Meanwhile, Shirone and his friends had spent the past two days holed up in the Noble Library, poring over every piece of material they could find.
After intense discussion, they finally pieced together the underlying principles behind the photon cannon.
"What exactly is mass?" Shirone asked, deep in thought.
"If there were no mass, there would be no events. That might sound like a peaceful world—but also a strange one. There's no real reason why our world must have mass."
Iruki responded, "But mass existed from the beginning."
As if the world was always meant to be full of activity.
"Seeing mass as weight is a human concept," Shirone continued. "In reality, weight is just the force caused by gravity. But in the universe, there's no 'up' or 'down.' So what does mass mean to the universe—not to us?"
Neid offered a thought. "Hmm. Cohesion? Maybe mass depends on how densely molecules are packed together."
"That's reasonable," Shirone said, "but it still feels like a surface-level explanation. It defines mass from an all-knowing standpoint, but not an all-powerful one."
"Then what is the mass you're talking about?" Siana asked.
Shirone answered carefully. "Existence."
"Huh?"
"I've been wondering why this feels so unintuitive. It's hard to imagine anything beyond human dimensions. So instead, let's imagine something beneath our level—like the dimension of the soul. Let's say that, by some force, the soul is able to manifest in the physical world."
"Okay… so?"
"That force is what spirits might call mass in their world—mental mass. Maybe they even perceive it as weight. The heavier a soul is, the more it can appear clearly in our reality."
Neid nodded slowly. "That actually makes sense. What if the soul produces waves when it interacts with physical space? Kind of like how gravitational waves work in our world."
"That's exactly what I was thinking. If a spirit were to invade our world, it would be considered 'heavy' in the spirit realm. But from our perspective…"
Iruki jumped in, "It becomes existence. We don't experience it as weight—we just feel how vivid or present it is. It's about how strongly it exists in this world."
"Right," Shirone said. "So when I look at reality through omnipotent vision, I feel like mass is more than just what we think it is. There's a deeper secret to existence, from a cosmic perspective."
Omnipotence is deeply personal—no one can truly understand what another sees.
But through this metaphor, Shirone's friends got a glimpse of what he was trying to express.
Iruki leaned on his hand. "Now that I hear it like this, it sounds legit. Like proof of existence—like the breath or will of the Creator."
Neid snapped his fingers. "The God Particle!"
"Huh?"
"I mean it. The omnipotence Shirone discovered—it sounds just like the God Particle."
"Ohh! I like that. Shirone, what do you think?"
Shirone smiled, slightly stunned. It felt like he'd uncovered something that had always been there—something that perfectly matched his understanding of omnipotence.
"I like it. And I think it's important."
"Definitely," Iruki agreed. "Omnipotence is tied to a mage's spirit. I'm glad we got that part sorted out."
Shirone chuckled. "It's thanks to you guys."
Having finished a major breakthrough, Iruki sprawled out on the library floor.
"I read so much I thought my eyes were going to fall out."
"Let's wrap it up for now," Siana said. "We'll head back to school tomorrow. Classes start again after the weekend, so let's try to prepare. You haven't forgotten our promise, right?"
Neid raised his hand. "Of course not. I'm going to make it into Class Four this semester. Time to study like my life depends on it. Worst case… Shirone might graduate before us."
Everyone fell silent.
It was a joke, but the more they thought about it, the more real it seemed.
Shirone might be behind in theory, but he was always first in practicals—and now he'd discovered the God Particle.
Iruki gave him a sideways glance. "Shirone… you're not actually planning to graduate this year, are you?"
"Haha! Come on, don't be ridiculous. If anyone's breaking the promise, it's me. You guys are at least in the upper-middle range of Class Five."
Shirone wasn't wrong. But when it came to growth, it was hard not to feel nervous.
How was it possible for someone who didn't even know the academy's four-year system to suddenly be aiming for graduation in just half a year?
Shirone picked up his book again.
"Well, since we're done, I'll read a bit before bed. I can't sleep anyway."
"Huh? Then I'll read too," Neid said.
Iruki groaned but followed, dragging himself from the floor and joining them at the table.
Shirone shook his head, half amused.
These were the same friends who once said they'd still play even if the world was ending tomorrow.
Now they were fired up—burning with passion for learning.
It was more than just sharing a mutual understanding—it was the joy of running side by side.
"I made a good friend."
Shirone was the last of the three to open his book.
Kingdom Education Academic Conference – Teachers' Association
The Kingdom Education Academic Conference, hosted by the Teachers' Association, brought together experts from all corners of society—magic schools, swordsmanship academies, monasteries, academic institutions, alchemy foundations, and even the famed 99 Elite Artists—to share their visions for the future of the kingdom.
Sade was attending as a representative of Alpheas Magic School.
After days of exhausting debates about the pros and cons of "spoon-fed education," he was on the verge of losing it.
"Ugh. Do these people ever sleep? I just wanna go home."
He was only here because Alpheas ordered him to attend, but this kind of event was exactly the type he hated.
Sade had always been a bit of a troublemaker back in school, and he didn't think learning really mattered whether it was voluntary or not.
"I need a drink after this."
The discussions around him faded into the background as his gaze started wandering toward the women in the hall.
That's when he spotted her.
A woman seated at the opposite table, her long blue hair cascading down her back. Despite wearing a formal suit, there was a playful sparkle in her smile that stood out.
"Ozent Reina, right?"
She was one of the 99 Elite Artists, a disciple of the legendary pianist Merhen, and a highly respected court musician.
"I have to talk to her tonight."
When the conference finally ended around 7 p.m., the Teachers' Association hosted an evening party.
Attendees mingled with wine glasses in hand, chatting with people from all sorts of backgrounds. Reina, of course, was surrounded by important figures.
The challenge of approaching her only made Sade more eager.
"Guess everyone sees what I see."
While waiting for his chance, he eavesdropped on the conversations happening around her.
Most were just trying to show off or flirt with clumsy jokes. Still, Reina kept her cheerful smile and responded to everyone with warmth and grace.
Sade was surprised. He'd always heard that members of the 99 were eccentric and hard to deal with—but Reina was the opposite.
"If only Siana had half that charm…"
As he took a sip of wine, lost in thought, Reina suddenly walked over to him.
"Hello, Mr. Sade."
"Oh! Yes! Uh—wait, you know who I am?"
Sure, anyone could check the attendee list, but it was rare for someone to remember names.
"Of course. You're a teacher at Alpheas Magic School. And Ozent's from Creas, right?"
"Ah! Right. Small world. Nice to meet you."
Realizing they were both from the same region, the two hit it off and ended up talking for quite a while.
Just as he expected, Reina had a genuinely bright and friendly personality.
"By the way, how's Shirone doing?"
"Huh? Wait—how do you know Shirone? Oh… right."
Sade remembered then—he had seen Ozent's name listed as Shirone's sponsor on his entrance paperwork.
"Shirone is a guest of the Ozent family. And yes, she has a real talent for recognizing potential in people. Shirone's doing well—though… there was a bit of a mishap recently."
"Oh? A mishap?"
Sade panicked a little inside.
He didn't want Reina to find out that the student supported by the Ozent family had been suspended.
"Haha, it's nothing serious. You know how it is—when you're a standout student, even small incidents get blown out of proportion. That's all."
"I see."
Reina let out a soft breath of relief.
Just from the way Sade spoke, she could imagine how Shirone had been doing.
"I'm glad to hear he's doing well. Has he made many friends?"
"Oh, tons. Shirone gets along with everyone, no matter who they are. Honestly, I'm a little jealous sometimes, haha!"
With Shirone's warm personality, it wasn't surprising that he was so well-liked.
But deep down, Sade felt a small twinge of sadness.
That once-chaotic time when Shirone's life had been flipped upside down… and the way the boy had looked at him with admiration… it all felt so distant now.
"I guess it was just a passing moment."
Sade asked gently.
"Why do you ask? Is there something on your mind?"
"No… I'm just happy to know he's doing okay."
"Yeah, don't worry. I know I might not look it, but Alpheas Magic School is one of the most prestigious in the kingdom. You can trust us."
"Haha, you're right. Maybe I was overthinking it."
"Not at all. Actually, how about this? I'm heading back to Creas in the morning. Want to come with me? I'll treat you to a nice lunch."
Reina smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, I'd love to, but I have a performance scheduled. I'll have to go to Bashka instead."
"Ah… I see."
Sade couldn't hide his disappointment.
For once, he had genuinely come to like someone.
"Well, that's too bad. But I really want to see your performance. Can you tell me when it is? I'll go to Bashka to see it."
"I'd be honored. To be honest, I've been a bit worried… there's been some trouble in the capital. They might cancel the performance."
Sade raised an eyebrow.
"Trouble? What kind of trouble?"
"I heard a dark mage attacked Inferno. And a Class B wanted criminal escaped from prison. The capital's under heavy security right now—almost like martial law."
"A… dark mage?"
Sade's expression darkened.
It would've been easy to brush off as just another incident, but something about it wouldn't leave his mind.
"That's strange…"
Dark mages were extremely rare these days.
And why would one go out of their way to attack Inferno, just to break out a Class B criminal?
"Dark magic. Inferno. B-class fugitive…"
Suddenly, a memory stirred in Sade's mind—an old, familiar pattern.
A method he hadn't seen in a long time.
"Can you tell me a little more about that?"
Reina shared what she knew.
"The incident happened about a week ago. The escaped prisoner's name is Lucas. Before he was caught, he was the vice-leader of the Parrot Thieves. Their leader is still on the run."
"And the person who attacked Inferno—do you know anything about him, besides the prisoner?"
"Well... I've only heard rumors. They say he was an old man with white hair, accompanied by two followers. He used some kind of dark magic to break the prison bars and free the inmates. What was it called again? Something with 'dark'..."
"The power of darkness?"
"Yes, that's it! As expected from a teacher at a magic academy—you know your stuff."
Reina's tone grew brighter, but Sade wasn't listening anymore.
An old man, using the power of darkness, had attacked Inferno.
Sade suddenly stood up.
"Sorry—I have to go."
"Huh? Oh, right..."
Even as he remained polite, Sade's mind was racing. He had to get back to school immediately.
Damn it! Why did this have to happen while I was away on a business trip?!
If the jailbreak happened a week ago, then whoever was responsible could have easily made it to Creas by now.
"Carriage! I need a carriage!"
Sade rushed out of the mansion and jumped into the first one he saw waiting in line.
He opened the small window to the driver's seat and shouted, "Take me to Creas! As fast as possible!"
"Sorry, sir. All these carriages are reserved. If you're not on the list, I can't—"
The driver stopped mid-sentence as Sade tossed a bag of gold coins into the seat next to him.
"Here! This enough? Yes or no?"
Seeing the gleam of gold, the driver turned the reins without hesitation.
"I'll get you there fast! Will we be stopping overnight?"
"No stops! Go as fast as you can!"
"Yah!"
The horses surged forward, their hooves pounding against the stone road as they broke into a gallop.
"Haa... I can't afford to be late."
Only then did Sade lean back in his seat, resting his forehead against the window.
He wanted to teleport, but casting magic without knowing the coordinates or environment was dangerous—even for someone skilled. One mistake, and not even ten lives would be enough.
As he gave up on saving time through magic, his thoughts finally cleared.
The first question that came to mind was simple, chilling.
How did he come back?
Sade had never met him in person, but he remembered the stories—especially the ones Alpheas told.
"Viltor Arcane…"
Sade's eyes narrowed, growing colder.
Meanwhile, around 4 AM...
Canis and his group reached the training grounds nestled in the mountains above Alpheas Magic Academy.
So this is where they train...
Canis had never attended a magic school himself, but even he could tell the facilities were impressive.
A lazy, mocking voice spoke behind him.
"Wow, they really poured money into this place. Bet the land here costs a fortune."
Canis turned around.
Lucas—the Class B wanted criminal—stood there, twin swords with parrot engravings strapped to his back.
"Keep your voice down. There might be guards."
"What's the big deal? If they show up, we just cut 'em down. Dead men don't talk."
Canis's expression hardened.
He had agreed to travel with Lucas on the Master's orders, but after just a few days, he already hated the man.
"Don't forget, you were hired. If this operation fails, you won't walk away from it."
"Ooh, scary. Kids these days sure are full of attitude. Bet you're real polite to your teachers though, huh?"
Lucas casually stuck his swords into the dirt and sat down, grinning. Canis didn't respond.
I'm only enduring this for Master's sake. Even if I hate the guy, revenge comes first.
Lucas let out a big yawn.
"So, why are we just waiting around here? Don't we need to head down to the academy?"
Arin, her face twisted with disgust, snapped back.
"The Master is casting a spell. It's an area spell—if we're inside the range, we'll be caught in it too. Feel free to go down on your own if you think you'll survive."
Lucas raised his hands in surrender. Truthfully, even he didn't want to mess with Arcane's magic.
"No need to get mad, little lady. Ugly expressions ruin that cute face of yours."
"Who cares what anyone looks like?"
"Quiet," Canis interrupted. "It's starting."
All eyes turned to the sky.
A lone figure stood in front of the moon—Arcane, suspended in the air.
He's maintaining flight at that altitude… Master, you truly are beyond ordinary mages.
Flight magic required a fusion of press-type spells (to compress air) and blow-type spells (to generate lift). While technically possible for advanced mages, maintaining it—especially that high in the atmosphere—demanded immense mental focus.
As the group watched, the moonlight began to dim.
Darkness was spreading.
From the heavens, Arcane's eyes flared with fury.
This is my wrath, Alpheas.
With a gesture, he unleashed Abyss Nova—his life's greatest spell. Darkness surged down from the sky in a column, then rippled out like a wave, engulfing the academy.
When the moonlight finally returned, Arcane was gasping for breath.
"Kaaaah! Kaaaah!"
Even for a great mage, Abyss Nova consumed over 90% of his mental strength. It would take days to recover.
That's why Lucas had been hired—and why Arcane's disciples would now carry out the rest of the plan.
Finish this.
Canis met Arcane's gaze and nodded. With that, the old mage disappeared into the mountains.
By his standards, the disciples were still immature. But with Abyss Nova unleashed, there was no one left who could stop them.
"Kuhaha… Just wait, Alpheas. I'll make you feel the shame I suffered forty years ago."
And as the first light of dawn crept over the ridge, the real battle was about to begin.