Hipopo is running gently, and Seilook is having fun flying over us after not having the freedom to do so for two days.

I’m cautiously looking around. This area is outside Kalin’s dominion, and there could be many monsters and things I don’t even know lurking around here.

I manage to collect a lot of new materials from unknown monsters on the way back, something I was secretly looking forward to from the start. But to be honest, my mind is focused on something else.

That three-dimensional magic circle… The possibilities something like that could bring are still running through my mind.

It really is a shame that the ring broke. I also regret not taking a better look at its composition.

But I get the feeling that I’ve seen something similar while I was assisting Master Halhammer. I’m pretty sure it’s related to primordial magic.

I’m lost in my thoughts, when suddenly a new monster appears, and it’s quickly eliminated via Hipopo’s stomping and Seilook’s swooping fangs.

I’m only half focused on what I’m doing when I collect these new materials, and I’m still thinking about what’s been on my mind the whole way.

But nevermind that. I’m thinking it’s possible to make a multilayered magic circle. Stacking scrolls… The problem is that stacking multiple scrolls would make it hard to roll them, their biggest advantage. Hum… I need to start testing this as soon as we reach the camp. Looks like I’m going to be busy!

As I start to get excited all by myself, Hipopo suddenly raises its voice to alert me.

I face forward and see a big shadow, with a lot of dust behind it.

It’s coming this way very fast. It doesn’t take long for me to spot a nostalgic twin-headed elephant transmuted beast, and a nostalgic face too.

“Master Halhammer! And Roa and Taula too!”

I tell Hipopo to run faster in their direction while waving my hand.

“Rust! I’m glad you’re all right. And you rescued Seilook too, nicely done!”

Taula immediately jumps down from the twin-headed elephant and runs over to me.

“Excellent work Master Rust.”

Says Roa while peeking from behind Taula.

Her eyes are fixated on Seilook, who is flying above us, but the look in her eyes seems conflicted.

Is she relieved because Seilook is safe, but at the same time unhappy with herself for feeling that way?

But I can also see from the magic elements in her eyes that she’s using her powers of transparency and long-distance sight.

It looks like she’s checking Seilook’s condition.

Halhammer is the last to dismount, and he slowly jumps down, with both trunks of the twin-headed elephant supporting him.

“Ou, Rust. I’m sure something like that was nothing to you. So what happened? Why that face?”

Halhammer says while grinning. It looks like he can tell I’ve been completely distracted thinking about new ideas.

“Well, I found some things while we were separated. I’ve come up with a new magic circle of scrolls, and I want to start testing this as soon as I reach Kalin’s place.”

Then Seilook decides to come down.

“Here it is! This splendid white dragon. Marvelous…!”

Master Halhammer mutters while staggering his way towards Seilook, without taking his eyes off it.

“I know. How about you come with us to Kalin’s place? We could do research together like we used to, and Seilook…”

“No, Master Rust.”

“Rust, stop.”

Taula and Roa speak over me.

“Ah, ahem. Thank you you two. Kalin handles personnel affairs. I’m sorry Master Halhammer.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve been a government official for a long time, so that’s not a problem. But I definitely want to accompany you.”

Says Halhammer, still unable to take his eyes off Seilook.