The tale began with a beautiful morning. Ryu woke up as sunlight hit his face directly. He opened his eyes and was suddenly shocked, unsure of his whereabouts, before realizing he was within the pact of Daisuke.
"Aah, well, I finally woke up. I have only two days to find a way out of here. Until then, I could learn the ancient magic," Ryu whispered to himself.
Then he looked to the garden, where Yuki was assisting Kiyomi. "Well,she is a very kind-hearted lady, but it is sad that she will become a Demon Queen," Ryu thought within the confines of his mind.
He stood up and went to change his clothes, then ventured out to receive lessons from Sora-sama.
"Master, well, I possess an ability that only you could help me refine. I heard that you are the sole person who knows how to utilize it properly," Ryu said.
"Very well, show me this ability," Sora replied.
"My sister told me on the night of the academy incident that the detection skill was invented by the Battle Goddess, Sora-sama," Ryu contemplated internally. "Yes,Master," Ryu verbally replied to Sora, then activated his detection skill. He utilized his Light element and did not conceal his mana power so Sora could perceive the skill's essence.
"Wait, is it…?" Sora uttered, her interest piqued.
"Yes, it is the detection skill, Master. I heard that you are able to employ the skill more proficiently," Ryu stated.
"What you call 'detection'… Hmm, it is not a bad nomenclature, but its true name is the Skill of the Third Eye," Sora elucidated.
"Oh, the Skill of the Third Eye—that is a more fitting name, Master," Ryu conceded.
"Ah, yes. And I conceived this skill roughly fifteen to twenty years ago," Sora revealed.
"What? Twenty years?" Ryu exclaimed, his voice laden with shock.
"I heard from my sister that Sora was an intelligent person, and the skill was lost after the Great Tragedy. But she also told me that as the genuine skill was lost, many mages attempted to recreate it, yet they failed to replicate the original. The skill I have employed is the finest copy of the main skill, but it remains only a sixty percent match with the authentic version. Even so, the skill is still powerful enough to scan any area, though the original is invariably superior," Ryu mentally mused.
"Well, you have utilized the Light element to perform the skill. You could also accomplish it with the Dark element to obscure the user's mana signature. However, neither is sufficient to scan an extensive area," Sora instructed.
"Yes, Master, you are correct," Ryu affirmed.
"I am aware that the ancient skills are exceedingly powerful, but this one is a forbidden spell, even from antiquity, making it truly an insane skill. There are also rumors that Sora-sama created other skills, and now I suspect those rumors are substantiated," Ryu pondered silently.
"Well, let us commence with the magic circle required to cast the skill," Sora declared.
She summoned a magic circle above her head, which abruptly expanded and gradually became invisible.
"Master, it extended so rapidly!" Ryu observed.
"Indeed. Remember the structure of the circle. It is utilized to scan any item profoundly. You must fuse your Dark elemental power into the circle, then release your elemental energy and allow it to expand over the area. Since the Dark element will only manifest in places where shadows reside, it will propagate across a vast territory. Subsequently, you need to fuse your Light element with the magic once you have reached your targeted limit. You will then notice that the entire covered area becomes detectable, and you can perceive even the most minute changes within that zone. However, remember to only expand the magic in accordance with your mana reserves," Sora meticulously explained.
"Yes, Master, I understand," Ryu acknowledged.
"Sora-sama is a great battle mage and an exceptional teacher, as she explains everything in a detailed manner," Ryu thought admiringly.
"Well, as you mentioned you have explored this type of ability, I have conceived a new idea. We could attempt to fuse the Wind element to detect monsters or other entities flying at a distance from the ground, and fuse the Earth element to detect entities beneath the surface. Thank you for the novel idea, Ryu," Sora said.
"Ah, well, I have not done anything, Master. But I could assist you in your new research," Ryu offered.
"Ah, that is agreeable, but first you must master the primary skill," Sora asserted.
"Yes, Master, I shall begin my training immediately," Ryu declared.
He conjured the same circle and initiated its expansion using his Dark element, extending it to a radius of two hundred kilometers. He was astounded by his own capability, and then attempted to fuse the Light element. Suddenly, his entire mana reservoir was depleted in a mere second, and he collapsed to the ground.
"M-Master… I have lost all my mana energy," Ryu reported, his voice faltering.
"Ah, I instructed you to expand the zone according to your capability. The extension of the Dark element is not arduous, but when you fuse other elements, it demands significantly more mana," Sora chided gently.
"I apologize, teacher," Ryu said.
Sora extended her hand to help Ryu stand, then cast a magic circle upon his hand. Abruptly, Ryu felt his mana being restored at an accelerated rate.
"W-What manner of mana channeling is this? The same magic that was lost many years ago… even before the Great Tragedy, it was a rare skill. This means it was lost a minimum of seven thousand years ago from my true timeline!" Ryu's mind raced. "Master,is this the Mana Channeling skill?" Ryu inquired.
"Ah, yes, Ryu. It has been lost for thousands of years, but our family has preserved the skill, as our ancestors acquired it from the great mage of that era," Sora confirmed.
"Master… please, could you instruct me in this skill?" Ryu requested.
"Ah, very well, Ryu. I believe you could utilize it more effectively than I, so I shall teach it to you," Sora acquiesced.
"Thank you, Master," Ryu expressed his gratitude.
"Well, your mana storage capacity is remarkably limited," Sora noted.
"Yes, Master. I have been afflicted by mana instability for seven years, so I could not undergo proper training to increase my mana reserves," Ryu explained.
"Nevertheless, I have also sensed the mana of Sora-sama, and her mana is thousands—no, millions—of times greater than mine. Even my sister Akari says that I possess a larger amount of mana stored within my body compared to other ordinary students," Ryu contemplated internally.
"Oh, Ryu, that is a most unfortunate circumstance. However, there remains a method to increase your mana storage rapidly. Daisuke created a mental space many years ago, and you could train there. Within that space, the flow of time is significantly slower, and as it is a mental realm, the atmosphere is saturated with dense mana. Your mana could increase there effortlessly if you train. Your training will commence tomorrow morning at that location," Sora informed him.
"A mental space?" Ryu whispered in awe.
"Is something the matter, Ryu? Is there a problem?" Sora asked.
"No, Master. I am prepared for it," Ryu affirmed.
"Well, you wished to learn the skill of Mana Channeling. It is quite simple; let us begin now," Sora declared.
"Yes, Master," Ryu replied.
Time passed, and eventually the training session concluded.
"Well, thank you, Master, for your instruction," Ryu said.
"Ah, it is no monumental matter, Ryu," Sora replied.
"Master, could you employ your Mana Channeling once more, if it is not an inconvenience? I have only a negligible amount of mana remaining, and I could utilize the mana for enhanced safety," Ryu requested.
"Of course, Ryu," Sora agreed.
Ryu collected a substantial quantity of mana—approximately forty percent of Sora's total reserves. He refrained from drawing more, concerned about potential difficulties for Sora in restoring her mana, or the risk of his ring exploding, as he was unaware of its storage limit. The ring glowed with a blue light as Ryu deactivated its mana-siphoning function. He glanced at his ring once more, then concluded his training session.
"Thank you so much, Master," Ryu expressed.
"It is no great deed, Ryu. And you truly possess a marvelous ring with an immense storage capacity. I suspect the heart of a powerful monster was utilized in its creation; it is veritably a treasure," Sora remarked.
"Well, I am not privy to the ring's origins, as I received it as a gift from my elder sister," Ryu explained.
Time progressed to the afternoon. Ryu departed from the pact with Yuki to explore the surrounding area.
"Well, Yuki, have you discovered any clues to escape this place?" Ryu inquired.
"No, Ryu. Have you conceived any ideas?" Yuki asked in return.
"Unfortunately, no, Yuki. I have been unable to ascertain any clues," Ryu admitted.
"Ah, we must discover a method before the night of the full moon," Ryu stated.
"Indeed, we have a limited amount of time," Yuki concurred.
"But until then, we must acquire more abilities, as these skills are of paramount importance," Ryu asserted.
"Agreed," Yuki replied.
Ryu then employed a basic detection spell fused with the Wind element, discovering that it could detect structures and objects within its range.
"Well, Yuki, there is a path leading to the Royal Capital, merely six kilometers from here," Ryu announced.
"Yes, but we cannot venture there today, as we must return before nightfall," Yuki reasoned.
"Indeed, it would be preferable to seek the elder's permission, as he alone is aware of our true identities within this timeline," Ryu replied.
They resolved to enter the forest to slay some monsters, test their abilities, and gain practical combat experience.
They entered the forest adjacent to the village, and Ryu utilized his detection spell, fused with Earth, Light, and Wind elements.
"Ah, I cannot employ my Third Eye skill presently, as I lack sufficient mana, and I am ignorant of how to utilize an external source for the spell," Ryu whispered.
"Yuki! I have detected some F-rank monsters nearby. This is an opportune moment to test our capabilities," Ryu declared.
Ryu then summoned his sword and Yuki's magic wand from his dimensional space, and they proceeded to the area inhabited by the monsters.
"Look, there are goblins. I recall a universal quest to eliminate goblins, with a reward of ten copper coins per goblin slain," Ryu stated.
"Truly? Well, we require funds to purchase items from this era," Yuki noted.
"Indeed, Yuki. We must also collect magic stones, as the magic stones from this time are more valuable and potent," Ryu added.
"Yes, that is also true," Yuki affirmed.
"Very well, let us attack them. You assault from the rear, and I shall engage them directly with my sword," Ryu directed.
"Understood," Yuki replied.
Ryu promptly utilized enhancement magic to augment his speed and charged forward, delivering a slash against the goblins. Some goblins fled, while others, armed with weapons, counterattacked. Ryu continuously assaulted and evaded their attacks.
"Yuki, remember not to attract additional monsters. If we inadvertently draw the attention of a high-ranking monster, escape will be impossible," Ryu cautioned.
"Yes, Ryu, I am endeavoring to release minimal mana," Yuki responded.
They fought for an extended duration, ultimately defeating approximately thirty goblins.
"F-Finally… we have slain them all," Yuki exclaimed, thoroughly exhausted and devoid of mana.
"Well, I am also fatigued," Ryu admitted.
Ryu then utilized the stored mana from Sora to swiftly restore his own reserves. He approached Yuki.
"Yuki, give me your hand," Ryu requested.
Yuki blushed. "B-But what will you do?"Yuki inquired, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
Ryu grasped Yuki's hand and employed the Mana Channeling skill. "W-What are you doing,Ryu? But I feel my mana being replenished!" Yuki exclaimed.
"Yes, I am channeling my mana to you," Ryu explained.
"Oh no, I thought it was something else… sigh it did not occur," Yuki whispered to herself.
"Did you say something, Yuki?" Ryu asked.
"N-No, Ryu," Yuki replied, her face flushing crimson.
Ryu then sensed additional monsters nearby, perceiving them as E-rank entities. "Yuki,I have detected E-level monsters. I believe we should investigate, as they appear injured and there are no other monsters in the vicinity," Ryu suggested.
"Hmm… I suppose we could assess the situation," Yuki agreed.
"But first, we must process the goblins and collect their left ears," Ryu stated.
"W-What? Is that not peculiar?" Yuki questioned.
"Ah, yes, but we require the ears as proof of our kills to claim the reward," Ryu clarified.
They processed the goblin corpses; Ryu acquired seven magic cores, examined one, and stored the others in his magical space alongside the ears in a bag.
They then proceeded towards the other monsters, observing two wolf monsters.
"Those are wolf monsters, but they typically travel in large packs," Yuki noted.
"Indeed, I suspect they were attacked by a high-rank monster, such as a dragon. The two wolves are injured, substantiating that they escaped the encounter," Ryu deduced.
"True, but wolves usually travel in groups of sixty to seventy. Even as E-rank, an A-rank hunter would require assistance to confront the entire pack. There is likely a leader among them, possibly of C or D rank," Yuki elaborated.
"Precisely. Therefore, I conjecture a dragon may have assaulted them. The leader is absent, so we could eliminate these two," Ryu proposed.
"Agreed, but do not take undue risks," Yuki cautioned.
"Remain here. If any peril arises, flee immediately and escape," Ryu instructed.
"But, Ryu—" Yuki began to protest, but Ryu activated his shield and rushed to attack the wolf monsters.
He executed a sneak attack on the wolves, managing to strike one, though the blow failed to inflict significant injury. The other wolf counterattacked; Ryu narrowly evaded and continued his assault, but inadvertently, a single attack from a wolf landed on his left arm.
"No, Ryu!" Yuki shouted.
The wolf noticed Yuki, and one of them lunged towards her. "Yuki,why did you reveal yourself?!" Ryu yelled, sprinting to her defense. He barely blocked the wolf's attack and forced it back. Accidentally, he merged a wind slash with shadow element, generating a potent attack that severely injured the monster.
"What is this new attack?" Ryu wondered, astonished.
He repeatedly employed the attack, ultimately slaying the monsters. "SighFinally, I have vanquished them," Ryu whispered.
"Ryu!" Yuki called out as she approached.
"Yuki, are you unharmed?" Ryu inquired.
Yuki reached Ryu's side. "Ryu,show me your wound," Yuki demanded.
She commenced healing the injury; the wound mostly closed, but several deep lacerations remained unhealed. "Ryu,I have reached my limit," Yuki admitted.
"It is acceptable, Yuki. This is sufficient," Ryu replied, summoning a bandage from his magical space.
"Ah, Ryu, allow me," Yuki insisted.
She took the bandage from Ryu and carefully wrapped it around the wound.
They then processed the wolf corpses. Ryu collected the fur, nails, and a single tooth from each wolf as proof of the hunt.
"Well, the fur and nails could be sold for a considerable price, while the teeth serve the same purpose as the goblin ears," Ryu explained to Yuki.
"Oh, Ryu, you are more knowledgeable than I regarding hunting," Yuki remarked.
"Well, that is not entirely accurate, Yuki. You possess greater understanding of monsters, whereas I am merely a novice. I lack the extensive knowledge of my father," Ryu stated.
"Perhaps, but you are still stronger than I," Yuki noted.
"Let us proceed to the guild. We must vend these items before they decompose," Ryu suggested.
"Indeed, Ryu. The ears will decompose, and we would forfeit the reward," Yuki concurred.
They exited the forest and proceeded to the guild. As Ryu opened the door to enter, he saw Haru inside, preparing to depart for home. She noticed Ryu.
"Ryu," Haru greeted.
"Yes, Miss?" Ryu responded.
"Ah, you are injured! What were you engaged in? Have you utilized healing magic?" Haru inquired.
"Yes, Miss, I employed healing magic, but the wound was not entirely remedied. We were combating monsters in the forest, hence the injury," Ryu explained.
"Ah, allow me to heal this wound," Haru offered.
She unwrapped the bandage and observed the deep lacerations on his arm. "Ryu,did you confront wolves?" Haru asked.
"Well, yes, Miss. We were fortunate," Ryu replied.
"What?! Even an A-rank adventurer would struggle against a wolf pack! How did you escape?" Haru exclaimed.
"Well, there were only two wolves, and they were previously injured. Thus, we were fortunate," Ryu clarified.
"Thank the gods. But you are either stronger than you appear, or evading wolves is exceptionally challenging, even in small numbers," Haru mused, striking her palm against her forehead.
She then healed the injuries, though a scar remained on Ryu's arm. "Ah,it has left a scar," Haru lamented.
"Do not concern yourself, Miss. A scar signifies a warrior," Ryu reassured her.
"Well, I neglected to inquire if you have business here," Haru recalled.
"Indeed, Miss, we came to vend some items," Ryu confirmed.
"Oh, excellent, Ryu. But do you possess an adventurer card?" Haru asked.
"No, Miss, I nearly forgot about it," Ryu admitted.
"Oh, do not fret, Ryu. We shall create one. Hina, prepare two adventurer passes for them," Haru instructed the receptionist.
Shortly thereafter, Hina returned with two cards. "Now you may vend your items.Please present them," Haru directed.
"Yes, Miss," Ryu complied, summoning the bag filled with goblin ears.
"W-What? You have slain them? But this quantity exceeds the norm!" The receptionist, Hina, uttered in a frustrated tone, eager to conclude her shift and return home.
"Ah, do not concern yourself, Hina. I have arrived. You may depart," a new receptionist, Luna, announced as she approached.
"Oh, Luna, your timing is impeccable!" Hina replied with a smile, hastily departing.
Luna examined the bag and reacted with dismay. "W-What?I must count these? No, gods, why?" Luna lamented.
Haru smiled mischievously from behind, thoroughly amused.
Luna counted the ears, totaling thirty-seven. "Well,you have eliminated thirty-seven goblins. The reward is three hundred seventy copper coins, equating to seven silver coins and twenty copper coins, as fifty copper coins equal one silver coin, and one hundred silver coins equal one gold coin," Luna explained, handing over the coins.
"But we have additional items," Ryu declared, presenting the two wolf teeth.
"W-What? You slew them?!" Haru exclaimed from behind.
Once Luna realized the teeth belonged to wolf monsters, her expression shifted to one of shock. "Well,yes, Miss. I slew them to ensure our escape. I also wish to vend the fur and nails," Ryu stated.
"Ah, so you escaped! Now I comprehend why the wolves did not pursue you," Haru deduced, striking her hand against her forehead.
The monetary calculation concluded, and Ryu received a total of two gold coins, seven silver coins, and twenty copper coins, as a first-time adventurer, he was granted a higher reward; otherwise, he would have received only one gold coin as an experienced adventurer.
Ryu exited the guild with Haru, as Luna bid them to return.
The scene shifted to an adventurer observing Ryu and Yuki with intense animosity—the same adventurer who had previously clashed with Ryu, provoking Haru's ire. "Ah,I must slay that little brat and utilize the body of that pretty girl before disposing of her as well," the adventurer whispered venomously.
"Understood, Boss," his teammates affirmed.
The scene transitioned to Ryu and Yuki entering the pact with Haru. "Miss,could you please instruct me in healing magic?" Yuki requested.
"Hmm, healing magic… Very well… I shall teach you tomorrow," Haru consented.
"Thank you, Miss," Yuki expressed.
"Ah, it is no great matter. You are thoroughly exhausted from battle; you should rest and resume training tomorrow," Haru advised with a smile.
"Understood, Miss," Yuki replied.
Yuki and Ryu then sought out Daisuke, finding him engaged in cultivation. "Ah,the elder is cultivating. We should return later or converse properly tonight," Ryu suggested.
"Indeed, Ryu, you are correct," Yuki agreed.
Sora approached. "Ryu,you have returned. I require assistance testing a new magic," Sora stated.
"Yes, Master, I am prepared," Ryu affirmed.
They proceeded with the new research, Yuki accompanying them but observing from the sidelines, as she was not a battle mage.
"Master, could you teach me to directly utilize an external mana source to activate magic?" Ryu inquired.
"Oh, that? Well… yes, it is quite simple," Sora replied.
"Truly, Master?" Ryu asked.
"Indeed. First, you must collect mana from the external source, but it is impure. You must cast a filter spell to separate the elements, then gather the required element and cast the magic circle with it. It is straightforward," Sora explained.
"Well, Master, I comprehend, but… I am unfamiliar with any filter or purity magic," Ryu admitted.
"Oh, you are correct. I must instruct you in purity magic first," Sora realized.
Sora summoned a magic circle and fused it with the detection circle. "Observe carefully.You simply need to fuse this circle with the detection circle from the previous skill," Sora instructed.
"Understood, Master," Ryu acknowledged.
He attempted to replicate the process but repeatedly failed. "Ah,it is not functioning, Master," Ryu reported.
"Ah, it is most vexing. Hmm, but… which element are you employing?" Sora inquired.
"Well, I am using the Light element," Ryu answered.
"Hmm… Well… attempt it with the Dark element," Sora suggested.
Ryu tried and failed once more upon fusing the circles. "Ah,I have discerned the issue. As you are utilizing an external source for filtration, you require an impure circle initially. Attempt to fuse the circles of Light and Dark elements. It is possible the Light element negates the Dark element, or the Dark element merges imperfectly, resulting in failure," Sora deduced after contemplation.
"Understood, Master," Ryu complied.
He commenced the process and succeeded. "Master,I have done it!" Ryu exclaimed.
"Oh, finally!" Sora declared.
"Yes, Master," Ryu confirmed.
"Excellent. Now attempt the Third Eye skill. I will channel mana to you; store it in your ring and then execute the skill," Sora directed.
"Understood, Master," Ryu replied.
"Now, give it a genuine attempt," Sora encouraged.
Sora channeled her mana to Ryu, and he performed the skill, successfully covering an area of one hundred kilometers. "Master,what should I do now?" Ryu asked.
"Simply emulate my actions," Sora instructed.
Sora created a magic circle fused with Earth, Wind, and Water elements. Ryu replicated it, forming another circle. "Excellent.Now fuse it with your Third Eye skill," Sora commanded.
"Yes, Master," Ryu complied.
He fused the circle with the Third Eye skill, and they both perceived the effect, as Sora remained connected to Ryu via the channeling magic. "Wow,Master, this is insane!" Ryu exclaimed.
"Indeed, we have finally succeeded!" Sora declared.
"Yes, Master. Congratulations on creating a new spell!" Ryu praised.
"Ah, it is not novel; it is merely an enhanced version of the Third Eye skill. Without your assistance, I would not have explored this possibility," Sora acknowledged.
"There is nothing particularly remarkable about me, Master," Ryu demurred.
"Ah, Ryu, do not underestimate your capabilities. You are the sole individual in whom I have perceived the potential to be my assistant," Sora affirmed.
"Thank you, Master, for your belief in me," Ryu expressed gratefully.
They noticed evening had arrived, and Yuki was nearly asleep. Ryu called to her, suggesting they proceed to dinner. Yuki abruptly stood, exclaiming, "Has something occurred?"Yuki asked, startled.
"Well, nothing, Yuki. We are merely going to dine, and I called you for dinner," Ryu clarified.
"Oh, is that all?" Yuki said, blushing.
Sora observed Yuki's reaction.
They proceeded to dinner. Afterwards, Ryu returned to the garden, as he had the previous evening, and sat beneath the same tree.
The scene shifted to Yuki, who went to bathe with Sora. Kiyomi and Haru had already completed their baths. Yuki entered the bath tub, where Sora was also present.
"Master, you are bathing here as well?" Yuki inquired.
"Oh, Yuki, come," Sora beckoned.
"Master, have you noticed anything regarding Ryu?" Yuki asked.
"Indeed, Yuki. I have observed that you harbor certain feelings for him," Sora stated.
"No, Master, that is not the matter!" Yuki protested, blushing. Upon realizing she had inadvertently confessed her love for Ryu, she submerged her face in the water to conceal it.
"I comprehend, Yuki, and it is not undesirable to have someone with whom to share your feelings and spend your life, particularly an individual like Ryu," Sora consoled.
"Y-Yes, well, you are correct. But I am uncertain if he reciprocates my feelings. The primary concern is that I do not wish to hinder his mission to avenge his father," Yuki explained sorrowfully.
"Ah, Yuki, do not overthink. Hmm… Well, answer one question," Sora requested.
"Yes, Master, please ask," Yuki replied.
"Has Ryu previously saved you from a life-threatening situation? I noticed a scar on his hand today that was not present yesterday," Sora inquired.
"You observed the scar? Well… Yes, he saved my life today, and it was not the initial instance; he has rescued me numerous times before," Yuki admitted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"This indicates that he values you and prioritizes your life. It is highly probable that he reciprocates your affection. Tell me, does he act as if his assistance and rescues are insignificant?" Sora probed.
"Well… No, Master. He consistently states it is no great deed," Yuki answered.
"This signifies he possesses a noble character," Sora remarked.
"Yes, Master," Yuki agreed.
"Then, before another claims his heart, confess your love. If he rejects your confession, you can remain his friend, always near him, and you will not perish with the regret of never having attempted," Sora advised.
"Well… Master… I shall confess when the opportune moment arrives," Yuki resolved.
"Indeed, and you should do so at the earliest opportunity," Sora urged.
"Yes, Master, and thank you for bolstering my confidence," Yuki expressed gratefully.
"Ah, Yuki, I have merely fulfilled my role; there is nothing extraordinary in this," Sora demurred.
The scene transitioned to Ryu, sitting alone beneath the tree, gazing at the moon. Daisuke approached and sat beside him, as he had the previous evening.
"Oh, Elder," Ryu greeted.
"Yes, Ryu. We have finally secured another moment alone," Daisuke noted.
"Indeed, Elder. Well… I have desired to inquire about something for some time," Ryu stated.
"Oh, Ryu, you may ask me," Daisuke permitted.
"Well, is the Crimson Valley your mental space?" Ryu inquired.
"Indeed, I inadvertently created that space," Daisuke confirmed.
"Could you instruct me in its creation?" Ryu requested.
"Well, there is no objection, but even I am ignorant of the method. I was conducting experiments during cultivation, manipulating storage space magic, when I accidentally generated it. I have repeatedly attempted to recreate it since, but have consistently failed," Daisuke explained.
"Oh, that is the reason. Nevertheless, thank you for disclosing how you acquired the space," Ryu said.
"Well, Ryu, are you aware of one particular aspect?" Daisuke asked.
"What is it, Elder?" Ryu inquired.
"The space is linked to an infinite mana source. I am unaware of the source or the connection, but it contains a vast quantity of highly dense mana energy," Daisuke revealed.
"Truly, Elder? I had heard that mental spaces contain an infinite mana source, but I was unaware of the veracity," Ryu remarked.
"Oh, it is fortunate you are now informed," Daisuke said.
"Yes, but… there is an issue. When I was within the realm previously, I felt all my energy was nullified, except for the Light and Dark elements," Ryu reported.
"Oh, that. I will teach you to observe the mana there and utilize it," Daisuke offered.
"Thank you immensely for your assistance, Elder," Ryu expressed.
"Ah, it is no great matter. I am aware I will perish in a few days, and I would be content if you carried my legacy into the future," Daisuke stated.
"Of course, Elder," Ryu vowed.
At that moment, Yuki arrived and seated herself beside Ryu. "Well,Yuki, do you not wish to retire now?" Ryu asked.
"Well, yes, but I desired to converse with you briefly before sleeping," Yuki explained.
"Elder, I recalled that we must return to our timeline. Have you discovered a method to achieve this?" Ryu inquired.
"Unfortunately, I have no insights, Ryu. I believe Sora or Haru could assist you, but we cannot disclose our circumstances, as we must avoid altering the future. Doing so could create an alternate timeline, complicating your return to your original timeline," Daisuke cautioned.
"Indeed, Elder, you are correct," Ryu conceded.
"Well, Ryu, have you considered one possibility?" Yuki asked.
"What possibility, Yuki?" Ryu inquired.
"Well… There is a chance we need not take any action. I theorize that when Miss Kiyomi becomes the Demon Queen, her destructive powers could facilitate our return to the timeline," Yuki proposed.
"That is not an unsound idea, but it is exceedingly risky. If we fail to return in time, there will be no Elder, Miss Kiyomi, or others to rescue us," Ryu countered.
"That is also true," Yuki admitted.
"But Elder, there is something peculiar. You mentioned Miss Kiyomi has three sisters, yet there are only two. Where is her third sister?" Yuki asked.
"I have no knowledge of her whereabouts, as she has been missing for several years," Daisuke revealed.
"Oh, I apologize for inquiring, Elder," Yuki said.
"Do not concern yourself, Yuki," Daisuke reassured her.
"Elder, could you teleport me to your mental space?" Ryu requested.
"Certainly, Ryu, but only your consciousness will journey there, as it is a mental realm. However, any effects experienced there will manifest in reality," Daisuke clarified.
Daisuke and Ryu transported to the mental space, where Daisuke instructed Ryu in drawing mana from the environment. Ryu cultivated, expanding his mana pool, observed the mana, and collected it within his ring.
Upon their return, they found Yuki asleep, her head resting on Ryu's shoulder. Ryu did not disturb her and remained seated for a time. Yuki began whispering in her dream. "Ryu,please do not leave me," Yuki murmured.
Ryu overheard her words and blushed, though he did not ponder them deeply. Eventually, he also fell asleep beside Yuki.
Unbeknownst to them, Sora observed from behind, smiling. She cast a protective spell around them before retiring to her room to sleep.
….