The moment the words "Magic of Darkness" left my lips, the temperature in the courtyard seemed to plummet. Ayaka, sensing the sudden shift in the air, fell silent, her eyes darting between us. After a heavy silence, Evangeline finally spoke.
"The Magic of Darkness, is it? Let me clarify—do you mean the standard dark-elemental spells I use?"
She was referring to the dark-affinity versions of basic magic, like Magic Archer: Shadow. I shook my head.
"No. I mean the forbidden technique developed by you—the Trueblood Vampire known as the Dark Evangel."
"Hmph. I see." She narrowed her eyes. "And where did you hear that name?"
"I found a book in your study. It was a collection of theories and guesswork regarding your signature art, though the content was shaky at best. I figured since the creator was standing right in front of me, it would be more efficient to go to the source than to rely on a stack of half-baked rumors."
"In my study? Ah, right. I remember buying a volume out of curiosity once because it claimed to have deciphered my secrets. It was a pathetic read, full of inaccuracies and wild leaps of logic. I thought I'd thrown it out, but I suppose it's still cluttering up a shelf somewhere."
It made sense. Anyone would be curious to see what the world was saying about their own inventions, even if it turned out to be trash.
"Well... you aren't wrong," Evangeline said, her voice dropping to a more serious register. "With your talent, mastering the fundamentals of the technique might not be impossible. But are you sure? The woman who created that art was once a criminal with a six-million-dollar bounty on her head in the Magic World. It isn't a power meant for the righteous."
I let out a short, dry laugh.
"I'm a bit past caring about things like that. My goal is to master the unknown forces of this world. A magic that only you can wield? That makes it the perfect target for me."
"I am the only one who has mastered it," she corrected. "There are others who can 'use' it, after a fashion."
"So... will you teach me?"
Evangeline remained silent for a long moment, her gaze searching mine. Finally, she gave a small, sharp nod.
"Very well. It is a magic that would have likely vanished with me anyway. If you wish to know its nature, I will tell you. Yukihiro Ayaka, that's enough for today. Continue your own practice alone."
Ayaka stepped forward, her face etched with concern. "Excuse me, but... may I also listen? If it's something Axel-kun is learning, I wish to understand it as well."
"No."
Evangeline's rejection was flat and final. Ayaka, not one to be easily dismissed, tried to protest.
"But why?! If it's safe enough for Axel-kun to hear, surely—"
"Don't be a fool. Do you expect a child who hasn't mastered basic arithmetic to understand advanced calculus? It's a matter of foundation. Axel has his; you, however, are barely learning to count on your fingers. For you to hear of high-level techniques now would be a distraction at best and a danger at worst. Go back to your drills. Come, Axel. This isn't a conversation for an open field. We'll speak inside the castle. Chachamaru, with me. Chachazero, watch the girl and make sure she doesn't do anything reckless."
"Understood, Master," Chachamaru replied.
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