As planned, we arrived in Sacris past noon.

  Descending at Inea-sensei's dojo, we immediately carried Milia inside. As soon as Sensei saw Milia's tragic figure, she lost her color and immediately set about treating her.

  However, even with Sensei's treatment using powerful Qi, there was seemingly no effect at all. Only a little bit of Qi enters the stone body. Sensei dropped her shoulders powerlessly.

  "I'm sorry. It seems there is nothing I can do. It appears to be a type of Lost Magic."

  "I suppose so. Because I've never heard of such a thing in existing magic."

  Alice also agrees. Hearing Lost Magic, I had an idea. Deciding to meet that person, I transform into a woman.

  "Sensei. I'm going out for a bit."

  "Where to?"

  "To Tor Guief-sensei's place. If he is the leading expert in Lost Magic research, he might know something about this magic too."

  "Hmm. I see."

  Then, I ask Alice to check elsewhere.

  "Alice, I want you to go to the Magic Library. You might find some information regarding this magic."

  "Got it."

  "What should I do?"

  "Sensei, please watch over Milia. Even Qi treatment might have an effect if continued, perhaps."

  "Ah. Alright."

  "Then. I'm off."

  About twenty minutes running hurriedly from Sensei's dojo. The destination building was located in a quiet residential area slightly on the outskirts of the town, near the great plains of Lasire.

  Tor Guief Magic Laboratory.

  The building is a magnificent three-story structure, using stone that looks expensive just by looking at it as building material. Moreover, it was clean as if newly built.

  I heard that quite a budget has been granted from the town due to the track record of achieving numerous results. Above the front entrance, a splendidly made signboard with "Tor Guief Magic Laboratory" written largely is hanging.

  At the bottom of the signboard, a catchphrase was written slightly smaller: "Let's go together. To the sky of freedom."

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Come to think of it, Guief-sensei often compared the freedom of academic research to the sky. Until now, I somehow avoided coming here thinking I might be forcibly invited if I went... Finally, the day to come to this place has arrived. Moreover, the business is a serious matter involving my best friend's life.

  Bracing myself, I stepped into the front entrance. The outside was magnificent, but the inside was no different.

  It feels exactly like a state-of-the-art laboratory. The entrance is covered with a smooth and beautiful floor, and expensive-looking paintings hang on the white walls. In the center, a large meteorite model was placed. Is it imitating Megil?

  The reception was in the back. When I greeted the lady there, she smiled brightly and said, "Please wait a moment."

  While waiting, since I had nothing to do and was a little curious, I approached the central model. Looking at the explanation below, it was written as expected: "This is an image of the Celestial Magic 'Megil' described in legends."

  After a short while, I was to be guided by the receptionist lady personally. Heading to the third floor. It seems Tor Guief-sensei is in the Chief's Office now.

  Knocking, I was told "Come in," so I opened the door and entered the room.

  There were huge shelves covering the walls on the left and right, and magic books were lined up in rows as if filling them up. One large desk in the front. He was sitting in the magnificent leather chair behind it.

  "Hi. I didn't think the day would come when you would visit me. So, what business do you have?"

  "Yes. I wanted to ask about a certain Lost Magic."

  He smiled in his usual gentle tone.

  "Speak."

  "It's a magic that petrifies the target. Do you know of it?"

  He puts his hand on his chin and nods while making a gesture of thinking.

  "Hmm—. That would be Earth Magic—[Keldestar]."

  So it's called [Keldestar]. Apparently, expectation rises because he knew it.

  "It is a truly terrifying magic. Those turned to stone usually remain that way forever. It can only be broken if the caster cancels it themselves, or by the caster's death."

  "Is that so..."

  If so, it's troublesome. It means there is no other way but to make the Masked Woman cancel it or kill her. But on the other hand, the story just now was also hope. Although difficult, it can be canceled. In other words, Milia is still alive. I feel relieved for the time being about that.

  "It is a very dangerous magic that was designated as prohibited even in ancient Edel. Where on earth did you learn of such magic?"

  Prohibited Magic. Did she use such a heinous thing! That guy! While feeling anger as if the bottom of my stomach is boiling again, I manage to suppress it and answer.

  "It's a woman wearing a mask. My friend Milia was hit by it used by that guy!"

  Then he showed a very sympathetic face.

  "Hoh. That is a pity. So, that Masked Woman is—"

  "Do you mean her?"

  When I turned around with a start—.

  At the entrance of the room, there was unmistakably that Masked Woman. For a moment, I didn't understand what was what.

  Why!? Why is she here!?

  She raised her hand saying "Hii~" and greets me with a hateful lightheartedness.

  —No way. No way!

  When I glared at the front again, there was. Already revealing his true nature—. There was him floating a vicious sneer.

  At that moment, I realized. I was appalled.

  Everything was in the palm of this man's hand. Why was the masked group detailed about our movements? Why did the masked group master numerous Lost Magic?

  Reaching here, it was a natural conclusion. Numerous gruesome incidents so far revive in my brain. All of them were set up by this guy. This guy was the mastermind of everything!

  Driven by passion that is indistinguishable from anger, regret, or grudge, I shouted as if squeezing out everything.

  "You! It was you!"

  "Master Megil!"

  Tor Guief floated a smile vile beyond comparison.

  "Correct answer. One hundred points."