“The magic in this world is composed of seven attributes: fire, water, wind, earth, light, darkness, and space-time. The most important thing in mastering magic is to focus on developing your strongest attribute. The growth rate between your strong and weaker attributes is significantly different. Therefore, anyone aspiring to learn magic must first use a measurement orb to determine their strongest attribute.”
After reading the preface of the magic book, I decided to stop and prepare the measurement orb as instructed.
It was easy to retrieve since it was covered in dust on a shelf in my study.
The orb resembles a small globe, with metal plates surrounding it and a button-like part on the handle.
“Uh… I’m supposed to touch here, right?”
Following the instructions, I placed my hand on the button section of the measurement orb. It’s said that its glow indicates your strongest attribute and gives an approximate measure of your magical power.
Then, I felt a slight sensation of something being drawn from my fingertips.
So, this is magic power… I thought, trying to remember the feeling. Just then, the orb started glowing.
It shone red, mixed with blue, green, orange, white, black, and purple… an inexplicable blend of colors, like a chaotic mix of paints, suddenly erupted into a blinding light.
“Whoa!?”
Instinctively shutting my eyes, I felt a burst of light explode behind my eyelids. Slowly reopening them, I saw the measurement orb smoldering with smoke.
“Did… I break it?”
I tried pouring my magic into it again, but no matter how many times I pressed the button, there was no response. It seemed to be completely broken.
Well, I guess it’s fine… Not ideal, but I’ll set it aside for now.
If it glowed in seven colors… does that mean I can use all seven attributes? And with that much light, my magic capacity should be pretty high, too.
I returned the broken measurement orb as if nothing had happened. No one in my family can use magic, so it should go unnoticed… I hope. Slightly nervous, I resumed reading.
“Hmm… I guess that’s enough theory for now.”
Finishing the basics of magical studies, I decided to move on to practice. Given the measurement orb explosion, I apparently have a considerable amount of magic power. With enough magic, I should be able to practice more often, so it’s better to try things out directly.
I’m the type who skips tutorials and just jumps into games. My body was already itching to get started.
“I’d prefer to do this outside… but I’d rather not be seen, so I’ll just practice in my room.”
If I stick to simple spells, like water or wind magic, nothing too dangerous should happen.
“Let’s see…”
I recalled the contents of the book I had just read.
In this world, magic essentially causes real physical phenomena by using magic power as an energy source. The process can be broken down into three main steps:
- Circulate the necessary amount of magic power from the organ known as the “magic core” and release it outside the body.
- Create a clear mental image of the spell while releasing the power.
- Transform the magic power into magic.
So, I decided to start with step one.
Thanks to channeling magic into the measurement orb earlier, I could now clearly sense the presence of magic power. It felt surprisingly natural, considering I hadn’t been able to sense it until now.
The magic core is located slightly above the bladder, in the lower abdomen. I drew out enough magic power for a spell… I wasn’t sure how much, so I decided to err on the side of more.
Then, I circulated the extracted power within my body, making it revolve. I could feel a warmth building inside, seeking an outlet.
Almost as if I’d always known how to do it, I stretched my palm forward. The magic power flowing through my body passed through my arm and gathered in my palm.
As planned, I chose to use wind magic. Imagining a gentle breeze, I let the magic flow from my palm.
Once again, I felt the sensation of magic power leaving my body, just like with the measurement orb.
Following my mental image, the magic power transformed… and a sudden gust lifted my bangs.
Rather than a gentle breeze, it was more like a strong wind. It pushed my hair back completely.
I must have used too much magic power, resulting in a much stronger effect than I’d intended.
(Succeeding on the first try is promising… I might actually have a talent for magic.)
The basic magic textbook mentioned that it usually takes around two weeks to use a beginner-level spell after learning to sense magic power. But if I could manage it instantly like this… it’s hard not to feel optimistic.
And so, I immersed myself in magical practice, spending my childhood honing my skills.
