and make you do something endlessly. ......
Sure. ....... How well do you know the race characteristics of dwarves?

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　Maybe there was something going on with the dwarves.

But it's very nicely done. Compared to that, ......
Yours looks terrible. ......
Ugh. ......
You have an image, but you can't give it form. I'm sure you have control over your magic, but that's strange.

　You can control your magic, but you can't form it into a metal image.
　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who can do this.

I don't know if it's because she had the advantage of carving, or if she's just clumsy. ....... You'll need to try it a few times to tell.
"No, it's easy enough to change the shape. This is ...... easy.

　I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I've seen it before.
　The metal wriggles like a living thing, and eventually a brooch in the shape of a lily-like flower is completed.
　Once Zveit got the hang of it, he worked surprisingly fast.

This is the result of his experience in metal engraving. His knowledge of the properties of metals is reflected in his processing speed. With this, you will soon be able to engrave magic formulas on magic stones and processed products.
Magic formulas, ......, are quite detailed and tedious, you know?　It's a lot of work, even for engraving. I know because I've made one, and it took me a month just to incorporate the fire magic.
You're making magic tools by hand?　That's great.
It's a simple one, but I've been working on it for a while. It takes a lot of work to carve the magic formulae while looking through a magnifying glass. It's a tough job.

　It was an unexpected talent.
　If you can engrave intermediate magic formulas on magic stones, you can have a lot of magic tools by yourself.
　If you have an item bag, you can use the magic tools to cover the consumption of magic power. This will make you a troublesome mage for your opponents.

Didn't you try compressing the magic stone yesterday?　The more magic power the stone contains, the more powerful the magic formula can be. It's a disposable, one-time use, but if you have more than one, you can reduce the consumption of magic power on the battlefield to some extent.
It's easy to say, "Master, ......," but it takes a lot of work to make just one magic tool.　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
"You seem to be visiting the workshop. Maybe my father has put you in trouble. I asked him this morning, and judging from the fact that Croisus hasn't said a word about it, I'd say my guess is correct.

　Xellos wondered why Croisus, who was inexplicably obsessed with the knowledge of magic and alchemy, had not shown his face.
　The answer to his question came from Zveit, who lived in the same house.

I'm not sure I'd go that far if I were you. ....... I'm not sure what to make of that.
I'm not sure what to say.　It's always a good idea to kick common sense to the curb and say something crazy. I wouldn't be surprised if he had them do some top secret research.


I see. ......

　He's an outrageous duke who easily ignores common sense when necessary. Xellos was beginning to think that Zveit's prediction was correct.
He hadn't seen Ad in the last few days, so he couldn't deny the possibility that he was being forced to work very hard. After all, there are dwarves in the Solistaean workshop.
　There was a good chance that Ad might have been caught up in their passion for their work, or even their lives.

By the way, what are you making, Celestina?
"Well, what's with the creepy object that looks like a victim trapped inside a big slime?
"Huh?　It was difficult to form that ...... metal into a different shape. ....... I have an image, but it doesn't transform well into that shape. I'm copying your brother's work. ......
Seriously?　How do you get such a bizarre shape? ......
I thought you were making horror splatter figures out of metal. How did you get this shape if you're so clumsy?

　The shape of the metal writhing on the smelting table is truly awful.
　It looks like a victim who has been doused with a super-strong acidic liquid, or a sinner in a religious painting of hell, or a suicide in the process of immolation.
　The shape was so horrible, even though it was not intended to be. The moving metal was very vivid.
The brooch was supposed to be modeled after Zveit's, but I couldn't see any similarities in her work, and it was so bad that just looking at it made me lose my SAN value.
　Celestina seems to have had a talent in the negative direction.

I'm not sure if it's a coincidence or not, but it's too much.

　Perhaps it's just my imagination, but I feel as if there's an unnamable, eerie aura emanating from it.
　You can't help but think, "Could this be a way to summon an evil god without sacrifice? I thought.

"Sir, your brother!　It's terrible. ......
"Oh, did you just say ......?
It's true that it's a little distorted from the outside, but it's not that bad!　And if you look closely, it looks a little cute. ......
It's not just a little ....... I'm not sure what kind of image you use to create something so creepy.
I'm not sure what to make of it.　I don't know what Celestina's sensibilities are. I'm not sure what to make of it.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　I'm not sure what to make of this. The wriggling metal is strangely humanoid in shape, making it look as if it's being tortured.
It's also a great way to make sure that you're getting the most out of your time in the field.

"...... Oh, my magic power.
I'm not sure what to do. Stop the magic flow at least when you talk.
I also want to be able to do more ...... precise operations. Huh. ......
I'll take a mana potion for now. I don't think you should continue today.

　I'm sure you're not the only one who's had a bad experience. It's okay to get carried away, but the old man thinks that you should think about how to pace yourself.
　Celestina's symptoms of magic depletion were eased by drinking a mana potion.

I'm not sure what to make of it.
I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that. The more complex the process, the higher the magic consumption. It's not very efficient until you learn to use it. The reason why it is so unpopular is that you can't improve your skills without doing a lot of work, and you end up using up all the materials you have. Buying materials alone is a huge loss.
It's also inconvenient to carry around. Even small ones are quite heavy. And the price is ridiculously high. ......
"It's a direct copy of a relic from the past, and there are no less than two or three layers of plates engraved with the technique. It's also expensive to make. ....... It's an application of the stacked magic circle, but it's made of metal, so of course it's going to weigh a lot. One of the reasons why it's so expensive is because it uses a lot of materials with high magical conductivity.

　The demand is low and the price is high.
　A lot of mages say that this grimoire is useless, but few people know that it is actually a great tool for improving your skills as a mage.
And it was an unfortunate item that was always left behind in the ruins of old times or in the manors of disgraced nobles. Today, it has the value of an antique piece of furniture.

You know, shouldn't you be drinking mana potions while you work?
It's bad for your health to keep recovering with mana potions, even if you recover naturally. It's a drug, and you never know what side effects it might have on your body. It's a dangerous thing to do. If you become addicted, you'll be in trouble.
"Well, potions are only for emergencies. There's a limit to how long you can keep taking it.
My stomach is going to flip-flop.

　Mana potions are often misunderstood, but mana potions are a regular remedy to prevent magic power depletion.
　Some mages, such as mercenaries, always take it after casting a spell in vain, but if you look at it in reality, it is quite dangerous.
　It is only a potion to relieve fatigue, not to supply magic power.
　In addition, there are differences in materials and quality depending on the mage who produces it, and in some cases, the ingredients themselves may be fundamentally different.
　Some ingredients can become poisonous if taken in large quantities, so excessive doses should be considered a problem, but few people understood this issue.

"I think it's important to train yourself first before relying on magic potions. If you want to increase your magic power, you should continue to use magic. If you want to gain an advantage in close combat, you should train yourself by swinging. Relying on drugs is a fool's errand.


It's not enough to raise your level. It's all about hard work, isn't it?
"You should think of the lower level mana potions as a first aid during training. You can't teach if your magic is depleted.
I don't recommend drinking it, but that's up to the individual to decide. You just have to be careful.

　Zeroth does not have the authority to advise users to be careful about magic potions.
　I don't care what happens to others, but it would have been nice if at least the two apprentices had known the dangers and taken precautions.
In this world where the concept of regulation is loose, it is the job of those in power to make laws that regulate safety. All the trouble was left to others.

"Oh my God!　Lord Ad has collapsed in the doorway!
Somebody get a doctor... oh, he's still conscious!

　The class was almost over when suddenly there was a commotion outside the room.

What's ......?　What's that noise?
I wonder what it is?
"From what I hear, Mr. Ad has collapsed. Looks like he's been working pretty hard.
Who's that?　That's .......
He's a mage we hired recently. I heard that he was helping your father with his work. ....... I heard you were his apprentice.
"Master's apprentice?　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.
　Celestina, who lived in this villa, knew of Ad, but Zveit had never heard of him before. He was more surprised that Xellos had another apprentice.

"More of a playmate, I suppose. We've done a lot of things. The two of us.
So you're the apprentice of the bad guy. ......
Your wife is in the house, too.　Your brother ....... She's busy raising her children, though, so we don't get to talk much.
I wonder if your companion is also working as a maid. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. I've heard that they are currently helping out in the workshop with various things.
In other words, he's an excellent mage. The workshop belongs to the Solisteers, right?　I don't think that father would take in an outsider from the area.
You're also very perceptive, Zveit. Well, it's almost time to end the class. Tomorrow, we'll start the actual training early in the morning, so make sure you're well rested.

　Closing the books they had been looking at as reference material, the three of them began to put away the tools they had been using.
　In the meantime, the noise continued to echo.
　Just as they were about to throw their belongings into their inventory and leave the room, there was a knock on the door and Lisa entered the room, saying, "Excuse me.

"Oh, Lisa. What's up?
"Mr. Xelloss, I'm sorry, but do you have any energy pills?　I mean, Ad collapsed from severe fatigue. ......
I do. Wait a minute, ...... challah challah challah, the super-powerful energizer [Docto Mujer Maximum Bomber VIII]!

　I took it out like some kind of blue robot.
　I'm not sure if it's my imagination or not, but there was a strange vibe coming from the little vial.

What's with the name .......? "What's with that name, it's very suspicious!
"Heck, this stuff works! Just take one and you'll be high in no time.
Is that really an energy pill?　It's not some kind of illegal drug, is it?
............ is fine. No problem.
What's that in between?

　The item that the old man brought up was very smelly.

It's a psychedelic, hip, awesome energizer that will blow away fatigue and reason in one shot. It's my version of Kanon's recipe, and it can motivate you to solve a crime in 24 hours. I've heard you're pretty tired too, so you might as well use something really powerful.
I doubt it's really safe, but you can't replace your back. ....... I'll try it anyway.
You'd better take it quickly. It's a waste of effort to carry a big man to his room.　I'll let you go back to your room on your own. It's not worth the trouble.
"Mr. Xelloss, that's terrible!　But thank you. See you at .......

　Lisa hurriedly left the room, running fast.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I've never tried it on anyone yet," he said. I'm looking forward to seeing what effect it has on you.


"[...... terrible]

　The two disciples' gazes were cold .
　Soon after, I heard, "Yuyi!　I can't take it anymore!　I'm going to make a second one! I'm going to make a second one!
　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
　Ad, who couldn't return to Yui because of the dwarves, seemed to have worked very hard under the effects of the energizer, and the next morning they were emitting a lovey-dovey, strawberry atmosphere.
　It's a good thing that the couple is happy and close.


　　I'll be back soon.


　When I came home after tutoring, I found Alfia, Iris, and Janae.
　Basically, Zeroth keeps his house unlocked, and his acquaintances usually enter his house without permission to have tea or dinner.
　However, there was another unfamiliar figure there.
　Or, more precisely, a woman in panda pajamas lying on the floor with her face buried in a fluffy pillow.

"......... Janae. I have one question for you.
If I can answer it, I will.
Who is this woman?
You'll have to ask Alfia. I don't know.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life.

That's Gaianess. I'm sure you've heard of it.
""Huh, four gods?

　The three of them were startled by the sudden bombshell.
　The three of them were startled by the sudden bombshell. Zeroth and Iris hated the goddess, but to the inhabitants of this world, the goddess was a supreme being.

I don't know.　I'm not asking you!
"I picked it up yesterday. I found it yesterday. According to what I found out, it's a sleeping thing that doesn't eat anything all the time and it's harmless, so why don't we leave it alone?
"No, no, no, why did you bring him here?　Just throw him back where he came from!
I'd like to, but I gave him a pillow and a comforter, and he's so attached to me, I'm afraid I'm in trouble.
I don't want you to bring him back to me!
I don't want you to bring him to me.　You can ignore him if you want. He was asleep most of the time when he came home.

I'm not sure what to make of that.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
　She is also said to be the goddess of the forests and the earth, but she does not heal the deserted southern continent.
　According to the doctrine of the gods, he is said to be a guardian and a moderate being, but no one would expect him to be sleeping peacefully on the floor of a private house.
　And he was wearing pajamas.

"Mr. Alfea?　What are you going to do with this?　I'm not going to take care of it.
Since you have an extra room, just throw it somewhere. You're a lazy bastard.
So why are you bringing him to my house?
I took him to church, but he slept in the ...... chapel and said I was disturbing him. He's a very bad sleeper. ......
So he's useless to you, huh?
"...... Mm.

　I'm in trouble.
　Alfea's resurrection was supposed to be a secret, but the man himself had brought the revelation.
　And he's one of the four gods.
　If the world found out about it, there would be an uproar, and all of Xellos's concern for keeping it a secret would have been for naught. This was especially a problem with Janae's presence.
　It was more likely that Iris would cooperate with him if he talked to her, since she was one of Zeroth's kind. However, if Jahné knew the truth about Alfea, she would panic.
　After all, there are two heavenly beings right in front of him.

'......... Even more troubling, I'd like to see Jahneh confused. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.
　This is completely obvious now.

"Uncle ....... I've always thought it was suspicious, but Alfea is an evil god, right?
It's obvious, isn't it? It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. That is the God of Gothic Lolita Eclipse!
I'm sure you've heard of him.
Who the hell is the Gothic Lolita God of Gluttony? ...... And where did you get this from, it's one of the four gods?　It's important to reiterate that it's in the way, so throw it back where you found it and seal it up carefully. We can't afford to take care of it.
"No, it's not a dog or a cat, you can't just throw it away. ....... Well, I can understand how you feel.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. But no one can hear you.


　Alfia ignored Iris' comment and continued.

I don't know why they stay so close to me when I throw them away!　I'm fed up with it too. ....... I wrapped it around me several times to no avail. What the hell is going on? It's .......
I wouldn't know. I don't think you've been tamed.
I made a deal, but I didn't make a contract!　We made a deal, but not a contract!　After that, he began to worship me as the pajama god of inertia, and I was so annoyed that I tied him up carefully in the middle of the virgin forest and left him there, but before I knew it, he was sleeping behind me!　I could have easily sealed up the one from the wind, but ......
"What?

　A further bomb was dropped.
　Alfea had already contacted and defeated Windir before Gaianess.
　Xellos had never heard of him.

"Hey, old man ....... Is Alfea really an evil god?
"Well, there's no point in hiding it after all this time. Yes, she is the evil god that destroyed the world to the point of collapse. The cause of this is the God of Creation and the four gods there.
I'm not sure if this is for real or not.　I don't think she looks like that kind of monster to me. ......
I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.
　The skirt flips as you spin, showing off the cuteness of your age.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why. What kind of education did you give her?
"Do you think you need to be educated ......, hmm?

　In the middle of the conversation, the front door opened and a serious-looking Lena walked into the house without greeting, silently sat down on a chair, folded her hands on the table and let out a deep, heavy sigh.
　And then...

"Huh. ....... I think I might have made it.

　--The last and biggest bomb of the day was dropped.

「「「「 Naaaaahhhh niiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!」」」」

　Lena's coming out had a greater impact than the story of Alfea being an evil god or the fact that she brought a pillar of the four gods with her, and it threw the place into chaos.
　If it was true, it was because the other party was a youth who had just come of age.

Hmmm, I had a feeling that would happen, but ....... No, is it weird that I've never been in a situation like that before?
"Who is it?　Who's child is that, Renaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?
"I have so many ideas, I don't know whose it is. Well, I'm not sure.
Why not?　Lena, you're lying!　Our party is about to break up?
Maybe it's just a monthly thing that's been delayed. But if it does, you'd better be prepared. Huh. ......
"'You're not on birth control, are you?
Of course not. That's disrespectful to my darlings. That's rude to my darlings.　I can't bring myself to use that.

　A manly assertion for a woman.
　Whether she was pregnant or not, it was a bombshell enough to send Janae and the boys into a panic.
　In a way, Lena was a big deal, because she was having an affair with the boys, but she didn't take any contraceptive measures, even though there was a possibility that she might get pregnant.

I don't care what you think, but why are you gathering at my house? It's better to discuss such issues with other women. ......
I've been to Luceris's, you know.　But it's not the kind of thing you can say in front of the kids. ...... Oh, by the way, Johnny and the boys are coming of age this year. ...... Julli.
"Run away, run away, run away!　A ferocious predator is after you!

　And Lena saw the children of the church as predators in a s*xual sense .
　Her initial moral considerations are nowhere to be found, and her unbalanced s*xuality is unshakable. She was terribly faithful to her own desires.

How would you raise a child, if you had one?
"That's a very serious question for ...... us. Mr. Journeys ......　
I don't have a lot of money, so I can afford to raise at least one child. But I also don't want to miss out on playing with my lovely darlings. ......
"So that's what's bothering you, Lena. ......

　It's not that she might be pregnant, it's that she won't be able to do nice things with the boys.
In short, she doesn't mind having a child with the boys she usually touches. Once again, she turned out to be a freak with determination.

"...... seems to have been playing with determination. You are an unbelievable pervert and a horrible whore.
I don't know if this is a hobby or motherhood.
It's not motherhood. I've heard you're not a mother.
You're ready to raise a child, aren't you?


"If it's a girl, I'm going to raise her normally, okay?　But if it's a boy, I'm ...... looking forward to the future handsome.
「「「「 This woman ...... is a helpless pervert!!!」」」」

　It is too late now.
　It's too late now.

I don't care what you say, but what should we do about this lazy bastard?
I'll just throw it in the unused storage room upstairs. I'll make sure to seal it up.

　I'll put him in an unused storage room at the back of the second floor.
　Not long after, Alfea sensed a powerful hint of magic.

It's always so noisy up here. I'm more than a little hungry.

　While looking at the women still struggling in front of her, Alfea anticipates today's meal.
　She'll have to put up with a little more hunger until her stomach is full.
　Xellos, who had come down from upstairs, also began to prepare dinner, leaving the three of them to their own devices.

　As a side note, Lena's pregnancy was a mistake, and three days later, rejoicing in the arrival of the once-in-a-month phenomenon, she went into town to poison the boys once again.
　There is no one who can stop her.