Jared Murphy was in a meadow a little distance from the Capital City.
Before coming here, he had visited the Alway Ducal Family and the Daum Barony.
He had been afraid to face Duke Alway, Hannelore, and Trane, but he had to tell them everything about Olivier, so he met them prepared for their scolding.
However, contrary to the boy’s resolve, they did not blame him for anything. The Duke and Trane, on the other hand, were furious with Cassandra, who was the root cause, and it wouldn’t have been strange if they had killed her in their anger.
If Hannelore hadn’t intervened, they might have set out for revenge.
Olivier’s younger brother, Conrad, and his mother also grieved over Olivier’s tragic news. Rosa, who was present, also showed her sorrow for the woman she had spent time with as family.
At the Daum Barony, he also informed Emilia about Olivier. She did not blame Jared either; on the contrary, she showed concern for him.
It might have been easier if he had been cursed. However, everyone said in unison that Jared was not at fault.
This was difficult for the boy who had lost the person he loved before his eyes. Feeling his own inadequacy the most, he wanted someone to tell him, “It’s your fault.”
As Jared looked up at the endlessly blue sky, a shadow approached him.
“I’ve kept you waiting, Jared.”
A girl with a youthful appearance, wearing a dress adorned with pink frills and holding a parasol of the same color. Her name was Almeida, and despite her appearance, she was a Half-elf who had lived for hundreds of years. She was Jared’s savior and also his Master.
“Meeting in a place like this lacks charm.”
“…Master, I have a request.”
From Almeida’s teasing words, Jared could sense a sense of concern. She had probably heard the tragic news about Olivier.
Jared thanked his Master for her kindness and bowed his head.
“A request? Are you asking me to fight the Progenitor?”
“No, that’s not it. I will defeat the Progenitor. So — please give me my final training.”
“–Ah, I see. Well, I suppose that’s to be expected.”
Almeida nodded as if she understood.
“First, lift your face. Let’s talk while looking at each other.”
“…Yes.”
It went without saying that her beloved disciple was seeking power. He had lost the person he loved and was going to fight a legendary opponent. He himself knew that he was not a match for them in his current state.
“Final training, huh? Hey, do you remember? A little over a year ago, I told you it wasn’t time yet, didn’t I?”
“I remember.”
“You were desperately seeking power. But I told you it was no good because you were immature in both mind and body. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.”
“I understand. I was like that back then, no, I’m probably still immature now. But I have no other choice.”
Jared had once trained under Almeida and acquired skills beyond those of a proficient Magician.
At the same time, he had been placed under a Geas. To prevent his excessive Magic Power from consuming his body, it had been sealed. However, that Magic Power had been released in the battles of the past year. Afterward, Almeida had thoroughly unsealed and regulated it.
Even so, excessive Magic Power can be harmful to humans, especially to minors who are still growing. Therefore, Jared still housed a Spirit within him that consumed Magic Power.
“You can rest assured. You should be able to use your Magic Power freely now. I put that Geas on you because I was overly worried. But you know.”
She paused, then glared at her beloved disciple.
“Final training… meaning, what you are seeking will come with a great price. And that is not something I wish for.”
“…Almeida. But–”
“Are you truly prepared? –Do you understand what it means to abandon all the Magic you have cultivated until now?”
