The second part of the interlude

….

….

….

….

….

Well, I'm starting to write longer and longer chapters. This one's also more than 10K.
I think Zanoba was too stupid in canon, so I made him smarter. And if anyone's unhappy with it, remember: tHis iS aN aU.
Here's a warning:
This is where my fanfics start going all psycho and all that. So if you don't want to be triggered, delete this from your bookmarks.

….

….

….

….

….

Zanoba Shirone. Third Prince of the Shirone Kingdom. And a blessed child who could enhance his strength to inhuman levels since the day he was born. If you think about it, he's been using magic since day one.

Oh! By the way. Did I mention he's an Otaku? He was a figurine Otaku who took things too far. So far, in fact, that I think "pervert" wouldn't be far-fetched.

Besides all that, he was my student. A new student I decided to pick up on a whim, but my apprentice nonetheless. I don't mess around when I decide to teach someone. It would hurt my lingering pride as a Magus.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a detailed plan for his first week of lessons, so I used that time to observe him. To see what made him tick? What made him behave? That sort of thing. Of course, I still gave him basic lessons in magic. Making him memorize all the chants for Elementry-rank spells could hardly be called "teaching," however.

All that aside, I got a decent idea about his personality thanks to my unproductive week. I won't mince words. He's an impulsive and boisterous man-child. But that's only part of his character. Under that facade of rashness hid intelligence and attentiveness. Granted, he will kill people if they break his dolls, so I better be careful of that in the future.

With that in mind, I put together a rough class schedule. It was only a draft, and I will continue to modify it till it suits Zanoba best, but it would work as a temporary solution.

Nobody hired me to teach him reading or arithmetic, nor was I appointed to lecture him for hours on end. No, I was selected to teach him magic and craftsmanship specifically. Add on the fact that he's finished his regular education. And he has quite a lot of free time I could use as lecture time.

I divided the day into two main segments. The morning segment started at eight and ended at eleven. The afternoon one began at one and concluded at four. It was more than enough time to teach him, and Zanoba will have enough free time to practice alone.

Firstly, I wanted to get him to at least Advanced-rank in Earth Magic. He'll need that extra skill to craft delicate figurines like the ones I make. So I'll dedicate the first half of the morning segment to Magic training.

Second, Voiceless Incantation. It was also a skill Zanoba must master. I've been meaning to experiment with why some people can do it while others can't. Maybe I'll make a breakthrough and become even more famous than I am now. Ahahaha!

That aside, each half-segment was eighty minutes long, with a twenty-minute break separating them.

Finally, figurine making. I made the entire afternoon revolve around that since that was why I was appointed. Zanoba was passionate about this, so I improvised to suit his tastes. He could take five-minute breaks whenever he wanted in the afternoon, but if my judge of character is correct, he'll be too busy obsessing over some new doll we make together.

Shutting my eyes to avoid further distractions, I used my Mana to "see" all of Shirone. This wasn't my main body, but a terminal, an extra limb. So it goes without saying I can't use my unique abilities as effectively. Ah... I could have known everything in Shirone-down to the minute details-if I were in my main body! But no... I had to close my eyes to "see" anything, and my range was limited to the castle.

Despite my limited range, the Mana Mist this body emitted differed immensely from my main one. As I said before, the Mana this body produced had a tranquilizing effect. Hmm... That wasn't the right word for it. It was more like a natural neuro-manipulation agent I could control. I could make anyone roll on the ground with laughter or cry like they lost their family with a thought. Calmness was the emotion that was the easiest to induce, though.

"Ah. Right on time. As expected."

The familiar sound of light footsteps tapping on stone floors had become a reminder of sorts to me. When I heard that, I knew it was almost time for Zanoba's lectures, so I'd tidy everything up and start acting like a "strict but friendly teacher." I snapped my fingers, and a projected plate vanished into golden motes of light. A gust of wind blew the crumbs from my last meal out the window, shuffling some papers on my desk-much to my annoyance.

The "classroom" now looked professional. It still only had one desk, but it was decently sized and could fit five people. It was more than enough for my purposes. The rest of the space was filled with shelves and cupboards. They held books and tools relevant to the lectures I'll be giving, such as carving knives, magical textbooks, and even a small chest of gems loaded with Od and Mana from my personal stash. A large shelf had been placed in front of the sole window in the room. It was dedicated to showcasing dolls and figures. The natural lighting from outside did wonders to bring out their true splendor. Faint mystical symbols glowed on the walls, ceiling, and floor. Runechains to ensure my safety in case of an emergency. I wasn't a fool; being so reckless in another country I knew nothing about was adamant to suicide.

The door opened with a bang, being ripped from its steel hinges. The light, rhythmic footsteps became a full-on sprint as the thin prince rushed through the door. Ginger followed not far behind, an apologetic look on her face at the broken door.

I laughed light-heartedly and waved my hand. Runechains lit up around the doorframe. The metal shards of the pivots pooled together to form their original shape. The door levitated and secured itself where it belonged, too. The screws twisted into place to attach it to the joints.

"I got used to it after the first couple of times, so I made that door self-repairing. So long as my apprentice doesn't obliterate it completely, it'll mend on its own."

"Truly, your genius knows no bounds, Lord Animusphere."

"Stop it with the formalities. I always hated 'Lord' and 'Lady' business. Feel free to address me by my given name. 'Animus.'"

Ginger bowed politely and closed the now-fixed door. She took up her position outside our classroom, standing diligently as her eyes wandered to the long hallways.

Now alone with Zanoba, the usual fist-sized box of white chalk appeared on my counter. I placed both hands on the table and leaned on them, making myself look more intimidating. Granted, I might have looked more cute than scary, so curses that I made this body so adorable.

"Zanoba, my pupil. It has been one week since I took you under my wing."

"Yes! Master!"

Sensing that today was different than the previous ones, Zanoba took his seat quickly and sat with his back straight as a rod. His hands were folded on the table rigidly.

"I must apologize. I could not start your formal apprenticeship sooner as I was still trying to figure out what teaching style would suit you best. I've been teaching you the basics of Elementry-rank Magic for the past week. I'll be blunt. That was the basics of basics. Now, your training begins in earnest. I look forward to teaching you for the next few years."

"Yes, Master. I look forward to learning from you as well! I shall do my best to live up to your expectations!"

"It will be tough, and the lessons I teach will be complex and difficult to understand. Still, I have no doubt you will pull through."

"Naturally, Master. Thank you for regard me with such praise. I shall learn your arts, even if I must spit blood."

"That's the drive I'm looking for. Your morning lessons will be about Magic training, and I'll teach you how to craft figurines in the afternoon. Is that understood?"

"Of course, Master!"

...

Morning lectures had ended a few minutes ago. During my seven-eightish years in this Age-of-the-Gods world, I had taken three other students before Zanoba. That, and I paid close attention to the various Lords during my time in the Clocktower, gave me ample experience in teaching. I wouldn't say I was the best, but I wasn't some run-of-the-mill teacher who graduated by cheating using some fancy AI.

I had Zanoba repeatedly cast until he could recite the chants in his sleep in class. I won't introduce him to the world of wordless casting so soon. Asking him to use magic wordlessly after just learning magic was unreasonable. Sure, I could do it, and Sylphie accomplished it with a singular spell, but I was beginning to think we were exceptions.

It sounded out of place, but learning to control his strength was also a branch of Magic training. He was using Mana to enhance his body. It differed little from wordless casting. So here's what I attempted to teach him wordless casting. I sealed his super strength and told him to concentrate on the feeling when I did so, then I asked him to create the exact opposite sensation while focusing on the spell he wanted to form. Mental images were crucial when using this world's magic.

He got no results today and became a bit sulky. But I assured him that it was normal. If he could do what I asked immediately, I would have been ready to call him a genius even above my level. However, if he doesn't get anywhere within the next few months? I'd have to rethink my plans if that were to happen.

There were still a few minutes before lunch. So I decided to check out the castle's library. Zanoba was leading me there. Even though I assured him I knew where it was, he insisted on being my guide. Ginger tailed us from behind, keeping a considerable distance to not disturb our conversation but close enough to protect us. More specifically, me.

"Do books interest you, Master?" Zanoba asked me.

"Of course." My grey eyes twinked, my face spreading into a grin. "I enjoy reading. Specifically, somewhere quiet and with a cup of tea."

Zanoba hummed. "I see. Yes, I can understand the appeal of that. The more you read, the more you know, and the wiser you become. I would much rather spend my time admiring figurines, but I can see why you enjoy it."

"Well, I haven't had much time to do some light reading for quite some time. I've been busy with a project of mine." Yeah, those Rings of Light were a pain to create.

"I see. Well, I certainly hope you accomplish whatever it is you're doing, Master."

"Thank you for your faith in me, Zanoba."

"It is of no consequence. That is the duty of a student, is it not?"

I laughed lightly, and the conversation ended there. There wasn't much left to say as we entered the palace library. I looked around the spacious halls lined with bookcases. It was undoubtedly grander than the one in Roa's manor. But this was a royal castle, so what did you expect? A few lanterns lit up the dark spots where the sun didn't reach, and magical crystals hung from the ceiling to light the chambers at night.

"Feel free to read whatever interests you, Master. I shall take my leave now."

"Uh-huh. Thanks for the introduction, Zanoba. Be careful, and don't rip anyone's heads off."

Zanoba gave a half-hearted laugh. "Of course. I shall do my best to not sully your reputation."

That...wasn't why I didn't want him to kill people. But, hey. As long as I don't see any blood and gore, I won't throw up. As Zanoba was leaving, Ginger approached me and told me a few rules.

"You may take any books you wish out of the library, but they must be returned after a week. Also, each book has the royal Insignia of Shiron imprinted on the back. Please don't think about selling them."

"Of course. Who do you think I am?" I scoffed indignantly. I wasn't short on cash at all, and why would I sell cheap books when each Mystic Code I sold raked in ten gold coins at the minimum?

"Normally, people can only take one book at a time from the library, and they need to register with an appointed librarian. But Prince Zanoba made an exception for you."

"Really? He didn't have to go through that much trouble."

"You are the person he respects most in the world. He'd make sure you get the best treatment in our kingdom." Ginger bowed and walked towards the library's entrance. "I hope you have a good time, Lord Animusphere."

I sighed. I had long since given up trying to ease formalities. But let's put that aside for now. Simply looking at all those books lined up made me feel giddy. I definitely won't get bored when I'm here.

I circled around the stacks of books, searching for what I wanted. I needed books about ancient magic or myths. From the mythos, I may be able to find some lost technique some old fart used to seal away gods or powerful beasts. If I can procure something along those lines, I may have the capability to tweak it into something that can seal the calamity.

I have all but confirmed that the floating red "star" above Roa would cause the disaster. Unfortunately, I don't know what kind. And that made things tricky. The solution to a meteor crashing onto this world and a great fire scorching the land weren't the same. Which means I have to nip it in the bud, as people say. I have to seal the "star" in some barrier. That's what the Six Rings of Light are-six monumentally powerful barriers.

I wasn't making much progress with draining the Mana within the red "star." I could sense the density of magical energy within growing day by day. I was running out of options.

Shaking my head, I grabbed any book I thought was interesting. There were many desks in the library. I chose one close to a window to plop the books on. Looking at the seemingly randomly chosen stack of literature, I huffed and began sorting them into piles.

The Legend of Perugius was considerable, detailing the sealing of the Demon God Laplace. However, it had no actual descriptions of how the Dragon King did such a deed, nor did it mention the spell he used. I put that one in the "low priority" stack.

The various magical tombs and textbooks were more encouraging. But none of them had anything relating to advanced barrier crafting. I glanced a King-tier water spell, but I already knew how to perform that one.

Finally were sketchy books that detailed equally untrustable legends. They were old, judging by the covers that were falling apart. The tales depicted were heavily abridged and altered through the course of history, so I didn't know how much of it was true. They weren't well known and had been collecting dust in the corners of the library before I decided to give them a chance.

The one in the best condition was called "Legend of Setanta." The cover claimed it was a biography written by a druid three hundred years ago during the Laplace War before he fought his final battle and perished. I doubted it was true, as the notes left by the previous owner of my house said that all druids were wiped out thousands of years ago. However, "Setanta..."

"Where have I heard that name before?"

'Greetings, reader. My name is Sétante Cu Lainn.'

Right! It was the name of the druid who passed on his house to me! He did say he was the last druid alive, so it wouldn't be far-fetched if the legend was dedicated to him. And he also claimed his family had a long history of being druids, so they might have come across some helpful seals I could copy and steal for my own purposes.

I huffed sadly, opening the book to its first page. Looks like I'm skipping lunch today.

...

...

Twilight had come, the falling sun granting the world one last encore before the moon took reign. No matter how often I saw it, the sight of my elder brother setting was a sight to behold. The blue sky was tinted with shades of vibrant colors, and the clouds were lit aflame. I watched all this from a window in the castle, humming to myself as I did so.

Zanoba trailed behind me, his back hunched and his face disgruntled. He didn't give the aura of royalty at all. Instead, he looked like an oversized sulking child. The evening light shone on his crest-fallen expression, somehow, some way, making him seem even more depressed.

There was a reasonable explanation for this, of course. I had tried to teach my dear pupil doll-making in the afternoon. The keyword? "Tried." Because he hadn't even mastered Elementrally-rank spells yet, I chose to teach him the good old-fashioned way. Carving clay with a scalpel. It was the most primitive method but the only one we had.

So I took the liberty of sealing his super strength to prevent the clay from being crushed into smithereens and handed him the scalpel.

He worked on that thing for the whole afternoon. I stood by, reading the book about that druid while giving occasional advice.

I wasn't expecting his first work to be a masterpiece, but what he had made after such a long time could barely be called a doll. Sure, it had limbs, a body, and a head. But the proportions were way off. And I'm sure Zanoba could tell. Hence why he's so depressed. In his eyes, he probably denied a promising doll its creation.

I slowed my pace to walk side-by-side with my apprentice. A bit of calming Mana was sent his way to soothe his conflicted emotions. Patting him on his back, I attempted to give words of encouragement.

"Hey, it's fine. No one can make something perfect on the first try, right? Use this as an opportunity to learn and improve. I'm sure you'll surpass me one day."

"Hahaha. Please, don't joke about that, Master." Zanoba huffed depressingly, but his mood seemed a bit lifted. Whether it was because of my words or Mana? I'll never know. "But, yes, you're right. I'm expecting too much from myself. I shall take criticism in strides and improve myself. I shall make you proud one day, Master!"

"I'm looking forward to it, dear Zanoba."

"Yes! Master!" He replied in an oddly ridged and robotic way.

There were a few moments of silence before we both burst into laughter. Yes, I'm enjoying my life in Shirone very much. Now, speaking of Masters, wasn't I forgetting something?

I entered the library doors to return some of the books I had borrowed. The Legend of Setanta was not included among them. I still had to finish analyzing the various scenes in it. There was one character that seemed oddly familiar to me. The way he was described... It was almost like he was a Starborn.

The teacher of Setanta, Anima. A young boy with white hair and golden eyes that never aged. And a shattered gem was placed on his forehead. Sound familiar? Yeah, that was basically a description of my main body. Even the name was uncannily similar to one I had used before, the one from that time in the village up north.

It had to be a strange coincidence that our appearances seemed similar. Even the name, too. Maybe "Anima" was a popular name in this world. And if it wasn't a coincidence? Then I have absolutely no idea. But, "Anima..." I'll have to look into that person.

I sighed frustratingly. This gave me more questions than answers. My mind was like a sea of conflicting thoughts I tried to keep buried. I wandered to the library's front desk and plopped the various books on it. The librarian would return them, Zanoba told me.

There was still a considerable amount of time before I went to sleep, and most days, I opted to not sleep at all. I have already chosen and established my favorite spot in the library. A table in front of a window. There, I could read in peace while occasionally enjoying the scenery below.

"Zanoba, I'm going to do some light reading. Feel free to do whatever you wish."

"Ah, of course. Then I shall be taking my leave, Master."

"Yes, good night. I'll see you tomorrow."

Zanoba walked out briskly, his back was straighter, and he was a bit more confident when he spoke. So I'm assuming his self-confidence has returned somewhat. Good for him. Humming a light tune from my previous life, I went to my favored spot.

"Oh? Huh?"

Someone was already sitting before my favored table. Her build was petite, but she seemed older than me. If I had to guess, I'd say she was around fourteen. Blue hair tied into two braids hung before the chair's backrest. Her mage's robes were draped on her chair, and her staff was placed half-heartedly by the wall. She was busily copying notes from a book spread out on the table. The most important detail? I knew her.

"Excuse me, would you happen to be Roxy Migurdia, perchance?"

"Eek!"

I lightly tapped her shoulder, chuckling internally when her hair seemed to stand up on end. Yep, she was the same old teacher I knew. It's a miracle the ink hadn't spilled. I waited for her to finish patting her wrinkled clothes before speaking again.

"I was wondering if you were Roxy Migurdia?"

"A-ah! Yes, I am." She looked me up and down, and a lightbulb seemed to light up beside her head. "So you must be the new Court Mage. Lord Animusphere, right?"

"Yes, that's me. Feel free to drop the formalities." I began pulling out the chair next to her. Wait, she might not want someone to disturb her. "Do you mind if I sit next to you?"

"No, it's fine. I don't mind." Roxy pushed the books and papers to her side of the desk. I smiled at her with gratitude.

I plopped down in the wooden chair and opened the book I had. Flipping to where I'd left off, my eyes roughly scanned the note-worthy details. I held back a sneeze when dust entered my nostrils. This book sure had been left alone for a long time. Each page was covered with a thin layer of grime. A light breeze blew through the library, carrying the dust bunnies out the door.

"Achoo!" Roxy sneezed beside me. Oops. Sorry about that, teacher.

"Hehe... Sorry about that. I tried using wind magic to clean the dust from these pages." I scratched my cheek, bowing my head in the form of an apology.

"Wind magic? But I didn't hear you say anything."

"I can use magic without chanting."

I brushed away a piece of dirt that wasn't carried away by the wind and turned the page. Hmm? Wasn't it awfully still now? I didn't hear Roxy's pen scratching the papers she was working to finish. Unnerved, I turned to my left.

Ah. The pen Roxy once held had dropped onto her notes. It had left a large ink blotch on the parchment, possibly ruining hours of hard work. Her mouth was slightly open, and her face had a disbelieving expression.

"You can cast wordlessly?!"

"Shhh!"

Roxy's shocked face quickly morphed into one of embarrassment. "S-sorry."

"It's no big deal. And, yes. I can. For example." I flicked my left index finger in an upward motion. The ink splattered on the table bubbled in a boiling fashion. Then it rose into the air and collected in a small black bubble. Finally, I directed the ink into the small ink well on the table. Roxy watched me, seemingly mesmerized. I gave an odd look.

"Are silent spellcasters that rare?"

"They are. I only knew two. A teacher at Ranoa University. But I hear he passed away a while ago from old age."

"I see..." I paused. "Wait. You said two. So who's the other one?"

A self-depressing smile made its way onto Roxy's face. It was mostly filled with fondness, but that tinge of depression made it special. "My last student. A boy named Rudeus Greyrat. He was a genius in every sense of the word. He could cast without chanting even before I went to teach him."

"It sounds like you enjoyed teaching him."

"I mean, how could I not? He understood everything I told him. He reached Saint rank when he was five!" The blue-haired maiden sighed, her hand supporting her head as she stared out the window. "He should be seven now, almost eight. I wonder how he's doing? I'm scared to think how far he's come."

Well, Rudes Greyrat has been doing just peachy. Despite his non-existent sleep schedule, I'm a perfectly healthy God-ranked mage!

"I'm sure your student is doing well. If he's as brilliant as you say, there's no doubt he'll be fine. If you're that worried, perhaps you should visit him sometime?"

Roxy shook her head sadly. "He's all the way in Fittoa, Buena Village. Since I'm a court mage and live-in tutor now, I can't spare much time for travel." She suddenly looked at my face, inspecting it thoroughly. "I don't know if it's nostalgia talking, but you look awfully like him, Lord Animusphere."

"W-Well, you know what they say!" I chuckled nervously. I based this body's appearance on my original body. So, of course, it would look similar. "My full name is Animus Animusphere Greyrat, so I-I'm a Greyrat, too. So maybe we're distant cousins!"

"Hmm... That would certainly explain it." Roxy seemed to wonder something before speaking again. "Well, I know it's rude. But how old are you, Lord Animusphere? You must be a dwarf or a halving."

"I'm a seven-year-old human."

"Oh. I see." There was a moment of silence before realization sank in. It was hilarious the way Roxy's face morphed. "You're what?!"

"We're in a library. Please mind your voice, Miss Roxy."

"A-ah... I-I'm sorry. It happened again." This time, she buried her face in her hands while mumbling out apologies. If she could cast wordlessly, she'd probably dig herself a hole and hide there for a few weeks.

'Really, Master? That Goddess-like impression I have of you will be shattered if you keep behaving like this. Please, for my sake, stop being so shy!'

"Well, we're probably the only people in the library this late, so you're probably fine." I shrugged, looking around the spacious hall. Sure enough, there wasn't a single soul in sight. "As I was saying, I'm seven years old."

"B-but weren't you hired as a tutor for the Third Prince?!"

"Yeah, I was. How did you hear about that?"

"It's the only thing the guards are talking about. A genius craftsman from Fittoa tamed the 'Prince Who Rips Necks.'"

"Tamed?" That's kind of rude toward Zanoba. Isn't it? He has his quirks, but I wouldn't go so far as to say I "tamed" him.

"I guess you could say I did that. But all I did was listen to his requests and not anger him." I scratched my chin in an "I'm thinking" way. "Once you get to know him, he's pretty nice."

"Really?" Roxy trailed off. Judging by her hesitant reaction, she didn't believe me. It's alright, though. I'm sure she'll warm up to my apprentice soon enough. They lived in the same castle, after all.

"I could introduce him to you if you want?"

"N-No. I think I'll pass."

"Hmm. Well, I can't force you to do anything." I leaned back in my chair, basking in the presence of my teacher. "Say, since we're both the tutors of princes, let's compare them!"

"Huh?"

"You know, let's tell each other about our students! Maybe we can learn from each other."

"O-Oh. I see. Yes, that sounds like a great idea."

"Okay! Then I'll start." I rubbed my hands together, pondering what I could use adjectives to give the perfect representation of Zanoba. "My student, the Third Prince Zanoba, is quirky. He's deeply passionate about dolls, to the point it's an obsession. If he can get his hands on a valuable figure, he doesn't mind what actions he commits. If killing someone is what it takes, then so be it. He also told me that he had trouble distinguishing dolls from people when he was young, but that seems to have resolved as he matured."

Roxy looked at me, her face ashen and pale. "H-How do you teach someone like that?! I couldn't hope for someone like that to listen in a million years!"

"Well, that's only the said he shows. Deep down, Zanoba is intelligent. He must be so, as his knowledge of figures and analytical skills are on par with mine. I might even say he surpasses me in some aspects. He understands what's happening around him. But chooses to ignore what doesn't concern him. In my eyes, that is a sign of a competent student worth teaching."

Roxy sighed, giving a short laugh. It sounded like she was getting even more depressed. "You make your student sound so capable that mine seems nothing in comparison."

"Is that so? He can't be that bad."

"He steals my panties and peeks when I'm bathing. He hardly ever listens in class anymore. Instead, he often sleeps the day away."

I had nothing to say about that. From what Roxy had told me, that student seemed really hopeless. Wait, why did that description seem familiar to me?

"Surely, there must be at least one good feature?"

"Well, he was quick-witted and a budding magician, but that changed when he learned about the opposite sex."

"Ah. I see why you're so disappointed now. Having a promising student fall due to his sexual urges is certainly frustrating." I hummed. "Zanoba is more reasonable, but he still has his fits."

"But how did you get him to listen to you?" Roxy pressed the subject. "From what you told me, your student seems even more problematic than my own! How did you get him to listen?"

"Oh, that's quite simple." I nodded. Thinking back on it, it was the one reason Zanoba went so far for me. "Respect."

"Respect?" Roxy parroted dumbly.

"Yes. That is the key to a healthy and long-lasting student-teacher relationship. If a teacher doesn't respect the student, the student will develop hatred for the instructor and lose interest in classes. If a student doesn't respect their teacher, they won't learn anything or take the teacher seriously." I put my hands behind my head, wanting to seem casual in front of my own Master. "Zanoba listens to me and takes criticism from me because he respects me. That's also the reason why he hasn't killed me. So yeah, that's my piece of advice. If you want your student to listen to you, get them to respect you first."

"I see." Roxy sighed, muttering something under her breath. "Thank you, Lord Animusphere. Your wisdom was enlightening."

"Think nothing of it."

The conversation ended there. I buried my head into my shady book and began my reading marathon. Roxy packed her things to go to bed a few hours later, but I stayed up till around two in the morning.

...

...

...

Zanoba

...

Once upon a time, in a kingdom called Shirone. There was a blessed prince who couldn't tell apart dolls and humans.

Ah, sorry. During the six months I have been apprenticed under Master, he has told me many tales and legends as short fables. They were like bedtime stories, short and sweet, yet still held immeasurable meaning. I didn't know where he heard these epics since I didn't even know most existed. I'm starting to think he made them up himself. Since I've heard so many stories that began with "Once upon a time," it rubbed off on me when I wanted to tell my life's story.

Anyway, there was once a time when I couldn't discern the difference between humans and figurines. They looked so similar. The only difference was that one spoke while the other didn't.

When I grew a little older, I matured, and I could distinguish between the two more, but they still felt the same. Regular, un-blessed humans broke so effortlessly. They were like puppets tied with thin, fragile strings.

I loved dolls. Yes, every single one was a treasure in my eyes. Some were of better craftsmanship than others. But I adored even the inferior ones. In a way, the only dolls I disliked were humans.

They looked exactly like dolls, but all they did was complain and try to rob me of my freedom. Yes, they were annoying, and I hated them.

Looking back on it, I have changed much since Master took me on as an apprentice. The shift was gradual, almost unnoticed by all. But I saw the change in myself. Master seemed to sense it, too.

I suppose the catalyst for that change was when Master sealed away my Blessed Child Abilities. I was born a blessed child. "Someone chosen by an unknown god." My strength rivaled a hundred men. Because of that, I was a prince in name only. I knew the cold truth since the beginning. I was a weapon of war, meant to protect the country in times of need. That was the sole reason why the king would overlook all my actions.

I often wondered: What would my life have been like if I had been an un-blessed human? If I hadn't torn off my little brother's head on the day of his birth? I would have never known. If not for Master's brilliance, that is.

On the day we met, when I brought him before the king. That was when it first happened.

The king and I were never that close. What we had could barely be considered a strained friendship, much less a father-son relationship. He avoided me, since I was prone to snapping and tearing people's heads off left and right. And when he had no choice but to see me, he would be accompanied by his finest guards.

That day, when Master stood before the king, the king was too blind to recognize the sheer talent of my Master, passing him off as a mere toddler. Needless to say, I was enraged. He may be the king of Shirone, but I will not let even he dishonor Master's name.

I began walking forward. If logical wording wouldn't work, then I'll use brute force. All of a sudden, my body felt weak. I had heard Master chant something behind me, but I had shaken it off as a spell. When Master finished chanting, he jumped up and pulled my shirt's collar.

By all means, he should not have been able to sway my stance or step. I do not wish to sully Master's name, but he himself admitted that he was a human child. Even the Royal Knights had trouble matching my strength, so it was shocking when I fell to the floor, dazed and unsure about what had happened.

My body's impact on the floor was heavier than usual. It hurt more, too. I could still stand without effort, but my body felt weightier and sluggish. I had wanted to ask Master what he did, but...

"Stop using that spell of yours to threaten them. Can't you convince them by using normal methods?"

I had no idea what he was talking about, but I had disappointed the person I respected. I immediately prostrated myself, begging for forgiveness.

"It's alright."

Master had waved good-naturedly, forgiving my transactions instantly. Such a kind man. Or could it be his child-like innocence? Master was tens of times more mature than humans his age, but perhaps smidges of naivety mingled with his personality?

Nevertheless, Master requested a duel with the king's personal knights. I wasn't worried. If it had been any other person, I couldn't have cared less about whether they lived or died. But I cared greatly about Master's well-being, even before I met him face-to-face.

Why was I not afraid? It was simple, really. Master had suggested it himself. He was wise and calculative. He would not fight a battle that he could not win.

And, as I predicted, Master won. He had won before the knights even reached him. It was a simple yet elegant display of both skill and precision.

I could feel my respect for him growing day by day.

...

When he returned to my chambers, the king had finally recognized his brilliance. He was hired as my tutor on the spot and was given the position of Court Mage.

Master had requested a classroom, and the king had one arranged. It was done before ten minutes had passed. It was a simple but quaint room, the window on the back wall giving natural light. Master looked dissatisfied. But he had muttered, "This would do."

With a snap of his fingers, a blackboard and a box of chalk manifested from thin air. A spot near the back wall had been raised a decent height, with rough steps leading to it.

"First things first. Please stop using that spell to strengthen your body."

Master had begun writing something on the blackboard, so he didn't see my look of confusion. I told him I didn't know what he meant.

The chalk dropped from his hand. It was snapped in two. His mouth was gaping open when he slowly turned to me.

After a flurry of questions, Master had requested two iron bars. I had Ginger bring them. When she returned, Master handed one to me.

"Try and bend this."

I did as he instructed. Master was staring at my arms intently while I did so. When I didn't see it happen, his eyes had turned gold. When I inquired about that fact later, he told me he had in-born Demon Eyes.

"Disturb Mana."

Once Master said that, the unfamiliar feeling of a weakened body invaded my body. My flesh felt soft and brittle like even the lightest touch would cause it to tear. My bones felt brittle and fragile. I knew that, in this state, if I were to jump out of our classroom's window, I would most likely not survive. Needless to say, I could not bend the next iron bar Master handed me.

I clearly knew it was Master who made my body this weak. He confirmed it when he told me he had sealed my ability. He gave me back my super strength, and I could bend the iron pole as easily as before.

Master is brilliant. He did the impossible and sealed a Blessed Child's abilities. If the Millis knew of him, he would be executed on the spot. Though, could they even kill him? I have a suspicion that Master could take on an entire country and still come out on top.

He told me in detail what my Blessed Child Ability was and how it worked. It was no different than a spell cast with Mana. Master said he would teach me to control my super strength.

I was a fool. And I stupidly asked why I would need to do so. My super strength was more of a hindrance at times, but it was still a helpful tool I could use. And besides, the time wasted on controlling my super strength could have been used more effectively.

Master did not use morals or half-hearted reasonings when he explained why I needed to control my strength. He gave a valid and solid example. He would teach me craftsmanship, and I could not do well in that field if I broke everything with my power as soon as I started.

I was overjoyed. I had thought that doll-making was a skill left for the gods. But my Master so generously decided to take on someone as troublesome as me as an apprentice. Master, as a man, was genuinely kind.

...

Master did not teach me much during my first week of apprenticeship. We spent most of our time in the sparring grounds, with him teaching me the Elementery-rank spells' chants. I did not question his judgment, as I knew this was simply a part of the process. By the end of the week, I knew all the words by heart. Even if I couldn't use most of the spells.

At the start of the second week, the classroom had been refurbished. It now looked like a professional workplace. There were jars of herbs and animal parts. Banners with mystical symbols and Magic Circles hung on the walls. Even the desk had changed to become reinforced with steel. Master said that this was the official start of my apprenticeship under him.

Despite the seemingly extra special occasion, we spent the first half of the morning as usual: Casting spells on the training grounds. Master said once before that he would not rest 'till I was an Advaced-rank mage. I didn't want to disappoint him, so I trained all I could.

I had grown fond of the mornings we spent together. I practiced my magic, and Master stood beside me, usually with a textbook or grimoire in hand. He corrected me when I errored and congratulated me when I succeeded. He even threw in the occasional joke.

To others, this was but a small detail of life. But it was much more to me. This was the first time someone had treated me as a person. The first time someone associated themself with me because of "me." It was the first time I felt like I had a genuine friend. Once again, I was reminded that Master was kind, and I was fortunate to be his apprentice. I'm guessing that's when the change in me began.

The second half of the morning was when things got interesting. Or it got boring, in a sense. Master ended our outside magical training mid-morning and led me back inside. He said that was where he would continue. I was excited. Maybe he was finally going to teach me to craft figurines.

That didn't happen. Master said he would teach that in the afternoon. Instead, he said he would teach me wordless casting as it was a necessary skill to know. I was skeptical, not of my Master's teaching ability, but of my capability to absorb his knowledge.

"Master, isn't that an exceptionally rare skill reserved for the most talented mages?"

My Master had thought for a moment, contemplating something.

"Yes, or at least the world believes that. I don't think that's true, though. Remember that figure you spoke so passionately about when we first met? The person that figure was based on is my childhood friend. I taught her magic, too. And she could cast wordlessly within a few months."

Master had a look on his face when he was about to crack a joke. "She's seven this year. If she can do it, you can, too. Or are you going to let a kid beat you?"

"No, of course not! I will make you proud, Master!"

"I'm looking forward to it," Master said with a smile.

Master told me to sit in a chair and relax my body. This was only an experiment, so Master wasn't sure if it would work. He snapped his fingers, and a rectangular piece of smooth, white cloth fell from the ceiling.

Master reached into his cloak and pulled out a piece of paper. There were some glowing symbols written on it. It reminded me of literary letters, but they were hazy and constantly shifted, evading my clear view. Master put the parchment in my hands.

"What is this, Master?"

"It's called a talisman. Just think of it as miniature a Magic Circle."

"What is it supposed to do?"

"Stick this onto your forehead, and you'll see for yourself."

I did as he asked. Master had no ill intent in his voice, so there was no reason he would harm me. A beam of light shot out from the symbols on the paper, forming a hazy image on the hung-up cloth.

"Now, think of a figure."

There were many figures I treasured. But the ones created by Master were among my favorites. Subconsciously, I imaged the figure I spoke about when we met.

A picture formed on the white cloth. It was blurry and seemed to be covered in fog. But I could tell it was the figure I thought about.

"As you can see, this is a mind-reading Magic Circle I developed. It takes the foremost thought in your mind and projects it onto the screen there. This will aid us greatly in your studies."

Unfortunately, I did not understand how this would help me. What could reading my mind have to do with magic? Master saw the uncertainty on my face and began to explain.

"When casting wordlessly, the images in your mind are the key. I like to call them 'Mental Triggers.' That's what helps me cast silently. So, I will train you, Zanoba, to develop these 'Mental Triggers.'"

Master then told me what that training would entail.

"You will cast a spell and then choose something associated with it as your Mental Trigger. It can be anything, from an object to an action or movement. It's up to you. Once you do that, picture the Mental Trigger associated with the spell whenever you cast it. Once you do this enough times, the simple act of rousing the Mental Trigger will be enough to cast a spell."

I did not understand most of what Master said, but it made sense somehow. Master noticed my confusion. I was never one to hide my emotions.

"Hmm... Perhaps a demonstration is in order?"

Master took the piece of paper from my forehead. The shifting images vanished on the cloth. Master then placed it on his forehead before casting a spell.

This time, the picture on the white cloth was clear, unlike the fuzzy white haze that covered my imagined image. I could see a faint star in a black backdrop. Without warning, the star exploded, becoming hundreds of times its original size. In tandem, a fireball appeared above Master's outstretched hand.

Ever the buffoon, I still did not understand. What could a star and a fireball have in common? Was Master telling me that stars are merely balls of fire up in the sky? I'm assuming that a star exploding is Master's mental trigger. However, there was still much I did not understand.

Master took the talisman from his forehead and handed it to me.

"That was my mental trigger: A star going supernova. 'Going supernova,' by the way, means exploding.

"Since I'm well practiced enough, I use that one trigger for everything. However, only having one trigger is a bit too advanced for you. So you will choose separate triggers for each spell I teach you."

"Master, I am starting to understand. But help does this talisman offer?"

Master pointed at the white cloth hanging from the ceiling.

"Do you remember the difference between the images in our minds? Yours was clouded and unfocused. That won't do at all if you wish to learn wordless casting. So, this is your goal, Zanoba. Get a mental trigger to be as focused as mine. Once you do so, casting silently should be well within your reach."

"So, what you're saying is...that this is for observing my progress?"

Master flashed a small smile. "Yes, that's right," he pulled out the chair next to mine and sat down. He then stuck the talisman on my forehead. "It's best if we get started as soon as possible. Since it's your first time, we shall start with the easiest spell you can cast. 'Earth Bullet.'"

...

Thanks to my Master's training and coaching, my cognitive ability has increased. It was easier for me to picture images in my mind.

With the mind-reading talisman, it was easier for Master and I to see my progress. The mental trigger I chose for the spell "Earth Bullet" was simple: A hammer and chisel chipping away at a sculpture, and the piece chipped away became a pointed bullet.

At the beginning of my training, I tried to form a clear image of the entire sculpture. However, I soon found that it was too difficult for me to do so. As it required more concentration than what I was used to.

Thankfully, Master gave me much-needed advice when I was stuck in a blockade. He told me I should focus on what was significant instead of the entire picture. His advice was priceless for an idiot like me. It helped me significantly, and the fog around my mental images cleared up much.

And then, two months after we began my training, something incredible happened.

A small marble formed before my hand without me saying any spell. It didn't move and merely dropped to the ground and rolled away. Neither of us bothered to pick up the earthen ball as we were too excited to do so.

"M-M-Master! D-d-d-did you see that?!"

"Y-Yes, my apprentice. I did," Master's voice was shaky and was filled with barely concealed excitement. "You did it, Zanoba. After two short months, you accomplished what hundreds, if not thousands, of others failed to. What else can I say except, good job? I'm proud, my pupil. I always knew you could do it."

"Thank you! Master! Your praise is unbefitting someone like me!"

"Ah, don't say that. We're more like friends rather than a conventional student-teacher relationship. You can call me by my real name if you want?"

"Ah, no! While it is an honor to earn Master's friendship, I shall continue to pay respects to you!"

"Well, suit yourself. Should I be calling you 'Your Royal Highness,' then?"

"Please don't."

I was happy, ecstatic, even. Not only had I accomplished the goal my Master set for me, but I had earned his friendship while doing so.

After that day, my progress in wordless casting increased. I now knew what my Master had meant by "Mental Triggers." Since I already had one established, it was easier to pick ones for the other spells I knew.

My control over my super strength also increased. My super strength was, at its core, a spell I constantly cast. Now that I could cast silently, controlling my super strength was much easier. I didn't break everything I touched, and I could carve dolls with scalpels without squishing them into goop.

Now, after six months since Master took me on as a student, I could use all Elementery-rank spells without chanting. The results varied, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be focused enough to cast them in battle, but I learned magic to make dolls. Not fight in petty squabbles between countries.

However, if I were to be called into battle, the techniques Master taught me would most certainly save my life one day. Of this, I am sure.

...

Hmm... Speaking of "Masters," I don't ask Master who was the one that taught him often. When I do, he gets all clinical and sentimental. There would be a look of conflict on his face, and he wouldn't answer most of the time. However, there was once that he responded to my inquiry.

We were in the library, with Master explaining magic circles to me. Lunch had just finished, and I decided to accompany Master to the library. Out of the blue, I had asked him, "Master, did you have your own Master once?"

Master had paused in his lecture, humming solemnly. He scratched his chin in an "I'm thinking" way.

"Yes, I suppose I had many. Most of them are already gone, though."

"Oh," I said curtly, "I apologize. I did not mean to open up old wounds."

"You did not," Master flipped the page of the book we were studying. "I have long since accepted that fact. I could tell you about them if you want?"

"I do not wish to make you uncomfortable, Master."

"Do not worry about that," Master placed a piece of hardened paper between the pages we were on and closed the book with a grunt. "It is good to remember the past. The memories from my early childhood have begun to fade, so it is good to rehash them.

"The first person who taught me was my father. But the one I consider my first Master would be a man called Marisbury Animusphere. Before you say anything, no. He is not my father. I am not related to him at all. I merely took up his last name as a way of honoring him.

"He was the one who taught me the foundations of my mage craft. I guess you could say he was the one who set me on my journey of the mystic arts."

"Were the two of you close?" I asked. Master's tone of voice told me he respected this man greatly. However, there was no fondness in his voice.

"No. Our relationship was strictly business-related. He saw me as a potential heir, someone to pass on his achievements to. However, he didn't value me more than that," Master gave a nostalgic laugh. "I suppose he wasn't a good teacher in that regard."

Oh, I see now. In his early years, Master was like me. A tool for someone else. At least, it seemed that way with how he worded it. "I must have been difficult for someone as young as you, Master."

"I may not be an old man, but I'm not some immature brat," Master chuckled, shooting me a half-hearted glare. "Some mages are like that, cruel and heartless. They are a minority in this world, but they still exist."

"In this world?" I asked.

"A-Ah, sorry. A slip of the tongue. I meant in this country," Master fidgeted nervously. "A-Anyway. After Marisbury Animusphere...would be Lord El-Melloi II. He was the one I studied under the longest.

"He didn't teach me much, but he offered wise advice. I attended his lectures merely because I felt like it, not because he was some genius who had fantastical achievements. In fact, he was painfully average. But his effectiveness at teaching was scarily exemplary. He was the one I consulted about my personal life and learned my own teaching techniques from."

"You sound like you like him more than your first Master." I jokingly said.

"Oh? Did I give that impression? Sorry, I guess sentimentality slipped through," Master sniffed his nose. "Anyway, I wouldn't call what we had a friendship, but it was closer than business acquaintances. We met on rare occasions, but that was more or less for some cases he was investigating.

"I studied under many other talented mages. However, I consider only three my 'Master.'"

"Oh? Then who's the third one?"

"Well..." Master trailed off, hesitating. "I don't think I should-"

"Lord Animusphere!"

Master was cut off as a blue blur bolted through the library doors, earning a glare from the librarian. I hadn't paid much attention to her before Master arrived, but I remember she was our first Court Mage. Roxy Migurdia, a demon.

"I'm so sorry to disturb your rest, but would you please come with me? One of the new squires got injured in the recent sparring session."

"Hmm? If I'm not mistaken, are you not Advanced-rank in healing? Why would you require my assistance?"

"The squire's arm got crushed under a boulder while fighting monsters outside the city. I managed to close the wound, but Saint-rank spells are needed to restore a lost limb."

"I see." Master stood back with great urgency. "Zanoba, I apologize for cutting this short, but I'm obligated to perform my duties as Court Mage."

"Of course, Master. Don't let me keep you."

Master bowed his head in thanks even though I told him he didn't have to and rushed out the door.

Hmm... In the past couple of weeks, Master had gotten closer to our first Court Mage. When he wasn't with me, he was often seen helping Roxy train the palace guards or studying some magical textbook I was too dumb to understand.

I did not understand most of what they said. Their magical abilities were far above my own league. However, I was often present when they discussed the new ideas and theories they came up with, and I learned tidbits here and there.

Master chose me as an apprentice, so it's my duty to not sully his name by being lazy or ignorant.

...

Six months after I cast my first wordless spell, I came into the classroom and was met with a bizarre sight. Master had come up to me, his face sullen and regretful, and bowed his head to me.

"I'm sorry, Zanoba, but I have hid something from you this entire time."

I immediately fussed over him, telling him to stand up. No matter what Master hid from me, I would still respect him. I swore to myself when I first became his student.

"Do not worry, Master. I shall accept whatever you tell me with an open heart."

Master had nodded, closing the door with a light gust of wind.

"Then it's better if we both sit down."

I took my seat after Master had sat down. The silence was tense, almost overpowering. Finally, Master shattered the ice.

"I'll be blunt. 'Animus Animusphere Greyrat' is not a real person."

"What do you mean by that, Master?" I asked. Master looked and felt like a person to me. And I definitely wasn't hallucinating him as others could perceive him, too.

"I suppose I have to first refresh your memories. During our first doll-making lesson, I told you what I thought humans were, right?"

Ah, I remember now. When I told Master I couldn't differentiate humans and dolls when I was younger, he told me a legend from somewhere called "Mesopotamia."

I was taught by a tutor long ago that seven gods created this world that we dwell on. One of which was the God of Man. The legend Master told me expanded on this and theorized that the God of Man created the first humans from a sea of mud. Like humans crafting clay dolls.

"Going by that logic, couldn't it be said that humans are but dolls created by god?"

I thought long and hard about what Master said back then, and I realized what he said had merit. Nobody knew how the gods birthed us mortals, so Master's theory could very well be true. But what does that have to do with the current situation?

"You said that Humans are but dolls made by god."

"Yes, I did. And there's a valid reason I came up with that theory."

Master snapped his fingers, and I heard the sound of shattering glass. The person sitting before me was still Master, but he had changed. Most noticeably, there was a white gem shard in his forehead. It glowed and pulsed like a human heart. Magic circles were layered around the white gem, spinning in erratic motions.

"This body is but a doll created through magic. The magic crystal on its forehead links it with my soul, allowing me to control it like an extra limb. My real body is in the Fittoa region, in the city of Roa."

I was stunned. What was coming out of Master's mouth sounded so unbelievable that it came straight out of a fairy tale. However, this was my Master. He could do anything he put his mind to. What sat before me was a living, breathing doll.

"Please forgive me, my apprentice. I should not have hidden this from you, but I hope you understand. I was in an unfamiliar land and did not know if you were an ally or enemy. But now I see you hold nothing but respect for me. So I have deemed it safe to trust you with my secret."

I took my Master's hand, shaking it with great intent. "Of course I understand, Master. I said I'd respect you even after I die. I will not go against that oath I made. This does not shake my faith in you. Instead, my respect has reached completely new heights! To see a living doll sitting before me! I am filled with elation and delight!"

"I-I see." Master spoke. "I wasn't expecting such a heartfelt response, but that's good. Just to be clear, you can't tell anyone, understand? People would kill me for that."

"Of course, Master. What kind of student would I be if I fed my Master to the dogs?"

Master chuckled, the previous tense air vanishing completely. "Well, let me teach you something in return for keeping my secret. Only one other person has learned this art from me."

"Really?! Then I graciously accept your teachings, Master!"

"Alright, then. First, tell me. What do you know of druids?"

Druids. Master mentioned them once or twice in his lessons. They were mages who used Runes to cast instead of spells or Magic Circles. They were all but gone in current times, killed off in the first great Human-Demon War.

"A group of mages who cast using Runes who were all killed in the first Human-Demon War. Did I get that right, Master?"

"Yes, that's more or less correct." Master walked to a drawer, grabbing a small stone tablet from within. He handed it to me. "Though, I wouldn't say they're all gone."

Glowing symbols were engraved upon the smooth white stone. They glowed a blue hue like a cloudless sky.

"Master... Are you a druid, perchance?"

Master smirked. "Well, you're smart, Zanoba. Can't you figure that out?"

"I see." I nodded, gently placing the tablet on the table to not break it. "As expected from my Master. Even a forgotten art can't escape your grasp."

"Huh. I expected more of a reaction," Master muttered. "Anyway, I shall teach you to Runecraft as an extracurricular activity. It's also a kind of insurance."

"Why is that, Master?"

"Runes barely cost any Mana to cast. If your Mana Pool is too small, you won't be able to craft dolls with magic. However, you should be able to do it without trouble since your Mana Pool is of decent size," Master produced a lump of clay. "Just in case, if you can't do it, you can use Runes instead."

Complex letters began floating around Master's head. They formed lines and rows, almost like someone writing a letter. They danced around the lump of clay, slowly molding its shape. When they vanished, a small figurine was left in its place.

"That was a brilliant display, Master," I commented.

"Thank you, though it was nothing impressive. When I'm done with you, Zanoba, what I did will seem like child's play."

"I'm looking forward to meeting your expectations, Master!"

"Then let's both do our best!"

"Alright!"

….

….

….

….

….

….

….

….

….

….

The last part of the interlude, but not the last of Zanoba
And yes, again, the name is very long.

Anyways, Please like, share, follow, and comment.
As always, good luck with your game of life.