When all was said and done, Chiara was still a child. Although her analyses were always clear and logical, she inevitably became flustered whenever she actually encountered a problem. The Kobold Mentor came to Boli. Fireforge's side with a staff in hand and put on an act as though he were preparing to cast a spell. Chiara and the fairy could not help turning pale with fright. It was at that moment that Roman gave a soft "Huh?" and muttered, "Strange. There aren't any magic ripples on that staff."
Once she said that, Chiara and Sini also noticed that something was wrong. Although the Kobold Mentor's casting movements looked convincing, the incantation it was chanting was completely nonsensical. Not to mention that when it cast its spell, not even a trace of movement stirred the Law Lines in space, and the Sea of Magic remained perfectly calm. It looked nothing like the signs that appeared before casting a spell. Instead, it seemed like—
A charlatan pretending to be a divine mystic!
"Damn it!" Chiara immediately realized what was happening. This kobold was no mentor at all, but a swindler who lived off others without lifting a finger. Such con artists were not uncommon among humans either, and quite a few rural lords had even been deceived by them.
Chiara's little face flushed red, then turned pale. She had just bragged about being a genius, yet in no time at all, she had made the same mistake as those bumpkins she had always looked down on. The girl clenched her teeth, afraid that she might lose control and cast a Fear spell on that damned kobold, so it would understand why magic must not be desecrated.
Boli. Fireforge's legs were trembling with fear as well. He knew exactly what was behind