Chapter 99

"Hohoho, just eat it."

I had just finished breakfast, yet Grandpa Moran brought another meal to me with a full smile. Today, I was supposed to learn the procedure to expel all my magic power for the completion of the ultimate magic, the third stage.

But even so, Petal also came with a full smile, carrying a large bowl of soup. There's no way I can drink so much after eating a full meal.

Grandpa Moran kept bringing food, and Petal kept bringing drinks. ...This doesn't seem like a mistake. It looks like they have some intention.

"Grandpa Moran, isn't this the food that Petal prepared carefully? Is it okay to eat it all at once like this?"

"Hohoho, it's fine, it's fine."

What is this merciless kindness? It's really scary.

"Of course, of course. There's plenty of second helpings too."

So kind! And so scary!

I have no appetite, and I'm still confused. Then, Eliza, wearing an apron, appeared from the kitchen. It seems that she prepared all this food, and Grandpa Moran and the others are just bringing it. Eliza looked at me and winked. She patted her arms, showing that she can still make more. Is this a display of her cooking skills?

She must know something too.

Last night, before going to bed, they were whispering and moving around. They must have shared some information I don't know. It's creepy. Why don't they tell me...

"Is eating and training somehow related?"

Actually, I can't think of anything else. Otherwise, they wouldn't be preparing so much food in such a critical situation, and our supplies are limited.

"Hohoho, just eat it."

Scary!

I won't ask anything more. The meaning will surely become clear later. For now, I'll just eat quietly.

Since I just had breakfast, my eating pace isn't good, but if I try hard, I can still eat. Besides, Eliza's cooking is delicious. I'm surprised she has such cooking skills. Well, let's eat.

Ugh, a bit uncomfortable.

But Grandpa Moran's pace of bringing food doesn't slow down. Petal keeps bringing drinks... Eliza must be working hard in the kitchen. I have no choice but to push through.

I'm in trouble, I might throw up from eating too much.

...Wait, could expelling all my magic power be related to this?

What? Throw up the food too? That's ridiculous. Can the third stage be completed by doing that? Is the world that simple?

"Grandpa Moran, I can't take it anymore. I'm about to throw up."

There must be some plan here. I reported it just in case.

"You mustn't throw up. Hmm, I need a bit more. Is Ganmi ready yet?"

"Sure, right away!"

Eliza's bright voice echoed from the kitchen. Ganmi... maybe I can still handle it. But still, I can't throw up. The mystery deepens.

"Here's the dessert, baked sweet potato."

Oh...

Dessert is a sweet potato!? No way, no way, no way. There are so many other desserts! Why a sweet potato!? It won't fit.

"Master Kururi. I've decided to stop lying about myself. I actually love sweet potatoes the most in the world!"

"...Okay."

I know, I've known for a long time.

"Today, I baked these sweet potatoes with all my heart. It's a new step for me. Please, taste them."

Well, if you say that, I have to force them in.

With my stomach already full, I have to stuff in a sweet potato!? And it's a huge one. Where did she get it from?

...Ugh.

To put it simply, I won against the sweet potato. But I cried and snotted more than I ever thought possible. What was that liquid coming out of my ears...? It must be sweat. Let's just say it's sweat.

"The preparations are complete. Shall we go for a walk?"

While being taken care of by the old man, the four of us entered the forest.

So, I'm going to expel everything in this state? I hope it happens soon. I want to be comfortable as soon as possible.

After walking for a while in the forest, we came to a flat area where trees had been cut down. There was no grass or plants, just bare soil. It was clearly a place prepared by humans.

I looked at Grandpa Moran and Petal. This must be the place they prepared.

As we got closer, I could see what was there.

A huge magic circle carved into the soil, unlike anything I've ever seen.

It has an atmosphere that could summon some giant creature. I'm not an expert in magic circles, but I know that once activated, they automatically continue to cast magic. It was clear that this is where I would expel all my third-stage magic power.

"Are we doing it here?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Okay, let's get started then."

"Please stand in the center of the magic circle."

I followed the instructions and went to the center. I was told to lie down to relax and release my tension.

Grandpa Moran and Petal stood diagonally opposite each other near the magic circle.

"Boy, we're going to make you expel all the magic power you've accumulated. The magic circle was already completed long ago. We just wrote it here. This is an important magic circle that will absorb your magic power."

"Okay, I get it."

"By the way, I'm sorry for not getting your permission in advance, but this will put a lot of strain on your body. You'll have to sleep for about a week. During that time, all your magic power will be expelled."

A week...?

What? Did you just say that? I'm going to be lying here for a week?

"Shall we activate the magic circle...?"

The two of them raised their hands, and I could tell they were entering the activation phase.

"Wait, wait! So it was a food stockpile!? It was a food stockpile..."

"Hohohoho."

Confirmation! That laugh is a confirmation!

Ah, I can't take it anymore. My consciousness is fading...

Damn, that's why they didn't explain it.

In the fading scenery, I could see Eliza approaching. I glanced at her face one last time before losing consciousness.

If she's watching over me...

"It's fine to leave him alone now. He'll be like this for a week."

"Then let's play board games again!"

"Hehe, it seems you still don't understand the difference in our skills."

The three of them left Kururi in the forest and returned home.