- Endo Ken's Point of View -

After waking up, I immediately got ready. I went downstairs to eat breakfast and then headed towards the gate. Once I waved goodbye to some of the soldiers, I left Elvania and went out of the barrier; this is placed to hide the town.

I made sure no one was watching, of course; however, right when I left the barrier, a chill went down my spine. I ignore it and start walking towards the Blue Devil's den.

It took some time, but I can now see the cave said to host the Blue Devil. I cast detection magic to see if I can feel any presence within the area. After scanning the area, I only find the fishes swimming in the water though this is strange.

It is good that I don't detect the devil, but I don't detect any other monsters. Strong monsters usually stay away from this place because of our barrier, and for another reason, some believe it is the Blue Devil doing. Weak monsters, on the other hand, can be found in some of these parts. Some believe that they gave up and accepted their fate, while other people think it is safer in this area due to the barrier. Whatever the case, there are no monsters anywhere.

"Strange..."

"What is strange, mister?"

"Huh?!"

Out of nowhere, a voice appeared behind me. I quickly took action and tried to gather my weapon as I turn around when I notice who it was. I drop my weapon to the ground and watch in shock. It was... The Blue Devil...

...

- Akuma's Point of View -

After following the elf from the trees, I find myself near the cave that I now call home. The elf stopped and scanned the surrounding area, seeming to look for something. After a bit, the elf had a confused look on his face and let out something.

"Strange..."

Not able to withstand anymore, I ask the figure.

"What is strange, mister?"

"!"

The elf let out a surprised tone and ready themself for battle. However, when the figure looks at me, his complexion turns pale, and he drops his weapon.

"Umm... Are you okay, mister?"

Feeling worried, I ask the elf to see if he was okay. To my surprise, instead of answering, he falls to his knees and grovels.

"Please forgive me, Sir! Although I intended to visit your lands, I come with no harm! Please, spare my life, Sir."

...

"Huh?"

Why are you acting like I'm a god or something? And do you think I'm some bandit or something similar? Why would I take your life? So many questions were in my head, but I tried to ignore them.

"Umm... Everything is okay! If you had no intention of doing evil, then you are all good?"

Hmm... Maybe that was too far fetched of a line.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"You have my gratitude, Sir!"

"Yes, yes. You can speak to me normally. Now, why have you traveled to my house?"

"Ah, yes! Y-you, see... Some people from my town were frightened by you and caused such an uproar. I came to investigate to see what happened, but that is what I believe has happened since I see you."

"Frightened? Oh, those elves from yesterday? I tried interacting with them, but then they ran away. They did seem frightened as if they saw a monster."

"Yes... Suppose they did..."

"?"

Confused about his line, I tried inviting the elf to my cave.

"How about coming to my cave so we can talk more?"

"Uhh... Sure, Sir!"

Without complaining, the elf agreed and followed me to the cave. Since I didn't have much, I put the nearest stones together, so we have some seats. The cool air of the cave helps, too, since it is a hot post-morning day.

"So, who are you again?"

"Oh! Forgive my rudeness, Sir! My name is Endo Ken, and I'm from Elvania. As you may have guessed, I'm an elf, and Elvania is a kingdom of..."

"Elves, yeah, I know. That barrier was something else, I must say. I only barely notice when I was watching the other elves run away. I could sense many people within there, but to think that it was an entire kingdom. Your special ability is useful."

As I spoke about what I learned from looking and from the book, Ken started sweating.

"As expected as someone like you... Even you can see through the barrier... Sorry that we settled close to you."

"Well, you were here first, I think. Anyway..."

As I was talking with Ken, I notice that he has a faint blue line. When I concentrate on him, the line gets thicker with some falling away from him. It looks like mana or something...

"Ken, your good at magic, aren't you?"

"Uh... Yeah, again, I admire that you can tell just by looking. You are truly a mons.... mastermind. Yes, as elves are better at magic than some races, I have a bit more mana than a typical elf."

"I see..."

I do have books to teach me, but it might be better to have a teacher instead. Maybe he can teach me how the casting works or something similar?

"Say, do you think you could show me how to cast a magic spell or use magic? I know the basics, but I'm not sure how to use magic. I would appreciate it!"

Ken stares at me for a while in silence. Then, after a moment of thinking, he finally speaks.

"Sure... I don't understand why you would need it, but I will happily help."

With some reluctance, Ken agrees to my proposal, and thus, we head outside for the training.

"You said you knew the basics? I guess that means you know the elements and about mana?"

"Yes, and I also know the methods to cast spells. Though, I still have never cast one."

"I see... Well, do you know what attributes that you specialize in?"

"Huh? Umm... No."

"Okay... Well, it shouldn't really matter, but it might take some more training if we pick an attribute that is one of your weaknesses. Let's try fire since that is one of my strengths."

I nod and watch as he begins to chant.

"Fireball!"

Apon chanting a word, a firey ball appears from his hands. Then, he aims the ball at a tree, and it shoots from his hands at high velocity. The ball crashes into the tree in a matter of seconds. The ball doesn't break the tree, but it does leave a huge burnt mark on it.

"Impressive!"

I also took notice that the blue outline on him moved faster as he chanted.

"That was nothing... Now, this is how regular people use magic by chants. I can use no chant, but it might be hard for a beginner."

I nod and continue to watch.

"Some use longer chants to help adjust the power and such, but if you have a large enough imagination, you should be able to use a one-word chant. Give it a try."

So imagery is the basis of magic? That is not what the book said. It showed more logic than imagery. Oh, well. I should give it a try.

"Fireball!"

While imaging a fireball, I cast the chant. While doing so, a ball of fire appears within my hands. I eye it.

"Amazing! I did it."

"I-impressive..."

After being praised, I shot the ball toward a tree. When it impacted the tree, the tree cracks and falls over. Comparing the two fireballs, it seems my fireball was greater.

Feeling accomplished, I decided to call it a day for now since I didn't want to have Ken be here all day. We walk back to the cave, and I bow to Ken.

"Okay, thanks for the help! I think I understand magic more."

"That's... good. Congratulation!"

"Haha... Thanks. Now then, I think it might be better for you to leave. You probably have urgent things to attend to, am I right?"

"Huh?! Oh, yes!"

Ken turns pale as if I was bullying him. I didn't mean to sound like that, but before I could say anything, he turns around to leave, saying goodbye as he left.

However, he stops once he made it to the entrance. Then, after standing for a moment, he clutches a small weapon. I can see his mana move faster than before as if he was casting. Then, he appeared in front of me in a flash of an eye, moving his weapon to try and stab me.

...