TV-Series
Description
Kato El Altestan is an elderly human mage who serves as the revered mentor of the young prodigy Lelei La Lalena. He is a figure of significant reputation, known throughout the Empire as a legendary sage and a master of combat magic.
Originally, Kato was a leading authority on magical research in the academic city of Rondel, where he specialized in natural philosophy and what he called the physics of magic. For reasons that remain unspecified, he eventually left the city and relocated to the remote Coda Village. There, he lived as a hermit, becoming known to the locals as the sage of Coda while continuing his research and teaching the village children. Later, following the emergence of the Gate and the subsequent unrest, he fled with the villagers and settled among the refugees in the special region, specifically in the settlement of Arnus. In this new environment, he took on the role of an executive within the cooperative living association, dedicating himself to teaching language and literacy to a diverse group of students from both the Empire and Japan. He even authored a popular Japanese language textbook for locals, which was nicknamed the Red Book.
In terms of personality, Kato is intellectually brilliant and straightforward, possessing a relaxed and broad-minded attitude that distinguishes him from other, more rigid magicians of the Empire. He is notably free from envy and is quick to openly praise genuine talent in others, making him a beloved and respected figure. However, he is also known for his mischievous and sometimes perverted sense of humor. He has a habit of making lewd jokes, particularly directed at his emotionally reserved disciple Lelei, partly out of genuine mischief and partly as an unorthodox method to provoke a reaction from her. These inappropriate comments are often met with physical or magical retribution from Lelei, who has been known to attack him for his behavior. Despite his playful and sometimes embarrassing antics, he is deeply benevolent and takes his role as a teacher and fatherly figure seriously, caring for the well-being of the refugees and his students.
Kato’s primary role in the story is as the mentor and guide to Lelei La Lalena. He recognized her exceptional ingenuity early on and encouraged her magical research and experimentation, including her innovations using scientific concepts from Japanese textbooks. He is also a key ally to the protagonist, Yōji Itami, and his group, supporting them in major events such as the battle against the flame dragon. His reputation as a master mage is so great that simply being known as his disciple grants Lelei immediate recognition and respect among Empire officials. While his relationship with Lelei is central, it is also marked by his persistent, though unsuccessful, attempts to engage her emotionally through awkward jokes. He is also seen interacting with other characters, such as the elf Tuka Luna Marceau, but his insight is limited when dealing with matters outside his expertise.
Kato’s development is less about internal change and more about demonstrating his unwavering principles. He has largely removed himself from the competitive academic hierarchy of places like Rondel, showing little interest in climbing ranks and remaining a sage despite possessing power that could qualify him as an arch-mage. His key action in terms of narrative development is supporting Lelei’s pursuit of the prestigious Master title. After her success in the flame dragon expedition, he authorized her to challenge for the title at the youngest age ever recorded, solidifying her place in magical academia.
As a mage, Kato is considered one of the most distinguished and powerful in his world, holding the highest Master title in magic. While his exact capabilities are vast, he is known to be able to conjure powerful explosive blasts and compress air to use as magical attacks. His true strength, however, lies in his profound knowledge. His expertise in natural philosophy gives him a unique, scientific understanding of physical phenomena like volcanic earthquakes, which are strange occurrences to most in the Special Region. This blend of immense magical power, sharp intellect, and an open, generous spirit makes him an invaluable figure who bridges cultural and magical divides.
Originally, Kato was a leading authority on magical research in the academic city of Rondel, where he specialized in natural philosophy and what he called the physics of magic. For reasons that remain unspecified, he eventually left the city and relocated to the remote Coda Village. There, he lived as a hermit, becoming known to the locals as the sage of Coda while continuing his research and teaching the village children. Later, following the emergence of the Gate and the subsequent unrest, he fled with the villagers and settled among the refugees in the special region, specifically in the settlement of Arnus. In this new environment, he took on the role of an executive within the cooperative living association, dedicating himself to teaching language and literacy to a diverse group of students from both the Empire and Japan. He even authored a popular Japanese language textbook for locals, which was nicknamed the Red Book.
In terms of personality, Kato is intellectually brilliant and straightforward, possessing a relaxed and broad-minded attitude that distinguishes him from other, more rigid magicians of the Empire. He is notably free from envy and is quick to openly praise genuine talent in others, making him a beloved and respected figure. However, he is also known for his mischievous and sometimes perverted sense of humor. He has a habit of making lewd jokes, particularly directed at his emotionally reserved disciple Lelei, partly out of genuine mischief and partly as an unorthodox method to provoke a reaction from her. These inappropriate comments are often met with physical or magical retribution from Lelei, who has been known to attack him for his behavior. Despite his playful and sometimes embarrassing antics, he is deeply benevolent and takes his role as a teacher and fatherly figure seriously, caring for the well-being of the refugees and his students.
Kato’s primary role in the story is as the mentor and guide to Lelei La Lalena. He recognized her exceptional ingenuity early on and encouraged her magical research and experimentation, including her innovations using scientific concepts from Japanese textbooks. He is also a key ally to the protagonist, Yōji Itami, and his group, supporting them in major events such as the battle against the flame dragon. His reputation as a master mage is so great that simply being known as his disciple grants Lelei immediate recognition and respect among Empire officials. While his relationship with Lelei is central, it is also marked by his persistent, though unsuccessful, attempts to engage her emotionally through awkward jokes. He is also seen interacting with other characters, such as the elf Tuka Luna Marceau, but his insight is limited when dealing with matters outside his expertise.
Kato’s development is less about internal change and more about demonstrating his unwavering principles. He has largely removed himself from the competitive academic hierarchy of places like Rondel, showing little interest in climbing ranks and remaining a sage despite possessing power that could qualify him as an arch-mage. His key action in terms of narrative development is supporting Lelei’s pursuit of the prestigious Master title. After her success in the flame dragon expedition, he authorized her to challenge for the title at the youngest age ever recorded, solidifying her place in magical academia.
As a mage, Kato is considered one of the most distinguished and powerful in his world, holding the highest Master title in magic. While his exact capabilities are vast, he is known to be able to conjure powerful explosive blasts and compress air to use as magical attacks. His true strength, however, lies in his profound knowledge. His expertise in natural philosophy gives him a unique, scientific understanding of physical phenomena like volcanic earthquakes, which are strange occurrences to most in the Special Region. This blend of immense magical power, sharp intellect, and an open, generous spirit makes him an invaluable figure who bridges cultural and magical divides.