Published: January 24, 2026
“Qi manipulation…? Um, what exactly is Qi?”
“Qi, simply put, is the power inherent in humans. Before the concept of Qi was established, people apparently called it things like ‘psychic powers’ or ‘PSI.’ To put it simply for you, Sophie, it’s like an advanced version of the six basic types of support magic.”
“So, the six basic types of support magic mean it’s a power that can enhance one’s own abilities?”
“That’s right. The basic six were originally developed as magic to help learn Qi manipulation by giving the sensation that your own Qi is being activated through magic.”
“I see…”
Sophie listened carefully to my explanation, but she still seemed a bit unsure.
“It’s hard to really feel it just from words, isn’t it? Then, I’ll cast a support magic on you now. Focus your awareness inward.”
“Y-yes, understood.”
Sophie accepted my words smoothly, closed her eyes, and raised her concentration.
“--[All Abilities Up (Status Up)]”
After casting the buff on Sophie, she slowly opened her eyes.
“…It feels like the usual buff I get. So this means my Qi inside is being activated?”
I nodded at her question, took a magic stone from my storage magical tool, and placed it on my palm.
“That’s right. Now, while holding onto that sensation, try to levitate this magic stone using [Telekinesis].”
“U-understood. —Ah…?”
When the magic stone lifted into the air from my hand, a confused voice came from Sophie.
“How is it? Was it different from usual?”
“No, [Telekinesis] feels the same as always. But certainly, the sensation of using [Telekinesis] and receiving the buff felt very similar.”
“Both of those sensations come from manipulating Qi.”
“So this is Qi manipulation…”
“Qi manipulation has until now only been taught to a select few. But soon, this information will gradually become known through rumors. For explorers aiming to conquer the Great Labyrinth, mastering Qi manipulation will be essential. In that regard, Sophie, you’re already far ahead.”
“Is it because I can already use [Telekinesis]?”
“Yes. In the past, [Telekinesis] was said to be a pinnacle of Qi manipulation. Historically, only a handful of people could wield [Telekinesis].”
The person most skilled in Qi manipulation around me, aside from Sophie, would be Mr. Haruto.
Even he hasn’t mastered [Telekinesis].
Most likely, the only people alive now who can handle [Telekinesis] are Sophie and me.
“I see. Thank you for explaining, Mr. Orun! Hearing about [Telekinesis] makes me feel like my possibilities have expanded!”
“That’s good to hear. Like I said before, I don’t want to limit your future.”
“Limiting my future? That’s not true at all! Mr. Orun always expands our possibilities! Because you’ve taught me so much, I’m here now! I don’t know if I’ll follow the same path as you, but those words I said still remain!”
“Those words…?”
I echoed, uncertain what she meant, and Sophie gave a confident smile.
“‘So that I can help when Mr. Orun is in trouble—I will surpass you!’”
“……”
That was the resolve she made the day she and the others officially became explorers of the silver rabbits of the night sky, marking the birth of the twilight moonbow.
“That’s right. Then, I’ll call on Sophie’s help when I’m in a pinch.”
“Understood! Leave it to me when that time comes!”
◇
After finishing the conversation with Sophie, I headed with her to the entrance where Carole and Log were waiting.
“Ah, here you are~!”
Noticing us, Carole waved to us.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“It hasn’t been that long, so we weren’t waiting at all.”
“Yeah, yeah. But more importantly, Sophie, Sophie! What were you two talking about, just the two of you, master and student~?”
Carole pressed Sophie with curiosity.
Judging from Sophie’s demeanor, it seemed okay to be this forward. Carole’s sense of balance is really something.
“Ah, um, that’s… maybe later.”
I watched their exchange fondly, almost forgetting the main point.