War upends order—both within and beyond borders.

In the war against the Demon King, countless standouts proved their strength. Afterward, rulers naturally rewarded them.

With titles. With honors.

Albert Dielda wasn’t one of those soldiers. He inherited his barony from his father and accomplished little.

Yet as Baron of Chica Town—a modest settlement sixty kilometers from Tata Town—he made himself notorious.

Infamously so.

His father’s heroic stand against the Demonic Beings earned honor. But that honor couldn’t instill virtue in his son. A tragedy. Albert didn’t care what the old man would’ve thought.

*My father fought hard. I’ll enjoy the spoils.*

He beat those who displeased him. He seized what he desired. Power existed to be used. His daughter wanted to be an adventurer?

He encouraged it.

But when she vanished with no explanation? Unacceptable.

He’d recently bought intriguing slaves at auction. Funds were low. If that obviously wealthy Adventurers Guild wouldn’t return his daughter… shouldn’t they compensate a grieving father?

*What? The Guild only posts quests and disclaims all liability?*

His retired grandfather received a pension after death! Why shouldn’t he get coin for his missing adventurer daughter?

Driven by this logic, Albert marched into Tata Town’s Adventurers Guild with fifteen guards.

And this lowly clerk dared to speak to him like that?

*Had he grown tired of living?*

“How *dare* you speak to me like this?” Albert snarled. His education was limited. An only son, he’d been spoiled rotten by his wounded, war-hero father—a viscount who died regretful.

Leaving behind a true monster. One he couldn’t swallow his last breath accepting.

“Ugh…” Ryan choked as the baron’s meaty hand clamped her throat. The man reeked of zero nobility. Her suppressed frustration flared.

She’d passed Adventurer training. How could she let this thug of a baron manhandle her?

Even rabbits bite when cornered—let alone a top Rabbitfolk talent!

She aimed a kick between his legs.

…

“This spot works,” Mei Yige said, twirling her Magic Wand. South of Tata Town lay open plains—sparse woods, clear lakes, distant wheat fields and farmsteads visible from the sky. It matched her pastoral dreams perfectly.

“Whether the Witch Society taught you anything, I don’t know. Nor do I deny their views.” She faced Leya beneath trees split by a gentle stream. “Magic manifests imagination through mana principles. Yet it isn’t bound by imagination’s limits. Imagination is merely the foundation for formulaic spells.”

Her wand traced glowing words in the air:

*Those who doubt magic understand its use best.*

“Teacher…” Leya frowned. “Do you mean faith in the Goddess—and imagination—actually *limit* magic?”

She struggled with the logic. It denied magic’s very basis. *No foundation, no magic. Right?*

“This truth is for those who’ve studied deeply enough to doubt magic. It’s also the basis of Void Magic—the very reason I said you can’t learn my system.” Mei Yige erased the words with a flick. She never expected anyone to master her magic. Leya nodded thoughtfully.

*Sometimes you must break to rebuild.*

From her grandmother’s fragmented memories, Leya knew Mei Yige became the Void Witch during the Demon King War. Those bloody years held horrors.

To learn a mage’s magic, you must understand their mind. She’d likely never grasp Mei Yige’s after that war.

“Teacher, I understand. As I said before—just learning beside you satisfies me. What I absorb depends on my ability.”

“No teacher dislikes a student like you. By the way—can you cast wandless yet?” Mei Yige pocketed her wand. Before Leya could react, she stood ten meters away.

Across the narrow stream.

“That’s a Sorceress’s first step, Teacher. Don’t underestimate me.” Leya grinned, uncharacteristically bold. “Actually… there’s something I’ve wanted to say these past two weeks.”

“Speak freely. No need for formalities between us.” Mei Yige leaned lazily against a tree. “If it’s a love confession, give up now.”

“Show some respect, old hag! Before you stands Leya Oprah—the strongest apprentice in the modern Witch Society! The Guild’s proclaimed prodigy!” Leya spread her arms, radiating genius-level arrogance. “I’ve always wondered… are you *truly* stronger than me after all these years?”

“Oh? Little brat.” Mei Yige chuckled. “Dare to provoke me? Careful—I might blow you sky-high.”

*She’s as unhinged as I am. Amusing.*

“Then try it, old— WHOA!”

Leya never saw the spell. A surge of force yanked her upward. The world spun. When she steadied, the stream between them was a thin silver thread far below.

*Hundreds of meters up.* Wind howled, pinning her in place.

Mei Yige’s voice whispered in her ear:

“Magic is wondrous, isn’t it? I told you—you still have training to do.”

“TEACHER! TEACH ME!” Leya’s arrogance vanished. She was all eager student now. “I’m sorry for—”

“Of course. Hmm? Ryan’s in trouble? I’m coming!”

Mei Yige’s voice cut off. Leya remained stranded in the sky.

“T-Teacher?” she called tentatively. Silence.

“You could’ve put me down *first*!”

She regretted that cheeky challenge instantly.

*This is pure torture!*