The world resembled the Middle Ages, yet in certain regions, steam technology flourished, featuring steam engines, industrial equipment, and intricate gear mechanisms.
In this world, Mana cannot be used as a benchmark for a Mage's strength. Mages possess a magical energy called Magic Force, whereas Mana serves as their Stamina. If a Mage has vast amounts of Mana but low Magic Force, they are like a rapid-fire weapon that deals only minor damage. Conversely, a Mage with little Mana but massive Magic Force is like a single-use but lethal weapon.
Among the cities and kingdoms stood Greya, the capital of the Kingdom of Dorotes. Beyond being the capital, Greya was known as the "City of Two Mountains." These "mountains" were not actual peaks, but rather the two most powerful and influential families in the Kingdom: the Frontsen and Malvelle families.
The Frontsen family was the strongest clan of mages in the kingdom. Pure blooded descendants were characterized by their white hair and were blessed with immense Mana and Magic Force.
In contrast, the Malvelle family was the kingdom's strongest family of swordsmen. Every family member, soldier, and servant was highly skilled in swordsmanship. Their true descendants were identified by their maroon hair and irises. Both families held a rank equivalent to a Duke.
At the Frontsen estate, a young man stood 170 cm tall. He was 20 years old, with white hair and blue eyes, dressed in a Baroque-style outfit—a blue outer coat over a black inner vest—and white gloves. His name was Yuira Frontsen, the third son of the family.
Yuira harbored a secret known to very few: he possessed infinite Mana and a Magic Force that grew larger over time. The gloves he wore were actually Artifacts designed to suppress his Magic Force, preventing it from overflowing. Whenever he wished to cast magic, he used a white Magic Wand, which also served to weaken his Magic Force.
Furthermore, Yuira held a secret known to absolutely no one: he had reincarnated twice, and this was his third life. In his first life, he was Lucius Swezer, the son of a Count who could tame spirits but died of poison. In his second life, he was a hero in the Contemporary Era named Rey, who was murdered by the comrades he trusted. In this third life, he had decided to simply relax.
Currently, Yuira was in the drawing room, sitting elegantly on a sofa while sipping a cup of tea. Despite his poised appearance, a single word echoed in his mind: "Bored."
Ah, I'm so bored! What should I do now?
As he walloped in boredom, a woman with long Paris-green hair appeared. Her eyes were closed, and she wore a gown matching her hair color. She was Yuira's mother, Taria Frontsen. Although she was 47 years old, she appeared to bea woman in her 20s.
Taria asked in a gentle tone, "What is on your mind, my son? Is something the matter?"
Hearing this, Yuira replied, "Ah, it's nothing, Mother."
Taria tilted her head slightly. "Is that so?" She walked over and sat across from him. "Tell me, what are you thinking about?"
"I'm just bored. There's nothing for me to do," Yuira answered.
Taria smiled. "How about becoming an Adventurer? I heard it's a very popular profession lately."
"No, thank you, I'm not interested," Yuira replied, sipping his tea. "Besides, I'd rather relax than hunt monsters."
"What are you two talking about?"
Yuira and Taria turned their heads to see an 18-year-old girl. She had long white hair, light blue eyes, and wore an Academy uniform. She was Yuna Frontsen, the fourth and youngest child, and also Yuira's younger twin sister.
"You're back from the Academy already?" Yuira asked.
Yuna walked toward them. "Of course. So, what were you two discussing?"
"Nothing much. I just feel bored because I have nothing to do," Yuira replied. He looked at Yuna and asked, "Do you have any ideas?"
Yuna countered, "Well, what do you usually do when you go out?"
"Usually, I just collect ingredients for Alchemy," Yuira said.
"Then how about becoming an Alchemist Merchant?"
"An Alchemist Merchant?" Yuira repeated.
"Yes! You can gather ingredients and sell potions," Yuna answered.
Yuira's interest was piqued. "That sounds like a good idea. But..." He looked at Taria. "Mother, would I be allowed to do that?"
Taria nodded. "Of course, I allow it, but you must also ask for your father's permission."
Excited, Yuira stood up. "Yes, alright!"
In the center of Greya stood a tall, square tower known as the Frontsen Magic Tower. Naturally, the tower belonged to the Frontsen family.
Inside, there was a private office for the Tower Master and Vice Tower Master. Yuira stood before the door and opened it to find the Tower Master—his father, Evan Frontsen—signing a pile of documents on his desk. Evan had white hair, bright red eyes, and wore rectangular glasses.
Evan glanced up at Yuira. "What do you want?"
"Father, I want to become an Alchemist Merchant. Please permit me to go on a journey."
Without a second thought, Evan replied, "Go ahead."
Yuira was stunned. "That easily?" he whispered.
Evan overheard him. "Of course. Among all our family members, you are the most genius mage. I have no reason to worry about you."
Yuira beamed with joy.
"Oh, by the way, where is Hazel?" Evan asked.
"I don't know, I haven't seen him," Yuira replied.
Evan grumbled irritably, "That boy... he's probably at the auction house again."
Yuira left the room and headed downstairs. What should I prepare first?... Ah, right. I should buy a shop.
In a certain building, there was a bald, fat man with a mustache that covered his lips. He wore a yellow long-sleeved shirt. He owned many properties and was currently selling several of them.
Soon, a voice came from behind the door. "Sir, there is someone who wants to buy one of the buildings."
The man turned around. "Who is it?"
"He says he is Yuira Frontsen."
Knowing the prestige of the Frontsen family, the man quickly ushered him in. A moment later, Yuira entered and sat before him. "I heard you're selling buildings. I'd like to buy one."
"What kind of building are you looking for?" the man asked.
"Just a small shop with a few rooms," Yuira answered.
A few minutes later, they stood before an empty shop. It was grayish-black on the outside and inside, with a large window for displays. "This matches your criteria and has two rooms. What do you think?"
Yuira replied, "No."
The man was surprised. They went to a two-story yellow building, but Yuira again said, "No." They went to a larger shop, but Yuira still said, "No."
The man was starting to lose patience. "How about this one?" Yuira asked, pointing back to the very first building on the list. The man was furious inside, but he didn't dare show it, fearing Yuira might kill him.
They returned to the first building. "Perfect," Yuira said, handing over 3,000 Dest.
Yuira approached the shop and removed his right glove. His Magic Force surged out instantly, spreading so fast it covered the entire city of Greya. The man standing near him trembled in terror, his body paralyzed by the pressure.
Yuira pointed his right hand at the shop and channeled his Magic Force into it. He was turning the shop into an Artifact. Slowly, the building and its contents began to shrink.
Yuira picked up the miniaturized shop. The man was in total shock, unable to believe his eyes. Yuira approached him and summoned an Inventory gate above them. Several pouches containing 30,000 Dest fell out.
"Don't tell anyone about this," Yuira said with a small smile.
The next day, Yuira stood in front of his home with Taria and Yuna.
"Yuira, are you sure about this?" Taria asked anxiously.
"I am very sure, Mother," Yuira replied.
"Brother, when you come back, bring me some souvenirs!" Yuna chirped.
Yuira sighed. "Fine, fine." He waved his hand and set off on his journey.
To be continued...