Encia’s book contents were somewhat different from what I had taught her.
The main framework remained unchanged, but additional small elements and personal experience-based annotations had been incorporated.
Of course, these additions weren’t bad at all. In fact, they provided useful tips for those gathering and handling magical power, making their efforts a bit easier, which would greatly assist anyone referencing this book.
Honestly, the content I taught Encia… was tailored specifically for her, given her vast reservoir of magic.
With my unparalleled knowledge of magic added to it, Encia became an exceptionally skilled mage at a young age, far surpassing other mages.
—This was only possible because I taught and she learned accordingly. Applying the same methods to others wouldn’t necessarily work.
These problematic parts… Encia seems to have personally gone through trial and error while revising and annotating them.
“Honestly, it wasn’t easy. What seemed simple to me might not have been so for others. So, I tried my best to remove such aspects and write as objectively as possible.”
“Hoo… impressive!”
“Though, I could do this thanks to Tia’s teachings.”
While Encia said this, honestly, organizing and refining the vague content I taught into a book must’ve been no ordinary feat.
In that sense, Encia deserves my praise!
“But wasn’t I the one who suffered the most while verifying this book?”
Sitting across from Encia, Cecil muttered quietly. Hmm, true! Even if Encia organized the book, proper verification was essential to avoid hollow claims!
Thus, Cecil’s contribution was invaluable.
“After desperately meditating as someone who didn’t know what magic was, I managed to feel magic, forcibly absorbed natural magic energy pushed by the master, painfully internalized it, trained hard, strengthened my willpower, and eventually verified Master’s book.”
“Yes, Cecil’s contribution was immense. Without proper verification, the knowledge would’ve been mere fantasy. Thanks to Cecil’s efforts, the book’s authenticity is proven.”
Encia’s words brought a faint, satisfied smile to Cecil’s face, like a child craving praise.
—
“Hey, there’s something I want to show Tia.”
“To me?”
“Yeah. I want to show you how Procyon has changed because of my book.”
Encia smiled faintly.
Even though it was just a single book, its influence was enough to shake the very spirit of mages. Naturally, Procyon, where these mages gathered, couldn’t remain unchanged.
Hmm, the changes in Procyon… I’m slightly curious. Of course, I could explore it myself without relying on Encia’s perspective, but it feels better to see it together with her!
It’s like when a child wants to showcase their masterpiece; Encia wants to display the changes caused by her book.
I can’t ignore Encia’s feelings to this extent… well, I guess I’ve already lost about half of my detachment anyway. Anyway.
With light steps, Encia left her house.
Her home was located slightly outside Procyon—more precisely, in her hometown village.
Though it was a bit of a distance from Procyon…
“Then, let’s depart.”
“Yeah. Be careful when flying.”
“Don’t worry. I flew even before you fell asleep.”
Encia used weight-lightening magic and conjured a small whirlwind beneath her feet, slowly ascending into the air.
And thus, Encia and I headed toward Procyon.
“Hmm? Procyon has grown immensely?”
“Right? The number of mages has skyrocketed.”
From high above, we gazed down at Procyon.
Located at the entrance of the Scorched Desert, Procyon was renowned worldwide, yet its size was never large. Or rather, it couldn’t be large.
Comparable to a medium-sized city in the Romania Empire, its tiny size was laughably disproportionate to the immense power it held.
The reason was the lack of mages, a problem even Procyon’s mages couldn’t easily solve…
“Mage numbers increasing? Ah! It’s because of your book, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. Through the contents of my book, it became known that even non-mages can learn magic. Though the process isn’t easy, it still results in more mages than relying solely on innate magical abilities.”
“That’s true. No matter how difficult magical training may be, it’s still worlds apart from being born with predetermined mutations.”
“Mutations?”
“There are things like that. There are.”
At my words, Encia tilted her head in confusion. Unintentionally, I used a term that doesn’t exist in this world.
“With so many aspiring and actual mages flocking here, Procyon feels cramped.”
“So, that’s why they’re expanding the walls? It looks four times bigger at a glance.”
“Yeah. It’s grown immensely. The Elders decided that the existing size couldn’t accommodate the ever-growing number of mages.”
Outside the old walls of Procyon, much larger walls were being erected by earth-magic users—a bizarre spectacle unseen elsewhere.
“As the number of mages increases and Procyon expands, the factions among mages are also shifting. Magic research groups are evolving into more structured organizations.”
“Magic research groups? The gatherings of mages based on their specialized studies?”
“Yeah. With the growing numbers, maintaining them as mere gatherings became impossible. Thanks to that, they’re transforming into formal organizations.”
“Hoo… truly a great upheaval.”
“Yeah. Things are changing drastically. Maybe future elders will emerge from these magic research groups, given the increasing population.”
Just from releasing one book, Procyon is undergoing complete transformation.
Those who adapt to these changes will become true mages, while those who don’t will fade into history as mere magic users.
The test I gave to the mages has fulfilled its purpose admirably.
“Some groups even plan to build large structures where members can live and conduct research.”
“Large structures?”
“Yeah. I heard that long ago, when Procyon was called something else, there was a massive tower at its center.”
Ah, that tower. The one I destroyed.
No matter what, naming a city Babel and building such a tower was crossing too many lines. Yep.
“They say they want to build a grand tower for members’ lodging and research facilities, offering me a nice room if I join their group…”
“Hoo? And did you accept?”
“Nope. Rejected it. I handle everything at my own place anyway. Interacting with others is annoying.”
So complained Encia while slowly descending toward the sprawling Procyon below.
“I thought about building my own tower too… but instead of a residential-research facility, I think I need a building to store books.”
“Books? You mean a library?”
“For now. While writing the book, I realized how important each written work is. They carry the thoughts of their authors and can even change the world. I came to understand the value of books.”
“Small price tags on papyrus and vellum, along with the difficulty of hiring scribes, are troubling, but someday I’d like to gather every book in this world.”
“Every book?”
“Yeah. Oh, by the way, Cecil agrees with this idea too. That kid really loves books.”
“Hoo…”
If Encia’s disciple approves, perhaps a massive library might soon rise in Procyon.
Right! Since Encia worked hard writing a book that changed the world, she deserves a reward!
Quests require rewards upon success! She successfully completed the quest of compiling what I taught into a book, so a reward is in order!
“You worked hard writing the book. Si-a, you’ve done an excellent job, so I’ll grant you one wish as a reward.”
“Wish?”
“Yes. Anything within reason, excluding things beyond my capabilities.”
A wish granted by the Goddess of Life! Practically nothing is impossible!
Even a wish to gather all the books in the world could be fulfilled instantly!
“Hmm… Can I take some time to think about it?”
“Of course. Whenever you decide, I’ll be ready to grant your wish.”
“Yeah. Thank you.”
Encia smiled faintly. I wonder what wish this girl will make? Curiosity grows.
“Oh, Tia. Can I ask you something?”
“Hmm? Ask what?”
“It’s nothing much… I’m just curious about something regarding you. Does asking this count as using my wish?”
“Just answering this won’t consume your wish.”
Asking one question in exchange for any wish would indeed be foolish.
“Yeah. Thanks. What I’m curious about is…”
After a brief pause to choose her words, Encia asked me:
“Tia… Are you the Goddess of Life?”
—
