Chapter 24 - Training
From that day onward, I decided to spend the free hours after school for the next month training Nia.
Incidentally, there was a solid reason why I set the time frame to exactly one month.
If I remember correctly, Nia’s body would be fully developed and she would be facing Zova in battle about a month from now...
It was, in a sense, my way of being considerate and accommodating to her situation.
After that, Nia and I moved from the chemistry prep room to a corner of the schoolyard.
The grounds of the Redrick Academy of Magic were absurdly vast, so if we went all the way to the far edge of the field, we would be almost entirely out of sight.
“Alright, I’m sure you already understand this yourself, but the strength of the <Primordial Flame> lies in its overwhelming firepower. To make full use of it, you’ll be spending the first week pushing yourself to the limit to increase your mana reserves.”
In this world, there was no such concept as “level-ups” or “skill points.”
Instead, what existed was proficiency.
Through some kind of training, proficiency would rise—raising one’s stats in the process.
Explained like that, it might sound like a “gentle world where effort always bears fruit.” But that was far from the truth.
Naturally, there were differences in growth between individuals.
To put it simply, that was what people called “talent” or “aptitude.”
For example, if someone with no talent for swordsmanship practiced a hundred swings, the calculation would go: number of swings 100 × talent modifier 0.01 = stat growth of 1.
In other words, they would barely grow at all.
If the method wasn’t suited to a person’s aptitude, no matter how much effort they poured in, it would all just be a waste of time.
In the original story, Nia was a heavy-hitter specialized in magical offense.
So, in terms of growth, increasing her mana reserves—the source of her magical offense—was the logical choice... at least, it should have been.
“Hey, Hollow, we only have a month to train... can mana really be increased in such a short time?”
“Normally, no. But with a special training method I came up with—your mana reserves will grow in just one week.”
...Okay, that did sound like one of those shady infomercials.
“O-only a week?! That’s amazing! What kind of training is it!? Please, you have to tell me!”
Nia’s eyes sparkled like an excited child’s as she leaned forward toward me.
...No, come on, you’re way too easy.
If she lived in modern Japan, I had no doubt she’d fall for every trick in the book and end up in some pitiful situation.
While thinking that, I pulled out a small potion bottle I always carried.
“The training I’m giving you is extremely simple. First, you unleash your mana at full power and keep it going until you hit your limit. Then you drink this potion to recover—and go back to the beginning. You keep repeating that, over and over.”
“Th-that sounds... well, honestly, it sounds like it’s going to be unbearably hard...”
Nia’s face turned pale at an impressive speed.
And to be honest... yeah, it was hard.
This was exactly the same training I had used myself to increase my mana reserves.
I’d tried various methods over the years, but in the end, this one was the most efficient.
“It’s true that it’s grueling... but tell me, was your lifelong goal really so light that it can’t withstand a bit of suffering?”
For a moment, Nia’s eyes widened, and then a powerful determination settled within them.
“...I’ll do it. No matter how painful the training, if it’ll make me stronger, I’ll do anything!”
“Good. Then start now.”
“Yes!”
With a crisp reply, she unleashed her mana at full force.
While she did that, my hands were technically free—but of course, that didn’t mean I was going to just stand around idly.
I had my own pile of things to take care of.
Alright, first I’ll bring this out... keep it floating with mana... yeah, right here.
Five minutes later—
“Hollow, can I... ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“That thing spinning above me... what exactly is it supposed to be for?”
Above Nia’s head, a large turbine was slowly turning with a deep, rumbling whoom.
Her Magic Factor's affinity was fire.
When she released such massive amounts of mana, she naturally became wreathed in searing flames. The heated air around her would rise, creating an updraft—turning the turbine in the process.
“This is for adjusting the output of a thermal power generator.”
“Th-thermal... power... generator...?”
“Don’t worry about it, just something on my end.”
This world had the phenomenon of “lightning,” but no concept of “electricity” as an energy source.
In the original Ronzolkia, the presence of mysterious forces like mana and special minerals called “magic stones” had shaped a civilization completely different from our real world...
Mana really was an incredibly convenient power.
When mana flowed through the body, it increased one’s physical strength; when poured into an object, it heightened its hardness; when infused into a liquid, it allowed control over it. There were countless other uses as well, making it fair to call it a universal energy.
That said, having lived in Japan, I also knew that electricity was an incredibly useful power in its own right.
Truth be told... I’ve been toying with the idea of turning Void Town into a “second Tokyo.”
Not that I was serious about it—of course not.
I understood well enough that there was no way I could just casually build a civilization on par with Tokyo.
It was only a goal, a high ideal to aim for.
For now, it looked like I could at least get a turbine spinning by using fire-attribute magic... Alright, I’ll toss the matter of thermal power generation over to Glad, like always.
One of Void Town’s founding members—Glad, the former bandit gang boss—had once worked for the Ministry of Magic and was a sharp mind.
If I created a rough concept from my Japanese knowledge and dumped it in his lap, he’d polish it into something practical.
If I could take a more active role in city building, Void Town’s development would probably progress even faster...
Unfortunately, Void Town’s development was nothing more than a side mission.
What I truly had to devote myself to was clearing the main route.
If I get so caught up in the “side” that I failed at the “main,” it wouldn’t even make for a good joke.
I’ll step in only for the parts no one else can handle—like applying my “Japanese knowledge”—and leave the rest to other people.
A one-man system would hit its limits sooner or later.
It was important to keep division of labor in mind.
For now, since thermal power experiments would need a lot of fire... I supposed I’d be strolling the streets at night again soon to “invite”—not kidnap—some fire-affinity Factor criminals.
Next... yeah. I can’t help but wonder about the protagonist...
By training Nia myself, I had effectively cut off her contact with Allen.
That was a wonderful thing in itself... but—
When I’m glued to Nia’s side, I inevitably leave Allen unsupervised…
According to the main route’s progression, this period didn’t contain any major events.
There were some light side events here and there, but they were all minor—nothing like the sort of “must-crush” scenarios that would cause a huge leap in the protagonist’s level.
So it should have been fine.
The “Protagonist De-MC-ification Plan” was progressing smoothly... or at least, I hoped so.
...Nope, can’t do it. If I’m worried, I’m worried.
When I was focused, I could push it aside, but the moment I relaxed, my thoughts drifted back to it.
Was the protagonist alright?
Had he gotten caught up in something weird again?
He hadn’t... awakened or anything the moment I looked away, right?
Those thoughts crossed my mind, making me restless.
It’s annoying when he’s sticking to me all the time, but not seeing him at all makes me anxious...
The protagonist—always throwing my heart into disarray—really was a troublesome creature.
...Alright, decision made.
At least for this month, I’d assign someone to watch Allen.
Dia’s too busy, so that’s a no. The rest of the “Five Prisons” seem to be working on their own projects, so they’re out too. Mister Orvin’s obviously a no, Miss Fiona has school duties, and I can’t just let Void Town’s people loose in public.
Hmmm... tricky.
Someone tight-lipped, responsible, skilled at gathering intel, and likely to do me a favor... oh.
I had the perfect person in mind.
No sooner had the thought struck that I decided to act on it.
I activated <Call> and connected my thoughts to a certain individual.
—Hey, Sugar? It’s me, Void.
Sugar, a special combatant of Nihil, was a striking beauty with silky blue hair and narrow, keen eyes.
We had worked together on a job before, thanks to a small twist of fate.
L-L-L-Lord Void?!?!
She must have been completely flustered, because her <Call> was set to broadcast mode, letting the surrounding noises seep into the telepathic link.
A direct <Call> from Lord Void...?
Lady Sugar, what in the world is going on?!
I’m... so jealous...!
The noise made it hard to catch the details, but... it sounded like she was with the other members of Nihil.
Sorry for calling out of the blue. Is now a good time?
Of course. There is nothing that should take priority over you, Lord Void.
Ah... well, thanks.
Everyone in Nihil tended to be a little... intense.
Among them, Dia was on another level entirely—the “super heavyweight class,” so to speak.
Actually, I had a small favor to ask of you, Sugar.
Please, tell me whatever it is.
I’d like you to keep watch on a certain person for one month.
Yes, understood.
Thanks, that’s a big help. I’ll give you the details after tomorrow’s regular report. Until then.
Yes, understood. I’ll take my leave.
Just as I was about to cut the <Call>—
L... Lady Sugar! It’s not fair you get to do this alone!
What’s with that smug look?! Stop it right now, it’s irritating!
Tch... we need to rack up some achievements of our own…
A direct telepathic call from Lord Void... I’m so jealooous...
A flood of lively thought-waves spilled over from the other side, though I doubted they were directed at me.
Nihil might have been something I created on a whim... but I’m glad I did.
I hated black companies, so I wanted Nihil to be a proper “white” organization—and I’d told Dia the same.
By “white,” I didn’t just mean good benefits.
I was also talking about healthy human relationships, open communication, and all those intangible qualities you couldn’t put into numbers.
From what I could see, Nihil had turned into a very clean, white organization.
Every member of Nihil had suffered under the Mark of Defilement and been persecuted by human society. Seeing those girls, with such dark pasts, spending their days laughing and enjoying themselves together... really makes me happy.
While I was running through my plans, working out countermeasures for the protagonist, and reflecting on these things—
“Haa... haa... haa...”
Nia’s breathing had grown ragged.
Hmm, reaching her limit?
About ten seconds later, she spent the last of her mana and went limp on her feet, consciousness slipping away.
Her strength drained like a puppet with cut strings, and she slowly collapsed toward the ground.
“Whoa there.”
I closed the distance in a single step and caught her gently so her head wouldn’t hit the ground.
From the moment she started releasing mana, that’s about... ten minutes and change? Hm, a little short...
For reference, my own record was twelve hours and thirty minutes.
Not that I’d run out of mana—no, I’d simply gotten hungry and, frankly, bored. In other words, it was more of a for-reference record.
Still, as expected of the heroine—she’s got guts.
The reason Nia fainted was severe mana depletion.
Normally, people couldn’t push themselves to the point of collapsing from mana drain.
Somewhere along the line, reason—the “stopper”—would kick in.
But she had gone past that.
She’d pushed beyond her limits to fulfill her wish, to save the lives she bore responsibility for.
That core of steel was, without question, one of her best qualities.
Let’s see...
I looked closely at her chest, damp with sweat.
Oh, looking good.
Just one round of exhausting her mana to the very last drop had already increased her reserves.
As I’d expected, this training method suited her perfectly.
Even so, she’s still nowhere near the “Great Elder”...
While I was thinking that—
“Mm... nn...”
Nia’s eyes fluttered open sooner than expected.
“Awake already?”
“Huh...? What... happened to... me...—wha?!”
For some reason, her cheeks flushed crimson. She pressed a hand to my chest, pushing herself away in a rush and putting several steps between us.
“Wh-why were you so close?!”
“What’s there to be embarrassed about?”
“B-because... I mean... I was all sweaty and—”
She pressed both hands over her chest, her gaze darting left and right.
“Sweaty? Oh, don’t worry about it. You’re not the type to have a strong body odor. If anything, it’s kind of sweet.”
When I stated the objective truth—
“—!”
Her face turned bright red for real this time.
“Y-you’re the worst! You should learn a little more delicacy, not just how to get stronger!”
“What are you talking about? I’ll have you know I’m quite the gentleman—”
“—A gentleman doesn’t comment on a girl’s smell!”
“...Wait. Really?”
“Yes!”
I had thought I’d made an impeccably gentlemanly follow-up, but it seemed I had missed the mark a little.
...Women’s hearts really were a mystery.
“Well then, the first round of training’s done... how are you feeling?”
“How am I feeling...? Completely exhausted, and honestly, I don’t think my mana’s increased all that much.”
Well, her mana had only gone up by about three percent, after all.
She probably wouldn’t be able to feel a real difference until it passed the ten-percent mark.
In any case, this sort of thing was all about steady, consistent work.
We’d just have to keep at it, again and again.
“Here, take this potion. Drink it and rest for a bit—once your mana’s recovered to about half, we’ll start over from the beginning.”
“Alright, got it.”
Nia twisted off the cap of the potion bottle and gulped down the contents in one go.
“Now then, break time can be boring. Let’s use this chance to work on your mana control training.”
“W-Wait, isn’t break time... supposed to be for taking a break?”
“What nonsense are you spouting? That would make it a real break. If you want to get stronger, you use even your breaks for training.”
“Ugh... demon... devil... Hollow...”
“My name is not an insult.”
For the next week, I oversaw Nia’s training.
“Hey, don’t roast sweet potatoes with my fire!”
“What’s the problem? It’s not like it’s going to run out... There, it’s done.”
“...It’s delicious.”
We shared roasted sweet potatoes together,
“I don’t think I’ve hit my head at all after passing out...?”
“Don’t worry. I catch you every time.”
“...You’re saying that on purpose, aren’t you?”
“What am I saying?”
We had conversations that didn’t quite line up,
“Hey, Hollow, why do you know so much?”
“No prying.”
“...Stingy.”
And before we knew it, the week had flown by.
“Alright, let’s see just how much your mana’s increased. Ready?”
“Yes.”
Nia nodded, closed her eyes slowly, focused her mind—and unleashed her mana in one burst.
“Haah!”
In that instant, searing flames roared to life.
Brilliant fire flared upward, overflowing with surging mana.
“Well now, that’s quite a change.”
“A-Amazing...! This is... really my mana...?!”
In just one week—a laughably short span of time—Nia’s mana capacity had more than doubled.
Before, no matter how hard I trained, I never felt like I was improving... I was always stuck. It’s frustrating, but Hollow really is incredible! If I keep following his training, I might actually be able to beat Zova...!
...She looked happy.
Sure, her gloomy expressions had their own certain allure—I could admit that much.
But personally, I thought smiles like this were far more charming.
“Heheh. At this rate, I might even be able to beat you, Hollow...!”
“Ha ha, that’s a good joke.”
I chuckled warmly and released just the tiniest fraction of the mana I usually kept sealed away.
In that moment, a sinister pressure blasted outward, a pitch-black miasma like a tide of foul sludge swallowing the schoolyard whole.
It was the manifestation of the original Hollow’s rotting inner self—pure, horrifying malevolence.
...N-No. I can’t beat him after all...! The gap’s... far too wide...!
The instant Nia’s eyes met my mana, her face drained of color and she dropped to her knees with a thud.
It would probably start doing her harm if I kept it up, so I decided the little joke had gone far enough and shut the valve tight.
“Alright, enough pointless chatter. Let’s get on with the next round of training.”
“...Okay.”
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