I’m Shina—the self-proclaimed best dark sorcerer in a world where dark magic is not viewed favorably. Despite being labeled a heretic, I’d worked hard to hone my dark magic and continue my research. Transportation is just one of the great innovations of dark magic, and it’s not an exaggeration to call it magic that can save worlds.
I’d continued my research for two hundred years, and now, my dark magic was at its pinnacle. I’d grown too old to spread my magic across the world, though, so I’d used various healing methods to prolong my life. Even that, however, was reaching its limit.
Though my appearance may have been youthful, my life was nearing its end. If I perished, dark magic would most likely perish with me. I couldn’t let that happen, no matter what.
I had decided that I needed to find a successor, but there was no one in this world who would inherit my knowledge. Knowing that, I had switched my focus to have someone from a different world become my successor.
Despite not being as proficient with dimensional transportation magic, I began the hero summoning ritual, using the remaining embers of my life to power it. And, though I did succeed...
“Wahey... That makes five.”
The person who appeared before me was lying lethargically on the floor.
“Excuse me. Why are you lying down?”
“I’m just kinda done with it all,” he replied listlessly.
“O-Oh...” I let out a sigh.
“So whaddya need? You summoned me, so there’s gotta be something.”
“Oh, right. Ahem.” I coughed, turning my focus back to the matter at hand. “You don’t appear disoriented or confused about your new surroundings... But at any rate, I have summoned you to this world for the purpose of inheriting my dark magic.”
“Amazing.”
“That’s...not the reaction I was expecting. You see, in this world, dark magic is ostracized.”
“Brilliant.”
“That’s...also not the reaction I was expecting. Anyway, I think dark magic has the potential to save this world.”
“Crazy.”
“I’ve studied dark magic for two hundred years, bringing it to the peak of perfection.”
“Damn.”
“But as a result, I have little life remaining, so I don’t have enough time to save this world with my magic.”
“Excellent.”
“As such, I would like you to inherit my dark magic—the fruits of my labor!”
“Looks like the letter ‘E’ is where my reactions end.”
“Were you even listening to me?!” How long is this guy going to stay on the floor?!
“Aw, don’t get mad. You’re gonna ruin your natural dark-haired beauty.”
“B-Beauty?! Hang on, whose fault do you think it is that I’m getting angry?!”
“So how am I supposed to inherit the ‘fruits of your labor’?”
“Oh, you were listening. Well, you should have received the ability to use what I’ve learned as soon as you were summoned.”
“So that’s my cheat ability this time, huh?”
“‘Cheat’?”
I had no clue what he was talking about, but more importantly, I couldn’t understand how he was so calm. It was as if he’d been summoned multiple times and had gotten used to it by this point. But these were questions that could be asked later. My time was limited, and I had far more pressing priorities.
“So, will you inherit my knowledge?”
“Mm, nah.” With these words, he flatly rejected me.
That only made sense, though. He had been torn from his world without notice, and suddenly asked to inherit my magic. Of course he’d refuse.
“If you agree, I’ll allow you to do anything with my body. I may not have long to live, but my body is still young and...inexperienced.”
“As tempting as that sounds, it’s just not gonna work for me.”
“Am I not attractive enough for you?”
“No, that’s not it. A hottie like you is welcome any day of the week, but I’m about to disappear from this world.”
No sooner had he said that than an orange magic circle began to glow beneath him. The light was so intense that it filled the room, blinding me. By the time I was able to open my eyes, he’d vanished, leaving me dumbfounded.