Chapter 80

So the “Mind’s Eye” is actually my “Eye of Desire.” Well—desire is part of the mind, so that interpretation isn’t technically wrong.

However, that’s just a Black Magic–style rationalization for the “Mind’s Eye.”

It doesn’t explain why I suddenly mastered the spell.

Did I gain magic simply through a strong will to see the “world on the other side”? That sounds grand—and unlikely. Magic shouldn’t be that easy.

Still, the fact remains: I obtained the magic. There must be a reason.

This isn’t limited to Black Magic; it’s a fundamental law of all magic—there is always cause and effect.

There is absolutely no such thing as magic generated from nothing.

Just what kind of causality is at play here?

I’m certain the voice that spoke to me holds a hint, but that voice is gone now.

Anyway—how do I deactivate this spell? Will the effect wear off? Am I stuck staring at everyone naked until then?

It’s not ideal, but since I can’t stop it, it can’t be helped.

Suddenly, I noticed something strange in my field of vision.

Far beyond the sea where everyone frolicked naked—past the reefs so jagged boats avoid them—something moved.

Normally it would be too far for the human eye, but the magic let me discern it. I could even “zoom in.”

An Island Shark? Yes—but that wasn’t all. Right behind it was another (since it’s a fish, let’s call it “one”), and yet another.

Do Island Sharks usually attack in packs? They shouldn’t—gluttonous eaters that they are, adults live alone except during mating season.

In that case, this felt artificial.

Looking closer, something floated near the Island Sharks.

It was a person, standing on the sea since there was no land. A Blue Mage—male.

For some reason, I could even hear the voice he was muttering.

“Dammit, that Black Magic company… encroaching on Blue Magic territory! Out here on a deserted island, I can slaughter them without leaving a trace.”

At this rate, the Island Shark attack back at Lightstone was likely his doing too. If a major incident occurred under Sanson-sou-senpai’s jurisdiction, she’d be held responsible.

However, such deductions could wait.

An Island Shark wouldn’t normally come to this reef-choked, uninhabited island; even Sanson-sou-senpai probably hadn’t expected one here.

But if that Blue Mage is controlling them, it’s a different story.

A barrier of water-based defensive magic wrapped the Sharks, cushioning them so they could charge through the reefs unscathed.

If we stay idle, this could be fatal!

I sprinted across the sand toward the others.

I headed for the rocky area.

As I ran, my vision returned to normal—apparently the spell wears off after a time.

“Everyone! We have an emergency!”

Needless to say, everyone was naked.

Farphistanya-senpai immediately covered her chest and Sanson-sou-senpai blushed, but the others didn’t react as strongly.

“Franz, you live too true to your desires.”

“Franz-san, your conduct is a bit problematic~”

“A beastly Master is fine too.”

“No—that’s not it! Three Island Sharks are coming, led by a Blue Mage! We need to act now!”

I said, pointing toward the sea. In my current non-magical state, I still couldn’t clearly judge the distance.

“There’s nothing there. My junior is lying. Is this just an excuse to ogle us?” Farphistanya-senpai voiced her suspicion while crouching with her back to me.

“I’m serious! They’re definitely coming!”

Sensing something, Sanson-sou-senpai stepped into the sea and traced a quick incantation, drawing a magic circle on the water.

“Franz-san is right. Three Island Sharks are approaching. The one leading them is ‘Blue Sea Maritime Security,’ the group that lost its management rights to Necrogrant Black Magic Co. They lost their contracts to our company because the quality of their employees was poor.”

“I see—so it’s a grudge. More than a grudge; they’re coming to kill us,” President Kelkel said airily. This was hardly the time for such a casual tone.

“Everyone, if we flee to the back of the island now, the Island Sharks will have a hard time following!”

Personally, I wanted to prioritize everyone’s safety.

“There is no need for that,” the President said, still airily. I started to protest—“Yes, there is”—but fell silent.

The President’s expression turned terrifying.

Everyone could see she was furious; I’d never seen her make that face since joining the company.

“I will crush them. If they want to pick a fight with my company, they must pay the price.”

She was already drawing a complex magic circle in the sand with her foot.

“Sanson-sou-san, please provide support. Everyone else, please step back.”

Farphistanya-senpai grabbed my arm as I stood frozen.

“It’s okay—nothing to fear. The President won’t lose. It’ll be fine.”

“I… I understand…”

I supposed I should trust a senior who’s worked here a long time. Mary, seeing the situation, strolled over with her hands behind her head.

“I wouldn’t mind crushing them myself, but I guess it’s best to leave this to the President. I am an employee, after all.”

“Indeed. Come, Master, let’s head back.”

Cerulia agreed. Honestly, my anxiety vanished; I was simply struck dumb.

Also, everyone seemed to have forgotten because of the emergency—but except for me, they’re all completely naked…