Kurt continued speaking.
“The Seventh Magic Horn level is the highest among magic horns. Moreover, only a few of these legendary magic horns have existed in the history of Magic Warriors over the last few hundred years. I never thought… Nero would have such talent…”
“Eh…”
Is it really such an amazing magic horn?
Could it be… I got a bit too carried away?
“After all, you are a genius!”
Kurt embraced me so tightly it was almost painful.
Noticing that I was dazed, he loosened his grip.
“Ah… sorry. By the way, I hadn’t properly explained it yet.”
“No, it’s fine.”
In retrospect, I regretted not finding a way to convey earlier that I was a Seven-Horned one.
“The magic horn indicates the strength of magical power based on the number of horns. To operate as a Magic Warrior, you need at least a Third Magic Horn level. The Fourth represents an outstanding individual, the Fifth denotes an Ace level, and by the Sixth, one has achieved a status akin to that of a hero.”
What does it mean that I surpass even that?
While feeling a sense of dissonance within myself, I couldn’t help but wonder about something.
“Can’t you become a Magic Warrior with a First or Second horn?”
“That’s right… it’s not that they lack magical power, but their magic is basic living magic and isn’t suited for combat. In terms of magical power assessment, they are represented as points and lines because they have no horns, and most people fall under the First and Second Magic Horn levels. In that sense, being a Magic Warrior is a job that only a limited number of people can do.”
I see, so that’s how it is.
I possess the power to protect myself from magical creatures. I should think of that as lucky.
“And the magic horn is greatly influenced by lineage. Children born to parents with strong magic horns are more likely to inherit appropriate magic horns. That’s why those who hold a certain status in Felgaya have had strong magic horns for generations. Nero is a fine son of mine. He’s inherited our blood. Hahaha!”
Kurt laughed proudly.
So, magic horns are genetic.
But I’m a homunculus; how does that work?
I suppose I do seem to have inherited some magical genes…
Moreover, if we’re just looking at magic horns, I’m stronger than my father.
Does that mean I’m stronger than Kurt?
No, I don’t feel that way at all…
I can’t use magic like Kurt, and I don’t feel like I could perform the techniques he used when he defeated that magical creature.
“But I… can’t do things like you, Dad?”
“Hahaha, that’s only natural.”
Kurt laughed with affection.
“?”
“No matter how strong the magic horn, if you don’t know how to use magical power, it’s like having a treasure that goes to waste. Even when we talk about usage, the methods are diverse. Just because I teach you doesn’t mean you’ll grasp it right away. It requires steady training and deep understanding… Maybe I’m saying things that are a bit too complex for you, Nero…?”
“No, not at all. I understand it well.”
“Ohhh! Just as expected from my son! You’re too smart!”
Kurt hugged me again and rubbed his cheek against mine.
His stubble is prickly!
Having been watching us with great interest, Ayra finally seemed to snap back to reality and spoke to Kurt.
“You’ve been blessed with an incredible talent in your son…”
“Yeah.”
Kurt replied with a beaming smile.
“It’s a bright prospect for humanity’s future, but doesn’t this also shine a light on the existence of homunculi?”
That’s right.
If we can artificially create homunculi with magical power, we could mass-produce excellent Magic Warriors to combat magical creatures.
It’s only natural to think that way.
“I don’t quite understand it myself.”
“Huh?”
Kurt smiled wryly.
“I merely followed the alchemical texts to perform the transmutation; I didn’t do anything special this time.”
“Is that so…?”
“If I had to say, it’s a result of the love between me and Diana, I guess? Hahaha.”
“…”
Ayra shrugged, looking exasperated.
In reality, it seems Kurt and the others had attempted the homunculus transmutation several times and had failed each time, not changing their method with each attempt.
It’s just a coincidence that I happened to be reborn as one of those failures.
To recreate a homunculus like me, someone else would need to be reborn.
Moreover, they would have to notice the existence of growth responses and overcome that many times.
It sounds pretty challenging.
While I was thinking about this, the priest who had collapsed finally got up.
“I sincerely apologize… I have high hopes for your wonderful talent. I pray that your son grows up healthy.”
He said this and bowed deeply.
So, have I now reached the starting line as a Magic Warrior?
But at this rate, I would end up being eaten by a magical creature.
I recalled the moment of my death in my previous life.
I don’t want to go through something that painful again.
To prevent that, I have to learn how to use magic quickly.
As I thought this, the words naturally slipped out of my mouth.
“Hey, Dad, teach me magic!”
Kurt momentarily widened his eyes in surprise but quickly broke into a broad smile.
“Oh, you’re full of motivation! Wonderful! Alright, I’ll teach you everything I know!”
“Yay!”
Thus, my life as a Magic Warrior began .
