---

“Then… shall I open it?”

“U-uh… yes…”

In the basement of the Academy’s Old Teacher’s Building.

Arriving at that location, the group cautiously opened the tightly locked door and headed downstairs.

“This is the place, right?”

“Yes, according to the information received from the student council, this is the location where students have attempted to intrude the most. However, this place is strictly off-limits for safety reasons, and without a key like before, very few people have actually entered.”

“Whether it’s true or not, it’s worth investigating.”

“I agree. Then let’s go inside.”

It was considered one of the most likely sources of the rumors.

As they slowly descended into the basement, the group was seized by a strange tension.

Though they didn’t really believe in wishes being granted,

the mere fact that something might exist there made their hearts race.

At that moment…

“Speaking of which, Chairperson, since we’ve come this far, can I ask you something?”

“…What is it?”

Magdalena’s light voice seemed to dispel the heavy atmosphere.

She then looked at the others and cautiously asked,

“If you could really have a wish granted, what would you wish for?”

“…Hmm…”

The group hesitated to answer Magdalena’s question.

The first to speak up was Shaul.

“I wish to try all the delicious foods in this world! To be honest, there are so many dishes I’ve only heard about and never tasted.”

“Well, let’s just say that’s very much like you, but it’s not a bad wish. What about the others?”

“I wish for our Demon Kingdom to continue prospering.”

“I… I wish that someone who’s always loud would just be quiet for a change.”

“Hahaha… Just say the word and I’ll tear that mouth apart.”

“By the way, what about you, Magdalena?”

“For me? I wish that you guys would be a little more honest and cuddle a bit more often.”

“…”

“Hmm… hmm…”

As everyone joked half-heartedly, at that moment.

“Uh?”

“…”

Suddenly, Magdalena and Chris froze and stopped in their tracks.

The others also felt something was off and cautiously looked ahead.

“Chairperson… what’s that?”

“That’s quite a bit of magic power. It seems there is something here after all.”

Confronted by a powerful flow of magic in an unexpected place,

they heightened their tension and cautiously moved forward.

Moments later,

they began to see the interior of the basement.

A spacious area was emitting unsettling magic.

They approached a large something located in the center,

“What is… this?”

“It’s a peculiarly shaped stone… and it’s emanating quite a strong magic.”

A massive object firmly embedded in the ground, releasing magic.

Seeing this, everyone there instinctively felt a question arise.

Except for one person…

“…Sealing Stone…”

“Hmm? What did you just say?”

Chris questioned Magdalena’s abrupt remark.

To this, Magdalena quickly adjusted her expression and answered lightly,

“Ah… no, it’s nothing. I just thought it looked like something that might be a bit dangerous for us to handle.”

“I agree with that…”

“Hmm… but since we’ve come this far, let’s try wishing once as a test.”

The massive rock that clearly contained unusual power.

With curiosity, Shaul reached out toward it.

In that instant, he felt quite a powerful magic.

He then shouted at the rock as if genuinely trying to converse.

“I want to eat eel jelly!”

“…Huh?”

“What’s that…”

In the midst of the serious atmosphere, Shaul’s menu selection felt bizarre.

However, the rock showed no reaction, simply continuing to release its gentle magic as before.

“…Hmm… it seems like a madman’s wish.”

“Let me try… I wish that Magdalena would talk a little less!”

Following Shaul, Pette earnestly voiced his wish.

Afterward, he cautiously glanced at the strangely smiling Magdalena standing in front of him.

“…S-so, was there a change? Any difference?”

“What do you think? Does it seem like there’s something?”

“N-no…”

With a mischievous grin, Magdalena replied.

Pette also realized there was indeed no change and felt a hint of disappointment.

Watching their interaction, Chris reached a conclusion.

“Ultimately… it seems that the whole wish granting thing was just a baseless rumor created by those who saw this magic-releasing stone. Well… we should report about such an unholy object existing beneath the Academy.”

When people see something peculiar, they tend to elaborate on it.

Arriving at that conclusion, they exited without any lingering feelings.

Meanwhile,

at the back of the group exiting, Magdalena briefly glanced at the rock with a quiet gaze.

‘Well… perhaps…’

*

In the shadowy Solomon Academy.

There, she skillfully concealed her presence and headed somewhere alone.

Quickly moving to avoid the watchful eyes of patrolling guards.

A short while later,

she used the key she had and reopened the door she had locked earlier, heading straight into the basement.

The massive rock became visible to her again.

Still emanating great magic,

she approached it.

Currently known as Magdalena, but formerly the ruler of the Magic Kingdom, Azutas,

slowly placed her hand on the enormous rock.

And then…

-Whirrrrr!

With that, flames appeared in her hand.

Holding the flickering black light, she carefully began directing the fiery glimmer at the rock.

‘Be cautious… I could easily destroy this if I’m not careful. I need to control my power…’

Working with the sword held in her hand through the flames, she proceeded with precise and delicate care.

Finally.

As her task progressed, the Sealing Stone that had been radiating powerful magic abruptly ceased its magic release, and she smiled softly, speaking in a quiet voice.

“How is it? Can you hear me?”

Magdalena spoke to the Sealing Stone.

Then, from the center of the stone,

differing from before, a red aura began to swirl, and a voice echoed back.

-…Are you the one from back then?-

“Yeah, it’s been a while. It’s nice to meet you again this way.”

The presence summoned here through the Sealing Stone wasn’t an average wizard or witch but a being with the knowledge of the continent’s mightiest witch, making it possible for Magdalena.

However, aside from that, she understood.

That the red being, which could be called a fragment of a god, surpassed her power by far.

-How unexpected, I never thought we’d meet again like this.-

“Likewise, I never imagined there would be a Sealing Stone of divine remnants in a place like this. By the way… looks like you’ve adapted quite well to this world, our great God Amun.”

At her words, the red energy flickered more intensely.

Then Amun, a being that has established itself as the supreme deity in this world, responded to Magdalena in a chilling voice.

-“It seems you’ve rambled on with useless chatter. I’m different now compared to that time when you temporarily disabled me.”-

“Well… unlike the gods, we humans change over time.”

-“Let’s get to the point. If you’ve gone through the trouble of summoning me like this just to chatter, I won’t let it slide.”-

“Yes, yes, right to the point then, great god.”

In the current situation, facing a being that could easily squash her, Magdalena remained utterly composed.

Then, she said to the ‘God’ before her with a far more serious expression than before.

“O God Amun, I know of your tremendous abilities. Then, with that power of yours, is it possible for you to undo this immortality bound to my body?”

-“!”-

An unexpected request…

Magdalena spoke with considerable earnestness.

In response, God Amun showed a hint of surprise before speaking calmly.

-“Are you asking me to erase the bloodline dwelling in you? However, if that happens…”-

“Yes, just do it. Please.”

“…”

Magdalena spoke so resolutely, and Amun questioned her.

-“Isn’t it a pity? Immortality is the desire of countless mortals. Although your body may be weakened now, someone like you could quickly regain much by leveraging that power and position… perhaps even attain a godly status like mine in the end?”-

“Yes, I suppose.”

Reflecting on her past as a witch who had transcended humanity and once ruled a nation, Magdalena spoke with a bittersweet tone.

However, she soon spoke to the god before her once more, filled with resolve.

“But such things hold no meaning for me now. What I yearn for is simply to live a mortal life. To share time with those around me, to see the end together. Nothing more.”

Thus, she reiterated her intentions firmly.

In response, the red energy from Amun fell into a brief silence before articulating clearly.

-“Understood, but… there’s one condition. If you accept this, I will grant you the mortal life you desire as the authority of the supreme deity. Will you accept?”-

Without specifying what exactly that entailed, Amun posed the question.

Under normal circumstances, Magdalena would have asked for clarification, but she answered without a hint of hesitation.

“Yes, I will. Please issue your command, O God.”

*

On a sunny day with brilliant sunshine,

in the Chairperson’s office of the Solomon Academy, Magdalena offered tea to Chris, who was beginning today’s work with a cheerful smile.

“? Is something going on? You seem more excited than usual.”

“No, it’s nothing. Chairperson.”

“…I feel like something’s definitely up…”

“Could it be that you won the lottery or something?”

“Haha… speaking of lotteries, it is kind of like hitting the jackpot unexpectedly.”

“No… don’t enjoy this alone, just tell me what’s going on!”

With a joyful smile but remaining silent, Magdalena.

This left Pette feeling frustrated as he questioned his ‘niece’ before her.

To that, Magdalena still wore her smile, dropping just a single line.

“A secret, Uncle. Don’t try to pry it out of me.”

“…”

Normally, she would be gushing about something, but her not doing that made Pette and Chris feel a slight sense of disquiet.

The two exchanged glances, sensing something odd, and proceeded to talk quietly.

“Could it be… due to that wish you made yesterday…?”

“No way… I wished that Magdalena would just quiet down a bit, but this is…”

Even saying that, their hopes weren’t high, but they were half in doubt and half curious about the matter.

As they pondered this,

Chris and Pette picked up pens to complete their pressing tasks.

At that moment…

“It’s here!”

“Uh?”

“What are you talking about?”

With a ●ㅁ● face, Shaul burst through the office door.

Seeing her like this, the three raised their brows in unison.

Then…

“My wish has come true! Everyone, look at this!”

With that proclamation, Shaul proudly pulled out something.

“Eh?”

“?!”

“What… is that?”

Immediately, the faces of the three in the student council room went rigid.

“U-uh… Shaul? What on earth is that?”

“As you can see, it’s eel jelly. I happened to acquire it this morning. It seems that rock has some effect after all!”

“A… no… it can’t be…”

Magdalena panicked, displaying her shock.

Ignoring her reaction,

Shaul presented the plate of eel jelly to everyone.

“Come on everyone, give it a try. It looks a bit odd but it’s quite tasty!”

“I… think I’ll pass…”

“It’s all good! Thanks to the rock god fulfilling my wish, I have plenty to spare. Come on, let’s do this!”

“Ugh…”

With no choice but to capitulate, Shaul thrust a spoonful of eel jelly toward Pette.

Taking it, he had no option but to put it in his mouth and soon wore a look of half-dead despair.

And while watching their reactions,

Magdalena felt a bit uneasy yet couldn’t help but start smiling.

‘Really… they’re such endearing ones to watch. For the last chapter of my life, there really couldn’t be better companions than these.’

Thus, filled with joy at the realization she could live her life’s end with such friends,

Magdalena snatched the flying eel jelly aimed at Pette and threw it into her own mouth.