Chapter 24
Jaelin pointed with her finger at the part of the design diagram where two magic circles were connected, each covered with complex runic formulas.
“The problem is how to integrate the formulas for the virtual space. In modern times, designers usually use the grafting method developed by Terren. The formula itself is simple, but the connection is unstable, so the virtual space can’t integrate with other formulas. I’ve tried other grafting methods invented in modern times as well, but all attempts at connection failed.”
“Hmmm… then how are you going to solve that problem?”
“I’m thinking of using a more complex but relatively stable grafting method. Pelodian Winona even created a community using virtual space, so if I use Winona’s grafting method, it m—might work.”
“I see. That seems more promising.”
“However, the grafting methods used in ancient times haven’t been commonly used recently, so they weren’t recorded in modern books or papers. Luckily, the ancient texts preserved Winona’s method…”
Finally, Jaelin found the section she needed in the book she had opened.
“Here it is.”
Jaelin combined Winona’s grafting method with the formulas she had already prepared. Her hands moved quickly, sketching geometric shapes and runes.
“If I do it this way, the rapid-fire magic circle will be able to move in sync with the target.”
As soon as Jaelin put down her pencil, Lionel picked up the paper, glanced over the completed design, and spoke.
“Activate the magic circle.”
“Here…?”
Startled, Jaelin looked around and asked.
“Yes. We need to test if it works properly. I’ll help.”
Lionel handed the diagram back to Jaelin, then sat upright on the sofa, placing his hands on the table. His long, straight fingers flipped, revealing a palm, and a sphere of mana formed above it.
The golden sphere illuminated the dark library with a soft golden glow. Lionel’s black hair and eyelashes reflected the light, sparkling like a galaxy.
Jaelin stared, entranced.
His long eyelashes slowly lifted like a curtain. Less than a second passed, but it felt like an eternity.
When Lionel’s eyes fully revealed themselves, fragments of light floated across his translucent retinas. The gaze that looked down at Jaelin was breathtaking. Her heart trembled, and her fingers curled in response. She couldn’t tear her eyes away.
“…Jaelin?”
“Ah, s-sorry!”
Startled by his voice, Jaelin forced herself to look away from Lionel. She adjusted the target on the formulas with the mana sphere Lionel had created. Then she channeled her mana into the revised design. The complex runic circle responded to her magic, emitting a green glow.
Once the magic circle fully activated, Lionel spoke.
“It will move.”
The golden sphere began moving slowly across the table, and the magic circle beneath it followed.
It worked.
“It worked! It worked!!”
Excited, Jaelin jumped up from her seat and shouted.
“Shh.”
Lionel raised a finger to his lips, signaling her to quiet down.
‘Right, we’re in the library.’
Remembering, Jaelin covered her mouth and sank back into her seat.
“I-I’m sorry! My voice was too loud.”
Lionel smiled faintly, nodding slightly.
“Don’t worry. No one else should be around here.”
“Th-that’s a relief.”
Jaelin relaxed and let out a small sigh.
“Do we still have work left?”
Lionel cleared the golden sphere from the table and leaned forward onto the desk. Without a designated target, Jaelin’s mana sphere vanished as well. His golden eyes looked lazily at her.
“Yes. I need to adjust this for the practice class.”
“Alright. Finish it up.”
Jaelin nodded and immersed herself again in the sheet covered in runes and formulas. Lionel’s gaze stayed on her, but she was so absorbed she didn’t notice.
The scratching of pencils and flipping of paper continued.
This time, the sounds didn’t bother Lionel. Maybe it was because he knew Jaelin was genuinely focused.
When he opened his eyes again, the table opposite him was empty. He had apparently fallen asleep. It was the first time he’d slept this deeply outside his home.
Even his lingering headache had vanished.
As he got up, something slid down over his body. Before it hit the floor, he caught it: a very small jacket, perhaps half his upper body in size.
It must have been Jaelin’s. He couldn’t understand why she had left such a small jacket behind, one that wouldn’t even cover her properly.
The next class was about to start. Lionel straightened his clothing, picked up Jaelin’s jacket, and left the ancient texts area.
Beneath the sofa where he had been sitting, a faintly glowing green magic circle remained, unnoticed.
“Ready?”
Adrian, with one hand in his pocket, dug his toe into the training ground floor and looked at Jaelin and Nathan.
Several teams were scattered around the training ground, each coordinating with their members.
“Yes.”
“I-I’m fine too.”
Adrian nodded at their replies.
“Then let’s start.”
They had come to the training ground to test the magic design Jaelin had created. Unlike before, Nathan and Adrian did not shake their heads firmly at her diagrams.
Instead, they decided to test whether the design worked.
Even as Adrian announced the start, he seemed off, his gaze stuck on something behind Jaelin.
Suddenly, Adrian swore and charged at Jaelin.
Nathan raised his magic and shouted, “Dodge!”
Caught off guard, Jaelin froze, unsure how to react as Adrian barreled toward her.
As Adrian collided with her, a fireball formed above her head, shooting down rapidly.
Overpowered, Jaelin tumbled with Adrian across the training ground floor.
An explosion thundered nearby, and Nathan’s water magic shielded them from the flames and debris.
Jaelin barely registered what was happening. She was swept along with Adrian’s movements. Her heart raced, and the sounds of his heavy breathing filled her ears.
After a moment, Adrian lifted himself, holding Jaelin’s face gently between his hands.
“You alright?”
His light brown eyes checked her condition. His large upper body loomed over hers.
“I-I’m f-fine.”
Footsteps approached, and Stefan arrived right in front of the entangled pair. Adrian collapsed onto the floor, glaring at him.
“Stefan, you fool! Are you out of your mind?”
“Ah! Sorry! Sorry! Jaelin, are you okay?”
Stefan helped her up, brushing off the dirt. He looked pale, clearly shaken.
“I’m fine. A-Adrian?”
Jaelin asked, but Stefan cut in.
“He’s tougher than iron. He’s fine.”
“Do I look fine to you?!”
Adrian snapped, but Stefan ignored him, finishing brushing the dirt from Jaelin’s hair and face.
“I’m really sorry. Tell me if you’re hurt.”
“I-I’m really fine.”
While Nathan reached out to Adrian, Sasha, Stefan’s teammate for this term’s monster practice, appeared behind him.
“You’re not hurt, right?”
“Yes, yes.”
Sasha scolded Stefan loudly.
“How could you throw a monster bomb at someone? Training starts today!”
She grabbed his arm with tremendous strength and pulled him back to his original spot, despite his struggles.
The chapter ends with Stefan being dragged back to his place by Sasha.
