Chapter 3: 3. Does Shinji Matou Even Deserve to Be Called a Magician?
"Hey, what are you all doing? Lunch break is over!" a teacher's shout came from nearby.
The three bullies felt the usually annoying teacher seemed unusually kind now. They tried to slip away.
"Hmm?"
Dudley's soft hum instantly froze them in place, rooted to the spot. Without Dudley's permission, they dared not move an inch.
"Bring the money here in three days. Don't let me catch you bullying anyone again."
"Get lost."
Only then did the three feel relieved, sprinting away at top speed until they vanished from sight.
"Oh, it's Dudley." The teacher approached, his face immediately lighting up with smiles upon seeing Dudley.
To students, Dudley seemed like a demon, but to teachers, he appeared entirely different. The reason was simple: Dudley excelled academically, ranking first schoolwide every year with near-perfect scores in every subject. He was a model student. Using wizarding O.W.L. exam terms, Dudley's academic performance was O (Outstanding), physical education O (Outstanding), height development O (Outstanding), even his physique was O (Outstanding).
Moreover, Dudley loved competitive events and consistently won first-place medals for the school. The trophy cabinet was overflowing. What teacher wouldn't adore him?
After a brief exchange, the teacher departed, leaving only Harry and Dudley.
"Dudley... I'm sorry... I couldn't protect your lunch." Harry seemed to steel himself, gathering courage.
Dudley frowned again: "What should you call me?"
Harry's courage instantly deflated: "S-sorry, Big D."
Big D was an intimate nickname only Dudley's friends could use.
"Harry, you really don't need to be so afraid of me."
"Alright, Big D."
This exchange left Dudley speechless. He swore he'd never bullied Harry since arriving in this world. He had no idea why Harry feared him so. 'I'm clearly a very easygoing person.'
He truly hadn't bullied Harry—Harry just happened to be nearby whenever Dudley dealt with others. Dudley's violent side had left a deep impression on young Harry's mind.
After a brief conversation, Dudley sent Harry to class and found a secluded spot to examine his reward.
Dudley wasn't native to this world. His current name was Dudley Dursley, cousin to the famous Harry Potter of the wizarding world—a minor character who advanced the plot, an insignificant villain in the early stages. More importantly, the author had designated him a Muggle—destined never to touch magic.
Without a miracle, Dudley would never cast even half a spell.
But as the saying goes: fortune hides misfortune, misfortune breeds fortune. While closing one door, heaven opened another window.
Suppressing his excitement and joy, Dudley pushed open 'that window.' Mysterious golden letters materialized before his eyes—visible only to Dudley, his unique 'golden finger.'
Mage Cultivation System—literally, a system for training mages.
"Rescued young savior Harry Potter. Reward: One physique lottery draw!"
"Draw now?" Dudley watched the words slowly appear before him.
He rubbed his hands vigorously, then ran to the school restroom to wash them meticulously.
For a lottery draw, one must first wash away bad luck and invite good fortune into the body. Only then could he win big prizes. Having transmigrated to a magical world, he had to believe in metaphysics.
The moment Dudley activated the draw, an antique slot machine materialized before him, its three reels spinning wildly.
Whether meaningful or not, the ceremony felt complete.
As the lever pulled, symbols on the screen scrolled endlessly. Dudley could only wait passively for the result.
Recalling his previous lottery experience...
Last time, he'd won "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure"—the Ripple technique.
It was a unique cultivation method that enhanced physical prowess dramatically through controlled breathing. Mastery could surpass human limits and even resist aging.
Dudley had been puzzled why a mage cultivation system would grant such a thing.
The system explained: "A robust physique is the foundation for spellcasters."
It made sense, so he accepted it. Since then, daily Ripple training forged his current formidable build.
"But Coach, Dudley wants to learn magic!"
No one dislikes magic. Compared to physical training, the mystique of spells was infinitely more alluring.
As Dudley mused, the slot machine slowed, revealing the reward series:
"TYPE-MOON World: FATE"
"Holy Grail War: Three Founding Families."
More words appeared on the machine.
Dudley's eyebrow lifted—this had to be magic.
Though that world called it "magecraft" and practitioners "magi," surely even a magus could cast a fireball?
In anticipation, an image materialized:
A blue-haired youth wore a lecherous grin, his hand resting on the thigh of a red-haired, twin-tailed girl.
A classic scene from Fate/stay night's UBW route—"These legs... I could play with them for a year."
"Congratulations: Obtained Shinji Matou's Magus Physique."
Shinji Matou—eldest son of the magus lineage Matou clan. As a child, he yearned to become a magus, only to discover he lacked the aptitude. His resentment twisted into cruelty toward his adopted sister Sakura, committing unforgivable acts.
A plot device, much like Dudley Dursley—a minor villain.
Yet Dudley's wickedness paled beside Shinji's. Shinji's sole redeeming traits were decent grades and archery club vice-captaincy. For this, Dudley gained Archery LV1.
Even after years of Ripple training—when Dudley remained composed through most trials—his composure cracked. He cursed aloud:
"Shinji Matou's Magus Physique? I laugh just looking at it!"
"Shinji Matou, do you look like a magus? You're not just a little off—you're galaxies away!"
"What can you do, Shinji Matou? Dare call yourself a magus?"
(End of Chapter)