"I've observed the current flow of mana within your veins."
Hikari's voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable gravity to his tone that immediately caught Kazuki's attention. Unlike previous lessons—where the threat of physical pain loomed heavily—this time, the caution in his words felt deliberate, almost solemn.
"Before we proceed with spellcasting training," Hikari continued, "there is something crucial you must understand. This knowledge may very well save your life in precarious situations."
Kazuki straightened unconsciously. Hikari rarely framed lessons in such terms.
"You remember what I told you about the Arashiyama Family," Hikari asked. "That they were entrusted with the Spirit Magic and Spirit Summoning Scriptures."
Kazuki nodded without hesitation. It was confidential knowledge—knowledge Hikari had only shared because he intended Kazuki to walk among the nobility.
"Yes," Kazuki replied. "You explained how the Dukedoms were formed."
"Good," Hikari said. "Then understand this—the Arashiyama Family is not the only one in possession of summoning knowledge."
Kazuki blinked.
"I," Hikari said calmly, "was once contracted to the Spirit Queen of Light."
The words fell with quiet finality.
Kazuki's eyes widened slightly.
This was not a secret whispered in dark corners—it was a truth known across the Three Kingdoms.
During every era, when the Demon King emerged, the Spirit Rulers of Nature would lend their strength to the chosen Hero. Without exception, the Hero would form at least one contract with a Spirit Ruler to stand a chance against such an existence.
The Demon King was not merely powerful—he was abnormal.
His body resisted both physical and magical attacks to an extreme degree. Worse still were his mind domination abilities, which could enslave weaker wills instantly. Entire armies had fallen without ever striking a blow, turned against themselves by sheer mental corruption.
Spirit contracts were the counterbalance.
Through the protection granted by Spirit Rulers, Heroes could resist mental interference, stabilizing their consciousness even under overwhelming pressure.
"I'll demonstrate summoning and contracting spells eventually," Hikari said, pulling Kazuki back to the present. "But before that, you must understand the foundation."
He raised a hand and used earth magic to shape two earthen chairs from the ground, smooth and sturdy.
"Sit."
Kazuki complied, sensing that this was not a lesson to be taken lightly.
"Tell me," Hikari said as he sat opposite him, "what do you know about spirit magic?"
Kazuki hesitated, then shook his head. "Very little. Almost nothing."
"As expected," Hikari replied. "Then listen carefully."
He folded his hands together.
"In simple terms, Spirit Magic is the art of summoning spirits and enlisting their aid. These spirits can assist in a wide range of tasks—combat, reconnaissance, support, stabilization, even long-term spell maintenance."
Kazuki listened intently.
"One of the greatest advantages of spirit magic," Hikari continued, "is mana efficiency. Spirits draw upon ambient mana in the environment, greatly reducing the burden on the caster's mana heart."
Kazuki's eyes sharpened.
"Additionally," Hikari said, "spirits can help stabilize complex or high-level spellcasting. They act as regulators, ensuring that mana flow does not spiral out of control."
He paused briefly.
"They also provide protection—particularly against illusions, mental interference, and mind domination techniques."
Kazuki felt a quiet sense of awe.
So that's why Heroes rely on them…
"Through their connection to the spirit realm," Hikari went on, "spirit magic users can amplify their own abilities, making them exceptionally versatile. A single skilled spirit caster can fulfill multiple battlefield roles without exhausting themselves."
Kazuki exhaled slowly.
The benefits were overwhelming.
"But understand this," Hikari added, eyes narrowing slightly. "Forming contracts with Spirit Rulers is exceedingly difficult. Fortunately, they are not your only option."
He raised four fingers.
"Spirits are classified into four hierarchical levels—this knowledge was given to me directly by the Spirit Queen herself."
He began listing them carefully.
"The lowest tier consists of Low-Level Spirits, commonly referred to as Chloros."
"These spirits possess limited intelligence and power. They are easiest to summon, but their usefulness is correspondingly low."
"Above them are Intermediate-Level Spirits, known as Aetherias."
"These spirits possess clear intelligence, distinct personalities, and specialized abilities."
Kazuki leaned forward slightly.
"Next are the High-Level Spirits, called Astrafylix," Hikari continued. "They are extremely powerful entities, often governing vast elemental domains."
"And finally," he said, lowering his voice, "are the Spirit Rulers—the Kings and Queens of the Spirit Realm."
Hikari leaned back.
"Forming a contract with an Intermediate or High-Level Spirit can be extraordinarily advantageous—especially in prolonged battles, large-scale engagements, or situations requiring simultaneous spellcasting."
He didn't say it aloud, but Kazuki could hear the unspoken truth.
It's still not easy.
Hikari thought the same.
Just because spirits were easier to contract than Spirit Rulers didn't mean contracts came freely. Spirits were prideful beings. Calculating. Cautious.
They would not bind themselves to someone weak—or stagnant.
"To earn a spirit's cooperation," Hikari said aloud, "you must demonstrate strength and, more importantly, potential."
"Spirits who enter Mana Contracts expect growth," he continued. "Their power is tied to yours. As you grow stronger, so do they."
"It is a mutual investment."
Kazuki absorbed the explanation silently.
The benefits were immense.
The price, however, was absolute commitment.
There was only one problem.
A secret he could not share.
Not yet.
"I want to master basic magic first," Kazuki said finally. "Before attempting contracts."
He hesitated, then added, "Besides… it's not strictly necessary to form contracts to receive a spirit's assistance."
The statement was technically true.
Hikari watched him closely.
He sensed hesitation—not ignorance, not fear, but deliberate restraint.
Kazuki was hiding something.
Hikari chose not to press.
"Very well," he said calmly. "We'll proceed in that order."
He stood, dismissing the chairs with a wave of his hand.
"But understand this," Hikari added. "The path of spirit magic will eventually intersect with yours."
"When it does," he said, eyes sharp, "you must be ready."
Kazuki nodded silently.