Chapter 13

It has been a year since I was recognized as a first-class magician by the clan leader.

I am nine years old, and Giselle is about to turn seven.

Recently, I have been asked to help more with tasks like hunting, which has significantly reduced the time I can dedicate to magic training.

I resent my father's shallow understanding of magic.

I have been trying various methods to make Othum hunt in my place, but it hasn't been going well.

It's difficult to incorporate the necessary actions to make Othum hunt smoothly.

If I were to continuously cast spells on Othum, it would be possible, but ultimately, it would take too much time and be counterproductive.

There is also a method to give it pseudo-intelligence, but this village lacks the necessary materials.

One day, I want to leave this village, gain more knowledge, and do various things.

However, the reason I have been able to focus so much on magic training is that there is little entertainment in this village.

If I were to go to the city, my magic skills might decline rapidly.

Apparently, the Maren clan has a rule that they are not allowed to leave the village.

It seems that the Maren clan's village is like a hidden village of ninjas in Japan.

When a major event such as a war occurs in the country, messengers are sent from the capital, and the Maren clan is supposed to participate in the battle.

They are apparently the country's secret weapon.

They are called the "Cursed Clan" by those who know the situation, and are feared for their suspicious magic and eerie puppets.

However, the last time they were called to participate was nearly a hundred years ago.

Now, many Maren use magic only for spirit communication, rituals, divination, and spirit possession.

The clan leader laments that magic used to be more prevalent but has since declined.

I sometimes wish I had been born in an era with more action.

Perhaps it's only because we live in a peaceful time now.

To be honest, I have no intention of spending my entire life in this village.

There are no materials for golems or alchemy here.

From what I have read, this world has various things.

I want to create more advanced chimeras and homunculi.

I am not satisfied with just Othum.

Since we are isolated from the secular world, our magic technology might be significantly behind.

The thought of this makes me restless.

There must be places where I can better utilize my magic, rather than being confined here.

"Brother, Father says to come for the hunt..."

I look up from the book and turn my face towards the voice.

Giselle stands there, looking apologetic.

"Hmm... I don't think I have the talent for that."

If only they would let me use magic, I am confident I could catch more prey than anyone else.

But my father insists on using a bow.

He says it's good to learn how to use it, as it might come in handy someday.

My father is stubborn.

From the history of the Maren, there was a time when magic was used more for hunting.

According to the clan leader, about eighty years ago, bows were weapons for those who couldn't use magic well.

Now, with the peace, those who use magic for hunting are considered odd, and it is said to be dangerous if it backfires.

When I was younger, my parents were delighted when I showed interest in magic... but recently, they seem to be trying to steer me away from it.

I must have already crossed that line.

A lighter would be convenient, but a flamethrower is not necessary in an ordinary household.

This is a bit of an exaggerated expression, but that's the idea.

I am aware of this, but I have no intention of stopping now.

I have dedicated my life to magic training in this life.

If that were denied, I would have nothing left but Giselle.

That might not be so bad, but I have no intention of giving up magic.

"Alright. I'll get ready after I finish this chapter."

As I say this, I lower my gaze back to the book.

Giselle smiles in exasperation and peeks over from the side.

When she sees the book, her mouth opens in surprise.

"What... what kind of letters are these?"

"They are Arey letters. This is the only book that explains the meanings of the symbols in magic circles."

The book I am holding is one of the more difficult magic books.

It uses Arey letters, a special script used exclusively in magic books.

Arey letters condense what would normally be expressed with multiple characters into a single character.

To put it bluntly, it is somewhat similar to shorthand in my previous life.

Each character contains a significant amount of information, so mastering Arey letters means having a considerable amount of knowledge about magic.

Incidentally, these are only written characters and have no pronunciation.

In theory, a detailed description of magic circles would not fit into a few books.

This magic book makes it possible by packing information into each character.

One might think that there is no need to condense it into one book, but mastering Arey letters is itself a form of magic training.

Concentration and information organization skills are fundamental to magic.

It takes time to learn, but once fully mastered, it significantly increases the amount of knowledge one can absorb from books throughout their life.

Incidentally, my father only knew of the existence of Arey letters, so I asked the clan leader to teach me.

At first, I was given a simplified version of Arey letters, but I persisted and managed to learn the official Arey letters.

After a year, I can now read the basics of Arey letters.

At this pace, it will take at least five more years to fully master the advanced level, but apparently, this is an incredible speed.

"Oh Abel, there you are, Giselle was supposed to call you..."

Father comes out of the house.

When he sees Giselle by my side, he sighs.

"Really, Giselle is too soft on her brother."

I guess I've been caught.

I check the page number and close the book.

"I'm sorry, Father. But, Brother is... about magic..."

I stand up and reach out to Giselle, stopping her from speaking.

"I'm sorry. It was an incomplete page, and I got carried away."

Giselle frowns, looking at me with dissatisfaction.

I also have complaints to make to my father, but building physical strength is important.

I am being raised here, so I can't just indulge in my hobbies.