Night enshrouds the courtyard as I stand alongside Ram, his gaze fixed upon me. The gentle wind carries with it a warm breeze. These past six months have been transformative, leading me down a different path in my life, compelling me to progress.
"Do you believe you can surpass me now?" Ram says with a hint of disdain. "You barely appear any stronger."
I flex my muscles, inclining and straightening as I ready myself for what's to come. I align my arms and stretch my neck.
"Well, even if I haven't bested you in these six months, I am confident I can give you trouble," I respond with a determined smile, gathering mana within me.
In the depth of the courtyard, Crusch, Beatrice, Luan, Rem, and Otto observe us. Today's training is crucial; according to the narrative, there will be no more remarkable events for a year, which means I have another half a year to prepare.
Or, who knows, something negative looms on the horizon.
"You can do it!" exclaims Emilia, offering her support.
"Apply what I've taught you!" Crusch cheers, enthusiasm in her tone.
Over time, we have all grown close, even Luan, who initially seemed distant. Gradually, she too was engulfed by the intensity of Emilia's emotions.
Emilia has been the force that has united us all, so I owe her my gratitude.
"What manner of repast shall you prepare for me today?" inquires Ram as he brandishes his magical staff.
"Today, I shall dine on steamed potatoes!" I reply with a smile, teasingly. "Fu Murak!"
I dart towards Ram at full speed, gliding across the grass as she unleashes a flurry of wind blades.
Ram possesses the skill to imbue her wind attacks with more physical than cutting damage, so they shouldn't result in grave wounds.
With dexterity, I begin to evade her attacks by swiftly moving my feet. My style of movement has been honed through Crusch's teachings and Ram's techniques.
I've managed to craft my own approach by combining what I've learned from both.
"Mo Vita!" I invoke a Vita Mobile, a gravity augmentation zone right before me. "Goa!"
I hurl several fireballs that are sucked in by the gravitational field on the ground. The smoke tries to rise, but the gravity field keeps it contained.
"That strategy didn't work last time!" Ram rushes towards me, swiftly maneuvering to position herself in front of me and deliver a punch to my face.
I quickly deflect her fist with my hand and attempt to kick her in the stomach, but she evades the blow and counters with a gust of wind. I utilize my control over gravity to avoid being thrown by the blast and remain in place.
"Shamack!" I exclaim, creating a sensation of darkness.
Darkness envelops the area, absorbing the light and sounds around it. Though the darkness is profound, this technique does not affect the one who invokes it, allowing me to see amidst the ebony mist.
The heat released by the pressurized gas fills the air, making it difficult even to breathe. My vision is limited due to the darkness generated by the technique, but I can still follow the moving silhouettes, including that of Ram.
She attempts to strike me, but I manage to drive my fist into her stomach.
With a gust of wind, she disperses the cloud of darkness and separates from me.
"Trash!" Ram falls to the ground as I tackle her, ending up on top of me. I try to keep her under control, but she lands a punch to my face. Then, with a swift motion, she creates a whirlwind that sends me flying.
Using murak, I stay aloft, hurling fireballs at her while controlling my position.
"You're going to cook! You lazy demon!" I continue to fire fireballs as she throws wind blades at me.
After several intense minutes, the fight reaches a stalemate, and we both find ourselves on the ground, staring at each other intently.
"Let's resort to fists if you're so afraid," Ram glares at me. "You've been flying around the whole time, coward."
"Excuse me for utilizing my skills," I snap my fingers, returning her gaze with arrogance. "Then fists it shall be, the first to touch the ground."
I direct my gaze towards our audience, who seem concerned about the intensity of our fight. Today, I have given my all, a strange sensation courses through me, as if I want to unleash all my emotions.
Perhaps it's just anxiety.
"What are you cooking today?" asks Ram, getting ready to continue.
"Steamed potatoes!" I announce as I sprint towards her, launching myself.
I attempt to strike her with a right hook aimed at her jaw, but she manages to block it with her arm and tries to grab hold of me. With a swift motion, I forcefully retract my arm, catching Ram off guard.
"The little weakling now has some muscle," she looks at me with disdain. "So, you can actually pull your arm back."
"I'm just a human, you cursed demon," I respond determinedly, performing a spin and delivering a kick towards her head.
Ram manages to block the blow with her hands, but in that very instant, I shift my position.
I unleash another kick, this time straight towards her stomach. She assumes a defensive stance and takes the impact, being pushed backward by the force of the blow.
I pant exhaustedly, while Ram seems less fatigued, her panting seeming more related to the lack of mana than physical exertion.
"Does the lady need her mana recharged?" I say to Ram, touching my forehead. "Perhaps I could assist you."
Before I can react, Ram is already in front of me, and she strikes me forcefully in the stomach. A burning sensation spreads from the center of my body as she attempts to throw me to the ground.
I seize upon her movement and, covertly, diminish the gravity around me, surprising her and enabling me to bring her down alongside me.
Both of us end up on the ground, gazing at the starry sky and panting exhaustively.
"Cheater," says Ram, attempting to grab hold of my hair.
"Indeed, I am," I chuckle as I try to rise.
It's a draw, albeit achieved through deception. Finally, I have managed to match Ram in a practice skirmish. Close combat with her is a daunting task, and I still feel I have much to improve in that regard.
Of course, consistently training with Lugunica's strongest individuals, excluding Otto, who now joins my morning exercise routines, has been instrumental.
Emilia approaches to heal us, and more spirits gather around her.
"Have you established contracts with more spirits?" I inquire, and she nods.
"Yes, though I'm not sure how they'll react when Puck arrives. I just hope they won't be frightened," Emilia smiles as she tends to both of us.
Without Emilia's healing magic, these intense practices would not be possible. As I explain to her how things work, she realizes that magic can have a limitless variety of uses, limited only by the user's imagination.
"Hehe, I'll love to see his reaction when he finds out."
"Silly Marco," Emilia pouts as she pinches my cheek.
The darkness looms over us as it does every night.
I decided that, since I was the one who cheated, it would be me who prepared the meal, allowing us to share a joint dinner this time.
The last day of the month is approaching; the project is complete, and a day of great importance dawns tomorrow. Irlam, on the other hand, will face changes of another nature, changes that may stand out even beyond the boundaries of Lugunica.
In the warmth of the laboratory, I find myself with Beatrice. She adjusts her hair while I recline on the bed. Her beauty never fails to be a sweet gift to my eyes, no matter how many times I behold her. My heart finds serenity in her presence.
"Have you considered wearing your hair short?" I inquire, to which Beatrice responds with a smile.
"Princesses should wear long hair, in fact," she replies, putting the finishing touches to her hairstyle, which does not feature her classic pigtails but rather leaves it loose.
She approaches the bed and lies down beside me, resting on my chest as she hugs me.
"Now you're more muscular, I suppose. Before, you were... softer, in fact," Beatrice observes me with a tender expression.
"I tried, I swear," I apologize, stroking her head.
Inevitably, my muscles have experienced growth, becoming firmer. My fibers have strengthened without exaggeration, making my body compact yet possessing great muscular power at the same time.
Mana management has also become relevant, as I have gradually mastered joint concentration with its use.
"Marco," Beatrice looks at me, a hint of sadness in her gaze, "didn't it bother you that Betty didn't come for you on that occasion?"
Memories of what happened six months ago flood my mind; Beatrice seemed strange back then. At that moment, I wondered why, but that concern faded over time.
"To be honest, it didn't bother me at all," I draw her close to me, placing her by my side to feel her breath and perceive the vibrations of her voice. "Is there any particular reason?"
She closes her eyes and places her arm around my neck, embracing me.
"Betty thought that, at that moment, only someone you didn't completely trust could rescue you from there," she whispers, her confession surprises me, prompting me to reflect on the truthfulness of her words. "That's why Betty didn't come looking for you, and I sincerely am glad I made that decision."
She kisses my cheek and dims the light intensity, plunging us into absolute darkness.
"Although, had I known you would become affectionate with Crusch, in fact, I might have thought twice, I suppose," her embrace tightens around me, full of intensity. "Love whomever you want, in fact, but always love Betty the most, I suppose."
"My love for you is different from romantic love; I love you; I love you with madness," I tilt my head and brush her forehead with a kiss. "You fill my life with happiness, warmth, and tenderness. No matter what happens, you will always be the source of my deepest love. Every morning, my heart longs for you, yearns for your presence, your words filled with sweetness, and your radiant smile.
It is a different kind of love, but pure, filled with hope and joy.
The desire to see your daughter grow, to see her happy, to feel her hugs and kisses, to feel the love she feels for you, to give that love.
"Hehehe, Betty loves you too, you're Betty's knight, indeed."
I sigh, closing my eyes.
"For eternity..."
Darkness envelops us, and I sleep peacefully, though the nightmares return. Beatrice uses her magic on me to mitigate their effects. They are fragments generated by the miasma, which slowly begins to regain strength.
Its influence is peculiar but necessary.
I open my eyes, and the first thing I notice is a strand of hair on my face. With a slight movement, I brush the hair aside, leaving Beatrice on the bed. She always sleeps a little longer, exhausted from using magic on me.
I plant a kiss on her forehead and quietly make my way back to my room to avoid making noise.
I gaze at myself in the mirror, reflecting on the journey I have taken. My face has become more refined, and my features have improved. The influence of mana has also extended to enhancing my physique.
To think I would have such defined muscles...
I look at myself in the mirror, noticing my messy, long hair.
I should ask Rem to give me a haircut.
I step out of my room in fresh clothes and continue my daily routine. The preparations are progressing steadily, and before I know it, it's time to head to Irlam.
Everyone is ready for today's event; now is the time to take the next step.
A new chapter unfolds, and with Irlam in full swing, it's the perfect moment to propel ourselves toward explosive growth.
The flow of people has increased significantly after the renovations. Expansion operations are almost daily now, placing greater demand on our army.
"General Marco!" Alsten and Lucas salute militarily as a row of soldiers deploys along the road leading to the town.
Our forces now number over five hundred soldiers, as many of the newcomers to Irlam have chosen to join us.
Our rapid ascent has been fueled by the Ministry of Press's advertising campaigns, which have given us public exposure. Additionally, the reward we received for defeating the whale had a significant impact.
My rank has risen from baron to viscount, and Emilia received a commemorative medal for her participation in defeating the cult and the whale.
This boosted our publicity campaign, and thanks to Gildark and the Brotherhood's organizational efforts, we have managed to attract over three hundred people from the slums, giving them a chance to start anew in a better life.
People began to arrive in droves, leading us to restructure everything to maintain public order.
Things are changing; Irlam has transformed into a thriving town that will soon reach the size of a small city. The current population exceeds a thousand inhabitants, and today we are celebrating the largest population increase to date.
The movements of the sages have ceased, and a growing concern looms over me, but there is nothing I can do about it.
"Forward!" We make our way to the square, heading towards the stage where we usually hold our cultural events.
Finally, today the statue made from the whale's horn has been completed. We hired an artist to whom we provided steel tools imbued with mana by Frey to conduct the task.
Though many were damaged, and we had to use stones to remove the mana from the horn in order to work it, in the end, it turned out well.
The crowd begins to gather; the influx is so intense that the streets must be closed to allow access to the site.
The need to expand this area becomes evident.
Though not everyone can participate given the number of people, at least we are here. Behind the stage, we gather, the usual group.
"Prepare the propane tank!" I exclaim, to which Rem and Beatrice get to work while Crusch, Otto, and Luan assist along with other servants.
Yes, it is the result of our effort.
"Are you ready?" I ask Emilia, who is by my side. "You seem prepared, about to conquer hearts with your beauty."
My attempt at a joke to cheer her up prompts her to pout; she gives me a pleading look for help as she advances towards the stage.
"Foolish," she responds, finally ascending to the platform.
Before her, easily more than four hundred people gather, the approximate number that fits in the square. All those gazes, whether from recognized citizens or not, are filled with anticipation.
Everyone awaits the words of the candidate.
She stands confidently, casting her gaze overall, with palpable expectation in the air.
"Inhabitants of Irlam! Good afternoon!" Emilia exclaims, utilizing the microphone provided by Anastasia. "Today, we proudly celebrate officially reaching a population of two thousand inhabitants!"
An achievement that would have been impossible without the assistance of Gildark, as well as our accomplishments. We annexed neighboring towns, and people from different cities came to try their luck.
The soldiers are mostly warriors who were not approved, or individuals with a goal in mind.
Cheers and cheers resonate, this time, their acclamations transcend words, reverberating in our bodies as people look at Emilia with pride and joy. Although we face numerous challenges, everything we have done has led to this moment.
Emilia's acceptance has grown exponentially, and with the prohibition of racism, both demihumans and humans not adhering to that ideology have joined us, wishing to coexist and share good times.
Certainly, there have been confrontations, but none that could not be resolved.
"Long live candidate Emilia! Long live Irlam!" everyone exclaims excitedly.
Everyone's lives have taken a turn; what was once a small town some wished to escape to rebuild their lives, has now become the epicenter of their greatest wealth.
Those same workers who once toiled under the orders of others now manage their own businesses, and some even run the very factories.
Everyone progresses, and therein lies the beauty of life.
"I know each of you has worked hard. I feel your excitement and joy and seeing that we are building our dream fills me with much, much happiness," Emilia extends her arms, directing her gaze to all. "Today, we want to make an announcement, because we will be the pioneers in this."
The excitement intensifies with intrigue, and an expectant silence fills the air. With everything in place, I ascend to the gondola and fix my gaze on Emilia, swiftly igniting the gas with my fire magic.
"Without the need for a living being, without the need to employ elements other than those of human ingenuity," Emilia raises her voice. "Today, Irlam will reach for the skies!"
A balloon over twenty meters high rises swiftly, the veil concealing it is removed, and the sight is revealed to all. I ascend rapidly, contemplating the same panorama I usually see every morning when I use my flight magic.
The balloon ascends forcefully, a hot air balloon marking the beginning of aerial travel.
All eyes turn to me, astonished by what they see as I soar. With my fire magic, I control the internal pressure of the balloon, and with wind magic, I adjust its direction as needed.
Reaching the height of the platform, I observe everyone from twenty-four meters above. Although this is not the maximum height the balloon can reach, it allows me to have a panoramic view of all the inhabitants.
"Look!" everyone exclaims, their voices filled with amazement.
I observe them all, elevated in the air for the first time without using gravitational magic. A new beginning, an advancement that will change the world.
With magic, a completely new form of transportation has just been born.
"Habitants of Irlam!" I shout, infusing my voice with mana.
"It's the mayor! Mayor Marco!" Anticipation echoes in the shouts, everyone seems thrilled by the situation.
I survey Irlam from this height, its expanse, the intertwining roads, the houses, and shops dotting the landscape, the factories emitting their subtle fumes, the carriages trailing from the entrance to the balloon.
I concentrate more mana in my voice, ensuring that everyone in the city can hear me.
"Today, Irlam has reached the skies!" I address everyone, admiring the beauty of the world. "Today, Irlam has ascended to greatness! We continue our journey and have grown to reach this point!"
The thanks and cheers resound strongly even up here, a clamor in favor of Irlam, of Emilia, and of myself.
"We are grand! We shall keep advancing!" I shout with an intensity that fills me with determination.
My communication device begins to vibrate, but at this moment, I choose to ignore it.
"We will grow to become a recognized city! We shall surpass all others in Lugunica!"
The crowd is visibly thrilled, and as I continue to control the balloon from the air, I feel energized.
"I am Marco Luz! The mayor of Irlam!" I close my eyes, clenching my fists.
After a moment, I immerse myself in the proud sunlight, extend my arms, and conclude my speech with all my might, ensuring to engrave it deep within my being.
"Candidate Emilia is with us! Thanks to her!" I open my eyes, gazing up at the sky. "Thanks to all of you!"
I inhale a deep breath firmly.
"Irlam will grow boundlessly!
I will advance, I will grow.
If this world tries to absorb me, it will have to face the consequences.
They have picked the wrong person.
I am Marco Luz; do not you forget that.