I Quit Being a Court Magician Apprentice to Become a Magical Item Craftsman
Alright, tonight is the Sabaoth !
In preparation for the Sabaoth , Belial started saying strange things again.
“If I, the king, were to suddenly arrive, it would cause confusion. They probably need time to prepare as well! Iriya , summon someone to announce my arrival!”
He wants to be fawned over at the Sabaoth . He probably also wants a grand welcome. He really does love being flashy…
So, I decided to summon Duke Eligor, a demon I had once summoned as a child during my summoning tests. Eligor is one of Belial’s subordinates and often accompanies him on hunts. He’s a bold knight-like figure who loves children, taller than Belial.
Equvar , Rini, and Sevillion are watching nearby. Rini is hiding behind Equvar , while Sevillion seems unusually excited.
I drew the coordinates, recited the incantation, prepared the sigil I had received from him before, and began the summoning!
“Come forth, Demon Eligor!”
Flames erupted at the coordinates, the surroundings faded into yellow, and the crimson center spread wide. The roaring sound of fire filled the air, and soon the demon Eligor appeared.
He knelt before Belial and bowed respectfully.
“Master, you look well.”
“Hmm. I have a task for you.”
“Yes, sir! What might it be?”
“I’ve been invited to the Sabaoth . You go ahead with Iriya and inform them that I will arrive later.”
“Is that so? Leave it to me. And where is Iriya ?”
Hmm? He’s standing right next to Belial… Did he already forget what I look like?
“…Isn’t he standing right in front of you?”
“Hahaha, don’t joke around. Regardless of hair color, his build is completely different. Don’t try to fool me.”
“Well, I haven’t seen you since you were a child. It’s been a long time, Iriya . Thank you for everything back then.”
Eligor stared at me, stunned.
Perhaps living in Hell numbs your senses. Demons generally keep their appearance unchanged. Especially higher demons—some haven’t changed in a thousand years.
“Have you really grown this much!? Even the way you speak is completely different… Back then, you were disrespectful and wild toward Master.”
“Lord Eligor, that’s…”
“SOOO COO!! Brother, what happened?! Why are you calling me Lord Eligor!?”
That’s the issue!? Is calling him “Lord Eligor” really such a problem? Why!?
“When I was young, I didn’t realize that Master and Lord Eligor held such noble positions. I’m deeply embarrassed.”
“That’s not the point!! Call me Big Brother, Big Brother!!”
“…What on earth are you talking about…?”
Belial sighed heavily.
Even Equvar and Sevillion, who had been impressed by the summoning, were now eyeing Eligor suspiciously, questioning if he was truly a duke.
“Master…! Master has been spending so much time in the human world, reducing our hunting outings… My only joy left was being summoned again and hearing Iriya call me Big Brother! To think that dream would be shattered now that you’ve grown up…!”
“Eh…!? I’m sorry…??”
Even if he asks me to call him that now, I can’t possibly refer to a duke as “Big Brother.” It seems those casual words from childhood created some odd preferences…
“It was such a precious opportunity to be called Big Brother by an unrelated little girl!! Damn it alllll!!! I’m so disappointed in humans!”
With exaggerated gestures, he expressed his deep disappointment. As expected of one of Belial’s subordinates—he’s quite the peculiar demon. I should have left him frozen in my childhood memories.
“Bi… Big Brother…”
“…Little devil, huh? What’s your name?”
Thanks to Equvar ’s intervention, Rini timidly spoke up to Duke Eligor. Eligor immediately stopped his wailing and looked down at Rini, who was barely half his height.
“…Rini…”
Rini answered nervously, and suddenly Eligor’s face brightened with a huge grin.
“Rini, huh~! So cute! That’s right, little devils never change. When we return to Hell, come to my mansion—I’ll give you an easy job and let you live comfortably!”
His invitation was shameless…
Even Belial looked dumbfounded.
“Eligor. Don’t do anything strange, alright…?”
“I won’t do anything improper! I just want to adore her! Being called Big Brother, playing together, eating snacks—I want that kind of life!!!”
The rawness of his desires was impressive. At this point, it was almost refreshing.
The Sabaoth in the Vastent Republic was incredible. A large shop was rented out, and the event was held in an ordinary town store. The shopkeeper, who had a contract with demons, provided the venue since it was easier than traveling to a remote mountain area.
And since it was in town, it was convenient for everyone to attend casually!
“Good evening, I’m here due to your invitation.”
When I opened the door with a sign indicating it was reserved, there was a desk right beside it with a welcoming display decorated with flowers. Inside, the store was already bustling with demons and humans.
“Welcome…?”
The receptionist woman glanced at me, then at Equvar and Rini, confirmed Sevillion, and finally froze upon recognizing Duke Eligor. She clearly knew what she was looking at.
Other demons and sharp summoners in the store also turned their attention to Eligor.
Despite the growing stares, he acted nonchalantly.
“I see, you appear to be a high-ranking noble! Please follow me; I’ll arrange a seat for you.”
Though it was a standing buffet, seating was available. An employee hastily moved a table slightly apart, placed cushions on the chairs, and set out a tablecloth and candles seemingly out of nowhere, arranging everything neatly.
“Huh? Oh, not me. My lord is arriving. The King of Hell, Lord Belial! Everyone, prepare yourselves to welcome him warmly!”
The entire store erupted in cheers. Having a king attend a Sabaoth was a special and highly honorable event. And during Sabaoth s, everyone freely revealed their identities because of the unspoken rule: nothing discussed at a Sabaoth leaves the gathering. It was like an open secret among insiders.
A seat was quickly prepared next to Eligor’s chair for the king. People began discussing whether more luxurious dishes were needed. Demons and participants gathered along the pathway from the entrance, forming a floral walkway. Everyone eagerly awaited the arrival. Lesser demons rarely got the chance to see a king up close.
Soon after, Belial arrived.
He was welcomed with applause, looking thoroughly satisfied. Predictable as ever.
“Now then, where is my seat?”
“Over here, please. We’re honored to have you. Hearing that a king has graced Chenkaslar ’s Sabaoth fills us with pride. Truly an honor!”
The hostess, smiling brightly, bowed repeatedly.
Belial’s costume was extravagant, her appearance flashy, her features refined, and her voice smooth. Aside from her personality, there was no flaw in Belial.
Chenkaslar likely wanted to boast about having three kings present. Thankfully, they hadn’t leaked any names.
Eligor pulled out a chair and waited for Belial.
Once Belial, the king, sat down, followed by Duke Eligor taking his seat, drinks were distributed, and a toast was made to officially begin the Sabaoth .
As usual, a chair was prepared for me at Belial’s table as his contractor.
I hated how conspicuous it made me… I didn’t want to stand out like him. Sevillion stood behind me as my disciple, asking if I wanted anything to drink or eat.
He seemed to be observing how others treated Eligor and Belial, studying the hierarchy and dynamics of Hell.
Equvar and Rini were near the entrance, but when Rini tried to get a drink, other demons teased her. Immediately, Eligor stood up and headed their way. He must have taken a real liking to Rini.
“Hey, did you manage to make a proper contract? Not getting tricked by humans again, are you?”
“……I’m fine……”
“Rini, bring a drink for Master’s contractor too.”
Since a duke like Eligor personally called her by name and gave her a task, the surrounding lesser demons were startled and distanced themselves from her.
“Um… what should I bring… is this okay?”
“The same as Rini’s will do.”
“Okay.”
With that, he returned to his seat. The crowd buzzed with whispers.
Rini brought me a drink, and Equvar followed behind her, observing the situation.
“Thank you, Rini-chan.”
“……Mm.”
“Rini, good work.”
For some reason, Belial spoke in an exaggeratedly authoritative tone. Wondering why, Equvar leaned in and whispered to me.
“It’s Belial’s consideration. No lesser devil in Hell has their name known by a king, right? This will protect her from harassment even after returning to Hell.”
I see. Both Eligor and Belial were worrying about Rini and deliberately showing familiarity to protect her. This wasn’t just about impressing people now—it would have lasting effects.
However, Eligor’s face practically screamed, “See? Aren’t I a great big brother?!” which made it hard to view him as purely a good demon. What a disappointing duke.
This Sabaoth , true to its setting in a shop, featured delicious food and drinks.
Thin, small dough sheets were provided, allowing you to top them with your choice of vegetables or meat, roll them up, and dip them in dressing. There was also cheese fondue, freshly baked croissants, bread pudding (a personal favorite), stir-fries, stews served in large platters, fruits, and mini cakes.
Held only twice a year, I might just attend every single one…!
Kings and dukes were constantly greeted by both humans and demons, leaving little time to eat, but they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Meanwhile, I savored the dishes with Rini. Nearby, Equvar and Sevillion chatted about their impressions of their first Sabaoth and plans for after returning home.
All in all, it was a private party-like Sabaoth , casually held in a rented-out shop.
It was so much fun!
Belial seemed satisfied, and on the way back, Eligor happily carried Rini on his shoulders. After seeing Belial carrying me, he apparently wanted to try it himself. Though Rini looked teary-eyed… He’s going to get disliked, this “big brother.”
After putting Rini down, Eligor turned to Equvar .
“You’re Rini’s contractor, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Why?”
“Iriya , you should be able to summon me without needing my sigil. I won’t harm Master’s contractor, so I’ll leave it with this man.”
Eligor spoke while glancing at Rini, who had hidden behind Equvar .
“Understood. Here, Equvar . Don’t show it to anyone.”
“Can I summon you too?”
Handing over the medal-like sigil, I watched as Equvar hesitantly accepted it.
“If Rini gets into trouble, summon me! Make sure to practice your summoning skills. Rini, your big brother will protect you. If anyone bullies you, tell me—I’ll turn them to ashes!”
Just like Belial, consulting with him isn’t really an option. His retaliation methods are extreme. Instead of feeling reassured, Rini looked anxious.
“Understood. Isn’t that great, Rini?”
“Ah, even if you die, don’t summon me. You don’t matter to me. It’s Rini, Rini. I won’t make a contract with you. You really don’t matter.”
Honestly, his straightforwardness is something else…
Eligor returned to Hell that very night. After all, he wasn’t counted among the inn’s guests. He kept making Rini call him “big brother” repeatedly until Belial finally scolded him for it.
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Top Tools for Learning Japanese: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners and Beyond
Learning Japanese opens doors to a rich culture, unique career opportunities, and a rewarding personal challenge. Whether you’re captivated by anime, planning a trip to Tokyo, or looking to expand your linguistic skills, the right tools can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. With so many apps, websites, and resources available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
This guide highlights the top tools for learning Japanese, catering to different learning styles, budgets, and proficiency levels. From gamified apps to immersive software and conversation practice platforms, these tools will help you master vocabulary, grammar, Kanji, and more. Let’s dive in!
Why Learn Japanese?
Before exploring the tools, it’s worth noting why Japanese is a valuable language to learn:
- Cultural Immersion: Understand anime, manga, and Japanese literature in their original form.
- Career Opportunities: Japan’s global influence in technology, business, and entertainment makes Japanese a sought-after skill.
- Cognitive Benefits: Learning a non-Latin script language like Japanese can enhance memory and problem-solving skills.
Now, let’s look at the best tools to help you achieve your goals.
1. Duolingo
- Best For: Beginners seeking a fun, gamified approach.
- Key Features:
- Free with optional premium upgrades.
- Bite-sized lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
- Listening and speaking exercises to practice pronunciation.
- Gamification elements like points, streaks, and leaderboards.
- Why It Stands Out: Duolingo’s user-friendly interface and reward system make it ideal for building a daily learning habit. It’s perfect for beginners but may need to be supplemented with other tools for advanced learners.
2. Rosetta Stone
- Best For: Learners who prefer immersive, structured lessons.
- Key Features:
- Paid subscription with a focus on immersion.
- Interactive lessons covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Speech recognition technology for pronunciation feedback.
- Lessons build on each other for gradual progression.
- Why It Stands Out: Rosetta Stone’s immersion method helps you think in Japanese rather than translating from your native language. It’s ideal for serious learners looking for a comprehensive curriculum.
3. Memrise
- Best For: Vocabulary building with spaced repetition.
- Key Features:
- Free with premium options.
- User-generated courses and official Memrise content.
- Spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques for memory retention.
- Audio and video clips from native speakers.
- Why It Stands Out: Memrise excels at making vocabulary stick. Its use of real-life videos and community-driven content adds variety and cultural context to your learning.
4. Anki
- Best For: Customizable flashcard learning, especially for Kanji.
- Key Features:
- Free on most platforms (paid iOS app).
- Create custom flashcard decks or download pre-made ones.
- Supports images, audio, and example sentences.
- Spaced repetition system (SRS) for optimal review timing.
- Why It Stands Out: Anki’s flexibility allows you to tailor your learning to specific needs, like mastering Kanji or advanced vocabulary. It’s a favorite among serious learners for its effectiveness.
5. Tae Kim’s Guide to Learning Japanese
- Best For: Grammar-focused learners.
- Key Features:
- Completely free online resource.
- Comprehensive grammar lessons from beginner to advanced levels.
- Clear explanations with practical examples.
- Available as a mobile app for offline access.
- Why It Stands Out: Tae Kim’s guide is a go-to for understanding Japanese grammar. Its straightforward approach demystifies complex concepts, making it a must-have for self-learners.
6. HelloTalk
- Best For: Conversation practice with native speakers.
- Key Features:
- Free with premium options.
- Connects you with native Japanese speakers for language exchange.
- Text, voice, and video chat options.
- Built-in correction tools and translation features.
- Why It Stands Out: HelloTalk bridges the gap between textbook learning and real-world conversation. It’s perfect for practicing speaking and listening in a supportive environment.
7. Kanji Recognizer
- Best For: Learning and recognizing Kanji characters.
- Key Features:
- Free app available on Android and iOS.
- Draw Kanji on your screen to search for meanings and readings.
- Provides stroke order, example words, and readings.
- Offline functionality for on-the-go learning.
- Why It Stands Out: Kanji Recognizer is a handy tool for quickly identifying and learning Kanji. It’s especially useful for beginners struggling with character recognition.
Tips for Maximizing Your Learning
To get the most out of these tools, consider these strategies:
- Set Clear Goals: Whether it’s mastering 100 Kanji or holding a 5-minute conversation, specific goals keep you motivated.
- Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Even 15-30 minutes a day can lead to significant progress.
- Mix and Match Tools: Use a combination of apps for well-rounded learning. For example:
- Vocabulary: Duolingo or Memrise.
- Grammar: Tae Kim’s Guide.
- Speaking: HelloTalk.
- Kanji: Anki or Kanji Recognizer.
- Embrace Mistakes: Language learning is a process. Don’t be afraid to make errors—they’re stepping stones to fluency.
Conclusion
Learning Japanese is a journey that requires dedication, but with the right tools, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. From gamified apps like Duolingo to immersive platforms like Rosetta Stone and conversation tools like HelloTalk, there’s something for every learner. Start with the tools that best fit your style and goals, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations.
Ready to begin? Choose your first tool and take the first step toward mastering Japanese today!
