Zeke decided to use the two skill tomes he got as a reward.
'System, how exactly do I use these?'
*The skill tomes act like consumables, Zeke. Once you use one, it will disappear forever. The skill you're going to get in skill tomes can sometimes be the one I see most suited to you or just random skills fit for the current you. The skill tomes also vary with rarity, but right now, the skill tomes you have will provide you skills that I deem suitable for the current you. Also, skills vary with their functions so you won't always get passive or active skills.*
'Alright, since you say so System. Why don't you go ahead and use one for me?'
*Yes, Zeke. Opening a skill tome.*
After a few seconds, a ding resounded in his head. A new wave of information surged through Zeke's mind as he hurriedly organized it.
*The skill you obtained isn't exactly a skill, but it's the fundamentals in handling mana inside your body. The name of it is Mana Circulation. It isn't exactly a skill but more like a mastery. Since it fits the category, I'll unlock the mastery section for you.*
'Wow. Can you really do that? I mean, don't I only unlock sections by completing quests?'
*Not necessarily, Zeke. You only unlock something through quests because you earned it. I can unlock my features to you as long as I... see you fit for it.* The voice paused near the end of the sentence, seemingly swallowed some words it meant to say.
'Alright then. Quick question, why do I not see the next quest in my progressive quest? I remember its something like System Upgrade, right?'
*The current you is unsuitable for it, Zeke.*
Zeke felt sad. He didn't have any more quests to do which meant that he also doesn't have a goal right now.
As if sensing his thoughts, the system spoke.
*The progressive quests aren't the only quests available. There will also be quests depending on the circumstances.*
'Sigh. Alright, I'll hold on to that. Let's get back to my skills. Can you explain what my new skill is about?'
*Yes, Zeke. Mana Circulation is the basic fundamental that each magician needs. To use and fire off mana, one needs to know how to circulate it first into parts of the body. For example, to cast a fireball, one needs to guide his/her mana through his/her fingertips. The skill book helped you quickly learn and ingrain the instructions in your head. All you need to do now is to familiarize yourself with the actions.*
'Sweet! I'll try to use that later on. System, can you use the last skill tome now?'
*Yes, Zeke. Opening a skill tome.*
Ding! Another surge of information.
*The new skill you obtained is something that I deem suitable for the current you. Its name is Mana Skin. It lets you coat your whole body with mana, enhancing combat capabilities while also having armor to protect the flesh.*
'Hmm? Why a defensive skill?'
*The skill isn't only a defensive one. As I said, it could also enhance your movements and physical actions, making it a good defensive and offensive skill. I deemed this as a must-have for your age since your body is still weak, and if you encounter an enemy who wants to hurt you, your body wouldn't last long.*
After Zeke heard the system's explanation, his mind felt cleared as if clouds hovered his mind previously. When he opened the skill tomes, he excitedly wanted an offensive skill, something like Fireball or any cool magic. However, when the System mentioned his body, he realized that his body indeed is fragile at his age. Having the ability to cast an offensive spell might be good, but it will only be good in battle if the user isn't someone who could be killed by a few hits. The system prioritized his current weakness and assessed his current situation, while Zeke only looked at the future and being cool.
'You're right. Thanks for the info, System!'
Zeke thanked the system sincerely for giving him a reality check. He realized that this world isn't some game, and dying here is the same as actual death. At first, he was just excited about having a fun life, but as he witnessed the event regarding their trip to Dragonsoar City, he realized that he could indeed be killed by his naivete in here. It is possible for him to have fun only we he could at the very least protect himself.
*No problem, Zeke. It is my duty to guide my user on the right path.*
After a few seconds, the system spoke again.
*Zeke, your consciousness is going back to your body now. You're going to wake up in your body within seconds. Remember that you can speak to me by using your thoughts.*
'Huh? Oh.'
Zeke forgot that he was still in his consciousness due to the mana core formation. He didn't really regain his consciousness long after his mana core formed.
Outside his body, Charles and Catherine moved Zeke's unconscious sitting body into the living room where Catherine and Esteban looked after while Charles ordered the maids to clean the debris. Charles also went outside to inform the guards about the incident so they won't be alerted. He seemed to have thought of a good idea regarding this.
The guard who ran from the nearby post saw Charles and heaved a sigh of relief.
"Your Majesty! I heard an explosion coming inside your house. Do you need any help, your Majesty?"
"No. Tell the guards not to worry about it. It was just a little experiment of mine. Tell them not to worry as no one got injured and the explosion was controlled. Could you trouble me to watch out for the three families and tell them about the situation? I know they'll understand it. I'll be at my house as I still need to rebuild the room. Also, can you call someone to fix the roof?"
"Y-yes, your Majesty! I'll inform the other guards about it and I'll stay guard here to inform the three Royal Families."
"Very good. I'll reward you later." Charles smiled. A plan seems to be brewing in his mind.
Charles went back to the living room full of smiles. Catherine looked at her smiling husband and inquired.
"You really plan on fooling those friends of yours?"
"It's not called fooling, Cath. It's called keeping your cards hidden. Besides, this is just too absurd. What will we tell them then? That our son who isn't even 3 years already formed his mana core while also being a quadra elemental?"
In fact, Charles, Catherine, and Esteban got it all wrong. The trio only saw the outside of the ball of wind, but they didn't see the insides of it. While the ball of wind showed four elements outside, there was actually bits of mana particles inside that are different colors than the four elements. It was just that the trio couldn't see it that they assumed Zeke is a quadra elemental magician. If they knew about this fact, their jaws would probably fall off already. Zeke seems not only to have a good affinity with the four elements, but he was also compatible with variant elements too!
Variant Elements are elements outside the four main elements. They are either derived from the four, another form of the four, or a whole new different element than the four. For example, Ice could be called a Variant Element as it was derived from the Water Element, while Light and Dark are also variant element as they are entirely separate from the four main elements.
Sure enough, after a few minutes, the other three families' patriarchs went over Charles' house and inquired about the situation to the guard. The guard explained to the patriarchs and the two of them took the bait.
"Experiment? Is it about his damn potions again? Didn't he already drop his interest in it a long time ago? Why would he suddenly take interest in it again?"
Fritz doubted. His suspicion isn't baseless after all. Charles took an interest in creating potions back when they were teenagers. He would be the one out of the four who would always be seen fiddling with weirdly colored potions with bizarre effects. Of course, some explosions also happened back then, but it was considered harmless because the potions Charles make isn't supposed to produce a big explosion. But now, Charles' part of the roof got blown off by his 'potions'. Fritz wondered why the hell would Charles experiment in his house when he clearly had a son inside. Isn't he placing his son in danger then?
"Maybe he just wanted to relive his past hobbies, Fritz. Charles was a weirdo in his teenage days, after all. I could vaguely remember one of his potions back then. It was an aphrodisiac that he made for the sole purpose of picking girls up! He said it would make the girls fall in love with us, but when we tested it, it had no effect! The girls only hated us more because of our 'sour' drinks. HAHAHAHA what a weird memory!"
"Yes, it is as you say, Alc. Maybe brother Charles just wanted to try it again. Or, maybe he really didn't stop making potions and he just stopped making it publicly? Maybe he was embarrassed with his past failures so he decided to only do it in private?" Grad wondered, innocence seen in his eyes.
Fritz was convinced by them.
"Maybe he really didn't stop making potions then. Damn that Charles, did he think we'll condemn him just because of his failed potions? What did he take us for? Kids?"
The trio chatted a bit before going back to their houses to prepare for their respective breakfast.
Charles, who was looking at their backs, failed to contain his laughter as he unleashed it loudly.
"Oh, these clueless bums! You won't know what will hit you! HAHAHAHA"