Published: January 22, 2026
"Parallel construction, huh?"
The lecture to Sophia was still ongoing. Right now, I was teaching her a technique that could be said to be essential for a mage of a rank—a rank: 'parallel construction.'
"Yes. The meaning is just as the words suggest. It refers to the technique of simultaneously constructing two or more techniques."
"Two or more at the same time... Is that really possible? It sounds very difficult..."
Indeed, parallel construction is difficult. It's said to be one of the points where many mages get stuck.
After all, technique construction involves performing immense calculations inside the brain. To handle multiple calculations simultaneously requires practice.
"If you get used to it, you can manage two or so. There are even people who can construct dozens of techniques simultaneously."
"Dozens... That's impossible for me... But why does parallel construction become an essential skill? I feel like if you can use top-tier magic, it shouldn't be a problem."
Offensive magic is divided into four levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and top-tier.
As the rank goes up, the power and range increase, but naturally, the difficulty of technique construction also rises, so it takes more time to construct the technique.
"When it comes to demonic beasts from the lower layers, even top-tier magic often can’t take them down in one hit. You know the time interval between a mage activating one magic and then the next is called the interval, right? Most mages become powerless during this interval. That’s where parallel technique comes in handy. The basic usage is to begin constructing another technique when the construction of one magic is about halfway done. By doing this, simply put, the interval time is cut in half."
"I-I see. It’s certainly appealing that the powerless time becomes shorter. And the lower-layer demonic beasts are so strong that even top-tier magic can’t defeat them..."
"It's not just about spamming high-power magic. Even a-rank mages often use intermediate mage techniques. People hardly use beginner-level anymore. It really depends on how you use them. Top-tier magic has great power, but it also has a wide area of effect, which means it could hit your front-line allies as well. The common strategy for an a-rank mage is to activate top-tier magic for the first strike and then fight alongside allies using intermediate or advanced magic."
"I’ve learned a lot! I always thought I should quickly learn to use top-tier magic. But even if you can use top-tier magic alone, that’s not enough for a mage. I’ll work hard to master parallel construction!"
"Yeah, keep it up. You already have enough skill to fight in the middle layers. So, it’d be good to practice parallel construction now so you can also handle the lower layers. Luckily, there are plenty of seniors in the silver rabbits of the night sky. Learn from the seniors. Ms. Selma would be happy to teach you, I’m sure."
Judging by how Ms. Selma doted on Sophia at the popular diner, there was no doubt about that.
"Got it! B-but, if I’m going to learn from someone, I’d rather it be Mr. Orun than my big sister..."
Sophia murmured in a very soft voice, looking down with a bright red face.
It was so quiet I almost missed it.
"...Me?"
"Y-yes, is that not okay...?"
Sophia looked up at me with moist eyes and an upward glance.
Honestly, she was really cute.
I-It’s not like she was doing that on purpose, right?
Still, she wants me to teach her. I can teach, but as an outsider, is it really okay for me to do so?
The silver rabbits of the night sky probably have an educational policy. Should I ask Ms. Selma about it?
…No, that sounds like it would lead to a huge hassle.
Still, I want to respect this girl’s will, who bravely asked me for help…
Alright, it will probably be a hassle, but if Ms. Selma gives permission, I’ll agree.
"If Ms. Selma says it’s okay, then sure. I can’t instruct without permission since I’m an outsider."
"Really!? My big sister is easy on me, so it’ll be fine! Thank you so much!"