A redhead emerged from Louise's house.
"Ah, Louise's familiar!" she exclaimed.
"Forget that title. I have a name—Sora," he replied.
"Sora?" The red-haired woman tried to pronounce it awkwardly.
"What's your name? I can't just call you 'red-haired woman,'" Sora teased lightly.
"Hahaha, you're funny," she laughed, her chest rising and falling with the motion. She straightened up and said, "Churuk, Chuluk Zerupst."
"Then, Chuluk," Sora said. "Can you tell me something about this world?"
"This world?" She propped her chin on her hand, looking genuinely surprised.
Seeing the curiosity in his eyes, Chuluk nodded. "Okay, come to my room."
Turning the corner from the corridor, they arrived at Qiu Erjie's room on the second floor near Louise's. Chuluk took out a wooden staff and waved it twice; the door opened, and a candle flickered to life. They stepped inside, closing the door behind them, and sat at the table.
Chuluk leaned forward, her chest slightly exposed, and let a trace of temptation show. "So, what do you want to know?"
Sora let his gaze roam over her provocatively, then spoke with seriousness. "Please tell me about the distribution of power in this world, and how individual strength is measured. Also, the history, religion, and culture."
Chuluk blinked in surprise, staring at him for a moment. "We live on the mainland of Harukenia. To the northwest lies the Kingdom of Torristine, my homeland to the east, the Kingdom of Garmania, and to the south, the Kingdom of Goria. Beyond that is the Papal State of Romania. And above the mainland floats the Kingdom of Elbion."
"As for strength, this academy is called Trestain Academy of Magic. It's a school for nobles to learn magic. Magicians hold a high status and are divided by levels: point-levels. They can only use a single magic system. A line-level can combine two systems or enhance one system with an extra layer. Triangle-level magicians can use three systems, and the highest square-level can combine four magic systems."
"All our kingdoms share a common ancestor. The first and strongest magician was Brimir, who lived six thousand years ago. The Papal Kingdom reveres him as their ancestor. Aside from our human kingdoms, there is a goblin kingdom that opposed Brimir six thousand years ago, and the Holy Land is now lost within their territory."
"Do you have any questions, Sora?" Chuluk asked, smiling.
Sora paused, then asked, "You said I am Louise's familiar. What exactly is a familiar?"
"A familiar is summoned by a magician. It's both a servant and a companion, someone who communicates with the magician and stays loyal for life," Chuluk explained, her expression amused as she studied him. "However, familiars are usually non-human. This is the first time I've seen an ordinary person like you become one."
"Probably fate," Sora said calmly.
"I have one more request," he said seriously.
Chuluk straightened up, giving him her full attention. "Let's hear it."
"Please… teach me magic," Sora said with determination.
Chuluk's eyes widened.
Sora's expression was earnest and unyielding. In this world, magicians were special—they held freedom through their abilities. Since he had traveled through time, Sora knew he might face challenges in learning magic. The thought of a familiar wanting to become a magician was unheard of.
Chuluk's excitement grew as she studied him up and down. If Sora learned magic and eventually surpassed Louise, the look on Louise's face would be priceless.
Although civilians were forbidden from learning magic, Sora was already a familiar. Nobody had said a familiar couldn't learn magic. This would be fun.
"Since you asked so seriously, I'll agree," Chuluk said.
Sora relaxed slightly. "Thank you, Chuluk."
"First, let's test your aptitude," Chuluk said, rummaging through a closet before placing a crystal ball on the table.
"There are four major magic systems: water, fire, earth, and wind. Everyone has a preference, and it's easier to start with the system that suits you. Place your hands on the crystal ball," she instructed.
Sora obeyed.
Chuluk raised her staff and chanted at the crystal ball."Bill Imoke Alphonse!" [Qualification Test]
Sora felt the crystal ball heat up in his hands, glowing a fiery red. Chuluk's eyes widened in surprise.
"Fire system… like mine," she whispered in awe, "and his aptitude is even higher than mine."
Excitement, envy, and curiosity raced through her mind. What kind of magician could she train this genius to become?
"Your preferred system is fire. Start with the basic fireball spell," Chuluk instructed.
Sora nodded.
"The most important thing for a magician is magical power. The difference in magical power determines a magician's level. A point-level has a little power, a line-level has two or three points, a triangle-level four to seven points, and a square-level more than eight points. Basic spells like fireball, ice spear, wind blade, and rock gun all require some magical power. You must cultivate your magic power first; then I will teach you the spells themselves."
"How do I cultivate magical power?" Sora asked.
"Each family has its own method, which is secret. I cannot teach you my family's fire-refining method. I can only show you the basic, common method," Chuluk explained.
Sora nodded, understanding. Magical cultivation was like a sect's secret martial arts manual—it wouldn't be shared lightly. He would have opportunities to learn more advanced methods later.
And so, Sora began his studies in magic.