—What is the Mage's Association?
As the name suggests, the so-called Mage's Association is essentially a mysterious organization formed voluntarily by numerous mages who treat magecraft and thaumaturgy as a scholarly discipline. These individuals, dedicated to researching magecraft and exploring thaumaturgy, banded together to facilitate better pursuit of their studies.
The specialized departments comprising the Mage's Association are divided into three institutions based on differing pursuits, research directions, and theoretical values.
The first is the Atlas Institute, perpetually situated beneath the Atlas Mountains in Egypt. Unlike typical mages, it serves as a sanctuary for alchemists, gathering exceptional talents proficient in alchemical magecraft or scientific thaumaturgy. In this mysterious domain known as the Giant's Pit, countless legendary Mystic Codes that defy the norms of the era and surpass academic common sense have been successfully created. The most representative works are the so-called Seven Weapons of World Destruction, whose renown is immense.
As an alchemical magus lineage circulating in the Clock Tower's sphere, the Atlas Institute once dispatched envoys to invite the Crowley family to the Giant's Pit.
However, regrettably, while the Crowley family is an alchemical magus lineage, their inheritance is not purely alchemy, nor traditional Mystic Code forging. Their true legacy stems from a great mentor named Aleister Crowley—the Book of the Law. Within its contents, alchemy serves merely as a deliberate facade and auxiliary; the core lies in the myriad formulas recorded in the Book of the Law, transcending eras and defying logic.
Thus, his family declined the Atlas Institute's invitation, remaining in London to continue their contemplation.
The four alchemical-system guardian angels summoned by Roy through angel summoning were masterpieces blending alchemy with elements from the Book of the Law. Even his hallmark formulas and the Silver Star were concepts proposed by that genius, which he merely realized and expanded upon in practice.
However, previous generations of the Crowley family had never fully penetrated the Book of the Law, struggling to grasp its mysteries. Those who forcibly delved into the tome either died or went mad—the original owner met such a fate.
Hence, the outside world's perception of the Crowley head was limited to alchemy, unaware of angel summoning, the Book of the Law, or golden-system magecraft.
As for how he mastered Aleister's magecraft, don't ask...
If pressed, he himself didn't know; the contents' mental strain simply didn't affect his psyche.
In layman's terms, under the Nasuverse, outsiders are superior—Earth's magecraft couldn't influence this interloper; instead, he mastered it effortlessly, much like Scáthach's Primordial Runes.
Aozaki Touko had laid her foundation with replicated Rune magecraft before studying Scáthach's Primordial Runes, yet after so long, she had only learned about three. He memorized them all in a single day and night. Moreover, they seemed far easier than the Book of the Law, at least sparing him the need to decipher every code.
Whether he could use them was beside the point; he had certainly grasped them preliminarily. Especially those concerning purification, magical energy, and curses—he wielded them with effortless proficiency, even accelerating the Holy Grail's purification, stunning Scáthach who had lived for ages.
After all, she hadn't learned her Runes that quickly. Even if the Norse god Odin were here to witness it, he might exclaim, "By Ymir, this is like seeing Hel herself!!"
Similarly, Merlin's High-Speed Incantation came to Roy instantly, leaving the Flower Magus exasperated at the speed.
He could fully envision that, given enough time for this youth to develop, his future would be terrifyingly formidable—unlike Outer Gods with innate invincible power, a true growth-type monster.
The second is the colossal mountain range adrift in the North Atlantic, the Wandering Sea Phantasm. This region is a hidden realm in the present world, specializing in Age of Gods magecraft and delving into the world's profounder mysteries and taboos. Even Nero Chaos, one of the Twenty-Seven Dead Apostle Ancestors, originated as a mage from the Northern European primordial association, the Wandering Sea.
The third is right beside Roy's family, the place where he had always studied: the pinnacle of magus academia in London—the Clock Tower.
In its earliest days, the Mage's Association was founded due to the departure of the Age of Gods and the rapid dissipation of the world's etheric magical energy, coupled with advancing human technology. The remaining mages feared that the leakage of mysteries would make them known worldwide, turning their exclusive magecraft and mysteries into common knowledge, thus stripping their mysteries of "power."
At that point, these post-Age of Gods mages would lose all hope of reaching the Root, severing their path to pursue it and rendering life meaningless.
Thus, countless mages—regardless of nationality or school—formed a special alliance solely to safeguard mysteries and eternally pursue the Root, advocating cooperation, exchange, and mutual support (in name only). Discrimination and conflicts never ceased; mutual persecution was commonplace.
In short, the Mage's Association's founding mission was to manage, conceal, and advance magecraft. To defend their potent weapons from threats (the Church, other magus groups, taboo violators, abnormalities, Dead Apostles), halt the decline of mysteries, and ensure magecraft's perpetuity, they held legislative authority and enforcement bodies in this hidden world, constraining mages globally to prevent reckless actions accelerating mystery leakage.
Unlike the first two, which hide away for dedicated research and earnest mystery exploration, the Clock Tower as the third branch faces the world—it is the mystic realm's facade, the true gateway.
The Clock Tower's headquarters lies in the suburbs of London, England, encompassing eleven distinct departments. It can be called the highest academy of the magus world. Since the Golden Age, the Clock Tower has been the vital hub of the magus world, its influence covering nearly eighty percent of Western Europe's magus forces.
Moreover, in Western Europe—barring some deeply hidden mysteries—most mages opt to join the Clock Tower for advanced studies. Asia, however, possesses its own unique systems and mystic rules, with its own mystic institutions.
Yet many mages disdain it, deeming the land mystically barren, with Magic Circuits and Crest theories unp popular. But within the Clock Tower, any seasoned mage or lord with knowledge recognizes such views as shallow; the absence of Circuits and Crests merely stems from a thaumaturgical system entirely distinct from Western Europe's.
Philosophy Magecraft...
Or rather, Philosophy Keys.
Roy knew a bit about this.
If mages' pursuit of the Root paralleled ascension to a higher realm, he knew little more, as his thaumaturgical foundations were all Western European.
However, if possible...
He truly wished to engage with Philosophy Magecraft.
After all, a certain Grand Caster candidate excelled in it, surely offering valuable insights.
Moreover, he needn't worry about incompatibility or learning difficulties—any foundation was his to command.
...
...
About two days after Kayneth's departure.
A flight from Japan directly to London, England, finally arrived.
Due to Void Shiki, Roy—who was supposed to board the same flight as Kayneth and the others from Mifune City—was teleported straight to a distant roadside. It took considerable time to reach a nearby city, and since that small town lacked an airport, he had to take a train to Misaki Town for a flight, delaying the journey by nearly two days total.
Fortunately, Britain is a renowned major nation, and London a world-famous city; even in haste, Misaki Town offered direct flights to London.
If it had been a busy business or tourist season, tickets to London would sell out before takeoff. But neither was the case now, so securing a ticket to London was straightforward.
Thus, after all Japan tribulations, Roy finally embarked on the return journey.
Exhausted from recent events, on the plane he pondered the recent encounter with Void Shiki, musing over which timeline The Garden of Sinners occupied. If she truly summoned him there, how should he fight, and what role to play?
Then he considered post-London plans. Britain truly deserved its repute as a magecraft powerhouse; with the Clock Tower, nearly one in every two hundred Londoners was a mage. The area teemed with otherworldly existences and mysteries, several renowned ones he had long eyed. But previously, lacking strength, he had shelved them.
Now, however...
Heh, despite successive encounters with monstrosities like the King of Heroes, the Jewel Mage, Void Shiki, and the Counter Force, that didn't mean he was weak—on the contrary, Roy felt unprecedentedly invigorated.
He could hardly wait to raid those mystic sites—er, treasure hunt.
With such anticipation, Roy contemplated many post-return tasks on the flight. Reflecting on recent monstrous encounters and the Jewel Mage's advice, he realized his current strength sufficed only against fodder; against ceilings, he was powerless. Thus, he must continue growing stronger.
With that, he ceased extraneous thoughts, reclining in his rest pod to close his eyes and conserve energy for future exploits—sleep being optimal.
After all, when in doubt, take a long nap.
And now was the time, lest he lose sleep opportunities later.
Eyes closed, then open—over a dozen hours passed.
Upon opening his eyes, Roy was in Britain. The broadcast played a woman's voice, repeating the same announcements in English, French, and other languages. Naturally, since the flight originated from Japan, Japanese announcements were included.
Feet once more on this mystery-laden land, Roy glanced at the time on his watch, then headed to the spot Kayneth mentioned to find the pickup.
Though he insisted no pickup was needed—being more familiar with London than Kayneth—the teacher's phone stance was adamant: he must arrange one, mentioning a surprise.
Whether surprising or not, after all he'd endured, Roy doubted anything could astonish him. Conversely, he brought Kayneth plenty of surprises—even shocks.
Puzzled, deeming Kayneth's insistence superfluous, Roy nonetheless went to the designated phone booth and called him.
—Ring ring ring!!!
After a simple ringtone, the call was soon answered.
"Hello, this is El-Melloi Archibold. Who is this?"
Upon connection, a girl's voice came through, speaking fluent English.
Though unsure who was answering for Kayneth, confirming the number, he replied politely.
"I'm looking for Kayneth El-Melloi Archibold."
"Eh? It's for Uncle? But if you know this number, you must be close to him. May I ask who you are?"
"My name is Roy Crowley."
"Eh?" Hearing the name, the girl clearly paused.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, just a bit surprised? Expectant? Excited... anyway, please hold; I'll pass the phone to Uncle."
The girl's voice uttered baffling words, then Kayneth's familiar tone soon followed.
"Roy? You returned so quickly?"
"Yes, I've arrived in London, calling to report safe. But you said you'd send a pickup—why haven't I seen them?"
"Did you misremember the time, Teacher? With the time difference, if they're not here, I'll head back myself."
"Time, huh..."
Kayneth frowned, glancing at the wall clock.
Suddenly realizing, he had forgotten the time zone adjustment amid handling his teacher's inquiries, reporting safe to Sola, and arranging Roy's wife. Japan and Britain differed by eight hours. The past two days' chaos upon return had overwhelmed him.
Though he delegated report-writing to Waver, he had subconsciously overlooked this.
But such a basic error—he wouldn't admit it easily, shifting blame to Waver, newly handling clerical work.
"...Yes, must be Waver messing up the timing. Definitely."
"Anyway, don't rush off—stay put. I've got a surprise for you here."
"That's it for now—wait there!!"
Urgently instructing Roy, Kayneth eyed the pretty girl beside him, then hung up without heeding further questions.
"Eh? What's this about...?"
After the convoluted exchange, Roy stood alone by the phone booth, bewildered.
Meanwhile, at the El-Melloi residence.
A girl with short golden hair blinked curiously at Kayneth, who had just hung up. "Uncle, was that the person you mentioned? My future... husband?"
"Yes, Reines—that's him."
Kayneth nodded unhesitatingly. "The husband I've chosen for you, and my most prized disciple: Roy Crowley."
"But this is troublesome—I muddled the time in confusion. I planned to have makeup artists doll you up for a strong impression on that kid, but now it's too late."
Glancing at Reines and recalling the call, Kayneth rubbed his temples.
"Never mind; with that kid's personality, he'd probably miss it even if done."
"Anyway, take my butler to the airport and fetch him—don't keep him waiting too long."
"I understand, Uncle."
Reines nodded obediently.
"Yes, remember to act properly—make a good impression, like how Sola captivated me. Charm him, er..." Instructing, but eyeing her petite frame, Kayneth silently retracted that.
After all, he doubted Roy had lolicon tendencies.
"Anyway, good luck, Reines. Though rushed, he's truly the best match for you. Feelings can develop over time—you two will bloom eventually. Any issues, come to me; that kid's like a son."
Seeing Reines so compliant, Kayneth patted her head, softening his usual acerbic tone, bending down gently.
Perhaps out of affection by association—treating Roy as a son—he subconsciously viewed Reines as a daughter, hoping for their happiness like his with Sola while matchmaking.
"Thank you, Uncle."
Reines merely smiled faintly.
Clearly, she wasn't resistant.
After all, from a magus branch family as a female, with superior male heirs, her fate was marriage alliance to bolster relations or as a prime vessel to attract talented mages for superior offspring.
She had long known this, lacking rights to the Magic Crest or ample resources for magecraft study.
Reality was unyielding, unchangeable despite reluctance—so Reines had resigned early.
Now, thanks to this seldom-seen uncle, she ascended from branch to main house, gaining status, access to advanced magecraft, and Kayneth's personal supreme Mystic Code, Volumen Hydrargyrum. What dissatisfaction?
Husbandry wasn't her choice; staying in her family, marrying her uncle's prized disciple, beat breeding for outsiders—this was optimal.
Just wondering what kind of person Uncle's prized disciple was...
Though Uncle praised his exceptional talent and mischief-making prowess these days, Reines found it exaggerated.
Surpassing prodigy Kayneth's aptitude, destined for Grand—such descriptors seemed inflated to reassure her.
But regardless, she'd accept...
My husband... what are you like?
Hoping his personality resembles Uncle's...
No, not expecting Uncle's level—among mages, Kayneth was an utter anomaly, one in a thousand. As long as he doesn't interfere with my magecraft research and freedom, her expectations were low...
Silently praying, Reines donned the dress Kayneth prepared, boarding a luxurious black sedan.
"Good luck, Reines—do well, snag that kid soon."
"Don't be nervous; if he bullies you, tell Uncle."
Amid Kayneth's encouragements, Reines smiled and headed to the destination.
"Ah... choo!!"
Meanwhile, by the blue phone booth near London Airport, after over two hours without sighting the pickup, Roy rubbed his nose.
"I feel... like there's some bad premonition."
***
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