Arai's Perspective
Upon returning to the estate, Verdi told me to rest, as we'd begin some training starting tomorrow. I was advised to get a good night's sleep.
Mizuki was already asleep, as night had fallen.
After eating my dinner, I returned to my room. I changed into more comfortable sleepwear, extinguished the candles, and collapsed onto the bed, drained of energy.
I stared quietly at the ceiling. Despite the exhausting day, sleep eluded me.
After a long stretch of silence, I muttered, "Analyze."
A translucent blue ring appeared within my field of vision, emitting an imperceptible blue light that scanned the entire room. Though the candles were out, the darkness couldn't hinder my senses, I could clearly perceive everything in the room.
"As I thought…" I smiled with satisfaction.
My ability had arrived! My greatest asset in this world was finally here!
Previously, when speaking with the chessman, I hadn't dared to believe I'd possess such a remarkable power, but now, there was no need for doubt.
This ability was the reason I had confidence in surviving this world.
It was called <Analysis>.
As the name suggests, it's an ability that allows me to analyze nearly anything I want, from head to toe and beyond. I knew instinctively that it could analyze spells, living bodies upon touch, materials, and artifacts—revealing their origins and even the method of their creation.
It could even break down attacks, and once the analysis was complete, I could replicate those attacks, provided I had an affinity with the relevant element.
It was a cheat, a fitting tool for a protagonist in this kind of world.
It came with four sub-functions:
- Analyze: [Analysis - Scan - Microscope]
- Simulate
- Complete Analysis
- Trace Origin
Aside from basic analysis and simulation, both Complete Analysis and Trace Origin required direct physical contact to activate. The physical connection had to be maintained until the analysis was complete; otherwise, the information might remain incomplete or be entirely canceled.
I had gained all this knowledge instinctively as if it had been downloaded into my brain when the cube merged with me. I didn't even need to test it to understand its scope.
"This power is a golden finger, isn't it? Oh, why even ask? It absolutely is." I grinned as I continued staring at the ceiling.
This ability, resembling advanced nanotechnology, suited me perfectly.
I guess there were no computers in this world, yet with this ability, I had access to a microscopic lens and an internal storage device.
It would be an enormous aid for my future research! I suppose my luck wasn't bad after all, considering this ability hadn't been left behind with my old body. Or maybe the Chessman had ensured it remained with me?
Whatever the case, it didn't matter. What mattered was that it was still mine!
"But with this, I must put in the effort now."
The days of peace were over for me since the awakening rite concluded. Now, I had to live seriously and strive to become a true magician.
Although I said that, the road ahead was still long.
Starting tomorrow, I would likely begin lessons on how things operate in the noble world. On top of that, preparations for me to become the heir of the dukedom would also start. Maybe even lessons on leading armies in battle—not to mention living as a magician.
This was already giving me a headache.
I stood up, climbed out of bed, and settled into the chair by the desk.
A faint buzz echoed as I gently lit a candle on the desk and pulled out the book [Beginner Spells] from one of the drawers.
It was the book Verdi had gifted me earlier.
"Let's see how effective this ability really is…" I opened the book and flipped through the pages, stopping at the fire spells section.
The book contained zero to third-level spells for four elements: Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water. Without a doubt, a book like this must have been incredibly expensive. I was genuinely moved that Verdi had given it to me.
"Let's start with an easy one."
Soon enough, I found a zero-level spell called [Fire Sword].
"Hmm… first, form mana into a tangible shape in your hand, and then…" I read the steps to execute the spell and studied the corresponding magic circle. This type of spell could be executed in two ways: either by following the steps or by memorizing the associated magic circle.
Executing the steps was out of my reach for now, as it required summoning flames from nothing, without magic circles, chants, or any external tools, relying solely on raw magical prowess. Seasoned enhancers could do that with ease.
But I was just a newly awakened child. I'd need more time to understand and practice.
I focused on the magic circle for the spell and muttered quietly, <Analyze: Analyze>
Instantly, a scanning beam emitted from my eyes, sweeping across the Fire Sword magic circle. The scan lasted for about three seconds before a miniature version of the circle appeared clearly before my eyes.
"..."
"That easy?" I was momentarily speechless. Just by scanning the circle, I'd memorized it.
It should be noted that memorizing spells took a tremendous amount of time. Why was it so hard to memorize them? Because magic circles were composed of numerous algorithms and intricate runes—like committing an entire architectural blueprint to memory and recalling it flawlessly!
Memorizing a circle was significantly harder than memorizing a lengthy chant, but the results were worth it.
Did this mean I could memorize all the spells in this book in minutes?
"I don't think I'll do that…" I dismissed the idea.
First, it felt childish and pointless; I didn't have any combat style yet, so memorizing all these spells would just clutter my mind. I wouldn't do something so frivolous.
Most importantly, I wasn't even at the first rank yet!
What good would memorizing these spells be if I couldn't use them? None at all.
Just because I'd completed the awakening rite didn't mean I had automatically become a one rank magician. The presence of the Laska ring didn't change that either.
"Phew…"
I pushed the book away and decided to try something else.
"Whoosh!"
A golden book appeared on the table, adorned with ancient engravings and a large sun emblem at its center—it was my Grimoire!
The book was truly a masterpiece as if crafted by an ancient artisan. The sun emblem at its center glowed faintly, resembling a star in the night.
"Let's see…"
Thinking about it, when they said 'Sun Element,' did it imply having an overwhelming burning power? Or was it akin to possessing the strength of a star?
First, I decided to open the book and check its contents…
To my surprise, it refused to open!
"Huh?" I tried again, but the book remained sealed shut, as tight as a metal safe.
Hmm, I frowned, puzzled by the unexpected resistance.
This is odd. Does it require fulfilling some sort of condition to unlock it? Why is it sealed in the first place?
Since I couldn't figure it out, I decided to approach the problem differently.
I'll ask Verdi tomorrow.
It had been a long day, packed with events. I suppose I should get some sleep.