Estimated read time: 11 min
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(Alex's Perspective)
At first, I was extremely worried. I couldn't even understand what was happening to me. Today, we only learned a few spells, yet within this short span, the two Duke's daughters could already wield them. Perhaps this is the difference between nobles and commoners that everyone talks about. It felt like stepping on a sharp blade—painful, yet revealing an opportunity. At least now I had a chance to approach them. From our first encounter, I noticed that Elin was cold-blooded by nature, whereas Myra was gentle and polite. It seemed this mission was far from easy. And there's also the kingdom's princess, whom I haven't even seen yet.
I tried not to dwell on it and started walking home. My house was half an hour away from the academy. If I had a flying broom, it could take just two minutes, but I was on foot. Along the way, I noticed several interesting things. My mother had accompanied me to the academy in the morning, so I knew the road well. Although my primary goal was to reach home, there was an open market nearby. It wasn't a large market, so most of the customers were commoners. I felt a small thrill of excitement at the thought of exploring it. In the morning, I hadn't dared mention it because my mother was with me, but now there was no problem.
This world's currency differed from Earth's. Coins were used—Copper > Silver > Gold. 100 copper coins equaled one silver coin, and 1,000 silver coins equaled one gold coin. According to my father, one gold coin could support our family for two months. From what I've heard, the coin value is roughly equivalent to Earth's. One copper coin is roughly equal to 0.01$ in earth
Even as commoners, my father being a hunter meant we earned well from each mission. In terms of money, we could live like low-class nobles. I had a single gold coin in my pocket. If compared to Earth currency, it was around 100$. For a child, that's quite a lot. I also had ten to twelve silver coins. Perhaps that's the luxury of nobles. But I never liked a lavish life. I grew up learning the value of money, so I decided to buy something with silver coins. Since I hadn't purchased anything in this world yet, this would be my first experience.
The market wasn't large, so there were only a few proper shops. The rest of the stalls were set up on the ground along the path. There were many items for sale, from food to magical items. I didn't care much about magical items yet. Until I unlock 10% of my ring, any item I touch will absorb all my energy. After wandering for a while, I noticed a chain. It looked beautiful to me. An elderly woman was selling it, along with other jewelry. Though normally a man wouldn't be here, I thought it would suit my mother. It was made with clear sea pearls. Some might call it a necklace or a pendant, but to me, it was a chain.
I reached out to touch it, and another hand landed on top of mine. I looked to see who it was and saw a stranger. She wore a mask and a hood. Her eyes were mesmerizing, though cold. I was captivated, but I didn't let go of the chain. The girl spoke in a calm voice:
> "I liked it first, so it's mine."
I knew girls usually needed first choice, but I didn't let go. I held it tightly and said:
> "I touched it first. Technically, it's mine."
A small battle seemed about to start. I didn't know who this girl was, but I refused to give up the chain. The elderly woman watching us intervened:
> "Whoever offers more will take it."
The girl immediately placed two gold coins on the old woman's table. Seeing that, I let go. Two gold coins weren't much for a noble, but for us commoners, it was significant. The chain's maximum price wouldn't exceed five silver coins. Still, I didn't feel anger or resentment. I saw joy on the old woman's face, which gave me some peace. The girl took the chain and left. I didn't look back. I bought a few apples for one silver coin and headed home. I didn't want to waste too much time at the market. Having a basic understanding of magic, I only needed some practice.
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I stood in my training ground—mainly the garden I converted for practice. I held a wooden sword, appropriate for my age and size. Father said I should train with a wooden sword since I don't sit-ups with one hand. I had to slash down one hundred times from above my shoulder. Though grueling, it was necessary. Normally, I couldn't track my growth in such training, but my ring had a status option, allowing me to see my increasing power.
I began slashing. After ten perfect strikes, fatigue hit. I had to maintain balance while putting my weight into each swing. After an hour, I completed one hundred slashes and sat on the grass to rest. Nearby, a bamboo container held water. I drank to cool my body. Mother came out with sliced apples and a pill.
> "Alex, take a rest and eat this pill. It'll help you restore energy."
I didn't know why my mother hid her identity. Healers and alchemists were highly valued, alchemists more than healers. If she entered the Alchemist Tower, she could secure a high noble position, ensuring our safety. Perhaps that's why she remained anonymous. I took the pill. Usually, these pills contain concentrated energy, almost like a stone. The energy is absorbed through the stomach, the fastest method being meditation. But I didn't need that. My ring had the title Consumer, so I could absorb the energy simply by eating one pill per day. Though my ring did most of the work, I technically absorbed it myself.
Mother went inside. I stayed outside, sitting briefly to meditate. Meditation wasn't bad—it stored energy in the ring—but I disliked sitting idle.
After she left, I got up. Having received a spellbook, my curiosity surged. With a basic understanding of spells, I was confident I could cast them.
Since I lacked a core, I couldn't naturally sense energy. My ring made skill use easier, but channeling energy through it was still tricky. Yet I understood the process. A topic of creating new spells also formed in my mind—I would try that later. First, I practiced a regular spell.
> "O Great Mana Lord, I am Dark Attributer. Please listen to my call and vanquish the light… 'Dark Ball'."
I chanted while holding the book in my right hand and extending my left forward. At first, I expected nothing, but black energy appeared in my hand, confirming my chanting was correct. I continued practicing, eventually depleting the energy stored in my ring.
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Uexcul Mansion
Duke's daughter Elin sat in her room with Princess Enri. They were discussing something—mainly the princess sneaking out earlier. The two were close friends.
> "Princess Enri, your father told you not to leave the mansion, yet you snuck out today."
Elin's tone was stern, but the princess smiled mischievously, putting a pearl necklace from a cloth bag around Elin's neck.
> "I met a strange boy today. He fought me over this necklace, but when I bought it with two gold coins, he didn't utter a word. You would have laughed to death if you were there!"
Elin frowned.
> "You're diverting from the main topic. Two princes can do as they wish to keep you safe, but sneaking out makes their work easier."
> "I understand. How was your first day at the academy?"
> "It went well."
> "I heard from Myra's letter that you fought with her for a common boy."
Elin frowned at the mention of Myra. After class, there had been a scuffle over a commoner. Elin considered going through that boy's academy life page by page.
> "I don't understand… how could two Duke's daughters fall for a commoner? This will cause a bigger war in the kingdom," the princess said, laughing.
Elin could not retort and went to the balcony, frowning. Princess Enri lay on her bed, troubled by her father's last wishes. She had fled to here. Her two brothers wanted to marry her off to a prince of another kingdom for personal gain, selling the kingdom's future.
Elin held her bracelet tightly. She could never remove it, though she could transfer it from one hand to another. She gazed at the sky.
> "Are you sure that boy is the host of Jiduri?"
A voice emerged from the flaming bird within the bracelet:
> "Yes. I am one hundred and one percent sure the boy holds Jiduri."
> "Then can Jiduri recognize you?"
> "I don't think so. He has the seal in his ring, so I don't think he can recognize me. What do you plan to do now?"
> "I want to see the true power of Jiduri's host."
> "How? From what I've seen, his host cannot yet use Jiduri's power. Otherwise, your spell would not have attacked so easily."
> "To see one's true form, only moments of anger suffice. Don't worry, I won't stray from my main goal."
> "As you wish."
Elin's face turned serious, lost in thought. Her bracelet let out only a soft laugh. Perhaps it was forming mischief, but it was hidden by her serious expression.
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Demonic Forest
Most of the Demonic Forest lies within the Mefas Kingdom. It is a place rich in demonic energy, where most demonic beasts are born. Thanks to the forest, Mefas became a prosperous kingdom. Hunters, mercenaries, knights, mages, healers, and alchemists from other kingdoms enter because of it.
Deep within, a portal opened, and three beings emerged. They were not humans, but devils—Emoras, Kemoras, and Jemoras, biological brothers.
> "Brother, where are we?" Kemoras asked Emoras.
> "To follow our master's orders," Emoras replied, gazing at the sky.
> "Prince Beelzebub never got along with our kind. Will we be in danger here?" Jemoras asked nervously.
> "The prince is not alive yet. We must first obtain his five keys for our master," Emoras answered.
> "Then can I destroy everything as I please?" Kemoras asked.
A smile formed on Kemoras's face, while Emoras was cautious. Though they could sense a few powerful individuals here, they were confident they could finish the mission unseen.
> "Still, we must be careful. After all, we are in Prince Beelzebub's area," Emoras added.
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To Be Continued…
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