Magic Academy Bans Harem

Chapter 292 Original
After An said "Wait a moment".

In the space that resembled a starry sky, a few white fluorescent lights, like stars, floated up and stopped in front of An. An gently touched the white fluorescent lights, and then a tea table and two chairs appeared in the dark night sky.

Sitting down definitely creates a better atmosphere for conversation than standing.

Ritas noticed that teaware was still on the table, and there was some clear liquid in the teacups. However, even though he was curious about what kind of drink Anne had "conjured," he would never drink such a suspicious liquid.

"So, to begin with, Ms. An, I would like to ask you, or rather, what kind of existence you are. Although the content of your words may seem somewhat presumptuous, I believe you can understand the reason for my question."

After taking his seat, Ritas asked his first question directly.

He wasn't sure how long he could stay in this space, so he needed to hurry.

"What kind of beings are we?"

An thought for a moment,
"If I had to use a single word to describe myself, I would call myself 'the original self'."

"'Primordial'? That's quite a peculiar term. Does it perhaps mean to emphasize that you are the original inhabitants of this world?"

"It's not for that reason. From that adventure in the 'World Tree Maze,' the professor should be able to roughly guess the chronological order of the worlds."

As Ann spoke, some white fluorescent light appeared again.

With a gentle touch, the fluorescent lights unfolded like a giant canvas, revealing various scenes.

However, about half of the images appeared as nothingness to Ritas.

The first thing Ritas could see was a prosperous kingdom shrouded in dust, surrounding a vast labyrinth on the outside.

"Nowadays, this place could be called the 'Old Capital.' Since our clan has never lived in the Old World, we don't know much about most of it. The most basic thing is that, including the 'World Tree Maze' we're heading to, there are twelve mazes surrounding the Old Capital."

"so much?"

Ritas was somewhat surprised.

However, upon closer examination, it makes sense.

If this so-called old capital was once the core of the entire old world, then this large city, surrounded by twelve labyrinths, seems rather small.

"The 'Old World' suffered an unprecedented catastrophe. When the Old World was destroyed, the people of the Old Capital were roughly divided into two factions. One faction abandoned their soon-to-be-destroyed homes and embarked on a new journey, trying to continue civilization in various ways. The other faction stayed in their homes. As for the faction that established the 'World Tree Space' shelter, it should generally be considered the former faction."

"As the former faction, their sanctuary was located quite close to the old capital."

"It is simply not an easy thing to divide people with complex human nature into a few factions."

After a brief discussion of the "Old World" section, Ann began to talk about the "Origin".

"Our race first came into this world when the destruction of the old world was irreversible and the World Tree Space Sanctuary was built."

"Where do you come from?"

“From our world.”

As Ann spoke, she drew up some more white fluorescent light. But this time, Ritas could only see two images.

One of the images shows a stone tablet that Ritas once saw in the World Tree Maze.

The other image shows a somewhat unfamiliar ship.

However, even though the ship was relatively unfamiliar, some familiar parts made him realize that what he was seeing was a "third-party ship".

"The world we originally lived in was destroyed earlier than the 'old world.' Moreover, unlike the old world where only civilization was destroyed, our world seems to have been completely reduced to nothingness. I don't know the specific reasons very well. However, I imagine that the reason for the complete destruction of a world, even if known, cannot be explained in a short time."

Ritas nodded in agreement after hearing this. He didn't believe that Ann would intentionally hide this from him.

"So, the way you came into this world was by riding the 'Ark'?"

"Yes."

An nodded and said.

Although Ritas and she were talking about things from a very ancient time, about Anne's ancestors, Anne's responses made it seem as if they were discussing something Anne had recently experienced herself.

"Since your escape tool for preserving the flame is also called an 'ark,' does it mean that your world is quite similar to this world?"

It's not just the shared name "Ark" that makes sense, but also the fact that both worlds experienced catastrophe in relatively close periods, revealing similarities.

"Perhaps. It's also possible that after we came to this world, our vehicles adapted to local customs and accepted the name 'Third-Party Boat' given to us by the inhabitants of the old world."

"Hmm, that's probably more likely. After all, the Ark is easy to understand, but this 'third' is a bit unclear."

Since there is a third, there must usually be a first, a second, and a fourth.

Ritas lowered his gaze and looked at the part of what appeared to be the "Fourth Ark" that was in its unfolded state but remained silent.

If the inhabitants of the old world prepared a second ark when the world was completely destroyed, what would be the origin of the first ark that inherited the name of the ark?
"Now that we've explained our origins, it's time to formally answer the professor's questions. The reason we call ourselves 'the Primordial One' is because of the many important factors that constitute this world."

An waved again, and then several more wisps of white fluorescence flew over.

"Magic particles".

White fluorescence flew out.

"Magic Crystal".

It turned into black fluorescent light and flew out.

"The Mark of Sin and Blood".

Red fluorescence flew out.

"And also, star-marked emblems, etc."

Blue fluorescence, along with various other forces that Ritas may not yet have encountered, flew out together, swirling around the initial white fluorescence.

"All these special powers originate from 'us'."

In the space that An Yu called "original memory".

Faced with Ann's revelation, Ritas couldn't help but show a hint of emotion on his face.

Even though he had always had his suspicions.

Even if what Ann says doesn't necessarily represent the truth.

But those words still shocked him.

"Since they are all from the same source, why have they been divided into so many different forms?"

Calming his emotions, Ritas continued to ask.

It would be a waste to spend all your limited time in shock and disbelief.

"Because, as the professor has seen, our race is not composed of only one person. Furthermore, all those powers were born after the 'Primordial' was suppressed."

In the calm that Ritas had regained after suppressing his emotions, Ann continued speaking.

"If we were to name them by color, the Primal Red, after being extinguished, had its essence collected and utilized by those with ulterior motives, thus becoming the 'Sinful Blood Mark.' The Primal Black, extinguished in a rather unique location, naturally condensed into 'Magic Crystals' after a long period of sedimentation. The Primal White was probably the most powerful individual in our race. Her essence, which seemed never to completely dissipate, transformed into magical particles scattered throughout the world after her self-will was completely erased. As for the 'Star Mark Emblem' that Professor Ritas was interested in—"

"Originating from the primordial blue?"

Hearing Allah's long chant, seemingly wanting a question-and-answer session, Ritas responded accordingly.

“Bubu—this is a trick question, Professor.” “.”

All I can say is that Ritas is willing to admit that for a time he did forget that he was facing a maid who was not as calm as she seemed.

"Specifically, the star patterns all originated from the 'Primordial Blue' in the past. However, the source of power for the star pattern holders who have appeared frequently in recent years is at least not recorded in this 'Memory Starry Sky'."

Listening to Ann's words, Ritas thought of the information the "Star People" had previously given him.

The Star God prophesied the Morning Star. Eleven years ago.
"Could it be that this world has always contained a 'primordial' realm that you are unaware of, which only recently came to an end?"

Therefore, taking eleven years as the dividing line, the star patterns before that time originated from the Primordial Blue. The star patterns after that time originated from another "Primordial".

"Probably not."

Ann shook her head.
"Moreover, dying of old age and such. From my previous choice of words, the professor should be able to guess why we 'Primordial Ones' act so strangely and mysteriously. It's because there is a powerful force that is indiscriminately hunting down the 'Primordial Ones'."

"It could be an individual, an organization, a nation, or even the will and laws of the world."

"In short, once the existence of the 'original' is discovered, the only outcome awaiting them will be 'extinction'."

"'The Primal Hunter'."

Let's call this unknown force Ritas.

If everything Ann said is true, then there really are unimaginably powerful beings in the dark side of this world.

Ritas couldn't fathom just how powerful Ann was now. However, the fact that she needed "power sufficient to change the world" to complete the ritual offered some insight.

Instead of mentioning An, it is said that after her death she transformed into countless magical particles, supporting the "Primordial White" of this magical era. The existence that could kill her is far beyond Ritas's comprehension.

"So, next, you'll be facing the Primal Hunters?"

Ritas stared at Anne, unsure whether her composure stemmed from her magnanimity or from the fact that the so-called "Primal Hunters" were not as terrifying as she described.

"Will not."

Ann shook her head again.
"The fact that our race has survived to this day over the long course of time shows that we have a way to hide ourselves from the original hunters to a certain extent, by making the world forget about us as a whole."

"Um"

Ritas looked at Ann with a complicated expression, unsure whether he should say something.

"The professor seemed to be saying something like, 'If those methods really worked, my mother wouldn't have passed away.'"

"I don't deny it."

"Indeed, the biggest flaw of this method of concealment is the 'connection' established with others. As long as you have been in contact with others, no matter how you try to erase it, there will always be some traces left. Although... my mother couldn't stand the loneliness and took the initiative to go out into the world, which ultimately led to her being hunted after being exposed."

An sighed softly.

As she prepares to become the "Origin," she now knows the true story of what really happened to Princess Vivian.

"That's why I initially planned to complete the ritual by causing the body to perish. Our composition is slightly different from that of ordinary humans. In addition to having a stronger body and soul, we also possess 'source matter' that evolves into various particles after death. Even without a body, as long as the source matter is sublimated, it can be transformed into the primordial state. Abandoning the physical body and completely severing those traces will also make it easier to hide oneself."

"Looking at it this way, I've done a lot of unnecessary things."

Ritas didn't think An was blaming him, so he made a very objective assessment.

"Not entirely. There's another reason why I used that method: my mother was a very weak 'Primordial.' The power she left me wasn't enough for me to fully transform into a Primordial. So, I could only complete it through a ritual and by sacrificing my physical body. However, events unfolded in a way that allowed me to become a Primordial who could possess a physical body."

An gently placed her hand on her chest.

"The real me is probably composed of 'An' and the original part. And if I abandon the 'An' part, the original part of me might be safer. But 'she' would no longer be 'me'. I am very clear now that 'An's' body and soul contain things that must be preserved even if it means taking some risks."

"."

Ritas, who was unaware of the true extent of the threat posed by the Primal Hunters, could not yet comprehend An's current resolve.

Therefore, the only option is to remain silent.

Over the next few hours, Ritas asked Anne about many things he was curious about. Anne answered him as best she could.

As the space of "Primordial Memories" grew brighter, countless starlight began to flow into Ann's body, and Ritas knew it was almost time to say goodbye.

"Speaking of which, since becoming a 'Primordial Being' involves enormous risks, why did you still choose to complete the ritual?"

There wasn't much else of importance left, so Ritas asked some rather casual questions.

In his view, An wasn't the type to become "transcendent of life" out of a craving for power. Rather, the Primordial Being, which had always been on the verge of extinction, wasn't exactly transcendent to begin with.

"Aside from some incidental reasons, the main reason is probably to fulfill a promise I made to my mother."

"Is it just because of the promise with Princess Vivian? In that case, we really have been working hard for the same promise all along."

Ritas couldn't help but sigh.

He might be in a worse position, since it wasn't him who made the agreement with Princess Vivian, but his teacher.

In a way, both he and An were being held back by their elders.
"Although the actual situation is quite different, that's really how it is."

An said with a smile,

"By the way, there's some information I'm not entirely sure about, it's just my feeling. But I think it's better to remind the professor."

An then presented several more images.

"First, there's the 'Darkin' organization. I believe that this organization has already achieved a considerable scale in collecting 'Primal Red' and other primal forces. Therefore, even if there are no primal beings in this organization, it is very likely that there are members who can utilize 'primal forces' to a certain extent."

"Darkborn."

Ritas frowned slightly.

Initially, he didn't perceive the "Darkin" as particularly dangerous. At least, they were among the lowest-ranking of the four villainous organizations. However, increasing information revealed that they were far more complex than he had imagined.

In particular, Ann had had considerable contact with "Grand Closing Company," so her words are quite valuable.

"Secondly, there's student Melsie Finn. Her power is somewhat strange. If her power continues to increase, she might be able to unleash power similar to the Primal One, or even transform into the 'Primal One'. Don't be surprised, Professor Ritas. The Primal One is something that can be naturally born after a certain degree of condensation of 'Source Matter'. However, it has always been suppressed. Therefore, besides student Melsie Finn, if there are any other holders of 'Star Marks' that can devour the power of others, the professor also needs to be careful."

"Yes, I'll keep an eye on it."

Ritas nodded. Images of Mercy and another rather familiar figure flashed through his mind.

"So, next... Goddess of Bathing. That should be the correct title, right?"

"Eh?"

The bath goddess, who had been mostly silent, seemed startled when she was suddenly called upon.

As all the starlight gathered and the "Primordial Memory" space was about to dissipate, Ritas stood motionless as if he had suddenly lost his mind.

An gently embraced the white disc in her arms.

"Actually, I've always wanted to become your follower and hear your voice. But, unfortunately..."

"It might be a bit presumptuous of me, a non-believer, to ask this. But I'm counting on you for the rest. Please pass on this to the professor."

"I look forward to the day we meet again."

As the scene gradually faded away, everything in the goddess's field of vision was also swallowed up by the intense white light.

(End of this chapter)