Under the Lamp (1)

I saw the letters flying in front of me in the lab room.

“Research funding support?”

It was a kind of proposal, but the main content was that I wanted to invest research funds.

There were various types of senders, from academic journals such as Veritas and renowned workshops to noble families such as Altair.

Large sums ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of shillings each.

But I put aside my greed and put the letters down.

Investing is all debt.

I have no choice but to shoulder the burden because I have to return it someday.

“I’m not really in need of money… so I guess I’ll have to refuse.”

The salary coming in is not small, and I have Laniakea behind me.

It means you don’t have to be thirsty for such a small support.

I wrote a letter with the contents of polite refusal, and took a break and listened to the newspaper.

It was a newspaper called the Morning Rhodes Times, and it was a newsletter that I read in my spare time.

“…a disappearance case?”

Recently, an article about a series of disappearances in Rhodes occupied one side of the front page.

More than 5 people have already disappeared, and the guards have started an investigation.

“Everywhere people live is the same.”

The neighborhood next to Helios doesn’t seem particularly safe.

For the time being, it seemed necessary to caution the students.

With a short break of newspaper and coffee, I recalled the original purpose of visiting this lab.

‘Prepare the next thesis.’

Although I submitted a thesis to Veritas a while ago, I am not like other professors who take it easy.

My purpose is to kill the Witchbeast.

Therefore, as many techniques and theories as possible to kill the demons should be announced quickly.

That way, mankind will kill even more demons.

“I’d rather do this next time.”

The three formulas of magical power.

Unlike rune words, magic can be calculated as a standardized value, and it is a formula that leaves no room for individual abstraction and subjectivity to intervene.

If this is announced, many artifacts and magics that have not been put to practical use until now due to inconsistent answers will see the light.

And… personally, I wanted to make this formula see the light of day.

“If you publish, I will put you as the first author along with me, Maria.”

In memory of her who laid the foundation for the formula, I wrote the first sentence on the paper.

I was about to fall into the world of concentration, but suddenly someone knocked on the door of the lab.

“Hey, hey…! Is this really Professor Yujin Kang’s lab…!”

I turned my head at the familiar voice. What is this?

Lana came to the lab room.

And that too, while whimpering and dragging a carrier the size of her own.

“It’s my lab, but what is it?”

“Phehehe… that’s what you ordered… I’m sorry it’s too heavy…!”

If left as it is, it looks like it will die from being crushed by the carrier.

Leaving the thesis paper behind, I approached Lana and accepted the carrier instead of her.

Her eyes widened as she lifted it roughly with one hand.

“Wow… hey, you’re strong.”

“It’s nothing.”

I opened the case brought to the lab.

“Five.”

A tall and beautiful figure that emits black luster.

The straightforward straight lines drawn by the six barrels and the curves leading to the gun body harmonize gracefully.

I carefully gripped the grip of the Gatling gun.

“As ordered, we have expanded the multi-circle implementation to 4. The amplification rate is 80% and circle support is possible up to 2 circles.”

“How many shots per minute?”

“It can be adjusted step by step from 3,000 to 7,000 shots.”

“…that’s a masterpiece.”

It was not empty talk, it was truly a masterpiece.

As mana was put into it, a circle glowed along the internal parts and the rotating barrel.

80% boost rate and +2 circle support.

On top of that, if the maximum rate of fire is 7,000 rounds, adding a little bit of exaggeration, it means that you can fire thousands of rounds of magic in a minute with 2 or 3 circles.

In addition, the maximum output that can be produced with a single shot will reach the 6th circle in conjunction with my 4th circle.

“Thank you. You are really good.”

“Uhuhu… Thank you for the compliment. So, by the way, when can I come here…”

Lana glanced at my lab, expressing her anticipation.

It’s not because of the facilities, it’s probably because of the additional income that will come from this place.

The eyes looking at the laboratory are shining like shillings.

“You should be able to come within this month at the latest.”

“Yep! Thank you, professor!”

She was ready to go back.

This is because Helios has a fixed length of stay for outsiders, so Lana cannot stay long.

Watching her glance at the lab several times, I made up my mind to finish the preparations as quickly as possible.

I’m ready to go out, but I can’t make you wait.

*

mid-May.

On a spring day when the midterm exams and major selection were over, the area near the border was in an uproar.

Today is the day of the first major class in Mathematics, Kang Yoo-jin chose the border area as the stage.

It was unusual from the first class, and the faces of the students were mixed with anticipation and tension.

“Welcome to the major lecture of Grand Mathematics. Please take good care of me in the future.”

With his back to the dark forest in the border area, Yujin Kang greeted.

Seeing the background that went well with the hunter’s outfit, the students clapped awkwardly.

“From now on, you will learn how to hunt monsters, as you have majored in anti-magic science. Please study properly and hope to catch even one more monster in the future.”

He stomped his foot twice in such a hurry.

Then, a shrew that had been wandering nearby climbed up his leg and climbed onto his hand.

“The first class is practice, monster tracking. However, it is different from the one-sided tracking of the midterm exam.”

He held out a shrew and continued.

“Hunters don’t just chase after their prey, they also need to know how to lure them in. From now on, you must track down, lure, and catch the ‘real’ monsters in this border area.”

The students groaned.

Do you have to catch the magic beast yourself? Isn’t that too risky?

Finally, one student raised his hand.

A girl in a white fur coat. It was Ansia.

“Wouldn’t that be too dangerous!”

“I have already cleaned the area. The only thing left is the lowest level monsters, and you guys can catch enough of them.”

Kang Yoo-jin sharply shot at the students.

There was an unspoken hint in his eyes that if he couldn’t catch even the lowest level, he would not be able to survive in anti-mathematics.

“The test range is within a radius of 1km. There are still dangerous monsters outside, so don’t think about going beyond that.

He tapped his watch.

It meant using the built-in distance display function.

“However, considering that today is the first time, practice will be conducted in groups of three. Let each of you form a team that suits your mind.”

The students looked at each other.

There was a movement to form a group in an instant, but no one was around Estelle.

It’s an obvious first place, but because of the unique lofty atmosphere, it’s hard to approach easily.

Cynthia, who was right next to Estelle, was restless as she couldn’t find a friend to share with.

There was a student who intervened among them.

“Hi guys!”

White fur clothes and hair as white as snowflakes.

It was none other than Ansia.

“You guys are the first year’s top and second!?”

“Uh, huh?”

Estelle’s twinkling eyes and Cynthia’s bewildered gaze turned to Encia.

It was a fairly embarrassing reaction, but Encia pushed the two of them regardless.

“Would you like to have breakfast together? If you eat with the chief and the second chief, it’s a perfect dream team, right?”

“Uh… I’m good…”

Cynthia glanced at Estelle.

Following her gaze, Encia smiled and reached out to Estelle.

“Hello, Altair! I’m Encia from Vega! Have you heard of my name?”

“no.”

“Then you should know from now on! Are you going to be in the same group!?”

“Heh… do whatever you want.”

“Hurray!”

Estelle snorted, and Cynthia looked at Ensia with a bewildered expression.

It couldn’t have been the tension in the world.

“The top and the second seats… I’m going to go first, too! Synergy is perfect!”

Ensia raised her thumb and smiled.

“Let’s go, bitch.”

“Yes···.”

Ignoring her, Estelle took Cynthia into the forest.

“Reaction is completely low shrew…”

Maybe it’s because one is cold and the other is a purebred, so the reaction is like that.

To Ensia, who had her shoulders drooping, the children around her sneaked closer.

I heard the word ‘Vega’ she said.

“Hey, maybe you’re from the Vega family…”

“Money Shrew Mi!!”

“·······.”

“Guys, go with me~”

Frightened and withdrawn, Ensia followed the two who had left first.

The blank eyes of the remaining children were caught in the back of Ensia, who had disappeared quickly.

*

“Honey. Is your name Cynthia?”

“Huh? Ehh…”

“My name is Encia. We have similar names? Can I call you ‘Sini’ from now on?”

“yes I’m fine.”

Encia seemed to be interested in Estelle and Cynthia, chattering nonstop.

After all, they are the first-year seniors and second-class students, and they are the ones who have the most connections with Yujin Kang.

Ensia, who wanted to know who Yujin Kang was, had no choice but to be interested in them.

Also, Cynthia, who has a timid personality, didn’t hate Encia who approached her without fault.

It was because Ensia treated her without prejudice even though she knew she was a demon.

“You two. Too noisy.”

“Yes, Chief!”

“ha···.”

Even if you stare at him coldly, that bright face shows no signs of breaking.

Estelle gave up on dealing with her and spread her magic for the search.

“I found it.”

Before long, there was a witch who was caught in the sensor net.

Sammiho. It was the lowest level of magic.

“Ninety meters ahead, a three-tailed fox.”

“… I’ll lure you in.”

“Me too~”

Cynthia and Encia simultaneously deployed their magical powers.

The way to lure the demons is more difficult than I thought.

All you have to do is continuously radiate magical energy of a wavelength similar to that of their magic fish.

It’s the simplest lure method, but for the lowest class, this is enough.

– Kirik?

Sam Mi-ho, who ran in response, tilted her head when she saw that there were three human women instead of her own people.

Then, as if he knew he had been tricked, he bared his teeth and raised his claws.

– Kyaaagh!

bang!

But that’s it.

It was pierced by Estelle’s consecrated bullet and turned to ashes and disappeared.

“huh.”

Sliding her hair gracefully, she put the revolver into her holster.

Seeing this, Encia clapped and clapped.

“Wow~ Cool~ You just looked like Professor Yujin Kang!”

It’s like Kang Yujin.

At those words, Estelle turned to Encia.

Then, he smiles triumphantly.

“Of course.”

“Yeah. Of course it was cool.”

While clapping her hands, she gently tapped Cynthia with her elbow.

Cynthia was bewildered, but she applauded right away because she was quick-witted.

“Mmm, that was cool, Estelle.”

“…It’s okay. We can still catch more, so follow me.”

Estelle’s reaction was still sullen, but the sharpness in her tone had diminished considerably.

Cynthia couldn’t help but admire Encia’s way of living.

There is no particular limit on the number of people to catch in this class, but due to Kang Yoo-jin’s personality, there was a strong possibility of giving the store to the team that caught the most.

That was enough to ignite Estelle’s fighting spirit, and when Cynthia and Encia lure the monsters, Estelle catches them with a revolver and the hunt continues.

“Wow. We’ve already caught ten.”

“It’s only been an hour yet…it’s amazing.”

His tracking and search skills were excellent, and Estelle, who was visible, killed him with a one-shot, one-kill, so he couldn’t help but be fast.

“You have to catch more to be number one.”

“Yes, of course~ Let’s do our best, Shinny!”

“yes···!”

The moment I was about to go to the next place with such enthusiasm.

The footsteps of Cynthia, who had been following him, stopped abruptly.

“uh···.”

beyond the dark forest.

There was no light, so I could see a strange light flickering through my mind, immersed in the shadows.

red…? isn’t it purple?

Cynthia, looking at the rippling demon fire, walked towards it without realizing it.

Is that a witch too? No… I don’t think it’s like that…

“Baebsae. It’s not that way.”

Estelle called, but Cynthia did not respond.

“shinny?”

Cynthia’s eyes trembled as she turned to the demon’s fire.

As if possessed, her mouth opened blankly, and her eyes, facing forward, gradually began to turn red.

Strange heat oozing from your breath.

It was none other than Magi’s boiling heat.

“Uh…the condition is a bit strange?”

Encia ran and grabbed her, but Cynthia didn’t budge.

His breathing quickens and the red light in his eyes intensifies.

Ensia, who felt the demon from the heated breath, looked back at Estelle in shock.

“Something’s wrong…!”

“It’s done.”

Then, from where they appeared, Yujin Kang walked out from behind them.

He covered Cynthia’s eyes with his magically enchanted hand, quickly calming her boiling demonic energy.

“hahahaha···.”

“I would have told you to stay out of the radius.”

“Sorry, Professor…”

He returned Cynthia to Estelle and Encia.

“Professor, there’s something in front of me…”

“I’ll find out, go back inside.”

“but···.”

“hurry.”

When Cynthia, taken aback by the coercive voice, shrugged her shoulders, Encia hugged her tightly and patted her on the back.

Estelle stared at Kang Yu-jin endlessly and bowed her head.

Leaving Kang Yu-jin behind, the three of them walked through the border forest in search of the Witchbeast again.

However, Cynthia still couldn’t forget the goblin fire she had seen earlier.

‘What was that…’

I don’t know what it is, but it’s not good.

If it wasn’t for Kang Yu-jin, I might have been enchanted and walked on endlessly.

She clutched her trembling chest and repeated the image of flames.

Cynthia’s eyes were still shining red.

*

Truru-

Yujin Kang, holding a watch, made a call somewhere.

Eventually, the beeping ended, and a voice came from the other side.

– Yes, this is Sergeant Clare. who are you?

“I’m Kang Yujin.”

-Ah~ Professor. What did you call all the time?

“There’s something I’d like to ask you for a moment.”

He was staring at the ogre’s fire that he could see with his own eyes.

It was no stranger to him. Rather, it belonged to a well-informed spark.

He continued talking, recalling a newspaper article he had seen the other day.

“Do you know about the disappearances in Rhodes?”

-Is that it? Everyone knows. It’s not my department’s case… Why are you asking about that all of a sudden?

“The missing persons, by any chance, are they all demons?”

He frowned as he said the word he didn’t like.

Asmodians, it is difficult to attend the academy because of their status, but you can meet them from time to time in private areas like Rhodes.

This is because labor costs are cheap due to poor circumstances, and there are shops and merchants that I use occasionally because they do the dirty work.

A moment of silence followed, followed by the sound of paper fluttering, and Claire answered.

-Yes…that’s right. How did you know this?

“Now, the subject of the disappearance is right in front of you.”

-Yes??

That flame flickering in the distance.

That’s a spark I’ve seen on Earth.

The bizarrely colored goblin fire that burns with magic is a flame with the power to charm demons.

On Earth, the witches lured countless demons in the human camp with it, captured them alive, and used them as they pleased.

I had an ominous thought.

Perhaps, the thought that the disappearance case may be connected to the attempted terrorism case that took place this time.

-···Where are you now?

“I’ll send you the coordinates.”

He hung up the phone and sent the coordinates to Claire.

Then he moved towards the goblin fire.

2 hours until class ends.

I was thinking of putting an end to it.