Over the past dozen years, with the help of Kroya's territory, Aistena had long since become the official president of the Nolant Kingdom's Mage Association. He had also married King Norant's daughter.
With Aioetes taking an interest in him, whether deliberately or otherwise, he had naturally secured a council seat in Starry Town as well. Within the Semrio Continent, at least, he was a success in every sense of the word.
At that moment, Aistena was holding a Bird-Head Staff.
He simply struck hard toward the grotesque monsters emerging from the black energy of the distant ley lines, and a terrifying force sealed them into a card that flew back into his hand.
"...That looks awfully familiar."
Kroya murmured to himself, then asked curiously, "How come I've never seen this sealing method before?"
If Aistena put on a magical outfit that could change into all sorts of forms, he would practically be a magical girl. Kroya just wondered whether that bird-headed staff could sprout wings and carry him through the air.
Aioetes answered, "This is magic I taught him in his dreams. It came from the Titan master who created me. I didn't expect him to be able to learn it, either."
"Didn't ancient mages love sealing all sorts of monsters inside cards? They could summon them whenever they wanted, for battle or entertainment."
"I want to learn it too." Kroya could vaguely sense that this was actually a very unusual form of spatial magic. A level-ten mage being able to control it so proficiently was quite remarkable.
"Of course." Aioetes casually took out a stone tablet and handed it to Kroya. "This tablet records the Card Sealing Magic. Consider it my gift to you for setting me free."
"Those are two separate matters. I'll give you a gift later."