by CHIROLU
There were seven elements: Holy, Water, Earth, Dark, Fire, Wind, and finally Center.
The categories of affinities were referred to as “lone Center,” “opposing dyad,” and “adjacent triad.” As the names would imply, outside of those who could only utilize Center magic, people either possessed two attributes that were opposite, or three with a high level of compatibility for one another.
In Dale’s case, he had affinity for Water, Earth, and Dark.
“Well then, we’ll have to look into that first...”
What affinities you could use had a large effect on the magic you could employ. Take healing magic, for example. That only fell under the elements of Holy, Water, and Earth, and couldn’t be used without such an affinity. And even if they all had healing magic, Water healing was most effective on external wounds and ailments. Earth healing, meanwhile, had the greatest effect in terms of recovering stamina and healing heavy injuries. And lastly, Holy healing was all-purpose, able to deal with any condition, meaning they all had their own strong points.
“Oh water,” said Dale, in a chant too short to even count as a spell. In response, a faint bit of mana flickered over the palm of his hand.
“Ooh...”
“Do you get it? If you get a mana response when you call out to an element like I did just now, then that means you have that affinity. You’re a devil, so the spell language shouldn’t be any problem for you...”
“Hmm? What do you mean?” asked Latina with her head tilted, puzzled.
“Ah,” murmured Dale, and he continued on with his explanation. “The other races refer to devils like you as ‘natural-born magic users.’ That’s because the language of the devils uses the same words as the language used in magic spells. To be honest, most people have no aptitude for it. They aren’t even able to manage the pronunciation. ‘People who can use magic’ are essentially the same as ‘people who can manipulate spell language’... Is that too confusing?”
“Hmm... So Latina can use magic because she can speak it?”
“Right, that applies to all devils.”
Dale took Latina’s hand and had her call out to the elements. As a result of going through this process, they discovered that she had an aptitude for Holy and Dark.
“Since you can already use healing magic, you probably already know this, but a spell is created by choosing an element, declaring your mastery over it, and defining the phenomenon that will occur. And then finally, you finish it off with the spell name.”
“Huh...?”
From her reaction, it appeared that though she could use magic, she may not have studied the theory behind it. That was understandable, though, because normally it’d be unthinkable for such a young girl to use magic in the first place. Dale didn’t know if it was “normal” for devils, though.
“When you learned that healing magic, how were you taught it?”
“Latina remembered the whole thing. And she was taught how to use mana.”
“Brute memorization, huh? Could you show me your healing magic, Latina?”
“Yeah,” Latina answered, with a look of serious concentration. She chanted the spell so smoothly it was almost like she was reciting poetry.
“Oh light of heaven, grant this request by my name, and please heal those who have been wounded. 〈〈Healing Light〉〉”
Seeing the overflowing gentle light, Dale breathed a sigh of relief.
“That’s a wonderful spell. Even without any sort of tool, you still had proper control over it.”
“Really? Latina did good?”
“Yeah. That was amazing, Latina,” said Dale as he picked up the textbook. He flipped through the pages, his gaze darting back and forth until he at last found what he was looking for.
“Well, let’s put off learning the theory behind it for the time being... How about we try having you memorize some simple Dark spells, as well as Holy and Dark composite magic?”
Since she was a devil, making it her mother tongue, Latina was of course well versed in the spell language. Though Dale was supposed to be the one doing the teaching, he ended up asking her about vocabulary he didn’t recognize.
“Spells are a language, after all. Naturally, if you stretch them out and add more words, it’ll result in a stronger magic. But in exchange, you’ll expend more mana and it’ll be harder to control.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. For example, with that 〈〈Healing Light〉〉 spell you just used, a simpler version would be something like ‘Oh heavens, by my name, I order you to heal these wounds. 〈〈Healing Light〉〉,’ and that would still activate. That’d be plenty to deal with scratches and things, and it’d use up a lot less mana.”
“So if Latina made it even longer, it could heal big injuries?”
“It’d be hard to manage, but... I think you could manage it with a tool.”
Magic users made use of tools like staffs and rings to help them control their spells. By exercising minute control, they could set the amount of mana that was consumed, allowing them to achieve the greatest possible efficiency.
There did exist powerful attack magic that could obliterate a wide area, and in theory, it was possible to execute a spell that could reduce an entire army to ashes in a single blow. But in exchange, that would require a massive amount of mana, as well as the skill to control it, plus an incredibly verbose chant. It simply wasn’t practical. If you thought of it as reciting an entire epic on the field of battle, it was easy to imagine just how unrealistic it was to execute.
The fundamental role for spellcasters was to launch a large number of basic spells to attack or support the front line with the appropriate magic for the situation while safely staying in the rear.
“But Dale, Latina had never even seen magical devices before.”
“Devils are an insular lot, so they don’t have much interaction with other races. And we humans don’t know much at all about devil customs and the like,” Dale started, before continuing on. “Magical devices are tools made to allow people to manipulate mana, even if they can’t use magic, and can be used regardless of affinities. And the ability to make those magical devices, which is to say the power to ‘enchant,’ is the special trait of us humans.”
Just like devils could all use magic, each race had its own unique trait. The angels had wings on their backs to fly through the sky, and the scale-covered merfolk were able to breathe underwater. Both of those were racial traits. Humans didn’t have any notable physical traits, but were able to create and use tools.
Even outside of the seven races of man, there were those who were able to create large phenomena that exceeded mere ‘magic,’ thanks in large part to their species’ traits. It was for this reason that even large magical beasts such as dragons could fly through the sky. There was no such thing as a spell that could make you fly, after all. It was said that such beings held racial traits that let them rule the heavens.
“They’re a product of humans, so they wouldn’t show up in places that don’t trade. That’s just how it is.”
“But they’re so handy. Why don’t devils get along with everyone else?”
“...Yeah, I wonder why.” Dale knew one of the reasons for that, but he’d never dare to say it.
There was a trend when it came to insular peoples.
—Dale would later come to regret not bringing this up.
†
Latina was born in the sixth month.
As there were seven central gods who ruled over the world, a great many things were also expressed in seven parts. Therefore, a year was split up according to that rule of seven. In other words, the time that it took for the seasons to make a full rotation was split up into a multiple of seven, with there being 14 months to a year. Days were also divided into 14 parts, which were named after shortened versions of the gods’ names, such as the hour of Mar and the hour of Saj. Typically, the day hours were referred to as “front,” whereas the night hours were called “back.” Dawn was “the front hour of Mar,”
sunset was “the back hour of Mar,” the evening was “the front hour of Saj,” and the time before dawn was “the back hour of Saj.”
To prepare for Latina’s birth month, Dale put in a request to Chloe’s parents.
In this world, they hadn’t established the use of birth certificates, so “birthdays” in particular were often uncertain. So though there was a custom of celebrating births, it was done in terms of months instead.
Chloe’s parents were tailors. They may have been subcontractors who didn’t own their own shop, but they were definitely skilled. And so, Dale made an order from their store on the main street, requesting them in particular.
Latina was interested in how clothes were made. Apparently, she wanted to see her clothes being sewn, so after asking Chloe if it was alright, she hurried on over to watch. That’s how Latina learned the basics of needlework. Dale hadn’t meant for Latina to impose so much on Chloe’s family, so he hurried over with a gift to show his gratitude, somewhat flustered.
However, Chloe’s mother said with a smile, “When she’s with Latina, Chloe tries her hardest to show how good she is. She’s always had some talent, but she gave up on things quickly and didn’t try to practice at all. I’m the one who should be thanking you.”
What Dale had tailored was a light-pink dress with flower embroidery. When it was at last finished, summer was quickly approaching in the town of Kreuz.
“Oh dark and shadows, grant my wishes by my name, draw away the heat and lower the temperature. 〈〈Temperature reduction〉〉”
With a small crackling sound, the contents of the bowl in front of Latina froze. After making sure, she started to mix the ingredients with a spatula. Creating ice required Dark and Water combination magic, so Latina couldn’t handle that, as she didn’t have the necessary affinities. But it was possible to lower the temperature of something and freeze it using the Dark element alone. After all, in many ways the Dark element covered the ability to make things drop, whereas the Holy element caused things to rise.
Dale had revised spells so they’d be easier to use and had taught them to Latina, so she was now able to use magic in her everyday life. Since summer was coming, Latina tried making some of the frozen sweets that she loved. With the ingredients to make things like sherbet and ice cream at the ready, she made something different each and every day. She learned the recipes from Kenneth, of course. It took some time when he made them because he needed to use magical devices, but because Latina was able to use magic, she could do it far more quickly.
It could be said that this sort of cooking was suited to magic users, but it wasn’t like Kenneth could put out a request for one to help him with this.
After freezing and mixing countless times, Latina had at last finished making a soft and fluffy sherbet, and she excitedly carried it into the shop.
“Rita, thanks for working so hard. Take a break, okay?”
“Thanks, Latina.”
Rita was tackling all sorts of papers at her normal spot behind the counter, and was seemingly exhausted from the heat. Even though the windows and doors were left wide open, the breeze wasn’t necessarily always blowing through, and with the sort of men who frequented the shop, just looking around made it feel that much hotter. It was rough even on Rita, who’d been involved with this line of work in some form or another ever since she was born.
When she took a bite of the dessert that Latina had carefully prepared, an expression of pure bliss washed over her.
“Ahhh... it’s delicious. Even if I ask Kenneth for it, he only makes it every now and again. Thanks, Latina. It really is tasty.”
“You’re very welcome.” As Latina dug into her own portion, she broke out in a smile. “But it’s tastier when Kenneth makes it. Latina wonders why.”
“It’s because he doesn’t want to lose to you, Latina,” responded Rita with a chuckle when she saw Latina’s somewhat dissatisfied expression.
“Kenneth’s trying hard, too?”
“Hmm?”
Latina seemed somewhat puzzled by Rita’s words, but before the young girl had come to the shop, Kenneth had hardly ever made sweets. Rita knew full well that her husband was working hard to develop new recipes for Latina, so much so that his repertoire was large enough that he could open a confectionery shop. He kept a cool and composed expression, but he never slacked for even a single day in order to remain a target of the girl’s admiration. Rita certainly didn’t dislike seeing her husband turn his childish desire to not lose into a chance to improve himself like this.
“You sure aren’t a picky eater, are you, Latina? Are spicy foods a little rough for you, though?”
“When Latina eats something spicy, it makes her mouth feel...” She puffed up her cheeks and blew in and out, like she was trying to cool down her mouth. “But when it’s just got pepper on it, Latina can handle it,” she said, looking over at the salt and pepper shakers on the other side of the counter.
When Dale had ordered a dish with some spice to it once, it had caught Latina’s interest, but even a single bite proved far too much for her. Her face turned red, and she chugged down her cup of water in a single go, and yet that still wasn’t enough, so she’d darted to the kitchen at full speed for a refill. But apparently, she was so flustered at the time that she didn’t think to grab something to put it in before activating the magical device. When the adults came after her, they’d found her flailing about in front of the flowing water.
They’d felt bad for her, but they couldn’t help but laugh.
“What’s your favorite, Latina? Egg dishes, perhaps?”
“Latina likes eggs, especially when they’re all fluffy. And she likes cheese and cream sauce, too.”
When she first came to the shop, Kenneth often made her lots of egg dishes, which had plenty of nutrients and were easy to eat. Apparently, that had had a big impact on her.
“Bread’s good when it’s all soft and fluffy, but omelets are even tastier.”
Even now, French toast was one of her breakfast staples.
“What sort of foods did you eat back in your home village, Latina?”
“Hmm? ***, and ******.”
Perhaps because she didn’t possess the appropriate vocabulary, Latina used words from the devil language instead.
“Umm... what did they taste like?”
“Well... they didn’t have much flavor. Latina only ever ate that, so Kenneth’s meals really surprised her. He makes all sorts of things, and they’re all tasty.”
Latina broke out in a wide smile, not even realizing that Rita was at a loss for words.
“So Latina wants to learn how to make tasty meals too, since they make people happy.”
†
“Every year I end up wondering if I’m an idiot, wearing a long black coat this time of year,” Dale grumbled, completely exhausted after returning from a day’s work exterminating magical beasts.
“Try saying that in front of someone in full platemail,” Kenneth chided, all the while filling a glass with cold water.
Dale’s coat was imbued with magic, so on top of being far lighter than a suit of armor, it also offered an exemplary amount of defense. When paired with his stab-resistant tunic, his equipment provided more than enough protection.
But even so, it was awfully hot in the summer. Incredibly, terribly hot.
“Dale, welcome home. It’s cold, so eat up.”
“I’m back, Latina. Thanks.”
Though he’d clearly been in a bad mood up until then, Dale abruptly broke out in a smile. Latina had brought out her frozen dessert on top of a tray.
“You’ve been making this sort of stuff a lot, Latina. You’re not using too much magic and tiring yourself out, right?”
Mana consumption wasn’t something that was visible to the naked eye, but you could recognize it by feelings of exhaustion and fatigue. If you overused your magic, you’d lose the concentration required to manipulate mana in the first place. It could even cause you to faint, so i
t was especially important to keep your mana expenditure limit in mind on the field of battle.
And so, Dale asked that question while taking the bowl from the Latina, and she in turn gave a nod.
“Latina is fine. She’s done it a lot, and she learned how to do it for just a small area.”
“...I see.”
Seeing Dale stare at Latina with a more serious look on his face than normal, Kenneth grew suspicious.
“What is it, Dale?”
“Well... I was wondering if all devils were so good at controlling mana. It looks like Latina’s already mastered designating an area of effect.”
“...Is it really that impressive?”
Kenneth had purely been a warrior, so he didn’t know anything about using magic.
“She’s just a kid, and she hasn’t studied the theory behind it. And yet through practice alone, she’s managed to narrow down an area of effect for her magic, and she’s optimizing the balance between mana usage and power. I may have taught her that it could be done, but I didn’t teach her how to do it...”
Kenneth took a long, hard look at Latina, and she glanced back in confusion.
Dale continued. “And with spells, she’s been applying the sort of subtle techniques from the healing magic she already knew, rather than the simple sort I taught her. Normally, the burden of controlling it should increase alongside that.”
“Latina learned because Dale taught her. Before, she used a lot of mana at once. Now, she just uses what she needs. It’s a lot easier now.”
“...See?”
“Right. Latina really may be a genius. She learns everything so quickly, after all.”
“Is that so?” replied Dale, causing Kenneth to look at him as if to say, “You’re just realizing this now?”
“Yeah, with cooking and cleaning, and even needlework lately. Even if you just teach it to her once, Latina understands it amazingly quickly. It’s stranger to me that she was apparently raised in an environment that left her unable to do such things ’til now, when she’s such a sharp kid.”
“Huh?”
“I mean, think about it. She’s such a quick learner, so why does it seem that nobody taught her about magic and housework until now? She’s so clever that it wouldn’t surprise me to see her learn stuff without even being taught. Even if we’re talking about different races, that’s just too big of a discrepancy.”