The Sage of Zero

Isabel? What brings you all the way out here?

First, let me apologize for arriving unannounced.

This matter was so urgent... I didn't even have time to send a letter.

If I've caused any offense, I sincerely apologize, both to you, Swordbringer, and to you, Princess Elizabeth.

It's alright, Duchess Isabel. The inn's closed today anyway... we were just enjoying some rest.

So... what's this urgent matter about?

Recently, we discovered a peculiar book in the duchy.

Naturally, we assumed it to be one of our ancestors' writings and began researching it right away.

But even with our scholars working day and night... we've been unable to unlock its secrets.

Would you mind taking a look?

There aren't any words in here...

As I suspected, it appears blank to you as well.

That's exactly why our research has stalled.

If it can't be read, it certainly can't be decoded.

I hoped the Swordbringer might perceive something hidden... but it seems not.

Of course it's not visible. It's cursed.

It looks perfectly ordinary on the outside...

But it's cloaked in a curse, one that hides everything unless the caster permits it.

Even I, the great Fairy Queen, can't see through it. So yes, it's a powerful one.

That makes it all the more disappointing to hear.

If it's sealed this tightly... it might be a blueprint for a devastating magitek weapon.

......

Shall we try decoding it?

Hm? Do you have a good plan?

I know someone... a little too clever for their own good.

In return, if we succeed, lend us a few of the weapons your forge produces.

Hmm. Are you suggesting an alliance?

Nothing that formal. Just... a small experiment.

If you're going to craft a weapon, you've got to test it before using it, right?

I suppose I can agree to that much.

Then I'll leave it to you.

So you came back not because you missed your one and only master, but for this?

Like there's anything to miss.

You worked me like a dog, all in the name of "training."

Everything I did was for your own success.

Spare me the excuses and take a look already.

If we can crack this, our journey gets a whole lot easier.

You're always so impatient.

Fine, I'll make this quick.

There. You can read it now.

Let's see... "There is no end to the path of learning"...?

Wait a minute... Don't tell me...

E-Ethan! I think we triggered a trap!

P-Princess! Our bodies... they're fading!

What did you do, Ethan?!

I just read the title!!!

......

Ugh... Is everyone alright?

This place... is this a dungeon?

It doesn't feel like an ordinary one. The flow of magic is... off.

Actually, it feels more like...

Nice to meet you, nya!

I'm Aki, your proctor for today's test, nya! Let's do our best, nya!

P-Princess! The cat... it's talking!

Oh my... Am I dreaming...?

Wait a sec, if you're the proctor, does that mean we're... students?

That's right, nya! You've all been selected for remedial classes, nya!

What are you talking about? We never even took a test!

That's not my problem, nya! Now that you're here, you have to attend class, nya!

...So how do we finish this "class?"

Simple! Clear the dungeon and you can go home, nya!

But there's one important rule, nya!

Ugh, now you're getting picky after kidnapping us?!

In this place, your test scores are your combat capabilities, nya!

You won't be able to fight like you normally do, so do your best on the test, nya!

What? That makes no sense...

Learning through your body is the most effective method, nya.

You'll struggle against monsters you normally ignore, and realize how important studying is, nya!

W-What do we do... I'm not good at studying...

It's nonsense, but... it's not like we're out of options.

We've got the continent's greatest sage on our side, don't we?

Hmm? Didn't you just call me a cruel master who torments her apprentice?

......

"Please help me, my beautiful Master...!"

Say it nicely, and sincerely, and I'll think about it.

Urgh...

Ethan... if what that cat said is true, we really do need Merlin's help.

What are you waiting for?

Hurry up and kneel, bow your head, grovel, whatever!

I didn't even eat breakfast! I'm starving here!

...Please help us.

Hmm... I'm not really feeling the sincerity.

Ggh..! Please help me... b-beautiful Master..!

Hmph... It's not good enough, but I'll let it slide.

I can't turn down a request from my precious apprentice.

......

Then let the test begin! The subject is "History," nya!

Test time is 30 minutes! The more answers you write, the higher your score, nya!

I expected remedial class to be rough, but this is way worse than I thought, nya!

Four out of five of you scored zero! And none of you look the slightest bit sorry, nya!

But... I've never even seen that stuff before.

I-I'm not great at studying, but... those weren't questions about Britannian history!

Who wrote these questions anyway? What kind of person could even answer this junk...

No excuses, nya! One of you scored a whopping 177, nya!

Maybe you just didn't try hard enough, nya?

..! Don't tell me... Merlin?

That's incredible! I couldn't even answer one!

......

Merlin?

Elizabeth, that 177 was mine.

What?! Then Merlin...

......

Heh. Don't worry.

You think a piece of paper like this could suppress my magic?

Is she... really going to be okay?

Of course. I'll lead the way, just follow behind me slowly.

Urgh... my magic's already...

GROOOAAR!!!

Ethan! Merlin's in danger!

And after all that boasting...

......

......

Pfft!

E-Ethan!

Sorry, I just couldn't hold it in.

Didn't someone just say...

"A piece of paper like this could never suppress my magic"?

......

So that smug little cat wasn't bluffing after all.

Ethan, this is worse than I thought.

Those questions... they're from your world's history, aren't they?

Just give us a simple explanation. Please.

Huh? Why me?

What do you mean "why?" We need to get out of here!

I could just clear the dungeon with my score and be on my way.

No need to share the info, really.

Ethan... this isn't the time for games...

"I'm really sorry about before, sir."

...If you apologize sincerely, I might consider it.

......

Ethan... were you really holding a grudge this whole time?

However you look at it...

So petty.

Shut up! I'm not backing down on this one!

Alright, Merlin. Your choice.

Bow to me and take it easy...

or drag that heavy body of yours all the way to the bottom floor.

......

Now for the second test, nya!

..! You little, could your timing be any worse?!

Heh. It might be of a different world, but human nature is human nature.

Get ready, Ethan. I'm gonna give it my all now.

The subject for the second test is... "Classical Literature," nya!

......

Huff... Huff...

Merlin, seriously.

Would it kill you to just lose to me once?

Huff... If there's a second test... then surely there's a third...

Plenty of chances to redeem myself, ah!

Huh? What the...?

Hnng...!

E-E-E-Ethan?! What are you doing?!

P-Princess! I can't watch this anymore!

N-No! It's not what it looks like!

She tripped, I was just trying to catch her! Honest!

I see you're already studying for the next test! Looks like you're finally taking this seriously, nya!

The next subject is... Human Anatomy, nya!

NOOOOO!!!

...Ethan.

I hope you're ready.