Chapter 88 - Research in Healing Magic
I briefly reviewed the research content of each type of magic and showed them spells that might provide hints for future research. After repeating this process, before I knew it, healing magic was the only one left.
At Crown's suggestion, more people were accompanying me with each visit to a laboratory. As a result, the number of questions increased as we traveled.
"Regarding fire needing oxygen, how should it be added…?"
"All the spells seem to be chantless, but isn't it necessary to chant at least one verse due to the nature of chanting?"
"How was the earth spell able to break through the ceiling of the experimental room, which is harder than rock?"
Although I tried to answer these questions as clearly as I could, more and more people became troubled by them. It was turning into a problem.
Finally, we arrived at the healing magic laboratory. The lab itself wasn't much different from the others, but the building was more than twice as big.
"The number of healing magicians is more than three times the number of magicians in other elements. This is to meet the needs of other countries, but because of this, some magicians don't reach the standard of a court magician." Crown said with a look of regret, then went straight to the lab. As usual, he opened the door without hesitation.
Seeing this, the other researchers seemed annoyed. It seemed that suddenly opening doors was bad manners here too. I guess Crown was just a special case.
"Hmm, the head magician is here…"
As soon as the door opened, Crown murmured and then fell silent.
From inside the lab, a stern-looking man appeared. Crown took a step back, and the man came out of the lab.
He was a man with silver hair and sharp eyes who appeared to be in his forties. Despite a somewhat worn-out look, he had an imposing presence. "You must be Aoi Konominato-dono. I am Awald Smuggler, the head court magician, recognized as the current saint."
"Awald-san, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Aoi, a teacher at Fiddiq Academy." I returned the greeting and introduced myself.
Awald looked at me with a furrowed brow. "You're quite young. From what I've heard from Balblair, you can use healing magic at the level of a saint. I wonder where you learned such healing magic outside of Maple Leaf? It's truly mysterious."
Though his tone was conversational, it was hard to tell if he was talking to me or thinking aloud. He spoke in a unique rhythm.
Awald's words caused the researchers behind me to exclaim in surprise.
"Don't tell me you can even use healing magic…?"
"Impossible. That means she can use advanced-level or above magic of all five elements…"
When Awald heard this, his frown deepened. "Magic of all five elements? Is that even possible? But there's no way someone from a research lab could mistake it. How…? I see. It could be national treasure-level magic tools… But how can one individual possess five such precious items? Hmm, I'd like to see your spells in each element myself."
"Huh? Ah, yes.I don't mind."
I thought he was talking to himself, but suddenly, he was talking to me.
When I nodded, Awald raised his eyebrows for a moment before frowning again. "I've heard that you can use fairly advanced magic. Is it really alright to show it to others so easily? Although it's none of my business, I'm a little concerned. I'd really appreciate it if you could show me. However, I need to see the healing magic I'm most interested in first."
After speaking one-sidedly, Awald fell silent.
"So, I'll show you healing magic."
"Please do."
Although his rhythm was unique, there was no problem with communication. In fact, he was surprisingly easy to talk to.
"Please follow me."
"Sure."
Awald turned and told me to follow him into the lab. As I agreed and followed, I heard surprised voices from behind me.
"She seems to be getting along with the head magician."
"Does Aoi-dono also have a unique personality?"
"I have heard that many who approach the Abyss of Magic are strange…"
I thought I heard something a little off, but I didn’t think it was worth the trouble to deny them. Owen and Glenn were a bit strange, but I thought they were quite reasonable. I was sure the misunderstanding would clear up eventually.
Following Awald into the lab, I saw five men and women inside. The walls were lined with bookshelves full of books, but what caught my attention was a skeleton lying on a table.
"Is that a skeleton model?"
Surprised, I looked down at the skeleton on the table. It was well made, but it didn't seem to be made of wood, clay, or plaster.
Awald shook his head expressionlessly. "No, it's a real human skeleton. We’ve made models, but the real thing is better. It allows us to understand the structure and function of the body."
I nodded. "That's true. To understand the human body, it makes sense to start with the bones."
When I spoke in agreement, for some reason, everyone's eyes focused on me.