Serie

What's the reason for your interest in magic engineering? Hmm, I don't remember the details. When I come to my senses, I already like it.

Perhaps the opportunity was the book that my father brought back. My father's hobby is collecting books of all kinds.

When I was a child, I would read my father's books whenever I had free time. I remember that one of them was a book on the theory of magic engineering.

Although my father didn't like me studying magic engineering, he still supported my dream. He would help me buy books on magic engineering theory and materials needed for experiments.

But others are different. Nea is a race that protects nature and cultivates the forest, so most people have no interest in magic engineering. Because the village I live in is in the countryside, people there are particularly wary of magic engineering.

When the rumor about "Nea who likes magic engineering" spreads, what do you think people will think of me? Even if you saw a Snow Horned Rabbit eating steak, it wouldn't be more surprised than seeing me.

Once, there was a big fire in the forest, and the adults tried every possible way to save the forest.

In order to help the hard-working adults, I made a magic engineering device that can promote plant growth.

The device was quite successful, maximizing the growth rate of plants without affecting the soil.

I excitedly showed the device I made to the adults in the village. But there was a gleam of anger in their eyes.

"Nature is great and beautiful in its own right. Do not try to disturb the laws of nature with your magic engineering."

Adults' opposition to magic engineering devices is stronger than expected. Even if someone agrees that it promotes plant growth, their attitude will immediately change when they hear that it is a magic engineering device.

Eventually, I had to scrap the magic engineering device I had built. That was the first time I had the idea of leaving the village and seeing the outside world.

Of course, I left the village not just to learn magic engineering. I want to be a Warden because I want to follow in the footsteps of the Wardens who show up during forest fires and save villages.

After leaving her home forest, Serie's first destination was Pharos.

She wanted to become a Warden. That dream alone carried her through rugged mountain paths.

The closer she got to Pharos, the harder her heart pounded.

She had no idea how many mountains she had crossed when, deep in the forest, she was suddenly attacked. Tunus swarms. Normally, she'd never go near their nests. But her excitement clouded her judgment, and she strayed into their territory.

Serie fought with everything she had. But in the face of endless Tunus, she eventually fell. Just as their claws were about to pierce her—A figure burst out of the forest, striking the creatures down. Before she lost consciousness, she caught a glimpse of a wild, beast-like silhouette.

When Serie came to, two things filled her vision. A black tent… And the one who had saved her.

A woman with a feral grin. Her name's Kana.

"So, why are you near Tunus' nest?"
"I am on my way to Pharos to become a Warden"
"Pharos? Wardens? You can't even handle Tunus, and you still want to be a Warden? Hahaha!

Faced with Kana's ridicule, Serie was speechless. She felt utterly pathetic, being chased around by a pack of Tunus.

"So... what do I need to do to become a Warden?"
"Isn't it obvious? There's only one way—get stronger."
"Then how do I get as strong as you?"
"Hmm? How about joining our mercenary group? I can't promise anything else, but getting stronger? That, I can guarantee."

After a brief hesitation, Serie took Kana's hand. Because, for her, this was the best choice.

She would grow stronger in the mercenary group. To become a Warden.

And to find companions who would walk that path with her.

The Pharos Library is incredible. Huge, well-organized, packed with books. It really lives up to its reputation as the world's greatest library.

The first time I walked in, I was stunned. Endless halls, shelves crammed with books as far as the eye could see. I was so overwhelmed that I wandered around aimlessly… and got lost between the shelves.

Imagine that—Nea, lost in a forest of books! If anyone found out, I'd never hear the end of it.

But the craziest part? It feels like every book in the world is here. When I was little, my father gave me a book written by a famous researcher in magic engineering. It was ancient, rare. Even back then, only collectors had copies. That book was like my first teacher in magic engineering. It was really interesting.

Then, a fire broke out in our forest. Our home was caught in it. No one was hurt, but most of our books were lost. Including that book.

Ever since, I searched for it wherever I went. It held my memories of my father, and I just wanted to see it again. But no matter where I looked, it was nowhere to be found. Eventually, I had to give up.

But who could have thought! Pharos Library had it. Not just one copy—three. And one of them was the researcher's original handwritten manuscript. I was so shocked I couldn't even bring myself to touch it at first. Even now, my hands shake every time I do.

Becoming a Warden was the best decision I ever made. If I weren't one, I might never have found this book. Speaking of which, I have some free time. Want to visit the library with me? It'll be fun!