A Former Child Soldier Who Uses a Magic Sword Wants to Live with an Older Sister of a Former Enemy Executive - Chapter 112

• Chapter 112 : Professor Ciface of the Magic Academy

This academy, constructed with the ingenious use of wood, marble, and other magical materials, boasted a history of over 1,000 years.

Seto, his eyes wide with amazement at the overwhelming scale, walked behind Nashia.

The sheer difference in scale and atmosphere compared to Osiris’ military facilities made Seto unconsciously hold his breath.

There were rumors that some of the students at this magic academy would head to the battlefield in times of crisis. Because of that, he had imagined them to be somewhat like the child soldiers of the past—students at times, but defenders of the nation wielding magic when needed.

Nobles, too—or rather, precisely because they are nobles—trained their bodies and minds rigorously through harsh training, preparing for any eventuality.

Because of this, Seto had expected a much grittier atmosphere. However, he was completely wrong.

Every corner of the academy exuded a sense of cleanliness, and the soft smiles on the faces of the students here and there could be clearly seen.

It seemed that it was currently the “summer vacation” period. Like Nashia and Seto, there were students walking around the campus accompanied by their guards, but they were few and far between. The sparse, empty atmosphere made the sound of the two’s footsteps echo down the hallway.

[What do you think, Seto-kun? Pretty amazing, isn’t it?] (Nashia)

[Yeah, it’s like a mansion… There are usually more people here, right? It must be incredibly lively when that’s the case.] (Seto)

[Hmm, you’re right. There’s the school store, the cafeteria, the library… Once summer vacation ends, they’ll definitely be packed. I’m technically a second-year, you know. But, well, since I enrolled early, everyone around me is older. Even at my last training camp, I had to constantly mind my manners… Haha, I guess you could say I’m never free from mental fatigue.] (Nashia)

Most students entered the academy at around 15 or 16, but she had enrolled last year at the unprecedented age of 13, the youngest in history. Her exceptional early admission naturally drew a lot of attention, which seemed to make her conscious of many things.

Everyone around her is older… Just like me. (Seto)

Nashia and Seto were two years apart in age.
Seto had spent his childhood as a boy soldier running through battlefields, while Nashia, born into the privilege of nobility, had been immersed in magic since a young age.

In a way, these two might both be considered geniuses.
A prodigy who skipped grades to enroll in one of the world’s most prestigious magical academies, and a legendary boy soldier who had survived countless intense battles.

Though their circumstances were different, he felt an undeniable sense of connection with her as they were walking together like this.

If possible, Seto wished for nothing more than for her to never have to set foot on a battlefield. But that wasn’t for him to decide.

[Hm…? Is that… Ah! Seto-kun! Move to the far right!] (Nashia)

[Huh? Wh-What’s going on?] (Seto)

Following her instructions, Seto moved to the far right and stopped alongside her.

In the direction of Nashia’s shining, almost admiring gaze, a bizarre figure was just about to cross the hallway.

The person appeared to be fused with a wheelchair-like magical armored device, likely a custom-made piece of equipment similar to those used by Osiris.

However, its design was so unconventional that it resembled a moving suit of armor. Without anyone pushing or assisting, the figure moved slowly through the hallway, seemingly controlling it themselves.

Their face was completely concealed by a full-face helmet, making it impossible to determine whether they were male or female.

Yet one thing was clear: as they approached, their mere presence created a tingling sensation, an almost electric pressure against the skin.

It wasn’t hostile, but it was obvious from their appearance and the heavy aura they radiated that they were no ordinary person.

More importantly, Nashia showed no signs of fear or caution. On the contrary, there was a sense of ease—even comfort—in her demeanor, which reassured Seto that there was no need for concern.

[Good afternoon, Nashia. Straight to your student council duties right after the training camp?] (???)

[Yes, Ciface-sensei!] (Nashia)

The voice that emerged from behind the full-face helmet was unmistakably male.

This person called Ciface was apparently renowned as the strongest mage, bearing titles such as the “Lord of the Void,” “The Father of Magic,” and “The Steely Magus.”

His abilities and accomplishments had had a profound impact on people, so much so that his contributions extended beyond this country and had significantly advanced magical technology in other nations as well.

The prime example of this was the so-called magical equipment known as magic armor.
Whether it was the kind used by Osiris or the one Ciface himself wore, these devices were originally thought to be technically impossible to create. Yet, he effortlessly formulated the theories and brought them to practical use. Moreover, he didn’t hoard his knowledge or technology, but instead shared it widely.

Incidentally, the armor he was currently wearing was said to be the first one ever created in the world.

In addition to this, he had updated and improved countless other fields. His influence was so vast that people would often say, albeit with some exaggeration, that without him, the world’s magical technology and knowledge would be several hundred years behind what they had today.

Ciface’s impact on the modern world was, without a doubt, monumental.

[Haha, I’m not the strongest by any means. I’m merely an inexperienced mage with much to learn.] (Ciface)

[What are you saying?! Your accomplishments are nothing short of heroic, Ciface-sensei! I respect you so much!] (Nashia)

[Thank you, Nashia. I have high expectations for your talents, so be sure to continue working hard. …Now then, who is this boy? He doesn’t seem to be a student or a mage.] (Ciface)

[Oh, let me introduce him. His name is Seto. He was working as my grandfather’s bodyguard, but today he’s acting as my personal escort.] (Nashia)

[Oh…?] (Ciface)

Skillfully maneuvering the armor, Ciface came to a stop directly in front of Seto.

Leaning slightly forward, he peered intently at Seto’s face.

With his expression hidden behind the full-face helmet, it was impossible to discern what kind of look he might be giving.

The face-like emblem drawn on the helmet had an eerie quality to it, enough to make Seto want to avert his gaze immediately. However, given Nashia’s presence, he couldn’t afford to show any sign of discomfort.

Instead, he braced himself, thinking of it as simply standing at attention like a soldier. In doing so, it wasn’t as difficult to endure.

After some time, Ciface straightened his posture, seemingly satisfied.

Even though his face was hidden by the heavy mask, the atmosphere around him gave the impression that he was smiling.

[My apologies. Observing people is something of a hobby of mine. Especially children like you.] (Ciface)

[Children like me?] (Seto)

[Yes, I am quite fond of those with ‘talent.’ I believe talent, regardless of family or social standing, should always be properly recognized and appreciated. You, for example, are a bundle of talent. Truly remarkable… enviable, even. ???? No, I should say it makes me jealous.] (Ciface)

[Eh?] (Seto)

[So jealous… Frustratingly sooooooooo…] (Ciface)

Ciface muttered like a broken record, his armor trembling violently. Even Nashia froze in surprise at the sight of him.

[Why is it not meeeeeee…?! Why is it you and ‘her’…?! I… I also… I alsooooooo… I alsooooooo…!] (Ciface)

Suddenly, Ciface stopped and composed himself, as if nothing had happened.

[Oh dear, how improper of me. I lost control for a moment. My apologies. Truly, being a teacher at this academy can be terribly stressful. It’s unacceptable, isn’t it? To show such raw emotion within the academy… Haha.] (Ciface)

[Are you really okay now? Uh, about being jealous—what did you mean by that? You seem far more powerful than someone like me.] (Seto)

[Oh, no, pay it no mind… I said too much. You were on your way to the student council, correct?] (Ciface)

Ciface’s words snapped Nashia out of her daze, and she quickly prepared to escort Seto to the student council room. However, just as they turned to leave, Ciface’s hand reached out and firmly grasped Seto’s.

[…Seto-kun.] (Ciface)

[W-What is it?] (Seto)

[Please come visit me again sometime, I insist. If you’d like, you’re even welcome to drop by my research lab. Anytime—you’ll always be welcome.] (Ciface)

[Uh… Right…] (Seto)

Ciface released Seto’s hand reluctantly, as if unwilling to let go.

Unaware of this, Seto simply followed closely behind Nashia as they walked away.

Ciface continued watching their retreating figures, his gaze fixed on Seto’s back for an unnaturally long time.

From time to time, his body trembled and writhed, as though possessed by some uncontrollable force.

[Ngghhh… Nghhhhhhhh… NGHHHHHHHHHHH????!!] (Ciface)