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 125.1. Regret

There was something she had always regretted.

The image burned into Sara’s memory. The moment when her life was most at risk.

Yes, about two months ago. The moment when she faced the Phantom Species Cerberus from the Hell World.

The three of them fought against a being far beyond the common knowledge of monsters, and they struggled far more than they had ever imagined. Just when they thought they had finally landed a blow, the enemy mercilessly unleashed an overwhelmingly powerful spell.

Their efforts were undone, and their only effective attack was blocked.

And, as the lightning magic closed in on her, Hermes lunged forward, taking the magic meant for both of them.

Yes.

──He protected someone as insignificant as her and suffered a severe injury. That was Sara’s greatest regret.

Hermes. The person she had admired more than anyone.

A person with a firm will who pushed forward, unlike herself.

For him to turn back for someone like her, to shield her from harm—it was unbearable for her.

So, this time, she worked hard to make sure it wouldn’t happen again.

First, she rushed to find something solid, just like he did. With a faint sense of admiration and longing, she worked hard, albeit clumsily, to become someone who could be acknowledged by everyone.

And in combat as well. She sought his guidance, striving not to be arrogant about her dual aptitude, and honing her skills.

It paid off. B-Class had become a wonderful place for her, and they even achieved victory in the competition.

Sara could take a small bit of pride in herself for contributing to that success.

…But after that.

She failed to persuade her mother and classmates, leaving the cleanup to her respected friend. And just moments ago, the faint dream she had was shattered.

And now, her classmate, who had transformed into a monstrous being, was unleashing a barrage of deadly spells.

Her magic, her physical abilities—neither could evade or withstand them.

And then.

──Hermes leaped in front of her.

Sara witnessed the fatal magic strike him directly, right before her eyes.

A drop of blood landed on her cheek with a faint splatter.

“………Ah.”

Even Hermes didn’t have time to deploy his bloodline magic in that moment.

So, using the high-speed charge he had been handling, he somehow managed to rush over to her and use his body as a shield.

“A-ah…”

In other words, he protected Sara with his life.

──Just like that time.

“Aaahhh…!!”

That was the last coherent thought she could manage.

She cradled Hermes’s body as he collapsed to the ground.

Clyde’s grating, insane laughter filled the air as he shouted something. But there was no time to pay attention to that. Holding Hermes, she ran as far away as she could.

For some reason, Clyde didn’t pursue them. She didn’t know why, but it was convenient. She had to heal him immediately.

Once his voice was out of earshot, she laid Hermes down, unleashed her full magical power, and activated [Ars Paulina]. With teary eyes, she pressed close to him and poured magic into him.

“Hermes, I’m sorry, why, why…?”

──Why did he protect her?

No, she didn’t need to ask.

They had spent almost a month together as classmates. She knew that once he recognized someone, he wouldn’t allow them to be unfairly hurt.

And there was no way she could have blocked that magic. If he hadn’t come, she would have surely died. Unlike him, she didn’t have the skill to avoid instant death by choosing where to take the hit.

…So. This is my fault.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…!”

He was gravely injured.

His body was burned, cut, and torn apart where the magic had hit. Without immediate treatment, his life was in danger.

So, Sara continued her healing magic, all while muttering apologies and blaming herself.

What had she been doing?

She had worked so hard to prevent this from happening. She thought she had become a slightly better version of herself, able to move forward without dragging anyone down this time.

…She had gotten carried away.

With a minor success, she had let it go to her head.

And now, she was repeating the same mistake, showing this miserable state.

A voice echoed in her mind.

[──You’ll never become anything.]

[You’re a useless mage who can’t do anything alone.]

A voice she had heard once before. A voice she had just heard.

It combined with the voice of self-blame echoing from within, forming a chorus of resentment that tore at her heart.

[You’re empty. There’s nothing left that you can call your own!]

[You can’t protect anyone.]

“No… stop, stop…!”

She tried to deny it aloud, to chase the voices away, but she couldn’t.

She couldn’t block out the voice because it came from inside her.

She couldn’t look away—because somewhere deep down, she had accepted its validity.

Since she was a child, she had been forced to follow in her mother’s footsteps, killing her own identity in the process.

This had fostered an overwhelming sense of self-denial, making it impossible for her to brush off the harsh words of her estranged mother or her scorned classmates.

She had grown up in such a way that the words of denial were easier for her to accept than words of affirmation.

“I… I want to change… That’s why…!”

So, at least.

Let me protect everyone from the threat currently attacking the academy.

Even if it’s just the talent I was born with, it’s all I have right now.

With that single-minded focus, she continued to pour her magic into him.

“…!”

She didn’t care what happened to her. She just wanted to atone for her mistake.

With that desperate wish, she pushed her magic beyond its limits.

Even if her veins burst, even if she coughed up blood—she continued to use magic for someone far more wonderful than herself.

To heal this wound, she prayed and prayed, until the very end.