Belitsa is the most densely populated major city in the country, located in the middle tier of Alpha, and includes the Second Academy of Magic. The Second Academy of Magic is also included in this city.
　In the vast expanse of Belitsa, there was a mansion that was unbecoming of a large city. In order to protect their lives, most of the nobles and merchants who are considered wealthy choose to build their mansions in locations close to the Tower of Babel. It is also a status symbol.

　However, there are no curious people who build mansions as large as this one in Belitsa. And even if they were to build a villa, it would be hard to find one this large. It's a sign of the aristocracy's unwillingness to budge. The mansion, which is not a showpiece, stands quietly in the frontier.

　The garden is neat and tidy in appearance only. The mansion seen from the outside has a quiet impression of not being very popular. Maybe it is because of the home garden using a part of the garden that gives it an unaristocratic and peaceful atmosphere.
　Perhaps it is not the season for harvesting, but there are empty spaces in the garden, where a few vegetables are grown.

　For those who live in Belitsa, the largest city in the middle tier, this mansion would be familiar to anyone who didn't know who owned it.

　A general had just returned home and was now busying himself with the beard he had accumulated in another country. The man exhaled a breath of air after removing the bubbles and looked at his face in the mirror with satisfaction.
　A strong and fearless man was reflected there.

　Having returned to Alpha before noon, Vizayst had to leave immediately. Therefore, he made quick work of his preparations and checked his watch.

''Has it taken you a bit of time to take over?''

　And he was truly pleased with his old subordinate's great role. Hence, it was inevitable that he couldn't help but get his hands on it.
　As he tightened his belt, Viziest couldn't help but smile. Lindelph, who had taken over, has taken over as Balmes' assistant. Even if it was only for a short period of time, he was not worried. That's why Viziest left his own troops behind as well.

　As he closed the closet in his room and prepared himself, Vizaisto watched the clouds in his brain. This time the call came from Bellick. It's a little inappropriate to have to call a summons at this time of year. You can see the seriousness of the situation.
　I've gained enough experience that I won't be surprised by any matter that comes my way at this point in time, but no matter how old I get, the time it takes for me to get this pronouncement will never be clearer.

I don't like it. I don't know what I'm going to do if I can't keep up with the time.

　I complain to the fast-moving clock while scolding myself.
　It's not uncommon for me to be rushed into something like that. This time, however, it clears the clouds a little bit.

"Father, may I have a moment of your time?

　A voice that couldn't possibly be misheard in this mansion made Vizaisto resist the urge to stop the looming time.

　'Enter,' he utters with dignity, but Vizaisto, who can't seem to get enough time with his daughter, painfully binds his obi tighter around his neck.

　The proud daughter, who enters the room with dainty proof, was too good to be taught by anyone. Of course, there was no way he could teach himself etiquette, so it was undoubtedly thanks to the maids and wives who served the house.

'Sorry, I'm afraid I'll have to leave soon.
I'm sorry.
Hmm?

　Yes, "sorry" was already assumed to be a time commitment. It was a rare selfishness for Felinella. Normally he would have been pleased as a father, but sensing an extraordinary sense of divinity, Viziest stopped looking at his watch.

'I suppose it has something to do with the fact that you haven't been to the academy at this time.
Yes, sir.
Talk to me.

　I'd intuitively consider the contents, but I'd recommend Felinella to the chair, as I'm sure you'd know sooner if you asked.

'Is your father now on his way to headquarters?'
Yeah, the Governor wants to see you.
Well then....
Ugh!

　Ferinella, who had come a long way, retied the sash. As she did so, her neck was tightened.

'You can't be too clumsy. If your mother finds out, she'll taunt you again.
I'm sorry.

　Viziest, who regrettably re-partitions the harmonious moment between father and son, recommends the chair again.

'No, if you don't mind me saying so, let's do it while we're facing each other. It won't take long.
Okay.

　After letting Felinella take the bag, Vizayst lets go of the initiative. I don't even have the initiative against my daughter.
　Of course, no one in the Vizaisto family's mansion is willing to speak out, even if the maids ask. Instead of having fewer followers than other nobles, they are more trustworthy.

　It's Vizaisto who walks with a crunching sound. Felinella's footsteps are so silent that one wonders if she is really walking.

　Vizaisto's face gradually turned grim as he listened to the story. At the same time, I want to praise my own instincts for being glad to have heard it.

''I didn't expect Krama to be riding in on the school festival.
'Yes, Mr. Ars sent him home without a word about it. The girl was Ilyce, whose real name was Minaris Forse Quartz, and he said that the last thing he wanted was for Krama to make a move. He also said that he would set Ms. Ars as his next target.
So that's what I'm supposed to be here about, right?

　He chooses a word of reassurance for his daughter with a thoughtful look on his face as he puts a near certainty around it.

'Well, it's about Ars. I won't do anything against Alpha. But to come here to Krama, they've spread their roots too far across the country. It's the responsibility of each country to deal with it now. But don't worry, Feri, you don't have to worry about anything. No matter what they've done, Ars is the greatest asset to mankind. We can't do anything about it. And he's not the kind of ball to get beaten up by Kurama.
Yeah, yeah, I think so, but...

　Seeing the disgusting heartburn on his face, Vizayst burst out of his chest. Ars has a powerful nation called Alpha attached to it. There are Vizayst and Beric who have led it. It's a good thing that you're after Ars.
　And the supreme position is not our own. It's a good thing that you can't go back in time, or foresee the future, but Viziest believes that there will never be a better person than Ars, no matter how far back in time or how much we try to predict the future.

You'll have to leave that to us. You'll have to think of some way to get hold of Arus as soon as possible.

　Viziest, who made a mischievous smile, suddenly got impacted and held his side with a don.
　He was poked a little hard from the side.

''Father, this is not the time to be talking about such things.
Don't be so angry. I'm supposed to feel comfortable with that, you know...

　Scratching his cheeks, Viziest simultaneously steeled himself. He cannot easily let go of his potential son-in-law. A daughter's happiness is a parent's happiness. That was the moment when he felt that strongly.
　As a result........in the unlikely event that a billion and one things happened that made Felinella cry, that should be decided between the two parties. Outside factors should not change the conclusion.
　It was not something that could be overlooked, either as a parent or as a soldier.

''Father........''

　Seeing Felinella's anxious expression as she looked off at Vizaisto, who got in to take the magic car to the transfer gate, she inwardly poisoned him, saying, "He's a son that worries me no matter how old he gets.
　We've known each other for a long time, but more than that, Ars is already like a son to Vizaisto, who has seen him grow up since he was a child. I don't know if this is a word in anticipation of him eventually turning into a real son.

　Of course, I also know that the concern is not because of Ars personally.

　Vizayst looked straight at him as dignity returned to his face. I can't think of a clever word to put to my daughter. The only way this man had was to relieve his anxiety by showing a clumsy but engaged back.
　Once everything was settled, he would surely find some good words to say.

　Everything would be back to normal. He was willing to put himself in the line of fire for that.


　Arriving at the Alpha military headquarters, Viziest went up to the top floor without a glance at the soldiers who shifted off to the side of the corridor and bowed.
　He entered the office of the Governor, Beric, and his voice asking about this call-up was off-topic with an unexpected answer.

'Viziest, I'm sorry to have you come all the way back home.
'If it's that bad, then I suppose I don't blame you.

　As the conversation went on, Vizayst realized. Then he brought up a confirmation statement.

"Hey, Belichick, you called me out on the Ars thing, didn't you?
'Yes, but there's not much we really know. But it's a cloud that's definitely going to go bad.

　Beric, who made a stern face, showed me the data that arrived just the other day.

The video footage of the target that Ars played at the school festival is recorded in this. From what I can see here, my bad prediction is not entirely off the mark.

　After settling down on the couch, Viziest couldn't help but be astonished by the match images on the virtual LCD.
　Neither of them seemed to be serious, but the other girl was still a terrifying fighting ability. No, I guess you could call it magical power.

''Minaris Forse Quartz, I didn't know you were this good.
I knew it. So where did you get this information?

　The audio, which is missing from the video, is supplemented by the information Vizayst has been given by his daughter.
　Things seem to be moving in a more dangerous direction than expected.

　Beric is more skilled at this kind of speculation, conjecture and hypothesis than Viziest.
　How far ahead of the curve was he?

'I see, it's finally happening. Which would be seriously bad.
I've got to do something fast.
'No, that's true, but it's still bad that Ars missed Minaris.
He has his own ideas, right?　You haven't heard anything, you're the Governor in a nutshell.
I can't be a fraud. A true Governor. But, I should say.
Well....

　The troubled faces waving from side to side told me that there was no harvest.

'But we've done what we need to do. I'm grateful for the information you brought to us. Now we have a clearer picture of what's going on. Ars didn't ask for our help, but with Krama involved, we can't afford to sit on our hands.
So, what do you want to do first?
I've already done so.

　At those words, Viziest understood that he wasn't the only one who had been called. I'm sure he was called first, though.


　♢ ♢ ♢


　He was the head of the Alpha Army in name and substance. In a chamber that was rarely used, there were more dignitaries in the room than I've ever seen before. Among them was Vizayst, of course.
　This was not an official shout-out, but Beric had personally called the meeting, so they were not all present. Mages of the rank of Colonel and above, or in the top fifty ranks, would gather.
　The number of them exceeded thirty in number. All of them were surrounded by a double round table. At the center of it all was Governor Beric.
　A disquieting atmosphere filled the dimly lit chamber. It was probably because whenever the Governor had called a meeting in the past, it was usually because of a national crisis. This time, however, there was a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere mixed in.

　The atmosphere here was mainly as a warning or reminder. The content of the message was conveyed in a bit of a blur that Krama was targeting single mages. Of course, Vizayst didn't particularly interrupt as he had heard from Felinella.
　That was also because it was a verbal battle, not the combat aspect, which was his specialty.


'You may have no choice about Krama's infiltration of the academy, but there's Sisti Nexofia over there. It's hard to believe that he'll miss it so easily. It's a bit puzzling that there are two singles, albeit retired, who missed out on seeing it. It could be taken as an insider or an antagonist.

　Even the Major General, who pointed out the matter-of-factly, was clear about his intentions without saying it aloud. It's a distrust of Ars and Sisti. If anyone agrees with this line of talk, he can't help but restrain them.
　But even so, Vizayst still kept his mouth shut, saying it wasn't his role to do so. Beric has a better argument in these situations.
　As soon as Vizaisto arrived, he and Beric had finished rubbing the subject together.

'I don't blame Chancellor Sisti for that. Our first order of business for missing out.

　The place becomes buzzing and hectic. This seating arrangement is mainly - though not so much a faction - a composition that solidifies beside the supporting superiors.
　It doesn't give them pause to discuss it.

'But don't get me wrong. Minaris Forse Quartz, a member of the Krama whose real name has been revealed, and who went undercover alone, does this name sound familiar to you?

　The reaction of this place was various, even though I threw the words of the question at them. I'm sure that almost all of them are unfamiliar names as far as I can see from their expressions. I'm not sure if it's a good idea.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about it.
" " " "
'That's not right. If the single wizard of the past still exists today, there's no way we can't remember his name. Isn't it a matter of credibility?　Do you have any proof that the person is Minaris in the first place?
No. That's a fact. I can't reveal it here, but I have proof. I've seen it on video, and there aren't many people who can fight on a par with the number one magician in the first place.
That's ridiculous!
From what I understand from those present, Ars noticed it and took a pause.

　The dignitaries, who began to snarl with difficult faces, asked again the question about the main subject. Why it could not be taken as an antithesis.

　Beric proceeded with as little hint of Ars being uncooperative as possible.
　After Ars's blanket report, Beric had conducted his own investigation. As expected of Ars, it meant that he was either too full of his head or he would overlook it. That gave this first elder one clue. It was a video recording of the academy's mock match. I can't record the audio, but the video alone was enough to give me a rough idea of the situation.

I appreciate the fact that Ars has ordered a physical pursuit. I don't think there's anything we can do about it right now.
"Because,
''It's even with the first place, if you try to capture it, you can expect a reasonable battle. There is no way such a catastrophe could happen at the academy where young people with a bright future gather. And this Minaris, ranked second in the past, even I could not believe my eyes. It's a good thing that she is an old woman on the verge of death, but she is a very young girl.
Isn't there still a strong case that you've got the wrong guy?
'No, I don't. No, I believe she has some sort of unique ability. The Governor's authority to go back in time and destroy all evidence of her existence has been erased. You know what this means. Every person and every incident is kept in the army, no matter who they are and what they've been through. Some of them, of course, only I have access to, but in all of them I couldn't find any information about her.

　His throat clears.
　He must be dimly aware of the implications.
　Bellick hypothesized, if not speculated about. The atrocities committed by the army at that time would be a noose around everyone's neck, even afterwards.

It can't be a mistake. If she were Minaris, the reputation of the Alpha Army would be destroyed. If she is Minaris, the reputation of Alpha's troops will be in jeopardy and the heads of all those present will be on the line. Without the support of the people, the army can't stand. With that in mind, I can understand why Ars was hesitant to capture her.
'That would mean that his first rank was getting that much information. Even with the Governor's authority, he could only have gotten that far...

　A muffled voice interrupted the air.
　Viziest glared at the general who was hurting in places - though he didn't seem to notice.
　This is Major General Morweld, who has served Alpha for a long time as an outgrowth of the nobility. A distant cause of the Great Progression in the past, he was originally a Lieutenant General, but was demoted for it.

　His balding head and tight uniform neck, with extra flesh on his collar. His pudgy face had a fleshy look of luxury. The middle-weight Morweld sat shallowly in his chair, and on his chest was a series of medals that seemed to be a symbol of authority.

　He was a man who had often clashed with Viziest when he led his troops with Ars. He has been looking for something to disqualify him since Beric took over as Governor. Bellick was also blatant in his methods as he was still weak in terms of centripetal force when he arrived as Governor. However, he should have sounded off after that demotion.

　But at this point, Viziest was inwardly stunned by the bullish statement, "You haven't given up yet? Calling it ambition sounds good, but Major General Morweld was a military man who had never been to the outside world. He was a high-ranking official who knew nothing of the outside world, having taken over the seat for generations.
　At such an age, he was over fifty, to put it mildly, but he was the one who had vied with Beric for the Governor's seat. Of course, it was the head of state who would decide that, but considering his position, he would certainly be a candidate once Bellick stepped down.

　In other words, this is what has been whispered all along within the military. It was that Moluwehrd was in line to be the next Governor. It couldn't be helped, since it was also noticeable how forceful the rumors were to confirm them.


　Beric stated calmly, as best he could. He said it was no wonder that Ars knew what the Governor did not know.

It's not a big deal. I'm sure you're capable of that. The highest-ranking magician is also a rare researcher. Without that kind of insight, magic wouldn't have developed as far as it has. Isn't that right?

　Forcibly, Beric abandoned his argument to Major General Morweld, who, as #1, is as much an admirer of Ars as he is an awe-inspiring one. It's a shame to underestimate a single mage in one's own country, in fact, it's an overestimate. After all, the Alpha has a mage who reigns supreme over all mages.

　It's only natural to be able to do that. It's because everything, not just magic, is in the realm of excellence that they are number one. That kind of convinced air is propagated.

　Beric's one word swallowed this place.