The moment Izumi's message reached the mansion, Grayfia and the other maids froze for a brief instant before springing into action.
As fellow practitioners of magic, they had naturally sensed the overwhelming presence that had suddenly descended upon the world.
Without hesitation, Grayfia gathered the other maids.
Using accelerated time magic, they prepared an elaborate reception in what felt like a mere heartbeat.
A moment later, several maids appeared beside Izumi.
Everything seemed to happen within the span of a single breath.
After arranging the table and refreshments, they quietly stepped aside and waited.
The beautiful woman sitting opposite Izumi offered a graceful nod.
"My name is Rika."
"Please take care of me, Izumi-kun."
Izumi returned the gesture.
"The pleasure is mine."
"Now then... what brings you here today?"
Rika nodded lightly.
"There are two reasons."
"First, I wished to see your world for myself."
"Second..."
She paused briefly before continuing.
"I wanted to ask when you intend to make your breakthrough."
Izumi blinked.
"A breakthrough?"
"To a higher realm?"
"Honestly, I haven't really thought about it."
He shook his head.
"There's still plenty of time."
"Besides, this world hasn't fully completed its integration yet."
"If I force a breakthrough now, the entire Dimensional World would be shaken by the shockwaves."
"So I'm not considering it for the time being."
Rika listened carefully before nodding with approval.
"It seems you're not as impatient as a certain fool."
"That's good."
"I hope you'll continue to proceed carefully."
"Acting rashly would be dangerous."
She lifted her teacup.
"The reason I came today is because I wanted to share my own experiences."
"They may prove useful when you eventually attempt to reach the next realm."
A trace of regret appeared in her eyes.
"I once attempted it myself."
"And I failed."
"I was fortunate enough to survive."
"But the price was severe."
"My path forward was effectively severed."
"And I'm not the only one."
"The others are the same."
A flash of surprise crossed Izumi's face.
So they had already tried?
And failed?
Suddenly, many things made sense.
The reason those powerful single-digit beings had largely ignored the growth of his world...
The reason no one truly interfered...
Perhaps they already knew.
Even if they obtained the opportunities within his world, it would not solve the fundamental problem.
Only that stubborn idiot whom Izumi had beaten half to death had chosen to cause trouble.
The others had remained relatively quiet.
Perhaps...
They were all waiting.
Waiting for Izumi to successfully reach a higher realm and open a completely new path.
With that realization, Izumi became even more attentive.
Though he had no intention of breaking through anytime soon, knowledge like this was priceless.
...
Meanwhile, Grayfia and the other maids stood nearby, listening quietly.
Every word exchanged between the two contained secrets capable of shaking countless worlds.
Yet Rika showed no concern.
In fact, she began openly discussing profound magical principles and cultivation theories.
Most of the maids present were powerful magicians.
And Rika...
Was the very origin of magic itself.
Even a casual piece of guidance from her carried immeasurable value.
As the conversation continued, the world's magical foundations began updating themselves.
The Root absorbed everything.
New knowledge flowed endlessly into the world's records.
The overall level of magic throughout the world steadily rose.
An unexpected blessing.
Naturally, Rika noticed.
But she merely smiled.
Then she raised a hand.
A vast amount of magical knowledge surged from her body.
Like an endless river, it poured directly into the world's Root.
The very origin of magic itself was being engraved into the world's foundation.
Izumi's eyes widened slightly.
Then he gave her a sincere bow.
"Thank you."
He truly meant it.
Her generosity had saved him countless years of work.
Rika simply shook her head.
"Think nothing of it."
"It's merely a small favor."
She looked around with obvious interest.
"Your world is fascinating."
"If possible..."
"I would like to remain here."
"When you eventually attempt your breakthrough, perhaps I may discover a new path from observing it."
Izumi considered her request for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"If you don't mind, you're welcome to stay."
A gentle smile appeared on Rika's face.
"Then I shall gratefully accept."
Izumi turned toward one of the maids.
"Rita."
"Please make the arrangements."
Rita finally snapped out of her daze and bowed deeply.
"Understood, Izumi-sama."
"I'll prepare everything immediately."
With that, she vanished.
...
Once the matter was settled, Izumi resumed chatting with Rika.
He was particularly curious about the other single-digit beings.
Rika answered without reservation.
"Hongjun represents Immortality."
"I represent Magic."
"The fool you defeated represents Light."
"And is arguably the most troublesome among us."
"There are also those who embody Divinity."
"Others embody Demonic Power."
"And many more."
She set down her teacup.
"To put it simply..."
"Each of us represents a single path."
"A single concept."
"Magic."
"Divinity."
"Demonic Power."
"Miracles."
"Immortality."
"Each person embodies one ultimate principle."
Izumi clicked his tongue.
"That sounds suspiciously like the Three Thousand Great Dao."
Rika laughed softly.
"Perhaps."
"Who knows?"
Izumi decided not to dwell on it.
The conversation continued for some time.
Eventually, Rita returned.
"Everything has been prepared, Izumi-sama."
Izumi nodded before standing.
He extended a hand toward Rika.
"Miss Rika."
"This way, please."
Rika rose elegantly from her seat.
"Gladly."
...
And so, Rika—the Origin of Magic—officially took up residence within Izumi's world.
Another single-digit existence had joined his realm.
Technically, she was the third.
As for the second...
The unfortunate fellow Izumi had beaten nearly to death was still recovering from his injuries.