Published: January 24, 2026
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My childhood, as Rain Hugwell, can be summed up in one word: arrogant.
Born into the prestigious Hugwell family of the mage powerhouse, the Principality of Hitia, it seems I had more magical talent than my older sister, Telshe.
Upon learning this, my parents quickly enrolled me in the academy.
As for Telshe, she became a servant and bodyguard to a certain noble’s daughter who was born around the time I entered the academy.
The difference in how my parents treated Telshe and me, the fact that I was a unique mage specializing in the pinnacle of magic called Space Leap, and being constantly called a genius by those around me, naturally inflated my ego.
At that time, I seriously believed—no, I never doubted—that the world revolved around me.
My turning point, I think, was when the girl that Telshe served—Shion Nastathium—enrolled in the academy.
Her magical talent easily surpassed even mine, a unique mage.
Inevitably, the title of genius within the academy gradually shifted from me to Shion.
As you can tell from the Hugwell family’s servants working for the Nastathium family, the Nastathiums were naturally of higher status.
My parents also warned me to avoid actions that would provoke Shion’s anger.
But ignorant as I was, I ended up provoking her.
The reason was simple: I didn’t like how things were turning out.
One day, I called out to Shion at the academy.
“So, you’re a genius, right? Then teach me magic.”
Though my words sounded like a request, I was actually picking a fight.
I intended to prove to Shion and everyone else that I was superior.
“Um, are you Telshe’s little sister?”
Shion looked confused at my sudden snarky remark but maintained a calm demeanor.
“Shion-sama, there’s no need to entertain my foolish sister’s nonsense. There isn’t much time before the next lecture; let’s head to the classroom.”
Telshe, who was walking behind Shion, stepped between us.
Looking back now, I understand it was an attempt to protect both me and the family.
But back then, I couldn’t have known that…
“Shut up, inferior student. I’m talking to Shion, the genius.”
The moment I said that, Shion’s demeanor darkened.
“Are you calling Telshe the inferior student?”
“Who else would it be? Your older sister is a mediocre mage without talent, which is why she’s your servant, right?”
“Take that back. You may have more magical talent than Telshe, but a person’s worth isn’t measured only by magic. In fact, Telshe is versatile, and I learn a lot from her all the time.”
The atmosphere around Shion grew colder and colder.
If it were me now, I would want to leave immediately, but back then, I was just pleased she took the bait, unable to grasp the seriousness of the situation.
“Hmm, what should I do? Ah, I know! Let’s settle this with magic! If you beat me, I’ll take back what I said.”
“Shion-sama—”
“Alright, let’s have a match.”
Despite Telshe’s attempt to intervene again, to no avail, I ended up having the duel I desired.
And the result was a crushing defeat.
Anyone could tell Shion was far superior.
This was my first (….) mistake.
As mentioned before, my parents had warned me to be careful not to provoke Shion’s anger.
Yet, because I confronted her, a small commotion ensued.
I was just a child then, and now there’s no one to tell me exactly what happened, so I don’t know the details.
Still, as a child, I understood that my parents were somehow punished.
Some time after that, on October 20th, 619 of the Four Saints Calendar.
I don’t think I will ever forget that date.
When I responded to my parents’ summons and visited them, there was a young man with an eyepatch over his right eye alongside my parents.
They asked me to teleport a group led by this eyepatch-wearing young man to a certain location.
“That place isn’t far. I don’t think teleportation is necessary.”
“The security is tight. That’s why we want to use your Space Leap to get in. They’re conducting human experiments there, and we want to rescue the victims as soon as possible. We need your help.”