Not the youngest… but Baize earned the title of Mage at a relatively young age.
Compared to other mages, the age gap feels like that of grandparents and grandchildren. It’s no wonder Baize has outstanding talent in magic.
“What kind of method did you use to tangle the spell like this?”
A question mark floated above Baize’s head as he scrutinized my spell more carefully.
With confusion and incredulity on his face, he studied the spell I had cast and blinked repeatedly.
‘Hmm…’
Surprisingly, Baize’s overall level of magic was… lower than mine. He couldn’t interpret parts of the spell I had created.
‘Well, he must have had to deal with a lot to get his magic affinity and observations right…’
His magic skills were noticeably improving. The synergy between his magic affinity and observational powers was indeed remarkable. Although he wasn’t at a satisfactory level yet, he was standing out among the cadets.
Most importantly, Baize hadn’t unlocked his full potential yet.
“It must be really tangled, so it won’t be easy to manifest… Plus, you’ve lowered the stability too much, increasing the chances of errors during manifestation. If you’re lucky, it’ll fizzle out, but if not, it could backfire. Did you really go around doing this recklessly?”
That was quite a convoluted assessment. Politely wrapped, but in plain terms, it meant it was practically useless magic.
It wasn’t wrong. It’s true the magic was highly dangerous.
I had nearly lost my arm once because I messed up an attack against Aerus.
‘…But I had no choice but to modify it…’
I didn’t regret learning magic.
Having learned various spells made things a lot easier. I used it for everyday life, camping, and even combat.
But against truly powerful enemies, basic magic often didn’t work.
Of course, my lack of skill was a primary reason, but another factor was that the enemies were simply too strong for my level.
Basic spells didn’t help much, so I had no choice but to crank up the output drastically.
[Yes, I’ve been using it quite well]
“How…?”
[Uh…]
[By manipulating the mana well?]
Baize looked utterly befuddled. His expression felt like he was staring at a lunatic, while I internally hid my bewilderment.
‘I really don’t want to get those kinds of looks from him…’
For my fifth run, I originally intended to pursue the traditional mage route.
I started with my unique ability being “Mana Manipulation” and oriented my hidden pieces and growth direction that way.
During the first semester’s entrance ceremony, I got a hidden piece from the Egg of Creation.
An artifact for consuming type: Order of Reversal.
Its grade is the same top-tier level as the Proof of Protection I’m wearing, a precious treasure designated as a crucial strategic asset by any faction.
Its effect is to modify the internal circuits. Of course, being a human body, there’s a realistic limit to the modifications, but it’s hard to overstate how crazy an effect this is for a mage.
‘Like a martial arts novel’s transformation? Or a metamorphosis? Something along those lines?’
Anyone extraordinary wouldn’t disagree, but especially for mages, circuits are as crucial as life itself.
No matter how pure and abundant mana a core might have, if the circuit acting as plumbing is subpar, only a trickle can flow.
No matter how much talent someone has in magic, if their circuit is lacking, the magic they can manifest will also be limited.
So, well-off families feed their kids valuable elixirs and hire professional mages to help organize the circuits they’ve just begun forming, pouring immense capital and effort into their core and circuits from a young age.
Even then, many are unsatisfied with the results.
In the middle of all that, how valuable would this Order of Reversal be?
Especially for my fifth run, it’s an incredibly valuable artifact.
After raising my level a bit more, I had planned to seek help from a few mage characters to overhaul my circuits.
I was surely set on pursuing the traditional mage route. I had everything planned out.
‘If only it weren’t for Baize Dietrich…’
That was indeed the case… but Baize Dietrich’s bizarre idea derailed my plans.
What? If I could manipulate my circuits freely, I could use them as a spell?
Then with one simple action, with a punch, magic could be unleashed at supersonic speed?
I could use hardening techniques, release mana at high output, and even use reaction forces to exponentially enhance the efficiency of hardening techniques, making close combat top-tier?
How could I resist that temptation?
And now, the very guy who stirred that temptation in my fifth run was looking at me with those eyes. It was utterly ridiculous.
[…Anyway]
[How can I increase the output from here?]
Hiding my unease, I asked that.
Baize hesitated, clearly struggling to continue his words.
“…Increasing the output from here is genuinely dangerous. It’s already pretty risky.”
[It’s not like I intend to apply it right away]
[I just want to know for knowledge’s sake, in case a situation arises later]
[Studying is meant for that, right?]
“Well, that’s true.”
Baize, who seemed hesitant, nodded in agreement with my explanation.
He was such a silly person for hesitating when he would agree so easily.
I again shook my head to reassure Baize.
[It’s okay]
[You won’t die]
I had tried something similar and didn’t die.
.
.
.
When the time limit was up, Professor Friedrich wasted no time in starting the test.
The test was straightforward.
First, Professor Friedrich would assess whether the defense and offense were well established and maintained. Then, paired cadets would each take on the roles of attack and defense to check the performance of the defense-style.
“Now, I’ll start the test in order. Cadet Hannah Brown, Cadet Nayel Garcia.”
“Yes.”
“Sure.”
“First, we’ll check for maintenance abilities before assessing each other’s offensive and defensive capabilities. Please activate the defense-style.”
The two cadets faced each other and activated the defense.
– Whoosh!
Magic surged around the two cadets. The mana began to form spells, with various spells fitting together like a puzzle, occupying the space.
“Maintenance check. First, Cadet Hannah Brown will take on the offense.”
“Okay!”
The summoned cadet stretched out their hand immediately.
“─”
– Whoosh!
With a brief incantation, a bright red fireball manifested in front of their hand.
It was an ordinary procedure, but the fireball released under the defense’s support showed a fiercer intensity than usual. Soon, the fireball was shot out.
– Boom!
The fireball flew vigorously towards a barrier in mid-air and exploded upon impact.
The barrier shook, rippling like water. A loud explosion created thick black smoke.
Professor Friedrich, who stared unblinkingly, nodded impassively.
“Cadet Hannah Brown, you’ve done excellently with maintenance and offense. However, there are a few flaws in your composition spells. Such weaknesses leave room for disruptive magic to infiltrate during the attack, so please keep this in mind for your next defense creation.”
“Yes! Thank you!”
“Now, it’s Cadet Nayel Garcia’s turn to take offense.”
– Whoosh!
“…Cadet Nayel Garcia. The defense is especially remarkable. You’ve built it very sturdily. But the absence of countermeasures is a significant weakness for a defense-style. Please improve on it later.”
“Sure! I’ll work on that!”
The evaluations didn’t take long to unfold.
Paired cadets showcased their defense and attack spells once each, and after surveying the results, evaluations followed.
Although it seemed unenthusiastic at a glance, the precision with which it identified the defense’s issues revealed that the professor was indeed a veteran.
Most cadets were pointed out for quite a few issues.
Of course, it was the first lecture, so it was inevitable. Understanding that, the cadets who received feedback and Professor Friedrich alike showed no concern.
Everyone here was talented enough to enter Shio-ram. With the assumption that they would improve through the feedback, the possible attitude was justified.
“Cadet Baek Ahrin… both maintenance and support, offense and defense, were all excellent. Particularly, I was greatly impressed by the incorporation of your mana into the defense’s barrier.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Some cadets received praise without much critique.
Notably, Baek Ahrin was among them.
The defense she demonstrated was certainly impressive.
She appeared to have already accumulated relevant knowledge, skillfully and flawlessly establishing her defense. Her defense perfectly blocked the opponent’s attack, and with a follow-up counter, the opposing female cadet’s defense had frozen up, losing multiple functions.
– Vroom!
While appropriately comforting her despondent opponent, Baek Ahrin suddenly turned towards us and struck a victory pose.
She made a gesture with her fist clenched, extending her index and middle fingers, reminiscent of an embarrassing memory I had with Hong Yeon-hwa.
“……”
She showed no concern for those watching her. Being hit by such strange glances from those around, I clapped awkwardly, suppressing my unease.
“Cadet Lee Ha-yul, Cadet Baize Dietrich.”
[Yes]
“Yeah.”
“Please activate your defense.”
Finally, it was our turn.
We nodded and activated our respective defenses.
– Whoosh!
Magic surged dramatically, filling the space around us. The mana intertwined rapidly to form spells. The spells manifested in perfect alignment like a puzzle, floating in mid-air.
“Hmm.”
Professor Friedrich suddenly fell silent. His serious gaze scrutinized the defense I had just displayed.
“…The manifestation was swift, and the activated defense has no issues. Well done.”
[Thank you]
It was brief feedback, but nothing followed it.
It seems I managed to construct it correctly as per the training. I felt relieved, but wasn’t particularly joyous.
Fulfilling the instructions step-by-step. Thanks to the power of observation, the process was incredibly easy.
“Maintenance confirmed. First, Cadet Lee Ha-yul will take on the offense.”
I was up first.
“…I’ll do my best.”
As I took a step back, I noticed Baize gulping, visibly tense.
I could understand why. He had just observed my spell and offered advice.
He could feel the condition of my magic and the state of my spell and had likely guessed the output.
Professor Friedrich’s gaze was palpable.
Not only was it the professor looking this way. Baek Ahrin, and the cadets who had already been evaluated, along with those yet to be evaluated, were all looking at us.
Under such scrutiny, I prepared my spell.
The spell I was preparing was an ordinary mana-based attack. Naturally, I would use my modified version rather than the original.
‘Hmm…’
Suddenly, advice from Baize a moment ago flickered in my mind.
While his overall level of magic was lower than mine, he still had something to offer.
The principle that the exceptional eventually stands out no matter where they hide applied here too.
He truly excelled at odd spells that shouldn’t even be considered relevant to him. If I kept interacting and absorbing his advice, it would undoubtedly be beneficial.
‘The invocation of circuits…’
Circuits and spells; both are ultimately frameworks through which the mana flows. If I could somehow use them effectively, I could manipulate the circuits as spells.
It wasn’t only me who had that thought. But all others dismissed it, shaking their heads, considering it a lunatic’s act.
Because you can’t control it.
Circuits always carry mana, and controlling that all to be converted into magic is almost impossible.
Even if manipulation were possible, it would be a hundred times more convenient and efficient to simply invoke it the conventional way.
‘Hmm…’
Manipulating mana.
To me, with mana affinity, this was as easy as breathing. Mana affinity allows one to do what others can’t.
I moved the mana. My outstretched right arm aimed as I directed the mana along my circuits toward my fingertips.
… I didn’t expel the mana outside. A little experiment. When else would I get a chance like this? Such questions should be tackled through direct experiences.
– Crackle!
Feeling the circuit twist, I flicked my finger.
‘Mana Strike.’
– Whoosh!
‘Huh!?’
The sharp slicing sound hit me as winds sliced through the air, sending a chill down my spine.
– Ka-Kwaaaah─!
The crescent-shaped white energy blade erupted forth, so immense that its edges nearly penetrated the ceiling and floor.
“Waaah!”
Baize’s defense couldn’t hold against the strike for even a moment. The defense tore apart, and he, as if anticipating it, didn’t hesitate to leap aside.
Utilizing spatial powers reflexively, I dragged Baize along with me as I dodged.
The slicing energy continued unabated, crashing into the wall.
– Whoosh! The barrier struck by magic tore like paper, the cutting sound preceding it, as the blade penetrated deep into the wall.
“……”
The crescent left large gashes in the floor and ceiling as it disappeared. The torn wall revealed various internal structures.
I blinked in shock, mouth agape.
– Splash!
The sound of liquid splattering echoed in my ears.
The surrounding gazes of shock surged toward me.
[That hurts]
And then the ominous premonition… No, the pain.
Swallowing hard, I looked at my right arm.
Hanging loosely… my “two-part” right arm wobbled.
It was cleanly split from between my middle and ring fingers to my elbow. The stark contrast of the torn bone and muscle was painfully visible.
Blood spurted like a fountain, pooling on the ground, the torn arm sleeve falling in soaked with blood…
– !!!
The surroundings snapped back to reality as chaos erupted. Baek Ahrin rushed over, pouring healing magic onto my right arm.
‘Ugh, ugh…’
In the midst of it all, I trembled, not from pain, but from fear.
My arm was wobbling. It hurt.
But it didn’t feel overly significant.
Rather, I was more terrified of the rage my condition would incite in the people around me…
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