Episode 903 Magic Festival (5)
Originally, summoning magic was a class of magic that called upon objects from another dimension, and so-called ‘summoners’ would control summoned creatures through a medium called a contract.
There were various types of summoned creatures.
Because any target that had no racial overlap with the summoner could be chosen as a contract candidate. In other words, entities like demi-humans and heteromorphs.
The relationship between the summoner and the summoned creature was different for each individual.
There were cases where the summoner unilaterally wielded the initiative, instances where the summoner and the summoned creature formed a relationship of absolute equality, and… …in extremely rare cases, contracts where the summoned creature overwhelmed the summoner.A prime example is the contract between a dragon and a human mage.
The primordial wizard.’You’.The World Tree.
Unprecedented stability arrived following the Great Divergence in which the ancient gods were destroyed by them.The ruined continent was rebuilt, and the races persecuted by the antics of the ancient gods realized the true meaning of peace.
If the modern era is the age of magic,then that was truly the age of prosperity and harmony.
A world overflowing with all kinds of possibilities, a moment when no imagination was impossible, a world where the three continents were not significantly divided because there was a silent desert but no demonic realm.A society where some dragons, quite friendly to other races, served as the guardian dragons of the nation.
The time when humanity, which had lived as the weak since the creation of the world, finally began to gain power under the command of the first king of the human world who led all of mankind.
Looking back now, the golden age of that time could be considered historical evidence that overturned the belief and common sense that the future necessarily progresses beyond the past.
however…….
Just as peace followed the war of the gods, a new war ended up beginning after peace.
The battle of destiny initiated by ‘you’.
It was a power that far surpassed the ancient gods who had sought to destroy this world. The ideal she had thoroughly concealed since before the Great Divide, since long ago, was immense and sharp.
The Gray Dragon, who had stood by and watched not only the Primordial Wizard and the World Tree but even the Great Branch, joined the battle, but the war was halted with a truce that bordered on utter defeat.The Primordial Wizard, having lost his resistance forces in the form of death, submission, and confinement, vanished without a trace, and ‘you’ were sealed away just before seizing victory… in a state where the story remained unfinished.
One of the two forces that had divided the world disappeared, and the pinnacle of that victorious force became a figure unable to interfere with reality for a long time.A world without a master.Amidst such chaos, many things underwent countless changes, repeating cycles of decline and prosperity while the wheel of fate eliminated variables.
Summoning magic was also one of them.
Summoning magic was dismantled and dismantled so repeatedly that its origins could not even be traced, eventually transforming into something other than magic itself.That is how appealing the ‘concept of a contract,’ which forms the core of summoning magic, truly was.
Magical imprints such as ancient artifacts.A demonic contract granting unilateral dominance in exchange for bestowing due power.A contract between an elf and a spirit centered on an equal, friendship-like relationship.A miracle of summoning in which a cleric of the Luas Theocracy manifests a Servant of Light.
Summoning magic, which belonged to human wizards before destiny came into being, was derived and reconstructed in this way, and has now almost slipped out of humanity’s hands.
It was long before the Provider—Deus Wieden—was born.
“…….”
Summoning magic can never be replicated with ordinary hierarchy magic. This is because it does not take into account the special nature of a contract.How on earth is one supposed to summon a creature with which no bond has been formed?
That’s right.
What student Theodore is attempting to present as “summoned magic” is not summoning magic. It is merely a kind of doppelganger created through the separation of the mind.
Of course, if it continues to develop and become popularized, it will be recognized as a new type of magic.That is, provided that the consciousness isolation, which most intelligent beings cannot master, is removed.
If a separate alternative ritual to inject into the summoned creature is added to the dispenser, and a magic stone is used as the power source instead of the caster’s magic power, then even a non-mage could use false summoning magic.
Verden must have seen that possibility, too.
However, the activation of Theodore’s summoning magic is originally impossible.
This is because it takes a very long time.
Based on the glimpses of virtual futures realized by the Wheel of Fortune over a very long period…Summoning magic showed meager development after Theodore’s death, and just before it could become popularized, the cycle began with the completion of fate and came to nothing.
Had it not been for Verden in the first place, Theodore’s announcement of summoning magic would have taken place three years later in a modest setting, briefly caused a sensation in the magical world, and then been shunned after being judged as unsuitable for popularization. Justbecause one is a genius wizard does not mean they live a life recognized by everyone.
Theodor continues to steel his resolve behind the stage of the Magic Festival.
“Let’s succeed no matter what, let’s succeed no matter what……!”
The Provider hesitated a little.
In effect, fate has already collapsed, so interfering will not alter the future. After all,there is no fixed future.Intervening midway does not violate my duty as a resistor. Unlike during the World Conference, I also spoke with the Agent beforehand.
Thus, the Provider decided to intervene.
It goes without saying, but I have no intention of spreading influence to the world. That kind of thing is of no interest to me. This decision was heavily motivated by emotion.
Purely… he simply couldn’t stand the thought of Theodore’s fake summoning magic being recognized as true summoning magic.
As a summoner wielding the summoning magic created by the primordial wizard.
“I wonder what your future will be like, having escaped your fate.”
The Provider’s summoning magic seeped into Theodore’s dispenser. Unaware of it, Theodore worked hard to steel his resolve.
I will watch as an audience member.
The presence of the Provider vanished.
It is impossible to know whether Theodore’s summoning magic will ultimately succeed or fail.That depends entirely on him.
To put it simply, it is a trial.
The trials that a candidate for the Ark must endure to be reborn as a better being.
* * *
A massive structure was erected in one of Gargant’s main squares. It served as the stage for the opening of the Magic Festival, attended by the most renowned wizards of the magical world.The sophisticated and magnificent magical architectural skills perfectly demonstrated the solemn authenticity of the wizards.
That was the Geometric Coherence Theory of Magical Frequent Alliance! I listened carefully. You may go now.
The host of the stage was Feldianne Pearcia Reit, the owner of the Artisan Magic Tower.She volunteered for the role.She personally enjoyed taking on such a role.
The wizard of the Magic Frequent Regiment went down, and Feldianne stood in the center.
“It seems we spent time examining in detail the conditions required to maximize the power of each spell, such as the caster’s terrain, posture, position, temperature, time, and the harmony of celestial movements. As you all heard, it was detailed and professional. This is substantial enough to be used as research material by the academic society. After all, paying attention to detail is the most fundamental of fundamentals in magic.”
At the praise from Master Artisan, the wizard in charge of the presentation puffed out his chest.
“However, if you ask whether this contributes to the advancement of the magical world, I am not sure. It is not that the Ten Great Magic Towers deliberately avoid delving deeply into such investigations; it is simply because the results do not outweigh the costs. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Magic Independence Alliance for pouring money and effort into this on behalf of the Towers. Now, let’s give them a round of applause!”
Clap clap clap clap!
It’s a joke. I would appreciate it if you could just laugh it off without taking offense. Aren’t you laughing? Why aren’t you laughing? Hohoho, this is a joke too.
It might seem rude, but no one could stop Feldianne.How could anyone say anything to the Tower Master who was ranked second overall?
There are almost no top figures in the magical world among the audience.
As the initial part was the stage for the lower factions of the magical world, the Tower Masters did not attend and instead sent mages of the Elder rank and below as observers.The reason was that they did not have time as they were busy responding to the magic festival in real-time as Tower Masters.
For reference, Feldianne handed over the management role to the elders.
Master Artisan of the Magic Tower… … .
Celeste Raven, the leader of the Magic Regiment, tried to maintain her composure.
Was this also retaliation for conspiring with Mauler to trap Eon?The finger he had cut off himself after being seduced by Feldianne’s eloquence following the World Conference, and later reattached, seemed to be throbbing.
“Finally, we are at the final event of the early part of the Magic Festival. Since this is the first Magic Festival since the tragedy of four years ago, time seems to be passing even faster. Without delay, I will proceed with tonight’s final magic presentation to grace the grand finale of the early part! It features the most intriguing topic on the stage and a special presenter, so please look forward to it!”
Additions in moderation, like seasoning.The foundation of modern magic focuses on efficiency.
Feldianne stepped aside and stretched out one arm.
“I am Theodore, the genius wizard of the Academy!”
Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Amidst the solemn outpouring of applause, Theodore stepped onto the stage. He looked visibly nervous, yet his movements were not awkward.The magical stage moved, adjusting to make Theodore’s voice resonate in all directions.
It is the time I have waited, and waited again.
Theodore quietly swallowed as he gazed at the audience seats surrounding the stage in a semicircle. The first, second, and third floors. Hundreds of wizards were in attendance.They were not just a motley crew; most of them were people who had made a name for themselves in the magical world.
Turning my gaze to the right, I saw Professor Dale and Assistant Iris. Theodore’s parents were standing beside them. Althoughordinary people were not allowed to enter the main stage of the Magic Festival even as audience members, the presenters’ immediate family members were the only exceptions.
Oops.
I barely managed to suppress the urge to wave my hand.
As he raised his gaze, pretending to catch his breath, Verden, whom Theodor respected the most, was looking down at him from the highest position.
Verden gave a slight chin gesture.”Do well.”That alone was enough encouragement. Besides, there was no turning back.
Theodore lowered his head as reverently as possible without hesitation.
“I am Theodore, a student at Gargant Academy.”“Theodore is scheduled to announce a new magic lineage here. I hear it is the result of direct support from none other than the Divine.”
A new magic lineage founded with the support of the divine?
“I heard that it received investment from Eon, but to think the Holy One himself has taken an interest in this research…….”“I guess it’s not the last one in the early stages for nothing.”“You can look forward to it.”
Although it was known that Eon’s funds had flowed to Theodore, few wizards knew the details of the actual research. Theyalso knew that it was magic that none other than the Divine were paying attention to.
As the headmaster, Ilmarion has thoroughly protected the independence of the academy.
Feldianne held her index finger to her lips.
The murmuring subsided in an instant.
Satisfied with the silence, Feldianne smiled and whispered softly.
“Please don’t disappoint me.”“…….”
The burden weighed heavily on Theodore as he was left alone on the stage. Nevertheless, he moved. Since it was a movement he had repeated time and time again while picturing the stage, there was no need to let complex thoughts cross his mind.
“Generally, a mage requires time and distance to exert their full power. With the exception of the War Mages of the Great Arknar Empire, issues such as insufficient computation time and physical training put them at a disadvantage the closer they are to the enemy. Therefore, in warfare, the vanguard has always been placed at the forefront to maximize the utilization of the powerful force known as the mage.”
Immediately afterwards, Theodore skillfully took a dispenser out of his pocket.
It was then that a thought occurred to me. Can a wizard not be everything on their own? Is there no way for a wizard to protect themselves independently, even without specializing in combat magic? The magic classes we founded perhaps began with such an obvious question.
Detailed explanations come later.The main point comes first.You must not miss the moment when the audience’s attention is focused on the magic circle dispenser, which consists of brass-colored metal plates and a transparent membrane.
A mystery capable of separating the caster’s mind to create a unique companion.
Theodore activated the dispenser.
It is a summoning spell.
He isolated his consciousness and simultaneously materialized the mental image using only thought, not language. His magical power took on the form of a beast within the dispenser.
A wolf jumped into the gap in the space created inside the dispenser. Immediately afterwards, a huge wolf beast manifested from the opposite side.
[Grrr… …]
A fierce cry shattered the silence.
The wizards were shocked.
“D-You created a monster…?!”“That’s magic? Not magic?”“So it’s magic that can summon a monster using magical power…! What on earth is the principle behind it? It looks like it uses spatial attributes, but what is that consciousness isolation?”
Interest has skyrocketed.
The reaction was better than expected. Theodore struggled to hide his smile and took control of the stage with an even more confident voice.
“Wolfred. He is a subspecies of the Lore Wolf. I shared my consciousness with him and infused him with the nature of a demon beast. He is a demon beast that only I can control. Could you say that he is another version of myself, temporarily transformed into a demon beast?”
Theodore walked leisurely and placed his hand on the bridge of Wolfred’s nose. It was to personally demonstrate that he was truly safe.
“Since it can move independently based on its own thinking ability, it can act autonomously without being commanded. It is literally a companion. Because it fully embodies the characteristics of a magical beast, it is naturally capable of reproducing the roar of a Lore Wolf as well.”
Shock, then stabilize.Theodore studied hard to maximize the appeal of his presentation.
Before I demonstrate the actual power of the summoned beast, I will explain the principles behind it.
Tap tap.
He tapped Wolfred’s nose twice.It was a signal to sit down.
“The basic principle of summoning magic is—”
uh?
Theodore, who was giving the best presentation of his life, reflexively paused. He turned his head. Wolfred stared at him intently without even sitting down.
… … Tap tap.
He tapped the bridge of his nose again, but Wolfred did not show the desired reaction. Instead, he bared his teeth and glared with a glint in his eyes, his veins bulging.With a look that seemed ready to tear Theodore’s head apart at any moment.
‘uh???’
The murderous aura of the demon beast swept over.
* * *
“……Something’s off.”
Verden discerned Theodor’s emotions as he faced Wolfred. Confusion and fear. It was the reaction of someone encountering a real demonic beast.Observing Wolfred’s reaction, it was somehow different from when Theodor had summoned him last time.
“Isabella.”“I confirmed it. It’s not a summoned creature made solely of magic power. There’s something else mixed in.”
Isabella opened her eyesight.
That looks just like a real monster.
Considering the principles of Theodore’s summoning magic, there was no way an actual monster could have manifested. Something must have intervened.
“Just watch, Divine.”
Just as Verden was about to step forward himself, a familiar presence approached.Alpha pointed at her.
[Agent.]
Meia, the agent of the Lefragium Magic Tower, took the empty seat. A separate section for Eon is prepared on the third floor here.
Verden asked.
“What is this?”“After consulting with the Provider, I decided to give you some advice at the Magic Festival. Although Theodore’s summoning magic is more of a personal act.”
The agent held out an empty wine glass.
“Give me a drink.”
