Book Eater

“A Dragon Breath out of nowhere...”

Adellia saw the unexpected technique and stiffened.

A Breath.

It was the inherent power of a dragon, which was famous as the strongest race in this world, and the symbol of the destructive power that could sweep away the heavens and earth in one breath. The Breath of a grown dragon was equivalent to great magic.

It was originally a power that wasn’t allowed for humans, but Veronica was born with dragon blood and succeeded in recreating Breath by adding several magic tricks. It would’ve been impossible without the body and attribute affinity that transcended the framework of a human.

As such, Verus succeeded because he met the conditions.

‘This is a bit dangerous.’

Even Adellia couldn’t let her guard down. She had to be prepared for this blow despite her magic level being higher.

People who didn’t know dragons very well said that a Breath was an ineffective means of attack, but she knew very well. A Breath was more efficient than any magic spell.

The cycle of attracting mana from the atmosphere, bestowing an attribute, and then releasing it had no waste at all.

It efficiently converted a huge amount of magic power into destructive power.

For a dragon, which was nothing more than a walking magic power plant, there couldn’t be a more decisive weapon than this.

Of course, what Verus was doing was nothing more than an imitation, but it had to still be a power comparable to 4th circle magic.

“...But!”

Adellia’s eyes widened fiercely as she gripped her staff.

She didn’t have to give up just because she was inferior in strength.

A magician was someone who competed with wisdom, not strength. Above all, it was her father who proved it. He was a transcendent who would never appear again in this world, someone even the dragons paid homage to.

Adellia became determined and her body flashed with bright blue magic power.

A softly flowing chant echoed.

“Master of the cold, Ymir! In the name of Utgart, king of water, I desire judgment!”

After hearing that, someone understood the spell which caused their eyes to widen.

This was the genius ice magic spell created by her biological mother, Sylvia Adruncus!

In addition, Adellia hadn’t stopped at recreating the magic. She had even succeeded in improving it to suit her capabilities.

Regional-Force Blizzard!

.

The steam and cold air that remained in the stadium were sucked in. The difficulty of this magic was absurdly high because it not only utilized the magic of the caster, but also the power of the environment itself.

Nevertheless, Adellia completed the process without making a single mistake.

The ice storm roared fiercely as it waited to be launched. Adellia held its reins and looked at Verus.

She wanted to gauge the outcome of the match in advance.

‘My side has a slight advantage.’

It genuinely was just a ‘slight’ advantage.

It would be close even if she poured all her magic power into it.

She didn’t know if the blizzard remaining after clearing away the Breath would be able to destroy the damage crystal or not.

However, the Breath was too dangerous for her to save her strength.

“Am I... making a huge bet?”

As if he was matching Adellia’s pace, crimson flames started spewing out of Verus' mouth.

Any further hesitation would only put her at a disadvantage.

‘Go!’

It happened as her five circles were about to pour out all of her magic power.

“...Father?”

Adellia looked behind Verus’ back and paused for a moment. It was because in the section of the auditorium that was filled with the red robes of the Red Tower, she found someone she could draw without even looking.

Theodore Miller.

The moment she noticed him and saw her father smiling, a memory from a long time ago popped up.

-Keep one thing in mind, Adell.

When she created her first circle, her father had taught her to have a firm mindset before anything else.

-Magicians must always remain calm and keep their composure under any circumstances. Just like how a distorted lake reflects nothing, neither does the fountain of wisdom within you.

Why was it that out of all her memories, she was reminded of that piece of advice?

After asking herself that question, Adellia Miller came to an answer.

“Yes, Father.”

Adellia smiled broadly as she aimed her staff at Verus.

“I always keep that in mind!”

At that shout, the power of the two magicians was released.

The frost storm using the staff as an outlet and the red flames from Verus’ mouth rushed toward each other.

Shortly after that.

――――――――――!!

A roar broke out as the opposing attributes collided.

The surface of the barrier surrounding the stadium vibrated. The floor cracked and fragments were sent flying.

This was a magic battle between children who weren’t even 20 years old!

The magicians of Meltor were only slightly surprised, but the magicians from other countries had their jaws drop. This was enough to pretend to be a high-ranking battle magician outside of Meltor.

Kuooooh!

The silver frost storm and red firestorm opposed each other.

The magnitude of the forces themselves were similar.

The blizzard howled from above while flames flickered up from below. As they clashed, there were several reversals.

Naturally, the amount of steam produced in the process was also enormous.

As the entire stadium was covered by hazy steam, the spectators squirmed even though they knew there was nothing they could do.

When most people thought there was a lull, it happened.

-Huuk!

There was a shadow speeding through the steam at full speed.

‘This is my only chance!’

It was Verus, who had faint remnants of magic power around his body.

His keen senses felt that the two moves were about to cancel each other. He aimed for that split second and his body flew forward.

Even if his opponent was Adellia, she would run out of magic power after making such a move. At this moment, it would be his victory if Verus turned the tables with superior melee combat.

It was simply the best judgment he could have made.

‘I found her.’

Verus had run dozens of meters in an instant and finally figured out her location. Unlike before, it was Adellia herself, not a moving entity or a piece of ice.

Verus formed a fist and accelerated with one last step.

He was like a thunderbolt of crimson.

A damage crystal instantly shattered and a shadow fell from the shock and rolled miserably.

Verus’ full-speed charge and final attack containing all his strength went through.

But—

“Didn’t I tell you to cool your head a bit? Ver.”

Standing proudly in the place where the steam had cleared, Adellia saw her brother, raised her staff, and a pillar of ice rose beneath his feet.

This was the blow that marked the end of the final.

It was a trap created by Adellia, who had saved 10% of her magic power and anticipated Verus’ path. The ice pillar hit Verus in the abdomen faster than he could swing his fist. Verus was countered by his own strength and immediately lost consciousness.

[Ah.]

The host grasped the situation a beat late. She immediately made a declaration.

[Match over! The final of the Pupil Tournament and the winner of the sibling fight is— Adellia Miller from the Blue Toweeeeer!]

The audience cheered. Waaaaaah!

Secretly relieved, Adellia finally relaxed her nerves.

‘Phew, it was almost dangerous.’

If she had poured all her magic power into Regional-Force Blizzard, Verus’ one-shot reversal might’ve succeeded.

She also would’ve been defeated if the position of the ice pillar had been even a little bit off.

He usually seemed a bit lazy but Verus was also the child of a hero.

HIs pride and effort in the face of this fact were no less than hers.

As she thought this, Adellia looked in a certain direction.

‘It is all thanks to Father.’

What would’ve happened if she hadn’t seen Theodore by chance?’

What if she was intoxicated by her improved magic and tried to defeat Verus’ Breath head-on?

She couldn’t say for sure that things would turn out the way it just had.

“Huhu.”

She suppressed her laughter and lifted her staff above her head with both hands.

Naturally, the direction was toward the seat where Theodore was sitting.

It could be called Adellia’s victory ceremony.

“Ah really.”

Theodore smiled at this and waved his hand.

Everyone he met said that the children had grown up a lot.

However, Theodore’s thoughts were different.

Did I do well? Just look at this ceremony.

Even when she was younger, she wanted him to stroke the top of her head whenever there was a chance.

The sight of Verus, who had fallen like a dead frog, was also familiar. Despite all types of accidents, he clung to his sister and mother.

“You are still the same, both of you.”

To him, they were still adorable children.

* * *

The award ceremony of the Pupil Tournament wasn’t long. The fatigue of the two people was too severe and above all, the host had followed Adellia’s gaze and saw Theodore.

Of course, Theodore didn’t instruct her to do so, but who wouldn’t notice him?

The existence of a superior was a burden in and of itself.

‘I guess I inadvertently urged her.’

Theodore had a wry smile on his face as he turned the doorknob.

Creak.

As soon as the door opened, two shadows rushed forward.

“Dad!”

“Father!”

Theodore shrugged as his right arm was caught by Verus and his left arm by Adellia.

“Oh my god, I can’t move at all?”

At that, the two siblings shouted like they had planned it beforehand.

“I won’t let you go today!”

“I’m sorry but I’m not going to let you go!”

The strength that was holding the sleeves of his clothes easily conveyed their feelings.

Theodore couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. How much had the children missed him for them to do this?

Even Adellia, who was a young lady, acted like this in front of him.

“...Yes, I know.”

Theodore swallowed down his bitterness and nodded.

“I’m not going anywhere, so let me go. I can’t move.”

“Really?!”

“Is this true?”

“I promise. Even if that wasn’t the case, I need to rest for a while. I was planning on spending this vacation with you guys.

Verus and Adellia cheered at the same time.

Their father was a very busy man but he always kept what he promised. It was also due to the promise made to them that he came to observe today’s finals.

Satisfied with the word ‘vacation,’ the two separated from him. Then Veronica and Sylvia, who were waiting their turns in the back, hugged him one after another.

“Did you have a good trip? You aren’t hurt anywhere, are you?”

“Of course not. I killed them in two or three blows.”

“Theo, don’t push yourself too hard. There can be a big failure if fatigue continues to build up.”

“Yes, I will. I’m sorry to worry you.”

The sight of the man and two women creating a pink space in an instant caused the two siblings to giggle like they were familiar with it.

This was the everyday home life of the Imperial Guardian.

Those three were still like this despite having been married for over a decade.

Due to this, Adellia and Verus thought that all couples in the world lived like this. Their eyes never left each other and every few words were sure to contain expressions of affection.

After breakfast, lunch, and dinner... cough.

In any case, Theodore enjoyed the welcome home and was able to express his next words.

“Adell, Ver? Come here for a moment.”

Theodore barely managed to sit down on a chair when he called out to the two children.

As Adellia and Verus came over and stood beside each other, he patted their heads and started talking.

“First of all, what do you think I am going to say, Ver?”

“Ugh.”

Verus immediately thought of Magic Bullet. The forehead flick that his mother gave him still hurt, but the thought of listening to his father scolding him made his eyes darken.

However, Theodore didn’t scold him.

“It was pretty good. As expected, you are my son.”

“...Huh?”

“You acquired Magic Bullet, which I didn’t teach, and you fought well to the end without giving up. You are like my old self.”

Verus was greatly moved by Theodore’s praise and cheered.

“Really?!”

“Yes. It is just that the skill level of Magic Bullet is a bit lacking. I’ll teach you later.”

“Yes!”

“In addition, Adellia.”

Theodore left the excited Verus alone and looked at Adellia, who seemed to be expecting something.

“It was like seeing your mother.”

“W-Was it?”

Adellia’s blue eyes shone with joy.

“You’re smart and calm like her. Do you remember what I said about great magicians?”

“...Always be calm.”

“Yes, don’t forget that mindset, just like today.”

He was stroking the top of her head before she knew it and Adellia closed her eyes like a calm cat.

Theodore complimented both the siblings and soon changed the subject.

“Shall we continue to talk after dinner?”

At the same time, Adellia and Verus’ stomachs grumbled. As the embarrassed children blushed, it wasn’t known who took the lead, but the three parents started giggling and laughing.