After the day-long experiment with my newfound abilities, I made my way back at the city of Axel. The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the town. My mood was light, though I still had much to plan for.
Axel was a bustling town, but it was only the beginning of this world. The Adventurer's Guild, filled with mostly novices, was a mere stepping stone to greater things. Aqua may have stomped off earlier, but I knew she would come back—after all, where else would she go? She was bound to me for now, and like it or not, she'd follow.
As I walked through the town gates, I activated my perception magic. This was a new world, full of unknown treasures and opportunities. I couldn't afford to be caught off guard. But what caught my attention this time wasn't a treasure. No, it was something far more interesting.
*An overwhelming surge of magic? That shouldn't be possible here, not from these adventurers.*
Intrigued, I followed the trail of energy, weaving through alleyways and markets until I found myself on the outskirts of town. The source of the magic was close—a girl, probably around 14 or 15 years old, was standing on a small hill. Her crimson eyes gleamed with excitement, and her black cloak whipped around her as if caught in a storm. She held a staff above her head, chanting a spell with great fervor. A witch's hat sat atop her head, completing the look of an eccentric spellcaster.
"Ahead lies crimson glory! The explosion of the heavens! O' great power that splits the earth, let your wrath rain down! EXPLOSION!"
The ground trembled beneath my feet as the spell was unleashed. A deafening roar filled the air, and a massive explosion erupted in the distance, obliterating a chunk of the forest with raw destructive force. The shockwave rippled through the air, making my cloak billow violently. The sheer scale of the blast was impressive, even by my standards.
When the dust settled, the girl stood still, panting heavily, sweat glistening on her brow. She leaned on her staff for support, clearly drained of energy. Her magic was powerful, but it seemed she had poured everything into that one spell. As I observed her, she collapsed onto the ground, utterly exhausted.
"Well, well, well," I said as I approached her, my tone amused. "That was quite the display of power, but I assume you're now completely out of mana?"
She looked up at me, a faint blush creeping across her face. Her crimson eyes glimmered with a mix of pride and embarrassment.
"Of course!" she replied, grinning despite her weakened state. "I am the great archwizard, Megumin! And Explosion magic is the ultimate magic! There's no greater spell in existence!"
I raised an eyebrow, amused by her boldness. "Is that so? But what good is all that power if it leaves you defenseless after one use?"
Megumin's grin faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her confidence. "It doesn't matter! Explosion is the most glorious form of magic, and nothing else compares! I'll never use any other spell!"
Her determination was admirable, though her reasoning was flawed. Still, there was potential here—raw, untamed, and unrefined potential, but potential nonetheless. I could see why the other adventurers in town considered her eccentric. But with the right guidance, she could become a valuable asset.
I extended a hand toward her. "Well, if you're so dedicated to your Explosion magic, how about joining forces with me? I'm building a team, and someone with your destructive power could be quite useful."
Megumin blinked in surprise, eyeing my hand cautiously. "You... want me to join you? Even though I can only use Explosion once a day?"
I nodded, my expression serious. "Yes, even with that limitation. Power like yours shouldn't be underestimated, and I have ways of making sure you're not defenseless after casting. Consider it an opportunity to grow stronger."
For a moment, she hesitated, then her eyes lit up with excitement. "Alright! If you recognize the greatness of Explosion magic, then I'll join you!" She reached up and took my hand, her grip surprisingly firm despite her exhaustion.
"Good," I said, pulling her to her feet. "Let's get you back to town so you can rest. Tomorrow, we begin your training."
Megumin's face beamed with pride, and despite her obvious fatigue, she managed to stand tall. As we walked back to Axel, I couldn't help but think about the potential that lay within her. She was reckless, yes, but with proper guidance, she could become a force to be reckoned with. And if I played my cards right, she could be my very own nuke
As we entered the town, I glanced at her and asked, "Tell me, Megumin, have you ever considered expanding your magic repertoire? Perhaps learning to cast more than one spell per day?"
She scoffed, shaking her head. "Never! Explosion magic is my pride and joy! Anything else would be a waste of time!"
I smirked. "We'll see about that. With the right training, you might find that power can come in many forms."
Megumin looked at me skeptically, but she didn't argue further. The night was still young, and the town of Axel buzzed with activity as adventurers gathered in the guild to celebrate their victories.
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With Megumin now part of my growing team, the next steps would be crucial. She was only the first of many allies I would recruit, and soon enough, this world would bend to my will.
For now, though, I allowed myself a small smile. This world was full of surprises, and I was more than ready to face them head-on.
The night air was cool as we headed toward the tavern, the sounds of the bustling town fading into the background. My plans were falling into place, one step at a time.