When one with the right qualifications connects with a Magic Sword, several changes occur. The person's internal magic power greatly increases, senses become sharper, and concentration improves. In rare cases, other phenomena occur, and Hanette was one of those rare cases.
‘Already?’
Zion, slightly shocked, quickly moved closer. Although Hanette's progression deviated from the original narrative, speeding up her acquisition of the Magic Sword, the timing seemed unexpectedly early.
‘Even at the earliest, this should have happened mid-story… but we’re still in the early stages.’
Zion paced around the perimeter of the training room before stopping at the closest point to Hanette. Her light brown eyes had turned golden. This meant she had surpassed a certain threshold and was ready to connect with the Magic Sword.
‘This isn’t good…’
Hanette was in the middle of her mage examination. While the Magic Sword could be found later, failing the mage examination meant waiting at least another month to reapply. If she managed her magic calmly, she might pass, but if she lost control, her fiery magic could go haywire.
‘Is she okay? She seems the same as usual.’
Zion watched Hanette closely, lost in thought. She appeared more serious than ever, and her magic output was stable. The flames wavered and occasionally scattered, but they held their form overall. This meant Hanette was maintaining her composure and skillfully managing her magic.
‘So, real combat experience is the key.’
In the story, Hanette experienced many battles alongside the protagonist, using her magic in various ways. This might have indirectly influenced her now, as she seemed to apply her magic similarly to a real combat scenario.
‘Both sides are evenly matched now.’
The unexpected counterattack initially startled the Logos headmaster, but he quickly regained his composure and strengthened his magic. Hanette's flames were pushed back again, and both flames met in a balanced clash. Each side sought an opening but continually canceled each other out, returning to equilibrium.
‘Does this mean she’s going to pass?’
Zion cautiously turned to observe the headmasters. None had called for the examination to be stopped, and they continued watching the fiery clash intently. They were likely considering her potential or awaiting the Logos headmaster’s evaluation.
“Let’s conclude the examination.”
The headmasters exchanged looks and quickly made their decision. The wizard on the perimeter received the signal and focused his magic, summoning a gray barrier that instantly separated the two flames.
“Examination over! Both participants, please withdraw your magic!”
At the announcement, Zion tensed, ready to act. If Hanette lost her composure and ignored the command, he had to be prepared to intervene.
“Haa… haa…”
Hanette panted heavily, slowly dissipating her magic. Her hands trembled slightly, filled with a desire and passion to continue using magic. But she controlled it, not wanting to show a messy side in front of Zion.
“Have you thought about it?”
“Ah, I’m still considering it.”
“I don’t understand. How could she learn magic in such a short time…”
The headmasters gathered to discuss the examination. Walter, aware of Zion’s gaze, gave a subtle nod. Zion quickly moved to Hanette’s side.
“Sis, are you okay?”
“Ah, yes. I’m fine.”
Hanette smiled as she calmed her breathing. The golden hue in her eyes had faded back to light brown. Zion, inspecting her closely, finally relaxed.
“How was it? I tried my best, but it didn’t go as well as I hoped.”
“I think you’ll pass.”
“…Do you really think so?”
“You were pushed back at first, but you held your ground towards the end. That’s impressive.”
“Really?”
Hanette took a step toward the headmasters, but her right foot faltered, causing her to lose balance. Zion quickly reached out, catching her by the shoulder and waist.
“Are you okay?”
“Ah, sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong…”
Hanette looked down at her legs, which were trembling slightly. Her shoulders and arms felt a similar quiver.
“You must have overexerted yourself. Can you stand?”
“Why? Are you going to carry me?”
“If you want, I can.”
“…No, that’s too embarrassing.”
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’ll carry you if you need.”
“Ah, no. Just help me walk.”
“I can carry you, you know.”
“Just hold my hand. I’ll manage the rest.”
“Alright…”
Zion gently helped Hanette find her balance. Leaning on him, she began taking small, tentative steps.
“Ahem…”
“Quite a moment.”
“This is rather… I feel embarrassed on their behalf.”
“Why make a fuss over something like this…”
The headmasters glanced at Zion and Hanette before resuming their discussion. Clearly, Hanette had exhausted her internal magic, leading to side effects. However, her brief moment of matching the Logos headmaster’s magic impressed them.
“Did she say she’s only been learning magic for about three months?”
“I heard two and a half months…”
“Two and a half, three, what’s the difference?”
“She said she learned the basics at Sadepo and then moved to Logos.”
“What did she do to reach this level in just three months?”
“The Livdad headmaster should know best, don’t you think?”
The Logos headmaster solemnly addressed Walter, and the others turned to him, awaiting a suitable explanation.
“Haha… I’m not sure myself. I allowed her to take the examination to give her some experience.”
“If you don’t know, who would?”
“I was surprised myself. I thought she was lacking in many areas. Perhaps she had a breakthrough without my knowledge.”
Walter had little else to say about Hanette. It was almost miraculous, and he never expected her magic to rival the Logos headmaster’s. It seemed she had undergone significant growth just before the examination.
“Maybe having her fiancé watching gave her extra motivation.”
“Does having a fiancé increase one’s magic power?”
“If anything was out of place, we would have noticed.”
“I approached her, but nothing unusual was evident.”
“…Are we seriously arguing against passing her?”
The Logos headmaster’s words silenced the room. If Hanette’s examiner vouched for her, they had to consider it. As a master of fire magic and a mage with the title of archmage, his opinion carried weight.
“If she were my student, it would have taken at least a year… but Livdad produced results in just three months. What more can I say?”
“Well, if the Logos headmaster says so…”
“Let’s pass her.”
“Livdad headmaster, you wouldn’t oppose this, would you?”
“Me? Of course not. I’ll follow your decision.”
Walter humbly replied, turning his gaze to Zion and Hanette, who were conversing intimately. Perhaps their strong feelings for each other had unlocked Hanette’s potential. Emotions, after all, were a powerful force.
‘…Is this what they call noble emotions? I still have much to learn.’
**Royal Palace, Royal Office**
Brandish had finished her work early for the first time in a while and was preparing to leave. Days like this were rare, so she planned to leave quickly and train with her sword. If time allowed, she might even spar with Gloné.
‘Sparring with Barhen Laird wouldn’t be bad either.’
Since Barhen joined the Royal Knights, Brandish had received regular reports about his progress—his training, skills, relationships with other members, and health. There were no issues, and Barhen’s quick adaptation was almost suspicious.
‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen a knight with sword aura…’
Some Royal Knights developed sword aura during training or duty, though it was rare, often coinciding with their departure from the Royal Knights. But Barhen had mastered it before joining, enhancing the Royal Knights’ prestige.
‘Oh, and Zion Laird too.’
Hearing the Laird name naturally reminded her of Zion—the knight who mastered sword aura at 19, risked his life for his fiancée, and played a significant role in dismantling a rebel hideout. Brandish wondered what Zion had been up to lately.
‘Silver said he wanted to take him on as a disciple…’
As Brandish mused, Gloné entered the office. Brandish was eager to spar with Gloné but maintained a composed demeanor.
“Your Majesty, it’s time to leave. Where will you be going?”
“I still have time… How about a sparring match with you?”
“How can the captain of the Royal Knights raise a sword against Your Majesty?”
Gloné respectfully declined, feeling tense. Even when Brandish was a princess, Gloné had avoided sparring. Now, as the queen, Brandish’s invitation made Gloné even more cautious.
“If the captain refuses, I might have to call Barhen Laird.”
“Your Majesty! May I offer a humble suggestion…”
“Haha! Enough. One joke and I get an earful.”
Brandish chuckled, rising from her seat. Gloné relaxed slightly, nodding lightly.
“Since we’re on the subject… How is Zion Laird doing?”
“…He’s diligently honing his swordsmanship.”
“Any other news?”
“Zion Laird is keeping to himself, but there’s something noteworthy about his fiancée.”
“Hanette Adelaira?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“What happened?”
“She’s earned the title of mage.”
“…?”
Brandish stared at Gloné in disbelief. The news was sudden and the process unclear. When had she learned magic and how had she achieved the title of mage?
“Is that true?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Brandish considered asking for more details but then had a brilliant idea. Perhaps she could finally let go of her lingering concerns.
“…It might be time to have Zion Laird and Hanette Adelaira join the Royal Knights together.”