Chapter 4

June 14, 15

Correction of error

魔王と → Capital City

June 23, 15

Partial corrections. No impact on the story.

June 27, 15

Multiple error corrections and partial corrections. No impact on the story.

On the fourth day of training to sense mana, I started to vaguely feel something that seemed like mana. It's not yet a clear sensation, but I feel a warm, fuzzy presence. I want to think that today's temperature is not particularly warm.

"I'm surprised. To sense mana so quickly, Sir Christophe, you are a genius!"

You're overdoing it, Captain Rosalia.

But it feels good to be praised. I'm the type who grows when praised!

"Since you can sense mana, let's try to sense the magic within your body next. I don't think it will take long since you can already sense mana."

"Probably already sensing it?"

I feel the magic flowing through my body like blood in my veins. I started sensing magic right after I could sense mana. I felt a warm presence circulating inside my body, so I trained to sense it along with the mana without much thought.

"Of course. Let's check Sir Christophe's magical aptitude."

Captain Rosalia took out a crystal ball, about 15 cm in diameter, from a wooden box and instructed me to place my hand over it. This is probably the kind of test where the attributes you have an aptitude for are shown by color, right?

Excitedly, I placed my hand over the crystal, and it began to glow, showing a swirl of various colors: red, blue, green, brown, indigo, yellow, white, black, gray, and gold.

"..."

Captain Rosalia stared at the crystal in silence for a while before speaking again.

"Sir Christophe, this is remarkable. This is a simple test, so we need to go to the Grand Cathedral in the capital for a clear result, but it seems you have an aptitude for all ten attributes!"

What!?

According to the books, about 30% of people in this world have a magical aptitude. However, it's not that 70% of people have no magic at all. It's said that 70% of people have an aptitude for the neutral attribute, which is not counted. Among the 30% who can use magic, most can only use one attribute and the neutral attribute. I remember the book saying that those with four attributes are one in ten thousand. Those with five attributes are one in a million, and those with six attributes are one in ten million. Having all ten attributes is probably impossible, right?

I don't know the population of this world, but if we assume there are a billion people, then 300 million can use magic. If one in a billion has six attributes, then there are only three people with six attributes. The probability of having an aptitude for all attributes is so low that it's almost impossible for anyone to have it.

Christophe had been stopped from magical training due to his weak constitution. So, he had never had his magical aptitude checked, even though he seemed to have a talent for it. But now, his magical aptitude has been confirmed...

Is this a good thing?

I've also been told I have a lot of magic, so it's good, right?

"I have six attributes, but I think it's unprecedented for someone to have an aptitude for all ten attributes!"

Captain Rosalia seems excited.

I'm more calm... maybe because this is a typical scenario?

Moreover, Captain Rosalia has six attributes, which is quite rare.

"Ahem. I got a bit carried away, sorry. I'll recommend to the lord that we have you checked at the Grand Cathedral in the capital as soon as possible. ... Now, let me reiterate, the unnatural powers we use are called 'magic' and 'sorcery.' Do you know the difference between 'magic' and 'sorcery'?"

"From what I recall, 'magic' uses magic to create unnatural phenomena and requires incantation to activate. On the other hand, 'sorcery' involves forming a magic circle in advance, infusing it with magic, and using it to create unnatural phenomena. In other words, 'magic' is activated by incantation, while 'sorcery' is activated by a magic circle."

"Correct. As expected of Sir Christophe. Now, if we were to engage in combat, which do you think would be easier to use, 'magic' or 'sorcery'?"

"It's not a simple answer, but generally, 'sorcery' is said to be easier. This is because 'magic' requires incantation, which takes several to tens of seconds, while 'sorcery' does not need this time. Additionally, 'sorcery' has always-on defensive barriers, making it easier to use. However, 'magic' has a wider range of applications, so for those who can cancel incantations, 'magic' might be easier to use."

"Exactly. Sir Christophe has done your homework well."

I read a lot of magic books to learn the language.

"Since you have an aptitude for all attributes, I'll start by teaching you ice magic, which is my specialty."

"Thank you."

"Magic incantation requires at least three keywords. The first is the magic to be offered, the second is the object to be created, and the third is the purpose of the created object. The first is conveniently called magic, but it refers to both magic and mana. The more detailed the incantation keywords, the better the control and efficiency of magic conversion. As you mentioned earlier, the more magic used without incantation, the worse the conversion efficiency."

Captain Rosalia is so engrossed in her explanation that she's not looking at me. She seems to be the type who gets absorbed in talks about magic and sorcery.

"Let me show you an example. Watch carefully."

"Offer a small magic, create a small ball of ice, and destroy the object."

A ball of ice about 5 cm in diameter appeared on Captain Rosalia's palm and flew a few meters to gouge a wound in a tree trunk. The ice ball wasn't large enough to shatter the tree, but I was excited to see magic for the first time.

"Amazing!"

"That was the Ice Ball spell. It has low lethality, but it can kill humans or weak monsters if it hits a vital spot like the head. Since you can sense mana and magic, I think you'll be able to use it in about a month."