Seeing the tension written across Miko Yotsuya's face, Ranni did not speak immediately. Instead, she stepped forward and examined the girl closely.
Her appearance was pleasant, her height around one hundred sixty centimeters. Her vitality seemed stable, though faint dark circles lingered beneath her eyes—clear evidence that her spiritual sight had taken its toll.
After observing her carefully, Ranni finally spoke.
"Welcome, Miko Yotsuya. Please sit. I will examine your eyes."
"O-okay!"
Obediently, Miko sat down and allowed Ranni to place a finger against her forehead.
At once, a chilling current surged from her brow into her mind, spreading through her entire body. She shivered involuntarily.
Luo Yu had already taken a seat nearby, watching with mild amusement as she trembled.
"Relax. Ranni's symbol is the cold Dark Moon. Naturally, her magic carries a chill. She's controlling it carefully—it'll only feel slightly cold."
Miko didn't fully understand terms like Dark Moon or symbolism, but after Luo Yu's explanation, she did notice the chill easing.
Half a minute later, Ranni withdrew her hand and met Miko's gaze.
"To eliminate your ability outright is unrealistic. The only way to shut it down completely would be to destroy your eyes entirely."
Miko shook her head frantically.
"No, no, that won't work! I don't want to go blind!"
Ranni nodded calmly. "I expected as much. In that case, there is only one solution."
She paused briefly.
"Miko Yotsuya, enroll in the Carian Academy of Magic. I will teach you magic. Through magical control, you will learn to govern your spiritual sight—and gain the power to resist wraiths."
Since Luo Yu had brought Miko here, Ranni chose to trust his judgment.
From her observations, the girl's personality was straightforward—perhaps even naïve. She had followed a boy she'd known for only a day without hesitation. That alone showed how desperate she was for a solution.
Talent combined with sincerity was rarely a loss.
"Carian Academy of Magic?" Miko blinked, glancing between Ranni and Luo Yu. "What is that?"
Luo Yu smiled. "Allow me to introduce her properly. This is Ranni—the daughter of Queen Rennala of the Full Moon, of the Carian royal family in The Lands Between. The Carian Academy of Magic is the institution governed by the Carian royal family, dedicated to teaching sorcery."
The Lands Between. Queen of the Full Moon. Caria.
Each unfamiliar term left Miko more bewildered.
Seeing her confusion, Luo Yu continued gently, "You can learn about the background later. In simple terms, Ranni can teach you magic—granting you power. So, would you like to join?"
"Learn magic? Me?"
Pointing at herself, Miko stared in disbelief.
"I can really learn magic?"
Luo Yu didn't answer directly. Instead, he looked at Ranni.
Ranni nodded.
"The awakening of your spiritual sight proves that you possess exceptional talent. There is indeed dormant power within you—you simply lack control. I have never formally taught anyone before, but guiding you through the basics should be manageable. With your aptitude, you should be able to grasp the fundamentals within a month. During that time, we can continue using the temporary suppression my king applied."
"Your… king?"
Miko's eyes shifted curiously between them.
Ranni showed no embarrassment.
"Yes. King—in the literal sense. We overthrew the old order in The Lands Between and freed it from the influence of foreign gods. Though I did not become a goddess, he became its king. We simply chose not to rule."
"The Lands Between… Caria… none of that sounds like it belongs to this world…"
Miko muttered under her breath.
Then she noticed both of them watching her calmly.
"…Wait. Does that mean—?"
Luo Yu clapped his hands lightly.
"Does that matter right now? The real question is whether you want to join the Carian Academy of Magic and train in sorcery. If you need time, I can give you a night to think it over."
Miko slapped her cheeks lightly, steadying herself. Her expression hardened with resolve.
"There's no need to think about it. I'll join! Please teach me magic. I don't want to rely on pretending not to see them anymore!"
As for The Lands Between and Caria—those mysteries could wait.
Without strength, without the ability to protect herself, what was the point of worrying about distant truths?
Seeing her determination, Ranni allowed a faint smile to form.
"Very well. Once you decide, there is no retreat. Magic is a long path requiring perseverance. My teaching methods will not be confined to comfortable lessons indoors. Once you reach a certain level, I will require you to confront wraiths directly. Prepare yourself."
At the mention of personally exterminating wraiths, Miko swallowed nervously.
"C-can I really do that?"
Ranni answered with quiet certainty.
"As long as you train diligently, dealing with a few wraiths will be simple. If you doubt it, we can demonstrate tonight. Witness the power of Carian sorcery for yourself."
Luo Yu nodded in agreement.
"Seeing is believing. Do you have time tonight? It might be difficult for you."
Miko hesitated.
"I have to be home before dinner…"
After a moment's thought, Luo Yu said, "Then give me your address. Ranni and I will come to you tonight and bring you out discreetly. As for a target—we'll deal with the wraith from the place where we met yesterday. That one should be eliminated sooner rather than later."
Ranni turned to him. "What level would you estimate it at?"
Luo Yu considered.
"Compared to The Lands Between… perhaps similar to a Revenant. Though nowhere near as extreme in ability."
Ranni nodded, gaining a rough understanding.
Then both of them looked at Miko.
Let them come to her house… and take her out at night?
The idea made her heart race.
But another thought surfaced.
"Actually… I think there's a wraith in my house too. And it might not be weak."