It was a little past noon when I saw Tesfia and Alice disappear into Alpha's largest entertainment district--the 《Mustoria》.
　Perhaps it was because the students of the academy were not usually blessed with many opportunities to go out like this, but the girls' back looks looked different. It was a matter of buoyancy, but considering the fact that they had been mostly immersed in training since entering the school, today was probably a good day.

　Anyway, she's in terrifyingly good spirits. It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what's going on.

　It's a very good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends. Maybe he won't even be able to make it to class.
　But even so, it would be a good refresher, Arus could not help but think.


　Meanwhile, Ars and Loki were returning the way they had come, heading back to Barmes via the Transition Gate. They didn't return to Hydrangee, but to Barmes before that. As expected, the border guards didn't forget Ars's face either, and with a strange look on their faces, they made short work of the procedure.
　As expected, it wouldn't have been easy for him to remain affiliated with Alpha.

　Of course, from here it was necessary to head in the opposite direction of the Barmes Military Headquarters, which was closer to the outside world, and relatively closer to Babel. The association is headquartered in Balmes, taking into account the national strength, such as the shortage of magicians. Naturally, there is a branch in Barmes as well, and the reason for that is because the headquarters is close to Babel. The vast lake that surrounds the tower of Babel, a vast lake that is never crossed, but it is built closer than the wealthy.

　There are reasons for this, of course, but I'll leave that for now.

　The streets of Balmes hadn't changed much from before. If anything, it could be said to be more of a unipolar concentration type. While the density of the city center is high, the land remains flat to the wealthy.
　It's a bit of an anachronism, I suppose. At best, it is quiet and at worst, it is bleak.

　There are many wooden houses, or perhaps the lifestyle of the wilderness was spreading.
　I felt as if I had wandered into the countryside, but I was surprised that such a leisurely place still existed. However, in general, Ars felt a sense of relief as if his body was being drained of its strength.
　The waterwheel that was built along the narrow stream seems to be a device to create an atmosphere.

　The very air of the outside world is very fitting. The place was so mysterious that Ars would not be rushed to live here to the extent that it made me think that I would like to live in such a place in the future.

　There's no time to slow down, but there's no need to rush things either. Because of this, Ars and Loki decided not to use the transitional gate, but to run through the vast plains of the empty - which would be nothing more than the natural hilly terrain and green undergrowth.

　Cutting a pleasant breeze, they moved their feet, embracing a sense of freedom.
　Ars's movements were the same as usual, nimble and his gait looked like a pet running around away from its owner's hands.

　Opening up a bit of distance, Loki took a closer look at Ars's body in a crushing manner. Although no physical ailments could be seen in his appearance.......but his magic power was still leaking excessively. The magic power that Ars dared to suppress was allowed to flow naturally. Even if you detect it, there are only sparse human figures around, and if you're not a magician, you won't be able to detect the magic power that leaks out of Ars.
　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　As expected of Loki, who is looking at it with such anxiety, Ars also notices.
　While looking back over his shoulder, Ars uttered the cause of her anxiety in a matter-of-fact manner.

''Don't worry so much,''
But I think it's just too crazy... that there's something wrong with you.

　Loki stared straight at Ars with an uneasy stare. A complaint of grief comes out of the back of his throat, as if he's going to spit it out and squeeze it out. If it was true, he should go home immediately and do a thorough examination to determine the cause of the problem.
　However, if it was really necessary, Ars himself would prioritize the examination first. Is it possible that putting off the inspection was an idea, or was this mission that urgent?

　-- but Al's modulation must take priority over the threat of demons.

　No matter how many demons invaded, the battle situation would depend largely on whether Ars was in perfect condition or not. From Loki's point of view, if he wanted to, he could not help but think of humanity. In fact, Loki knows that Ars himself does not want that.
　I don't need to tell you about Ars's abilities as a magician. The existence of him alone can even affect the existence of humanity.

　Loki can't be so optimistic as to believe it even if he is told not to worry. He doesn't want to see or think about the worst thing imaginable at that time.

"You're a worrier...and so am I. Anyway, there's nothing wrong with my situation physically. In short, it's only a matter of magic power. It could be that I've exceeded my magic capacity or... or... or...

　Ars was about to mention another possibility, but of course there was no way Loki wouldn't pursue it, and immediately interrupted him with a bite to prompt him to follow.

'Or?'
...the eye.

　Ars's voice was filled with a divinity that seemed to indicate a high level of possibility.

''Is it [The Lacquer Eye of Eesefolue]?''
I don't know. I don't know much about the magic eye myself. If this is the case, I should have started researching from Linne-san's analysis data.

　You know you didn't have time for that, but you can put it away in a "oh shit" tone, but Loki is serious.

"Don't worry about me. I'm good, one way or another. This leak is proof that you can't replace it, and if that's the case, it will return to normal once you've finished drawing out all the magic you've absorbed. We just don't know what caused it, and there's nothing for you to worry about.
You say that, but I've never seen anything like this before...
Of course not. That's a first. But right now, you're more serious than I am.

　As they plunged through the plains and into the wealthy, they increased their speed by one step, just because they weren't interested.
　As expected, there's very little traffic, but we can't just plow through the city, so we opted for a slightly more circuitous route.

　I'm not going to be able to get it right. I'm sure you'll be able to see a mansion on the way to split the difference between the two of them, but when you go around from left and right and meet up a little later, Ars continues to talk.

'Loki, your imprint, if I were to tell you, shouldn't have any physical anomalies like I do. However, it will probably react when you build your magic and knead your magic power. As far as I can see, it's the original symbol for the [Lost Letter (Lost Spell)] used in the magic formula. Of course, some parts of it can be deciphered.
So that's what Al meant by markings, markers.

　Ars nodded a little dourly. He dared to leave out the explanation of the mark that had emerged on Loki's arm in his report to Colonel Bordeaux. 'I have a general idea, and that's not entirely out of line,' he said.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I'm sure it's a mark that was made to keep the prey in check. As soon as the magic is constructed, the magic formula also reacts. Probably, [World Serpent [Jormungand]] will rely on that reaction to attack us.

　Of course, there are also magic that can attach magical landmarks to an opponent to grasp their location information. Even though the lineage is different, the magic formula that detects that response contains a common 【lost character (lost spell)】.
　Ars saw at a glance that the letters that seemed to be the prototype of that formula were also in the formula engraved on Loki's arm.

''Then, does that mean that I will attract that demon?
Yeah. I couldn't make any changes to this formula, even for me.

　When the association's headquarters came into view in the distance, I stopped running and slowed down as my intention to walk from here.
　It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what's going on.

I'm going to protect you at least. It's not that much effort, and if you knew from the beginning that you were coming, it wouldn't be this easy.

　Whispering, Ars stroked Loki's head. Her silver-stranded hair swayed smoothly and the scent of shampoo wafted through the air.
　The weak, dark face naturally made her jaw twitch. Her expression, hidden by her bangs, was unreadable, and she turned over apologetically.

　However, in the next moment, Loki grabbed Ars's hand that was on her head tightly, not wanting to miss it. The hand was shifted slightly from his head and fixed just to hide his expression.

''I, I'll fight with you too so please take care of me.

　Underneath his bangs, Loki hid his dyed cheeks.
Of course. It's too late for that. I'd like to meet with Ilyce first, including that area.
Yes!

　With the association headquarters in front of him, Ars would be on the top floor, looking at the room where the young girl and president, Ilyce, was waiting.

　But suddenly Arus spoke up with a minor question in his mouth.

''Come to think of it, is this the first time you've acted for someone else in connection with the outside world?''

　It is not a mission, and there is no stake in it. Ars himself is what he needs to do, and he can act as if it's what he should do. Is it because she is Loki....or is it because she is Loki?
　It's probably because it's her, not anyone else. The time we've spent together over and over again is now turning into something so dense and long that it's impossible to describe it in one word.

'I don't want to bother you too much, but...'
I'm the one who wants to protect you. I'm just glad I have that power.

　Gently closing his eyes, Loki spun words of gratitude that seemed to seep into his heart.
　Normally, she would have renewed her resolve, but her cheeks would still be slackened.

　Loki made a bow that appeared to be a light bow of the head. His gaze was turned bitterly to the ground.