Lloyd sighed; he was exhausted, but at least his mission was complete. He had managed to learn about magic.
In truth, completing the mission had been no problem. As soon as he learned a bit more about magic, he realized it was the same system as in the novel—he already knew everything.
Magic consisted of using magical power, an alien force refined through established methods.
What interested him most now was the Root. This was a mutation of the spiritual core, the energy of the soul. The Root replaced spiritual energy with magical power.
Magical power was a substance highly susceptible to ideas and thoughts, and with it, you could create phenomena.
The first beings to discover the uses of magic were dragons, who passed that knowledge to the druids, and from there, the methods became standardized.
Magic had no classification like in other novels; there were no ranks, as there were too many forms and styles to unify under a single system.
Magic was simple: a spell is a formula, and the amount of magical power determines its efficiency.
Magic used spoken spells or written incantations, while innate magic didn't require this process.
A mage could study how to create a spell and then pass that knowledge through the proper incantation.
It was a simple formula: magic was utilized and developed in many ways—in technology, agriculture, and more.
But knowing all of that was useless if you couldn't use magical power. Free magical power was dangerous; in large quantities, it could mutate living beings.
Nature, however, created a purification system to prevent creatures from being corrupted: the spirits.
Originally, spirits were the spiritual consciousness of a place in nature or even meteorological phenomena. Later, these phenomena sacrificed themselves, dividing into millions of small spirits that "purified" the world.
What did this mean? That the only way to use magical power was to produce it yourself or use an artifact.
That was a problem—a big one—because it wasn't possible to gather magical power from the environment into a core. Why did this matter? Because Lloyd's mission required exactly what was virtually impossible.
[Part Two: Create a stable energy source in your body]
[Time Limit: 1 Month]
[Reward: 2,500 V.P – 2 Purple Stars – 1 Bronze Card]
[Penalty: Death]
Lloyd spent a lot of time researching the library to see if there was any way to create an artificial magical core, but he found nothing.
He wouldn't have minded relying on a wand or artifact to use magic, but the system had other plans.
"Why do all the missions punish me with death? It's not even funny anymore," Lloyd muttered, exhausted; night had already fallen. "At least I can earn some points with the side missions."
[Side Missions]
Steal food from the kitchen without being seen. {330 V.P}
Visit the backyard at night. {150 V.P}
Read Clarinda's diary. {360 V.P}
They were simple, somewhat strange tasks, but any source of V.P. was welcome. After all, if he collected 1,500 V.P., he could upgrade the rank of the Eye of Envy.
"Young Master, I have new information."
"Uwaaa!" Lloyd jumped at Sebastián's voice; he hadn't seen him coming.
His surprise triggered a severe coughing fit, which the butler tried to soothe with pats on his back.
"I'm sorry, young master, I didn't mean to disturb you like that."
"It's alright, Sebas, but knock next time."
"I'll do so, sir."
"Good, now tell me, what information do you bring?"
"I'll tell you right away, sir. You can listen while you eat the dinner I brought; it seems your research made you forget your meal."
"Thank you very much, I appreciate it."
The boy pushed the books aside as Sebastián placed the tray on the table. It was a plate of boiled fish with slices of roasted potato, drizzled with oil.
Lloyd began eating, and it was genuinely delicious; the meal was well-seasoned, not bland at all.
Additionally, because of the region they were in, close to the sea, the fish was fresh and high-quality. In fact, the neighboring city specialized in fishing.
Lloyd knew the geography of his home because the previous owner of this body had read extensively about it.
Unfortunately, they weren't in the central continent but in the northern one, a territory called Cocytus, part of the kingdom of Avalon, and seeking to conquer an abyss of the same name.
"Well, aside from the fact that fish prices have risen in the market, the most notable rumors in the city mention outsiders with an unpleasant appearance, and how ominous the nights have become; no one dares to go out after dark."
"Mmm, the fish is good. As for the other matter, I guess we already have a lead," the boy paused for a moment, mentally too exhausted to think further. "Yes, follow that lead; give me another report tomorrow."
"Mmm, Sebas, has anything else increased in price?"
"Tubers. Perhaps it's not just that. I know because I bought them myself."
"Oh, you cooked this?"
"Indeed. As a butler, I'm also trained in culinary arts, though due to administrative duties regularly assigned to me, I rarely have time to cook. Since hiring Clarinda, however, I have much more free time."
The boy was quiet for a moment, then continued chewing. After swallowing, he asked further questions.
"Did you delegate administrative tasks to Clarinda? She must be very capable."
"Yes, she worked as a maid but learned by watching me. I even taught her a few things. When the issue with the pendant arose, I had to leave my position to her, and apparently, she managed the responsibilities well. Don't worry, she already had experience helping me with minor inventory and other tasks, so I figured she could at least replace me for a while."
"Excellent, I suppose that's all…" The boy stared at the plate for a moment before adding, "You should find out why the price of fish and potatoes rose, and also check what else has gone up. It might not be related to what we're looking for, but that doesn't mean we can't handle other matters… What's happening?"
"Young master… I'm so proud! I'm sure you would make a perfect patriarch," the old man said, dramatically wiping away a tear.
"Haha, sure," Lloyd laughed awkwardly; he didn't see that as very possible and wouldn't say so to Sebastián to avoid disappointing him. "Well, I suppose it's time to sleep."
"Rest well, young master."
"You too, Sebas."