That Was Just How It Worked.

And when Kikori returned after buying armor at the Mirgu Weapon Shop, he looked completely transformed.

The black-metal gear—everything from a visor helm to a breastplate and other pieces—along with the mana stones set into it, gave him a bold, heroic air.

Hardly anyone would think Kikori was a novice adventurer.

As he waited in that getup… he spotted Aria running over, fully armored herself, with an axe and a small round shield strapped to her back.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Kikori!”

“No, it’s fine. I just got here.”

“That’s new gear, right? It looks great on you!”

As she spoke, Aria looked him over from head to toe.

“I see… mana-charge type armor…”

“Y-you can tell just by looking?”

“I do handle the sales section, you know. Come on—let’s go.”

And so they passed through Hero Gate together and headed into the forest.

As usual, there were no monsters in sight… but for now, was that a good thing?

As Kikori pushed through the brush, following Aria’s lead, she stopped and turned back.

“Alright! I’m going to teach you Mjolnir… but before that!”

“Yes?”

“Kikori, did you hear that your Break spell was designated a forbidden spell?”

“I did. It means I’m not supposed to teach it to other people, right?”

“Exactly. It does not mean ‘never use it,’ so don’t misunderstand that part.”

“Understood. But… I don’t think I’ll be using it much anymore.”

In other words, it had been judged dangerous. He had no desire to rely on it.

“Most people say that. And then their motivation to develop new magic drops. Naturally.”

Kikori thought she was right.

If you create a new spell and they tell you, ‘That’s forbidden,’ it kills your drive.

It was only logical.

“That’s why developers of magic officially recognized as forbidden spells receive a support grant.”

“A support grant…?”

“Exactly. Basically, it’s money that says, ‘Don’t let this discourage you—keep trying.’ This topic is pretty sensitive, so I was asked to be the one to explain it. I’m also holding the money, so I’ll give it to you later… and it’s a pretty huge amount, you know?”

“Uh-huh…”

Kikori couldn’t help thinking something about this was wrong.

It was basically saying, “Next time, make a spell that doesn’t get labeled forbidden…” but—

No matter how much he thought about it, it wasn’t something he could change, so with a sigh, Kikori shoved the thought aside.

“I get it. That’s just how it works.”

“Kikori, you really are smart. You’ve got the face of someone who realized this system is kind of strange.”

“No, it’s just…”

“Being able to make a forbidden spell is a talent too. And if there’s someone out there who can mass-produce them—even intentionally… this system makes it easier to identify that kind of person.”

“Don’t go spreading that around,” Aria said, but… her words sent a chill down Kikori’s spine.

Anyone foolish enough to keep making dangerous magic for money would have a fitting future waiting for them.

Because Kikori understood exactly what Aria meant.