Some people might say that a staff wouldn't think such things.

However, Aldo himself, from his many years of experience, sometimes felt the will of the tools.

The attributes, scale, or power of the magic used... each wand has slight differences in its strengths and weaknesses.

If he uses a staff without the proper aptitude, it will be damaged and eventually decay.

Some people said that since they were tools, it was fine to use them until they were worn out, but Aldo, if possible, wanted each of them to be used in the way they desired.

Especially the staff here.

Everyone looked like they were just itching to fight.

Even if he were to take them away from here, they wouldn't be happy being Aldo's partner, as he tends to stay cooped up in the lab.

Aldo's goal isn't to fight. What Aldo seeks isn't power to hurt someone, but the development of magic to make someone smile.

(...Is there a staff among these that will support my dreams without complaint? Perhaps it would be better to have Darius-dono make one from scratch, huh?)

Aldo was asking himself that when it happened.

Amidst the swirling maelstrom of all kinds of magic, he noticed a single presence.

Unlike other wands, it doesn't have a flashy magical energy release that asserts itself.

But it's quiet, infinitely deep, and warm.

His gaze was fixed on a single staff leaning in the corner of the detached building.

It doesn't have a special appearance compared to other wands, nor does it emit powerful magical energy.

At least, judging by the staves placed around it and its appearance alone, there wasn't much difference.

However...

(...That's it. That's the one. I feel like it's calling me.)

That's right, it's not just his imagination.

His soul, his heart, is yearning for that staff.

Aldo was swaying as if he was drawn to something, slowly approached the staff, and reached out to touch it.

"Aldo-san."

Luna's voice echoed softly.

But Aldo didn't answer the voice.

The next moment,

"Aldo-san, pull yourself together. You're being mesmerized by the weapon."

This time, an even stronger voice echoed, and at the same time, he was lightly tapped on the shoulder.

At that voice, Aldo snapped back to his senses.

"...O-oh. I'm s-sorry. I, I lost consciousness for a bit..."

The moment after he replied to Luna's words, surprise immediately filled his heart.

(...W-what? I'm the one who's captivated? Even though I always wear magical armor to protect myself...)

After having witnessed the power of the staff that broke through it, Aldo once again became aware of its strength and looked at the staff.

He calmly looks at the staff, which is once again asserting itself with a brilliance that almost makes him stare in awe.

(...It seems I wasn't charmed and deceived. It's true that this child is calling out to me and saying they want to help me.)

"It seems that the child took a liking to Aldo-san and was a little mischievous… Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm alright."

"Oh, for goodness' sake. You shouldn't be so mischievous."

Darius approached the staff, picked it up, and tapped it lightly.

Then, the flow of magic emanating from the magic staff changes slightly. It's as if it's sulking after being caught in a prank.

Aldo was slightly amused by the adorable reaction.

Upon seeing Darius talking to his staff as if it were a person, Aldo stepped forward as if he had made a decision.

He opens his mouth, addressing the staff Darius holds as if it were a person.

"...Staff. I have a question. My dream isn't to fight. It's to create magic that makes people smile. I don't intend to take you to a world filled only with battles... Even so, will you still say you want to come with me?"

As if in response to the question, the staff emitted a soft, warm, and joyful light.

As if to say, "This is my wish."

At the sight, Darius narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth.

"You seem a bit mischievous, but if that's alright with you, would you like this one?"

Darius said that, then held out his staff toward Aldo.

Aldo had been staring intently at the offered item as he nodded slightly before clenching it in his fist.

Perhaps it was because the staff had accepted Aldo's statement.

The moment he grasped that staff, it felt like an extension of his own body, fitting perfectly in his hand.

Immediately, Aldo lightly stroked the surface of the staff before turning back to Darius.

"Yes... I'd like this one."

Aldo nodded firmly, though a part of him was still in a daze.

"Alright, I understand. Then, let's do the final adjustments to match Aldo-san. Aldo-san, could you lend me that child for a moment?"

"...Yes, I understand. Thank you for your help."

Darius's words brought a touch of wistfulness to Aldo, but he quickly handed him the staff.

Then, the three of them went outside the hut.

Chapter 29