A Genius Boy Who Was Exiled From His Family Home for “Not Being Able To Use Magic” Becomes a Witch’s Apprentice and Masters All Magic in the Right Way. This Is How You Use Your Magic, You Know?

Chapter 117.2. Progress

But then…

Reading Hermes’s unspoken question, Albert exchanged glances with the B-Class students.

They nodded to one another, and Albert turned back to Hermes, speaking as their representative.

“…We were surprised, sure. The class was, and so was I. …What the hell is that? It’s beyond just recreating Bloodline Magic. You’re completely outside the norm.”

“…”

“And, I suppose you were worried we’d be afraid. That we’d separate ourselves from something we didn’t understand, and reject you. …I can’t say that’s unreasonable, given how we used to act. But… I’ll say this now.”

He paused, then walked up to Hermes──and lightly grabbed his collar.

“──Don’t be ridiculous.”

His voice was calm but firm.

“You’re the one who taught us otherwise.”

“!”

“You didn’t accept the academy’s mindset. You inspired us. You showed us the potential of magic and that we don’t have to hang our heads. And now you’re afraid of that? You think we’re still that weak?──Don’t insult us like that. It’s not a concern, it’s an insult.”

Albert’s eyes, blazing with fierce anger, met Hermes’s.

──But it wasn’t the slimy kind of anger he had felt from the nobles.

It was fierce but noble. Yes──there was pride.

“You showed us the way forward, so keep looking ahead. If you have such incredible magic, then be proud of it. Lead the way and show us what’s possible.──We won’t break that easily anymore. Got it?”

With those words, Albert finally let go of Hermes’s collar.

Landing back on his feet, Hermes was uncharacteristically stunned for a moment, but then…

“…Ha.”

──It’s been a while since someone scolded me. Probably not since I reunited with Katia.

And he realized something new. …There’s such a thing as a welcome reprimand in this world.

So, Hermes responded honestly.

“…I’m sorry. You’re absolutely right. It was me who was looking down on you. Please forget what I said earlier.”

Now, without hesitation, he could say it.

──Master, this country is changing.

With that thought, Hermes turned back to face the B-Class students.

Wearing a slightly cocky smile, a trait passed down from his master, he spoke.

“Let me say it again.──I’m about to go wild, so I’ll leave the cleanup to you.”

“…Hearing you say it like that kind of ticks me off. But fine.”

Albert responded, his lips curling into a faint smile as he spoke.

At the same time, the other B-Class students gave their own signals of agreement.

──Then, a voice came from the side.

“…Have you finished your talk? If so, you better hurry. The monsters have already regrouped, and they’re not going to wait for us to keep chatting.”

It was Katia. She pointed toward the monsters, her cheeks puffed out ever so slightly.

…It was probably because she’d been left out of the conversation entirely, Hermes figured.

“You’re right.”

“Yeah.”

Still, her point was valid. Hermes readied himself smoothly, while Albert looked a bit embarrassed but also got into position.

The B-Class students charged in first to buy Hermes time for his big spell.

Katia, supporting them with her magic, stood by Hermes and muttered quietly.

“…I’m a little jealous.”

“Sorry?”

“Nothing, it’s just a passing thought. Focus on your magic, Hermes.”

As Hermes prepared his incantation, her voice once again drifted to him on the wind.

“…Why did you have to end up in Class A? Maybe he should bear the brunt of this frustration too.”

Feeling a faint chill from the girl beside him, who seemed to be emanating some dark aura, Hermes took a deep breath, gathered his mana, and began chanting his spell.

──This time, without hesitation.