"Excellent. You are a quick learner."
Selene calmly observed as Cyril attempted the technique for the very first time.
Even if it was somewhat awkward, he did succeed in cutting a piece of paper with a simple touch.
Cyril calmly observed the clean cut, feeling somewhat warm inside.
Not only is this spell powerful, but it also doesn't use that much mana.
"...It does seem very fitting with us. I might be able to help you during the first part of this technique too, making it easier."
Just then a red blur moved in front of him.
Morpho landed on the wooden floor, her antennae twitching with a specific intent in the direction of Cyril's master.
Selene's golden eyes curiously observed the small insect before her.
"Huh." Rhamn's bright red eyes widened, her mouth slightly open.
"Does it want something from me?" Selene tilted her head with confusion as the butterfly continued staring at her unflinchingly.
"...Morpho is asking if she can learn this technique as well."
Cyril replied after a second, staring at the butterfly in surprise.
Morpho fluttered her wings and lowered her body, as if a human bowing.
Selene stayed silent for a few moments, her golden eyes locked on the insect.
"I have never tried to find a disciple among the insect kind. I am not sure how well it would suit... her."
The butterfly froze, then twitched her antennae in complaint.
"...But I do see the passion in her eyes. Fine, since my precious disciple is asking, I'll allow for her to learn as well."
She looked in Morpho's insect eyes.
"However, you will learn from your senior brother, and I cannot guarantee you a good outcome. This technique requires a certain level of talent, and I do not know how to properly judge your kind."
Despite the solemnity in Selene's usually tranquil voice, Morpho flew up in the air and made a celebratory loop.
She then landed on Cyril's shoulder, her antennae twitching with boundless determination.
Cyril felt like a miniature sun was sitting on his shoulder, burning with immense heat.
"Congratulations."
He whispered and looked back at Selene.
"I'll admit I am curious to see how far you'll go. It would be a wonder to see a seemingly weak butterfly contest with humans physically." She nodded with a distant look.
I wonder...
A sudden whim appeared in Cyril's mind, and he asked another question.
"Can I share this technique with Myra as well? She was that girl with me back then."
Selene locked eyes with him and slowly replied with a frown.
"I am afraid you cannot. That girl has no talent whatsoever, that I can confirm. I don't want to accept someone as average as her as my disciple."
"…"
Cyril looked out of the window, staring at the night sky, feeling bizarrely perplexed at these words.
But Morpho is fine?
"Our Morpho obviously has much more talent!"
Some part of him even momentarily wanted to object, though he found no reason to, so he did not.
"I see."
"Let's end here for tonight."
She nodded and stood up from the ground.
"It's indeed been a long time. Whenever you need me, use this crystal." She threw him a brass pocket watch, its design somewhat unfitting with her mysterious look.
"It's a communication device. Aside from that, I will periodically visit you to gauge your progress and do special training."
Her thin lips spread into a smile, her golden eyes staring at him with satisfaction.
"Practice with earnestness. I expect great things from you, my disciple."
"Tsk. Does she like the sound of that word or something?" Rhamn's complaining voice then grew a little sheepish.
"...Also, can you ask her about Ambrosia?"
That's right.
Before Selene left the room, Cyril called out.
"Selene, about-"
However, the woman in a loose robe completely ignored his voice, only her movement speed slowed down just a little bit, as if expecting something.
No way.
"Selene." Cyril stepped closer, his voice a bit louder, and yet still the same result. Only Tigris rolled around on the bed.
"This madwoman..."
"...Master, I have a question."
Immediately Selene turned around, a smile on her face.
"Yes, my disciple?"
"..."
Cyril could only sigh internally.
"What about Ambrosia? I lost the bet, so it shouldn't be here."
Cyril picked up the alluring pitch-black stone from the table and brought it close to Selene.
She observed it for a second and motioned his arm away.
"Take it. Consider it a gift from your master."
"...Yes!"
With mixed feelings Cyril nodded and opened the door for Selene.
"Thank you. Safe travels."
She nodded and exited his dorm, Cyril immediately closing the door the moment she was out.
"What a long day." Cyril took a deep breath and headed towards the bed.
Morpho gently nudged him with her insect legs, her spirit burning blindingly bright.
"...Right. Let's try the first part of the spell."
He fought back against his mental fatigue and slightly changed his course.
Morpho fluttered her wings in excitement.
...
Sitting by his table, Cyril methodically explained his understanding of Selene's technique, while the red butterfly eagerly listened.
"Let's start with the first part. We'll try together. If you don't get it the first time, don't worry. Remember, you don't have much foundation, so you'll have it harder."
Morpho nodded her insect head with solemn determination.
Nodding to her in return, Cyril placed his hands in front of him and created a magic circle.
Its pattern was complicated, somewhat reminiscent of a moon hung high above a flower.
After a slight delay, Morpho followed suit.
She stretched her insect legs forward, and a tiny, less clean version of the circle formed in front of her.
The two remained still for some time, two circles shining in the dormitory.
Tigris rolled to his other side, pawing at his ear occasionally.
"As expected! This technique is indeed very compatible with us."
"It seems like normally you would need a high understanding of your own body to enhance it like this."
Rhamn pointed to herself with a proud smile.
"But you have me! I am already proficient in shaping flesh, so you'll get twice the results with half the effort when practicing!"
Cyril dissipated the spell and relaxed in his chair, sending her a glance.
Indeed. It's quite simple.
He raised his right arm, observing it from all angles.
Still, during this time I only improved the skin on my right forearm a little bit...
"Well, the Empire wasn't built in one day."
That's true.
Cyril nodded to himself and turned towards his insect companion.
Morpho was still practicing, her insect eyes closed in focus.
She's really fired up about this.
"Morpho... is a bit self-conscious about her strength. She doesn't like to feel useless."
Then this is a perfect opportunity for her.
Rhamn nodded, her red eyes kindly looking at the small insect on the table.
"We tried teaching her magic, but normal spells cost too much mana, and she doesn't have nearly enough."
But this technique requires incredibly little. The second part of it manipulates mana directly, bypassing the need of a magic circle.
"Incredibly suitable for her."
The two of them observed Morpho for a while, until her magic circle disappeared and she limply spread on the table's surface.
Cyril carefully picked her up and carried her to the bed.
"You practiced until you had no more mana? You are really hardworking."
Morpho gave a weak twitch of her antennae as he gently laid her near Tigris.
Although her spirit still shined brightly with hope and desire, her body was already exhausted.
So the red butterfly soon drifted off into sleep.
Were there any results?
"...Yes. It's not bad. Her wings became a bit more durable."
Looks like she has some talent.
He looked at the happily sleeping butterfly, a warm feeling spreading inside.
However, a certain frustrating feeling spontaneously mixed in with the warmth.
...Is talent really that important? I feel Morpho would've kept going until she succeeded regardless.
"..." Rhamn only shrugged, her red eyes looking directly into his.
He could only sigh and try to get the thought out of his head.
Instead, Cyril grabbed Ambrosia again.
"This is ours, right? You will not give it away to someone who doesn't deserve it, right?"
Rhamn's red eyes narrowed, staring at him with suspicion.
...Of course.
Cyril brought the pitch-black stone close and ate it.
A warm feeling immediately spread through his whole body.
"Oooh... This is good~" Rhamn's face immediately lost any negative emotions.
After a few incredibly pleasant seconds, the feeling went away, and Cyril took a deep breath.
He clenched his hand and moved his arm a little, finding it all suddenly easier.
...This is really a fascinating thing.
Rhamn only replied with a nod, satisfaction written all over her face.
Right, let's finally go to sleep.