The next day, after processing all the information he had read, Aray decided to try magic.
The book contained several beginner spells categorized as "Zero Spells."
Zero Spells were unleveled, meaning anyone could use them, provided they met simple conditions. These included having an affinity for an element and a minimal amount of mana. Beyond these requirements, Zero Spells were easy to use.
Though practically useless in combat, they were widely applied in other areas, such as symbolic locks.
Arai's Perspective
After a healthy breakfast, I made sure I was in perfect condition and decided to try magic.
Since this was my first real attempt, I didn't want to make any mistakes! I snuck out to the back garden, damn, this palace is huge. It took me a while to get back here.
Holding the book in my left hand, I flipped through its pages while reading and trying to understand. Quickly, a basic concept of magic formed in my mind.
Magic spells had 9 levels, like magician ranks, though the spell levels weren't the same as ranks. A magician could use spells above their rank if skilled enough and had a mana could handle it.
Methods of Casting Spells:
Chanting
Chanting is the simplest method but also the least effective for close-range combat. It requires verbal recitation of the spell to form, taking at least 3 seconds and up to 10 seconds to cast. However, for long-range or wide-area attacks, chanting is the go-to method.
Magic Circles
Magic circles are straightforward yet more intricate than chanting. The caster must memorize the specific design of the spell's magic circle, visualize it, and activate the spell. This method requires a strong memory and natural talent.
It is noted in the book as the most commonly used method because it takes less than a second to activate, making it highly effective for close combat. Its range and power are moderate, striking a balance between utility and efficiency in fights.
Scrolls
The third method involves using pre-prepared scrolls. It doesn't require any talent, mana, or skill to activate; even a fool can use scrolls.
These scrolls are inscribed with numerous magic circles, making them preloaded spells. To use them, one only needs to unroll the scroll. However, scroll-based attacks are highly limited in range and unsuitable for close combat, there's even a risk of injuring the user. Unsurprisingly, this method is most popular among wealthy nobles and young masters, as scrolls are expensive due to the intricate precision needed to inscribe their magic circles.
Raw Manipulation
The final method was Creation, the simplest form, requiring neither chants nor magic circles. It only demanded complete control over mana and the ability to transform raw mana into an element, conjuring fire and lightning from nothingness.
The book stated that this method was most common among Enhancers.
Creation was divided into two categories. The first involved basic element conjuring, while the second required understanding spells to the extent of casting them without chants or magic circles, akin to silent casting. This level required exceptional talent and brilliance.
The book only included the first two methods: chanting and magic circles. Unfortunately, I found nothing on creation. I decided to try the first method as it was simpler and less effective. After all, I didn't want to draw too much attention.
"Hmm, let's see."
I had no idea what elements I had an affinity for, so I decided to try out various spells from the book. I would test one spell per element! While this might take some time, and I wasn't even sure if my mana reserves could handle it—it seemed the most efficient approach.
I could already use a small amount of mana. This was due to mana accumulating in my body through continuous exposure. The book explained that this minimal mana reserve was highly limited, and I wouldn't be able to store a significant amount until after the Awakening Ceremony. A proper vessel was necessary to contain it, and of course, a body made of flesh and blood wasn't suitable.
In this world, there were two primary vessels for storing mana: Mana Cores and Grimoires.
Even those with a magic mark possessed a mana core; however, they didn't need to awaken it themselves during the ceremony. Instead, it would form automatically upon activating the magic mark.
Now, I would begin with the spell that every great magician starts with, the spell that initiates all heroes of reincarnated world novels. That legendary spell...!
I stretched out my hand, then recited the words from the book aloud.
"O scattered mana, heed my command. Manifest and take shape to burn my foes—[Fireball!]"
Even for someone as indifferent as me, saying this out loud felt incredibly embarrassing. It gave me the impression of a Chuunibyo episode, but I had to toughen up and get through this moment. I had no choice!
Perhaps I would get used to it with time.
I felt something drain from my body, a sensation distinct from the flow of blood. I immediately knew what it was.
So, this is mana!
"Bzzz..."
Red particles gathered in the air, quickly forming a small, blazing sphere no larger than an egg.
It had materialized! But wait, how was I supposed to attack with this?
"Whoosh!"
Due to a brief lapse in focus, the fireball vanished almost instantly.
I read the rest of the page, where it explained that the magician must visualize the fireball while chanting to successfully cast and launch it.
The same principle applied to magic circles.
Visualization seemed more crucial than I had anticipated.
The process was as follows: Recite the chant > Gather mana > Visualize the shape > Release!
All of this had to be done in a short timeframe.
I closed my eyes and tried imagining a small bullet of fire. After all, bullets are more precise than balls in both aim and shape.
"It won't fail just because I alter its shape a bit, right?"
Imagine... imagine... imagine!
Picture a firearm bullet; any caliber would do.
I tried shrinking its size to conserve mana.
"O scattered mana, heed my command. Manifest and take shape to burn my foes—[Fireball!]"
Sparks of flame began to ignite rapidly. Gradually, they curved and twisted until they formed a small bullet.
The bullet wasn't large, only about the size of a pinky finger.
Wow, that was easier than I thought!
The garden was vast, so I scanned my surroundings and quickly singled out a random tree in front of me. Without hesitation, I launched the spell!
"Bang!"
Like a firearm, the spell emitted a loud bang as it fired.
I hoped no one heard the shot. Although, I doubted anyone would.
The fire bullet struck the tree, leaving a small dent in it.
The dent wasn't particularly large.
This feeling was incredible. I could probably do this all day without getting bored.
I decided to try again with more imagination. I needed to make additional adjustments.
"O scattered mana, heed my command. Manifest and take shape to burn my foes—[Fireball!]"
The fiery bullet formed quickly again, but it disappeared just as swiftly.
My legs weakened, and I collapsed onto the grass.
"Ugh..."
The effort was exhausting.
Three? No, two shots seemed to be my current limit before I would pass out from mana depletion.
Ah... my vision was beginning to blur.
Ah...
...
When I opened my eyes, some time had passed.
I had no idea how long I had been unconscious.
Looking up, I recognized the familiar ceiling of my room.
"Ugh, I got carried away back there."
It didn't take much to deduce what had happened. I must have drained my mana reserves completely, causing me to lose consciousness.
I rubbed my temples, feeling a lingering headache from the overexertion.
Now, let's analyze things rationally.
First, my mana capacity was minimal. Two fireballs were enough to deplete it entirely. So, I must figure out how to increase my mana reserves and learn more about this process. Does mana capacity grow with rank? I wasn't even at the first rank yet, so I had no idea.
Unfortunately, I couldn't achieve the first rank of magic before the Awakening Ceremony. This was an impossible feat as I lacked the foundation to build upon. Until that time, I suppose increasing my reserves would have to wait.
It was like asking a farmer to cultivate without a dantian[2].
Impossible, right?
Mana scarcity seemed normal to me; after all, mana wasn't stored in the body. The mana I used earlier was merely the small amount accumulated in my body from living in this world.
Second, when I recited the chant and altered the spell's shape in my imagination, the spell didn't fail. Instead, its accuracy and power improved based on the envisioned design.
In the end, everything depended on imagination!
Of course, the amount of mana consumed remained constant unless I increased the size or intensity of the flames. I would need to conduct more experiments to fully understand this aspect. Does the same principle apply to magic circles?
Also, mana depletion caused me to faint, so I must be cautious in the future to avoid completely running out of it.
Third, I had an affinity for the fire element.
Wasn't fire the most common element? And here I thought I might possess some legendary affinities like space.
I hope I have affinities for other elements too! Fire is strong and useful but too common.
I want something unique to set me apart! Oh, my ability is considered rare, right? Hmm, when will I be able to use it again? Maybe during the Awakening Ceremony.
"Grumble..."
My stomach growled, reminding me of hunger despite having eaten breakfast earlier.
Did I sleep for too long? Or did mana depletion drain my energy? Speaking of which, practicing magic at such a young age shouldn't harm my growth, should it? After all, my body is still developing.
[1] A profession in Xianxia novels for enhancing weapons.
[2] Dantian: An ethereal sphere located below the stomach in cultivators, allowing them to store spiritual energy.