…All magicians possessed the ability to resist magic. Using one’s own mana, a mage was able to repel the effects of magic. As a magician, coming under the effect of another’s magic was to be expected, and carefully studying methods for opposing their magic was a necessity.
However, one’s defensive capabilities were naturally inextricably tied with the condition of one’s body and mind.
What did this imply for Enmarph, drained dry as he was?
“It’s just a forceful suggestion, really. Don’t worry, there aren’t any side effects. You’ll just go to sleep, and when you awake, it’ll all be as I just declared. I have no plans on hurting any of you.”
…Suimei was a magician. As such, were he to battle the mages of this world, it would inevitably become a contest of magic. However, as someone who both wished to disguise himself as someone normal, all the while obtaining an accurate measure of his strength, he’d found himself in something of a conundrum.
However, were he to avoid magic battles, and restrict himself to fighting warriors only, then he’d lose the opportunity to learn about their world’s magic.
For this purpose, once the battle was over, he needed a way to keep their mouths shut. Instead, draining the mana that provided a mage an opportunity to resist provided the perfect opportunity.
And so.
“So that’s how it is… Wait, then earlier, you—”
Indeed.
“Exactly. That’s why I needed to fight the two of you at the same time.”
—With a chilling gaze of absolute zero, Suimei’s hand covered Enmarph’s head.
☆
…Sunset. At this time, the crimson red of the sun melted into the dark blue of the dusky night.
His test finished, Suimei made his way back from the Twilight Pavilion to his room in the inn, before plopping down heavily on his bed.
Although there had been some unexpected twists prior to his test, everything from that point forward had proceeded just as planned, whether it be finding somewhere to stay, or the successful obtaining of his guild identification, and so he’d found his way back here.
Being able to resolve everything without problem was lucky indeed.
The only thing that had been beyond his expectations was finding out that he and Lefille were lodged in the same inn.
“A fortuitous meeting indeed…” Suimei muttered, as he remembered the circumstances of their meeting earlier.
Lefille Gurakis. A swordswoman with long, red hair. The figure she created when standing couldn’t be described as anything but gorgeous. He wasn’t sure how strong she was, but considering how unruffled she’d been after witnessing his battle, strong was definitely the word.
Moreover, although she was definitely capable of taking care of herself, there was something about her that made him worry. After the battle, when she’d been staring at him, he’d noticed.