Chapter 185: Further Learning of Barrier Techniques
Thanks to the court magician Meitis casting a barrier, the development of the Demon Realm known as the Subnock Plain has reached a significant milestone. Monsters are steadily disappearing from the plain, likely due to the effects of the Monster Repelling barrier.
Of course, the monsters haven’t simply turned to dust. They’ve merely fled from the plain, which could potentially cause damage to the surrounding areas. However, precautions have been taken in advance. Traps for monsters have been strategically set from the center of the plain to its outskirts, leading to the defeat of many monsters. Unfortunately, some managed to slip through the traps and escape, but thanks to warnings issued to the nearby villages and towns, significant damage has been avoided.
At this point, the Demon Realm has become indistinguishable from ordinary land. All that remains is to recruit settlers and establish towns and villages. The soil is fertile, making it easy for crops to grow, and immigrants have been steadily arriving. It seems that development will continue to progress smoothly on its own.
“Hey, you lot! You’re taking too long to set up the magic circle! Hurry it up!”
“Yes, sir!”
As development progresses, a temporary magic class is being held in one of the pioneering group’s buildings. A large number of young people are seated at the tables, honing their magical power.
“The basics of barrier techniques start with memorizing the magic formula! If you try to do it with vague memories, you’ll only end up failing. So first, write the formula down on paper. Do it as many times as necessary until you remember it!”
The instructor wielding the teaching staff is none other than the master of barrier techniques, Jalana Meitis. As the oldest court magician, Meitis rarely leaves the royal palace, making encounters with her a rare occurrence. For some reason, Rest has caught her favor and is receiving instruction on barriers, but other boys and girls have gathered around as well.
“Please, teach me too!”
“Thank you, Master Meitis!”
The ones bowing their heads in request are students participating in the development. As students of the Magic Department, they are desperately seizing this precious opportunity to seek guidance from Meitis.
“Hmph! I don’t have time to waste on those without talent!”
Meitis strikes the ground with her staff as she addresses the students.
“So, make sure you keep up so you aren’t judged as incompetent! The old hag’s teaching is strict, so be prepared for that, kids!”
Though Meitis has a sharp tongue, she is actually quite caring. While she may grumble about not teaching those without talent, she still provides opportunities for all the students who seek her guidance.
“Hmm, this is difficult… I’m completely hopeless.”
“Barrier techniques really test your sense, don’t they?”
Viola and Primula are also participating in the class. Both are nodding in frustration as they attempt to draw shapes with their magical power.
“You two are doing quite well, actually. I’m the one who’s hopeless.”
Yuri tilts her head in confusion. For some reason, she is also attending this class, but her magical power is insufficient, and she is struggling to keep up.
“Hmph… The daughters of Albert are managing decently. Especially you, Primula… You’ve got a good knack for this.”
Meitis approaches the Rosemary Sisters, snorting with satisfaction.
“You excel at detailed tasks like sewing and knitting, right? Such skills are well-suited for barrier techniques. Keep it up!”
“Thank you, Master Meitis!”
“As for Catleia’s daughter… you really lack talent, so just stop. You’d be better off running around outside.”
“Ugh… I really am hopeless…”
Primula smiles proudly, while Yuri hangs her head in disappointment.
“And you… kid. You can stop trying too.”
“……..”
Then, Meitis turns her gaze to Rest, who is seated at the same table.
“I have nothing left to teach you. You’ve achieved full license.”
“Thank you, Master.”
Rest expresses his gratitude, playfully manipulating the magic circle floating between his hands. It has only been a week since Meitis’s lessons began, yet Rest has already mastered all the barrier techniques she taught him. While it typically takes over a month, or even years, to learn just one technique, Rest has managed to memorize them all after just a single glance.
“Such astonishing talent. Honestly, you’re a rather unlikable brat. This old hag is feeling a bit jealous.”
“I’m honored. It’s thanks to your excellent teaching.”
“Flattery, huh? You seem to have a talent not just for magic, but for charming women as well… If we had met a hundred years earlier, I might have pushed you down right here.”
“……..”
Rest feels a shiver run down his spine at Meitis’s eerie smile. Naturally, he keeps his expression neutral out of courtesy.
“I’ve taught you all the barrier techniques I can. The rest… are secret arts that even those without special permission are forbidden to investigate. If you want to learn them, you’ll first need to become a court magician.”
There are spells, like the Crime Prevention barrier, that are so secretive that even knowing of their existence is prohibited. Only those with special qualifications, like court magicians, are allowed to learn them.
“Thank you, that was very helpful.”
“Hmph… No need for thanks. Just keep working hard and become a splendid magician who can make this old hag’s life easier.”
With a parting remark, Meitis walks over to the other students.
“That’s amazing… as expected of Rest.”
“You’re incredible, Rest-sama.”
Viola and Primula both shower him with praise simultaneously.
“Ah, it’s not that impressive.”
“It is impressive! Just memorizing these shapes would make my head spin.”
Yuri spins her fingers around her head. It seems that the muscle-brained Yuri is not particularly good at studying. While she managed to score decently on the academy entrance exam, it appears she lacks confidence in her academic abilities.
“I’m good at memorizing shapes and formulas… I’ve always been that way.”
In his previous life, math had been his strong suit. Compared to calculus and other subjects, the magic formulas for barrier techniques seem almost simple.
“Well then, I’ll step outside so I don’t get in the way. You two, don’t push yourselves too hard.”
“I’ll go out too. I’ll run around outside like you said.”
“Alright, see you later.”
“Later.”
Rest takes Yuri with him as they exit the makeshift classroom building.