The Principles of Magic

"Magic? A Certain Magical Index?"

Zhang Qi repeated the term, crouching down to meet the girl's gaze at eye level.

"Magic is—well, it's a kind of technique.

Unlike science, it doesn't analyze the rules of the world. Instead, it—twists the rules of the world."

Index nodded. Apparently feeling that this concept was too profound for an "ordinary physics teacher," she carefully organized her words and explained it as simply as she could.

She held up a finger and gestured through the air. "For example, if you make a replica that looks exactly like the cross used when the Son of God was executed, and place it on the roof of a church—

then you can borrow some of the holy power possessed by the real cross. Or, if you want to curse someone, you make a doll that resembles them. Whatever you do to the doll will happen to that person—

and inside my brain, there are 103,000 grimoires that record magical knowledge—"

Zhang Qi listened quietly, then nodded thoughtfully. "So someone wants the grimoires in your brain?"

"Mm—Touma is a good person. Since you're his teacher, please keep him away from me!"

Index nodded and spoke to Zhang Qi.

"Heh. You're more worried about others than yourself? Maybe you and that kid are the same kind of person.

But you two aren't the ones who should be worrying about this. Leave adult matters to adults~"

Looking at the weight and determination on the young girl's face, so mismatched with her age, Zhang Qi reached out and placed a hand atop Index's head.

"But—"

Index still wanted to say something, arguing that she did not want to drag anyone else into this.

But Zhang Qi interrupted her. He withdrew his hand, picked up his phone, and dialed Touma Kamijou's number.