Chapter 23.1 – Meeting the Parents

We're back in the conference room, and Klaus has prepared tea for everyone as the only indirect participant. We picked up Alto and Zara, and I explained the situation to them on the way by thought communication.

Alto was shocked by the change in the royal succession, and by Ilina learning teleportation, but just stared at me for a minute before shaking her head in what could have been exasperation or amazement. Zara was pretty much unperturbed but seemed interested in being around for the discussion.

Alara is still unconscious, and she's being held in another room under house arrest until later. She should be fine, thanks to Klaus's healing.

"Well, I'm sure we will get into more serious questions shortly, but for the time being I'm dying to know something. Ilina, what happened in that match? When did you learn those spells? I've never heard of anything like either one. Both were truly terrifying. What's more, you seemed to forgo an incantation." (Dargo)

Dargo starts the conversation, and he is staring at Ilina in utter amazement. Elira seems more composed, but she's still curious.

"Well, Father, I learned them when Klaus and I were in Elmesia, before we returned here." (Ilina)

"What!? Are you telling me the humans have knowledge of magic such as this!? Where did you learn it in Elmesia?" (Dargo)

Nina and Alto both chuckle, and Dargo looks at them in confusion.

"Ehem…err, it was actually Mizuki that taught me those spells." (Ilina)

Now the royals stare at me in surprise.

"U-Uhm…I don't understand. Mizuki has no magic affinity himself. Why would he be aware of such formidable spells? Did you lie about your abilities, and are proficient with dark class spells, Mizuki?" (Dargo)

I smile and shake my head.

"I was truthful about my test results. However, it's also true that I can use dark magic. Before you ask how that's possible, I'll tell you. I don't know a gentler way to say this, but the elven scholars' understanding of magic is tenuous at best. A prime example of this is my negative test result, and yet…" (Mizuki)

I suddenly teleport to the other side of the room. When everyone looks at me in shock, I conjure a fireball in my palm and begin walking back towards the couch. I extinguish it as I sit down, then I pull out my dagger and cut my hand where everyone can see. After that, I heal it in front of them.

I look up, and the King and Queen have gone pale and slack jawed. I smile at them politely and continue.

"As you can see, I can actually use any class of magic that I want. Yet, I received a negative test result." (Mizuki)

"Fufufufufu…oh dear, Mizuki, they're too scared to speak. You're truly mischievous, you could have at least warned them!" (Nina)

Nina is cackling maniacally at this point, but Dargo seems to gather enough composure to speak.

"Mizuki, I won't deny that is incredible, but I don't think it's fair to criticize our understanding of magic. There are only a couple examples of dual-class magicians being subjected to that test in all of history, and never an all-class mage such as yourself. We couldn't be expected to know for sure how such a result would look. Our understanding was just incomplete." (Dargo)

I shake my head at him again.

"No, sorry, but I stand by that assessment. Your entire concept of magic classes, classes determining your spells, magic spells being unique phenomena, and incantations producing spells…it's all wrong to the core. Allow me to show you. Alto here is a so-called elemental-class mage. Alto, could you please demonstrate with a basic fireball, making sure to use the incantation?" (Mizuki)

Alto nods and summons a fireball with the typical incantation, then dispels it.

"Great, now make one the way that I showed you, without an incantation. Make it the same color and intensity for simplicity." (Mizuki)

Alto complies again, and glowing red ball of hot air emerges above her palm, slightly different from a fireball spell. Dargo's and Elira's eyes narrow curiously, but they aren't shocked yet.

"Fantastic, Alto! Now, if you'd be so kind…drop the temperature in the room a bit for us." (Mizuki)

Alto smiles broadly, then closes her eyes and seems to focus. After a moment, the temperature drops until it's quite chilly, then heats until it's uncomfortable. Eventually it returns to normal.

"Hahahah…Alto, you show-off! You went both ways just to get the point across, didn't you? Just what I'd expect from my favorite co-researcher!" (Mizuki)

I'm beaming with pride at Alto, and she smirks back at me with her typical confidence.

"Fufufu…yes, I don't know why you never listen, Mizuki. I've told you repeatedly how talented I am. Also, I'm your only co-researcher, so please find better ways to praise me for historic accomplishments like this in the future." (Alto)

I turn back to the King and Queen. Elira's mouth is hanging open, and Dargo's head is in his hands like he's having an existential crisis. They're reacting like cavemen who were just told the planet is round.

"As you can see, an elemental class mage was able to use something you considered a dark class spell, all without an incantation." (Mizuki)

"Mizuki…this…changes everything…how do you…" (Dargo)

Before Dargo can string together a comprehensible sentence, Elira interjects.

"Great Dragon, we finally understand why you value Mizuki so much. I appreciate you allowing him to share this information with us. Can I assume that Mizuki's talent to share these strange spells with other people is why you also allow him to have other people serve you alongside him?" (Elira)

Following the Queen's statement, hysterical laughter erupts from the couch to my side. Surprisingly, it isn't Nina, it's Zara. I've never even seen her more than chuckle, much less laugh to this extent.

I sigh deeply.