Four Years Later

England, London.

The Clock Tower, the highest institution of Magecraft education, a breeding ground for countless Magus, the mystical headquarters—before arriving here, Ayaka had barely heard much praise about it. At best, its reputation was mixed, often criticized and belittled.

Initially, she thought those judgments were exaggerated, but now, after a year as a student at the Clock Tower, she had to admit that a certain someone's assessment was quite accurate, even restrained.

Factions, disciplines, departments, individuals, groups… countless hidden intrigues permeated the Clock Tower, tainting and consuming nearly every Magus within, turning it into a cauldron filled with filthy poison.

For Ayaka, her first year at the Clock Tower was a year of learning Magecraft and broadening her horizons, but also one filled with fierce competition and various intrigues with others.

"I shouldn't have come to the Clock Tower after graduating high school."

Lord El-Melloi II, head of the Clock Tower's Mineralogy Department, sighed helplessly at his personal student's complaint. "You're saying that again, Miss. If you're bored here, just leave early. You could do it."

Ayaka was a well-known figure at the Clock Tower.

Part of the reason was her appearance. Since that apocalyptic night four years ago, she decided to become independent and gradually changed her look. She let her hair grow slightly longer, wore light makeup when going out, and recently was dragged by the El-Melloi family's daughter to dye her hair blonde—a result of losing a penalty game.

As a result, her beauty, previously hidden behind glasses and a gloomy aura, was inevitably exposed, attracting many admirers and causing her plenty of trouble—this happened six months ago.

Another reason for her fame was an incident six months prior. Since Ayaka entered through a recommendation, some at the Clock Tower constantly tried to uncover who backed her, to determine which faction she aligned with.

Though not as grand as the trouble caused by her older sister, the intrigues gave Ayaka headaches for a while, even forcing her to seek help from someone far away in Japan.

Then, after a major incident that nearly destroyed the Clock Tower, Ayaka became renowned. She was labeled an untouchable, unprovokable figure at the Clock Tower. Plus, a month ago, she was chosen as Lord El-Melloi II's personal student… so now, no Magus at the Clock Tower harbored ill intentions toward her.

After all, anyone wanting to trouble her would have to consider whether they could face the Lord, the Magus, and that monster from the Far East simultaneously.

For this reason, the Clock Tower was actually a place Ayaka could leave whenever she wished.

"But wouldn't that be unfair to Naoki? He went through so much to get me into the Clock Tower and even recommended me as your student. Until I achieve something worth calling an accomplishment, I can't leave. I was just venting earlier."

"Good that you understand—speaking of that gentleman, Miss, I just got word that he's back at the Clock Tower and headed to the Grand Master's room."

"Sorry, Teacher, I'm requesting early leave today."

"…"

Watching his student start packing her things, clearly planning to meet that person, Lord El-Melloi II could only sigh in resignation—this happened every time Naoki visited the Clock Tower.

Setting down his quill, lighting a cigar, and turning to look out the window, after carefully estimating the time, El-Melloi II exhaled a puff of smoke.

"Four years already. Time flies so fast."

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Zelretch's room was unlike any other. Though its entrance was indeed within the Clock Tower, crossing the threshold teleported visitors to a room whose exact location was unknown.

After knocking a few times and not waiting for a response from the old man inside, Naoki and Gray entered. After a brief sensation of zero gravity, they found themselves in a dimly lit room, illuminated only by candles.

Walking to the desk and turning on the desk lamp to dispel some of the darkness, Naoki addressed the old man with his back turned. "It's always like this when I come here. Why not just turn on the lights? Reading in such dim light every day—careful, you'll go blind, Old Jewel Man."

"My eyesight's still fine, kid—you're right on time."

"Didn't you summon me? Just say it, what's the big problem this time?"

Over the past four years, being called to the Clock Tower by Zelretch happened occasionally, about four times in total. Each time, a troublesome issue arose somewhere, and Naoki had to resolve it.

Of course, though called troublesome, they weren't overly so. At most, they were on par with Class Card incidents, without a major mastermind like the Ainsworth family behind them. So, whenever such things came up, Naoki treated them as business trips and always brought Gray along.

"Don't rush, young man, it's not that urgent. I called you this time mostly to discuss your matters." Zelretch smiled. "If I count it up, you've been here for four years, right?"

"Yeah, that's right. But since there haven't been any major issues these past four years, I haven't really felt it."

That was true. Aside from the first half-year, when he dealt with Class Card issues, the Holy Grail War, and the world's rebirth, the following three-plus years were uneventful for Naoki. He lived quietly for a few years.

In contrast, Aoko thoroughly enjoyed gallivanting around here over the past few years.

"What, is the old man starting to complain about the passage of time?"

"You should know time means nothing to me. I just find it remarkable that, given your situation, you've managed four peaceful years."

"Sounds like you're hoping I make big news every day? In that case, I'll go wreck Big Ben—Ouch, Gray, don't hit me. Where'd you get that paper fan, anyway?"

Standing behind Naoki with a paper fan in hand, Gray smacked her brother's head again. "Please don't joke recklessly, Brother."

"That's how you keep him in line, Gray Girl, well done." Zelretch laughed heartily. "But this is fine too. You're not causing trouble, I enjoy the peace, and I can happily see you off in the end."

"Happy, right, kid? You can go back to that world."