Magic Academy Bans Harem

Chapter 405 Misfortune
Ritas's feeling about the real "Miriam" was that the other party seemed to "know too much".

According to Eileen's description, Miriam before was basically a mischievous and fearless boy, befitting his age. In the year the change occurred, Miriam had spent more than half a month in the orphanage after picking and eating unknown mushrooms in the forest.

Yet, this same Miriam later took on that kind of attitude.

Therefore, objectively speaking, it is quite normal to doubt whether that person is the real Miriam.

Even Eileen might have had her doubts, but she probably subconsciously ruled out that possibility.

Since the Holy Weapon should be located within the space inside the Saintess's Slab, the fact that Irene could see the Holy Sword Kaum on the outside of the slab might indicate that the Holy Sword itself was brought out by Miriam from within the slab's space.

Since the image of the ancestor Marenu appeared when Irene touched the Holy Lance Lor, assuming Miriam was also qualified, did he also see something when he touched the Holy Sword?
Presumably, the images accompanying each Sacred Weapon will be different. After all, even if Priest doesn't interfere, Marenu's recording equipment can only store images for a very limited time. However, even if the images are different, could they possibly cause Miriam to develop that kind of illness?

Furthermore, since Ritas observed that the traces of someone else entering this Saintess Slab were very recent, he believed that the person who had recently come to this space and taken everything except the Holy Lance might also have been Miriam.

So why didn't Miriam use the Holy Lance when he took the Holy Sword out of his spatial dimension?

Could it be that Miriam knew that the image of the saintess left in the holy lance was a nearly meaningless piece of content, so there was no need to waste time on it?
It's almost like having foresight.
If Ritas hadn't discovered Estria's true identity in the fairy tale world, he might have scoffed at such speculation. But now, he could only include this seemingly far-fetched possibility in his list of options.

In fact, if Miriam really came from the future, many things can be explained.

For example, the phrase "The world needs Miriam".

For example, he skipped the Holy Lance, not only because the images recorded within it were worthless, but also because he did not need the power of these holy weapons.

From Ritas's perspective, the holy weapon also possessed immense power. The reason Eileen was able to exert a certain degree of power even in encounters far exceeding her level was because of the holy weapon. Yet, this very holy sword was easily given to Eileen by Miriam.

This only proves that the power Miriam currently possesses is far beyond what these "toys" like holy weapons can compare to.

Where does Miriam's power come from?
future
However, given that Miriam comes from the future, the state he presents and the content of his words are also very puzzling.

Because he was in a state of utter collapse at the time, his words, even if incoherent, were neither a cover-up nor a lie, and thus have considerable validity.

If Miriam comes from the future, or has inherited memories of the future, what would happen in the future to make him become like that?
The "future" that Estria found herself in was also incredibly despairing, but compared to Miriam at that time, she was not as distraught.
Most importantly, Miriam quickly recovered. And, completely concealed by bandages wrapped all over her body, she secretly made a splash at the academy exchange meeting.

He was not fragile, but he shattered completely at the Holy Land of the Holy King Church.

Could it be that something happened in the Holy Land that caused Miriam to collapse not because of future information, but because of what happened back then?
"As expected, some information is still missing."

Ritas whispered his summary.

Estria might be able to fill in some gaps in the information. If Miriam truly comes from the "future" like her, then Estria might be able to explain why the existence of these future visitors is a calamity, and why even a glance at them is dangerous.

While the current information is insufficient to draw conclusions, two potentially related things came to Ritas's mind.

First, there's the issue of Princess Vivian's "primordial" power being diverted and not inherited by the Security Department. Second, there's the current situation regarding Eileen's "star pattern."

Eileen's star pattern is complete, but the power she exudes has a subtle quality.

The essence of power is clearly "devouring," but it can only devour a small part, turning into a form similar to "borrowing" or "imitating."

Another thing worth considering is, if Miriam really did come from the "future," then in what form did he arrive?

But Miriam, whom Eileen knew well, suddenly awakened memories of the future?

If that's the case, where did Miriam's powers and tools come from? You see, after meeting Irene in the Holy Land, Miriam used the Miniature Moon to have Irene take on the responsibilities of "Miriam".

Can power and mysterious artifacts truly be transferred along with memories?
If it's not a case of awakened memories, but rather a future or some other form of Miriam suddenly appearing in this world, then where did the original Miriam go?

"!"

Suddenly, Ritas gently covered his mouth with his hand, realizing a very terrible possibility.

Based on the mixed information from before, could what actually happened in the Holy Land at that time have been...?
If that's the case, then all of Miriam's actions seem to make sense.

But how should he convey this tragedy, which seemed to be beyond his control, to Eileen, who was single-mindedly searching for her loved ones?
"Teaching Professor"

Just as Ritas frowned, pondering the ideas that were now surfacing in his mind, wondering if there was any room for rebuttal, Eileen's somewhat flustered voice came from not far away.

Looking over, Ritas noticed that Eileen, who had gone to retrieve the "Holy Lance Lor" earlier, was now covered in sweat.

Perhaps due to being suppressed for too long under the seal of the mica stone, the Holy Lance was now completely enveloped in raging flames and, apart from being unable to harm Eileen, was entirely beyond her control.

"what do I do!"

Watching the flames spread more and more fiercely in the surrounding area, Eileen asked helplessly. At this moment, the Holy Lance, which had become a ball of raging fire, might not be able to quell the suppressed rage that had materialized even if it were put back into the pile of sealing stones.

"." "Lift it higher?"

In the crimson space, facing Ritas who only felt a sense of foreboding, Wayne casually offered a suggestion.

As Eileen raised the ball of flame high, the flame, which exploded again, spread rapidly throughout the entire space.

It was early spring.

Although the full moon hangs high in the sky, scholars from the Sloth Research Institute are still diligently searching for historical traces within the ancient ruins of the Holy Maiden.

On this day, there were more researchers gathered at the ruins of the Holy Maiden than usual.

Because they knew that a few hours earlier, that renowned young professor in the field of magic had entered the core chamber of the ruins.

Although the connection between the study of ruins and magic seems limited. Moreover, the stone slab has been sitting in the secret chamber for so many years, and no one has ever been able to change it.

However, everyone had high hopes for the one who declared he would become the young master of the Elson family.

We look forward to them witnessing this historic moment.
boom--

Suddenly, a loud explosion resounded from the center of the ruins, and the ground shook.

Those who had been waiting in their hearts truly witnessed this historic moment.

"Fire! Fire! Huge fire!!!"

The researchers witnessed firsthand the ruins they had cherished and loved, which had stood in the Western Regions for hundreds of years, being rapidly devoured by raging fire serpents. Inside the core chamber.

The saint's stone slab suddenly exploded.

Ritas, Eileen, and Wayne managed to "safely" escape from the situation.

However, the Holy Lance Lor, still undeterred, continued to unleash its pent-up anger, striking the ceiling with a fierce burst of flames. The flames instantly pierced through the nearly ten-story-high, reinforced and expanded roof of the ruins, illuminating the night sky like a crimson star.

Only after completing this task did the Holy Lance, as if having vented its anger, finally calm down its flames and accept its new master.

Meanwhile, Ritas and the other two stared wide-eyed at the exceptionally beautiful night sky illuminated by the firelight, almost drooling.

"Teach, professor. This, this..."

Although the fire is spreading in all directions, this open space is undoubtedly a safe place.

"Good children, it's bedtime. So, brother, sister Eileen, let's have another chance to strengthen our bond~"

Sensing the situation was turning bad, Wei Yin slipped into her book and escaped.

Silently picking up the book and placing it in his waist pouch, Ritas took a deep breath to calm himself, and then said...

"Let's switch back to Miriam first."

"what"

At Ritas's prompting, Eileen took out the miniature moon from her pendant, quickly expanding her body to resemble Miriam.

At roughly the same moment, a dark figure darted swiftly through the fire, rushing towards the open-air chamber.

"What are you doing!"

Looking at the scattered fragments of the Saintess's Stone Tablet and Ritas standing calmly in the fire, Mint Elson, the director of the Sloth Research Institute, who seemed to be going crazy, angrily questioned.

"This is because."

Miriam stepped forward, wanting to explain the situation.

However, Ritas reached out slightly and blocked him from behind.

At this point, blaming Miriam is pointless. Besides, Miriam didn't mean any harm. After realizing he could successfully inherit the Holy Lance Lor, Ritas hadn't been very cautious, allowing him to casually break the Holy Lance's seal.

so.
After taking a deep breath, Ritas hardened his expression and said with a righteous air,
"The Elson family has accumulated far too many complicated matters over the years. And as the heir to the family business, my transformation of the Elson family began with this fire—"

"."

Before Ritas could finish speaking, Mint Elson, who had no intention of listening to his nonsense, kicked Ritas far away.

Ugh.
That's so unfortunate.
Ritas, who had failed to deceive the authorities, simply hung his head in the ruins and sighed.

the next day.

In the morning, Mint held a whiteboard, gritting his teeth as he stared at the ruins of the Holy Maiden, which were nearly a third of the way burned, calculating the approximate damage from the fire.

Ritas, whose head was wrapped up like a mummy, and his butler Dino slowly walked over.

"I only kicked you once? Who are you trying to impress by tying me up like that?"

Mint said irritably. Dino, on the other hand, became excited.

“Miss Mint! Even if the young master really destroyed the Holy Maiden's Ruins, that would only be squandering his family fortune prematurely! No matter what, you shouldn't have attacked the young master!”

"Get over there and lie down. Who gave you the right to speak? Forget about being called a young master; if Roland had done this, I'd skin him alive. If it weren't for the fact that the public duel was just around the corner..."

Mint glared fiercely at Ritas.

Ritas, however, quietly looked away, pretending to be very interested in Dino's shoes beside him.

Ever since joining the Elson family, he hadn't been very good at dealing with these hot-tempered "Elsons." Even when he was in the right, it was still difficult; now, when he had no reason to argue, it was even worse.

"Afterwards, I will compile some information for you that you have been researching here for a hundred years without finding."

"You better be able to!"

As Mint was calculating, he probably got annoyed and simply used his knee to break the record board in his hand.

"Next, which side should we target?"

After calming down a bit, Mint asked.

The combined efforts of the escort team and the research institute are clearly insufficient to rescue Roland. Therefore, in the limited time they have left, they need to make as many trips as possible, trying to borrow power that can change the situation.

"us?"

"What? Do you have any opinions?"

".No."

Ritas gave a brief reply and looked at Dino.

"Ahem, before we decided on our target, an urgent message came from the attendant accompanying Miss Charlotte. Miss Charlotte seems to have successfully persuaded Lord Remer Elson. They are willing to join forces with us on the day of the public duel."

"What? She wasn't sold, was she?"

Mint was surprised and asked instinctively.

Remer Elson was an Elson who had always been close to Roland. He was Roland's older brother and Cortriene's father. He also belonged to a faction that controlled the regular army in the West.

However, even with close relationships, personal feelings may not be of much use in the face of a situation that concerns the survival of a lineage or even a family.

(End of this chapter)