Chapter 4

It has been two weeks since the fact that Azusa is the weakest was revealed. Now, Azusa is using his break from training to conduct research at the Royal Library. In his hand is a massive bestiary titled "The Great Bestiary of the Northern Continent." Why is he looking at such a book? It's because, through these two weeks of training, he has only come to realize how much more useless he is than he imagined. To make up for his lack of strength, he is using his free time between training sessions to learn.

After reading the bestiary for a while, Azusa sighed, "Haaai~," and threw the book on the table. With a thud, a librarian who happened to be passing by was startled and glared at Azusa. Azusa, also startled, hurriedly apologized. "Be more careful next time!" the librarian's silent glare seemed to say. Azusa couldn't help but think, "What am I even doing?" and sighed deeply again. Slowly, he took out his attribute card, resting his chin in his hand as he looked at it.

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Nanami Azusa, 17 years old, Male, Level: 2

Vocation: Alchemist

Strength: 12

Vitality: 12

Endurance: 12

Agility: 12

Magic Power: 12

Magic Endurance: 12

Skills: Alchemy, Language Understanding

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This is the result of Azusa's two weeks of diligent training. It's ridiculous! His inner complaints are endless. By the way, here are the stats of Hikari.

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Amatsukawa Hikari, 17 years old, Male, Level: 10

Vocation: Hero

Strength: 200

Vitality: 200

Endurance: 200

Agility: 200

Magic Power: 200

Magic Endurance: 200

Skills: All-Attribute Adaptation, Magic Resistance, Physical Resistance, Composite Magic, Swordsmanship, Great Strength, Ground Shrink, Precognition, High-Speed Magic Recovery, Aura Perception, Magic Perception, Limit Break, Language Understanding

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His growth rate is roughly five times that of Azusa. Moreover, Azusa has also realized that he has no magic adaptability. To explain what this means, let's briefly discuss the concept of magic in this world. In the world of Todes, the process of using magic involves chanting to inject magic power from within the body into a magic array, which then activates the magic programmed into the array. Magic cannot be directly manipulated with magic power; instead, a specific magic array must be constructed to activate the desired magic. The longer the chant, the more magic power is proportionally injected. The more complex the effect of the magic, the larger the scale of the array required to construct it, which naturally makes the magic array itself larger. Even a simple attack like a "Fireball" in an RPG typically requires a magic array with a diameter of 20 centimeters. Basic attributes, power, range, area, and magic absorption (the process of drawing magic power from the body) are essential, and additional elements like guidance and duration are also necessary, making the array quite large. However, there are exceptions to these principles. These are known as adaptabilities. Adaptabilities allow certain individuals with rare constitutions to omit some of the array's elements when using magic. For example, someone with fire attribute adaptability doesn't need to write the attribute when constructing the array. The omitted part can be completed through imagination. By imagining fire during the chant, the magic will automatically have a fire attribute. Most people have some form of adaptability, and the average size of a 20-centimeter array is for ordinary people. Azusa, however, has no adaptability at all. Therefore, in addition to the five basic elements, he must also include detailed elements such as speed, trajectory, diffusion rate, and convergence rate. As a result, he needs a magic array with a diameter of nearly two meters to cast a "Fireball," which is completely impractical in combat. By the way, magic arrays are generally divided into disposable items made from special paper and reusable items carved from metal. The former are more versatile but can only be used once and have reduced power. The latter have the advantage of being reusable and powerful but are limited to specific spells and are cumbersome to carry. The staves possessed by the priests, including Ishtar, are of the latter type. Anyway, melee combat is impossible due to his attributes, and magic is impossible due to his lack of adaptability. He wants to rely on his vocation skill, "Alchemy," but it can only deform, separate, or combine minerals, which is useless for anything other than processing. There are no artifacts that assist with alchemy, and the only thing he has is a glove with an alchemy magic array engraved on it. (Author's note: This is already a powerful artifact for Azusa, as he only has one hand.)

At least, he could try digging traps? But would that be useful? Even if he could create them on the ground, the scale would be a bit too large... In combat, he would just be a sitting duck. Over the past two weeks, Azusa has been labeled as extremely useless by his classmates. There's no choice but to accumulate knowledge... The future is bleak, and the only thing that has increased recently is his sighs.

Maybe, he should go on a journey. Azusa gazed at the clear sky outside the library window and thought. Finally, he seriously considered where he should go, reflecting on the knowledge he had gained over the past two weeks—more than anyone else—and fell into deep thought.

(Perhaps, I should go to the country of the demi-humans. A story without seeing a girl with animal ears is no story at all. ...But in the "Tree Sea" interior. Because demi-humans are discriminated against, they are only seen as slaves outside.)

Like Azusa's knowledge, demi-humans are a discriminated race that generally resides deep within the "Hartzena Tree Sea," which stretches north to south on the eastern side of the continent. Why are they discriminated against? Because they possess no magic power. According to legend, in the age of the gods, the gods, led by Eshid, created this world using divine magic. The magic used today is considered a degraded version of that. Therefore, the value of magic as a gift from the gods is quite strong. Of course, this is what the Holy Church teaches. Because of this, people believe that the demi-humans, who possess no magic power and cannot use any magic, are an evil race abandoned by the gods. Speaking of which, what about monsters? It is said that monsters are considered natural disasters and do not receive any favor from the gods. They are just harmful beasts. It's a conveniently human-centric explanation, and Azusa was surprised by it. Additionally, the demons worship a different god from the Holy Church's "Lord Eshid" and are generally viewed similarly to the demi-humans. Moreover, all demons have high magic adaptability, short incantations, and small magic arrays with powerful attacks. Humans, who worship different gods, consider demons their enemies (according to the Holy Church's teachings) and discriminate against the demi-humans, who are not loved by the gods. The demons also view humans similarly. The demi-humans are not well understood, but it's probably a similar situation? Each race indeed has its own exclusivity.

(Hmm, if the Tree Sea is too much, maybe I can go to the Western Sea? Indeed, there seems to be a maritime city called Enison. Girls with animal ears might be too much, but I want to see mermaids; that's a man's romance. I also want to eat seafood.)

The "Maritime City Enison" is located in the Western Sea and is a city of the merfolk, a type of demi-human. It is the only demi-human race openly protected by the kingdom. The reason is that 80% of the fish and shellfish ingredients available in the Northern Continent's markets are transported from this city. It's a completely unambiguous reason. Where did the grand discrimination go? When Azusa heard this, he inwardly criticized it. By the way, after leaving the Western Sea, one must cross the "Gurun Great Desert." In this desert, there is a relay station for cargo transport and an important oasis, the "Ankaji Principality," as well as the "Gurun Great Volcano." This "Gurun Great Volcano" is one of the Seven Labyrinths. The Seven Labyrinths are some of the most dangerous areas in this world. In the southwest of the Helich Kingdom, between the Gurun Great Desert, is the "Orkus Great Labyrinth," and the previously mentioned "Hartzena Tree Sea" is also one of the Seven Labyrinths. Why only three are mentioned when talking about the Seven Labyrinths is because ancient texts only mention the existence of the other labyrinths, and their exact locations have not been confirmed. However, some places have leads. The "Risen Great Canyon" that spans the continent north to south, and the ice caves deep in the "Shuni Snowfield" in the Southern Continent, are rumored to be such places.

(The desert is probably not an option... If that's the case, I can only go to the empire to see the slaves... I don't think I can calmly watch girls with animal ears being treated as slaves.)

The empire is the "Horusha Empire." This country was established by a mercenary group about 300 years ago during a large-scale human-demon war. It is a military state that has gathered many powerful mercenaries and adventurers. It upholds a philosophy of strength and is quite a dark country. The people of this country have the idea that anything that can be used should be used, regardless of whether it's a demi-human or something else. Therefore, there are many slave traders who specialize in demi-human slaves. The empire is situated between the kingdom and the neutral commercial city of "Furen" to the east of the kingdom. "Furen," as the name suggests, is a neutral commercial city that does not align with any country. The city operates well because it maximizes economic power and maintains a neutral stance. Anything you want can be obtained in this city, which is known as a commercial center.

(Haa~ In the end, there's no way to avoid it if I want to go home. Ah, not good, training time is approaching!)

In the end, the only way to escape reality was to shake his head. Realizing that training time was approaching, Azusa hurriedly ran out of the library. The road to the palace was in front of him, but the streets were filled with the bustling sounds of the capital. The voices of street vendors calling out to customers, the sounds of children playing, and the scolding of overexcited children created a peaceful daily scene.

(Really, is there no way to go home without participating in the war?)

Faced with the impending gloomy time, Azusa began to think of unrealistic dreams to escape reality.

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Upon

reaching the training facility, the early-arriving students were chatting and practicing on their own. It seemed he had arrived unexpectedly early. Azusa took out the Western-style long sword he had been assigned and began his own practice. Suddenly, sensing an impending impact from behind, Azusa took a step forward and saw the blade he had just avoided, breaking out in a cold sweat. Frowning, Azusa turned around and saw the face he had expected, which made him look deeply annoyed. There was the group of four led by Hiromasa Hinoyama (named by Azusa), who always picked on him before training started. Half of Azusa's gloom during training was due to them (the other half was due to his own uselessness).

"Hey, Nanami, what are you doing? Carrying a sword is meaningless for you, really useless~"

"Hey, Hiromasa is going too far! You don't have to say it so bluntly~ ohohohoh"

"Why do you keep coming to training? If it were me, I'd be too embarrassed! Hehehe"

"Ah, Daiki, that guy doesn't even know what it means to be pitiful. Let's practice with him?"

The four of them laughed, "Hehehehehe." Was this fun?

"Ah? Hey, Shinji, you're too kind? I'm also very kind, so let's practice together~"

"Oh, okay. We're super kind. Spending time on someone useless~. Nanami~ you should be grateful?"

After saying that, the four of them grinned and led Azusa to a secluded spot. Moreover, the other students who noticed this turned a blind eye.

"No, I'm fine on my own. Just leave me to the next person."

At least, Azusa politely declined.

"Huh? We're specifically trying to train you, the useless one, and you're telling us what? That's unreasonable. You just need to be silent and say 'Thank you' to us!"

With that, Hiromasa punched Azusa in the side. Azusa let out a "Guh" and grimaced in pain. Azusa didn't remember Hiromasa and the others ever using violence without hesitation. If a teenage boy suddenly gains great power and becomes addicted to it, it's understandable, and he could endure being the target. After all, he had no power to resist, so Azusa could only grit his teeth. Soon, they reached a secluded corner of the training facility where few people went, and Hiromasa slammed Azusa with a fierce momentum.

"Look, get up quickly. This is a fun training session, okay?"

Hiromasa, Nakano, Saito, and Kondo surrounded Azusa. Azusa gritted his teeth and stood up reluctantly.

"Kya!?"

At that moment, Kondo hit Azusa from behind with the sheathed sword. Azusa let out a cry and fell forward, and more attacks followed.

"Look, what are you sleeping for? It's burning~. Aim for the burn, [Fireball]"

Nakano cast a fireball, a fire attribute magic. Azusa, who had just fallen and was in pain, rolled on the ground to avoid it. However, as expected, this time Saito cast a spell.

"Aim for the wind, [Windball]"

Azusa, who had just stood up, was hit in the abdomen by the wind ball and was blown backward. Azusa "Ow" and vomited, squatting on the ground. The magic itself was a simple 10-centimeter diameter spell. Despite this, it had the power of a professional boxer's punch. The main reason for this was their high adaptability and the fact that they used artifacts with engraved magic arrays provided by the state. Otherwise, it would be less powerful than a cooking fire or a cooling breeze.

"Hey, you're really weak. Nanami~ can't you put in a little effort?"

With that, Hiromasa kicked Azusa in the abdomen. Azusa suppressed the urge to vomit with all his might. For a while, the private punishment in the name of training continued. Azusa endured the pain, gritting his teeth and regretting why he was so weak. He should have been able to counterattack even if he couldn't win. However, from a young age, Azusa was never good at arguing with others or harboring ill will. He always ended up getting hurt in arguments. If he endured, it would end, and he thought it was better than arguing. Some people said Azusa was kind, while others said he was just cowardly. Azusa himself didn't know which category he belonged to. When the pain became unbearable, a girl's voice filled with anger suddenly rang out.

"What are you doing!?"

Hearing that voice, Hiromasa and the others immediately showed a "Uh-oh" expression. Of course, the girl was Kaori, whom Hiromasa was infatuated with. Not only Kaori, but also Shizukana, Hikari, and Ryotaro were there.

"No, please don't misunderstand, we were just helping Nanami with special training..."

"Mr. Nanami!"

Ignoring Hiromasa's explanation, Kaori ran to Azusa, who was coughing and squatting on the ground. The moment she saw Azusa, Hiromasa and the others disappeared from her mind.

"Special training? That's pretty one-sided, isn't it?"

"No, it's..."

"Excuses don't matter. Mr. Nanami is not suited for combat among his classmates. This shouldn't happen again."

"It's boring. If you have time, you should train to get stronger."

With that, Hiromasa and the others laughed awkwardly and hurried away. Under Kaori's healing magic, Azusa gradually recovered.

"Thank you, Shizukana. I'm saved."

Faced with Azusa's smile, Kaori shook her head, crying.

"Does this happen often? If so, I..."

For some reason, Kaori glared angrily at the direction Hiromasa and the others had left, and Azusa hurriedly stopped her.

"No, it's not like this from before! It's fine, I really don't mind!"

"But..."

Despite this, Kaori couldn't accept it, and Azusa smiled again, saying, "It's fine." Finally, Kaori relented.

"Mr. Nanami, if anything happens, don't hesitate to tell me. You can tell Kaori too."

Shizukana, looking at Kaori's bitter expression, smiled wryly, and Azusa thanked her. However, pouring cold water on the situation is a hero's talent.

"But, Nanami should also try harder. You won't get stronger by making weak excuses. I heard you always spend your free time in the library. That should end. If I were you, I would use even a little free time to train to get stronger. You should be a bit more serious, Nanami. If you're not serious, Hiromasa and the others might pick on you again."

How could he explain it like that? Azusa listened to this speech in a daze. Ah, indeed, Hikari, based on the "Theory of Human Nature," believes that everyone acts out of good intentions, so he gave this explanation. Azusa couldn't help but smile bitterly. In Hikari's way of thinking, there are no evil people in the world. If someone does something, there must be a reason. It's definitely not the other person's fault! This kind of thought process.

Moreover, Hikari really had no ill intentions. He just wanted to advise Azusa to be more serious. Azusa, already mentally exhausted, had no energy to clear up the misunderstanding. At this point, to argue with someone who has no doubts about their own thoughts and sense of justice would be pointless.

Understanding this, Shizukana covered her face and sighed, apologizing to Azusa in a low voice.

"I'm sorry, Hikari didn't mean to be mean."

"Ahaha, yeah, I know, so it's fine."

Azusa still smiled and said it was fine. He stood up, brushing off the dirt from