Published: February 1, 2026
Sars’ Magic Academy originated as a research institute where a few mages gathered.
It was once the castle of the mages who founded the Kingdom on the Lake. With the nation’s generous support, they achieved numerous accomplishments and laid the foundation for a magical superpower whose name still resounds in other countries to this day.
In other words, although it is called an academy, its role as a school is only a small part. Its true nature is a research facility dedicated to various matters involving mana, and it also focuses on nurturing the next generation.
The doors are generously open to those who seek knowledge. When an authority on magical technology is invited from outside, both masters and disciples flock to learn the truth. There is no obligation—only personal desire.
“Today, I, Rizel, have been entrusted with the lecture titled ‘What is an Adventurer Mage? – Learning Tactical Use of Magical Technology–.’ Let’s study adventurers together.”
Facing Rizel, who smiled gently but cheerfully, some participants, including adults, stared intently at Jill and the others, asking silently, “Not over there?”
Perhaps they were interested because the research theme was practical magic, or because they had a fascination with adventurers, or maybe they were just fans. The reasons were unclear, but Rizel nodded in approval at their curiosity and started the lecture without paying it any mind.
“Ah, thank you very much!”
When Rizel and the others visited the adventurers’ guild, they were greeted by a female staff member who came running with a beaming smile—as if she would never let them escape from sight.
Had something happened? Perhaps it was to do with the memorandum on the waterway map they had submitted the other day. “It’s your fault, not mine. I probably haven’t done anything yet,” Rizel exchanged a silent, meaningful glance with the others in an instant.
By the way, the waterway issue was resolved that same day when the female staff member held a guild meeting—more like a family dinner—and they decided to burn the map. They just pretended it never happened.
“May I have a moment of your time...? Ugh.”
Just before they faced each other, the woman’s ankle visibly twisted.
As usual, Jill and Eleven, who should have reacted first, didn’t move. They looked almost composed as they watched. Rizel reached out to catch her, but she twisted away mid-air and avoided contact.
Without bracing herself or preparing to fall, she crashed onto the floor with a dreadful sound anyone could hear. Lying flat on her back, staring at the ceiling, her eyes looked lifeless.
“Having to heal at work is terrible, but without healing, this uniform just doesn’t suit me at all. It’s hilarious.”
Her voice, as if she had abandoned all emotion, held a trace of sadness.
Her older sisters looked on sympathetically from the reception area, and the only female adventurer in the guild pressed her fingertips to her eyes to hold back tears. Next to her, another adventurer was elbowed painfully by the woman as he began to say, “It’s fine even if it doesn’t suit you, as long as it’s comfortable.”
If she deliberately chose not to take the easy path, then she must have something she wouldn’t give up on. With this conclusion, Rizel watched as the female staff member suddenly changed her deadpan expression into a broad smile and stood up as if nothing had happened.
“Sorry for the ugly scene just now.”
“Are you okay?”
“Of course, thank you for your concern! Now, I have a little consultation.”
Though she should have been in pain from that fall, she showed no sign of it.
Seeing that, Rizel thought it would be pointless to worry further, so without more ado, they followed her to an empty table. Although the guild was crowded with adventurers early in the morning, few stayed long as they took their requests and left one after another.
Seated and facing the female staff member standing opposite them, the three were handed a slightly wrinkled request form. The first thing that caught their eyes was the words “Magic Academy.”