The Mage Will Master Magic Efficiently In His Second Life

Translator: Jiro Editor: Ryunakama

At a rock cliff a bit farther from where Zeph and Azalea were.

Claude was sitting there staring at her palm.

Just before leaving she had touched Zephs skin one last time with her fingers. She caressed her cheek as she tried to remember that feeling.

Zeph-kun

Claude lost herself in thought for a while, but then suddenly returned to her senses and let out a big sigh.

I guess this is what self-hatred feels like

She held her knees and lowered her head.

After leaving the inn early in the morning she had come and just done that.

She knew that everyone was probably worried.

However, she had no intention of going back.

She wasnt sure if she would be able to remain calm when seeing Zeph or Milly.

I became really annoyed when I saw Zeph-kun talking so happily with Milly-san Even though I love both of them so much

It wasnt just this once as well.

Claude would turn gloomy each time she saw Zeph getting along with anyone.

Kanes words couldnt stop floating around in Claudes mind.

You will definitely betray someone at one point. Youll never be able to make real friends.

Perhaps she couldnt ignore those words because they struck right at her core.

If I stay with everyone any longer, I might really do something like that

She was certain that if Zeph was in danger, she would sacrifice anything to protect him.

However, was that the same for everyone else, for Milly.

She didnt think that she would do anything to harm them directly, but she wasnt confident whether she wouldnt just leave them to die with the pretence of not being able to do anything to save them.

If that were the case, then shed rather distance herself from them

But I dont want to distance myself Zeph-kun!!

Claudes vision got clouded by her tears.

Oh my? Arent you that brat, Zephs friend?

?!!

Upon hearing a voice behind her, Claude immediately turned around.

She wiped her tears and readied her sword. The person standing before her, was someone she had presumed to be dead. It was Grain.

G-Grain?!!

You, Claude was it? Thank you for the other day.

It was the Dispatch Magician Grain.

A power magician that even Zeph struggled against.

He wasnt someone who Claude could defeat in a normal fight.

However, hes still a magician. With my Screen Point I might just!

Just as she was about to concentrate and cast magic, Grain appeared right in front of her.Before she could notice it, he buried his fist in her abdomen.

Urgh?!!

Youre wide open!!

Grain then used his swords scabbard to land a powerful blow on Claudes head as she was beginning to sink to the ground.

With a loud sound Claude fell to the ground and didnt move.

Blood oozed out from her head and dyed her beautiful golden hair red.

You small fry. Trying to use magic against me in a close-range battle, despite not being proficient in it. Theres no way it would work. he said as he spat at her and sat next to her collapsed body.

Upon casting magic, one would create openings.

If the one casting the spell was an experienced person, then those openings would only last an instant, however with Claudes level, casting magic in a close-range battle could be seen as fatal.

Furthermore, she was also in an unstable state of mind.

Well then, I did spot Azalea, so I guess I cant just idle around.

Ur

Grain picked Claude up as she let out a quiet breath.

Hmph? This girl

Grain lifted up Claudes chin and narrowed his gaze.

After looking at Claudes face for a while, she began laughing as if he had realized something.

I see I might be able to use her he whispered as he picked Claude up once again and disappeared.

Grains alive Is that really true?!

Yea. I dont know what trick he used, however I can still feel his presence on this island. said Azalea replying to my question.

That cant be He got hit by my Tetra Crash Could he have probably released his magic power at that moment and re-activated Screen Point?To think that a magician such as Grain, would be able to use Screen Point that well.I cannot take his battle sense lightly it seems.

Zeph-kun, do you have an idea what might have happened?

She used a magician-killing spell. Thats how he was able to withstand my spell.

I see. Now it makes sense how he was able to kill his first pursuer saying that Azalea spread a world map and cast a small ball of light which floated on top of it.

This was a Unique Spell that was used for tracking. I had seen it being used by other Dispatch Magicians before.

It allowed the caster to know the location of their marked target no matter where they were in the world.

Grain is definitely still on this island. Unfortunately, I cannot grasp his exact position. We have no choice but to search for him manually from this point on.

And you want me to help you with it, is that right?

Thats correct. Thats my condition for turning a blind eye to this destroyed dungeon. said Azalea as she winked at me.

I see Even if we do split up and search, wouldnt it be dangerous for you alone as well when facing an opponent capable of magician-killing spells?

Ive brought two other colleagues with me.

If were gonna do that you should have brought more. Hes a strong one you know.

There are a lot of selfish people amongst the Dispatch Magicians you know. Only two of them replied to my request.

There were a lot of people amongst the Dispatch Magicians that had difficult characters, it was perhaps something that came with being strong. Which is why they werent the type of people that would sit and wait to be bossed around.

You wont tell me to capture him alive right?

Thats right. It would be preferable to do it like that, but considering its him were talking about, dead or alive, it wouldnt matter as long as we capture him. said Azalea with a sharp, cold gaze, which made me shiver.

What a frightening woman.This thing with Grain has gotten way too out of hand. He may end up being dangerous not only to me, but my friends as well.I cant let him go.And since she says shell turn a blind eye to me destroying the dungeon I might as well follow her on this one.

Got it. Lets do it.

Great. I like clever kids like you. said Azalea with a smile as she shook my hand.

Our negotiations had been completed. Upon that me and Azalea exchanged a crystal ring as a sign of trust.

Azalea was able to use the Magician Associations Unique Spells in order to communicate with me via Telepathy without the use of a crystal ring, however apparently it was annoying for her to have to specify my location each time, so she didnt want to use it.

Actually, one of my friends has gone missing as well. Her names Claude. She has short blonde hair and carries a sword, a shield and a breastplate with her. If you happen to see her it would help me a lot.

Hm Claude-kun huh. Come to think of it, didnt I meet her once before? Either way, if I happen to see her Ill let you know.

Thank you.

If you do happen to find anything tell me as well.

Will do. Dont die.

Haha, thats my line you brat. said Azalea as she flew off with a Teleport.

Still, to think that Grain would still be alive.Itll be dangerous if he happens to run into Claude.I must find her fast.Ive already met Azalea so I dont have to worry and can finally go all out.

Ain, come out.

I cast Summon Servant and alongside a burst of light Ain appeared.

Urgh Good morning gramps

It seemed like she was still fatigued as she didnt look as energetic as normal.

Ain, Id like you to help me search for Claude, do you think youll be able to do it?

Hmph? Since its Claude. saying that Ain fluttered her wings as if to squeeze out her remaining energy. Seeing that effort of hers I couldnt help but stroke her small head.

We must find her as soon as possible.

I know. Ill search from the sky.

Thank you.

After saying that Ain took to the sky.

I left Ain to look under the steep part of the cliff since she could fly, while I on the other hand looked around the wreckage of the dungeon, in the opposite direction of Azalea.

On top of this area being wide, it was also riddled with rocks which made it hard to see. I shouted out Claudes name with a loud voice.

CLAUDE!! WHERE ARE YOU?!!

I used all of my strength in order to shout over and over again.

CLAUDE!!

However, there was no response.

I guess I wont be able to find her so easily.I guess Azalea and her friends have already searched through this area so I guess its only natural that she isnt here Damn it, where in the world did she go!

Being overwhelmed by a feeling of impatience I kicked on of the rocks with my foot, it was then that I received a Telepathy call from Ain who was a little farther away.

Gramps, come here! Theres a cave at the bottom of the cliff

Im coming!!

A cave!

There wasnt something like that shown on the islands map.

It wasnt a dungeon, and the chances of Claude being there werent zero.

I went down the cliff and got to the place where Ain was at.

The large rocks that emerged from the surface of the sea were wet and scraggy, making it difficult to cross.

I proceeded carefully, while paying attention to my steps, while Ain was floating in front of a large crack in the rock wall.

Gramps, its here.

Okay.

Ain pointed to a crack in the wall, inside of which I could certainly see a small cave.

I cast a Red Ball inside, but it was dark so I couldnt see anything at the back.

CLAUDE!! Ain shouted, however only her echo continued to ring out within the cave.

Well guess we have to go in.

Be careful gramps.