Try It for a Month, No Charge

When it came to picking up a secondary magic, the first thing Rhode thought of was Levy's Solid Script magic.

Levy, who used Solid Script magic, liked studying all kinds of writing. Would mastering multiple languages benefit this kind of magic?

Could the Chinese language he knew have considerable power?

He would only know by trying.

As it happened, Levy had recently felt that there was little left to teach Rhode about common knowledge of the world.

When she heard that he wanted to learn Solid Script, Levy immediately patted her chest and promised to teach him until he mastered it. He could try it for a month without paying anything.

Naturally, learning magic began with the most basic writing.

Golden magical light flickered at Levy's fingertips. With a gentle movement of her wrist, words took shape in midair:

"Solid Script!"

The golden magical light turned red the instant the

word was completed, transforming into blazing flames that danced through the air with the swing of Levy's arm.

Rhode picked up a piece of scrap wood from the corner of the yard and tossed it in. It immediately caught fire.

However, once the shape of the word "FIRE" was damaged, Levy found it increasingly difficult to control.

After maintaining it for a while, the flames dispersed, leaving only a piece of charcoal on the ground that continued to burn.

"Solid Script!"

Levy waved her hand again and wrote the word for water, extinguishing the burning charcoal.

"Solid Script magic uses words written with magical power to manipulate elements or other forces that one normally isn't good at controlling.

"To some extent, those words are temporary Magic Items we create. Once you've completed this step, you can use them as Possession Type magic."

"It can be explained that way?"

Rhode did not know what to say. He had originally wanted to learn an Ability Type, but Levy was telling him it counted as half a Possession Type.

"Even with the same kind of magic, everyone experiences it differently. That's only my own view."

Levy said, "Anyway, let's start with the first step. Use magical power to write words."

"...All right." Rhode nodded. Since he was already here, he might as well give it a try.

Levy carefully explained how to distribute magical power and how to make the magical power released through his fingers linger briefly in midair.

Rhode listened, memorized, and practiced at the same time, immediately asking whenever he encountered something he did not understand.

Anything related to training had to be taken seriously.

While the two taught and learned harmoniously in the backyard, two pairs of eyes were watching them.

Jet and Troy clung to either side of the doorframe leading to the guild's back hall, each sticking out their head to peek.

Jet said indignantly, "Damn it, Rhode is too cunning! He's using learning magic as an excuse to stick close to Levy!"

Troy said, "But... wasn't Levy the one who went to him first to learn writing?"

"Either way, if this keeps up, then maybe... we have to do something to make Levy understand our feelings."

Troy thought for a moment. "Then, challenge Rhode and prove that we're stronger than him?"

"We've already been beaten, right in front of Levy." Jet deflated. "How many wild monsters can you beat?"

Troy touched the seed pouch at his waist. "As long as he doesn't use the Stone Beetle..."

Jet reminded him, "Rhode recently got a Strange Bird. With one flap of its wings, it sends feathers flying everywhere like throwing knives."

Troy hesitated. "Then, as long as he doesn't use that Strange Bird..."

Jet added, "He also has a wolf that can sneak up behind you and knock you down when you're not paying attention."

"Then, as long as he doesn't use that wolf..."

Jet sighed. "Why not just have Rhode tie up his hands and feet and let you beat him?"

Even Troy felt that was asking too much. "What can I do? Who gets this strong after training for just over a month?"

"If there's really no other way, then we'll have to do that!" Jet turned and left.

"Hey, Jet, what are you going to do?"

"Make a few preparations. I'll be right back!" Jet used Divine Feet magic and swiftly vanished from Troy's sight.

Levy pointed at the fragile word Rhode had just written. "Here, your magical power isn't distributed evenly enough. Control the output speed a little."

"Okay." Rhode did as she said. This Letter Magic was a little more technical than he had expected.

Even if he wanted to force a breakthrough with sheer power, it had to be a continuous, steady amount of power. Holding his breath and recklessly blasting magical power out would not work.

After practicing for a while, Levy suggested that Rhode take a break and carefully review his many previous mistakes before trying again.

Just then, Jet rushed into the backyard like a gust of wind. He stood before Levy with his hands behind his back, his expression solemn.

Levy asked in confusion, "Jet? What's wrong?"

Jet said seriously, "Levy, I have something important to tell you."

Oho. Rhode quietly stepped back and made himself less noticeable. He sensed there was some drama to watch.

Levy seemed to realize something and followed his lead. "What is it? Why are you suddenly so serious?"

Jet pulled a bouquet of red roses from behind his back, bent over, lowered his head, and offered the flowers to Levy.

"I like you. Please go out with me!" After blurting out the sentence in one breath, Jet closed his eyes, held his breath, and waited for Levy's answer as though leaving it to fate.

Levy showed a faintly surprised expression. She hesitated for only a moment before taking a step back, twisting her little hands together behind her back without accepting the flowers.

"I'm sorry, Jet. I don't have those kinds of feelings for you. Thank you for liking me."

Rhode was surprised to discover that Levy, who normally had a timid personality, was remarkably decisive at a time like this.

Only two seconds passed between Jet finishing his confession and Levy speaking to reject him.

"So... it really was like this..." Jet spoke with difficulty. When he straightened up, a stiff smile had already appeared on his face.

"Sorry for troubling you." Jet switched to holding the bouquet in one hand. "Then consider this an apology, or a gift between friends."

Levy still did not reach out. She merely smiled and shook her head.

Jet withdrew his hand and forced a smile. "Right, that wouldn't be appropriate. Then... I have something to do."

Jet turned and left, leaving behind a fairly carefree-looking silhouette.

Troy, who had been secretly watching, was stunned by Jet's series of actions.

First, he was angry that Jet had beaten him to it. Then he anxiously waited for Levy's response, and finally he felt awful for Jet after he was rejected.

Of course, mixed into that pain was a trace of secret delight that he still had a chance.

That tiny bit of delight made Troy feel deeply guilty. They had been best friends since childhood, and the most important thing now was to stay by Jet's side.

"Jet, you..." When Troy found the dejected Jet, he realized he could not say anything.

He could fully imagine how hurt Jet must be right now. At a time like this, anything he said would be useless, wouldn't it?

Unexpectedly, Jet patted Troy's shoulder instead. "It's okay. I considered that this might happen. You, Troy, do your best."

"What are you talking about..."

"If you succeed, I'll bless the two of you too," Jet said. "We'll still be best friends."

"Jet..."

Disclaimer: Many of the magic settings in this work have no official basis. For example, Levy's explanation of Letter Magic is the author's own added interpretation.

So please do not practice casually without a proper mage accompanying you.

Parentheses: If some genius really manages to learn it, remember to come teach me. End parentheses.