Endless Sea

...

(Senpai, Mr. El-Melloi seems off. I know he looks irritable all the time, but now...)

？！

Fou, fou.

...So.

Ma'am. If you're going to hide, at least put down your shield. Anyone will notice a black steel wall on the beach.

You too Fujimaru. As her Master you should've pointed that out.

S-Sorry. It seemed like you wanted to be left alone...

Nnnng...kyau, kyaaaau!

Nothing, I was just looking at the sea. I heard it was named Okeanos due to the Grail.

But it's just a name. It's a horizon as far as you can see, but the edges simply adhere to each other.

Just like a scroll. A sea enclosed in all directions that perpetually revolves around the same area.

You can sail it endlessly, but in truth, it's just a clipped miniature garden. How absurd.

This is not the place I set out to reach. Not even close to the real Okeanos.

You wanted to reach Okeanos? Are those the words of Zhuge Liang?

...Hmph, those are my words. Watch your mouth. It appears I got too sentimental.

It was a dream. One that I had when I was younger. All the experience I've gained was to further that goal.

I didn't become what I am now naturally. I was an average mage.

Taking on that troublesome teaching position, inheriting the name of El-Melloi, refining my third-rate magical circuit, it's all because

I wanted to become the ideal I yearned for when I was young. Now, I'm just a crooked old mage.

A crooked mage...you? Even though you are a first-class mage?

Only my position is first-class. My ability as a mage isn't much different from Fujimaru.

I somehow managed to keep up with those first-class monsters with my knowledge and preparations.

Dr. Roman can see through that too. Whatever you say about that guy, he's a natural at talent assessment.

Stop with your nonsense. I did reach it. That's why I'm like this, right?

I reached my ideal, just not the natural way. It's a bit harder every day, and it's killing my stomach.

You need to remember, Fujimaru. With strong convictions and desires, you can reach your ideal.

It's a rough path for an ordinary person. You'll reach your ideal but lose your way of life in the process.

Well, I haven't started the journey yet. I'm just not ready to reach the endless sea.

？！

Fou, Foou!

What's in the forest, Fou? Master, Lord, enemy sighted!

Geez. No time for fond memories huh?

It's about to begin, Master. Let's see how much you've grown.

Didn't even break a sweat. You don't consider them enemies anymore, huh?

...Hmm, growth as a mage is unlikely, but it looks like you're gaining experience as a Master.

It's good to be diligent. All right, I will give you this as a reward for your efforts.

Is this...a jewel? It appears to be an expensive Mystic Code...

It's not. It's just a common protective ore. On top of that, it's a used one from me.

I pocketed it as a precaution when I was young, but I don't need it anymore.

No one will acknowledge your effort anyway, right? That's why I'm giving it to you as a reward.

Fou, Foou!

Hey, calm down there! My student showed progress, it's natural!

Look what you did! Now my expensive suit is ruined! Not to mention that my hair is sticky from the sea breeze.

I shouldn't have come to the beach. Who's dumb enough to want to come here?

Mr. El-Melloi just left...

He must see his younger self when he looks at you, Senpai.

？！

Yes, here you go Senpai. A gift from your teacher.

He said that it was used, but I'm positive that he prepared it just for you.

Let's fight and not give up! Let's meet our teacher's expectations!