Ch.132Chapter 132: Another Magic.

After pondering deeply, Valt noticed something strange.

Most people categorized the magic used by orcs as black magic, but from Valt’s perspective, that wasn’t the case.

While it certainly had a gloomy feel that might give the impression of black magic, the magical energy itself wasn’t particularly dark.

This was something only those who had directly observed the mages, like Valt, Arias, and Liris, could perceive.

The other mages were too busy supporting the expedition to notice.

“Liris, Arias, there’s something I’m curious about…”

Valt was, after all, someone who went crazy for magic.

Arias and Liris, too, were able to properly sense the magical energy possessed by the orc mages, as this was their first time observing them up close.

“I think I know what you’re curious about, Valt.”

Arias, who responded thus, continued with his explanation.

Among them, Arias clearly had the lowest magical achievement, but elves were the race closest to magic after the fairy folk.

Though specialized in elemental magic, elves diligently trained in magic because they knew that mixing elemental magic with basic white magic made it stronger.

Arias, too, was currently focusing on his elemental spirit because its growth was too rapid, but he knew the most about magical theory among them.

“This isn’t black magic. The spells themselves are negative curses or debuff-type magic, which makes them feel like black magic, but the mana they’re using…”

As Arias trailed off, Liris picked up where he left off.

“Rather, it feels closer to nature.”

Liris used a unique magical system called blood magic. As such, she utilized blood as a medium when manipulating magical energy.

This was because it had a unique composition that converted the life energy in blood into magical power.

“That’s right… I’m not sure how the magical energy of such ominous beings feels closer to nature, but my opinion is similar.”

Valt had felt something similar, and now all three of them shared the same opinion.

This was something that needed investigation. However, they had already killed all the orc mages in this area.

“Do you have any guesses?”

Elves, who live for a long time, have a history as long as their lifespan.

Naturally, long-lived species find it easier to pass down knowledge, as those who know the old stories are still alive.

“I heard this from an elder, but in ancient times, there were many diverse magical systems.”

“Aren’t magical systems quite diverse even now?”

To Valt’s objection, Arias shook his head.

“It just seems that way because such people happen to be gathered around you, Valt. In reality, most magic today has been unified under white magic.”

White magic, which had the fewest side effects and was the easiest to use, had been selectively developed, and its efficiency and power had increased through years of research.

“But it wasn’t like that in ancient times. White magic was just one of many types of magic. Magic back then was different from what it is now.”

“Explain in more detail.”

Arias searched through old memories to satisfy Valt’s curiosity.

“Well, besides black magic, white magic, elemental magic, and blood magic, there was also a form called shamanism.”

“Shamanism?”

“Yes, a type of magic that manifests miracles using nature and objects as mediums. Its usage was cumbersome and much less efficient than white or black magic, so only a few forms remain today.”

Shamanism.

Valt had read about it in books. It was definitely a supplementary magic that utilized strange objects and materials as mediums.

While it lacked direct killing power, it primarily consisted of spells that debuffed enemies or strengthened allies, just like what they were witnessing now.

In a way, magic could cause phenomena that could be called natural disasters.

In such a context, merely weakening enemies and slightly strengthening allies might seem insignificant.

Indeed, shamanism had disappeared due to such efficiency concerns.

But Valt had just witnessed the power of shamanism with his own eyes.

Shamanism, which exerted tremendous power in large-scale warfare.

Valt decided he must learn it.

“Are you sure? Is it really shamanism?”

But even Arias looked puzzled.

If Lati were here, they could know for certain, but they couldn’t summon someone from the north who wasn’t present.

“Probably…? I think so? I can’t be absolutely sure it’s not black magic, but…”

That was enough for now.

There were still many orcs left.

“There’s a lot to discover in the main battle. I’m glad we came this way.”

Valt speculated.

That an organization called the Dark Assembly had revived shamanism that even orcs could use, through some method.

Whether they borrowed the power of artifacts or used some other method, he was certain those guys were up to something.

“D-Don’t tell me. Valt, you want to learn shamanism too?”

At Arias’s words, Valt nodded.

“Yes, it seems incredibly useful in large-scale battles, so there’s no harm in learning it.”

“Hmm… Is that so? Well… Shamanism must still be passed down somewhere, but finding such minority tribes would be more difficult. It would be good if we could get something from investigating the orcs.”

It wouldn’t be easy to get information from orcs who couldn’t communicate, but it was certain that the orcs held clues.

Liris joined the conversation.

“Speaking of shamanism, Valt, you’re currently under one.”

“Huh?”

Valt’s eyes widened at Liris’s unexpected statement.

“The Soul Contract. It might not be perfect shamanism, but it’s a type of it. It’s impossible to interfere with souls using magic. This is a kind of contract, a deal, and a spell that uses blood and soul as mediums. It’s quite different from magic. It’s more similar to shamanism.”

“Huh? Is that so?”

Liris nodded and continued.

“It’s a specialty created by the ancient progenitor of vampires, so it must have many conditions and restrictions attached. I’m guessing that conditions and restrictions are major characteristics of shamanism. The progenitor probably created it by combining the shamanism and magic of that era.”

Another hint.

He had merely harbored suspicions, but now he felt much closer to the new magic called shamanism.

Valt’s instinct told him that after this war, he would be able to obtain hints on how to learn shamanism.

“Great! I’m getting excited. Shamanism! What an interesting power.”

Even orcs, synonymous with stupidity, could learn shamanism.

Of course, it wasn’t that Gerungtu was too stupid to learn magic compared to orcs, so it’s reasonable to assume that if the method was known, Gerungtu could also learn shamanism.

Valt was in a good mood at the thought of learning magic that anyone with aptitude in Gerungtu could attempt to learn, unlike blood magic which came with many restrictions.

While Valt, Arias, and Liris were conversing thus.

Grace and Luktan, who had dealt with the Orc Lord, came strolling out of the forest.

Upon spotting Valt, Luktan raised his hand high, greeting his younger brother warmly.

“Haha! Little brother, I had a feeling, and sure enough! Not even a scratch on you, you rascal.”

Luktan was truly proud of his brother.

Luktan was a warrior to the bone. With immense pride in being a great warrior of Gerungtu, he had actually been a bit displeased when their father, Kwan, pursued magic-focused policies.

He felt it would have been much more suited to Gerungtu’s nature to learn about aura, the way of the warrior, rather than neglecting it.

Of course, he well understood how magnificent and powerful magic was.

But while his head acknowledged it, his warrior’s heart couldn’t accept it.

However, his youngest brother not only learned magic but also found a way for Gerungtu to learn aura.

He couldn’t help but adore him.

Thanks to that, he had overwhelmingly defeated the Orc Lord, which he had honestly been unsure about.

Valt grinned as he greeted his seemingly unharmed brother.

Though slightly dirty from the intense duel, he didn’t even have any major injuries.

It was hard to believe he had just dispatched an Orc Lord.

“You too, brother, look like you just took a stroll through the forest. Was the run quite intense?”

Luktan could only laugh at Valt’s playful remark.

After facing the Orc Lord with Grace, they had rested their tired bodies briefly before rushing to Valt.

But seeing Valt more unscathed than expected, he was regretting not spending more time with Grace in the forest.

However, seeing his brother standing firmly after dealing with all the orcs, he felt that the future of Gerungtu was bright.

As Luktan approached with his fist raised, Valt extended his own to meet it.

CRACK-

As expected of Gerungtu, even a fist bump was different from that of Central Continent humans.

Arias and Liris were a bit startled by the sound of bones cracking but dismissed it, thinking, “Well, it’s Valt after all.”

“Let’s get ready, brother. Time is of the essence. I need to learn the orcs’ magic.”

What was this now? Just when Luktan thought they might rest, it seemed his brother was planning to rush to the plains where the main force was confronting the enemy.

“Shouldn’t we… rest a bit?”

“The decisive battle is the day after tomorrow anyway. Isn’t one day of rest enough? I need your help.”