"You should at least know the basics: mana is the energy used to cast a spell, and every living being possesses mana, although the quantity varies. Those with an affinity for magic can create magic circles, which enable them to cast specific spells."
Alex nodded, understanding the concept of mana and its connection to spells. As someone with almost no mana and considered normal, this was new territory for him.
"But there's more to it. A person's talent for magic determines their upper limits, and their affinity for a particular element also plays a significant role."
"So, theoretically, I could cast spells?"
"In theory, if you can construct a magic circle and possess sufficient mana to fuel it, a spell should work."
He absorbed this new information, refraining from commenting and allowing Aurora to continue.
"Now, observe and learn. This is a magic circle for a Tier-1 dark magic spell called Black Bullet."
In an instant, a black magic circle materialized on Aurora's hand, adorned with unfamiliar symbols.
"Take your time and commit this magic circle to memory..."
"Done. What's next?"
"Huh, you've already memorized it? Don't rush, take your time. If you don't commit it perfectly to memory, you won't be able to create the magic circle accurately."
"I assure you, I've memorized it. Why doubt me?"
Alex questioned Aurora, glancing at the system screen before him.
==============================
[The host has learned his first magic spell]
Tier: 1
Attribute: Dark
Mana Cost: 10
Mastery: F
==============================
Subsequently, another window materialized, following the previous one.
----------------------------------------------------
[The host has completed a Quest]
[Main Quest: Learn a Spell]
[+50 XP and +1 SP]
----------------------------------------------------
[New Side Quest Received]
He ignored the notification for now and focused on Aurora's teaching.
"Even if you have a photographic memory, you can't memorize a magic circle this fast because magic circles have a phenomenon that makes them hard to remember." Aurora explained.
"Alright, what's the next step then?"
"Just visualize the magic circle in your mind while channeling your mana, then release it."
"Wait, this is my first time trying this. Can you explain it in a simpler way?"
"Aurgh, fine." Aurora sighed, placing her hand on his back.
"I'll lend you some of my mana. Feel it mix with yours and do the rest."
'His mana circuits are very well defined, almost enough to make me jealous!' Aurora thought as she passed mana through Alex.
A warm, tingling sensation spread through his body as she did so.
It was faint but definitely there.
"Is this what mana feels like? It's incredible. Makes me feel so empowered!" he blurted out, excited by this new experience.
"Alright, now use that feeling to imagine the magic circle I showed you."
Taking a deep breath, he extended his hand, and a small black magic circle appeared on his palm facing upward.
"Whoa, it worked!"
"Seriously? Focus! Don't play around with magic like that. You could've hurt yourself, hitting yourself in the face or worse, especially if this isn't a deserted place."
"Sorry... got a bit carried away."
"I finally have someone to talk to, so promise you won't kick the bucket on me too soon, okay?"
"I'll remember. Don't worry, you're my first friend ever. I won't leave you hanging either."
"Friend? You called me your friend, right?" Aurora stuttered, sounding a bit bashful.
"Yeah, you're my first friend in both my lives." Alex said, scratching the back of his head shyly.
Due to his illness, Alex had been mostly isolated, making it hard for him to make proper friends easily.
"Don't take back your words later. Anyway, congrats on nailing your first spell."
"Thanks to you, really."
After that, he headed for dinner.
Meanwhile, Aurora mused quietly, 'His magic talent is crazy. Memorizing and using a spell like a pro on his first try...Is he really a newbie? Well, being friends with him isn't bad. His first friend, huh?'
A small smile tugged at her lips as she finished her thoughts.
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆
Classes the next day went without a hitch.
Thanks to his enhanced senses, Alex easily steered clear of the bully group, and Aurora's guidance also helped him evade their notice.
Alex hung out with Aurora in the backyard of his dorm.
The sight before them was just an expanse of empty field.
"So, you need to level up your spell mastery?"
"Yeah, got that quest yesterday."
"To level it up, you just gotta keep using the spell until you get better at it."
----------------------------------------------------
[Side Quest]
[Quest: Increase Spell Mastery]
[Description: Increase the spell mastery of any spell to E rank]
[Time Limit: 6 days]
[Reward: 100 XP and 2 SP]
----------------------------------------------------
He checked out the side quest he got yesterday.
It was supposed to be completed in 7 days, but he only noticed it today.
Since it was a side quest, there were no penalties this time, and the rewards were even better than before.
They chose this spot because it was rarely used, and it provided a safe space for practicing magic.
He began practicing the new magic spell he learned yesterday.
However, just after the third shot, he started feeling dizzy.
"You've used over half of your mana. Mana fatigue is hitting you." Aurora diagnosed, watching him from the sidelines.
----------------------------------------------------
[Status]
[MP: 20/50]
[HP: 98/100]
----------------------------------------------------
Alex sought shade under a massive tree, settling down before posing his question to Aurora.
"So, how do I increase my mana capacity? I don't want to tire out this easily every time."
"You know, right? That much mana is completely normal for a beginner mage. Keep using spells and expanding your mana like this, and you will naturally increase your mana capacity."
"So, does mana recover on its own like stamina?"
"Yes, but it's slower that way. Let me tell you ways to help you recover mana faster and increase your mana pool more quickly."
"Now, sit cross-legged or in any position you find comfortable. Try to feel the mana around you, then slowly begin to absorb the mana from your surroundings and guide it to your mana core."
Alex followed Aurora's teaching and immersed himself in the practice.