NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6
After experiencing magic for the first time and getting carried away, I suffered the consequences of magical exhaustion and went through a personal hell. Once my mana had recovered, I made a promise with Mea.
The promise was simple: I wouldn’t reveal to anyone that I could use magic. The reason behind this secrecy was the unique nature of this world. My talent in magic was extraordinary, and it could be seen as a threat. To prevent being targeted and eliminated prematurely, I decided not to disclose my abilities, especially since my own brothers might send assassins after me.
This world is really dangerous. It’s hard to believe that families here resort to killing each other. It’s a sensation that’s utterly alien to me as someone who used to be Japanese.
Despite my wariness of this new reality, I found myself once again practicing magic at the magical training facility today. Since I had already confirmed that I excelled at the six fundamental attributes, except for the unique and derived attributes, I planned to experiment with attributes like time, space, charm, and the derived attributes such as lightning and ice.
If I recall correctly, Jin, the character I often played as in the game, was skilled in using lightning magic. Lightning, the attribute that any anime geek would be envious of. Of course, I had indulged in fantasies about it in my past life!
“By my will, wield the thunder—【Thunderbolt】!”
With a crackle of energy!
I imagined the magic that Jin used in the game and activated it. To my surprise, the conversion rate of my mana for lightning magic was superior to any other attribute I had tried before. Magical conversion rate is a Measure of how well a user’s mana aligns with a specific attribute. It determines how effectively a certain amount of mana can be converted into that attribute’s power.
For the fundamental six attributes that I’m attuned to, despite being a Sensory-type, I had a success rate of over 90% in converting my mana. This demonstrated a high degree of compatibility.
However, the conversion rate for lightning was almost close to 100%. I now understood why Jin favored lightning magic so much in the game.
“Well, lightning magic is a bit too aggressive to be very practical.”
Seriously! Having a high aptitude for magic that’s hardly usable is quite pointless. Maybe he didn’t need to care about others’ opinions since he was playing the role of the villain.
I, on the other hand, may also end up confronting the hidden forces eventually. So, it might be a good idea to learn a few powerful finishing moves just in case. For now, my goal is to become as strong as Mea and possess power equal to hers.
As things are, I’ll always be under Mea’s protection. That’s why I want to become strong enough to protect her instead. And who knows… she might even come to like me?
Even though the chances are probably lower than winning the lottery jackpot. But men are idiots. Give them the slightest chance, and they’ll give it their all.
As I envisioned a sweet future with Mea, lost in thought, the natural mana in the surroundings suddenly became chaotic.
Or, to put it more accurately, it avoided me.
Ah, so the time has finally come. Well, according to the setting notes, it’s supposed to happen around four times a week. Ugh, seriously? How troublesome!
Do these psycho bastards have nothing better to do than seek me out?
Aaargh!
As I’m internally screaming, my psycho brother, Ben DivineSword, walks in.
Ben DivineSword may look like the handsome type, but he’s a complete psycho. His twisted pleasure comes from destroying those weaker than him. His perfectly chiseled face is practically oozing with a wicked smile.
“Hey hey, Jin~ So you’ve finally given up on swordsmanship and switched to those lowly, honorless magic tricks, huh? Well, you were always a failure without talent in swordsmanship.”
Yes, that’s absolutely correct.
Magic offers more flexibility and adaptability compared to swordsmanship. It’s far more versatile than brute force and aggression. I’ve fallen head over heels for the allure of magic.
— Of course, I can’t say any of that. I need to mimic Jin’s response that I’ve imagined in my head.
“Quit bothering me! You can only say that for now! Besides, I haven’t given up on swordsmanship at all!”
That’s a lie. I’m done with swordsmanship and couldn’t care less about it.
“Hah! You’re always so good with your mouth, aren’t you? If you’re so confident, want to fight again? Well, I’ll definitely crush you, no matter how you look at it!”
Ben’s face deepens into a grin, but seriously, he’s already ten years old. Isn’t it common sense that a five-year-old can’t beat a ten-year-old? What an idiot!
Does he not understand even that? Seriously!
After thoroughly mocking Ben in my mind (this is important), I calm down and consider the pros and cons of this impending battle.
Given Jin’s personality, there’s no doubt he’d accept the challenge. So, the choice of not accepting isn’t really an option.
The advantage is that this will measure the difference in power between Ben and me. The disadvantage is the potential exposure of my magical abilities. But well, whatever. I doubt he’d notice anything about my magic.
“Bring it on! I’m ready! I’ll definitely win!”
“Shut up!”
Oops, got a bit too excited.