*

The festival of magic, the Night of the Mages.

While the festival is designed for ordinary people who are ignorant of magic to enjoy, not every event fits that bill. Take the Magic Academy Conference, for example.

The very reason the Night of the Mages is held is because of the Magic Academy Conference.

Not all mages belong to a tower.

Most mages align themselves with a tower to gain access to cutting-edge research facilities and astronomical budgets… but of course, there are eccentric ones that exist outside of this norm.

Some can’t trust others’ abilities.

Some prefer independent research over collaboration.

And then there are those with serious personality issues.

For a myriad of reasons, there are mages conducting solo research in regional areas, and even these eccentrics make sure to show their faces at the Magic Academy Conference.

Countless mages have gathered from various places.

Court mages belonging to the royal family.

And high-ranking officials from the colored towers.

This is a place where the cream of the crop gather to objectively evaluate the results of research presented on the stage at the Magic Academy Conference.

“Although it’s called a conference, it’s hard to describe it as a place for enjoyment,” said the Master of the Blue Tower, Brick Geobahn.

He muttered with his carefully draped robe over his shoulders.

“The evaluations from the hundreds of critical mages are brutally unforgiving. If they spot even the slightest flaw, they’ll tear into it like wild beasts. Among them, there are quirky ones who don’t give a single damn about the tower’s opinions.”

Most mages are always cautious of the tower.

There’s no benefit to going against the tower. However, the eccentric mages who are holed up in their local areas research under different circumstances.

“They really will tear into you like crazy. Without any mercy, they won’t care who you are.”

A smile crept onto Brick’s face.

“That’s why this is the perfect venue.”

Perfect for what, exactly?

“For humiliating that arrogant little punk, there’s simply no better place than here.”

Rania van Trias.

For the girl who is the spitting image of the irritating Ashen Mage, the Magic Academy Conference couldn’t be a more suitable place to show her the bitter realities of the academy society.

“Sure. You’ll do as you please.”

Listening to Brick’s sinister muttering, Yetual let out a deep sigh.

‘How on earth did it come to this?’

Originally, Brick wasn’t this outright hostile towards Rania. Sure, he disliked her for being from the same lineage as the Ashen Mage… but still.

‘Wasn’t the original target supposed to be the Ashen Mage?’

At some point, that target had shifted entirely to Rania.

For Yetual, who knows that they are one and the same, it’s hard to laugh off the situation, but on the other hand, it’s also absurd.

‘What on earth happened in those few days?’

Was Brick grinding his teeth like that?

“It’s about to be my turn.”

Unaware of Yetual’s inner thoughts, Brick shook his robe and stood up.

“I’m going to write a new legend for the Blue Tower tonight. Watch my brilliance unfold, Yetual.”

A display of confidence.

His usually hunched back was straight, and there was strength in his shoulders. With every step, the conviction of victory was evident.

“I’ll prove here and now that I was completely right…”

Brick clenched his fist.

Watching him, Yetual silently wiped his eyes.

To Yetual, who knew the identity of Rania van Trias, Brick appeared to be walking straight into hell.

“…Good luck.”

He really needs it.

2.

The Magic Academy Conference was held in a grand square.

While some attended wine on the balconies of upscale restaurants surrounding the square, there were mages casually lounging around the square, melting into the atmosphere of the conference.

Each held their own posture and gaze as they looked at the stage.

Many mages had already gone up and come down from the stage.

With the Night of the Mages approaching, it seemed that quite a few mages had hurriedly completed their research. Naturally, those mages had to come down from the stage having been ripped apart by criticism.

‘It’s getting tiresome to hear insults.’

The mages lounging around the square stared blankly at the stage. Their anticipation had been significantly unmet. The faces of mages who had traveled from far to the royal capital bore signs of boredom.

Just as they were about to let out a collective sigh…

[Next up is the Master of the Blue Tower, Brick Geobahn.］

A name that piqued their interest echoed through the square.

The audience’s once-dulled focus came back to life.

‘Brick Geobahn.’

The Master of the Blue Tower, a mage who hadn’t presented results at the Magic Academy Conference for nearly seven years. The audience’s eyes now sparkled with excitement at the news that he was taking the stage.

‘Is he finally revealing what he’s been researching all these years?’

Then there was a rumor he had heard.

It said that the Master of the Blue Tower was going to duel the Ashen Mage. Of course, it was passed on that the girl from the same lineage as the Ashen Mage would be taking her place… but still.

‘The Master of the Blue Tower is no pushover.’

It was common knowledge that the Master of the Blue Tower was someone who clung to the authority of the tower.

He would thoroughly crush whoever stood in his way.

The audience expected nothing less.

For the first time, anticipation began to be seeded in their eyes during the Magic Academy Conference, a place where a tower master sharpened their fangs to present their results.

This wouldn’t be the same as amateurish mages.

And to meet that expectation, Brick Geobahn slightly raised his arm.

“Prepare.”

The mages from the Blue Tower began to set up something on the stage. After a brief commotion, what was revealed on the stage was a cube measuring about one meter.

“What I will present here is augmented magical engineering. It’s a field that the Blue Tower represents.”

Augmented magical engineering.

It belongs to a category that amplifies the power of other magical tools. Brick continued, tapping the cubic magic tool with the back of his hand.

“I hate to admit it, but the completeness of the Blue Tower’s magical tools had fallen behind the Ashen Tower. I believe everyone gathered here is aware of that fact.”

It was true.

About seven years ago, the magical tools released by the Ashen Tower hit the market at cheaper prices and boasted superior performance compared to the Blue Tower’s offerings.

“Because of that, the Blue Tower had to face immense turmoil. But as mages, we must always speak through results. Wouldn’t you agree?”

A smile graced Brick’s lips.

“Unlike the Ashen Tower, which hasn’t progressed since that point, the Blue Tower has consistently pursued the ‘next’. This is the result of that pursuit.”

Brick extended his hand to a researcher standing next to him from the Blue Tower. The researcher handed Brick a pickaxe-shaped magical tool.

“This is a tool favored by miners in magical stone mines. It can be used without mana since it utilizes rechargeable magic stones, making it accessible for any user, but…”

He lightly swung the pickaxe against the pre-placed magical stone on stage.

Clang!

The pickaxe didn’t even scratch the magical stone.

“Because of that, the output is so weak. To increase the output, one inevitably has to use magical tools that consume mana.”

The dilemma of magical engineering.

Mentioning this, Brick placed the pickaxe atop the cubic magic tool he had brought with him.

“What solves that is this magical tool.”

The cube of the magic tool let out a creak, opening up. The split magic tool enveloped the pickaxe.

“Augmentation cube.”

After about ten seconds, the pickaxe emerged from the cube coated in a bluish tint.

“Once augmented, the state of the magical tool lasts for about three days. And the power…”

He lightly swung the pickaxe.

Tap! the tip of the pickaxe brushed against the magical stone.

Crack!

Unlike before when it hadn’t even left a mark, this time, merely touching it was enough to split the magical stone in half. The audience’s eyes widened.

“I observed an approximate sevenfold increase in performance. Of course, this only pertains to basic magical tools that don’t require mana…”

As Brick set the pickaxe down, he added, “The value of this will be better understood by all of you present here.”

The audience fell into a moment of silence.

They too were mages and intimately connected to the magical stone mining industry, so they clearly understood the value of that magical tool.

Improved work speed.

Increased yield.

Boosted supply of magical stones.

Given that magical stones are used in countless studies, the repercussions of this magical tool would be significant.

“Questions.”

“Do you have questions?”

“Master of the Blue Tower, regarding that magical tool…”

At last, questions poured out onto the Blue Tower’s Master.

Brick smiled confidently and began to answer their inquiries one by one.

“I understand your foremost concern. It’s the cost-performance ratio. The main field of application for this magical tool is in magical stone mining, and if it’s not cost-effective, commercialization will be challenging.”

Brick gave the augmentation cube a gentle tap.

“Using a standard-sized upper-tier magical stone, we can augment about thirty tools.”

While it wasn’t exactly a rave review, even considering that, it was still sufficient for a nice profit.

“And this is just the initial model. The Blue Tower will constantly pursue further advancements in magical engineering, promising the continuous release of tools with higher cost-performance ratios and quality.”

The mages who had been gazing disinterestedly at the stage were nowhere to be seen. Their eyes sparkled as they showered Brick Geobahn with applause for the results he had unveiled.

Countless mages.

The sweetness felt when their cold scrutiny turned to amazement was incomparable.

“I express my gratitude for the fervent applause.”

A smile spread across Brick’s face.

He already felt as though he had secured his victory from the stage. Thanks to the elated mood, he started to ramble unnecessarily.

“The Ashen Tower clings to the legacy of the past. And yes, it’s true that the legacy of the past was stunning. However, you cannot move towards the future if you only cling to the past.”

The next one to take the stage.

Rania van Trias.

With that thought, Brick sneered.

“Mages must move forward. Toward the future.”

Amid the raucous applause, Brick stepped off the stage.

As he stepped down, the ashen-haired girl passed by him, making her way to the stage.

“Know your place.”

As Brick breezed past the girl, he muttered in a chilling voice. The girl stopped mid-stride and turned her head toward Brick.

Snort!

She simply smiled without saying a word.

The mocking smile on her lips made Brick furrow his brow.

‘Looks like she still hasn’t woken up.’

She’ll learn her place soon enough.

With that thought, Brick moved on.

3.

Before the heat thrown down by the Master of the Blue Tower had even settled, the next contestant ascended the stage.

“…”

The mages who were chattering about the game-changing performance of the magical tool turned silent, their gazes shifting towards the girl who stood upon the stage.

Ashen hair swayed gracefully.

Without a doubt, she was captivating enough to draw attention.

Every step she took drew their gazes, and the mages recalled the girl’s name.

‘Rania van Trias.’

A girl from the same lineage as the Ashen Mage.

Currently known to be a professor at Apuria.

The mages gathered in the square knew her to be an exceptionally competent professor, as they had heard rumors about her.

‘Artificially forming extreme points and her foundational knowledge regarding magical circuits is said to be extraordinary.’

In terms of magical knowledge, she was an exceptional individual.

Moreover, it was rumored that her personal strength surpassed that of an average combat wizard.

But that’s that.

‘Magical engineering is a different realm altogether.’

This is a separate matter.

Magical engineering is not something easily mastered simply due to high magical knowledge. It requires long-term experience and expertise developed over numerous research processes.

‘Yet, she’s declaring to present on magical engineering research.’

She was about to challenge the Blue Tower, who had been in this field for many years.

‘She’s still young and inexperienced.’

Most mages harbored such sentiments.

Given her arrogant demeanor, they didn’t look kindly upon her.

“I will be presenting augmented magical engineering.”

Snickers came laughter from all corners of the hall.

What a coincidence that their sub-field even matched.

While they ranked her courage for not fleeing the stage after witnessing Brick’s remarkable magical tool, that was as far as it went.

The mages regarded Rania with expressions of indifference.

Whoosh.

She hardly went through any preparation.

She simply pulled something out from her robe. What she pulled out was a small cubic magic tool that could fit in one hand.

It was small.

While the compact size allowed for easy portability, it also clearly had drawbacks: low output. What could she possibly accomplish with such a small tool?

At that point of questioning in their minds…

Rania grasped the two remaining pickaxes on stage. One was the pickaxe used by the Master of the Blue Tower, and the other remained unaugmented.

“I won’t ramble on. It’s better for you to see for yourselves.”

She placed the unaugmented pickaxe against the one in her hand. The magic tool split open with a creak, and a bluish light emanated from it.

The pickaxe shone a brilliant blue.

At that moment, the audience noticed something was off.

The color was remarkably vivid. It was an even brighter blue than the pickaxe augmented by the Master of the Blue Tower. The audience squinted their eyes, concentrating on the pickaxe in the girl’s hand.

Then, she clashed the two pickaxes together.

She didn’t exert any strength—just lightly tapped the two pickaxes together.

Snap!

One pickaxe crumbled to dust.

The other pickaxe showed not the slightest hint of damage.

“…Huh?”

At the unusually clear result, the audience’s eyes went wide. Naturally, the one that had been shattered was the pickaxe augmented by the Master of the Blue Tower.

“This magical tool is based on ancient magical engineering but modified to suit the contemporary age. It shares the basic conditions of the tool presented by the Master of the Blue Tower.”

Before the audience could catch their breaths, Rania started to explain. She rolled the magical tool in her palm as she continued speaking.

“Although small, making it easy for portability, this also limits its usage count. If utilized as a target, the maximum is around ten times.”

…And the lifespan?

At someone’s question, Rania replied.

“It lasts until the magical tool is destroyed.”

“…Destroyed?”

“It means it lasts as long as this pickaxe’s lifespan.”

Rania continued, “Of course, since it’s closer to overclocking the tool’s performance itself, it will inevitably decrease its durability. I expect it will be about a month.”

…And after usage, the tool breaks.

However, it could be used for a month.

The audience calculated in their heads. While the magical engineering pickaxe could be bought cheaply in bulk, replacing them every month would indeed be a burden.

‘But the work speed would increase exponentially.’

What remained to be seen was the market price for this augmented magical tool.

Given its impressive performance, the price would undoubtedly not be cheap. As they pondered this, the audience was about to throw questions at her.

“The product can be mass-produced and commercialized.”

Another girl stepped up to the stage.

A girl clad in the robes representing the zenith of the Ashen Tower. Resti Elenoa, the next Master of the Ashen Tower.

“This augmented magical tool is the result left in an incomplete (?) state by the previous Master, Raniel van Trias. This girl, Rania van Trias, has completed it.”

An aggressively competent girl who dominated the Ashen Tower.

The emotionless Resti Elenoa then stated, “The Ashen Tower is already prepared for mass production of the magical tools, and we promise to provide it at a reasonable price.”

She quoted figures that left the audience astonished, numbers two or three digits lower than they had imagined. The prospect of such technology at that price was nearly unbelievable.

“…Isn’t that a monopoly technology?”

Someone asked.

Resti replied, “Yes, it is. Mage Rania van Trias has entered into an exclusive contract with the Ashen Tower.”

An exclusive contract.

A technology that will be commercialized solely under the auspices of the Ashen Tower.

Even so, the price was reasonable.

“Any further questions?”

Facing Rania’s inquiry, the audience fell silent.

Without leaving any more words, she began to step down from the stage with Resti but paused for a moment.

“…”

Her gaze fixated on a certain mage standing in the square. Everyone regarded where her gaze was directed, landing upon the Master of the Blue Tower, Brick Geobahn.

With a face resembling a ghost, Brick Geobahn stood rigid.

To anyone’s eyes, the duel’s result was clear.

In performance, cost-effectiveness, and level, it was all a complete victory for Rania van Trias. While Brick hadn’t proclaimed his market price, it was needless to say he lost there as well.

“What on earth…”

The face of Brick, who had been certain of his victory, turned as pale as a sheet. Toward Brick, Rania delivered her remark without any embellishment.

“It seems it’s not the Ashen Tower clinging to the past.”

With only a single phrase, she turned and started to walk away.

The weight of those words made Brick’s pupils tremble greatly.

“See? I told you that girl would win!”

As a hush settled over the square, the Master of the White Tower raised his wine glass on the balcony, exclaiming gleefully.

“Serves you right!”

It seemed he needed no appetizers.

*