"The requirements to enter the Department of Creation?"
With slight hesitation, Kayneth furrowed his brows as he looked at Naoki, who had asked the question: "Naoki, if I'm not mistaken, you're already scheduled to join either the Department of Spiritual Evocation or the Department of Mineralogy, aren't you? Why the sudden interest in the Department of Creation?"
"Ah, well… I was just asking for reference. I became interested after attending some lectures related to the research direction of the Department of Creation. Of course, my first and second choices remain the Department of Mineralogy and the Department of Spiritual Evocation."
"Interested, huh? Hmph."
Kayneth let out a cold snort before speaking seriously: "Entering other departments doesn't actually require any special conditions—what matters most are your test results when switching departments. For example, joining the Department of Spiritual Evocation tests your spirit summoning and control techniques. The Department of Creation doesn't prioritize a Magus's raw power; what's more important is your creativity and artistic skill."
"In short, the Magus of the Department of Creation are artists as much as they are Magus."
Artists.
It was an apt description for the Magus of the Department of Creation, as they harbored a passion for beauty—or their own unique aesthetic—and constantly pursued the new and the exquisite.
In that sense, the Magus of the Department of Creation were perhaps the most adaptable to modern society.
"But you'll never achieve that, Naoki. You're not artistically gifted, and there's no trace of artistic skill in you. Your creativity is merely passable, as evidenced by the assignments you've submitted."
"Judging based on assignments is too narrow, Professor." Naoki sighed softly. "But the most important thing is the test results, so it's fine… Thank you for the explanation, Professor Kayneth. I'll take my leave now and won't disturb your research any further."
Naoki turned to leave.
However, Kayneth suddenly called out to him: "Have you already decided to join the Department of Creation? Naoki."
"No, I was just considering it."
"I was the one who brought you into the Clock Tower, and every problem you've caused here has ultimately been covered by the El-Melloi Faction."
"Of course, I'm aware of your kindness toward me, Professor."
"The department best suited to maximize the potential of your Mystic Eyes is the Department of Spiritual Evocation. Your Magecraft affinity also aligns with the Department of Mineralogy."
"I understand what you're saying, Professor. My first choice remains the Department of Spiritual Evocation, and my second is still the Department of Mineralogy—that hasn't changed."
Seeing Naoki's expression and gaze remain completely unshaken, Kayneth fell silent for a moment before waving his hand dismissively: "Fine, go ahead… Work hard to pass all your foundational courses and come back here. I'll reserve a suitable position for you."
"Getting in through the backdoor… isn't exactly proper, is it?"
"You're the last person who should be saying that."
"Ahaha…"
With a wry smile, Naoki left Kayneth's office. He took a deep breath and pulled out the Logos React from his pocket: "Seems like I'll have to use this in a certain way."
Though the Logos React itself had many functions, Naoki had already thought of how to utilize it upon obtaining it—turning it into a Mystic Code like Add.
The basic idea was to mimic a person's soul, then create a puppet or Mystic Code compatible with it and install it. The specifics still needed refinement.
That was why Naoki had come to ask about the Department of Creation.
Not for any particular reason—just a feeling that the Department might help with his idea. But as he'd said himself, his first and second choices remained unchanged. He recognized Kayneth's goodwill toward him, and until he repaid that debt, he had no intention of leaving.
"Hm? Naoki?"
"Ah, Waver."
Spotting Waver walking down the corridor with a stack of documents in hand, Naoki smiled: "Here to submit an assignment to Professor Kayneth?"
"No, the Professor just asked me to gather some data. He's writing a paper—his research has made significant progress lately. You know, the Black Dog incident during Halloween caused shifts in London's spiritual conditions."
"I see."
Kayneth held a first-level lecturer position in the Department of Spiritual Evocation and was also the son-in-law of the department head. It made sense that he studied spirit summoning—the Black Dog incident must have benefited him greatly.
"And you? What brings you here?"
"Just asking the Professor for advice on how to use this thing. Nothing major." Naoki held up the Logos React. "Well, I won't keep you from your task. See you."
"Wait, let's head out together. It'll only take about ten more minutes. Neither of us has anything else scheduled today, anyway. You can wait at the parking area first."
"Sure."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
The parking area was located outside the Clock Tower. The Clock Tower despised facilities designed to accommodate modern technology.
Leaning against the wall outside the parking area, Naoki fiddled with the Logos React while contemplating matters related to it.
'No way I can get into the Department of Creation. Even if I just sit in on lectures, I'd probably be seen as a spy and wouldn't learn anything useful. The core issue is realizing my idea—without systematic instruction, it might not work… Ergonomics would be the best approach.'
A Magus skilled in ergonomics.
Naoki had been at the Clock Tower for half a year but had never heard of many who specialized in ergonomics. Most Magus worked independently, and unless necessary, they wouldn't disclose their research findings.
'Ah, no—I remember one person who was exceptionally skilled in ergonomics… But at this point… three years ago? I don't know where she is now. Is she in Japan?'
As Naoki pondered this, Waver appeared at the edge of his vision—though now, he was carrying even more documents than before.
"This is…?"
"Notes the Professor asked me to organize. Mostly random Magecraft theories he jotted down. Even so, they contain plenty of secrets other Magus would consider valuable… Seriously, why can't he sort them himself?"
"I suspect he can't. Not everyone has your organizational skills."
"If only I could trade this ability for your Magecraft talent…"
Seeing Waver complain, Naoki patted his shoulder reassuringly and said: "By the way, Waver, if you have time, could you help me look into someone's whereabouts? Just rumors will do—your connections are broader than mine."
"Not sure how you reached that conclusion, but… someone's whereabouts? Who are you looking for?"
"Yeah, a few things."
"Who?"
"Aozaki Aoko."