99 Monster In The Making

--- Akira ---

It seems like she's started, huh.

Even when they didn't underestimate her, they still fell for what could be seen, rather than what she truly was.

As I stated before, Alexia's strength has become rather fearsome, even if you are stronger than her in any way.

It all began when she started taking an interest in my skills.

Initially, she attempted a watered-down version of my [Sky Slash], which was impressive to some extent, but not quite remarkable.

To use it, she had to thrust her sword into the opponent and then find the time to infuse her Magical Power into them. However, if the opponent was strong, they could potentially dispel the invading Magical Power, rendering the technique ineffective.

So, to sum it up, the technique is risky, difficult to execute, and doesn't offer much payoff.

But that was just Alexia's initial attempt at exploring this new approach to Magic.

She has the potential to refine and evolve this skill over time, adapting and improving it as she goes.

Unlike me, who can't modify skills unless explicitly stated by using SP, she has the flexibility to make adjustments as needed.

In this aspect, she holds the advantage.

That initial attempt was just the beginning of a journey toward a whole new understanding of Magic for Alexia.

Through continuous practice, particularly on the bandits scattered across the Kingdom, she had a breakthrough.

"It finally clicked for me how you manage to use your skill without relying on your Magical Power," she told me one day, catching me off guard.

I was not able to understand the principle behind it, no matter how hard I tried to.

In my observations, there was no discernible Mana fluctuation when I executed the skill, leaving me puzzled.

Despite my efforts to uncover how it worked, I found no clues.

Even after scouring numerous libraries, I came up empty-handed. I assumed I might grasp it with exposure to higher forms of power later on. However, she managed to perceive what eluded me.

"When you use your skill [Sky Slash], you mentioned not relying on your own Magical Power and not needing to consciously control the process. I believe it's because of the inherent properties of Magical Power itself," she explained.

Confused by her statement, I sought clarification.

With a smirk, she seemed pleased to have knowledge I hadn't grasped yet, eagerly anticipating acknowledgment for her insight.

...I gently patted her head, indulging her need for recognition, before urging her to elaborate further.

Rather than launching into an explanation, she poured water into a glass and gestured towards it.

"Think of the glass as our world and the water as Magical Power. When I shake the glass, the water inside moves, right?"

I nodded in understanding.

"This creates a specific flow, which is typically unalterable in our world. However, there's another method to achieve our desired outcome, and that is..."

She paused for a moment, using her finger to gently spin the water inside the glass.

"We create another flow within it, one small enough to not disrupt the existing flow, yet significant enough to achieve the desired effect. In your case..."

Her gaze met mine, but I already grasped her implication.

"Generate those wings of light within my target's body to tear it apart."

It all clicked into place.

"Exactly. Since Magical Power follows the closest flow, it will adhere to that path until it fulfills your will. Once done, it will revert to the original flow, likely perpetuated by the World itself."

That makes sense.

"It seems plausible enough. I believe that if I can understand how to properly create a secondary flow within the primary one, I can achieve something akin to what you do. And if I can accomplish that..."

With the right method, every command could be executed.

It's a completely different thing compared to a mere skill that's already built-in to do what it's stated in the description.

That kind of power resembles more a God rather than a human being.

"You'd become quite the formidable enemy if you could pull off something like that. Please spare me when that day arrives, your Majesty..."

I joked, but deep down, I meant every word.

If she could achieve such feats without relying on Authority like me, she'd truly be fitting to have the title of monster.

"You make it sound like it's a walk in the park, but I don't have shortcuts like you, so it'll probably take me ages to figure out—"

I cut her off.

"No, that's not true, Alexia. Just look at how much progress you've made in just a little over 2 years. I have full faith in your ability to achieve this. And even if you can't, that's okay. You've already surpassed me in pure theory."

I gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.

I genuinely believed in her potential to succeed.

If she can't, that's fine too. She's already done more than enough.

However...

Even if she masters this 'skill' of hers, I doubt I'll be able to utilize it myself.

I haven't fully grasped the reason yet, but I feel like I've caught a glimpse of it.

'Did the System grant me Authority to prevent the worst-case scenario of me discovering this cheat ability, or am I just overthinking it...?'

Nothing is set in stone yet, especially when it comes to anything related to the System, but what's clear is that Alexia is forging her own unique path.

The student has indeed surpassed the teacher.

It's ironic how my role as a mentor came to such an abrupt end, though.

No, given the proper amount of time, she may even be the one instructing me.

That's the consequence of me not following this World's teachings to its full extent, because of the stern warning of my Sixth Sense related to it.

---

Author's Note:

Alexia's a living cheat, even more than Akira.

It will be easier to understand what will happen next in their fight if you at least know why she's able to do stuff like that :)

Well, I've explained enough, I guess.

Let me cook the fight properly now.