Mysterious Smoke.

The atmosphere between the two young men was jovial, as they seemed genuinely interested in getting to know each other. Their conversation was filled with trivialities and silly anecdotes that didn't contribute much, but it served as a way to connect with each other and bring some joy to their uncertain paths. They didn't appear to worry about their next move or the exact plan to follow. Such carefree days were rare and therefore cherished, especially by the woman who truly understood the world they lived in, the tragedy that existed in that place.

"Did Mori really set his bed on fire while sleeping?"

"Well, Mori is an exceptional sorcerer with massive mana reserves, but at first, he had difficulty controlling it. So, one day he woke up with his bed in flames."

"Haha! It's hard to believe he's the same guy who can be so terrifying in combat."

"Haha, he can also be really sweet at times."

"Sweet? That's hard to imagine..."

"That's because you're just getting to know him. Mori is actually well-liked in the trading areas. He usually handles most of the group's shopping. I've heard good things about him when I've gone myself. He helps carry loads or even takes care of a couple of kids."

"Well, I guess I don't fully know him."

"You look different from Mori."

"Why do you say that?"

"Mori is what we would call a prodigy. His sheer mana reserves allow him to overpower the majority of his enemies. But you, on the other hand, seem quite average in that area. Your attacks are much smaller and more focused than his."

"I suppose my reserves are average."

"I would even say slightly below average. That's what makes your talent for mana control so intriguing. Your learning seems almost instantaneous compared to others."

"I don't understand it either. I simply imagine the things you tell me, and they seem to happen."

"Well, there is some information about people who have a strong connection to mana. It was theorized that due to their previous exposure to mana, their bodies became accustomed to it, making its use easier."

"I remember absorbing mana from a memory crystal before coming here. It was a crystal of memories."

"I guess that might have something to do with it. It's really unusual to have a crystal in your hands unless you're a collector. I wonder how you obtained it."

"It was an accident."

"I see you want to keep the details a secret."

"It's just that I feel an old man I know might get upset if I mention it."

In Infinn's mind, the image of Slein appearing to reveal his work negligence would play out in a somewhat parodied scene. Kana, on the other hand, wouldn't delve too much into the matter. After all, she respected her counterpart's privacy. If he didn't want to talk about it, she wouldn't press him. However, it didn't stop her from drawing her own conclusions. Infinn had mentioned that he arrived through a Resolver, and the only way to come into contact with a crystal in conventional society was through these Resolvers, as they were the only ones allowed to possess them or have knowledge of magic outside their society. So, if it was an accident, she could understand that this Resolver had been careless, allowing Infinn to accidentally come into contact with a memory crystal.

"Doesn't matter. Now I suppose I should talk to you about your responsibilities besides collecting crystals on the incursions."

"Are there more things to do in this job than just collecting crystals?"

"Not explicitly, but those are the kinds of things that collecting groups usually do."

"Like what?"

"Running errands or helping people within the sorcery society."

"And why is that?"

"Well, as you know, there are multiple collecting groups within the Belio House. Within the Belio House itself, they have an infrastructure based on their fame or importance. Collectors usually have a good base of importance, as evidenced by this altered space we were given. However, like any job, we need to demonstrate how useful we can be. Otherwise, they'll plan to replace you with a group that provides that utility. Additionally, if you aim to increase your importance within that house, you need to influence their fame positively."

"So, if you're talking about helping people, I suppose you mean that the group should be known by people and thereby increase the fame of that house."

"Exactly. The goal of the houses is essentially to gain fame and social support, which soon evolves into political support."

"Why do they need it? It's not like I've heard that the nation has elections or something similar."

"It's quite simple. It's for the coveted positions of commanders or the ability to join the Resolver group."

"So, the more famous the house is, and the more contributions we make to that fame, the closer we are to being elected as a commander or Resolver."

"That's correct. Having a commander or Resolver is crucial for the houses. It defines the balance of power and how much influence that house will have in decision-making or suggesting changes in the nation's logic."

"Still, what's the point of aiming for these positions? We have enough comfort as it is. If we remain stable, we shouldn't worry about being replaced."

"That could be true if my goal were simply to make a living."

"Do you have something else in mind then? Maybe it has to do with your dream."

"Let's just say that to achive my dream is one of the steps I must fulfill."

"This nation seems to be in a constant silent chaos."

"We're better off than the space nation, at least."

"What's happening there?"

"Their king made it clear that he will step down soon, so the houses there are going crazy trying to gain support for one of their relatives to succeed him, as well as searching for someone suitable for the position."

"Well, not to sound like an evil mastermind, but if you were in that position, wouldn't you try to bring someone without independent thinking to indirectly control the nation?"

"That's actually quite logical, but it's not as simple as promoting just anyone to power."

"Why? I don't think gaining support would be complicated. There would have to be some underhanded dealings, but it's not impossible, especially in a state of uncertainty like they're in."

"It's because the king of the space nation needs to be able to wield space magic."

"Why? I would assume a king simply has to rule the nation."

"Setting aside traditions or the like, having a user of space magic is important for the sorcery society. How do you think we have an entire society hidden beneath the conventional society?"

"Well, if they need a way to live without being detected, then fractals are the best option."

"And how do you think these fractals are generated?"

"With space magic..."

"Do you understand now why it's so vital to have a successor with space magic? Without it, the foundation of our society would crumble."

"But I don't get it. We have machines that mimic the magic of the second king. Right?"

"And the mana these machines need comes precisely from the second king. The machines simply copy the structures that give rise to space magic."

"It still doesn't make sense to me. We would just have to supply mana and it would continue to copy the magic."

"That's theoretically correct, but there's a small flaw in that idea."

"What is it?"

"Space magic, to alter space itself, requires enormous amounts of mana. Altering the dimension of space itself is like folding a sheet of paper, and things like opening portals or contracting space in small areas would be like folding the paper four times. But things like fractals would be like trying to fold it more than seven times. The thickness becomes so great that the paper cannot be folded again. It's impossible without an almost endless amount of mana."

"So, how is it that the second king can create the fractals? If he has that amount of mana, why doesn't his body explode?"

"It's because the mana of the second king is compressed. Instead of expanding outward like usual, his mana compresses inward, making it extremely dense, which allows him to control that magic without causing destruction to his body in the process. It's an anomaly that has never been seen again, except in the second king. Not to mention, the machines we generate are highly costly. It took 90 years of research to create something that could withstand such immense mana doses."

"That's why the entire space nation is in turmoil."

"Not just the space nation, but the logic nation, the knowledge nation, the history nation— all of them are in upheaval in all the houses due to this news. After all, it's unprecedented."

"And in all this, why is the second king stepping down from his throne?"

"It's because he is dying. He has been reigning for 110 years, and unlike the first king, time has taken its toll on him. He is no longer capable of using correctly his magic or making good use of his mana."

Infinn sighed at the revelation. Although he was new, it seemed like he had arrived at a very delicate moment in the sorcery society. His mind was filled with thoughts regarding the society, not to mention that his first foray was just a couple of weeks away, so he was noticeably nervous about what would happen in his life. His time lost in his thoughts was interrupted by a knocking on the door upstairs. It could mean that Lein had returned, although it was certainly curious since he hadn't come back all day yesterday. Kana, upon hearing it, simply got up from the table slowly to look at the door.

"I'll go and open it."

"Oh, sure."

And then, Kana disappeared from his eyes. Infinn hadn't even blinked, as if she had simply vanished. In response, his gaze turned to look around, trying to locate the woman with long hair. His attention was drawn to the sound of a door opening, and when he turned to face the door, there was Kana, casually opening it as if nothing had happened. Infinn could swear that only seconds had passed, yet Kana had traversed the distance between the table and the door instantaneously.

Meanwhile, the woman would see the person standing in front of her, and to her surprise, it was not her subordinate. Instead, it was a dark-haired man with a ponytail, dressed in dark-toned attire. The man greeted her with a serious expression.

"You must be Kana Belio, the leader of New Wings. I am the applicant who wanted to join your team of collectors."

"Applicant? But if..."

Confused, Kana glanced sideways at Infinn, who was sitting there watching her. Their eye contact caused the boy to display a puzzled expression, while Kana's mind worked to make sense of the situation. If she remembered correctly, today was indeed the agreed-upon day and time for the new applicant to come. However, she had assumed that the boy was the applicant who had arrived earlier than expected since Lein had brought him here. So how was this situation possible in the first place? Her attempt to mentally resolve the situation was cut short as the man in front of her seemed somewhat restless due to his uncertainty.

"Is something wrong?"

"Somebody else has arrived as an applicant, brought by one of my subordinates who made the initial arrangement."

"What? That's impossible. We agreed on this time and day. It would be unlikely for them to make a mistake."

"Well, clearly, there are certain discrepancies in the story. I will need Lein to appear to resolve this."

The man, shocked and visibly confused, attempted to argue, but Kana stood firm in her decision. Given the circumstances, she didn't really know who the true applicant was, and Lein didn't seem like someone who would make such a mistake. During the discussion, smoke slowly entered through the window, revealing the figure of a man with long, intensely white hair that contrasted with his dark clothing. His typically carefree face displayed a curious expression as he noticed both individuals outside the group's room.

"Is something wrong, boss?"

"Lein, this man claims to be the new applicant and not the person you brought. Explain yourself."

"Mhm? I seem to recall that the one I brought was the correct one."

"What are you saying!"

The dark-haired man, who had remained calm until now, exploded in anger at Lein's denial. The white-haired man merely smirked mockingly at the dark-haired man while resting his chin on his hand, supporting his cheek with his thumb. Noticing this response, Kana glanced back at the dark-haired man, this time with a stern expression, considering this might be an attempt at impersonation. She crossed her arms while looking at the man.

"Lein was the one who made the arrangement to meet, and he personally went to complete it. So it's impossible for him to make a mistake like this. Therefore, my conclusion is that you are trying to impersonate the applicant."

"No! That man is lying. I remember perfectly well agreeing to this meeting!"

"I couldn't be more honest when I tell you that I have never seen this man in my life, boss."

The white-haired man commented with a carefree expression while raising his hands in a gesture of "I don't know what's going on." Faced with the dark-haired man's denial, the presumed impersonator erupted in rage, mana starting to emanate from his pores in the form of an aura. He raised his hand, and it became apparent that he was generating what seemed to be a strange iron-like sand, giving it a dark tone that seemed to be aimed at Lein. However, his hand was forcefully grabbed by the wrist, and his face turned with annoyance to see the woman, who looked at him with a serene expression but with a silent displeasure. His wrist felt immense pressure, and trying to break free from the pain, the man screamed.

"Let me go!"

"Listen to me, I don't know who you are or why you're trying to impersonate someone you're not, but you have no right to raise your hand against my subordinate, and it's a crime to attempt to harm someone with magic."

The grip on the man's wrist tightened as Kana emitted an aura that was blinding to the man's eyes and burned his wrist upon touch.

"But it's not a crime when it's self-defense."

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry, just let me go!"

Kana released the man's wrist, and he quickly rubbed it in clear pain, attempting to swiftly leave the scene. He glanced back at the white-haired man, who returned his gaze with a mocking smile before he hurriedly ran down the hallway, consumed by his anger, shame, and confusion.

"Well, what was all that about?"

"I have no idea. That man knocked on the door claiming to be the applicant."

"That's terrifying, especially when he aimed his magic at me. Poor me~"

Faced with Lein's self-pitying act, Kana could only look at him with a face that said, "Here we go again," taking on a comical chibi form during those moments.

"Alright, enough with the drama."

"Aw, how can you say that, boss? Aren't you concerned about your subordinate's life?"

"Sigh... Anyway, why don't you talk to the new guy a bit? I've already introduced him to the others."

"Didn't Mori pounce on him or anything?"

"He tried."

"Haha! Always so impulsive. I remember he did the same thing when I arrived."

"To be fair, you provoked him back then."

"Oh, come on. I was just teasing him. You have to admit he looks like a red jalapeño!"

Upon the joke, the woman let out a slight laugh, imagining Mori as a red jalapeño. She had to admit it was a somewhat clever joke, but she wouldn't laugh at him in that way. It wouldn't be appropriate. She cleared her throat slightly to regain her serious demeanor.

"Anyway, where were you all day yesterday? You left the new guy and then disappeared."

"Oh, sorry for not notifying you. I had to visit a friend, and let's just say I took a little longer to return. I didn't think it was a big deal since I wasn't scheduled to do anything that day."

"No, it's not really about work. I was just curious."

"Do you care about me, boss?"

"Obviously, we're friends after all."

"Aww, I'll keep that in mind for next time.~"

Both of them entered the room again, and Infinn, who was sitting in the chair, expectant as he had heard some commotion outside, noticed Kana and Lein entering through the door. He remembered the white-haired man, and if he wasn't mistaken, his name was Lein. He was certainly afraid that he would be exposed for the impersonation, so he nervously tapped his fingers on the table in a rhythmic loop, trying to ease his anxiety. As he watched them descend the stairs towards him, Infinn paid special attention to the woman's expression, noting how serene she appeared. She didn't seem upset or anything, which confused the boy who had thought he would be reprimanded for impersonating.

"Well, I don't think I've formally introduced you yet, Infinn. This man is Lein, one of your coworkers and a member of the group."

"Yes... I remember meeting him when he brought me here."

"Nice to meet you, Infinn! I'm Lein Keo."

"Your last name doesn't sound like a house name."

"Oh, that's because I don't belong to any house. I'm what is known as an outsider.~"

"That's right, just like you, Infinn, Lein didn't originally come from the society of wizards. He comes from the conventional society."

"Oh, how curious. By the way, what was all that commotion earlier?"

"Some guy came trying to impersonate you, claiming he was the applicant. But Lein informed me that he didn't know him and that he had closed the pact with you in person for the application to the group. After his trick was exposed, he tried to attack Lein, but luckily, I was there to stop him."

Upon hearing this, Infinn became completely confused. He knew Lein was lying because he never made any kind of pact or agreement with him to apply for the group. The first time they had met was when Lein had mistakenly taken him to this place. Now he could clearly see that Lein believed he wasn't the applicant, yet he still brought him here. This made Infinn suspicious of him, as his intentions seemed mysterious, but he had saved his neck this time, so he decided to play along.

"Oh, yeah! How terrifying, someone trying to impersonate me and even threatening with magic."

"Right? I also thought it was over for me."

Lein suddenly mentioned as he did one of his classic dramatic gestures, approaching Infinn and resting on his shoulder for a moment.

"But it's good that we're now free from such terrifying people, and we can get to know each other better, Infinn.~"

"Yeah... I think the same."

Infinn could only look at him with a slightly suspicious smile as he received one of Lein's typical smiles that didn't reveal any of his thoughts about the situation. The reasons why Lein lied about Infinn being the applicant for the collector job remained a total mystery to the boy. He couldn't deduce anything because he simply didn't have any information. For some strange reason, despite having a good ability to read people, he couldn't get a single thing from the man in front of him. He felt somewhat helpless against the mystery that had formed around him, like a thick fog that couldn't be dispelled at least for the moment. A question arose in his mind due to the lack of information about the white-haired man: "Who are you?"