After an hour and a bit of walking, the forest parted and a crumbling stone wall appeared in front of us.

This is the Abandoned Castle. Brother Shoma.

　Lysette said, shaking her silver hair.

　All we saw around us were chunks of stone scattered on the ground and the wreckage of what used to be a building.
　Only the foundations of the stone walls and some of the buildings are still intact. The walls standing alone are probably the remnants of houses and huts. The remains of a fire in front of it are probably the remains of a demon's life. Rusty swords and useless armor are lying around, so you can tell.

...... It really is a ruin, isn't it?
In the time of the Dragon Emperor, it was ruled by a duly appointed lord.

　Lysette tells me with a sad face.

In the war that followed, the lords were driven out and the rest was left to rot.
It's hard to get to this area. ......
There are a lot of demons out there. It's not a place you want to risk your life to keep.

　Haruka looked around and made a circle with his finger.
　It seems that there are no more demons around here.

The Kuro Knight seems to have taken all his men and attacked everyone.
That means they've all been killed. Thank God. ......

　Next to me, Lysette is puffing out her chest.
　I'm relieved too.

"Well, we're making our rounds. Call me when you're done.

　Haruka's uncle Garunga said, and walked off with his friends.
　He said he would keep an eye out for demons while we explore the abandoned castle.

Then we'll check inside.

　Lysette said, and took up her sword.
　Haruka is also holding a club.
　I thought the battle was over. Is there more to it?

It's an old castle. It's an old castle. It's not surprising that there are monsters hiding in here.

　Lysette said with a nervous face.

In the time of the Dragon Emperor, the castle was warded against demons.
"Is that so?
In those days, there were castles all over the continent, and they were ruled by lords. The Dragon Emperor gave us the rights. The lords who were appointed by the Dragon Emperor were given the power to set up 'wards'.

　I see.
　That's why they were able to get rid of all the demons back then.

In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please contact us. You can still make some wards by replenishing your magic power, but ...... they won't last long because they're too close to the demon area. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to try.
I'm sure the black knight will destroy the warding magicians as well. ......
I heard that in the past, there were powerful wards that lasted forever.
Yeah, I wish I had one of those. ......

I'd be more relaxed. ......

　I said.
　Lysette and Haruka are looking at me with puzzled faces.
　What?　Did I say something weird?

I'll rephrase it. Let's rephrase it. Lysette won't have to be scared.
"Shorty, Shorty!

　Lysette looked at me with a bright red face.

I'm sure you heard about Lysette when you were in the Dragon Emperor's Temple?
"Oh, you knew about it too, brother. Liz's fears.

　Haruka held his mouth and giggled.
　Of course you know. Haruka knows too. She's my childhood friend.

I'm the only one in the village who knows. I'm the only one in the village who knows. That she's scared, doesn't like the dark, is a crybaby, and hates slimy and spicy food.
So many weaknesses. ......
I'm trying to be patient in front of everyone. You have to understand.
Haruka!　Stop laughing, Shoma-sama!

　Lysette puffed up her cheeks.

　In the meantime, before we knew it, we had arrived at the center of the abandoned castle.
　In front of us was a stone tower with only the first floor remaining.

The wards should be inside.
But first, we need to see if there are any demons.

　Haruka stepped forward, club in hand.
　I'm not sure what to make of it. He combed his red hair with his fingertips, lightly stroked his horns, and smiled wryly.

I'll go in first. I'll go in first, then you and Liz stay back.



　Haruka touched the door of the tower with his free hand.
　The wooden door was reinforced with iron, but it was crumbling in many places.
　Haruka slowly pulled the door open and jumped inside.

It's okay. Come on in.

　After a while, I heard Haruka's voice from inside.
　Lisette and I entered the tower.
　Inside was a deserted room. It was really a ruin.

　In the middle of the room there's a white crystalline body in pieces.
　There's a magic circle on the floor. But it's been chipped away here and there, and it's almost gone. Rather, the paving stones on the floor have been dug up and torn off in an attempt to remove the magic circle.
　The ceiling also looks as if they tried to break it down, but gave up halfway. The demons are very thorough, aren't they?

It's been a while since we've seen this much destruction. ....... 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 pleased to know that I'm not the only one.
This is the magic circle that creates the wards that keep the demons out?
Yes. Even though it's an abandoned building, it'll be troublesome if we're holed up in here. In fact, it would be better if we could replenish the magic crystals more often. ......
It's hard to go back and forth through a forest full of demons.
You can't live here. The walls are falling down and it's a long way from the other towns. ......

　I see.
　I think I should fly over and check on them for a while after I put up the wards.
You can also ask the Harpies to help you. I've made friends with some of the kids who came to the village, so I'll go negotiate with them later.

I'll rewrite the magic circle.

　Haruka said.

Liz, you cleanse the evil crystals.
I understand.

　I'm not sure what to do.

This is the 'evil crystal' that came out after defeating the soldiers. This is the 'evil crystal' that came out after defeating the soldier. I will purify it with Lysette's magic. You can use it to fuel your wards. We'll use them to fuel the wards.

　I see. So a magic crystal is like a magical version of a battery.

Can I ask you something?
Please. Mr. Shoma.
So, how long will it last?
About 90 days, sir.
Here, try this.

　I took out the Evil Crystal of the Kuro Knight that I kept in the King's Vessel.

　The crystal that Lysette has is about the size of a fist, but this one is about the size of a human head.
　This one seems to be more durable.

It was Shoma who defeated the Kuro Knight. Lysette can't take it.
Are you serious?

　I thought it was a joke ......, but Lysette's face is serious.
　But you're too stubborn for that.

"It doesn't matter if I keep it. This.
"You don't know the value of the Evil Crystal, do you, Shoma? You can sell it in town for half a year's living expenses.
Since we're brother and sister, I don't think we need to split the wallet.
......
"Besides, my goal is to survive comfortably until the end of the turbulent world. The less demons that appear around the village, the higher the chance of survival, right?
"...... If that's what you mean.

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

I'm not sure what to do with it. Haruka, please rewrite the magic circle on the floor. Shoma-sama, please help Haruka with ...... if you can.
"Okay. So, what do you want me to do?
Well, ...... trace the magic circle on the floor with a sharp stone or sword. There will be a faint mark, so make sure it's clear. Originally, the exact one is lost, so it's okay if it's a little off.

　I see. I guess I can do it then.
The King's magic has recovered a bit, so I can help.

"Naming Breath, Super Strength and Gold Rod!

　I handed the enchanted cudgel to Haruka.
　I handed the enchanted club to Haruka. With this, even if she hits the floor stone with all her might, it should not break.

"Isn't it amazing? Your magic.


"It's just a word game.

　I sat down on the floor. As I lower my gaze, I see a line drawn on the stone. This is the magic circle that was erased.
　Lysette took the Evil Crystal I gave her and walked out.
　She's going to purify it with magic and use it as a fuel source for usable magic.

"In the name of ...... 'Dragon's Blood', I will erase the distortions .......

　From outside the open door, you can hear the chanting of a spell.

"Cleanse with blue fire!　Crayle Flare!

　As I turned around, I saw a pale flame shoot out from Lysette's palm.
　It entangled itself in the black crystalline body and heated it up.
　Instead of smoke, a black vapor erupted and went up into the sky.

...... Is that also the power of the dragon ......?
Liz, you can do such amazing things, you should be more ambitious.
Yeah. I agree.

　I nodded at Haruka's words.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
That's true. I'm not sure. It's not fair to compare you to the Dragon Emperor.
Is that so?
You can't compare him to the Dragon Emperor. His ability is of mythical level. It's not possible for us in this day and age.

　After saying that, Haruka looked at me.

But maybe you can use it.
I don't think so. I can't even use Lysette's cleansing power.
You could teach me.
You could teach me. ...... You could teach me. ...... You could do that.
I think you're a very hard worker.
Based on what?
He said you're from another world. But I'm not upset. He's calmly trying to learn about this world. If you really wanted to relax, you would've gone back to the village with everyone, right?　But you didn't, did you?　You're tracing the magic circle very carefully, even from my point of view.
You never know what's around the corner. You never know what's out there, so it's good to know.
I'm not sure that's it. I look at you as if you're used to doing this.

　Nice try ...... Haruka.
　I'm sure he's used to it.
　I used to draw original magicians and run around looking for enemies in the world. I've also been running simulations of what would happen if I were to participate in a cross-genre battle .......

　In addition, after I became normal, I had to take exams and find a job. Professional experience.
　That's what makes me an ex-chuunibyou with a high ability to process reality.
　Maybe that's why I seem to be able to adapt to this world.

"I wonder what will happen when you have complete knowledge of this world.

　Haruka laughs as he pokes the ground.

Maybe he'll become the king of this world.
"You know, Haruka.
"Yes. Brother.
Maybe I met someone like the Dragon Emperor in the Dragon Emperor's Temple.

　In a dream.
　He had silver hair and a horn-like thing.
　After that, I had the additional skills of "Naming Attributes" and "Dragon Veins".
　If this is similar to the Dragon Emperor's power, then it must be the words and skills that the Dragon Emperor left behind that I met.

So, on the way back, I want you two to accompany me to the Dragon Emperor's Temple. I want you two to go inside and see if there are any changes.
I can't go in, but ......
I'll open the door. I'll open the door so that Lisette and Haruka can get in. See if they have more skills. If they do, I think it will help them survive.
But Liz is very serious. ...... She might say she'll work hard until she can get in on her own.
I'll work on that part.

　In fact, there are too many mysteries surrounding the Dragon Emperor's skills.
　If Lysette has the same thing in her, she'll know how to use it.

　With that in mind, I scraped the floor with my ultra-hard sword.
　I trace the lines of the magic circle. Haruka said it was faint, but it's clearer than I thought. The safety of the village depends on how well this is done. I'll try to draw the details well.

"...... Brother.

　I felt his breath on my cheek.


　The next thing I know, Haruka is peering into my hand.

I'm not sure what's going on here.　This magic circle?
"Yeah?
Yes, it is. There are no lines or shapes like this left on the floor.
What?　Are there?
There are?
You can see the faint relief. There are traces of magic here, or rather, .......

　A trace of magic?
　Is that ......?　Why can you see that?

Don't you see it?
I can only see the lines carved into the stone.

　Haruka was almost nose to nose with him...so close, so close.

"You know, brother. I'm sure you're not the only one.
"Magic flowing through the earth?
Is it possible that you are able to see such things?

　...... Is that the power of the Dragon Vein?

　I'm not sure what to make of it. This is because it is not that different from the magic circle I studied so much during my junior high school days in the original world.
I used to write down my original "keep evil away" magic circle in my notebook, and I borrowed many books from the library to make it more advanced.

　The basics of magicians in this world are not so different. On top of that, I've been trained to sense magic in a world with little magic, so my ability to sense and take in magic is high.
　That's why I can read the magic power used in the old magic circle.

I wonder what ...... is.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.
　I'm not sure what to make of that. You should focus on something else. If you did, you might have been able to fit in and live a normal life in your original world. .......

"It's okay. That's fine, brother.

　I noticed that Haruka was laughing.

I like you a lot, brother. Clumsy, kind... I really like you.
Is there a rule that stepsisters in this world are supposed to be straightforward with their stepbrothers?
"Well, I don't know...

　"I don't know," she said, ruffling her red hair.

"Stay with us long enough and you'll see, brother!

　She gave me a smile so big that I had trouble looking at her.




　Over the next hour or so, the magic circle was completed.