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 64.Once Again, The Labyrinth

Thus, under Rose’s watch, Hermes and Katia found themselves tackling the labyrinth essentially on their own. While Rose promised to help in emergencies, they were still navigating a dangerous labyrinth as two magic users without a knight escort. This necessitated a cautious approach and guaranteed considerable struggles—

—but that was not the case.

“Hah!”

“Right there.”

What was just mentioned applies to ordinary magic users. But here, Katia had awakened as [Soteira Trivia], becoming a top-class magician and Hermes was mastering various Bloodline Magics through the [Emerald Tablet].

Hermes covered the typically weak close-combat scenario for magic users with quick-release generic enhancement magic and high-level martial arts, while Katia surrounded herself with several high-defense ghost soldiers for protection.

Additionally,

“Katia-sama, three enemies ahead. Stall them.”

“Got it! But the ones to the side—”

“Spider-type monsters. I’ll take them down. Once that’s done, gather the remaining monsters in one spot and finish them off with [Mistle Teinn].”

“Impressive, as always!”

Their coordination was flawless. Katia controlled the battlefield with high defense and suppression, while Hermes finished off monsters with precise spells. Through efficient information exchange and seamless teamwork, they eradicated a massive horde of monsters they had the misfortune to encounter, ending with a clean sweep using his [Mistle Teinn].

“Well done. Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, you swiftly took care of everything… Your magic is truly unfair. Being able to use Bloodline Magic so freely is incredibly convenient.”

“Katia-sama, your stability is also quite unfair. The weakness of magician isn’t a weakness with you. It’s clear why the knights say, ‘We’re redundant now!’ with tears in their eyes.”

They praised each other’s efforts and magic, a clear sign of their mutual trust built since their reunion in the royal capital. Katia glanced back at Rose, drawing Hermes’s gaze as well. Rose’s eyes widened slightly, apparently impressed by Katia’s magic and combat prowess.

Katia, proud, puffed out her chest with a “Did you see that?” expression, which was rather endearing.

“Come on, Hermes! Let’s clear this labyrinth quickly!”

Why she was so competitive with Rose was unclear, perhaps related to yesterday’s events, but Hermes was left in the dark. Regardless, Katia was highly motivated and seemed in good condition.

Judging this, Hermes quickly followed after her.

“…I see.”

Rose, watching the two from behind, murmured.

It’s understandable why Katia felt proud. Their teamwork was unexpectedly perfect.

Katia trusted Hermes completely, and Hermes seemed more comfortable than when he was alone.

That unique relationship built here by the two of them—

Indeed, it’s understandable to feel a bit uneasy, just a bit.

“But more importantly,”

She refocused her thoughts and declared,

Their combat synchronization was perfect, no complaints there.

Both had extraordinary individual abilities, leaving nothing to be desired.

Considering all this, she thought,

“…This could be a bit problematic.”

Her gaze was fixed on Katia.

No problem with Hermes; his mental state during battles was remarkably stable. He was extremely reliable.

But Katia was different.

Taking this into account along with potential future events, she realized her support might be needed differently.

“…Good grief.”

Rose smiled wryly.

“Jurgen, you unintentionally made the best choice. I almost suspect he has some magical knack for selecting personnel.”

Amazed at her old friend’s peculiar knack for making the right choices, she followed them with light steps.

◆

After that, their progress through the labyrinth continued smoothly.

Despite the large number of monsters, Hermes and Katia dispatched them swiftly with their flawless coordination. At this rate, they might clear the labyrinth without needing Rose’s assistance.

…However, Hermes wasn’t overly optimistic.

After all, Jurgen had sent Rose.

This implied that Jurgen sensed something ominous, warranting Rose as insurance.

Hermes had learned to trust Jurgen’s instincts over the past month. Hence, he stayed vigilant, advancing cautiously with Katia.

Finally, they reached the labyrinth’s deepest part.

“…Is that the labyrinth’s master?”

Hermes said, eyeing the creature seated in the labyrinth’s innermost chamber.

If he were to describe it in one word, it would be a white bear.

Towering over twice their height, the white bear stood, its presence overwhelmingly intimidating.

Noteworthy were its claws, unnaturally sharp and developed, tailored for killing, marking it as a magical beast.

Likely a composite beast with features from various natural animals, it was a high-tier specimen.

Its magical power suggested a strength on par with the Tortoise Dragon from a previous labyrinth.

…But.

They could handle this now.

“Katia-sama.”

“Yes, let’s go.”

They charged simultaneously. The white bear spread its arms in a battle stance. Hermes moved first, aiming to strike with close-range magic—

—that’s when it happened.

“Hermes!”

“!”

Both mentor and disciple noticed the anomaly simultaneously.

Hermes halted abruptly. Before him, from behind the white bear’s outstretched arms—

another white bear lunged at tremendous speed, rushing past Hermes.

Its target was Katia.

“—Huh?”

“!”

Caught off guard, Katia froze as the white bear closed in.

Hermes activated his enhancement magic in an instant. He struck the white bear aiming for Katia with a light attack.

The few moments he bought allowed him to reach Katia, sweeping her into his arms.

Just in time. The white bear’s sharp claws grazed his back, but the initial surprise cost was minimal.

“Are you hurt?”

“N-No. But—”

In his arms, Katia looked over his shoulder in shock.

Hermes also turned, observing the situation. They faced two white bears, glaring at them.

“…Two of them. Both likely labyrinth masters.”

Katia’s eyes widened further.

It’s rare for a labyrinth to have multiple masters. Several reasons could explain this, but the simplest likely applied here.

The labyrinth’s monsters had increased, allowing for multiple master-level creatures.

In other words—a prelude to a massive outbreak, a disaster that once claimed Katia’s mother’s life.

“…No wonder there were so many monsters along the way.”

Regardless.

They now had to face these monsters, as strong as the Tortoise Dragon, simultaneously.

Hermes glanced back, confirming Rose’s position, then turned forward again.

“Let’s go.”

“What!?”

Katia alternated glances between Hermes and behind them.

He understood her thoughts. This abnormal situation called for Rose’s aid.

But,

“Katia-sama. Master isn’t moving.”

“!? Why—”

“She believes we can handle this. Even in this situation, she thinks we can manage.”

Rose was generally kind to him, but when it came to magic, her approach was quite strict.

He recalled challenging powerful labyrinth masters alone during training, which was rather tough.

But,

Her judgment that they could win had never been wrong.

“We’ll likely struggle, but—I believe we can do it. With you.”

“!”

That single statement likely provided the final push.

“…Understood.”

Resolving herself, Katia nodded.

Seeing this, they both kicked off the ground simultaneously, heading towards the final battle in the labyrinth.