Beneath the full moon, in the library of the Imperial University, Yeriel was secretly studying magic. Hadecaine had started to weigh on her lately—so she’d slipped back to the Capital, if only for a little while.0

The reason, of course, was the Altar’s attack on the Imperial Palace. Ever since, Yeriel had been living each day with her nerves stretched thin.0

Of course, no one would dare ask Yukline to prove their bloodline, but that might not last forever, Yeriel thought.0

"... Hoo. I’ll finish the rest later," Yeriel muttered.0

Around ten, Yeriel packed up her things and dragged her feet out onto the university field. As expected, several escort knights kept their watch in the shadows—given the state of things.0

“Hmm?”0

Yeriel was on her way back to Deculein’s mansion when she suddenly spotted a familiar group of mages—Epherene, Maho, Drent, and the other members of the Common Magic Research Club.0

“How are we supposed to make this safe? Any ideas?”0

“I mean, Ephie—why not just bolt it with something tough?”0

“If we do that, it will be too heavy to lift off.”0

“What if we just go for Optimization?”0

“Too expensive for us.”0

They were gathered in a circle, speaking as if they were discussing a broken machine at the center.0

“What are you all up to?” Yeriel asked as she made her way over.0

“Hmm? Oh~ Lady Yeriel,” Epherene replied, smiling as she waved with both hands.0

“How many times do I have to tell you to call me senior, not lady... But what exactly are you guys doing?” Yeriel said, her brow furrowing.0

“It’s an aircraft,” Epherene said. “We’re preparing it for the expo.”0

“Oh… That’s an aircraft?”0

The aircraft was a wreck—too round to be called a plane, with no wings to speak of, and a propeller awkwardly mounted on top.0

"We're thinking of calling it Helicopterosio Sauron Mister Sparta."3

“Really? You guys will need a runway just to say that name. But why are you all wrestling...0