It burns.
　Oh, everything is burning.

　The precious home that was entrusted to me by the master, the place where I belonged, is burning.

　When did ....... Really, when did .......
　When did it accumulate so much .......

　It's a bobbing, bubbling, red-black emotion that screams out to get me out of here.
　Sticky like sludge, simmering in the depths of your mind, fuel that is too dense to be suppressed and repressed.

　-- mad love and jealousy.

　It all started as one spark.
　A magical spark that would give birth to a new world by the one who stole the reason for the fire.

　That spark burned everything in your heart and turned it into a flame that filled your heart.
　The flame burns, illuminates and exposes emotions.
　The shadow of the thing I am really seeking is clearly reflected in my heart.

　The daily life of a certain ■■ was reflected in my mind like a shadowgraph.

　Yes, that's right.
　I should have wanted to go back there.　

　I just want to go back.
　To the place where I was happy.
　Home.
　To the past.
　To those wonderful days.

　I wanted to make peace with those days.

　Because everyone was happy there.
　And then there was ■, and then there was ■, and then there were friends, and then there was the family.

　The frontier of Fania.
　Not a single interesting thing.
　The countryside in the country.

　I was busy working in the fields, hunting, helping with the housework.
　But everyone was laughing.
　Everyone was laughing, I'm sure. ......

　And that place was destroyed by my 'eyes' .......

　This 'eye' sees the essence of things.
　It doesn't find it, or see it, or see it - it sees it.

　So, when you're doing wild work, you immediately stop looking at the fundamental improvements and your hands stop working. If you hunt, you can't use traditional methods. If I was doing housework, I would feel like it wasn't my place to do it.

　Every time I did, I got angry.
　I miss it a bit.

　I feel like ■■ saw me like that and gently admonished me (・・・・). He praised me, saying, "You have a better eye for seeing than the other kids. I have a faint memory of him telling me about my skills, saying, "Your 'eyes' are a gift from heaven," and asking me to "use your power to find something that would benefit the village.

　I have a vague recollection of being asked to "find something for the village with that power.
　Nowadays, I can't even remember the face of that ■■.

　Where did it all go wrong?
　Since the rumors began to circulate in the village that were disturbing?　Since the war?　No, the decisive factor was when the army started to station itself in the village?　From the moment I mentioned it to the military commander?　From the moment I said I could win the fight?　I'll do the fighting...

　It's not.
　That's not true.
　That process doesn't matter.
　It's the 'eyes' that tell you that it doesn't matter.

　After all, no matter what, my village would have been destroyed. Long before the army came, the fate of the whole thing was already set in stone. After all, that village was in a bad 'location'. Such a simple thing.

　It makes sense to me.
　The destruction of the village was fated. I am sure that my "eyes" accelerated the process. But the true cause appears to me to be otherwise.

　Even if I were to return to those wonderful days as I had hoped, I would only suffer the same fate again.
　A clan of rare dark-haired, black-eyed people living in such a small village - a clan with rare black hair and black eyes - was surely doomed to perish in this era. That's all there is to it. ......

''--That's why I don't want to go back to the past.

　The one who steals the reason for the fire returns his voice with a sad smile.

'I'm sure it does: ......'

　Then what do I want to do?
　What do I want?
　What do I want?

　In my mind, I see a shadow puppet born of fire.
　I look again at the world that reflected my heart.

　There is no such thing as a hometown - there is not a single thing I miss.
　Those things have long since burned to residue.　

　■, ■, ■, I can't remember what it was like to be a piece of residue .......

　That's right.
　At 'cost' .......
　Burned out at a cost (・・・・・・・・).

　I remember that.
　It was very important to me, but I sacrificed it.

　So, there is only one human figure left.
　Someone with the same dark hair and black eyes as my family.
　That person is the only one left.
　The person who had been creating stagnation in the depths of my heart ever since I met him.

　--and now, finally, that person appears.

　The one who steals the reason for the fire whispers to me sadly, "Now, let's see," he whispers to me.

　The master of the lie, Christ Eurasia, emerges from under the hill.

　A gentle man chosen by the 'eye' to take the place of ■■.
　And he is too precious to be captured by "eyes".
　The hero among heroes--.

　--my love.

　The destination of the burning fire.
　My master has finally come home to me.


◆◆◆◆◆


　The One Who Steals the Reason of Fire is not just interested in love (・・・・・・・・・・).

　It was three days before the Nativity that my love affair nearly morphed into a twisted one, and I met the condition - the one that steals the reason for the fire - in the true sense of the word.

　Then the Master and Mr. Rustyala invited me to the festival, and we met again when we were making the rounds of an unreplaceable event.
　On the way back, we were alone.
　That was the true beginning--.

"-- wonderful!　You're amazing!　Oh, what a tease!　Maria!

　Mr. Arti, the one who steals the reason for the fire, described my love as "wonderful".

'Teasing?　Isn't that the wrong word for foolishness?
'No, no, no, you're teasingly adorable. You're never stupid. You're a normal girl with normal thoughts and feelings. It's a pity that they are so bad. When you're dealing with that Rustyala, everyone has a bad minute.
Yeah. Everyone has a bad minute. That's how perfect he is. It's like a 'make-believe' beautiful, perfect, ......

　I let out a deep sigh and despair at the current strength gap.

''Hmph, 'made up'? It's an odd thing to say. It's true, she's a foul 'make-believe'.
'I resent God. Why didn't you make me a little taller ....... If I had a good style like Mr. Rastiara's, and even my hair was smooth, and I had a good look in my eyes, maybe my master would have turned on me a bit. ......
'I think Maria has a certain charm about her, though.
'Haha, what do you find attractive about me?　They are tiny, flat-chested, and childlike. In addition, her hair is shaggy and her eyes are bad. She's not at all attractive as a woman.

　As I listed my features, I felt my mood sinking into the mire.
　My feet naturally felt heavy as I continued on my way home.

'I don't think so, though,'
''Even if that's not the case ...... Above all, I am not qualified to stand next to my master. What the master wants is strength to help you explore the labyrinth. I don't have enough strength ....... My strength is .......
'Hmm ....... Strengthkai .......

　I remember what happened a few days ago.
　Instead of being useful in the labyrinth, I could only drag my feet. I would never be able to find my place in the labyrinth again.

　However, it helped that at that time, Lastiara-san said, in a roundabout way, that she would support me in my love life, "From the edge, don't die, don't fall apart.
　'Eye' and 'eyes' met, no doubt about it.

　But it's not a good start.
　I don't have a single excuse to get close to my master. 'I want you to cook every day in this house,' he said, and although he managed to come back from his despair, the future is still bleak.

'Huh. ......'
Don't be so downhearted. It makes me sad.
S-Sorry. ......

　Arti-san is peeking at me with a really sad face.
　I'm sorry and force my darkened expression back up.

''No, you don't have to apologize. It was more than that, it was power. What you lacked was...''
'Oh, yes. I can't be of any use to my master without strength.
I have a hand in that. I have a way to make you stronger.
'What?　Oh, really?!

　Shouting out, I crowd Mr. Alty.

'Yeah, of course I do. I'm always on the side of a girl in love with an unrequited love.
How does that work?
I will teach you magic. As an expert (professional) in flame magic, I will elevate your flame magic to the best it can be.
"Teach magic, ......?

　I've heard from my master that Arti-san is a professional in fire magic.
　His words don't seem to lie.

''The means are a bit heavy-handed, though.
Pushy?
Ah, forcefulness is forcefulness. After all, you're going to drink the blood filled with my magic formula directly from it.
Blood. Do you drink that blood ......?

　I've never heard of it.
　I can understand if it's about drinking magic stones carved with a magic formula, but I've never heard of drinking blood. I don't think you'll be able to acquire magic even if you do that.

''It's understandable that you're wondering. I've heard that this method is a (・・・・・・・) method that doesn't exist in this era. But I assure you. I guarantee it as the highest peak fire wizard. This will make you close to being a supreme flame wizard.

　Arti-san looks at me with serious eyes.

''But even if you drink blood, there's no way you can inherit the magic formula ......
It's a little known fact. ─ It's a little known fact that drinking blood and drinking magical stones are the same thing after all. It's clear that the magic stone is much easier to remember. It can be learned by anyone with the right attributes. But the mechanism is the same. Of course, the requirements for learning magic with blood are very narrow. Very, very, very narrow. That's why this technique isn't widespread and no one knows about it.

　Arti-san knows a lot about magic. Although it's a bit bizarre, I'm sure he has a deeper insight than Mr. Flanlure, who attends the academy.

''Do I meet that requirement ......?
Yeah, I do. Fortunately or unfortunately, it's perfect. A perfect affinity, I'd say.
What the hell are the terms of ......?
'Hmmm, it's really a secret: ....... Since you're Maria, of all people, I'll tell you a few things. The point is the commonality between the blood giver and the drinker. Me and Maria have the same problems and similar personalities. We are also very close in life. It's really close. And that's the important thing.
'Well, uh, ....... Does that mean that Alty-san has a love ...... that can't be fulfilled either?
Hmmm, yeah. I'm like you.

　It shocks me.
　Somewhere, I thought I was the only one who had this problem. But I'm surprised to find an unexpected companion.

'That's why you care so much for me,'

　And the question in the corner of my mind is resolved.
　I've always been suspicious of your bizarrely high regard for me. However, if there was such a camaraderie, then it's understandable.

　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

'That's how it is. Anyway, you'll know all about it when you drink my blood. What do you think, would you like to drink it?

　Mr. Arti smiles and nods.

　Then he holds out his arm as it is and asks me if I want to drink the blood.

　I am troubled.
　Not that I'm worried about the possibility or risk of falsehood.

　I'm worried that I won't bother Alty-san.
　She always seemed to be in a hurry, and I didn't feel comfortable asking her to go this far without a price.

'Ho, are you sure you don't mind?　Magic is so important to wizards that it's not something you can share with others so easily, is it?
'I don't mind. I want to help you, Maria.

　The answer was immediate.
　Without hesitation, Mr. Arti said he wanted to help me.

'Nah, then I'll drink ....... If that will give you the power, I will drink.

　To that I respond.
　Seeing me answer without hesitation, Arti-san smiles thinly.

''Hmph. That's a good answer.''

　Arti-san scratched his wrist and dripped blood.

　Although I was surprised by the relentless self-harm, it seems that a skilled wizard would have no problem with this. I willfully put my mouth close to Mr. Alti's wrist.

　Blood spills out and falls onto my tongue.
　It tangles around my tongue, passes down my throat, and seeps into my body. The taste of iron spreads in my mouth and I feel the realization that I've drunk someone else's blood.

　At the same time, I felt something hot surging up from the bottom of my stomach.
　It was like the magic inside my body surprised me, my blood rushed, and I felt like I had acquired something new.

　At the same time, my mood is uplifted.

''Now, all of the fire magic I possess has been memorized in your blood.

　Alty nodded when he saw me.

'This is all there is to ......?

　It was quick and easy.
　It feels easier than when I drank the magic stone.

''But I can't use it right away, though. It will take some time to get used to it. If you suddenly use a high-level magic, the burden will be terrifying. Let's practice some of the easy combat ones first: ......

　Seeing my surprise, Arti-san smiles thinly and emits a small flame from his palm.
　It's an unchanted flame.
　However, I don't think it's a flame that would work in the labyrinth.

　I'm more than a little impatient.

　Even if I have more options for flame magic, it's useless if it doesn't work against the monsters after the 20th layer.
　The reason I want the power is all to keep up with my master.

''S-sorry!　If you can, but please let me practice powerful attack magic: ....... Something that will work against the giant monsters of the labyrinth depths!

　He raises his voice and wishes for stronger magic.
　However, Arti-san softly accepts it.

''Hmph. Are you still in a hurry?''
'If we don't hurry, we won't get everything done in time. I feel like that.

　Vaguely, I think so.
　It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with your friends and family.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for. Magic is a skill that is built on spirit. To be reckless with that magic is to abuse the spirit.
...... okay. Please.

　Mr. Arti questions my decision with a serious look, as if he were threatening me. Of course, there is no hesitation on my part. There's a convenient story in front of me about gaining power at the expense of something. How could I not jump into it?

　Until now, I couldn't get the power no matter what I sacrificed for .......

...... Oh, I knew it.

　In response, Arti-san muttered quietly. It wasn't a word spoken to me.
　It was as if Arti-san had spoken to himself.

　I was going to ask her what she meant, but was interrupted by Arti-san's powerful response.

''I'm ready for you, Maria. Now, it's a bit of a burden, but shall I teach you a fire magic that works even at the 30th layer? The fire-specialized flame, Midgals Blaze, and the proximity-only flame, Flame Flamberge. Both of these spells are extremely powerful, but difficult to control. I want you to cultivate them with an open mind.

　As he said that, Arti-san produced a flaming snake from one hand with no chanting.
　Looking at that disastrous flame, I nodded under my breath.

　-- Thus, we turn off the road home and move to a clearing on the outskirts of town.

　First, we are taught the basics of magic, the nuts and bolts of fire magic by Arti-san.
　Along the way, I naturally began to call Arti-san my master. When Arti-san was alone with me, he wanted to be called that. I wasn't afraid to call her Master either. In fact, she's a master herself.

　Within a few hours, I had mastered both 《Midgals Blaze》 and 《Flame Flamberge》. Unlike Arti-san, it required a long chant, but mastering a high-level magic in such a short period of time was a speed that would normally be unthinkable.

''--To be able to use such amazing magic already: ......

　I couldn't believe the flaming snake I had created.
　A flaming snake with terrifying killing power, swimming around me at will.

''It's because of the chemistry between me and Maria, isn't it? As for the rest, yes, you're right: ....... Let's arrange your signature 《Firefly》 as well. That's a magic that can be transformed depending on how you use it.

　It was getting late at night, so the rest of the practice was just to flush it out.
　However, thanks to the guidance of Arti-san, who was a master, my magic options would increase further.

　When Arti-san left, I bowed my head widely and thanked her.

''--Thank you very much!　Master Arti!
No, don't thank me. It's just something I like doing.
No, I'll definitely pay you back someday!　Thanks to you, I can help my master. You don't have to give up now--
'Hmmm, you really like Christ, Mary, don't you? But don't just take it easy. All the chanting I taught you for fire magic is special. The more you use them, the more emotional heat you'll get. For Maria-chan, I only used the 'fuel from the past, burn the love of the present' kind, but I still don't recommend it.
'It's all right. I'd rather have the heat of love rise, than have it rise.
But you still have to be careful not to burn yourself, okay?
Yes!

　I reply to Mr. Alty with a smile, with a sure hand of power in my heart.

　Mr. Arti-san looks at it sadly for some reason, and finally laughs and leaves.

　I go home too.
　My footsteps were lighter than ever that day.　


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　The next day.

　As it turned out, I still couldn't keep up with the exploration in the labyrinth.
　It was only natural. Even though I was getting stronger, the two of us were getting stronger even faster than that.

　However, there was a response. I didn't feel as desperate as before.
　Rastiara-san, who was supporting me, also said "again".

　I analyzed what I was missing in the house I was left alone in.
　First, Lastiara-san told me about my ability to take over. There is no doubt that this is lacking. And the lack of self-defense ability that the master is concerned about is also a problem.

　If I don't solve these two, I have no future.

More power ....... You need to practice your magic ......--

　I wipe the sweat off my face as I walk out of the house to resume my magical training.
　I almost collapsed during the labyrinthine exploration earlier, but I can't afford to be weak.

　If I can control my magic better, I can adjust my firepower and save my magic power. If the speed of magic activation increases, there will be no more gaps. The more you practice, the more challenges you'll face.

　I would practice my magic until just before I passed out, and instead of resting my body, I would do my chores.
　I kept repeating the process.

　In my fuzzy consciousness, I felt like I was losing a lot of things. However, I was also sure that my magical refinement was increasing in inverse proportion to that.

　For the sake of my master, it wasn't the least bit painful.

　I would repeat the fire magic endlessly, paying an irreparable price. It was also somewhat comforting.

　--and on the way. I was resting while cooking when they returned.

　Apparently, there was a problem deep in the labyrinth.
　Since the problem was related to the fire and heat, we were talking about relying on Arti-san. If it were true, I'd like to go with you.

　But I held it back and spent my time practicing magic at home.

　But afterwards, I feel like Master was acting strangely when he returned.
　When I tried to make eye contact with him, he would look away at the perfect time.

　I think his face is flushed somehow. It's been like this ever since I've met Alty-san. Maybe Arti-san has been unnecessarily cautious.

　I use my 'eyes' to confirm that Master is embarrassed. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I've found Master's human-like emotions.

　I'm happy about that, and I didn't imitate asking Master a deep question.
　I was content to just stare at it.

　That night, I laughed under the covers and said that Alty-san had given me a lot of hope.
　I made up my mind to get up early tomorrow and practice my magic again.

　It was a day when I was able to sleep peacefully, although I felt the wind was strangely noisy (・・・・・・・・).

　Plus the next day.
　I woke up early in the morning and honed in on the magic.
　By the time they're up, I start preparing breakfast.

　I don't neglect practicing my magic even when I'm cooking.
　He uses his own flame to cook with his own flame.
　If I don't adjust the fire power correctly, the pan can easily melt, so I develop concentration and equanimity at the same time with a bit of tension.

　As I did so, the flames transformed against my will. I impatiently tried to suppress the flames with my magic power - but the flames started to speak, imitating a mouth.

'Maria, wait. It's me. It's Arti.
Huh?　Ah, Mr. Alty?

　One day, I've seen this scene before.
　It was the same one that the flames were talking about when Master and I went to the tenth level of the labyrinth.

'I'm sorry to have startled you. But it was faster this way. I need to talk to Maria for a moment.
I see. This is handy, Master. So what's the story?
'I'll teach you this one in time. But this time I'm going to teach you a different kind of magic.
'Oh, you're going to teach me again?'

　My voice naturally grew louder.
　Mr. Arti is a busy man. I was prepared to wait a long time before I could see him next. But unexpectedly, he seems to be teaching me the next magic so soon.

'Oh, Christ and the others asked me to do it. I've been asked to teach you the magic to remove the lava from the labyrinth.
Lava? ......?

　I'm concerned about the fact that the master asked me to do this, but I'm also concerned about the situation of having to remove the lava.

'There are 24 layers of lava. It would be useful to have this magic to get through there. If you remember, it could be useful in the labyrinth.
I see. ......

　I actually wanted a new attack magic.
　Even if I learn magic to remove the lava here, I'm only in those 24 layers. If I don't have universally applicable magic, I can't keep up with it.

''Hmph. Don't worry, I'll teach you all sorts of other magic too. That's right: ...... Let's meet at the tavern where we first met for lunch today.
Oh, yes, I understand.

　Sensing my true intentions, Arti laughs and promises to impart other magic to me.

　The shape of the flame returns to its original shape as the conversation ends.
　I let my cheeks fall and resume cooking. If my magic continues to increase at this rate, I might be able to establish a role in the labyrinth. With that hope in mind, I cook.

　That day, after having breakfast, Master and Rastiara-san went to explore the labyrinth - but they immediately cut off their search and returned.

　With few words, Mr. Rastiara went back to his family's home in Hoozeyer's.
　And only the disheartened master remained at home.

　It was a chance for them to do a lot of things alone. However, I can't break my promise to Arti-san here. Training in magic is absolutely necessary in the long run. I can't let myself get carried away by temporary pleasures here.

　I left my master and joined Arti-san.

　Mr. Alty was sitting in the same seat as he had been one day. And a strange man was also sitting there.

'Hi, Maria. I'm over here.
Oh, yes.

　I take my seat as Mr. Arti leads me to my seat.

　Then I bow to a tall, fearless-looking man.
　I wondered if he was an acquaintance of Mr. Arti's. I wondered with my eyes.
　I wondered with my eyes if he was an acquaintance of Mr. Arti, and he told me about the man.

"Oh, don't worry about this guy, he'll be gone soon. Don't worry about this guy, he'll be gone soon. He's just an old friend.
'Haha, my old friend (・・・・). Sure, that's about it. Don't worry about it, little girl. I'll be out in a minute.

　And with that, the man did as he said, he got up and left.

　After the man left, I realized that I had met the man.
　I've met that man before. With the power of 'eyes', in the short time I have now, I have matched the characteristics of the man I met in the past.

　As I recall, that man was in the same place when I was hired as a slave by my master.
　I don't know the details of the story, but he must have been an acquaintance of my master's.

　I regret that I should have greeted him a little more properly. But the 'eyes' deny it. It advises me not to get involved with that man as much as possible.

Then let's get something to eat first. It's lunchtime.

　With that, Mr. Arti passes the menu to me.
　Then we started to have lunch as if nothing had happened.

　As we ate our lunch, Arti-san asked me about me, as if he were making small talk.

'How are you doing these days?　Do you think we're making progress?
'No, not much has changed ....... But thanks to the magic you taught me, I'm able to take down stronger monsters.
That's good to hear.
''With the amount of magic I have, I'll soon run out of breath. In the end, the labyrinth is just Master and Rustyala-san alone. I can't help it.

　I report my current shortcomings as I stir the soup on the table.

'Oh well ....... I'm rooting for Maria, so that's a sad thing ......
...... but someday, I will be just like Ms. Rustyala. Even if I can't now, someday I'll be ......!

　I speak with positive enthusiasm.
　But Alty's face remains sunken as he listens.

'Someday (・・・・), or ......'

　Mr. Alty gave a sad look as if he was reminded of something.

'D-Do you need anything?'
'No, that 'someday' is the question. I just heard that the relationship between Christ and Rastiala is about to change rapidly: ......
What happened?

　It was true that the two of them were strange today. However, it's always the case that the master is fumbling and ...... but Rustyala-san didn't seem to be disturbed by the spirit. It's a 'eye' confirmation, so there's no doubt about it.

''Hmph. Just like Maria thinks, those two aren't trying to change. They are willing to stay the same. That's what they are. But the people around them don't seem to allow it. ...... It seems we need to rush things along a little bit.

　Surroundings.
　As far as I know, the only people around the master are the people in the tavern where he works.
　I give the tavern clerk an 'eye' to check it out. It seems that Arti is not referring to the people here.

　The only thing left is that it's Rastiara-san's surroundings. In other words, the knights we encountered in the labyrinth. Indeed, those people have a nuisance that is likely to progress their relationship.

''Those knights are ......?　--Yes, let's hurry up!　Teach me magic!
'Hmph, you don't have any doubts. Cultivating a higher level of magic is a physical hindrance. Is that what you want?
Of course.
Okay, let's move on.

　We finish our meal at the tavern and move to a clearing with few people.
　It's a grassy field far from the city. There is a lot of uncultivated land in the Valt. In this kind of place, there are not many eyes on people.

　So Arti-san's expression changes to a serious one, and he gives a sharp first word.

''Well, from the looks of it ...... Maria, you're repeating yourself recklessly. A series of magic in a real battle. And with your own training, your body is in tatters.

　But he's not in an accusatory mood.
　It's more like a confirmation.
　If you're a wizard like Arti-san, you'll be able to see through it at a glance. I nodded honestly.

''Yes .......''
'Hmm. ....... It's just as I expected, or so I'd say. I must say, you're just like me.

　As he said this, Alty-san's expression relaxed and he smiled nostalgically.

''Are you exactly like Alty-san?''
Yeah, it's pretty obvious. So I know exactly what you're going through right now.
Symptoms?　Am I sick with something?

　I cringe when I hear the symptoms.
　Because if it's a potentially infectious disease, you won't be able to be with your master.

'No, I'm not sick. I told you before.　They say that if you use magic to abuse your mind, there is a price to pay. Now your mind has been damaged more than you think.
'Oh, really: ......?'

　I don't feel it when I hear about the damage to my psyche.
　If anything, I feel better because I have more hope than before.

In my case, I was so overworked that I even had memory loss. How are you doing?　Does that mean anything to you?　If there's something you can't remember or something else you can't remember, please tell me sooner rather than later.

　Memory impairment?
　There's nothing in particular ...... should be.

'Yes, no, for now it's ......
'The operation of high-level fire magic can burn old memories at any moment. Your use of magic that is out of proportion to your stature will always be in danger.
Burn old memories. ......
Burning the past and setting the present ablaze. That's the essence of fire magic. The chanting I taught contains those techniques.

　Memories are lost one day anyway.
　I do not abhor the idea of burning them. I've been prepared for that level of abuse ever since I heard the words 'abuse the mind'.

'No matter. I don't need the past if I want to get my powers ......!

　Hearing this, Alty-san smiled sadly again.

'Hmmm, I suppose ....... Yes, I suppose .......

　Laughing, Ms. Alty slit her wrists, just as she had before.
　I took in her intentions and brought my lips to her wrist.

　-- and that day I learned not only about magic, but also about the origins of chanting.

　The relationship between chanting and magic runs deep, and the words you chant replace the effects of your magic.
　It is generally believed that using magic consumes MP. However, Arti, who has a deep knowledge of magic, taught me otherwise.

　How to shoot magic without MP.
　Chanting with memory as a substitute. Chanting at the cost of emotions. Chanting at the cost of life.
　Chanting at the cost of life. I learn various types of chanting.
　When I use them well, I can do them in rapid succession and not run out of breath.

　I feel my understanding of magic growing and becoming stronger.

　However, as I compose, I also feel something dear to my heart peeling away and falling away as I compose.
　Knowing this, Arti-san is teaching me.
　I am also prepared for this.

　I'd rather die than leave my master.

　I'd rather die .......
　With that in mind, I--.

　My head is overheated and I feel dizzy.

　Before I knew it, the bulk of my thoughts seemed to be increasing.
　And I understand that the true nature of this is fire magic.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
　That's probably what makes the feelings watered down.
　The "compensation" is not only losing it. I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do that.

　The fact that my existence has been altered by magic gives me a chill.
　A physiological disgust takes over, and I can feel my body screaming.

　But that's okay.
　If the thoughts are lost, or even increased, I welcome it.

　Ms. Arti chooses to teach me that kind of chanting.
　She supports my love with all her might. It's the 'chanting' for that, and it's the 'price'. I continue to practice my magic with no fear.

　The fever builds up.
　The heat makes my inner feelings boil.

　The emotions turn to mush, and at the end of it all

Let's call it a day.

　Arti-san was looking down at me.
　It seemed that I had collapsed before I knew it as I repeated my training.

　I stand up, wiping the sweat off my face.

''Well, I can still do it. ......
'Yes, I know. But it's time for Christ to come home, you know. You should meet him at home.

　Arti-san seems to be able to keep track of his master's movements.
　As I recall, I heard that he can expand his sense organs wherever there is a fire. What an enviable ability. Since it's an ability and not magic, I'm curious about Arti-san's identity.

　I won't pry too deeply into it. I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what it is, but I'm going to be able to get a good idea of what it is.
　You can tell that from his eyes.

'I understand. Thank you for your time today.
'No, fine. It's all for me, too.
For Mr. Alty?
'I couldn't reach you, but I feel better about you reaching me. Yes, it makes me feel better ....... That's why I'm using you, Maria, .......

　Mr. Arti replied, mocking himself.
　I can see that he seems to be self-mocking somewhat.
　I don't want my benefactor to look at me like that, so I try to encourage him.

'I don't know Alty-san well. I don't know the details of the situation either. ...... but I don't think that's a bad thing. Normally, if I see someone trying to accomplish something that they couldn't accomplish on their own, I think I would be disturbed. I think it's a dirty feeling that gets in the way. So Mr. Arti is a wonderful person to be able to support without doing that.

　I will communicate clearly.
　Mr. Arti and Mr. Rustyala are wonderful people, and I'm going to make it very clear that I am a dirty person.

　Yes.
　I'm the only one who is dirty .......

'Hmmm, I see ....... Thanks, Maria. ......'

　Hearing this, Arti-san's eyes widened and her cheeks broke out - she looked somewhere in the distance and thanked him.

　You can see that various emotions are mixed up in Arti-san's chest.
　However, the full extent of it cannot be grasped even with 'eyes'. It's a deep and complicated emotion.

'Alty-san ......?'

　The emotions confused me and I called out his name.

'Thank you so much, Maria. See you later.

　Shaking it off, Mr. Arti left the scene.
　It burned the clothes he was wearing and turned into a flame, and then disappeared in a huff.

　Like the last flame of a candle, it was somewhat sorrowful.

　As I looked away from it, I felt hazy, unable to comprehend Alty-san's heart.

　However, I had no choice but to hurry back to the house so as not to waste the information that Alty-san had given me about my master returning home.

　If that was true, I would have to go home first and prepare a meal for him.

　Cooking is my remaining significance and my place of residence.
　I will return to my home, my place of residence.　

　And as Arti-san informed me, the master returned alone as I was preparing the food.

　But his appearance is strange.
　The master's behavior is the same as it was sometime ago.

　The atmosphere of when we first met.
　The exact same expression he had when he found me in the slave market.
　A look like a lost child wandering alone ...... such a face.

　I could feel something beginning to fall apart.
　I became worried and approached my master at a fast pace.

''Master, what's wrong ......?''

　The master let his gaze wander and spun his words as if he was lost.

'No. ......, Rastiara will be at ...... the day after tomorrow.'
The day after tomorrow?　What is it about Mr. Rastiara?
On Nativity Day: "On Nativity Day: ......
Yes, sir.

　Apparently, the master is disturbed by Mr. Rustyala.
　My heart bubbles at that fact.
　However, I restrain my mind so that he doesn't realize it, and wait for the master to speak.

　The master looks lost, and then he squeezes out a voice as if he were squeezing.

'On the day of the Nativity, he wants to play again.

　They lied to me, as if to squeeze it out.
　I can see it in my 'eyes'.

　Now, the master has decided that he doesn't need to explain to me.
　I can feel my bubbling heart raging like a storm.
　Gritting my back teeth, I struggled to calm my emotions.

'...... yes. Good.

　I nod.
　I know he lied to me.
　I also know that it was not a lie out of consideration for me, unlike the usual. But looking at the exhausted master, I couldn't say anything else.

　What the master needs right now is to rest.

　Master slowly walked towards his room.
　As I stare at his back, I watch him and mutter to myself.

''--You mean I'm not worthy of revealing my troubles to you, right?

　The usual sense of being left behind intensifies.

　Right now, the master is full of thoughts about Mr. Rustyala.
　I'm not there.

　I am nowhere to be found.
　You'll know it.
　I don't need to 'see' it.

　I clench my fists and return to the kitchen.
　I use my flame magic to increase the heat and finish cooking early.

　Saving the food for the master who won't return to the living room, I go outdoors alone.

　I walk from the sparsely populated hill to an even more sparsely populated one.
　Then I practice my magic when I am sure no one is around.

　A raging fire, which seems to reflect my mind, dances across the sky.

　Over and over, over and over again, I repeat the 'chant'.
　I recite things that Arti-san told me not to use too much, over and over again.

　I was sure that the more I chanted, the more power I felt.
　Most of all, it was easy to feel like I was letting my emotions out. It was too comfortable.

　My body was screaming and my mind was breaking down.
　It was so, so, so easy - and so easy to do.

　The control of the flame is getting better and better at a frightening speed.

　The speed of 'chanting' also increased rapidly, and it was no longer necessary to say it out loud to obtain the effects of 'chanting'. This is the technique of 'chantless chanting' that Arti-san was talking about. I was told it would take years to master, but that's not true. It's easy once you get the hang of it.

　I spawn flames without chanting and manipulate them with little magic power.

　Less magic.
　That's the key.
　How to operate fire magic with less magic power. That was my challenge.

　However, it can be said that this has almost been resolved.

　I've figured out how to replace the missing magic power.
　We can use our useless emotions as fuel. We can fuel our inadequate bodies.
　We can make as much magic as we want if we sacrifice our memories and memories, as Arti-san did.

　I can make the flames of the Midgals Blaze dance as many as I can and control them all. And I make sure that I haven't lost much magic power in my body. I release the magic, smiling at the fact that I was able to activate the maximum magic with the least amount of magic.

　There was a definite feeling of gaining power.
　It spurred my training.

　Even the power is .......
　If only I had the power, there would be nothing like today .......
　You will no longer be able to lie to your master .......

　You can't rely on .......
　I won't be worth spewing a single worry .......
　I will no longer be that weak ......!
　You can walk next to your master, like Mr. Rastiala: ......!

　I'm willing to sacrifice anything for that.
　There's no such thing as memory loss.
　It's not about the past. It's about now.
　Don't seek a home that isn't there.
　Forget about the homeland that isn't there.

　All I need is this power and a thought.
　As long as I have these two, I won't be left behind.
　I can be happy.
　That's all that matters now.

Hmph. Hahahahaha--

　I laugh.
　I keep laughing.

　I'm having fun practicing magic.
　I can feel I'm getting closer to happiness.
　I'm beginning to acquire a power that's second to none, even to Rastiara-san.

　Now, I had the confidence that I could be relative without cowering, even against that horrible mass of violence.

　A few more .......
　I'm almost ready to .......
　I won't let my master look at me like that anymore .......
　I am ...... not Mr. Rustyala, who embarrasses the master, but I am .......
　I'm the only one next to ......--

What?

　I surprised myself with the black emotions that were born inside me.

　Up until now, I had only had red hot feelings for my master, but suddenly I felt black hot feelings.

　I immediately shake my head.
　It's not that I want to drag Rustyala-san down.
　I'm sure he's outlandish in his thinking, but he's not a bad person. Rather, he's a good person who will help me. And yet, I thought about it as if I wanted Rustyala-san to disappear.

　I let all of my fire magic sink in, shook my head again, and cooled my head with the night breeze.

　I seem to have paid too much of a 'price' and lost my composure.
　Before I knew it, I was thinking about all the strange things.

　I still have some time to spare, but I decide it's time to rest.
　I wobble back into the house and collapse into my bed in my room.

　Looking up at the ceiling, I remember the black feelings I had earlier.　
　Now that I've calmed down, I can't believe who I was earlier.

　I thought it was because of magic, but Alty didn't say that this kind of black emotion was created.

　I think the cause is myself.
　Perhaps the emotions that were at the bottom of the pile came to the surface for some reason.

　I shake it off and meditate hard on my eyes.

　It takes me a moment to fall asleep.
　My body is exhausted. It's easy to lose consciousness if I let my mind wander.

　I fell asleep as if I were running away from something.

　I sleep believing that tomorrow will be the same as usual.
　Believing that it will be the same as usual .......
　I sleep and .......


　--but (...)


'-- If ...... can help me, can Christ help me?　Is Hein right, will you and I travel together somewhere far away and different?

　The next morning.
　I hear the master and Mr. Rustyala talking.

　It was like an act in some love story, and I could only give a drawn-out laugh.

　Mr. Rastiara appeals to his master.
　It was as beautiful, tragic, and cowardly as the heroine of some story.

　Cowardly.
　Yes, cowardly.

'You said you'd support me ....... I said I was just watching you. ....... Why .......

　The words leaked out in the hallway outside the room.

　Master and Rustyala's world. And my world.
　I shed a drop of tears as I was held by the door that blocked those two worlds.

　One drop of tears spilled from my cheeks and before it fell to the floor, it disappeared as a flame.

　The color of the flame was red - and then it burned black.