Side: Eric Eltor
I believed I had received an education befitting the eldest son of the Eltor ducal family.
Those around me called me a prodigy, and I had the confidence and had put in the effort to deserve that title.
That’s why, when my younger brother was born and I saw him using magic, I felt a sense of unease.
First and foremost, magic is something that cannot be used without being taught by someone. Yet, Fly was enveloping his entire body with magical energy and releasing it.
How could a five-year-old child do such a thing? No, I had seen it with my own eyes—it must be possible.
“How can you use magic? And why do you expend all your magical energy every time? Doing something like that could be life-threatening, you know?!”
My five-year-old brother had a somewhat absent-minded demeanor, and despite his adorable appearance, his reckless actions filled me with anxiety.
“Ah, is that you, brother? I just sort of figured out how to use magic.”
“Sort of?!”
“Also, this is training to increase my magical capacity.”
“Huh? Increase your magical capacity?”
“Yes.”
What is this kid talking about? The total amount of magical energy one possesses is determined at birth and cannot be increased.
I’ve been told that I have more than the average person, but that’s only in comparison to ordinary people.
Mages, on the other hand, are born with a much larger capacity for magical energy. It’s normal for them to have at least twice as much as I do.
That’s why I thought I had to work hard not only on magic but also on swordsmanship.
“Don’t be ridiculous. There’s no way something like that is possible!”
That’s right. If such a method truly existed, everyone would be doing it. I, too, would want to learn it if it really worked!
“What’s wrong? Are you scared?”
“Hmph!? I’m not scared at all.”
It’s true that when you’re on the verge of running out of magical energy, you get a headache and feel like vomiting. It’s painful.
“I’d like to see you try it, brother. Ah, but if you really run out of magical energy, you could die, so make sure to stop before that happens.”
“Hmph, fine.”
I cast a small-scale fire attribute spell, one that consumes magical energy to sustain itself.
Even this much is incredibly taxing. Just maintaining the spell drains my magical energy. I could feel my energy being consumed bit by bit, and it was terrifying.
“Ugh!”
“Brother, hang in there. Just a little more!”
I continued to use my magical energy as he said, and soon I was hit with a headache, dizziness, and nausea.
“Okay, brother, that’s enough.”
“Ugh!”
I stopped the fire spell as he instructed. The moment I did, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was in bed, having been severely scolded by my father.
I thought I would never do it again, but the next time I used magic, I was shocked.
It was clear that my magical capacity had increased.
“Fly!”
“Hm? Brother, I’m sorry. It seems you got scolded by father.”
What are you talking about?! This is a groundbreaking discovery. Even the Magic Tower, where they research magic, hasn’t proven anything like this!
“What are you saying? You were right. My magical energy really did increase!”
“Huh? Really? But it’s so exhausting, so I think I’ll stop. You should stop too, brother. It’s dangerous.”
Even though he told me to stop, Fly continued his training alone. Even now, he was drenched in sweat, his face pale from the headache and nausea.
I see. He must have felt guilty after I collapsed. How pathetic of me to be worried about by my younger brother.
I couldn’t lose to my brother. I continued to train desperately.
Five years passed, and my magical energy had grown to ten times that of a normal mage. However, once I turned twelve, my magical capacity stopped increasing.
Was there some secret to it? With this question in mind, I decided to ask Fly.
It felt a bit embarrassing to ask my ten-year-old brother, but I thought Fly might know something.
“Fly.”
“Oh, brother, what’s wrong?”
“Well, my magical capacity has stopped increasing.”
“Ah, I see. It’s probably because your vessel is complete.”
“Vessel is complete?”
I didn’t understand a single word my brother was saying. What is this “vessel”? What is he talking about?
“Brother, you said it yourself, right? That the total amount of magical energy is determined at birth. I think people are born with a vessel for magical energy, and the total amount they can increase is also predetermined. You’ve probably reached the limit of that capacity. Well, that’s just my guess. I don’t really know.”
He ended with a dismissive tone, but it was an incredible insight.
A genius stood before me. He must have researched this all on his own. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been. Yet, simply because I’m his older brother, he shares everything with me without hesitation.
I am so proud to have such a precious brother.
“Fly, what do you think I should do from now on?”
“What do you mean? You can use attribute magic, right?”
“Yes, I’ve been told I have an affinity for up to two attributes.”
“Two attributes? Don’t you mean all attributes? I can see eight types of magical energy coming from you.”
“What?!”
He can see my magical energy even when I’m not releasing it? I have no choice but to acknowledge Fly’s abilities. Just how much power does my little brother possess?
“By the way, Fly, what’s your attribute?”
“Me? I don’t think I can use attribute magic. Maybe I’m non-attributed?”
“What?!”
How cruel. Oh, gods. If only you had not given me all these attributes and instead bestowed this talented brother with such power.
“I see. I’ll become a mage who wields all attributes and surpass everyone. Fly.”
“Huh? Yeah. Good luck. It’s going to be tough, though.”
“Yes, I’ll carry your regrets for you.”
I hugged my ten-year-old brother. A genius who, despite his brilliance, was not blessed with the right talents. I will make sure that your knowledge and research are never forgotten by the world.
When that time comes, it won’t be my name that’s remembered—it will be yours.
To achieve that, I will earn the recognition of the Magic Tower and seize the highest authority.
