episode_0038

Magic.

Implementing fate through mana. In other words, it’s manifesting various phenomena at the cost of mana.

The skill known as magic was born alongside a great upheaval.

Back then, most magic was simple and intuitive, referred to as mana manipulation techniques. However, as time progressed into modern times, magic diversified into dozens, even hundreds of branches.

Low-tier magic, Mana Shot.

The term “low-tier” in this context represents the difficulty level set by the most influential mage union in the world, the “Mage Council.”

The council designates six ranks similar to those of heroes and hunters: highest, high, upper-mid, lower-mid, low, and lowest.

Low-tier… the easiest level of magical difficulty.

As mentioned earlier, magic during the time of great upheaval was so straightforward and intuitive that it could be considered mere mana manipulation.

Mana Shot was no different. During the upheaval, mages used spells similar to Mana Shot to subdue monsters.

Time passed since then. Nearly two centuries. A time when several nations fell.

In addition, the tumultuous 200 years, filled with all sorts of calamities and divine beings, was ample time for maps to change.

As time flowed, magic evolved. Particularly during such chaotic times, the development of magic that had the potential to quell that chaos was crucial.

– Charalak

Inside the library. Stacked with mana-related books, I found myself sighing involuntarily while reading.

Shiyoram is vast beyond measure. Most areas are dungeon-filled zones, but there are also many other expansive regions.

Commercial zones where people buy and sell necessities, residential areas where they reside, dormitories for students, facilities nearby, learning areas divided by grade, and more.

I haven’t seen many students from other grades while living in Shiyoram. After the three-month free semester, I might interact with students from other classes and grades, but for now, I haven’t come across them.

Anyway, the grounds are so vast that there are several libraries. This one is the closest to the first-year zone.

There weren’t many people in the library. It’s likely because many first-year students are still returning from the dungeons.

Despite the warm interior, the emptiness overshadowed any comfort it might have provided.

*Sigh…*

My thoughts wandered off track. The complexity of the book made me wish to escape. I dismissed such pathetic thoughts.

Setting aside the book I was reading, I unfolded another one I had brought along. Another book on magic.

Even with hologram technology relatively common, I wondered why people clung to physical books.

In truth, unfolding the book was unnecessary. Viewing the world through extrasensory perception rather than eyes, I could read the contents without opening it. It was a bit challenging before, but after entering the dungeon and growing, it became relatively easy.

Yet, I unfolded it anyway. This applied to other actions as well. Even though I didn’t need to speak, or see, I faced people when conversing.

Unable to taste, I chewed energy bars for health, occasionally eating proper meals even if my mood soured.

Unable to smell, I visited fields to pretend to smell the fragrance of flowers.

Afterward, I felt worse. I couldn’t enjoy things I once did. Comparing the past and present soured my mood.

Simultaneously, a sense of anger and thirst arose. Even in my current state, I believed that someday I would break the curse. When that day comes, how sweet will the world look to my eyes, and how delightful will its tastes and scents be?

A form of motivation. I wanted to boost my determination little by little, even if it meant doing so.

…Ah, my thoughts wandered again. What a pathetic person.

With a grimace, I set down my pen. As a change of pace, I stretched both arms upward.

*Sigh…*

A thrilling sensation ran down my spine from my fingertips. For a moment, clarity struck me. I expelled the tempting fatigue from the corner of my mind.

I unfolded the next book.

Let’s think about it.

The magic shot I tested before entering the dungeon.

It was smaller than my torso, with an effective range of less than 10m. The power was vague, barely cutting through the ground.

The magic shot used in the Nokgui Bulwark after entering the dungeon.

Twice the size of my height. An effective range that could cut through the bulwark, roughly over 30m. It sliced through the ground like slicing tofu and effortlessly cut the arms of around a dozen 8th-rank Nokguis and 7th-rank Nokguis.

Low-grade magic

“Magic Shot”

– Kagagagak!

The shot poured out from my fingertips. The rough pressure created by the shot cut the target in half without a hitch, causing it to tumble on the ground.

I left the library and arrived at the training facility for testing magic performance, the magic practice room.

As light clusters flew towards the split target and the imprinted shot on the floor, they neatly sealed the gap. It was a restoration magic inscribed in the facility.

“Hmm…”

The recent shot falls short compared to when I used it in the Nokgui Bulwark. Similar output to when I tested it upon returning to the base.

However, there is a clear difference between before entering the dungeon and now.

A noticeable increase in output that cannot be ignored.

Low-grade magic is not widely used. Due to its closeness to mana manipulation techniques, its method is primitive and intuitive.

It lacks the diverse composition seen in higher-ranked magic or the elemental changes found in lower-ranked spells.

Before advancing to the lower rank, understanding the basics of constructing spells is essential.

There are two main ways magic output can change.

First, modifying the spell itself.

A caster can modify the spell to suit their style.

While it may be challenging to find someone using the low-grade “Magic Shot,” many other spells are based on or derived from its structure.

I did not modify the spell. I used it as described in the book. Therefore, I set aside the first assumption.

Second, the uniqueness of the mana used in the spell.

If the mana used in the spell construction affects the outcome.

Consider Hong Yeonhwa.

She doesn’t deal with magic, but if she did, could she use ice magic with mana imbued with fire properties?

In reality, it’s nearly impossible. The spell fails as the mana’s nature conflicts during casting. When mana carries a specific property, spells opposing that nature mostly fail.

Most mages focus on one spell matching their mana’s nature or intentionally alter the mana’s properties for use.

I also have a unique mana nature.

– Your mana is exceptionally pure.

Professor Liana helped me with mana initiation.

She said this while examining my core’s mana.

Purity enhances efficiency, allowing smooth flow and increased output.

Having pure mana is a compliment, but calling it a nature feels odd.

– Um… How should I explain this? Should I say Ihayul’s mana is exceptionally pure? It’s somewhat different from other Awakened individuals’ mana.

Awakened individuals constantly train their mana after awakening.

They enlarge their cores, widen and solidify circuits, increase total mana, and steadily enhance their control.

Impurities seep in during the process.

External mana absorption introduces impurities, diminishing purity.

Maintaining mana purity is extremely challenging.

Such purity potentially impacts output. It’s not impossible. However, explaining the difference between using mana outside and inside the dungeon is complex.

“Sip…”

The nature of alcohol consumption and the characteristics of magic made it difficult to find an answer for two reasons.

“I want to know the reason if possible…”

The increase in magical output. At that time, it was too sudden, but upon closer reflection, it was definitely not a bad thing.

Rather, it was something to welcome with open arms. The only problem was the unease from not knowing the reason.

“…Spatial perception?”

The final possibility. The only thing that changed upon entering the dungeon was spatial perception.

The range had expanded compared to before, and the precision had also increased.

Although I didn’t fully understand it at the moment, there seemed to be something strange about spatial perception in the dungeon.

But setting that aside, could spatial perception have an impact on magic?

Not mana affinity or versatility, but spatial perception?

“It’s complicated…”

I sighed and drew up my mana. The meager mana, compared to others, transformed into a spell behind me.

Novice Magic

“Fireball”

– Whoosh!

A fireball rose from behind me. It was smaller than my head.

The fireball streaked through the air, hitting the target with a bang.

– Thud!

The target hit by the fireball was so destroyed that it was hard to recognize any traces. Shards scattered in all directions were evidence.

Today, I even dabbled in novice magic.

Perhaps due to the improved mana manipulation and the experience gained from using magic in the dungeon, I was able to handle basic spells.

Of course, I had only scratched the surface of the various types of magic related to combat.

I felt a slight sense of satisfaction. I was growing more smoothly than I had feared.

Upon checking, my martial arts skills had already reached the toes of an adept, and my unique abilities were gradually revealing their performance.

I had also started with mana, and if the mana amount for durability and resilience improved, I would be able to use them for extended periods.

I was even delving into magic. Currently, using it a few times would deplete my mana, but with enough mana, it would become a reliable card to play.

If everything continued on the right track, the chances of dying suddenly in some distant place would decrease.

Tower of Growth. As long as I met the target there, there should be no embarrassment in the process of obtaining the Necklace of Confession.

“Sigh…”

As I thought about my mana level, a sigh escaped involuntarily.

With sufficient mana, I could use durability, resilience, and magic all comfortably.

Increasing that mana was the biggest issue…

Was it the fifth round? That time, due to focusing heavily on magic, it was a round where mana was severely lacking.

So, I resorted to all sorts of tricks to obtain potions early on and looted Hidden Fissures…

Now, I couldn’t obtain anything like Hidden Fissures anymore.

“I wish I had just taken one potion…”

With mana affinity, I could absorb it more efficiently.

Regretfully shaking my head, it was an absurd thought. If it were that easy to obtain, it wouldn’t be called a potion…

Sighing, I left the magic practice room. I expanded my narrowed spatial perception for concentration.

The widened scope of spatial perception…

The interior of the building standing side by side in a straight corridor.

A woman walking towards me from a short distance away.

Her waist-length water-blue hair swayed as she approached.

Her eyes, reminiscent of a clear sea, blinked and gently curved.

It was a natural and gentle smile that instinctively relieved the tension of the viewer.

“Hello? Long time no see.”

Baek Arin smiled and spoke. It was the smile and voice frequently seen and heard in the first round.

In the eighth round, I saw and heard different expressions and words.

– I’m sorry. Instead, please die.

A stiff, frozen expression. A voice devoid of warmth, chillingly cold…

…A chill ran down my spine.