“I’ve heard about this from Francesca-sama and Adelaide-sama. Come on in!”

　The caretaker of ‘Hunting Forest’, who welcomed Lou and Fran, was an old man named Ibert.

　At first glance, Ibert looked like an ordinary old man, but he used to be one of the top two wizards in the Ministry of Magic in the Kingdom of Valentine.

　Even though he had reached the age of retirement, the Ministry of Magic naturally wanted to retain him because of his abilities.

　However, since he was a lonely man with no family, he took on the role of the caretaker of the Hunting Forest.

　Incidentally, while working at the Ministry of Magic, Ibert met Adelaide by chance, and the two magic geeks hit it off.

　Since then, they have been magic research buddies.

　Naturally, he was very fond of Fran.

“I’m sorry for the sudden request, Ibert-san.”

　Fran said apologetically.

　Ibert laughed as he waved his hands: “It’s nothing.” 

　Fran then introduced Lou.

“I’d like to introduce someone to you, Ibert-san. This is Lou. He recently became a teacher at the Magical Girls Academy. At the same time, he’s also my follower.”

　With her introduction, Lou calmly bowed his head in silence.

“Oh-ho, so this is Miss’s new follower, is it?”

　Ibert looked quizzically at Lou.

　It was as if he was glaring at him, unreserved and, to put it bluntly, rude.

　After about 10 seconds, Ibert, who kept staring at Lou’s face, said something unexpected.

“He-He’s a hell of a guy. How about leaving him with me, Ojou-sama?”

“Huuhhh!”

　Ibert’s outrageous offer…wasn’t meant negatively.

　Rather, it was the opposite.

　And it also caught Fran by surprise.

　This eccentric and rugged old man had never taken a disciple before.

　H-He identified Lou out of the blue?!

“He possesses an insane amount of magic power. I believe he’s going to be one hell of a wizard. I’d be happy to teach him all the magic this old man has mastered.” 

　What!

　Lou received the ‘highest compliment’ from Ibert.

　Lou, on the other hand, seemed to be happy.

　He had told Fran that he had never been praised to that extent even by his teacher, Schulvestre.

　But looking at Ibert, he looked serious.

　Fran felt an ‘ominous premonition’ about it and hastily declined.

　Thus…

　Ibert was disappointed when Fran refused him outright, and even looked very devastated.

　Pop – Lou approached Ibert and patted him on the shoulder to comfort him.

“Don’t be discouraged, old man. I’ll be back with Fran.”

“Y-Y-You! You’re a servant, aren’t you? How dare you address her like that?”

“Ibert-san, it’s fine. That’s okay.”

　Fran smiled as she pacified the flustered Ibert.

“Oh, I see. So that’s what this is about.”

　Ibert might have stuttered for a moment, but he still possessed the keen intuition of wizards.

　In an instant, he perceived the ‘relationship’ between Lou and Fran.

　On top of that, Ibert wasn’t about to give up on making Lou his apprentice.

　”Come visit me when you have a chance,” he murmured secretly to Lou.

◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ 

　The history of the Hunting Forest was still new.

　It had only been about ten years since the Royal Knight Academy and the Magical Boys and Girls Academies purchased it under joint ownership.

　The rules of the hunt ・・・・・・ were quite simple.

　The participants of the training were given a magic bracelet by the administrator of the ‘Hunting Forest’, Ibert so to speak, and wear it.

　The training results were represented by points.

　The points earned were determined by the strength of the demon, and each point would be recorded on the bracelet the moment a demon was defeated.

　To prevent fraud, the bracelet could only be removed by the administrator.

　Also, wearing these bracelets would make it easy to check the location of the participants after casting Scouting Magic.

　By the time Fran enrolled as a student at the Magical Girls Academy, the Hunting Forest was already fully equipped, and she herself often entered it to gain experience in actual combat.

　Fran had defeated many goblins, orcs, and ogres in this forest, but…

　She was attacked recently and almost died.

　Of course, those grotesque-looking creatures were strong, but she reminded herself that the demons of this forest were only tuned for training.

“Alright, be careful. With My Lady’s might, and this fellow’s help, I think you’ll be safe.”

　According to Ibert, there were no other students from the school, as it was still the spring break.

　Ibert opened the main gate and saw Lou and Fran off with about 10 of his subordinates.

　These subordinates were the wizards, knights and priests who, along with their superior Ibert, took it in turns to manage the forest and the demons.

　A powerful magical barrier, called the Absolute Barrier, was the physical barrier that blocked any demons that tried to leave the forest.

　Ibert and the other administrators’ job was to respond to emergencies if they occur.

　And to witness the replenishment of demons captured alive by knights and adventurers.

　In fact…

　Wizards and knights could also experience the real battlefield just like the students if the worked on a rotating basis.

　The Valentine Kingdom had also implemented this policy.

　Lou and Fran responded by waving to Ibert and the others.

“Ibert-san, we’re off!”

“Thanks, Grandpa-chan.”

　They entered, and after a while…

　The main gate closed behind them.

　After a short walk, Fran suddenly looked into Lou’s face.

“I need a favor. I want to train in this forest, just like you, Lou.”

　There was a reason why Fran had been so insistent.

　She was different from Lou in terms of qualities and wizard type.

　This forest was only a training ground.

　But Fran wanted to know more about Lou.

　She also thought that it would be a very good opportunity to fight and train together.

　Of course, Lou was the master of the training.

　When Lou agreed, Fran laughed heartily.

　And so the two of them continued through the forest.

　According to Fran, a magical barrier was put in place for a while from the main gate, preventing enemies from attacking.

“Hey, can I ask you something? What kind of training do you want to do, Fran?”

“Hmm, I’ve been thinking about it. I think I’ll start over with the basics of magic. The rest will be physical and mental training.”

“That’s all?”

“Yeah…Is it worthless?”

“No, no problem. Leave it to me.”

　When Fran said that she wanted to redo her training, Lou didn’t show any displeasure.

　First…

　It was important for her to go back to Breathing Techniques and concentration to refine her senses…

　So said Lou.

　Just then.

　A group of goblins appeared in front of them, and when they saw Lou and his company, they threatened with loud yells.

“Just as well, let’s get right to it. Fran, you have a solid foundation and your chanting is accurate.”

　Fran tried the Breathing Technique she had just performed.

　It gave birth to a very comfortable and light rhythm.

“Great! Let’s go with the most basic attack, the flame bullet Fireblitz. Take your time to build up your magic power and shoot flame bullets accurately.”

　Fran visualized.

　Flaming bullets of fire!　

　The power that could impale the enemy brilliantly!

　A magic spell was quickly chanted from Fran’s mouth, and a magical wave rose in her palm.

　Lou could clearly see the magical wave.

“Ha!”

　A bright orange flame bullet was discharged with Fran’s loud scream.

　The flaming bullet accurately hit a goblin.