Standing at an impressive 180 centimeters tall, Terence Roar possessed a commanding presence. His broad shoulders and well-defined muscular build exuded strength. His hair was slicked back using pomade, complementing his neatly trimmed short beard.
Terence Roar acknowledged Oliver and Kevin's presence with a subtle wave of his hand. Kevin's surprise at Terence's appearance was swiftly replaced by a prompt reciprocation of the greeting, conveying his understanding. Likewise, Oliver courteously extended his own greeting to Terence.
Having taken a break from his position, Oliver had embarked on a vacation. During his absence, Terence had not only performed admirably but had also treated him kindly. Admittedly, there was that one incident involving a potentially lethal punch, though accidents are a part of life, aren't they?
Upon Kevin and Oliver's welcoming gestures, Derick and Felix also discreetly extended their greetings to Terence.
Graciously, Terence acknowledged their greetings.
"Ah, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Terence from the Roar family. Quite the achievement to see that lone wolf embrace research associates; it must surely swell his pride. To assist and learn from him firsthand is an honor. He might be a bit rough around the edges, but his skills are truly remarkable."
In contrast to Kevin's gruff demeanor, Terence warmly shook hands with Derick and Felix, engaging in a friendly conversation with them.
Observing this interaction, Kevin let out a sigh.
"Sigh… You managed to appear out of thin air. Care to share your secret?"
"Wow… Who would've thought you'd miss me that much?"
"Isn't it usually the other way around?"
"Heh heh heh heh! Touché, grumpy."
Rather than responding to Kevin's brusque retort with a frown, Terence replied with genuine laughter. His laughter held a sincere quality, void of any pretense.
This affable nature of Terence's was not new; his amicability towards Kevin had been evident previously.
‘All the soldiers were so friendly to the professor.'
Oliver's memory harked back to the incident aboard the train to Mountain Pace. Upon learning that he was associated with Kevin as a personal employee, everyone had displayed a welcoming demeanor. This warmth extended beyond mere deference to the Professor of Magic Tower; it was a reflection of genuine goodwill and respect for Kevin himself.
It seemed that Kevin's tenure as a war wizard had left a positive impact, with him taking conscientious care of those around him.
‘It's hardly surprising, given his role as a professor.'
Meanwhile, the dialogue between Terence and Kevin carried on.
"As you're aware, I come from a privileged background. To the extent that my family name often precedes my own. Naturally, I arrived on a private passenger ship."
Terence gestured toward a passenger ship moored not far from the pier, seemingly offering proof to his words.
Surprisingly, the ship didn't differ significantly from the one Kevin and his group had boarded earlier. From Oliver's economic perspective, it appeared an opulent possession for an individual.
"Though you might be well-off, remember that you're just one member of the extensive Roar family. Owning something like that entirely by yourself… Ah, and there's the Brigadier General too."
Mid-sentence, Kevin noticed something, prompting a smile from Terence.
"You've got a keen eye. So, do you understand why I'm here? Follow me."
With a resolute snap of his fingers, Terence signaled his decision, and Kevin, though somewhat reluctantly, followed suit.
Kevin addressed Oliver, Derick, and Felix, issuing a directive, "You guys come too."
***
"Ahahaha! Lieutenant, it's been quite a while! You're looking well!"
Near the pier, away from the bustling thoroughfare where carriages waited, a sturdy makeshift chair accommodated a robust man in his fifties or sixties. He lounged there, patiently waiting for someone.
His presence was undeniably remarkable.
How to encapsulate him…? Picture a fusion of rock and lion, or even a lion crafted from stone. His demeanor was as solid and courageous as his appearance.
Standing over 2 meters tall, boasting broad shoulders, his brawny muscles projected an imposing aura, even beneath the layers of formal attire he wore. His physical form seemed more akin to a golem than a human. With his lion-like mane of hair and beard, his countenance exuded both gravity and intimidation.
Beside him, even Terence and Kevin appeared diminutive.
Truly an awe-inspiring sight.
"Greetings, Brigadier General Philip. Have you been keeping well?"
Philip Roar responded.
"What troubles could an old man like me encounter after retiring from the frontline to concentrate on nurturing the next generation? By the way, did you pawn off your salute somewhere?"
Despite his rugged exterior, Philip emanated an affable and jolly demeanor, occasionally punctuated by a touch of intimidation.
It was like witnessing a lion jesting with a herbivore.
Yet, Kevin was far from a herbivore. Undaunted, he responded without hesitation.
"I've transitioned from a soldier to a professor at Magic Tower."
"That's the one decision I constantly regret… I should've stuck with it, unwavering and without overthinking."
To Kevin's surprise, Philip's response held sincerity rather than jest. He seemed genuinely burdened by some unspoken reason.
Then, as if struck by a sudden idea, Philip continued.
"Oh, I see…! Do you have a woman in your life? Someone for casual enjoyment or perhaps a potential life partner?"
"Pardon me?"
Caught off guard by the abrupt personal inquiry, Kevin arched an eyebrow and posed a counter question, his confusion and discomfort evident.
Yet, embodying his unmistakable self-assuredness and pride, Philip breezily brushed aside any minor irritation and reiterated his query.
"Do you have a woman? A partner. Whether it's a serious relationship or something more casual… At my age, such questions are well within reason."
"Haa… I don't think that's suitable for discussion in front of the researchers and staff."
Only then did Philip turn his gaze towards Oliver, Felix, and Derick.
"Ah, my apologies… Allow me to properly introduce myself. Gentlemen, I am Philip Roar, the patriarch of the Roar family, a lineage that has steadfastly bolstered a core of the kingdom's army for over a century. I assume you are all quite familiar with our family?"
Philip inquired confidently, his familial pride apparent.
Derick and Felix confirmed their acquaintance, while Oliver remained an exception.
"I'm not well-versed in the details."
"…………"
"…………"
"…………"
"…………"
"…………"
A dense silence, as weighty as iron, suddenly descended upon the atmosphere. All eyes fixed on Oliver.
The unease was palpable, their expressions awash with perplexity.
With a questioning look, Oliver turned to Kevin, seeking guidance.
‘Did I make a mistake?'
‘A rather big one.'
Kevin's silent response conveyed the gravity of the situation. Oliver hastened to amend his earlier response.
"The family emblem features a lion, denoting a prestigious lineage of military wizards renowned for their contributions in both colonial and continental conflicts. That's the extent of my detailed knowledge."
In haste, Oliver recounted what he had learned from Murphy's second request, which he acquired while quelling a dispute involving a student from the Roar family during a mission.
"Haa… Well, that's a relief. I feared, Kevin, that you were shepherding someone bereft of common knowledge. Thankfully, he has a foundational understanding. Why did you assert you were unaware?"
Philip's countenance softened as he inquired again, a sense of relief emanating from him.
"I apologize. My familiarity with the Roar family is limited to the extent I mentioned earlier. Claiming a deeper knowledge would have seemed disrespectful to you."
"Hoho… You're not mistaken. Asserting familiarity with the Roar family based on that scant information would indeed be misguided."
Philip pondered, resting a ponderous finger against his chin. Falling under the grasp of that thick hand could be as dire as the bite of a lion.
"At least you're straightforward and honest. A commendable trait… Would you like to learn more about our family?"
Kevin glanced at Oliver, who replied, "If you're willing to share, I'm eager to listen."
"Is that a sincere sentiment?"
"Yes, absolutely. I'm genuinely intrigued by the Roar family's unique connection to the kingdom's military as wizards, as well as your involvement in colonial conflicts. I also have a few personal inquiries."
Oliver candidly voiced his curiosity, and his earnestness reached Philip.
Philip's mouth, reminiscent of a lion's jaw, curved into a smile. That was affirmation.
"Heh… You're quite the intriguing character. When I heard that Kevin had hired new staff, I anticipated something out of the ordinary, but this surpasses my expectations."
"I apologize. I'll make sure to provide him with better education."
"No need, no need. It's a compliment. I find it refreshing. Are you interested in learning about our family?"
"Yes, if you tell me, I'll gladly learn."
"Excellent, I like your enthusiasm! Lieutenant Kevin, join me!"
"Yes?"
"Don't appear as though you're averse to it… You're well aware I won't simply let you off because you seem reluctant, correct? Plus, we don't have proper transportation here."
Philip gestured toward the still-crowded road. As Oliver moved a bit away, the horses began to calm down, yet due to the accumulation of passengers until now, they were still in a state of unrest.
It was evident that leaving now would result in a loss of roughly half a day's time.
Kevin, who held a distaste for wasting time, eventually acquiesced.
"Haa… Well then, I'll be in your care."
"I appreciate that. It would have been more pleasing without the sigh, though."
"…By any chance, did you arrange for a separate carriage?"
Kevin belatedly recalled that the horses were unsettled by Oliver's presence and inquired.
If they needed a carriage, it would require some rearrangements. Oliver might need to travel separately.
Thankfully, Philip shook his head.
"Do you believe that I, a gentleman from the world's most advanced kingdom, an esteemed Grand Master of the pure magic school, the head of the Royal Wizard Academy, the overseer of the Royal Magic Research Department, and the leader of the Roar family, would resort to such outdated means of transportation?"
"Then, did you bring automobiles on the passenger ship?"
"Ah… You're partly right, partly mistaken. Since leaving the military, you have lost your touch."
Philip expressed a hint of lament before extending his hand to a attendant woman nearby.
This plump woman, her gaze sharp, retrieved a travel bag from the pile of luggage on the ground.
Though it appeared to be an ordinary bag, Oliver's keen eyes detected an array of magical spells woven into the items within.
‘Advanced reduction magic, lightening magic, shock absorption magic.'
These were rudimentary spells in themselves, but their complexity could significantly differ based on the intended object.
Curiosity piqued, he wondered about the bag's contents.
Click.
Philip unzipped the bag, unveiling a small model car within.
A meticulously crafted model… Yet, it wasn't long before the realization struck that this was no mere model – it was a fully functional automobile.
"It's an actual automobile."
"If I were to carry around toy cars at my age, wouldn't it invite ridicule?"
With that remark, Philip set down the quartet of miniaturized vehicles onto the ground.
Kevin, Derick, Felix, and even Oliver stared in amazement at the unfolding spectacle.
As previously noted, the magic of reduction, lightneing, and shock absorption belonged to the fundamentals of pure magic. Yet, their complexity could escalate dramatically based on the object in question.
The larger, weightier, and more intricate an object's internal structure, the greater the intricacy required for casting the spell – the contrast could be as profound as night and day.
When applied to an automobile with an average of 30,000 components, the challenge bordered on the unimaginable.
Factoring in the necessity of sustaining the reduced, lightweight, shock-absorbing state over a prolonged duration only compounded the level of intricacy.
Philip's immense wellspring of inherent mana and the artful flow of his mana were indications of his extraordinary nature, but this transcended those attributes.
Snap-!
Philip snapped his substantial finger, dispelling the magic, and the line of cars reverted to their original proportions.
Despite exuding an appearance akin to armored vehicles, the backdrop of blue combined with the gilded lion emblem lent an air of opulence.
All eyes in the vicinity converged upon the cars – an unmistakable testament to their allure.
Philip spoke with an air of pride.
"We have four cars at our disposal, allowing each of you to ride in comfort. Lieutenant Kevin, you'll accompany me in my car."
"Yes, understood. The rest of you, hop in the back."
As Kevin directed Oliver, Derick, and Felix toward the vehicle at the rear, Philip interjected.
"Hold on… that friend should ride with you too."
"You're referring to Zenon?"
"Indeed, I just agreed to enlighten him about our family, didn't I?"
