The night in the royal capital was filled with more light than ever before.

The benefits brought by the Great Magical Furnace 'Lunarius' are immense. Magic lamps, which previously could only illuminate a few noble districts and the area around the royal castle, now reach every corner of the royal capital.

Among the most obvious and easily understood benefits brought by the Great Magical Furnace, the most visible and clear one was precisely that.

Amidst that dazzling nightscape, the Royal Capital Magic Academy, the highest institution overseeing all magical research in the kingdom, was abuzz day and night with a single topic.

―The magic blacksmith, Darius.

Just a little while ago, it was a somewhat unreal story, only spoken by the Master Swordswoman Aria, the Saintess Sofia, and the Magic Academy Director Luna.

The name, whose very existence was uncertain, now carried a weight of truth that could no longer be ignored.

What changed that situation was the operation of the Great Magical Furnace and the story that Darius's sword was used in the legendary monster 'Grim Reaper's' subjugation, achieved by a trustworthy figure within the country and former Knight Commander Baldus.

For many years, the monster that had been threatening the kingdom was known for its peculiar trait of only appearing before Baldus.

Of course, if the current knight commander, the Master Swordswoman Aria, had joined the fight, it might have been possible to defeat them.

However, Baldus single-handedly defeated the cunning monster that wouldn't even give him that opportunity and brought back the proof of its defeat.

Many called his achievement a miracle.

And as the creator of the sword that made that miracle possible, the name that burst from Baldus's mouth was Darius.

If that blacksmith were only skilled at making weapons, they wouldn't have become a topic of conversation at the Magic Academy.

Typically, blacksmiths specialize. Those who specialize in weapons may struggle with magical tools, and vice versa.

It takes a lifetime just to master one path.

But that man was different.

It has already been revealed that he is producing mythical-grade items for swords, magic staves, and healing tools.

The blacksmith who crafted the weapons and armor for the Master Swordswoman and the old hero... to think he would also create magical tools... Due to these circumstances, Darius's name began to be spoken of as the "Magical Tool Blacksmith" not only by the members of the Magic Academy but also among the mages themselves.

"Did you hear? The story about Darius, the one who built the heart of the 'Lunarius'."

"Oh, I heard about that... Apparently, the sword that Baldus-sama was holding is also like that, isn't it?"

"...I never thought it actually existed. I was sure Director Luna had somehow smuggled the staff in from the magical nation."

"Could such a person really be outside the barrier...?"

The conversations exchanged at the Magic Academy were a mixture of excitement, awe, and a hint of suspicion.

The reason why there was still some disbelief was simply because there was a story that Darius lived outside the barrier.

Outside the barrier, it's not a place where humans can live.

Many countries scattered across this continent have developed with vast 'Outside the Barrier' stretching out behind their territories.

Of course, monsters sometimes advance from outside the barrier into the barrier, but that was rare, depending on the region.

Basically, the area outside the barrier is like a natural fortress.

Just as rugged mountain ranges or vast deserts serve as borders, the deadly lands where monsters roam are like a massive wall that prevents invasion from other countries.

Of course, there have been those in history who tried to overturn that common sense.

Once upon a time, a military strategist from a certain country led a small, elite force to bypass the barrier and launch a surprise attack on the enemy country from behind, which was a success.

However, the lives lost in that operation were said to be several times higher than in a typical battle.

Therefore, the area outside the barrier is a place where human reason does not apply, and there should be no one living there.

That was an undeniable common understanding for all the people living on this continent.

That's precisely why the rumors are heating up.

The young head of the Magic Academy, Luna, achieved a historic feat. And the mysterious blacksmith, Darius, who is said to have supported the core of that achievement. And their dwelling, their origins...

His name was no longer confined to the world of magic. It had begun to spread throughout the kingdom like a massive ripple.

Amidst the excitement surrounding this unknown magical blacksmith...

In a corner of the Royal Capital Magic Academy, in the reading room where various materials were lined up, an old man looked up from a thick book.

He is Aldo Vincent.

Once renowned as the kingdom's highest-ranking mage and said to have advanced the capital's magical technology by decades, he is a living legend in his own right.

Although he is not currently affiliated with the Magic Academy, his achievements have earned him a position akin to an honorary advisor, allowing him free access to the academy.

Even his ears had caught the passionate rumors circulating among the young mages.

(It's impossible, but... he exists. Darius, without a doubt.)

Aldo muttered inwardly and gently closed his eyes.

What's burned into his memory and won't leave is the scene from the press conference a few days ago.

The young headmaster of the Magic Academy, Luna, was explaining how the heart of the Great Magical Furnace, 'Lunarius', was an extraordinary staff.

Aldo was once again remembering that unremarkable magic staff.

Aldo had been allowed to observe that magic staff several times, even after the magic furnace was operational, and had confirmed that the staff was undoubtedly excellent.

Of course, it was clear from the fact that the Great Magical Furnace was operating without any problems, but the fact that it had become larger and was more stable than other magic furnaces surprised Aldo even more.

It has bottomless magic conductivity, a structure that amplifies the caster's power many times over, and above all, perfect stability that shows no sign of going out of control, despite harboring such immense power within.

(A realm I could never reach in my lifetime... Director Luna was certainly a genius, but... what's drawing out that talent... is undoubtedly also thanks to that staff.)

Jealousy, frustration, and anxiety.

As fellow mages, it was certainly true that various emotions swirled within him, but he was swallowed by an intellectual curiosity that far surpassed them.

A single, burning "expectation" was raging like a flame deep within the old heart.

(If it were him... If he were the man who could create such an extraordinary staff... perhaps he could fulfill my long-held dream.)

Aldo's dream.

It was to realize the legendary magic called "fireworks."

The phantom light that only appears in the old picture books his mother read to him when he was a child.

A beautiful magic that blooms in the night sky like a large flower, illuminating people's hearts and bringing smiles.

Magic isn't just for weapons and tools.

It should be something wonderful that gives people dreams and hope. He wants to prove that. That was the very beginning of Aldo's journey towards the path of magic.

(At the end of this life, I want to create something... a beautiful, magical memory that will remain in the hearts of children in the future, with my own hands.)

With trembling hands, Aldo gripped his knees tightly.

"Darius... how can I meet you?"

Aldo crossed his arms and began pacing the narrow reading room, muttering to himself.

"...Perhaps I have no choice but to consult Director Luna after all? She publicly stated that she was Darius's daughter and his adoptive parent. If I'm going to ask for an introduction, there's no one else but her... No, but..."

So Aldo stopped for a moment.

(Hmm... Even though it's my long-cherished wish, just showing up and saying, 'Make me a staff'... isn't that a bit too much to ask? But then again, using my position as the former highest-ranking mage to force him to grant my wish... isn't that exactly the way those nobles I despise the most, who hide behind their authority, behave? I absolutely cannot do that...)

The old sorcerer, once called a living legend, was now desperately searching for the best way to meet the blacksmith on the frontier, his only hope, in order to fulfill the legendary magic he had dreamed of as a child and to protect his pride.

Chapter 21