The Magic Revolution Stripped Me of My Purpose—That Much is Certain.
But the truth is, right now, I'm still needed at the adventurer's guild.
Why is there still demand for me? The answer is simple.
The magic-enabling Spirit Guidance-Type Magic Booster Bracelet—dubbed the Promoter—that Suzuna provided is an imperfect tool.
---
In this world, magic has attributes: fire, wind, earth, water, wood, light, and darkness—seven in total. Wearing the bracelet grants access to six of these, excluding light.
That's right—light attribute magic can't be used.
I don't know the exact reasoning, but apparently, light-attribute spirits are too delicate to be fooled by something as crude as a bracelet.
And light is super effective against the undead.
Which means, when it comes to fighting undead-type monsters, me—with my S-rank aptitude—am still necessary.
But come on, isn't this messed up? If this bracelet didn't exist, people would be calling me a genius for wielding all attributes, right?
"An S-rank light attribute user? That's way too OP!"—if I could've basked in that kind of hype, I'd have been so much happier. Just a little while ago, I was considered the strongest in all attributes, so I can't even enjoy this properly.
The bracelet allows women to use magic, but aptitude ranks vary from person to person. That said, some do naturally have S-rank potential.
By the way, Kazusa apparently has the same all-attribute S-rank as me. Otherworlders tend to have higher abilities, but even then, there are exceptions like Noa, who has no aptitude…
Kazusa is just built different.
---
"Thanks again for today, bro."
After hunting undead in the desolate graveyard east of the Glaus Republic, I received the usual praise from my senior and returned to the adventurer's guild.
The Adventurer's Guild.
Located in the heart of the Glaus Republic's capital, the building occupies a surprisingly large plot of land despite being in the middle of a bustling city.
Inside, a spacious area was filled with tables where adventurers usually gathered. Most of them knew me by now—I'd been working here long enough.
Normally, it was just another uneventful scene.
But today, something felt off.
The guild was noisy. Not the usual clamor, but the kind of buzz that comes when people see something unusual.
"What's going on? It's way louder than usual."
"No idea. Maybe a crackdown or something?"
The adventurer's guild had a lot of men, which meant Tsugumi's influence sometimes led to unfair restrictions.
Unfair—but not outright illegal. Tsugumi wasn't the type to resort to underhanded, criminal tactics.
Instead, she'd nitpick the smallest, most insignificant violations—things like registering an unidentified man as an adventurer without permission, or failing to prevent a civilian from being killed by a monster.
The backlash might also be because I'm here. The thought stung a little.
But this time, the commotion didn't seem to be about a crackdown.
"Ah, Takumi-dono, is that you?"
The man who approached me was well-dressed in something resembling a suit.
Duke Felix.
One of the former nobles.
"Your Grace, is it really okay for you to be here? What about Tsugumi?"
"Hahaha! It may sound conceited coming from me, but I'm a good noble. I've done nothing shady. There's no need to hide."
Laughing, the Duke stroked his proud Kaiser mustache. He looked lively as ever.
---
Tsugumi had expelled the corrupt nobles.
The king and nobles she drove out were real scum. They treated girls like slaves—or worse—and many had reportedly died as playthings. That's why even the common men didn't oppose their exile.
But even Tsugumi couldn't easily remove Duke Felix, a moderate. His character had earned him many allies, so instead of exile, he was merely forced to live near the royal capital—just like me.
The Duke was one of the few who could openly oppose Tsugumi. His presence alone was enough to stir up the guild.
Our shared circumstances—both being under Tsugumi's scrutiny—had naturally brought us closer.
"Takumi-dono, do you have time today?"
"Ah, you mean that matter? I just finished a quest, so I'm free."
"Then would you mind coming to my residence?"
"Understood."
After a quick report on my quest, I headed to his place.
---
Duke Felix's Residence—the Former Ducal Mansion.
Currently, Duke Felix held no real power. The republic had abolished the nobility system, so the title "Duke" was just a courtesy.
"Well then, shall we begin?"
The Duke started preparing.
The first time I came here, he told me something:
"S-rank in all magic attributes."
"Compatible with holy and demon swords."
And—because I was an otherworldly man—I possessed a Unique Skill.
I hadn't received it from any goddess, but apparently, I did have one. A power separate from magic or swords—something uniquely useful.
My skill was supposedly called "Manipulation Arts."
"Supposedly" because I had no way to confirm it myself.
Its effects were said to be powerful—capable of guiding or even brainwashing others. But right now, I couldn't control it at all.
Duke Felix was helping me train to master it.
If I used this skill to brainwash Tsugumi, all my problems would vanish. But my conscience wouldn't allow that. Unless my life was in danger, I wouldn't even consider it.
Right now, I just wanted to prove I could use this power to fight monsters—and ultimately, the Demon King tormenting this world. If I could demonstrate my strength, maybe I'd be allowed to join Kazusa in the labyrinth where the Demon King lurked.
"Now then, Takumi-dono. First, take this."
To wield a Unique Skill, an otherworlder needed a specialized tool—a badge embedded with a green gem.
Apparently, it drew out and activated the skill's power from the user's body.
A rabbit was placed in front of me. Smaller creatures were easier to affect, so we'd start with this.
"First, calm your mind."
I followed the Duke's instructions.
"Good. Lower your head slightly and close your eyes. Extend one hand forward—imagine throwing a thread outward. Can you feel the energy flowing from your fingertips?"
...
Nothing.
No sensation of power, no flow—nothing.
"—Obey me."
I couldn't just give up, so I spoke the command.
"Jump."
I ordered the rabbit to jump.
It didn't react. It didn't even twitch—if anything, it lowered its head slightly, almost as if mocking me.
No effect whatsoever.
Next attempt.
"—Obey Duke Felix."
If I couldn't do it, maybe changing the target would work.
"Jump, if you would."
This time, the Duke gave the command.
Still, the rabbit remained motionless.
"No effect."
"None at all."
We both sighed deeply.
"Duke Felix… are you sure I even have this skill?"
"There's no doubt you possess it. But we don't frequently summon otherworlders, you see. It's possible you're simply… an exception."
"Could the Demon King have sealed it in advance? Or maybe the issue lies in being transported here alongside the girls?"
"I can't rule out those possibilities. I'll look into a few leads, but I'm afraid the outlook isn't promising."
An exception, huh?
I don't know how or why, but this is downright unfair. Wasn't I supposed to be some ultra-cheat who could even fight the Demon King?
"In any case, persistence may yield results. I'll contact you again when the time is right."
"Yes, thank you."
Summoning otherworlders and guiding their Unique Skills was once the privilege of kings and nobles. With the trash nobility gone, Duke Felix was the only one left I could rely on.
The road ahead is tough… but I hope things work out.
Lost in wishful thinking, I left the Duke's mansion.
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