Binary Soul

> Kira PoV <

“So that’s the gist of it.” (Kira)

{I see. So it was something like that. Are you going to do it?}

“Maybe. That Voice thing refused to tell us what sort of strings Titanhood came attached with.” (Kira)

“We’re still going to try though.” (Ellie)

{Understood. Good luck with that.}

“Why are you talking like you’re unconcerned? Are you feeling down again?” (Kira)

I really wish Nano wouldn’t get so depressed every time the topic of magic comes up. It’s been getting worse ever since that Mithril experiment failed. Apparently it was impossible for Nano to make more of itself out of the stuff. Orichalcum was a no-go as well.

{Oh no, that’s not what I meant. I’ll help out as much as possible. It’s just that I’m just doubtful you can actually do it.}

“Huh?” (Kira)

{You already told me the spells you managed to create so far were all incredibly complicated concepts in terms of moulding mana, right?}

“Yeah? So?” (Kira)

{Well, if you have to go that far for new spells, an entire new discipline would be well beyond anything a single mind can put together.}

“Right. I think I see what you mean.” (Kira)

If there’s too many things you have to keep track of at once, it’ll overwhelm the mind and you’ll lose the spell. Since we can’t pass on [Unity] or [Thought Echo] then we have to think in a completely different direction.

“Why not just get some help?” (Ellie)

“Huh? But wouldn’t that be cheating?” (Kira)

The way the Voice was talking about it, it sounded like it didn’t completely approve of that sort of thing.

“But it’s fine as long as we don’t ask Titans, right? If it’s about new schools of magic, don’t we have people like Mister Picorio we can count on?” (Ellie)

“Picorio, is it? … Maybe, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up. Elves are really stingy with their magical research.” (Kira)

Not that it matters anyway. Only Elves can use Life Magic after all.

“Well, we’re in no rush, right? I’m sure Kira will come up with something brilliant like always.” (Ellie)

“Aw, that’s sweet of you to say.” (Kira)

{So then you’re seriously going for Titanhood after all?}

“Like I said, maybe. I still need to see the terms of this contract the Voice mentioned. But until then, we should take this seriously. I wouldn’t want to regret half-assing something monumental like that for the rest of time.” (Kira)

“Besides, Aura will want a family of her own one day. We must be sure she is fully equipped to protect them even if we’re not here.” (Ellie)

{Can she even do that? Have children of her own?}

“Ah…” (Ellie)

“I’m sure she can. That Voice said something about how being able to reproduce was necessary to qualify as kin, right? Aura qualifies, therefore she must be capable of it.” (Kira)

And it must not be the traditional way either. After all, she has none of the parts for that. Maybe she will split into multiple people like Skittles? Well, only time will tell. I’m just glad our little girl won’t be denied the joys of motherhood.

{I see. Ah, speaking of the little lady, it’s about time for you to prepare her breakfast.}

Right. We really should get out of bed and get dressed. Aura will probably just fall asleep after I breastfeed her though. She doesn’t seem to be much of a morning person. Then again, maybe that’s just how Archon babies are.

* * *

“Good morning, Mistress.” (Ariel)

Ariel greets us the instant we come into the dining room, like always. She’s wearing that maid-like uniform with a bright smile. Did something good happen?

“Hey Ariel.” (Ellie)

“Morning. Are the girls still sleeping?” (Kira)

“No, Mistress. They already ate and left for the Academy with Fluffles.” (Ariel)

“Oh right. The Academy.” (Kira)

They had that Basic Arithmetic class today. It feels a bit lonely whenever they leave early like this, but at least they come back looking like they had fun. I don’t see how they could enjoy that stuff, though. It’s so dull that simply doing my taxes is enough to bore me to death. I’m honestly glad Nano can do those calculations instantly, otherwise the Ministry of Progress might be in big trouble.

We sit around the table as Ariel starts serving us breakfast. I hate to admit it, but she’s been getting really good at this servant stuff lately. Did she get pointers from the King’s maids? Or maybe the baron’s? Her smooth and delicate movements would make you doubt she’s actually a Rank A adventurer. Not to mention the [Yellow Sage].

Huh? Wait, wasn’t she the perfect person to ask about this Gaze of Magnus?

“Ariel. I need to ask you something.” (Kira)

“Yes! This one will do her best to answer, Mistress!” (Ariel)

“Could you quit with the kneeling? It’s awkward.” (Kira)

Not to mention my neck hurts from having to physically look down on her so much.

“At once, Mistress!” (Ariel)

And she immediately falls to the ground. I could swear there was an audible thud when her forehead hit the wooden floor. Prostrating herself like that is even worse, though!

“Just sit down next to me!” (Kira)

“B-But Mistress! This one would not-” (Ariel)

“It’s an order! Now! Worthless perverted canary! Why do I even bother speaking to you?! It’s a bloody mystery!” (Kira)

“Hnnnng! Yes! As the Mistress commands! Haah.” (Ariel)

Finally! I swear she does some of these things on purpose until I start screaming at her! It’s a good thing the kids aren’t here! Also, I think a bit of Kelly came out that time…

“Look. This is a serious question. Let’s say you had to create a completely new school of magic.” (Kira)

I should have realized it sooner, but Ariel was raised in a completely different culture from us. Her attitude towards magic differs from my own, so it’s possible her perspective might give me some insight.

“Where would you start?” (Kira)

She blinks her golden eyes a few times. Then crosses her arms and furrows her brow in thought. It seems there’s some part of her rotten brain that’s still functioning properly. After about a minute, she snaps out of it and bows her head.

“This one apologizes Mistress. This one has no idea.” (Ariel)

“Have you never thought of making your own spells?” (Kira)

“This one is not as wise as Mistress. Such things like creating original magic is way beyond this simple one’s abilities.” (Ariel)

“I see…” (Kira)

It was a dud after all, huh? Well, it’s not like someone could come up with a new idea on the spot, even if you asked them.

“Ariel, what was the strangest magic-related thing that happened to you? Before we met, that is.” (Ellie)

Oh! Nice thinking Ellie! Since we’re trying to do the pinnacle of absurdity, then looking into other weird events might provide some clue! Was that last bit really necessary though? Well, at least enjoy my pancakes while Ellie takes over!

“That would undoubtedly be that slime-bucket’s Ring of Domination, Mistress. It felt like this one was trapped inside her own body, which moved independently of this one’s will. It was a... grueling experience.” (Ariel)

“Didn’t you do something similar to the other Sages, though?” (Ellie)

“No, Mistress. The Song of Compulsion tricks them into thinking someone of the highest authority is giving them orders. It is closer to manipulating their perceptions and twisting their will.” (Ariel)

Such a vile magic. Just thinking about it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Still, I can’t deny it has its uses. Ariel sometimes subdues bandits with it and makes them surrender peacefully, even if it does take some time to kick in properly. Ah, I shouldn’t think about those guys right now. It’ll spoil the taste of my breakfast!

“And how’s that different from that old fart’s doing?” (Ellie)

“This one was fully conscious and aware of everything that was happening. This one’s mind struggled, but the body refused to listen. It felt like there was a thin layer of mana stuck inside my skull and directing it in my place.” (Ariel)

“Hmm… What about other strange things that happened?” (Ellie)

“Probably when Kelly released an Elder Dragon by hitting it with a few glass beads. That was particularly weird.” (Ariel)

“Hm? Kira, does [Impact] have an element?” (Ellie)

Ellie looks at me quizzically. I’m sure we already went over this though. I take a moment to swallow before answering her sudden question.

“Nope. It’s just raw mana that hasn’t been attuned to a specific element. Otherwise it wouldn’t be able to affect all of your spells.” (Kira)

“Couldn’t we focus on something like that?” (Ellie)

“Like what?” (Kira)

“On raw unattuned magic?” (Ellie)

“There’s already a Neutral Magic school though. Admittedly it only has a few spells like [Impact] and [Blink] , but it does exist.” (Kira)

“Right… Of course it wouldn’t be that easy… Come to think of it, is there any school of magic that Kira can’t do?” (Ellie)

“Plenty. I can’t do Ariel’s Songs, for example. Or the elves’ Life Magic. I can’t overcome my human limits you know.” (Kira)

“But isn’t that exactly what that Voice said we needed to do?” (Ellie)

“Well yeah, but it was being a bit melodramatic in the process.” (Kira)

{Kira. Have you ever actually tried learning the magic of other races?}

“Don’t be silly Nano. Why would I waste my time with that? It’s obviously impossible.” (Kira)

{But you can use Barrier Magic.}

“So? That’s just part of being human. It’s Enuri’s gift towards his kin. Of course humanity can use it.” (Kira)

{Are you sure you’re one of Enuri’s kin though?}

“... What are you trying to say, Nano?” (Kira)

{The way I see it, these ‘gifts’ of magic are something like a birthright. You were not born on this world, so how come you can use it? And what about Ellie? She can use it as well, yes?}

“Yeah! Only it’s not so great without [Unity]...” (Ellie)

{But she can use it. Both her body and her soul are vastly different from the rest of humanity on this world, but she still has access to this supposedly human-only magical discipline. I’ll ask again, Kira. Have you ever actually tried learning the magic of other races?}

“... No. No I have not. You think I should?” (Kira)

{Indeed. I think you can use Barrier Magic not because you were born with it, but because someone taught you about it. So if someone taught you, say, Life Magic, then would you be able to use that? And then what would happen if you learned all of the magic left behind by other Titans? Wouldn’t you be able to discern some clues as to what exactly you need to do?}

“Nano… Are you sure you’re not omnipotent after all?” (Kira)

{Haha, I’m pretty sure that’s not it. I just have a lot of free time on my hands. Ah, but-}

“But Nano doesn’t have hands.” (Ellie)

{Please don’t steal my jokes, Ellie.}

“Sorry, Nano.” (Ellie)

Right! It’s worth a shot!

“Ariel! Did you hear everything so far?” (Kira)

“Yes, Mistress! This incompetent one is unable to grasp the reasons, but Mistress wishes to learn the song of this one’s people, correct?” (Ariel)

“Now this is a surprise! I guess your head isn’t just for show after all, huh?” (Kira)

“Nn! Thank you, Mistress!” (Ariel)

“So. Can you teach me?” (Kira)

“T-this one apologizes Mistress, but it is impossible. Mistress does not possess the Second Voice that all Avians are born with.” (Ariel)

“... Second Voice?” (Kira)

“Yes, Mistress. Allow me to demonstrate.” (Ariel)

She opens her mouth and… nothing comes out? I feel the faint presence of mana coming from her, but that’s it. A few seconds later she stops whatever it was she was doing.

“... Is it over?” (Ellie)

“Huh? Ellie what’s wrong? Why are you clutching your cat ears like that?” (Kira)

“I’m fine. Ariel’s voice just now was a bit loud, that’s all.” (Ellie)

“It was? I didn’t hear anything though.” (Kira)

{Ah I see. It’s so high pitched that humans can’t hear it.}

What? That can happen?

“Master Nano is correct. Not all species can hear the Second Voice of an Avian, but that’s besides the point. Without a Second Voice, it is impossible to imbue one’s First Voice with magic.” (Ariel)

I see, so it’s like that. I can’t just magically grow myself a second voice box so I guess I’ll need to give up on that.

“Then, shall we go see Mister Picorio after all?” (Ellie)

“Sure. I guess we’ll have to.” (Kira)

I just hope he’s willing to help out. If I can at least do a Basic-tier spell from the school of Life Magic, then perhaps it would mean I can study others as well. Come to think of it, not only dwarves can use Golems, right? It’s just that dwarves are far better at it. I’ll have Kelly teach me when she’s done playing with Stompy.

What about the Mountain Giants? I’ll need to ask the Grandmaster for some help with those. I’m not even sure what magic his people can do that others can’t. They don’t come into the cities very often, after all.

As for cat-folk, I believe their specialty was Shadow Magic. I’ll have to visit the Magic Academy and check if that old codger Morose is still around. He may have retired though  - he was really getting on in years. If not then I can just put in a request for a cat-folk mage with the guild. Tutoring commissions are a bit uncommon, but they do exist, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

The Mermen… I have no clue. Never even seen one. If they’re really at the bottom of the ocean then that’s going to be difficult. Perhaps the Grandmaster has some ideas? There should be at least some of them on dry land working as adventurers, right? I mean we did see a real-live salamander so that’s not too much of a stretch.

Speaking of Yuri, I really don’t want to barge in on her life. Not unless I really have to. I’ll leave her for last. It may not even be necessary to go that far - it’s entirely possible I may not need to learn the magical ways of her kind. Or I can just send Ellie in to question her a bit. Or better yet I’ll just go right over to that scumbag Emperor of hers and slap him around a bit, make him spit out what he knows! I’ve been wanting to cut loose on someone who deserves it! Ah, Ellie was right! Just thinking about it somehow makes me feel better!

Anyway, I think that’s all of them, right? Ack! Skittles! I almost forgot! She’s technically her own kin, right? But she’s also a titan. Hmm. Asking her for help would definitely count as cheating. Well, I’m in no rush so I’ll leave her as a last resort.

Oh right, I should give her the Voice’s message at least. Guess I will need to visit the Capital sooner than I thought.