I Reincarnated to Another World as a Woman-Chapter 123: Theo, The Magic Teacher

Theo fights the King with a magic-formed crystal sword in his hand. The blade is one manifestation of Thea’s endless magic resonance.

It is a shame that Thea had died. If she had been trained as a magus, she would have been the most powerful one to ever exist.

Theo is slightly distracted. His regret over Thea’s demise has never been this strong before. He is witnessing a young woman’s potential that could never be realized by her.

Such a shame.

And a distraction amid battle, no matter how small, is dangerous.

He feels a sting on his left upper arm. Something has cut him. He looks down and sees blood. His focus snaps back instantly.

He attacks the King with renewed strength, with a single, clear thought.

I’m ending this.

Wind blades whirl from his hand. Thousands of them.

"I’m bored with this," he says calmly. "I’m not playing anymore."

He floats backward and sends three lightning strikes at the King, so fast it has no time to dodge even one.

Soon, the King collapses. Its breathing slows... then stops.

Theo lands in front of the body and watches as it begins to disappear.

He frowns.

Not all of it fades.

The human torso, parts of the limbs... some vanish, some remain.

And what is left is unmistakably human.

Theo freezes.

He hears footsteps behind him. He doesn’t need to turn around. He knows the motley crew is approaching.

They gather around the remains.

"Oh my god... is he human?" Maeve exclaims. Fear creeps in as she unconsciously steps closer to Theo.

Julian crouches. "I can’t believe it. But this is a human corpse. Or what’s left of it."

Arthur steps closer. "Are you sure, Jules?"

Julian pulls out a scanning device from his backpack. He checks it once. Then again.

"Yeah. I’m sure. This is human. How can a Dungeon King be part human?"

Silence falls.

"I... I have a guess," Julian says slowly.

"You guys remember the fused man? He was still conscious when he died. I believe he was a failed experiment. Human fused with heartstone. To what purpose, I don’t know." He swallows.

"But what if this..." He gestures at the corpse.

"...is a successful experiment?"

Liam’s jaw drops. "You’re saying someone is actively experimenting on humans, fusing them with heartstones, and already succeeded?"

"I’m stating an educated guess," Julian answers quietly. "Based on everything we’ve seen so far."

Silence falls again.

"I think," Arthur finally says. He exhales slowly. "I think Julian’s guess is the most plausible explanation. But that creates a new problem for Altheon. Someone, or something, is experimenting with human and heartstone fusion. Which means more dungeons like this will appear. And more people will go missing."

"When we get out, we need to inform the capital," Liam says. "Arvion can’t handle this alone."

"I agree," Arthur nods. "The mayor of Arvion is not competent enough to deal with threats like this. We need to bring this to Solarys."

"I’ll help," Julian adds. "Monfort Industries will help too. This is no longer a local issue. I’m afraid dungeons like this are already appearing elsewhere. This is an Altheon-wide problem. Every country needs to be aware of it."

Julian nods to himself. "I’ll start writing the report while we wait for the heartstones to appear."

"Why are we waiting for the heartstones?" Maeve asks, confused.

"Because heartstones only appear when the danger inside the dungeon is completely gone," Julian explains. "If they don’t appear, it means there’s still a threat here. Or that wasn’t the real Dungeon King." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"Now we wait," Liam says.

Then... an awkward silence follows.

The four of them slowly turn to Theo.

He isn’t wearing a mask anymore. His face is plain to see. A man in his early forties. His eyes are dark brown, holding a kind, warm gaze. His brows are neither thick nor thin, just average. Everything about him is... average.

Fine wrinkles line his face, only enhancing his gentle, almost fatherly presence.

He removes his baseball cap, revealing slightly curly dark brown hair streaked with gray.

His amused smile, the faint wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, all quietly say the same thing.

This is a good man.

"I suppose I owe you an explanation."

Arthur wants to say that he doesn’t. But that would be a lie. Even if he trusts this stranger, curiosity still burns in him.

"Let’s all sit down. Somewhere comfortable."

Theo flicks his wrist.

A round wooden table rises from the ground, followed by chairs. They are formed from the glowing trees, their soft light giving the furniture a gentle glow of its own.

Everyone waits for Theo to sit first.

Realizing this, Theo chuckles and takes a seat.

"It’s been a while since I was the oldest in the room."

Once everyone settles, Theo finally speaks.

"Let’s not talk in circles. I know you’re curious about me, so I’ll tell you what I can."

"My name is Theo. I am a magus. I disguised myself as Aldriana because I didn’t want people to know that I can use magic. I wanted to stay hidden. I’m not dangerous. I have no intention of conquering the world or anything like that. I just want a quiet, calm life."

He pauses.

"However, I was pulled into the Beachwalk dungeon. I had to survive. And I couldn’t let other people die. But I still didn’t want anyone to know who I was."

"So... I created Aldriana."

Silence settles over the table.

The other four glance at one another.

Theo chuckles softly. "There’s no need to feel scared or awkward. I will still honor my deal with Liam. Everything Aldriana promised still stands."

He leans forward, resting both hands on the table.

"So I will continue training Liam in magic. Arthur too, if he wishes to continue. And Julian, as well."

"I truly don’t mind."

"And as you can see," he adds calmly, "the problems with these dungeons aren’t going to end here."

"Any questions you want to ask me? Or any comments?" Theo closes his explanation.

Silence.

Julian slowly raises his hand.

Theo laughs. "Just speak. You don’t need to raise your hand like this is class."

Julian clears his throat. "Erm... Master Theo. First of all, erm, thank you for coming to my rescue. I really appreciate it. Erm... I just want to say that I want to continue studying magic."

"Yeah, me too," Liam is quick to follow.

"I have no intention of stopping my magic studies," Arthur says firmly. "Whether you are Aldriana or Theo, it doesn’t matter to me, Master."

Theo is slightly taken aback.

He knew they were thirsty for magic knowledge now that they had tasted it, but he expected hesitation after revealing himself. At least some doubt.

Instead, he sees resolve.

He smiles. "Thank you. But don’t call me Master. Call me Theo."

"I’m... I’m sorry." Maeve raises her hand.

"I... is there a way for me to continue learning about my magic?" she asks.