Chapter 81

When I went up to the rooftop, I found a space larger than I had expected, and there was a large magic circle drawn on it.

It seems that the research on magic circles is mainly conducted here, as it is designed to be rewritten. There are also items other than magic circles prepared around, and from the presence of glass bottles and ceramic jars, it seems that they also make healing potions here.

As I was looking around at this unusual scene in detail, Strass and Eliza walked over.

"…How is it?"

"How is it, what?"

In response to the overly brief question, Eliza pointed at the magic circle with a laugh.

"Probably, she wants to know if this magic circle is functioning properly, right?"

"I see."

Nodding at Eliza's translation, I re-examined the magic circle. It was a traditional magic circle based on a circle. However, the use of characters and patterns was inconsistent. Still, even if it is inefficient, it should be able to activate somehow.

"It will activate. However, it will consume a lot of magic power due to the inefficiency."

As soon as I said that, a firm footstep echoed from behind.

"…Hmm, inefficient, you say?"

The one who appeared was Balbrea. She was wearing a black cloak, perhaps to go outside, and exuded an aura of a dark sorceress. With her arms crossed, Balbrea looked at me as if she were observing something interesting.

I didn't come to start a fight, but when it comes to the research of magic, it's better not to lie or deceive. This should ultimately contribute to the improvement of Mapleleaf's magic.

With this in mind, I began to speculate on the magic circle.

"From the characters, this is for fire magic. I was surprised because I thought you were researching healing magic circles. However, the magic circle is set for fire shape transformation, wall, separation, and movement. Moreover, shape transformation and wall are repeated twice, which is a significant loss."

I analyzed the magic circle and answered. Cameron's eyes widened in shock.

"Amazing… to understand the effects of the magic circle at a glance…"

Glancing at the astonished Cameron, Balbrea then placed her hand on her chin and spoke.

"…Hmm. Then, how would you rewrite this magic circle, Aoi?"

When asked that, I responded, incorporating the characteristics of the magic circle.

"First, for this shape of the magic circle, it would be better to channel magic power in one direction, considering this as the front. So, I would draw the characters and patterns in a clockwise direction. First, I would keep the shape transformation and wall as they are and add momentum increase and temperature rise. The problem is with separation and movement. As it is, it's unclear how it will move. If you want to move a wall of fire, you should determine the direction and speed. What do you think?"

After sharing my thoughts, I left the final decision to Balbrea. Everyone's gaze then focused on Balbrea.

Balbrea crossed her arms again and closed her eyes for a moment. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes and smiled brightly.

"…I see. Based on past experimental results, I will trust your words."

With that, Balbrea walked past me and stood in front of the magic circle.

"From the experiments we have conducted so far, it is clear that the magic circle will fail if magic power is not channeled from this point. Also, the method of channeling magic power is as Aoi said. If magic power is channeled from the right, it often fails or does not activate properly."

When Balbrea said this, everyone's gaze shifted to me. Feeling this, I stood next to Balbrea and looked down at the magic circle.

"What do you think? If this magic circle can be rewritten, would you like to try rewriting it?"

When I asked, a laugh like a snort was heard.

"Haha, hahaha! This magic circle was the result of many faculty members gathering to study ancient magic circles and going through numerous trials and errors. To think that you would suggest rewriting it so easily…"

"I apologize. If you want to keep this, I can write it in another place, so it's fine."

"No, that's not it. It's just that, despite the fact that some magic circles have been shaped through trial and error like feeling one's way in the dark, I am so surprised by Aoi's ability to rewrite a magic circle on the spot that I can't help but laugh."

Balbrea laughed, and Cameron, looking confused, spoke up.

"…But, in any country, the research on magic circles should not have advanced to this extent…"

It was a whisper, but Balbrea reacted sensitively to it.

"Cameron, don't resort to wishful thinking. In magic research, the results are the most important. Rather, be glad that you have obtained valuable clues to advance your research. It's much better than being outpaced by other countries without even knowing it."

"Y-Yes…!"

Cameron straightened his back and responded to Balbrea's slightly angry words.

He has a military-like disposition. Indeed, I feel that Balbrea and I are completely different…