"You don't need to apologize, Mayuri," Andras said gently. "I understand your frustration. You've been carrying too much weight for the sake of the kingdom."
She extended her hand toward her.
"That's why I brought Alexs here. To help you… and who better to train him than the kingdom's guardian herself?"
Mayuri took her hand, completely flushed, with hearts practically floating in her eyes.
"Very well!" she said suddenly. "If that's your wish, I'll train him personally."
She turned toward me with a serious expression.
"It's time, Alexs. Any questions before we begin?"
"Plenty… but let's start with the basics. How do I know if I have magic, powers, or anything like that?"
"Right," Andras said. "Slyther, explain critical magic."
"Shouldn't you be the one explaining it?" he asked.
"Of course I remember…" she muttered. "Let's see…"
Andras began her explanation.
In this world, there exist countless creatures and races. Most can use magic—but there is a unique type possessed by only one in a million: Critical Magic.
"Critical magic…?"
"They are magics capable of altering the world itself," Slyther explained. "Summoned heroes usually possess them, as they receive their power directly from the gods."
"Does that mean my companions… and Hanako…?"
"That's correct," he nodded. "And there's a possibility that you possess it as well."
"And you?"
Andras smiled.
"Mine is called Arcane Resonance."
Her body was engulfed in a scorching red aura.
"It grants me absolute strength, but consumes vitality. However, as a demon, I can endure it."
"She's just one hair color change away…" I muttered.
Slyther sighed.
"Mine is different. I can create portals… even temporal ones."
TEMPORAL?
"I nearly lost my sanity bringing you here," he said casually.
"And you, Mayuri?"
"Crystallization," she replied coldly. "It has no weaknesses."
She then placed a cube on a nearby table.
"Come closer."
"That object," Andras explained, "will accelerate your magical learning."
I placed my hand on the cube.
The world exploded into symbols, chants, and pain.
I dropped to my knees… but when the pain faded—
"Do you feel the mana?" Andras asked.
"Yes…"
I opened my eyes and cast a spell.
The tree exploded.
"Perfect," Slyther said. "Now the real training begins."
"Real?"
"We must force your critical magic," Andras smiled. "At the edge of death."
"And that's where I come in," Mayuri said. "Fight me… or die."
"I'm starting to regret this…"
Andras took my hand.
"I believe in you, Alexs."
Rage filled Mayuri's eyes.
"Very well… let's do this."
The air turned icy.
"Attack," Mayuri whispered, "…or prove you're nothing but a coward."
I took a deep breath.
"Then… let the dance begin."