In the all-encompassing darkness, the crystals on the shelves and the liquid in the test tubes gave off a vague glow.
　Thanks to this, I could see Charlotte's face very clearly.
　Allen smiled softly at her anxious look.

"Don't worry about it. Accidents like this happen all the time here.
Is that so?
Yeah. If you wait a while, the lights will come on. But don't leave my side.
Okay. I hope it gets light soon.

　Then Charlotte's expression relaxed a little.
　She thought it was just a malfunction in the lighting.

　Allen wasn't lying, though.
　This store is one of the most well-stocked magic shops in the country, the Golden Shop. There are many customers, but also many bandits. These unexpected incidents are commonplace.
　That's why we've taken all the precautions we can, but this time it's Allen's prize.
　I'll respectfully dispose of it myself.

Hmm, he's about to do it. It's worth the provocation.

　Yes. Allen wasn't just flirting aimlessly.
　He was thinking that if he exposed his carelessness, the enemy would be caught off guard and would attack sooner.
　Just as he had hoped, the atmosphere around him became even more tense.
　The attack would be soon.

　Nodding in response to the heavy handedness of the situation, Allen smiled.

(Well, I did my best to enjoy it for what it was!　(Well, that's why I enjoyed it as much as I could!) My girlfriend is the cutest thing in the world!

　As Miaha had told him, there was no need to be uptight.
　We're fine as we are. All we have to do is teach Charlotte all sorts of naughty things to see her happy and surprised face.
　We just added the chore of eliminating ...... enemies to that routine.

(But how to get rid of the bandits without Charlotte finding out ......?

　Then I had a great idea.
　Allen smiled brightly and said in a hushed voice, as if he were trying to tell a secret.

"Okay, while we're at it. Let's practice some magic.
"Practice ......?
"Yeah. Elementary stuff. A spell to create light.

　It's a spell called "lighting".
　Unlike flames, it does not emit heat and is not extinguished by wind or rain, making it quite easy to use. The difficulty of learning it is also quite low, making it one of the most popular spells among the general public.

　When I explained this, Charlotte's eyes lit up. 　

I want to try it!　I want to be a cool wizard like Mr. Allen!
"Ambitious students are always welcome. So let's get to class.

　Allen's eyes narrowed at her.
　And so the impromptu class began. When Allen was teaching, he was famous for his spartan approach to teaching, but this time, of course, he was going to be very lenient.

First, close your eyes and picture the light in your mind.
"Well, what does that look like?
"Light a lantern in a dark room. Something like that. You have to have a clear picture in your mind of the size and brightness of the light.
I see. ...... I'll have to try that.

　Charlotte clutched her wand in both hands and gently lowered her eyelids.
　Her face was serious, but full of the excitement of the unknown.

(You really ...... have changed, haven't you?

　Allen's help had been minimal.
　The only reason she had changed so much was because of her own dedication.
　I wanted so much to protect that.

What you've finally got. I'll never forgive those who try to take it away from me.

　With a small breath, Allen looked around.
　His eyes had already grown accustomed to the darkness. The endless darkness began to flicker into a clearer form.

All right, you stay there until I give you the signal. Keep practicing your imagery.
"Yes!

　As soon as Charlotte replied cheerfully.

"...... Sealed Wind Formation (Sylph Field).

　I'm sure you'll agree that it's a great idea.
　It was more for soundproofing than for Charlotte's protection ....... This way, no outside noise can reach her.

　The preparations are complete.
　Allen holds up his right index finger and slowly bends it.


　Come on.




　A moment later, the darkness shot out like a bullet.
　Allen flipped his robe and spun a spell. It's a high-level spell that sends electric shocks over a wide area. The power is immense, but the spell is long.
　Before he could finish the spell, an enemy shadow leapt in front of him.

I'm not sure what to say.

　He fell to the floor and didn't move a muscle. The rest of the shadows did the same. Muffled moans echoed from everywhere, and they fell to the floor. They were beastly men with black cloth covering everything but their eyes.

"Hahaha!　You've got me there, you idiots!

　Allen interrupts his spell and lets out a loud laugh. 　　
　It's no big deal. He simply threw a needle with a neurotoxin on the tip at the moment he flipped his robe. The lengthy spell was a bluff.

　If you're a wizard, why don't you play with magic?
　Don't be ridiculous.

　They'll think you're a wizard and come after you. Then the right way to fight is to outsmart them.
　And simply, deception suited me very well.

I'm sorry, but I don't have time to pick and choose!　Bring the rest of them with you!
"I don't need to be told.

　At the same time as he said it out loud, a deadly atmosphere swelled up behind Allen.
　Apparently, he had missed a shot. But...

"Branch out!
"Whoo!
"Aaahh!

　The dignified sound of a woman's voice and the roar of a beast.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. It was the work of Goussetsu and Ru. Although they didn't show themselves, they seemed to be able to help him.

"Okay, I'll take care of the back!　You guys!
"Stick with ......!　You're all mine!　Let's go!

　And so a great battle began.
　Amidst the roars and explosions, the screams and shouts...

"Mmmm, mmmm...... bright light...... warm cocoa...... late nights with Allen-san... ...Haha, no!　I have to concentrate, I have to concentrate. ......

　Charlotte continued her serious image training alone in the wind wardrobe.