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Chapter 24. It Was All for Nothing

The midterm exam was a breeze.

More importantly, I can't stop thinking about how teleportation magic isn't completed or in practical use yet. It would be incredibly useful, so why is it left as it is? I mean, it's probably not entirely neglected, but I'd like to see more passion in its development.

The day after the midterm, I skipped class to research teleportation magic in the academy's ancient library, but every book I read just said, "In conclusion, it's impossible," which pissed me off.

"…Um."

"Huh?"

"Eek!"

Oh, it's Elixira. I’ve been holed up in this ancient library since morning, so I didn't expect anyone to talk to me.

"Th-that's... a thesis on teleportation magic?"

"Yeah. Remember the teleportation magic barrier used for deception in yesterday's midterm? I can't accept that it was just for trickery. I was thinking there might be a way to make it practical, but every book says it's impossible. Then why even write a book on it!"

What a waste of paper!

Well, in this world, there's a magic for making paper called paper-making magic, so books are produced in abundance. But still, don't make books with no substance.

"If it's about teleportation magic... I’ve heard there might be a way to make it work."

"Where!? Tell me!"

I can't help it! Skipping class to hole up in the library shows how important this is to me!

Elixira, a bit intimidated, pointed to the corner of the ancient library. There, covered in dust, were books that clearly hadn't been touched in ages. I immediately knew what they were. Those are... genuine ancient texts.

"I see... if it's ancient magic, teleportation magic might actually exist."

Ancient magic, used thousands of years ago by humans and demons, is said to be completely different from modern magic. How different it is remains unknown because most ancient magic has been lost, but from what has been deciphered... it seems it can't be recreated.

The main issue is that research on ancient magic is minimal, and no one is interested in deciphering it. I'm curious about ancient magic, but I don't intend to decode it. The biggest reason is that these books are covered in dust.

"As I thought, it's written in ancient script."

The large magical tome I opened was written in an ancient script that I couldn’t read at all. The grammar of this language is so different from modern languages that it's assumed to have no regular pattern. This is the main reason ancient magic hasn't been deciphered.

Who would want to decode an unreadable text?

"If only there was something like the Rosetta Stone, it would be easier."

"Ro-Rosetta?"

"Never mind."

No one thinks about teleportation magic, and I can't read the ancient magical texts that might have clues. So, I need some help. The only option left is to try repeatedly and hope to succeed by chance.

"...Forget it. Studying other magic is faster than trying to decipher this."

"I think you're right."

"Oh, that reminds me."

Elixira's meek agreement reminded me. I haven't heard the results of the midterm.

"I skipped class today... wasn't feeling well, so I didn't attend. Were the midterm results announced?"

"You mean you played hooky?"

Shut up.

"The results were posted in the hallway. My rank went up, too."

Oh, she looks smug. Despite her usually slouched posture, she’s quite tall. I won’t say what exactly.

"So, did you rank high enough to be a big shot in your faction?"

"…I ranked 651st."

"That's not much of a change."

"That's a 300-rank improvement! It's a huge progress!"

Yeah, yeah, impressive.

"What about me?"

"Check it yourself..."

"Lazy. You’re the type to check these things in detail, aren't you?"

"Leaving aside why you know that… I did check your result since you’re the faction leader."

See?

"In conclusion, your rank went from 250th to 241st."

"That's hardly an improvement. Why do you remember such small details?"

"You told me to tell you."

Well, I don't mind not rising too much.

"Considering your skills, you're still underrated."

"I don't care about that. I’ve been thinking I might actually become a magic knight recently."

"Really? What changed your mind?"

What’s with that attitude? My thoughts can change too. Though I’m not determined to become one yet.

"Honestly, I thought you'd rank higher."

"…Nina, trying to look cool, but it's better not to enter through the window."

This is the second floor, you know?

"Really? I avoided the front to dodge a troublesome girl."

"A troublesome girl?"

"Yeah… the rumored reckless rampaging princess."

"Who are you calling reckless and rampaging?"

Why do troublesome people always gather? Elixira shrank back even more with Nina's appearance, and now Princess Elissa showed up, completely overshadowing her.

"Theodore, I heard you skipped class again?"

"How do you know? Are you Jeremiah?"

"Jeremiah told me!"

Is he serious? Is that guy my stalker?

"I told you to attend classes, didn't I? I told you before, didn't I?"

"Oh... by the way, what are Nina's and Princess Elissa's rankings?"

"Hmm? I went up to 11th, and the princess stayed the same."

"Seriously? Nina overtook her? That's funny."

Oh, she's really mad now.

After that, I got scolded for several minutes. Annoyed, I jumped out the window with Nina to escape the lecture.