Chapter 108: Sophie's Growth

“Is this a Magic Stone?” “Yeah. If you make it from an Empty Stone, it’s a dangerous item prone to exploding, but if you make it using a purified Magic Core, it becomes stable.” After the family discussed the development of the undeveloped lands, I explained Magic Stones to my sister, Sophie.

Since we can now use Magic Stones for the development of the undeveloped lands, I want to increase our stock. I thought I should tell Sophie, who is a mage. Father had told me that Sophie has grown so rapidly as a mage that she cannot be ignored as a combat asset, so he treats her as a full-fledged adult. In fact, she participated in the family discussion as a member, and Sophie, who has worked hard not just on magic but also on her studies, kept up with the adults’ conversation perfectly. What was it that I talked about with Father regarding Sophie? If I recall…

(Will’s Flashback)

“Sophie‘s ability as a mage is high. We can no longer treat her as a child.” “Is that so? It seems Sophie has grown quite a bit.” “Ah, while it is a happy thing, both you and Sophie are growing too quickly. If your abilities are high, you should serve the country as nobles, but truthfully, I wanted you to spend your time carelessly as children for a while longer.” “Both Sophie and I are happy to be of use to the country and to you, Father.” Father made a complicated expression. “I am grateful you say that, but as a parent, it is complicated. I am sure Mary feels the same.”

Sophie, who had been staring intently at the Magic Stone and the purified Magic Core, asked me. “May I try pouring magic power into the purified Magic Core as well?” “Yeah, go ahead.” When I had Sophie pour her magic power, it was dyed a more vibrant crimson than when I poured mine. “Oh, that’s vibrant. This is surely a high-quality Fire Magic Stone.” “Do you think so? If that is true, I am happy. It is surely thanks to the Elder teaching me.”

“Shall we try firing it? Ah, we should go to a place where there won’t be any damage to the surroundings. Sophie, the magic I’m about to show you is a secret too.” “My mouth is not loose, so please rest assured.” Sophie looked a little dissatisfied. “Sorry, sorry, maybe I worried too much. Alright, let’s go.” I held hands with Sophie and activated Teleportation Magic.

“What on earth happened? This is…” Sophie opened her eyes wide in surprise and looked around. “It’s the forest on the outskirts of Northernford.” “Then, was that magic just now Teleportation Magic?” “Yeah.”

“I heard about it from Father, but experiencing it really is surprising.” “Everyone is surprised at first. Even I was surprised.” “You too, Brother?” “Yeah. Even now, I sometimes think it’s mysterious that I can use such amazing magic.”

“Now then, let’s test Sophie‘s Magic Stone.” I load the Magic Stone my sister infused with magic into the Magic Gun and fire it. BOOM! An explosion occurred with a loud roar. Whoa, magic with higher power than the Magic Stone I infused was released.

“I heard from Father that Sophie had grown into an excellent mage, but it really is true.” “I am happy to hear you say that.” Sophie smiled. That face felt a little more grown-up too.

“Brother, there is one more thing I want to try. Ah, before that.” Sophie cast some kind of magic on me and herself. “What is this magic?” “Anti-Magic Protection. It is insurance in case of an accidental explosion.”

“So such magic exists. That’s the first I’ve heard of it.” “I learned it from the Elder. Apparently, when Elf children learn magic, this is the first thing they are taught.” “Is that so?” “When I said I didn’t know it, he was exasperated, saying, ‘Humans only think about attacking with magic.'” As expected of Elves who are skilled in magic. It seems the Elder has become a good teacher for Sophie.

“Okay then, here I go.” With a slightly serious expression, Sophie poured magic power into the purified Magic Core. Red light and green light appeared alternately, eventually mixing to become yellow. “Is this… did you perhaps pour magic power for Composite Magic?” “Correct!”

This surprised me. “I heard from the Elder before that if things went smoothly, he could teach you by the end of the year, but you’ve already learned it?” Sophie puffed out her chest. “Ehehe, recently the Elder has been praising me more often. Just the other day, he told me, ‘You are making rapid progress.'” “That is amazing again.”

I tried loading the Composite Magic Magic Stone into the Magic Gun and firing it. A massive explosion occurred; the ground rumbled, and a blast wave blew toward us. “Whoa, that’s incredible power.” “How is it? I will be of use too, won’t I?” “No, you’re far beyond just being ‘of use’.” Sophie has likely already grown into one of the Kingdom’s leading mages. I can understand why Father says he can’t treat Sophie like a child.

“Sophie, you really have grown rapidly. You are already a highly skilled mage.” If there is a large-scale monster attack, she will be a valuable combat asset. “But as a brother, I wanted you to live a life without danger as a child for a while longer.” Huh, words similar to Father‘s slipped out of my mouth. I’m sure right now, I have the same complicated expression Father had back then.