"Is it... parallel construction?"
The lecture to Sophia was still ongoing. Right now, I was teaching her a technique that's practically essential for A-rank magicians: 'parallel construction.'
"Yes. The meaning is exactly as the words suggest—it's the skill of performing two or more spell formula constructions at the same time."
"Two or more at once...? Is that even possible? It sounds incredibly difficult..."
Indeed, parallel construction is tough. It's said to be one of the main points where magicians give up.
To begin with, spell formula construction involves performing massive calculations in your brain. Doing multiple calculations simultaneously requires a lot of practice.
"Once you get used to it, you can handle two at once. Some people can even construct dozens of spell formulas simultaneously."
"Dozens...? That's impossible for me... But why is parallel construction considered essential? I mean, if you can use special-grade magic, wouldn't that be enough?"
Attack magic is divided into four ranks: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and special-grade.
As the rank increases, power and range grow, but naturally the construction difficulty rises too—so it takes longer to build the formula.
"Against lower-layer magical beasts, even special-grade magic often can't finish them in one hit. You know that the time between one magic activation and the next is called the 'interval,' right? Most magicians are defenseless during that interval. That's where parallel construction comes in."
"The basic way to use it is: when one spell formula is about to halfway done, you start constructing another one at the same time. By simple math, that cuts the interval time roughly in half."
"I-I see... Shortening the time you're helpless is definitely appealing. And lower-layer beasts are so strong that even special-grade magic can't take them down easily..."
"It's not just about spamming the highest-power magic. Even A-rank magicians use intermediate magic a lot. Almost no one uses beginner-level anymore, but the point is—it's all about how you use it."
"Special-grade magic has high power, sure, but its range is wide too. That means you risk hitting your vanguard allies. The standard A-rank magician style is to open with a special-grade for the first hit, then coordinate with the team using intermediate or advanced magic afterward."
"I'm learning so much! I was thinking I just needed to hurry up and learn special-grade magic. But being able to use only special-grade isn't enough to be a proper magician. I'll work hard to master parallel construction!"
"Yeah, do your best. Sophia, you already have enough skill to fight in the mid-layers. So now's a good time to start practicing parallel construction so you can handle the lower layers too."
"Fortunately, "Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky" has lots of seniors. Ask them to teach you. Selma-san, in particular, would probably be thrilled to help."
From the way Selma-san doted on Sophia at that diner, I'm sure of it.
"Understood! B-But... if I'm going to learn, I'd rather it be from you, Orun-san, not big sis..."
Sophia turned bright red, looked down, and muttered in a tiny voice.
It was so quiet I almost missed it.
"...Me?"
"Y-Yes... Is that no good...?"
Sophia looked up at me with moist, pleading eyes.
Honestly, it's really cute.
She's... not doing this on purpose, right?
Still, she wants me to teach her. I can do the teaching, but is it okay for an outsider like me to do so without permission?
The clan probably has its own teaching policies. Should I check with Selma-san?
...No, that sounds like it could turn into a huge hassle.
But at the same time, I want to respect this girl's courage in asking me directly...
No helping it. It'll probably get complicated, but if Selma-san gives the okay, I'll do it.
"If Selma-san says it's fine, then sure. I can't instruct without permission as an outsider."
"Really!? Big sis is super lenient with me, so it'll be okay! Thank you so much!"
Selma-san... it seems your little sister thinks of you that way...