Serie

The reason I became interested in magitech? Well, I'm not sure. It feels like I just found myself liking it when I came to my senses.
Perhaps it was because of the books my father brought home. He had a hobby of collecting books of all kinds.
When I was young, I used to read my father's books whenever I had time, and I remember there was a magitech theory book among them.
My father wasn't thrilled about me studying magitech, but he supported my dream. He would buy me magitech theory books and materials needed for experiments.
But others weren't the same. Nea is a race that protects nature and cultivates the forest. So most of them aren't interested in magitech. In fact, the village I lived in was rural, so there was a strong wariness against magitech.
When the rumor spread that there was a Nea who liked magitech, how do you think people viewed me? They wouldn't have found it as fascinating as seeing a SnowpeakRabbit eating steak.
Once, there was a large fire that burned down the forest. The adults did everything they could to save the forest.
I wanted to help them, so I created a magitech device that accelerated plant growth.
The device was somewhat successful. It maximized the growth speed of plants without negatively affecting the soil.
Excitedly, I showed the device to the village elders. Their eyes sparkled when they saw it. With anger.
"Nature is great and beautiful because it exists as it is. Do not disturb the order of nature with magitech."
The opposition to the magitech device was stronger than I imagined. Even those who thought positively about accelerating plant growth changed their stance when they heard it was a magitech device.
In the end, I had to discard the magitech device I created. It was then that I first thought about leaving the village to see the wider world.
Of course, it wasn't just because I wanted to learn magitech that I left the village. I wanted to become a Warden. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of those who appeared when the forest was burning and saved the village.

Leaving her hometown forest, the first place Serie headed to was Pharos.

She wanted to become a Warden. With that thought alone, she lightly ran through the rugged mountain paths.

As Pharos, located beyond the distant horizon, drew nearer, her heart began to pound more intensely.

After crossing several mountains and passing through the depths of the forest, Serie was ambushed by a group of Tunnus. It was because she had crossed into Tunnus territory. Normally, she would never approach near the Tunnus nests, but in her excitement to become a Warden, she made a mistake.

Serie fought with all her might, but she eventually succumbed to the endlessly charging Tunnus group. Just before the sharp claws of a Tunnus pierced her, someone from the forest appeared and swiftly blew the Tunnus away. Watching the back of the beast-like figure, Serie lost consciousness.

When Serie opened her eyes, she saw two things: a black tent and the person who saved her.

The woman, with a fierce smile like a beast, introduced herself as Kana.

「So, why were you at the Tunnus nest?」
「I was heading to Pharos. To become a Warden.」
「Pharos? Warden? And you struggled against mere Tunnus? Hahaha!」

Despite Kana's ridicule, Serie couldn't say anything. She felt pathetic for having to flee from the pursuing Tunnus group.

「Then... how can I become a Warden?」
「Isn't it obvious? Do you think there's any way other than getting stronger?」
「Then how can I become as strong as you?」
「Well? How about joining our mercenary group? If nothing else, you'll definitely get stronger.」

Hesitant, Serie took Kana's hand. It was the best choice for her.

Let's get stronger in the mercenary group. So that I can become a Warden.

And find friends to become Wardens together.

The Pharos Library is amazing. It's vast, filled with books, and well-maintained. It's no wonder it's called the world's largest and greatest library.
When I first came to the library, I was truly overwhelmed. Endless buildings filled with books. I was so impressed by the sight that I wandered around aimlessly and even got lost among the books.
Imagine, Nea getting lost in a forest of books! If anyone else heard, they'd tease me endlessly.
The most surprising thing is the sheer number of books, as if every book in the world is stored there. When I was young, my father once got me a book. It was written by a famous magitech researcher, a very, very old book. Even back then, it was so hard to find that it circulated only among collectors. It was a fascinating book, practically my first magitech teacher.
But then a great fire broke out in the forest of my hometown, and our house was affected. No one was hurt, but most of our books were burned. That cherished book of mine was lost that day too.
As I traveled the world after leaving the forest, I would look for that book whenever I had the time. I wanted to see that precious book, filled with memories of my father, once more. But no matter which village I visited, I couldn't find it. After many attempts, I eventually had to give up searching for it.
But lo and behold! The book was in the Pharos Library! Three copies, in fact! And one of them was a manuscript written by the researcher himself! At first, I was so shocked that I couldn't even think of touching it. Even now, my hands tremble whenever I touch that book.
I'm really glad I became a Warden. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have been able to read such amazing books. By the way, since we have some time, why don't we go to the library and read some books together? It'll surely be fun!