48 — The People Called ‘Elf’

“Well then, Jonah—see you in a month.”

“Yes!”

Receiving the two types of medicine he was prescribed, Jonah answered with a bright smile.

His next destination for a legend had been decided during his conversation with Günter—partly because it was close to the Empire.

It was the legend of the Fairy Forest, said to lie within the Duchy of Aubern, the oldest nation among the western countries.

According to legend, somewhere within the vast forests that cover 80% of Aubern’s land lies the Fairy Forest.

There, playful little fairies are said to live joyfully, and humans who visit receive a “Blessing of the Fairies.”

However, Jonah’s book of legends says nothing about what the “Blessing” actually is, or what happens to those who receive it.

It is also believed that Aubern was originally founded by the Elves, a long-eared people once considered kin to fairies.

As evidence of this, the royal family—born of the Elf—indeed possess long ears.

“…It’s said that the Fairy King, who resides in the Fairy Forest, has existed since the beginning of the world. If anyone knows how to treat your Mana Overabundance… it might be him.”

“…………………………”

“So Jonah—you must find the Fairy Forest. And for that—”

“You need to find the long-eared people called the Elf.”

“Exactly. Only they know the path to the Fairy Forest.”

Fortunately, the Elf do exist—even if only a few live among humans.

With their long ears and beauty, regardless of gender, spotting one shouldn’t be difficult.

“But still… why does Dr. Günter know so much about the Fairy Forest and the Elf? Even my book isn’t that detailed…”

“Haha… well, I used to have an… acquaintance among the Elf.”

Günter scratched his head, looking faintly embarrassed.

It seemed that Alv was someone meaningful to him.

“Ahem… anyway, never mind me. More importantly—be careful, Jonah. Even with ancient magic to protect you, there will still be people who try to trick you because you’re a child.”

“Well… two months ago too, but Dr. Günter, you’re kind of overprotective.”

“Ugh…”

Apparently aware of the truth in those words, Günter choked up while Jonah gave a wry smile.

“Then—I’m off.”

“Mm. Be safe.”

Jonah bowed, drew a magic circle on the ground, and teleported to the entrance of the border forest between Aubern and Benedia.

“【Vind Klinge】.”¹

Jonah swiped his right index finger through the air, drawing a magic circle at high speed— invisible blades of wind struck out, felling trees one after another.

The unexpected power made Jonah clutch his head.

“Aaah… I only meant to scratch them a little…”

After being attacked by wolf-beasts while camping with Carlo, Jonah chose to practice weakened forms of ancient magic here in the forest to defend himself.

He learned that simplifying the magic circle and removing the chant reduced the spell’s power—but even so, its force was overwhelming, carving out a straight road through the forest.

As evidenced by the devastation before him.

“Haah… Good thing I didn’t try a fire-attribute spell…”

If it had been fire, the forest would already be an inferno.

Teleportation and object manipulation were convenient enough—but offensive spells were just too unwieldy. Jonah sighed and slumped.

“Well… if I showed them this, bad people and monsters would probably run away.”

He was right—but even more would come seeking to use him.

Even weakened, his spells rivaled the feats of legendary sages and archmages—the kind written about in his book of legends.

In any case, the sun was already sinking; if he didn’t hurry, night would fall before he left the forest.

Jonah ended his practice, grabbed his leather bag, and hurried toward the exit—when suddenly,

“…………………………”

A beautiful long-eared girl was staring at him in stunned silence.