The Adventurer Who Lacks Magic Power

Three days later, we returned to the training ground, and I asked the two of them to demonstrate their progress.

Fien-sama struggled with creating a large Fireball. The fist-sized Fireball he managed to conjure was just a warm ball of fire, clearly lacking in magical energy.

Hyalda-sama faced a similar issue, forcing magical energy out in an awkward manner, as if squeezing it.

“You both seem to struggle with basic magical energy manipulation. Magic isn’t about straining or squeezing magical energy,” I remarked.

I created a sphere of about 30 centimeters and rolled it in front of me. Placing the ball in front of them, I walked around as it rolled.

“How about this? The ball rolling in front of me is magically propelled, but I’m not putting any force into it. You can do it while walking normally. Just imagine the ball being created and rolling, then put magical energy onto that image. You can do it with a casual amount of effort,” I explained.

Standing in front of them, I raised the ball to chest height, touched it, and slowly compressed it.

“While compressing the ball, it must have heated up gradually,” I commented.

I let go of the ball, allowing it to continue compressing even after they stepped away. It became red-hot and molten, like lava, but it still maintained its spherical shape. I dug a hole in the ground, dropped it in, covered it, and filled it back up.

“You can achieve such things with just imagination. The common sense that says earth and stones are heavy doesn’t apply to magic. It’s natural for a large flame to shrink when you relax your body; that’s all you need to think,” I instructed.

Next, I created a flame the size of my head in front of them.

“You saw the one earlier, right? Relax, imagine a flame the size of my head without putting too much force. Once you can imagine that, just put magical energy into it.”

Suddenly, a ball of flame appeared next to me, accompanied by a *whoosh* sound, and then the flame disappeared.

“There you go. First, continue with that. Let’s perfect the compression after you can do it smoothly anytime, anywhere. Once you can control it effortlessly, the rest will be easy,” I advised.

Moving on to Hyalda-sama’s ice, it was surprisingly easy after observing Fien-sama’s struggles.

“It’s so easy. I’m surprised at how effortlessly the ice formed,” he exclaimed.

“Continue. Just imagine the size, and be able to do it anytime, anywhere. Fien-sama, don’t forget to keep it the same size,” I reminded.

I created a 3×3-meter wall in a corner of the training ground. It was intended for target practice, but I planned to reinforce it with more magical energy before letting them use it.

In front of Hyalda-sama, a mountain of ice had formed.

“Are you both feeling tired physically? If you ever feel tired or exhausted, stop,” I cautioned.

“It’s strange how easy this is,” Fien-sama remarked.

“I feel the same. Making ice was never this easy before,” Hyalda-sama added.

“Keep imagining the same size. If you find your shoulders tensing, that means you’re putting too much effort into it, Fien-sama.”

I stopped the training as fatigue appeared on their faces and offered them tea.

While sipping tea in the salon, I asked how they manipulated magical energy. I was curious about magical energy manipulation methods since I only knew self-taught methods from light novels.

I explained that I learned my method from my mother when asked about chanting, I requested them to say I used shortened chants when questioned.

“Feeling tired now, aren’t you? You don’t feel tired or exhausted when excited or in battle. If you felt tired, you’re on the verge of running out of magical energy. Both of you were close to that point earlier.”

“I did feel tired only when I returned from tea. Until then, I didn’t feel anything. I was just excited and happy,” Fien-sama noted.

“Magic can be deadly if not used calmly. It’s crucial to think about how much magical energy you’ve used. Apart from that, I’ll teach you a slightly modified method of magical energy manipulation that I learned from my mother. It involves circulating magical energy through your body. Sit comfortably and be aware of magical energy. Practice circulating it from your arm to your fingertips, then back and forth between arms, down to your toes, and back. Once you get used to it, you can circulate magical energy anywhere in your body. It’s a practice in handling magical energy.”

“It seems a bit more complicated than what I used to do.”

“That’s right. The difference is that, as you get used to it, you can sense how much magical energy is left circulating in your body. Rest after using a large amount of magical energy, then see how much has recovered. It’s to some extent, but you can sense the amount of magical energy circulating in your body.”

“You were the right person to ask for guidance.”

“Yes, it’s unconventional, but I think it makes more sense once you understand the imagery. After that, the manifestation of magic becomes smoother.”

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I was summoned to the Viscount’s office and found the Guild Master, Norman, from the Adventurer’s Guild present. He had brought the settlement funds for the Black Wolves, and it seemed like he was discussing matters with the Viscount.

“Good to see you’re well. It’s a bit late, but here’s the settlement for the 21 Black Wolves—6,000 dara each for 20 wolves, totaling 120,000 dara, and 180,000 dara for the boss. That makes it 138,000 dara.”

He handed me a hefty leather bag.

After confirming the amount, I counted 13 gold coins and 8 silver coins before bowing my head.

I informed him that I would continue herb gathering, and next year, I planned to register as an adventurer. He smiled and left, saying he’d be looking forward to it.

Afterwards, the Viscount, Hyalda-sama, and Fien-sama gathered. They thanked me for the carriage rescue, and another leather bag appeared, not just one but three.

“Viscount, this seems a bit excessive.”

“No, it’s not enough if you ask me. I consider it rather modest for the value of my daughter and the lives of the knights. I’ve also allocated appropriate condolence money for the deceased knights and the coachmen. Don’t worry about it and accept it. Also, I heard you’re living away from home. I’ve decided to gift you a room in a hotel located between the market and the Adventurer’s Guild. Merchants often stay there. The hotel is named ‘Egdro Hotel’ after the town. If you tell the manager your name, they’ll guide you to your room.”

“Well, it’s a bit too much for a poor wanderer like me. I might end up living a lavish lifestyle.”

“Consider it a necessary expense. For the value of my daughter and the knights, it’s quite reasonable. Don’t hesitate and accept it. Also, I’ve heard you’re living outside the town. Once you start your adventurer registration, let me know. I’ll arrange for a better residence inside the town for you.”

“Hmm, it’s beyond what a poor wanderer like me needs. I might end up squandering my modesty.”

Fien-sama and Hyalda-sama chuckled.

Well, for the sake of the noble’s dignity, I graciously thanked them for the leather bags.

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Ten days of magical training proved insufficient, requiring an additional ten days. During this time, the Marquis insisted that it was unnecessary, considering us as disciples who were learning magic basics directly from him. Although it might be scary to leave out the “sama” honorific when addressing noble children or siblings, refusing seemed troublesome.

Fien-san could create Fireballs effortlessly. Shooting at a target, at 30 meters, she hit 95 out of 100, 75 out of 100 at 40 meters, and 60 out of 100 at 50 meters.

Hyalda-san, with her Ice Bullets, achieved perfect accuracy at 30 meters (100 out of 100), 85 out of 100 at 40 meters, and 75 out of 100 at 50 meters.

The rapid progress in magic was kept a secret.

“For the final exercise, create Fireballs and Ice Bullets floating two meters in front of you.”

I lightly tapped the floating Fireballs and Ice Bullets with a stick made of earth magic, and they easily crumbled and disappeared.

“Now, recreate the same ones and make them hard enough not to break when hit.”

They exchanged glances, bewildered.

“If you recall what I’ve taught you so far, you should be able to do it. Mastery of lightning magic or healing magic will come easily without my guidance. It’s essential not just to follow instructions but also to think of new ways to use magic.”

“Understood. Discard common sense, right? Flames are not shapeless and fragile; they can be as hard as stone.”

When I tapped the floating Fireball with the stick, the sound changed to a hard, solid one, like “konkon.”

Swinging the stick down again, there was a resounding “gakiin,” but the Fireball remained floating.

“Pass. Similarly, for healing magic, discard common sense, and think of ways to complete it on your own.”

“Kaito, please assist with my ice magic.”

Hyalda-san seemed impatient that her sister had beaten her to the request. It was amusing.

“Don’t laugh. Watch me.”

A mass of ice floated, making a “kyu” sound as it tightened. It shrank as it tightened, covered with new ice, and then it rolled down, making a “gon” sound.

Fien-san was holding her stomach, laughing. I didn’t necessarily announce a pass from above, especially when dealing with disappointed faces. Magic always involved unexpected events, I explained with a knowledgeable expression.

From now on, whether it’s fire or ice, don’t compress them. Imagine creating hard flames and ice from the start, I advised.

Before leaving, I told them to think about their unique ways of using magic, not just relying on what they were taught. Then I went to the salon, ordered tea, and waited for the maids to leave.

“Both of you have a magic power level of 70, correct?”

I asked, looking at the two who nodded.

“What I’m about to say will be the final lesson in teaching the basics of magic. It’s my speculation, but I don’t think I’m far off, so keep it to yourselves.”

They nodded seriously as I continued.

“Do you have any doubts about the term ‘magic power level 70’?”

Fien-sama and Hyalda-sama exchanged glances, and Fien-sama tilted her head, placing her hand on her chin, while Hyalda-sama, with a thoughtful expression, rested her chin on her hand.