(EP-53.2) Theo # 2

053 – Silver Rookie Theo #2

Because it was the first day, the lecture ended much earlier than expected. As everyone rushed out, I also exited the classroom.

Now, I was heading towards a vacant lot at the back of the building.

It was a quaint place with trees and grasses swaying in the wind. This could be considered a quiet place.

From there, I went into a deeper alley.

I then took out a note as well as a chalk that I had stolen from the classroom.

“Eum.”

With this, I began to draw the picture that Professor Balan showed earlier on the ground. It was difficult to draw a perfect circle like Professor Balan, but I made it work.

Sch.

The ancient magic circle was thus completed.

I then said over it.

“Belial.”

Woo woo~.

The magic circle began to glow.

At the same time, the characters written on it also emitted ‘eye-piercing’ light.

I felt a kind of ‘concept’ coming into my head like it was being seeded inside.

「Belial: A spell that nullifies magic lower than the caster’s rank, making it worthless.」

‘Oh my…’

The words that just appeared before my eyes gave off a very strange vibe.

It was like the problem which had existed for a long time suddenly got solved with a flash of inspiration.

I could negate magic that was lower than mine?

“Belial.”

When I mentioned the word again, the sensation of something changing in my body could be vividly felt, even though I didn’t draw a magic circle this time.

Zi-ing, zi-ing.

There was a tingling sensation in my limbs and a slight vertigo.

I could instinctively tell that this was the feeling of using magic. It was probably because of Angmar’s blood flowing in my veins.

「Mysterious magic!

Gained job experience for ‘Mage’. +50」

‘I see.’

No, wait.

If this was so, wouldn’t the word ‘Halpas’ that I mentioned during the duel also have some kind of meaning?

Eherm-.

After clearing my throat, I muttered in a moderate voice.

“Halpas.”

Then, once again, characters came to view.

「Halpas: A bird taming spell. The higher the caster’s rank, the longer and more they can tame various kinds of birds.」

Awesome!

So, this was the reason why birds suddenly attacked Efside.

Speaking of, were there any birds here?

As I looked around, I saw pigeons sitting on a faraway tree. There were more pigeons on the campus than I thought.

I then shouted at them.

“Halpas-.”

Purr.

Purreok.

About ten pigeons flocked to me and sat on my arms as well as shoulders. It was then that I suddenly remembered pigeons carried many pathogens…

“Eiit, pweh, get out of here!”

As I was flailing my arms out back and forth to drive the birds away…

“Commoner.”

I felt someone’s presence behind me.

“Commoner, Theo Gospel. What are you doing here? And what’s up with those birds that just flew away?”

It was Mirna Draco.

“Lady Mirna, why are you in a place like this…? Ah, the birds, they were just… nothing.”

I felt nervous at the thought that I might’ve been exposed.

Mirna Draco’s red eyes then looked at the chalk and magic circle on the ground, before letting out a long snort.

“So that’s what it is.”

What?

What was it?

Did I really get caught!?

Did she find out that I was the only heir of Demon King Angmar?

Numerous thoughts popped up like popcorn in my head.

The Draco Family was originally Angmar loyalists, so maybe things would work out if I trod the path well.

Still, an exposed identity would induce a variety of emotions, including the fear of being assasinated…

So, I decided to pretend that nothing was wrong and asked.

“What are you trying to say?”

“Don’t be shy, Theo Gospel. You’re quite a studious person, aren’t you? Reviewing like this.”

“… Ah.”

“You seem to be very interested in Ancient Dead Language, are you not?”

“Right, I am very interested!”

I guess she hadn’t discovered my secret. She was probably just thinking that I wanted to be an honor student and reviewed what I’d learned outside.

However, two silver eyebrows frowned right after, creating a wrinkle on her forehead.

“Why are you interested in Dead Language? You’re neither a necromancer nor a warlock. You better not think about lying!”

Was she really going to turn a 180 and doubt me?

I quickly tried to figure out what I should say in this situation.

If I did well, I could turn this crisis into an opportunity like when I faced Efside.

“Well!?”

“That… because it is the power of King Angmar.”

“… The power of King Angmar?”

“He was called the Demon King and was overthrown. But his power was true. It is only natural to want to worship and admire his power.”

“Hmmm, that’s a given… Just as it is natural for you, commoner, to care about me, Mirna Draco.”

“… me, caring about Mirna Draco?”

“Everyone cares about me. You don’t have to lie to me now. Why did you take this subject? Why are you ‘practicing’ here, knowing that I pass by this area every day?”

… What was she on about?

Mirna Draco didn’t stop there and continued to add.

“Isn’t it all because you want my, Mirna’s, attention? Like with the pigeons earlier?”

Fwooop~.

Mirna opened her fan and half-covered her face with it haughtily.

At this point, I closed my eyes. I didn’t just reject the idea outright as affirming it could bring many variables and benefits.

“Actually, that is correct. I really wanted to talk with Lady Mirna of the Draco Family.”

“Hmm, for a commoner, isn’t your dream too big? The commotion 2 days ago was to get my attention, right?”

“… That is true.”

“Well, Theo Gospel, you are half successful. It’s an honor for you to have caught my attention even for just a moment.”

Swish.

With that, Mirna left before even hearing my answer.

She was arrogant and petulant.

Unlike her sister, Narmi, who was innocent and kind.

Ah.

At this time, something flashed in my mind.

Today was the first Wednesday of the first week of school.

This was the day that I and her twin sister, Narmi Draco, had agreed upon to meet up.