If the magic sealed within the tool had already been used up, then during the enemy's next magic attack, the holder could still absorb that magic and convert it into power of their own.
In other words, Akira could not only fire his own spells from this magic item but even retaliate against enemy magic with their own.
A counterpunch in the form of magical justice!
"...NTR Ball."
Akira looked at the item in his palm, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
"It's funny. If I really call it that, those mischievous gods will definitely have a field day mocking me... And I don't want to ruin the 'good boy' image Astraea-sama has of me."
Several magic spheres—Pokéball-like items from his memories of a world long past—appeared in his hands. Round, palm-sized orbs, with a gleaming metallic sheen and an intricate magic circle etched precisely in the center. This circle acted as both the trigger and the focal point for the attack.
The surface was engineered with anti-slip grip lines because even magic tools needed practical ergonomics.
Worried about the enemy getting hold of it?
Akira scoffed to himself. As if he'd overlook that.
These magic tools were sealed with his bloodline's magic, a special magical authentication only usable by those with his unique magical imprint. In someone else's hands, they were just shiny, slightly harder-than-average balls of steel. Pretty and utterly useless.
After all, he had no intention of his creations being used against his own comrades.
Tossing one of the balls into the air, Akira caught it with ease and turned to walk down the hallway.
"No more delays... Time to test this thing's power."
As he exited the corridor on the way to the training ground, he encountered Alise, who had just finished sharpening and oiling her treasured sword.
"Akira? Where are you going?" Alise's red hair swayed slightly as she turned toward him, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Nothing major. Just going to test a new magic item." Akira replied casually.
"Ohhh? I want to see! I'm coming too!"
[DING!]
[Alise has joined the party!]
"Akira, you're amazing."
"A new tool?"
"That sounds exciting. I want in too."
[DING!]
[Ryuu, Lyra, and Kaguya have joined the party!]
As if a flag had been raised, the group grew larger with each passing second. Word spread fast in Astraea Familia when something interesting happened.
Even Astraea herself put down her watering can and began to stroll toward the crowd, hands resting behind her back, a gentle smile on her face.
Before long, the entire Astraea Familia had gathered at the training ground. From the outside, one might assume some grand event was underway—a battle royale or perhaps a formal duel.
But no, it was just another one of Akira's wild inventions.
Standing at the center, Akira placed a huge ice block about a hundred meters away to serve as his target. He tightened his grip around the sphere and raised it.
Focusing his mind, he slowly channeled a trace of magical energy into the core.
The moment the energy surged in, the magic circle engraved on the sphere began to glow. Crimson runes flickered and rotated as a second, larger magic array formed in midair in front of the orb.
And then—BOOM!
A stream of thick, blazing flame erupted like a dragon's breath, roaring forward with thunderous heat.
The flames surged forth, coiling and twisting like a furious fire serpent, tearing through the air with scorching intensity. The ground sizzled beneath its path. The air shimmered. It was as if the very atmosphere was igniting from the spell's power.
Crack!Crackle!Hiss!
Upon impact with the giant ice block, a plume of dense white steam burst out. Heat clashed with cold in a violent explosion of elemental opposition. The once-sturdy ice began to melt and crack, fine spider-web fractures spreading rapidly from the epicenter.
Akira paused the flow of magic. He glanced down—the sphere still pulsed with energy. Roughly eighty percent of the stored fire element remained, enough for five more full-power attacks.
Large shards of ice clattered down, only to be consumed midair by the lingering flames, vanishing into mist before even touching the ground. The fiery assault had carved a deep hole into the block, melting its core into a pool of bubbling water and smoke.
For a moment, there was stunned silence.
Then—uproar.
"WHAT was that?!"
Alise's eyes were wide with disbelief. She grabbed Akira's arm tightly, practically shaking him with excitement. "Akira! This is insane! What the hell did you make?!"
Ryana folded her arms, eyes narrowing with amazement. "That output... It's almost on par with my own magic flame."
Lyra leaned in, her gaze filled with intellectual curiosity and sparkling amusement. "Looks like my bombs are getting old... Can I take a few with me next time we dive into the Dungeon? It'll be fun."
Kaguya smiled faintly, raising an eyebrow. "Interesting. I'd love to see how it performs under real combat stress."
"...Just like a magic sword." Ryuu murmured softly to herself, the awe in her tone unmistakable.
Astraea, who stood quietly near the rear of the group, looked on with the expression of a proud parent. Her soft smile and gentle gaze spoke volumes.
Akira puffed out his chest, then struck a pose like some over-the-top street performer. "Pretty cool, right? I am a genius, after all!"
The girls chuckled, and as if they had rehearsed it a hundred times before, they all reached out at once and began rubbing his head with exaggerated affection.
"Yeah, yeah, our little genius!"
"The pride of the Astraea Familia!"
"Haha, what a kid."
Akira laughed as his hair was playfully tousled from all directions. Though it was rowdy and warm, he felt nothing but joy from their touch.
The girls remembered what he'd told them in the past—that he made these magic items not for himself, but for them. They knew these weapons, these tools, were born from his desire to protect and empower them.
The warmth in their eyes, the rising affection in their hearts—it was all because of that unwavering intention.
Akira took out another magic ball, eyes gleaming.
"Actually, it wasn't easy making this. It took a lot of trial and error. And there's another function. It can absorb enemy magic and counterattack immediately. Want to see?"
The moment he asked, every girl's expression lit up with excitement. They exchanged a quick glance and responded in unison.
"Let's see it!"
Astraea looked at them all, her hands lightly clasped in front of her chest. Her gentle smile deepened, her heart warm with pride and happiness.
Yes... Akira wasn't just their familia's little genius. He was their hope. The glue that bound their hearts together. Their justice—come to life.