Loading User Commands:
[X] "Awesome," you mutter carelessly aloud.

---

"Awesome," Grimnír mutters carelessly.

Marisa's smile turns into a huge grin. She looks really pleased.

"I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. After you finish your flying lessons, we should teach you some flashy spells ~ze!"

"Umm, yeah. O-of course," he manages.

Marisa gives him a wink.

"Of course, if you were talking about me..."

She moves closer to him, only inches from his face. Grimnír can feel her breath on his chest. He blushes furiously.

"Then you should work harder ~ze!" she says.

Marisa ruffles his hair playfully.

"S-stop that!" he says.

"Anyway, I'll be heading down to check on Alice. Dinner should be ready soon," she says.

She takes a few steps toward the door before pausing. She doesn't turn around.

"I'm sure that if you work hard enough, t-then even I would call you awesome ~ze," she whispers.

Marisa leaves the room without another word.

Grimnír looks around the room. He can see his things in a small pile on a desk. He checks his wrist and finds the bracelet still attached and undamaged. He feels something strange in his pocket, however. Even before he pulls it out, he knows that it is.

Logos Sign, 「Calculated Risk」, the card reads.

He isn't sure how to use it, but it will probably be very useful. Maybe he can talk about it with Marisa and Alice during dinner. He pockets the spell card and gets up from the bed.

There seem to be a few new things lying around. Beside his pile of things, he spots a small sack, not unlike the one Marisa carries. He can probably use it to carry stuff around. There is also a neatly folded set of grey robes on the desk. They look like they will fit him comfortably.

Grimnír pauses.

He looks around the room.
[ ] Change into the grey robes.
[ ] Place his things into the sack and take it with him downstairs.
[ ] Take the walking stick.

Marisa mentioned that dinner should be ready.
[ ] Head to the dining room.
[ ] Head to the kitchen.
[ ] Head to the workshop.

Loading User Commands:
[X] Logos Sign, 「Calculated Risk」

---

Grimnír feels uneasy as he starts to regain consciousness. He feels like someone is staring at him. He opens his left eye.

"..."

He closes it and pretends to be asleep. She was looking at him fondly with a cute little smile. That just didn't look right.

"Hey! How rude, ~ze!"

He opens both eyes wearily. Marisa is smiling at him despite herself.

"About time you woke up ~ze! I've been here watching you ever since we patched you up!"

"Watching me? That's just plain creepy," he says.

Marisa pokes him hard in the stomach.

"Ow! Wha-what the hell?"

"Wrong answer ~ze!" Marisa says as she clears her throat. "You are supposed to say: 'I never expected a cute girl to watch over me for all this time.' Little apprentice still has much to learn."

"Right," he says. He glances around to see that he is inside Alice's guest room. Alice doesn't seem to be with them.

"Where's Alice," he asks. Grimnír manages to sit up. He doesn't feel much pain anymore, though his body feels really tired.

"She's downstairs at her workshop," Marisa says with a sly smile. "You can probably surprise her a little later ~ze."

"I see."

"So, aren't you going to thank me ~ze?" she asks.

Grimnír frowns at her. This girl is impossible.

"Thanks for dropping me from a ridiculous height and leaving me to die."

Marisa pokes him in the stomach again. This time she does it harder.

"Da-damn it, that hurts!"

"You were perfectly safe until you swerved." she says. "I was already waiting at the bottom to catch you ~ze."

"Huh?"

"Of course I was going to catch you! Dying isn't very funny ~ze." she says seriously. "It was your fault, since you changed direction so suddenly. What was that about anyway? Even Alice didn't think you could do it the first time..."

"Well, sorry I guess..."

"You should be ~ze. You really worried me!" Marisa says.

"I said I was so-"

"Err, I-I mean that you gave me a hard time ~ze! I had to patch you up mostly by myself, since Alice isn't very familiar with humans and healing magic."

Grimnír gives her a puzzled look.

"W-why are you staring at me like that?" Marisa says, pouting. "I can do other stuff besides destructive magic, you know? A girl living alone has to learn what she needs."

He gives her a light shrug.

"Anyway," she continues. "At the rate you're learning, you can probably finish learning how to fly by tomorrow ~ze."

He can't help but smile back as he looks at Marisa. Her deep golden eyes are clear and energetic. Her golden blonde hair carefully frames a very straight-forward and honest expression of concern. The ribbon on her hair contrasts beautifully with her light-colored skin and hair, adding a distinct freshness overall.

She really is beautiful.

[ ] Continue staring stupidly.
[ ] "Beautiful," you mutter carelessly aloud.
[ ] "C-can you just stop smiling for a second..."
[ ] Look away and try to clear your head.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Whisper something before blacking out.
[X] "No... I still function..."

---

"No... I still function..."

The last things Grimnír sees are Marisa jumping down from her broom excitedly and Alice scowling at her.

...

Somehow, the pain is starting to subside.

[~Welcome back.]

Looks like he is in that place again.

[~You did well.]

"If I did well, then why did I end up here?"

[~Would you rather be out there and in excruciating agony?]

"..."

[~The magicians will fix you up, don't worry about it.]

"I suppose,"

[~The Black-White surprised me. She guessed right about your learning style.]

"Learning style?"

[~Even with magicians, there is a great variety in the methods they learn magic.]

"I wouldn't know."

[~Well, I won't give you a lecture, but yours often involves "experimentation".]

"..."

[~Just don't be too reckless when trying out new things.]

"I see,"

[~Anyway, down to business - something major is about to happen.]

"Major?"

[~When it happens, don't let it leak out to the shrine maiden. If you do, you will probably all end up dead.]

"I don't know what you are talking about."

[~You will. Anyway, besides that, I decided to help you out a little bit.]

"A little bit?"

[~Think of it as insurance.]

Something lands in front of Grimnír.

(single selection only)
[ ] Earth Sign, 「Stone Fortress」
[ ] Fire Sign, 「Focused Immolation」
[ ] Logos Sign, 「Calculated Risk」
[ ] Deus Sign, 「Unlikely Coincidence」

Loading User Commands:
[X] Analyze
[X] Experiment

---

"Oh shi-"

[~No time for that. Calm down.]

What?

[~You aren't going to die here.]

Hmm.

[~You can do this on your own.]

Alright.

"Think," Grimnír mutters to himself.

Among the classical elements, Air is associated with several other words. The Mind. Intellect. Consciousness. Focus. Communication. Understanding. Kindness. Spring. East. The Wand. Childhood. Sunrise. Beginnings. Gravity. 9.8 meters per second squared. You'd end up a bloody mess on the ground from this height. Shit.

Grimnír shakes his head. A glance at the ground tells him that he doesn't have much time. He needs to try something. Anything.

"Just jump into it and you'll figure it out." she said.

Marisa must be nuts. However, he doesn't see much choice at this point. First, he tries flapping his arms around like a bird. This only succeeds in causing him to spin violently. Then, he tries various different hand gestures and poses. While fun, they don't seem to help any. He tries controlling his breathing. This helps him calm down, but he still feels the pain of the wind searing at his skin.

He is starting to fall too quickly, and the air is starting to burn in his throat. He feels like if he opens his mouth, he will be torn inside-out. The pain is unbearable. He is starting to see ripples in the air as he falls. Is he seeing things?

"..."

No, it isn't an illusion. Even if he closes his eyes, he can sense the ripples. This is the true form of the air. The wind itself is alive. He calms himself as he tries to communicate and synchronize with the element...

"CRASH!"

Pain. His whole body is in pain. It hurts. It really hurts. It really, really hurts. Everywhere. Anywhere. He can barely think without feeling a sharp jolt at the back of his head. He can't move his fingers. He can't even raise an eyelid. It hurts so much that he wants to die.

Huh?

"That was amazing, ~ze! Did you see him swerve? And on his first time too!"

"Forget about that for a minute! He might be badly hurt! What the hell were you thinking?"

Seems like he isn't dead yet. He opens an eye to see two blonde figures flying toward him from above.

[ ] Close your eyes and pass out peacefully.
[ ] Grasp desperately at the sky before falling unconscious.
[ ] Whisper something before blacking out. (Specify)
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] Train flight magic (air element)

---

"I-is this really a good idea?" Grimnír asks.

"This is the best way to learn ~ze!" Marisa says. "With this method you will either learn magic or die trying!"

"T-that's what I'm afraid of..." he says loudly.

Grimnír tightens his grip on Marisa as she flies higher. Fear has completely replaced embarrassment at this point. Soon, Alice's cottage is nothing but a tiny speck on the ground.

"How did I get into this mess..." he mutters.

...

"I'd like to learn how to fly," he says.

"Flying takes some time for a beginner," Alice says. "You should start with some basic exercises and try to hover a few feet above ground. Then you can try -"

"Flying is easy ~ze!" Marisa says, interrupting her. "You just need to feel the air around you and make yourself light."

"It isn't that simple!" Alice counters. "You need to visualize the elements and slowly channel your energy. You need to understand and communicate with the air itself. It isn't just a lifeless thing. Careful and patient study is the key."

"Bah! That would take too long ~ze!" Marisa says. "Just jump into it and you'll figure it out."

She jumps on her broom and grabs Grimnír's hand.

"You won't even need reagents for this one ~ze," she says.

Before he can reply, she pulls him onto her broom and starts flying upward. Grimnír holds tightly to Marisa. He grabs something that feels strange and soft. Her smile widens.

"Oh, you're more forward than I thought ~ze," she says.

Grimnír blushes as he adjusts his grip to a more acceptable position.

"Hang on, ~ze!"

...

"Good luck, ~ze!"

Grimnír's puzzlement turns into horror as he plummets to the ground.

"Oh shi-"

[ ] Observe
[ ] Experiment
[ ] Analyze
[ ] Panic
[ ] Pass out
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] "Do you mind if I go with Alice?"
[X] Talk about his encounter with the fairies.
[X] Ask about Yukari.

---

"Do you mind if I go with Alice?" Grimnír asks.

Marisa's eyes widen as she slowly lets go of his hand. For a moment, she has a strange expression on her face. Then, it turns into a sly smile.

"Does our nameless apprentice have a fancy for pretty little Alice?" Marisa asks.

"Ma-Marisa! Stop saying such things so carelessly!" Alice says.

"Eh? I don't mind. I know when I'm not wanted ~ze," Marisa says as she pretends to cry.

"It isn't that. I just feel safer around her." Grimnír says.

Alice quickly turns away. Marisa giggles madly. Grimnír blushes as he realizes what he just said.

"E-er, I mean... Umm..."

Marisa pats him on the shoulder and gives him a wink.

"A-anyway, you can call me Grimnír. It should do until I recover my memories"

...

"Grimnír the Grey ~ze? Sounds like someone is really getting into the role of a wizard!" Marisa says.

"I think it's a good name." Alice says.

Grimnír is holding calmly to Alice's hand as they fly over the Forest of Magic. Marisa is flying beside them with her sack tied to her broom. Several dolls follow from behind carrying Alice's trunk. He estimates that they have a few minutes before they arrive at Alice's place. Marisa offered her cottage for the training, but Alice was against it. In the end, they decided by flipping a coin.

"Say, can I ask you two about something?" he asks. "It's a long story, but..."

Grimnír carefully describes his encounter with the wild fairies, his attempts at using magic, and meeting Yukari while he was unconscious. To keep the story simple, he doesn't mention the other voice in his head that told him about _____ magic. He has a feeling that he should keep that part to himself. When he finishes his story, the two girls stay silent for a few moments.

"W-well, isn't that amazing ~ze? Looks like I wasn't mistaken about him. He really has potential!" Marisa says.

"..."

"What do you think, Alice? We should have him inscribe that spell into a Spell Card right away ~ze!" she says.

"I don't think that is a good idea," Alice says. "If that spell caught Yukari's attention that quickly, it must be really dangerous. Don't you remember at the meeting? She fell asleep while Reimu was discussing the different incidents. She must have manipulated the border to enter his world at that time."

She turns to Grimnír with a serious expression.

"Until we understand how that spell works, I think you should avoid using it." she says.

"Alice is such as killjoy ~ze!" Marisa says.

...

When they arrive at Alice's cottage, Marisa grabs him by the shoulders.

"You should start thinking about what magic you want to try out ~ze. I'm looking forward to something flashy!" she says.

"I recommend trying something simple, since you're a beginner. No matter how talented, a magician must master the basics." Alice says.

Grimnír pauses to think.

Focusing on a single spell will probably work best, since they only have a few hours till the sun sets.
[ ] Train defensive magic (earth element).
[ ] Train offensive magic (fire element).
[ ] Train flight magic (air element).
[ ] Train utility magic (water element).
[ ] Train _____ magic.
[ ] Custom

Loading User Commands:
[X] A single tear rolls down his cheek.

---

"E-e-eh?" Alice stammers. "Y-you were watching?"

Grimnír looks away. A single tear rolls down his cheek. He wipes it away quickly.

"I just saw your puppet show earlier, and I didn't want to disturb you."

Alice looks a bit embarassed. Grimnír gives her a gentle smile.

"I was touched."

"T-thank you!" she manages. Her cheeks are red, but she looks quite happy.

"Did you write that yourself?" he asks. "It was very well written."

"Now you're just teasing me," she says. "I make a few stories of my own now and then, though they aren't very popular."

Suddenly, several packages are shoved into Grimnír's arms. He peeks between them to see a familiar wide smile.

"Here ya go! I got us some supplies for your training ~ze!" Marisa says. "Good thing I caught the bunny girl before she returned to Eientei."

"Marisa! Don't just dump all those things on him!" Alice says.

"Why not? He put up with your depressing little play, didn't he?" Marisa says. "This is all for him anyway ~ze!"

Alice bites her lip. She looks furious. Marisa ignores her and turns to Grimnír.

"Anyway, I have something exciting for us to do when we get back ~ze!"

Grimnír gives her a puzzled look.

"We're going to make you some Spell Cards!"

Grimnír pauses. Keine gave him something related to that, if he isn't mistaken. Before Grimnír can say anything, Marisa grabs his hand.

"Anyway, let's go ~ze!"

Alice's dolls are already packing up her things into a trunk. She isn't smiling.

''Umm..."

He recalls the first time he went flying with Marisa...
[ ] "Do you mind if I go with Alice?"
[ ] "Never mind, it's nothing. Let's go."

He thinks about what to talk about. It will be a short trip, so he can talk about only one or two things.
[ ] Talk about Spell Cards.
[ ] Ask Marisa about how she spent her day in the village.
[ ] Talk to Alice about her puppet show.
[ ] Talk about his encounter with the fairies.
[ ] Ask about Yukari.
[ ] Custom