Magic is invoked through magic circles, but drawing the circles is not all there is to it. Magic also involves controlling the spell continuously, and maintaining the magic circle. There were formulas, text, spell sequence, and the outlines and forms of magic circles that were different for every field. When using magic, one had to consider various factors and know how to use them without constraint, which was why magic had been recognized as a subject of its own.

That aside, possessing magic was such a rare constitution, such that for every ten people, there was barely one person who possessed it. And even among those, it was rare to find people who had the title of magician.  In this age, when research on magic circles was at an all-time high, there had already been many theories put forward on how magic circles can be spun automatically using magic stones. However, those theories were unrealistic and somewhat inefficient, so they had only been touched on briefly during class.

I began explaining to Noah sunbae who was sitting quietly and listening attentively.

“As you know, without magic stones or mana stones, it is difficult to maintain a magic circle for a long time unless it is engraved on a magic tool, and you also cannot make it spin on its own.”

Magic stones were found in nature and were rare, while mana stones were made by skilled magicians. With either of the two, it was possible to draw a magic circle that worked automatically. Theoretically speaking, that is.

However, finding a magic stone or a mana stone was almost impossible, like picking a star from the sky, and inscribing formulas also required a lot of technical skill. So actually implementing it was difficult, not to talk of commercialising it. I’d heard that in the royal family, they had made a carriage that ran on magic stones, but it was possible because it was literally the royal family, which had lots of money to burn.

At the very beginning, magic was a privilege only the nobles had access to. The common folk could not even see magic tools or circles, talk less of trying magic.

I took a deep breath and continued talking.

“That’s why I am drawing additional auxiliary magic circles that supply mana.”

Chain sequence magic circles. It was an already existing form, but the connection formula was extremely complicated, so such circles were seldom used.

Noah sunbae’s golden eyes grew bright as he listened.

“It is composed so that the mana inside the supply circles can flow properly into the main magic circle.”

As I continued my quiet voice grew stronger.

“So even without the user controlling it, it can operate automatically. Even if you don’t have magic stones, mana stones, or some amazing technology.”

After finishing my presentation, I coughed light and examined sunbae’s reaction.

“……how does it sound?”

“It is a great idea.”

Noah sunbae nodded with a smile. But soon after, his face straightened and touched his chin in seriousness.

“To do so, you’ll have to make sure that there is a clear connection. You’ll need to consider the speed and quantity of mana, and find a way to input mana into the [supply] circle.”

“Yes, I will have to do some more calculations.”

I took a notebook out of the bunch I had in hand. As it was a chain of circles, the formula was as complex as one would expect. But since the amount of natural mana was not so great, it was easy for someone like me who was accustomed to doing calculations.

“That’s why I made a big outline.”

Noah sunbae, who took the notebook from me, frowned slightly as he carefully looked through it. As he loosened his neck tie, rubbed his forehead and exhaled, my eyes followed his movements.

Wow, he looks so sexy when he concentrates.

I cleared my throat and waited with bated breath for him to finish.

“……is this right?”

He swung his hand a few times and a number of gold lights coalesced in the air, forming a magic circle. After checking its shape, I nodded.

“Yes, it is.”

The main circle was made with simple luminescence magic. What was crucial was the supply circles. I wondered whether my rudimentary outline was enough to adequately materialise the circle design.

After a few more seconds, the magic circle suddenly began to shine even brighter.

“……Wow.”

I was the one who thought up the idea and did the calculations, but Sunbae was now the first to succeed.  But there was such a great difference between our skills that I couldn’t even be jealous.

“……!”

Even though Sunbae put down his hand, the magic circle remained the same. I almost screamed with excitement.

But just as I was holding my breath and having a party inside my head, the magic circle that had been turning quite well made a sound and went out.

“It doesn’t last very long.”

Of course, given that the formula was still incomplete. But it meant that there was value in continuing the research!

I looked at Sunbae with shining eyes.

“Sunbae, if it’s okay with you, would you like to do the research with me? I will handle all the calculations, and all you’ll have to do is try it out. I will put your name down too.”

“You thought up the idea, so it should have your name on it,” he said, before continuing. “I’ll just help you.”

“Why……”

I wanted to ask what his reason was, but stopped and held back the rest of the question.

Why ask ‘why’? It must be because he finds it interesting, no?

“In that case, I’ll ask for your help once the formula is complete.”

I frowned for a while, wondering whether to ask my question. Then, twiddling my fingers, I stammered and said:

“Sunbae, are you by any chance free this weekend?”