"...There's nothing to be done about it... Those who pass the First-Class Mage test receive the privilege of making a wish. That is absolute. And [Future Sight] is a particularly alluring magic to humans. I don't know why humans are so obsessed with this ability."
As Serie spoke, she curled up, planting her bare feet on the seat and resting her chin on her knees.
Tch... This girl is playing the victim! Ugh... but she does look quite cute like this.
Fíliya quickly took a moment to appreciate the God of Magic's reaction, searing the precious scene into her mind.
"So, what kind of fate befell these people who obtained [Precognition Magic]?"
Fíliya readjusted her mood, a disdainful smile reappearing on her face.
She asked this because, in the history of the last century, she had hardly ever heard of any powerful individuals with [Future Sight].
Which meant... these people most likely faded into history like falling stars not long after obtaining the magic.
"They all died, without exception. All of them died premature deaths... The mortality rate for those who obtain Precognition Magic is always strangely high. This is something I also don't quite understand. It would take me several hundred years to re-learn Precognition Magic, yet these people who receive it don't seem to cherish their lives at all."
"Sigh, this is the limitation of humanity... Precognition Magic is the kind of thing that, once you have it, you trust it too much, you abuse it, and in doing so, you lose your sense of crisis. Those who can use Precognition Magic correctly can be counted on one hand. Most owners end up dying exceptionally cheap deaths."
"That's why I say it, [Precognition Magic] is truly the most boring thing there is."
Fíliya viciously added her final comment.
"So what are you planning to do next? Looking at your leisurely and carefree appearance, it's clear you know someone is out to kill you, yet you still choose to walk into it."
Fíliya changed the subject, continuing to question Serie.
"Can I interpret this as you being concerned for me? How rare."
Serie was a little surprised by Fíliya's words.
"Hah? Don't flatter yourself, okay... Do you think an ant would worry about an elephant? I'm just... hmm, purely curious about what you intend to do."
Fíliya immediately put on a stern face as she spoke.
"An ant?... You severely underestimate yourself, and you severely overestimate me. To you, I am hardly an [Elephant], am I?"
Serie said, mimicking Fíliya's expression with a teasing gaze.
"Hmm... Close enough. At the very least, I've never seen you as an [Invincible] opponent."
Fíliya shrugged with a light laugh.
"Now that's more like it. In the world of magic, who dares to claim invincibility, and who can call themselves undefeated? [There are no absolutes in magic]. Anyone who cannot understand this point is unworthy of standing at the pinnacle of the path of magic."
Serie was clearly very satisfied with Fíliya's answer. Her expression became extremely relaxed, and she revealed her usual uninhibited smile.
"Mhm, so you've already prepared a countermeasure? The likes of the [Shadow Warriors] are beneath your notice, aren't they? Those guys think that just because they killed the [Witch of War], they're qualified to make a move on you... but they fail to understand that your strength is actually constrained by the boring title of [Great Mage]."
"..."
Serie did not immediately answer Fíliya's new question. Instead, a hesitant expression appeared on her face, and her tone grew a touch more somber.
"Fíliya, am I truly [Superfluous] to the human world of today?"
...Huh?
Fíliya frowned instantly. She never expected that Serie, the God of Magic, would actually develop this sort of... hmm, psychological problem?
But it seemed reasonable. After all, this girl was a ten-thousand-year-old shut-in, and given her status, she couldn't find anyone to have a heart-to-heart conversation with.
"First, tell me why you think you're superfluous."
Fíliya didn't answer the question right away either.
"Because... what Flamme, and what the humans of today pursue, is the [Era of Humanity]. That's why I started to wonder... has the time truly come for me to exit the stage? If I continue to shelter humanity under my wings like this, if I continue to be the leader of the [Magic Association]... then this can't be called the [Era of Humanity] at all, can it..."
"Hmm... That's true. For the strongest and highest-ranking person in the [Era of Humanity] to be an Elf is indeed a bit strange... But don't you dare tell me you're planning to walk into a trap and die on purpose, okay? I'll look down on you for that."
As Fíliya spoke, she shot Serie a look of disdain.
"I... wouldn't do that... I don't want to die... But, I'm very hesitant... If humanity truly wishes for me to step down, what exactly should I do?"
Serie let out a soft sigh as she spoke.
Mhm, that's good.
Fíliya nodded with a smile. Her previous words were mostly in jest; she knew Serie was someone who cherished her life dearly, unlike some long-lived species who get tired of living after too long and start courting death like mad.
"Hmm... If you really want to withdraw from the stage of history... should we put on a show? A fake death performance or something, and then you can logically go into seclusion somewhere? Hmm... never mind."
Fíliya had proposed this to Serie with a smile, but then she quickly vetoed her own suggestion.
"Why? Hmm?"
Serie was curious about Fíliya's sudden change of heart.
"Hmm... It just suddenly occurred to me that whether you actually die or just fake your death... Sense would definitely cry her heart out, right? So I guess I can't do something like that after all."
"...Is that so. Then I suppose I have Sense to thank."
Serie said, shaking her head with a small smile.
"Mhm, so don't you worry, I'm definitely on your side."
"Is that so... I have my doubts."
Serie squinted, glancing at Fíliya.
"Hmm? Why the doubt? Do I have even a hint of [Killing Intent]?"
Fíliya blinked her large, innocent eyes.
"It's not because of you... Sigh..."
Serie scanned Fíliya with a wary gaze a few times, and finally, as if having made some sort of decision, she sighed again.
"I'm actually... quite afraid of dying."
"Ah... I figured that out long ago. Your so-called [Warlike] complex is built solely on the premise that you believe you [Absolutely Cannot Lose]. The moment a being appears that can threaten you, you too will hesitate and feel fear. You long-lived species all cherish your own lives. That's a really good thing... I'm genuinely complimenting you, you know? Loving life is a good thing, worthy of praise."
Fíliya propped her cheek on her hand, finding Serie's reaction quite amusing to watch.
"Then did you know... I have nearly a hundred defensive magics on my person. Theoretically, I have already defended against all possibilities of being attacked."
"Mhm, and?"
"Normally, I only activate a portion of them. When facing others, I might even activate only twenty or thirty. But now... because you are by my side... I have no choice but to activate all of my defensive magics. Even so, I still don't feel a [Sense of Security]."
...?
For real?
Fíliya's first reaction to these words wasn't shock, but doubt. So...
She scooted her body a little closer in Serie's direction.
And in return, she reaped an enormous sum of emotion points.
Wow...
Fíliya's eyes widened slightly, but the expression on her face wasn't excitement, but rather confusion.
"Then I really don't get it. Since you're so afraid of a being that can threaten your safety... why didn't you choose to eliminate me, and instead actively spurred on my growth?"
"...Because I want to fight you. I hope you can grow to the same height as me, and then... we can have a duel worthy of the title [God]. It's ridiculous, isn't it? I'm just that much of a contradiction. I'm terrified of death, yet I eagerly anticipate a battle to the death."
"Is that so... Very well. Since that is your wish, I shall accept this prayer... Don't worry, just give me a little more time. I will soon be able to stand at the same height as you."
Fíliya looked out the window with immense confidence.
"I don't doubt that for a moment. As things stand, those methods to extend your life can be dispensed with... Hmm, that's for the best."
"Alright, shall we end the idle chat here? We can talk about the rest after we've paid our respects at Flamme's grave."
...?
Once again, Fíliya dropped a piece of information that made Serie's pupils tremble.
"Hmm? Why the shocked expression? Isn't that why you're going to the Empire... To visit the grave of your most beloved disciple, which is why you willingly walked into the trap set by those idiots. Don't worry, I'll be there too. Those vermin can't hurt you."
...In that instant, the ever-proud and stubborn Serie finally didn't refute the phrase [Most Beloved Disciple].
She was just a little confused. Why... did Fíliya also seem so concerned about visiting Flamme's grave?
____
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