So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

I wondered what it meant for the relationship to be established.

This hadn't happened when I used it on Obern.

I had never received a message saying 'Connection target Obern Grimoire's relationship has been established as 'slave'.'

It's not like Amain just now became my disciple.

Then I could form a hypothesis.

Amain and I already had a deep relationship - that of master and disciple.

While my relationship with Obern might not be that deep yet.

Since it's strictly an employment relationship established by contract.

Hmm, that's a bit disappointing.

Anyway, perhaps Amain's relationship manifested as an advantage.

It says the Crown of Connection was strengthened.

I should check what's different.

'Amain, what skill of mine did you want to learn the most?'

"Ah, of course..."

The answer was Beam and Gigantification.

Since using Gigantification carelessly in here could destroy the ceiling, I lent Amain Beam.

「Using Crown of Connection lv1.」

「Sharing skill 'Beam lv3' for one day」

Ah, definitely different.

The modifier "for one day" was added.

Meaning even if I cancel the Crown of Connection, Amain can use Beam for one day.

Though the mana I consumed was enormous.

This seems quite useful.

Maybe... I could let Isil use Gigantification.

My head was spinning with possibilities, but I focused on Amain in front of me first.

"M-Master..."

'Try using it. On me.'

Amain trusted me and shot the beam.

Piing!

I took out the dagger Dawn and deflected the beam.

A finger-sized hole was made in the ceiling.

"Wow...!"

'It's a one-day gift. When you meet someone you don't like, put a hole in their behind.'

I examined Amain's status window.

With the Crown of Connection, I could easily see the other person without needing to concentrate.

──────────────

[Amain Riddle lv14]

[Traits]

[Genius], [Precocious]

──────────────

Amain's level was 14. Lower than the prince's 20, but actually high compared to other students.

Level only increases by killing others or hunting magical beasts.

In this world, mana essence serves as experience points.

Then does power intuitively increase as levels rise?

Well, it's not quite like that either.

This isn't a game world, it doesn't work like strength stats increasing with each level.

Though for magical beasts, leveling up is important because they evolve, but.

Amain is human.

For humans to become stronger, they must hone their own skills.

And the degree of those skills is embodied in Skills.

──────────────

[Skills]

[Basic Elemental Magic: Fire lv9], [Basic Elemental Magic: Water lv8], [Basic Elemental Magic: Earth lv9], [Basic Elemental Magic: Wind lv10], [Invisible Hand lv10]...

──────────────

That Amain was my disciple was evident just from looking at the magic he had learned.

Basic elemental magic as foundation, with Invisible Hand magic as introduction to psychokinetic magic.

It's exactly the same path I took to learn magic.

Though Pelerian helped, that's why Amain is my disciple!

And my impression looking at his achievements was...

'Amain.'

"Yes."

'You've practiced magic diligently!'

Amain smiled brightly.

Indeed.

Compared to when I last saw him, his elemental magic proficiency had increased significantly.

Meaning he had continued practicing magic diligently since then.

"As I felt when I saw him before. He definitely has exceptional talent."

Even the discerning Pelerian acknowledged Amain's ability.

But what's important is that Amain is an incredible hard worker.

These results would have been impossible without practicing magic diligently.

Meaning Amain is a 'hardworking genius'.

'But actually using magic and just raising skill levels are completely different dimensions. Try using the elemental magic.'

I said that to Amain and had Obern move behind him too.

Amain stood in the middle of the room and cast magic.

Like when I used empathy with Isil.

I could feel Amain using magic.

「Using Basic Elemental Magic: Fire lv9.」

「Using Basic Elemental Magic: Water lv8.」

「Using Basic Elemental Magic: Earth lv9.」

「Using Basic Elemental Magic: Wind lv10.」

If his control was even slightly rough.

If he couldn't adjust the output, the room would be in chaos.

But Amain controlled it delicately.

Wind carried earth, water bound it to prevent scattering.

That mixture swirled through flickering flames.

It was a truly stable way of handling magic.

"He'll enter the intermediate realm before long."

That was Pelerian's one-line review.

A smile had even appeared on his face. My expression was probably similar.

"...How long."

The one who suddenly spoke was Obern, who had been watching Amain's magic.

His face was frozen stiff.

Having spent quite a long time with him, this expression didn't seem to be an act.

"How long... have you been learning magic?"

"Ah... about 4 years I think."

When the flustered Amain said that, Obern's expression brightened a bit.

"I see."

"But I only started elemental magic a year ago, and I only properly learned from Master for about four months."

"W-What!"

Obern's expression contorted.

Wondering why he was acting like that, I watched as Pelerian snorted.

"That guy is comparing his talent with that kid's. Doing something useless."

Ah, so that's why he looks so depressed.

Actually, Obern's current magic level is far higher than mine.

But it must have taken him much longer than a year to master basic elemental magic.

Hmm, can't just watch him get so discouraged.

"Saak!"

When I shouted, both Amain and Obern looked at me.

I said to Amain.

'Though you worked hard, don't get conceited. I learned all four elemental magics to intermediate level or higher in less than a year of learning magic.'

Though it hasn't been a month since reaching intermediate, I wasn't lying.

I deliberately wrote it out so Obern could see too.

"As expected of Master..."

"Less than a year..."

The wall between intermediate and basic is definitely thick.

Both Amain and Obern were amazed.

'And I'm a magic swordsman. Amain, you saw me use Aura right?'

"Aura!"

Obern couldn't help but exclaim in shock.

"Yes, I saw it!"

Since Amain confirmed it so clearly, Obern had to believe it.

'So stop measuring each other's talents like acorns, and just keep working hard quietly.'

Comparing yourself too much with others is like cutting your own flesh.

As I was watching my disciple and slave fondly, Pelerian threw in a comment.

"You'd better work hard if you don't want to be overtaken by your disciple."

Actually, I feel that sense of crisis like Pelerian said.

I need to either raise my intermediate elemental magic levels quickly or learn some more advanced magic.

I watched Amain's magic a bit more.