SPELLCRAFT: Reincarnation Of A Magic Scholar

[One Week Later]

The sun peeked from the horizon, steadily rising in the advent of dawn.

The grassy fields danced, and the refreshing wind spread far and wide, sending waves of both chilled and soothing aromas to the inhabitants of the land.

"Haa... we actually made it in time." A voice stated.

Its tone sounded relieved, and something about it felt free-spirited.

The plains had quite a few inhabitants, all of whom were smiling at this point. They couldn't help but agree with the blonde who just spoke.

"I didn't think we'd make the cut at some point, but would you look at this?" The voice belonged to Jared, and he was smiling at the team members that were gathered before him.

They all returned his gaze and expressions with similar ones. Relieved looks spread across their faces, and their eyes bloomed with excitement.

"How many years did we spend?" One asked.

"Maybe three? Four?"

"Five years. We spent five years." The black-haired gentleman named Neron answered. "I increased the ratio, so we'd have more time."

After five years of rigorous training, all of their preparations had been for this very day—this single mission.

"I am proud to announce that your training is over. And now…" Jared declared with both arms crossed, as he proudly stared at each person's face.

Neron Kaelid

Serah Crimson

Lemi Vindiel

Ciara Epilson

Aloe Vida

Edward Carl Leon

Maria Helmsworth

Elrich Lendertwale

Ivan Smith

Jerry Keller

Asa

Maro Smith

"... We begin the mission."

********

Ana and Beruel didn't train with us, since they were busy helping Jane with the new project—one I hoped was in its finishing stages.

'Should I check up on her again?'

The last time I did so, she told me not to bother her about the details, and that it would be ready in time. Wasn't it better to simply put my trust in her words?

"I've supplied them with enough Aether. All that's left is for them to exercise competence on their end." Jane had never failed me before, so I wasn't doubting her skills.

With brilliant people like Beruel and Ana with her, I was even more confident. With that already established in my mind, I decided to focus on other things.

'One week transformed into five years... Neron really is amazing.'

Back when I trained for a century, three years elapsed in the normal world. Compared to my limited control over the time ratio, Neron did an outstanding job.

Thanks to that, my team members had reached an adequate level of power—one where I considered their past selves pale in comparison.

'This should be enough. I really hope it is...' I shook off all pessimistic thoughts and decided to move on to the next phase of the plan.

"Alright, guys. It's time to teleport you to your assigned zones."

Ivan and Jerry were going to the land of the Elves; Asa and Maro would be with the Dwarves; Maria and Elrich were to remain in the Eastern Kingdom.

They didn't need my help getting back to the capital, considering Elrich's mastery of [The Tower].

'He really is a genius and an expert at Magic Items. He even achieved a higher proficiency than me with [The Tower].'

I utilized my Spell Cards and sent the respective people to their designated locations. Since I had already spoken to the Allied Nations beforehand, there wasn't any problem with sending them directly to their destinations.

It was efficient, even.

Within moments, everyone had gone to their assigned spots—except Elrich and Maria, of course.

"You guys will be stationed at the Capital, yeah?"

"Indeed. Though, I'll have the Automatons stationed at every possible area of the Kingdom. The denizens have also been evacuated, and I'll make sure to transport them to the pocket dimension using [The Tower]. No one will get hurt."

I nodded at Elrich, happy that he knew exactly what to do. Then again, he was a Grand Mage—the personification of my childhood dream.

'All the citizens are currently as close to the capital as possible. Since they're all in one place, it'll make it easier for him to keep them in his pocket dimension.'

[The Tower] was useful for many things, and having a very vast—nigh infinite—alternate space was one of its perks.

"I'll also spread out my senses. Nothing will escape my perception."

I smiled, nodding at Maria's diligent tone. Her face was the same as usual, but I saw the flames of conviction in her eyes.

It really was amazing how much she had grown in one week—well, five years.

'[The Pope] will suit her well.'

'Be careful, Maria. Fall back if it gets too difficult,' is what I wanted to say to her, but that would only be an insult to her conviction.

It wasn't like I would allow anyone to dissuade me from my own mission, so the same could be said for her as well.

Maria was doing this because it was in the plan... and for that, I had to admire her grit.

"Thank you, Maria." I eventually said.

We stared at each other for a long second, and then our faces drew nearer as we shared a brief kiss.

It felt good.

"I'll be back as soon as I'm done." A smile formed on my face

"You had better." She returned my grin.

Once again, we stared at each other. I felt like kissing her some more, not even caring about the numerous stares we were getting.

However—

"A-ahem! Jared... tick tock." Elrich murmured, feigning a cough before making his statement.

"Ah, that's right. Sorry to keep you waiting." I let out awkwardly.

It wouldn't do if I—the designated leader—was the cause of some sort of delay in the plan.

"W-well, then... goodbye."

"See you soon."

With meaningful nods and smiles on our faces, we parted ways.

Elrich created the portal that sucked them in; sending them to their proposed designation, no doubt.

"Well, there's that." A smile remained on my face as I stared at the people who were left.

"Neron. Serah. Ciara. Lemi. Aloe. Edward." And… well, me.

"Let's start things on our end, shall we?"