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 131. Confrontation

“I know you don’t owe me an answer, but… how did you figure out this location?”

The man in front of Hermes turns and asks. From his appearance… it’s impossible to guess his age. He looks older than Hermes and his group, yet he could easily be around Jurgen’s age too. With dull gray hair and blue eyes, his face is strikingly handsome. But that very perfection, combined with his aura, gives off a wild, dangerous impression. The man speaks again.

“I made sure to put enough distance between us when I lifted the barrier. I also completely blocked my magic with a spell. I didn’t think you could track me…”

“It wasn’t that complicated.”

While Hermes has no obligation to answer, there’s no need to hide it either. Plus, they also want to extract as much information as possible, so Hermes responds.

“Instead, I tracked where your magic disappeared unnaturally. Even the air contains faint traces of magic. By cutting off your magic, you left an unnatural void. I backtracked your movement from that.”

“──”

The man was at a loss for words. … I see, it’s not impossible in theory. If magic could be seen as color, he didn’t trace the dense spots but rather sensed the areas where it was skinny.

However── to pull that off, you’d need an extreme sensitivity to magic, to the point where you could discern even the slightest traces in the atmosphere. That’s beyond even an average magician’s capability.

Obviously, the man couldn’t do such a thing himself. Understanding this perfectly, he breaks into a cold sweat and responds with a laugh.

“…Haha, what kind of detection abilities do you have? That’s terrifying.”

“……”

Hermes oversees him── growing even more alert.

His movements suggest he’s cornered, yet his attitude remains nonchalant. Still… despite his relaxed demeanor, there isn’t a single opening in the way he carries himself. Then there’s the fact that this man had been maintaining the immense barrier that covered the entire academy. And now that he’s stopped hiding it, Hermes can feel it too—his overwhelming, alien magic.

There’s no doubt about it. This man is extremely skilled. The man, who had been observing Hermes’ cautious stance, suddenly changes his demeanor with a grin.

“…Well, since you’ve seen my face, I might as well consider this a good opportunity.”

He spreads his arms, signaling that he’s not interested in fighting, and says this:

“Why don’t you join us?”

“…Excuse me?”

“Surprised? You seem pretty sharp, so I figured you’ve already grasped our goals and philosophy to some extent.”

Catching Hermes off guard, the man continues with a faint smile.

“We’re always looking for strong allies. From what I’ve seen, you’re undeniably strong. And… this is just a hunch, but I feel like your mindset isn’t quite like the other nobles. I think you’d fit better on our side.”

“…Nina-sama said something similar to me.”

“Nina…? Ah, that spy girl, huh? I’m not directly in charge of her, so I don’t know much… but if she’s already tried to recruit you, then that makes me want you even more. So, what do you say?”

Even in his reply, there’s valuable information to unpack. Hermes processes it carefully… but the answer requires no hesitation.

“I’m sorry, but I must decline.”

“Oh? And why’s that?”

“No matter the ideology… I cannot side with those who stir up others’ obsessions and destroy places that were on the brink of positive change. While I don’t deny your beliefs, I cannot accept your actions.”

“So you were the one behind the academy’s transformation.”

Hearing Hermes’ words, the man murmurs as if confirming something.

“…Sigh. How boring. Why protect them? They’re only worth watching as they tear each other apart for our amusement.”

“……”

“Even you… no, especially you, must understand by now, right? …Just how hopeless this country is.”

…He doesn’t deny it. After all, the experiences he’s had at the academy haven’t all left positive impressions on Hermes. But even so, he steels his resolve and declares:

“That’s not all there is. I believe that.”

The man, receiving Hermes’ unwavering gaze, sighs in resignation.

“…I suppose telling you to switch sides immediately was a bit much. Fine, I’ll give up for today. Just letting you know is enough.”

With that, he prepares to turn away.

“Well, if you ever change your mind, just let me know. Unlike that arrogant brat… what was his name again? Anyway, this is a real offer. If you decide to join us, we’ll surely meet again.”

“……”

“I’m actually a pretty high-ranking member of our organization. I can make it happen. Anyway! Now that we’ve gotten to know each other a little, I guess this is where we part ways─”

“……”

“─Or maybe not, huh?”

The man, intending to casually leave, finds himself blocked by Hermes, who clearly has no intention of letting him escape. Seeing Hermes bracing himself and blocking the entrance, the man lets out a dramatic sigh.

“…Ugh. Are we really going to do this…? I hate fighting strong opponents. I try to avoid risky battles…”

“I’m afraid this is unavoidable. I ask for your understanding.”

“You’ve just been through that big mess at the academy, right? You can’t be at full strength. And I’ve been maintaining that barrier for a while, so I’m drained too. How about we just call it a draw…?”

There’s no response. Finally, the man seems to resign himself to the situation. With another exaggerated sigh, he smiles.

“…Well, I guess I’ve got no choice. Time for you to get hurt.”

“!”

Gone is his lazy attitude. With a sudden shift, his eyes filled with intent to fight.

“You’re strong, but… you’re just straightforwardly strong. That won’t get you far in the future. I’ll teach you a lesson—as someone who’s been through it. The depths of this country are far darker than you imagine. The price for this lesson? A painful injury, but think of it as necessary tuition.”

“Thank you for the warning. Now, please show me… with your magic.”

At last, both the man and Hermes stand facing each other. They exchange final words, raise their magic, and prepare their spells.

“Bloodline Magic──[Goetia]”

“Spell Creation──[Laevateinn]”

In a remote location, away from prying eyes, two formidable forces collide.