Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World

It was a harsh accusation, but I had to agree it was suspicious.

I casually glanced at the stack of parchment piled up, but it made no sense at all.

It seemed to be an analysis of a magic circle—though, in this world, magic circles are mere symbols.

I had no clue what they were researching.

“You’re right, I don’t know enough. But that’s not the main issue.

If you were to carry all these documents by yourself, I can’t even begin to imagine how long it would take.

You should hire other adventurers.”

“There’s no need to worry. I have the magical bag, Telper’s Bag.”

Once again, he shoved his hand between some books and pulled out an ancient bag.

What is this feeling of frustration?

If he has the magical Telper’s Bag, then transporting things isn’t an issue at all.

You just stuff everything in, and pick out what you need when it’s time. Anyone could do it.

“So, we don’t need the help of adventurers, right?”

When I said this, Kyutes looked shocked.

“You expect me to clean this up!?”

“That’s what it sounds like.”

“No way! I’m terrible at cleaning!”

Kyutes clenched his fist and declared this.

How could he say that so confidently? How did this guy even get elected to the council?

Frustrated with the lack of progress, I returned the conversation to the point.

“I understand you’re bad at cleaning. But that doesn’t explain why you called me.

Are you avoiding the main issue?”

At my words, Kyutes flinched.

Then, he muttered quietly under his breath.

“…Because it’ll get stolen.”

“What?”

“I’m trying to revive lost magical technology! What if my research gets stolen!?”

Kyutes blurted out, breathing heavily.

It didn’t resonate with me at all, though.

But at least with that one sentence, I finally understood the gist of it.

He had been given a large mansion by the council, but he’s bad at cleaning and afraid of having his research stolen, so he can’t hire anyone.

And that’s where I come in.

Being a student at the academy, I’m trustworthy, plus I’m Helena’s disciple.

To Kyutes, who used to be a lecturer, I might even feel like a grand disciple.

However, I think master and disciple should be more concerned about research theft.

“Just to confirm, is your research on lost magical technology really that important?”

“Do you know of [Magic Essence]?”

“Alphas’ skill, right?”

“Exactly. That’s proof that magical technology has been lost.

Alphas could instantly modify and reconstruct any magic.

Not just magic—he could even create magic tools and golems…”

“Hold on a minute.”

I stopped Kyutes as he rambled on.

This wasn’t the version of the story I knew.

“I heard [Magic Essence] was about reducing mana consumption and increasing casting speed.”

“That’s a result of modification and reconstruction!

The old-timers deny it, but Helena agrees with me. She’s also keen on solving the mystery of [Magic Essence].

I’ll figure it out first, though.”

Kyutes then launched into a passionate monologue about his theories.

I listened while picking up the research documents again.

Modifying and reconstructing magic—it’s a power that defies the laws of the world.

I don’t have that ability, but if I had asked the chubby one, maybe it would’ve been possible.

Knowing of Alphas’ exploits, I had suspected he might be a reincarnator.

But I’m not sure. I can’t be certain.

Kyutes was fervently explaining that magic used to be much freer.

If that’s true, then mastering lost magical technology might be an ultra-rare skill.

There are Alphas with [Magic Essence], Lapnas with [Multiple Chanting], the sage Telper, and the puppet master Kukra.

Even outside of Alphas’ faction, there are countless other legends, like Adelina with [Analysis], SS-rank war god Sleyas, and the beast god Zebel.

Many of the top individuals in this world are on par with me, if not more talented.

I think it’s doubtful that they’re all reincarnators.

If they were, there would be traces of them in history.

Rather than applying a rare case like mine, it’s more natural to think of them as born geniuses.

Setting aside the true nature of [Magic Essence], Kyutes’ theory is actually correct.

When I was reincarnated, the chubby one recommended teleportation magic.

This world indeed has teleportation—spatial magic exists here.

It’s not the magic itself that’s been lost, but, as Kyutes claimed, the techniques to wield it.

Despite his fear of being robbed, Kyutes’ passionate lecture continued.

Teaching his students knowledge is a normal behavior.

He might have taken a long and winding path, but this man is still a researcher—and a lecturer.

While listening to his speech, I shifted my gaze back to the documents at hand.

Not that it helps me, though.

No matter how much I look at these magic circles or whatever, [Language Proficiency] doesn’t activate at all.

If I could read this, I would’ve been able to decipher magic books or scrolls.

I’m neither capable nor interested in unraveling [Magic Essence].

So, I’ll just do what I’m here to do.

“Kyutes.”

“So as I was saying—hmm? A question?”

“Yes, let’s get to the main point. I’ll take the job.

But please tell me about the reward. It wasn’t listed on the contract.”

“I don’t have any money.”

“Excuse me.”

“W-Wait!”

As I turned to leave, Kyutes clung to my waist.

He really was planning to make me work for free.

He’d been dancing around the issue, but in the end, wasn’t this the real reason?

What about all the deductions I’ve made?

Kyutes looked up at me with a strained smile as I coldly stared down at him.

“I don’t have money, but I’ll give you something great instead! A magic book!”

“And what kind of useless spell is it?”

“H-How rude you are!”

Despite his words, Kyutes was visibly flustered.

I couldn’t blame him.

Even basic spells fetch ten gold coins, which is too much just for moving things.

Besides, thanks to Professor Elfimia, I knew that many spells had been removed from the system.

It was probably one of those duds.

“This is a spell I developed myself! It’s one of my proud creations!”

Wow, that sounds even worse.

“Does it explode when cast?”

“Why would anyone need a spell like that!?

The spell is called [Reference Point]. It marks a designated spot!”

“I’ll return the question to you. Why would anyone need a—”

Just as I was about to finish, I stopped.

A marker…?

“Tell me more about the spell.”

“Are you interested? Just like Helena said, you have great potential!”

“That’s fine, just give me the details.”

“Oh, right! Let me explain!”

Despite my bluntness, Kyutes lit up and eagerly explained.

“[Reference Point] is a basic non-attribute spell.

As long as it’s within your line of sight, you can mark any location.

Even if the target moves, the marker won’t disappear.

For example, if you mark a bird, the marker will remain no matter how far it flies, and you’ll know exactly where it is.”

“That’s impressive. It sounds like a very useful spell.”

Kyutes beamed with joy at my praise, but his expression soon darkened.

“But… while the marker is active, your mana is constantly drained.

The farther the distance, the faster the consumption, and at some point, it skyrockets to the point where it drains your mana in an instant.”

“I see. So it’s not suited for long-term tracking.

Can you cast other spells while it’s active?”

“If you lose concentration, the marker disappears.

You can’t use other spells at the same time.”

Kyutes shook his head sadly, but with [Multiple Chanting], that could be worked around.

I continued my questions.

“Can anyone else see the marker?”

“Unfortunately, only the caster can see it.

I thought it might be useful for construction work or surveying, but if no one else can see it, it’s kind of pointless.

Oh, unless they have [Magic Search] or [Mana Vision]. Do you know about [Mana Vision], the ability from the Mystic Eye?”

As I listened to his answer, I considered the potential of [Reference Point].

This spell might actually be useful.

At the very least, it’s worth trying.

Even if it’s useless, I’ll just be helping with the move for free.

It’s not a huge inconvenience.

“I’ve decided. I’ll take the job in exchange for the [Reference Point] spellbook.”

“Wh—Really? Even though it’s a failed spell?”

Didn’t you just say it was your proud creation? Well, whatever.

“Yes, I’d like that spellbook. Please.”

At my words, Kyutes fell silent.

Then, just as he started trembling, he leaped at me with a beaming smile.

Ugh, with all this junk, there’s nowhere to run.

“I can’t believe you appreciate my spell this much! What a wonderful day!

I’m so lucky to have a student like you!”

The middle-aged man clung to me, tears of joy in his eyes.

This guy… I hope Rackendale isn’t another one of his students.

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