COTE: Expelliarmis… Wait, Why Isn’t It Working?! (MTL)

The Chaotic Flea Market

During the history class of the Third-Class Mage School, I – Kazuki Kuzunoha – sat in the middle of the class, trying to hide my fear that I would become the new topic of the lecture today.

It was still hard to believe that I had passed, despite the fact that the previous graduation exam had been a series of disasters. I swear that even the examiners had been having a fierce debate over whether to let me enter this level or not.

And yet, somehow – maybe because they were tired of arguing, or simply wanted to push me to give someone else a headache – I had passed with the bare minimum score.

Limited, because if I had scored any lower, I would have had to go back to school. In any case, I was here, and I had to do my best not to make the entire committee regret their decision… at least for today.

The class sat down, preparing for the "History of the Magical World: The Age of Revolution" class that the experienced teacher, Shizuru-sensei, was about to begin.

Shizuru-sensei, a mage with snow-white hair and sharp eyes, began his lecture in a deep yet sarcastic voice:

"Everyone, this is a part that you have already learned in the First-Class Mage School, so I will just go over it to remind you. Imagine that in prehistoric times, when humans could only peek at the light of the first magical rays, our world passed through a chaotic time that no one dared to name – because if we did, our gods would probably cry! That was the Pre-Magical Age, where magic was just a vague manifestation of nature, and humans just considered it a 'madness' of nature."

He paused, winked at the class, and continued:

"Then came the Age of Magical Chaos," also known as the Warring States Period in our region's history – an era where, if anyone asked, 'Have you ever fought each other?' everyone's answer would surely be 'yes, since you were young!' During that time, nations, races, and even creatures – from humans to savage monsters – fought for power using magic."

"Selfishness, greed, and violence rose to such an extent that the heavens and earth shook. Mages turned magic into weapons, and those battles became legends… or historical nightmares, depending on one's perspective."

The classroom began to erupt in an uproar, not just with giggles but also with elaborate pranks.

A group of students sitting at the back of the room began playing a game of 'who can summon the smaller mouse', while a more daring one tried to cast a levitating spell on the book next to him, causing it to float unsteadily and fall on his victim's head.

Another was trying to scribble in the air with magical fire the words "Shisuru-sensei is the most handsome in the world!", but due to his lack of control, he almost burned his own hair.

Shizuru-sensei frowned, gripping his wand as if he was trying to restrain himself from throwing it straight at someone's head.

His eyes were filled with despair, as if questioning the life decisions that had brought him here.

"Why did I choose this profession? What did I do wrong in my life? I could have become a research mage, a royal advisor, or at least an independent apothecary... but instead, I choose to stand here, lecturing a bunch of students who are no different from little demons."

"DO YOU WANT MORE LESSONS?!" The teacher shouted, his voice filled with the resentment of a man who had lost faith in the profession of education.

The classroom immediately fell silent, except for a whisper from the corner of the classroom: "Does anyone want to bet on whether I dare to cast lightning?"

Shizuru took a deep breath, trying to control his anger, then slammed his wand on the floor, creating a light magical wave that spread throughout the room.

"Quiet down! Everyone focus on the lesson, or else don't blame me for turning anyone who loses focus into a toad in three seconds!"

The classroom immediately fell silent again, except for a few soft coughs and a student hastily hiding a piece of paper he was folding.

The teacher adjusted his robe, cleared his throat, and continued his lecture with a face as if he had completely accepted his fate as a teacher of a class full of monsters.

"But then, my friends," Shizuru-sensei's voice turned more thoughtful, "came the Age of Magical Revolution – a period when those who did not accept violence and chaos rose up and studied magic scientifically. They formed revolutionary organizations, and then – boom – the magical world was reformed. Although it did not unify the world, the revolutionary governments replaced the tyrannical ruling dynasties and superstitious churches, bringing about a new order."

"In other words, our magic is now not just a divine power, but also a science, requiring a solid knowledge of physics, chemistry, and… something that our predecessors never dreamed of! This was further confirmed when researchers discovered the existence of the Divine Realm, a dimension beyond the magical world."

"After many years of communication and research, we established a cooperative relationship with the Divine Realm, opening a new era of knowledge exchange, magical technology, and magical development at an unprecedented level."

"As of now, we are living in the era 1400 after the Magic Revolution, when everything has been reformed in a completely new way. The magical nations now have their own governments, and each has its own unique style – but all are working towards a common goal: to develop magical power beyond the universe!"

The teacher paused, looking around the class with a gaze that was both serious and humorous. "So, what do you think? Is there anyone in the class who can compare to our strange historical power?" A few students started arguing in small voices, mixed with laughter, creating a lively atmosphere during class.

...........

...........

...........

And so, class ended. I listlessly packed up my books, secretly doubting life. How the hell did I get into this school?

Oh right, because this was the school with the lowest cut-off score. If it were any lower, they might have to pay for students to attend.

I sighed, telling myself, "Oh well, at least there's a place to eat for free."

With a spirit of being bored but still having to live, I trudged to the cafeteria, only to discover that the place was as chaotic as ever—or to be more precise, it was no different from a medieval battlefield, where warriors fought not for territory but for food.

A student had just cast a teleportation spell to grab a meal from the counter, but instead had his tray disappear – only to have it appear on another student's head, pouring hot soup down on its owner. Screams echoed throughout the room.

On the left, a group of students were fighting over the last fish on the plate, each pulling on one end with magic, causing it to float in mid-air like a tug-of-war. On the right, someone had cast an acceleration spell on their spoon to scoop up the soup faster – which ended up flying straight into the face of a passing supervisor.

At that moment, a small explosion rang out at the beverage counter. A novice student had gone too far with his cooling spell, causing his glass of juice to freeze instantly – and it exploded like a snow bomb, covering the entire table in a layer of icy ice. The surrounding students screamed and quickly backed away.

Immediately, a supervisor rushed into the scene, trying to restore order. "STOP! This is a cafeteria, not a magic arena! If anyone uses magic on food again, I'll..."

BOOM!

A panicked student waved his hand, accidentally knocking the entire food tray straight into the poor supervisor's face. Like a domino effect, piles of food from all directions simultaneously 'joined' the battlefield, from bowls of floating soup, speed-enhanced bread, to a whole roast chicken rolling around in the air.

In just a few seconds, the noble supervisor was buried under a "food grave", leaving only a trembling hand reaching out as if to ask for help from someone. But unfortunately, no one was free to save him.

I quietly picked up my piece of roast meat, muttering: "Justice has been buried under a pile of food..."

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "I just want a peaceful lunch, is that too much?"

I quietly retreated to a safe corner, holding the food tray, muttering: "I just want a peaceful lunch, is that too much?"

I sat down, picked up a piece of fragrant grilled meat, the smooth sauce flowing down each piece of tender meat.

Taking a bite, I felt the flavor explode in my mouth—both rich and rich. Soft rice, crispy vegetables, hot soup... a meal that was no less than that of a high-class restaurant.

I sighed in relief, as if all the suffering in my life had instantly disappeared. Even if the classroom was a nightmare, even if the cafeteria was a battlefield, at least... the food here was the light that saved my life.

"Well, this might be the most trashy school, but at least it's still worth living for because of the food!" I told myself, continuing to fight with the full plate of food in front of me, ignoring all the magic flying around.

...........

The Fateful Bet

In a dark, quiet room in the Research Institute, Kuzunoha Renji – a magic scientist known for his contradictory and secretive inventions – sat across from a mysterious man, his face hidden under a black cloak.

The dim light from the magic lamp shone on the two figures, creating a tense and gloomy atmosphere.

The mysterious man spoke in a deep, warning voice:

"The situation is very serious. Those people you have always been wary of have now begun to act. And it is all thanks to that damn thing you just successfully researched – something you can no longer control."

Kuzunoha Renji was silent for a moment, his hands gripping the back of his chair. His eyes showed fear and determination. He replied:

"I expected this, but I never thought it would come so quickly?"

The mysterious man didn't hesitate:

The mysterious man leaned back in his chair, his voice low as if to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.

"Do you know, Renji? What you've just researched is not just a simple invention. It's a leap forward in the history of magic. Once it's released to the public, it will change everything – from the way people fight, study, live, even the way they perceive the nature of magic."

Renji clenched his fists, his gaze unwavering. He understood that better than anyone. This was not just an invention – it was a revolution.

"That's why they can't let it exist," the mysterious man continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Those stubborn old men – the ones who have built their entire lives on the old foundation – will never let you put an end to their system."

Renji closed his eyes for a moment, pondering those words. He knew the truth.

Those people were afraid of having their interests touched, they only cared about keeping power in their hands.

In that quiet space, Kuzunoha Renji stared at the mysterious figure, his eyes gradually becoming cold and determined. There was a long moment of silence, then Renji said:

"I understand. For Kazuki's future, for the future of our family, I will leave this world."

Those words rang out with the weight of an irreversible decision, opening a new path for a family that carried too many secrets on its shoulders. The mysterious man nodded slightly, his eyes sharp but also carrying a trace of sympathy.

"I will arrange everything," he said. "A new identity, a new world, and a route to leave, when the time is right, someone will take your family away."

"When everything in this world is stable, I will contact you and bring your family back. But you must understand, until then, all traces of you in this world must completely disappear."

Renji clenched his fists, his eyes filled with determination.

"I know. And I also know that, one day, Kazuki will have to face the truth. But at least, by then, he will have a chance to choose his own path."

The mysterious man was silent for a moment, then he stood up, his cloak gently swaying with each step. Before leaving, he paused for a moment, his eyes looking at Renji meaningfully.

Renji took a deep breath, then nodded. "Thank you... father. Reika misses you very much."

The mysterious man sighed softly, his eyes wavering slightly when he heard his daughter's name. But immediately, coldness covered his face again.

"Everything I do… is for her." His voice was low but firm. "No matter how much Reika hates me, I will protect her to the end. And that is why I let you all leave."

Renji clenched his fists, not saying anything more. He understood his father-in-law's personality very well—a man who always acted for his family, but never showed his emotions.

He simply nodded, accepting the fact that, no matter how far away, this man was still watching over his family.

After finishing his work at the Research Institute, Kuzunoha Renji hurriedly packed up his documents, stuffing them all into his old briefcase.

Before leaving, he stealthily entered a closed room in the research area, where a brand new book that wasn't too thick was lying quietly on a stone pedestal covered in magical characters.

Renji glanced around, making sure that no one was following him, then gently placed his hand on the book. The magical characters on the cover glowed faintly as he poured a bit of energy into it, releasing the seal that he had placed earlier.

"We can't let this fall into their hands…" he muttered, then quickly stuffed the book into his bag, hiding it among the pile of documents.

Darkness gradually covered the city, the magical lamps on both sides of the street gave off a faint light, but Renji didn't bother to pay attention.

He walked at a faster pace than usual, his hand tightening on the strap of his bag as if it contained the fate of his family.

His steps were steady but hurried, passing through the bustling streets of the research district, where young mages were still passionately experimenting with their magic.

But tonight, Renji didn't have the mind to observe those things anymore. He had only one goal—to get home quickly, because the time left for him and his family in this world was running out.

Darkness gradually covered the city, the magical lamps on both sides of the street gave off a faint light, but Renji didn't bother to pay attention.

He walked at a faster pace than usual, his hand tightening on the strap of his bag as if it contained the fate of his family.

Renji carefully looked around, making sure no one was following him, then quietly entered. He closed the door, took out his wand, and waved his hand, activating a sound-blocking barrier that covered the entire room. Before doing anything else, he turned to his wife and asked softly, "Is Kazuki asleep yet?"

Reika, his wife, was sitting on the chair, her face showing worry. "Kazuki just went to sleep... How did it go?"

Renji put his bag down on the table, taking a deep breath. "Everything is arranged. We have to leave earlier than expected."

Reika gently tightened her sleeve, her eyes filled with worry. She stepped forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Renji, as if seeking comfort from her husband's warmth. "So... there's no other way?"

Renji shook his head, his eyes filled with fatigue. "No. They've already started to act. If we hesitate, not only me, but you and Kazuki will be dragged into this."

He placed his hand on his wife's, his voice softening. "We have to do this for our child's future. And... for our own."

Reika looked at her husband, then nodded slightly. Even though she had a thousand worries in her heart, she understood that once Renji made up his mind, there was no turning back.

.......

The whole house quickly fell into chaos.

"Renji! Don't throw your books in with my clothes!" Reika shouted when she saw her husband stuffing a pile of documents into the suitcase, among her clothes.

"Just stuff them in! I won't wear these clothes in another world!" Renji replied nonchalantly, still stuffing things in haphazardly.

Reika gritted her teeth and snatched the book away. "Do you know this is expensive spirit silk?! Money, not leaves, why are you throwing them around like that!"

"Money doesn't matter anymore, we're about to run away!" Renji argued, but as soon as he finished speaking, a pillow flew straight at his face. "Hey?!"

"Do you know what the rules of packing are?!" Reika put her hands on her hips, her eyes flashing. "And Kazuki's magic robes, where are you going to throw them?!"

"Uh... I stuffed them with my research tools."

Reika glared. "What did you just say?"

Renji was immediately startled, quickly turning his face away, pretending not to hear anything. But it was too late, a magic battle in the house officially broke out.

Wands were waved, clothes, books, and other miscellaneous items were thrown by the couple straight into the storage space in the magic rings.

"Hurry! Hurry! Throw them all in there!" Reika shouted as she threw a bunch of robes, shoes, and even an antique tea set into the ring.

"Are you sure you have to bring this vase?!" Renji staggered and caught an ornament that his wife had just thrown.

"It's our wedding anniversary!" Reika growled.

"Then why did you put your miscellaneous research equipment in there first?!" Reika was furious.

Renji was speechless, not knowing how to argue back. In the end, he could only throw everything into the magic ring at the fastest speed possible, while Reika stood by the side and continuously threw more things in, turning the house into a battlefield of flying items.

If the magic ring had a consciousness, it would definitely cry out from being stuffed to the point of not being able to breathe. Reika's clothes, books, research tools, a whole collection of pots and pans, and some oddities like a stone statue of Renji – all were mercilessly thrown into the storage space.

"Renji! It's about to overload! The magic ring isn't a black hole!"

"I know! But… hey, don't throw the wooden cabinet in too?!"

"This cabinet is beautiful and expensive! It's such a waste to leave it behind!"

The magic ring glowed abnormally, trembling as if it was about to explode. If it could scream, it would definitely roar: "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!"