Legends tell that thousands of years ago, an immensely powerful being known as the Demon King, plunged the world into darkness and sorrow. It is said that with a single strand of his hair, entire mountains could be pulverized and the seas could be split apart.
Before his claws, mythical armors were as fragile as glass, and national treasures were no more than children's toys.
Mankind's hope vanished before his might. Those who survived faced a fate worse than death; life itself became a crude and unfortunate burden... until the glorious Hero and his cherished party appeared.
After long and painful years, the Demon King was finally defeated, and peaceful days finally returned. Of course, perfect peace cannot exist, as long as life endures. While sorrow is inevitable, the death of the Demon King eased the pain.
However, if a being like the Demon King was born, what's stopping the arrival of a new and even stronger Demon King? Exactly. Nothing. And that's why the Hero and his party founded the Celestial Academy.
—Thump.
"Phew... I finally finished this book — for the fiftieth time."
Sigh, my name is Rona Luminas, and I am a student of the prestigious Celestial Academy. In fact, when it comes to history and theoretical knowledge, one could say that even geniuses pale in comparison to me.
However... my affinity for magic is... terrible; if I am being generous. Therefore, I belong to the worst type of mages — the ones whose bodies and souls cannot absorb mana, just like a normal person.
Allow me to explain.
Magical energy — also known as mana, is a mysterious, subtle and one of the most important energies, many even consider mana to be more important than oxygen and food, and guess what? That's true! Well, at least for mages.
Mana can influence the very reality itself, it brings creation and destruction, life and death. It is the path that opens doors to the unknown and reveals the secrets of the unseen. But not everyone can use mana.
Just as the soul is responsible for animating and bringing life to the bodies and the eyes are responsible for the vision, the spiritual roots are responsible for absorbing mana. The three most common grades of spiritual roots are Low-Grade, Mid-Grade and High-Grade. Although rarer types of spiritual roots exist below Low-Grade or above High-Grade, these three are the most well known grades.
To become a mage, having a spiritual root is required, after all, they will need to absorb mana to enter the path of magic.
Oh, and just because the Low-Grade ones are called Low-Grade, it doesn't mean that you can look down on them. After all, a normal human has only 0.01% chance of being born with spiritual roots. However, if at least one parent has spiritual roots, the likelihood of the child being born with spiritual roots is almost 50%, and if both parents have spiritual roots, it is almost certain that their child will be born with spiritual roots.
Therefore, a Low-Grade Spiritual Root is enough to bring pride and wealth to an ordinary family, but only for an ordinary family. For the nobility and other prestigious families with large foundations, resources and history, a Low-Grade Spiritual Root is nothing special.
My family however, is not a big family.
Unlike some big and prestigious families whose lineage can be traced back even before the death of the Demon King, our magic lineage cannot be traced back to several hundred years old, maybe just a few generations, but since all of my family members have spiritual roots, our family is not ordinary.
Low-Grade, Mid-Grade and High-Grade Spiritual Roots are so easy to recognize that when a baby is born, even the simplest
"Alas... my brain hurts."
As you might guess, my spiritual root is indeed special, but not in a good way. I possess the legendary Null Spiritual Root, ta-da!
Without a proper treasure to discern my spiritual roots, my family nurtured me in an unprecedented manner, as if the fate of the entire Luminas family rested on my shoulders.
Back then, my mother, Chloe Luminas, used to tell me,
"As expected of our daughter, she's trully a genius who knows no equal!"
My father, Aubert Luminas, used to tell me,
"Rona, my dear, you are the pride of the Luminas family."
After all, even as a kid, I never made a single mistake during the theoretical exams prepared by my family's personal teachers.
Although I've always excelled in theoretical knowledge, my magical capabilities were never developed. Usually, a person who has spiritual roots can use magic even as a child, it's not that hard, unfortunately, I never could.
My family assumed that since I had a special spiritual root, the only way to awaken it was through better resources and magic abundance, that's why I was sent to the Celestial Academy. Unfortunately, that's the beginning of the nightmare.
After my enrollment, my spiritual roots were appraised by a decent
Honestly, the Academy should've expelled immediately. However, since my family had donated quite a lot to the Celestial Academy, they spared us from that embarrassment, my situation was reported to the Headmaster, who decided that I should be treated like every other student; within four months we should learn at least a single magic spell.
Quite good, right? Well... there's only one week left and I've never absorbed mana, let alone cast a spell. Ah, my life is over.
I've spent most of my time in the library of the Celestial Academy, browsing through beginner manuals and books containing information about the Null Spiritual Root. Unfortunately, they all had the same content; Trash! Unable to absorb mana!
Growling... my stomach is growling.
"Sigh..."
As much as I want to keep researching about my shitty affinity, I'm not even a beginner mage yet, I can't survive without food.
With that in mind, I left the library and headed toward the cafeteria.
As I walked through the corridors, I could hear people gossiping behind my back as usual.
"Hey, isn't that the trash of the Luminas family?"
"Oh, yes, that's her. My family is quite close to hers, so I've known Rona since we were kids. But still, we shouldn't be calling her 'trash', right? What if she hears us?"
"Hah? Who cares if she's listening? She's going to be expelled soon anyway."
"Wait, really?"
"Yes. It's been four months since she joined the Academy and she still can't absorb mana. She should have given up since it was revealed that her so-called special spiritual root is just a broken trash."
"Damn... that's quite pitiful. If only her family hadn't acted so high and mighty since she was born, maybe I would even feel sorry for her."
"Exactly! Serves her right, haha."
These daily gossips are a pain in the ass. It's true that my family is quite arrogant, but I have never disrespected anyone. Heavens are truly unfair.
"Sigh."
After walking for a while, I've reached the cafeteria.
Endless waves of laughter and joy filled the air. The relaxing atmosphere, combined with the endless amount of magical treasures and artifacts adorning the cafeteria, makes this place very special.
Soon, I directed my gaze toward a specific table. Anna Gazel — one of my few friends, is sitting there.
A cute girl with light-brown hair and a petite body.
She enrolled at the same batch as me four months ago, and we were paired together, so we share the same dorm room.
Although her theoretical knowledge is somewhat lacking, she's quite talented in combat, and like most students who enrolled, she already knew some spells before she became a student, after all, basic spells are quite simple to use, unless you're someone like me.
At first I thought she was going to mock me because of my terrible spiritual roots, but surprisingly enough, she treated me very well. Needless to say, we got along quite smoothly.
As soon as Anna noticed me approaching the table, A broad smile lit up her face, and she waved her hands relentlessly.
"Rona! Rona! Rona! Rona! Rona! Sit with me!!!"
I couldn't help but chuckle. During these terrible months, Anna was like a warm and strong bonfire driving away the merciless cold of the winter. My sour mood melted away like snow beneath the radiant sun.
"Alright, alright. I'm here."
After I sat on the bench, Anna shared some of her food with me, and the reason was quite simple. I am a Zero-Star student. Therefore, I don't have access to some of the Academy's benefits. After all, the food here isn't ordinary, the meat comes from magical beasts and the fruits are spirit fruits, meaning that everything here contains mana. Letting a student that may be expelled is a waste of resources.
That being said, there's no rule stopping someone from sharing their fair share of food, it's just most people aren't insane enough to do so... well, except Anna.
"Hey, Anna, I'm planning to go to the marketplace today, come with me. It will be fun!" I said.
"Wuwuwu... I'd love to go with you, but I still need to finish my alchemy homework, if I don't present it tomorrow, I'm screwed..."
"Alchemy homework eh? Let me help you." A subtle smile curled at the corners of my lips.
"R-Really?"
"Of course. I'd do everything for my best friend."
Fortunately, this homework is just a bunch theoretical questions about alchemy.
Theoretical questions are nothing but a small drop of water before my vast ocean of knowledge, hehe.
★★★★★
After helping Anna, I finally headed toward the marketplace.
Since the Celestial Academy is one of the most prestigious institutions, it naturally owns vast areas; in fact, the entire Atherial City belongs to the Celestial Academy.
"What a prestigious city..."
The atmosphere of here truly otherworldly. The streets are broad and paved with rare stones. Even the simple houses carry an air of dignity and wealth, as if every part of this city was full of magical energy, the simple houses are adorned with runes, while the most prestigious buildings are made of rare treasures and materials. The windows are made of stained glass depicting the legends and myths.
Magic formations are found everywhere, serving a wide range of purposes.
As I approached the marketplace, crowds and crowds of people appeared, noble and commoners, mages and ordinary humans alike. As I passed by, I could hear their laughter, discussions, business and everything else.
Several stalls and shops are lined up side by side, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere.
I ignored the expensive shops and headed toward a very suspicious Magic Shop with almost no customers. People often say this Magic Shop is the worst, full of junk, and the owner treats everyone like crap.
The shopkeeper is a gorgeous young woman known as Lady Astella. She has violet eyes, and her short violet hair barely reaches her shoulders, and one eye is constantly covered by her hair. Truly gorgeous! I'm kinda envious of her.
I've seen many complains about her personality but I quickly dismissed these negative comments. After all, I've been visiting this shop for months and have never been mistreated.
Ding Ding!
I gently open the door, and the sound of the bell rang for a while.
"Oh, if it isn't my favorite customer~" Lady Astella said, probably eating something, as she began licking her lips the moment I entered the shop. I hoped I didn't disturb her meal. "Good afternoon, Lady Astella." I said.
"Hmmm? Your tone is kinda different from usual, my sweetie. Is something bothering ya?" She asked while gazing at my body, perhaps she was worried that I was physically hurt? She's really gentle.
"Sigh... I'm going to be expelled from the Academy in a week." A subtle tear slid down from my eyes. I don't feel like living anymore.
"Ow, my sweetie, please don't cry! Here, sit down for a while; maybe I can help you~"
I sat on a chair and rested my head on the table. Lady Astella brought me some snacks to lift my spirits.
She asked me if I was willing to tell her why I was crying, after resting for a while, I began to explain my history to her, detail by detail. I expected her to merely offer some consoling words, but the words that came out of her mouth struck my heart lightning.
"My sweetie, I have the solution to your problems, hehe."
Unbelievable! I explained to her about my Null Spiritual Root, and now she says she has a solution? How could I believe that? Is she mocking me?
I immediately frowned upon hearing those words.
"My my, don't make that face, okay? I'm not joking, you know~"
"...What do you mean?" I asked, confused.
"Here, take a look at this." She brought out a book adorned with ancient jewels.
The title of the book is Ruler of Ecstasy and there is a strange drawing resembling a womb on the cover. I don't really understand its meaning or how this book could help me with my inability to absorb mana.
"Huh? Is this book a manual or a grimoire? I've researched most of the books in the Academy's library and have never found this one." I frowned.
"Well, something like that fufufu~ and of course you never found this book, it's something really special, there's not a single copy of this book, hehe~"
"S-Seriously!? Y-You're joking, right?" It must be a joke; there's no other way.
"It's not a joke. As I said before, I'm pretty serious, fufufu, and this book can be yours! Here, take it." With her hand extended, she presented the book to me.
"Hmm... and what's the price? Something like that must be pretty expensive, right? I'm not really full of spirit stones."
As I said this, I took out all of my spirit stones. A spirit stone is the currency of the magic world, and even gold pales in comparison to it. Spirit stones are usually divided into three grades, low-grade, mid-grade and high-grade. I only have some low-grade spirit stones.
A book that can help me to deal with the Null Spiritual Root... if something like that even exists, even a few high-grade spirit stones may not be enough! The price must be as high as the heavens itself!
"Oh my sweetie, don't worry about spirit stones, I'm giving it to you as a gift~" Lady Astella licked her lips again and her body is leaning close to me, I guess she's really willing to help me, but still... if the book is real, she shouldn't give it to me for free... she could become really rich selling it to a noble."
"B-But... is this really okay?" I can't help but feel worried. An innocent and gentle person like Lady Astella could be in danger! She's too naive... giving this book for free..."
"Of course, fufufu. Ah! There's something you must do to activate the book. See that womb mark on the cover? "A drop of your blood must be shed on the mark to activate it."
"T-That's it?" A lot of rituals, spells, and contracts require even more crazy things, such as sacrificing a limb, shedding a drop of blood is too simple.
In an instant, I took out her dagger and made a light cut on my finger, just enough to shed a drop of blood.
"It's done, hehe~"
"Already?"
"Yes, you should hurry up and go back to the dormitory, hehe."
"Well... thank you very much, Lady Astella! You just saved my life! What should I do to repay your kindness? Please ask anything!"
"Don't worry about that~"
"W-Wait, then I'll at least buy some things here! Hmm, I'll buy that magic bat right there." I pointed at a shelf filled with magical artifacts.
"Alright, it costs ten low-grade spirit stones."
"Here!" I happily gave Lady Astella the money, and I bid farewell.
"Bye-bye, sweetie. I look forward to seeing all your... achievements~"
As Lady Astella spoke, a subtle smile appeared on the corner of my lips. Having the gentle Lady Astella as a friend is truly a blessing.
After leaving the Magic Shop, I wandered around the marketplace and bought some delicacies.
The night had finally arrived, and I should hurry up.
★★★★★
"Welcome back, Rona!" Anna received me with a warm welcome. She's so cute.
"Hey, Anna! I've bought some gifts for you."
"What!? Really!? Really!?" She said while jumping like a happy bunny and clapping her hands, That's so adorable...
"Yes! Take a look!"
I retrieved the magic bat and the food I bought from my spatial bag, a common item in the magic world. Everything stored in a spatial bag will remain intact; therefore, even if you store a piece of meat and after an entire year you decide to take it out, the meat will still be fresh. That's why mages who excel at spatial magic are so beloved!
Anna shrieked with joy. Magical bats are perfect for mages who enjoy close combat. Just like magic swords and spears.
She hugged me so fiercely I thought I was going to pass out. After she calmed down, we ate together at the dormitory, then I decided to take a bath.
Unlike mages, I can't control mana to keep myself clean, and honestly, I will never stop bathing even if I become a mage.
As I took off my sweaty clothes before taking a bath, I suddenly noticed something weird right below my belly button.
"W-What?"
???
I'm confused.
What the hell is this thing? Wait, this design... it looks like the cover of the Ruler of Ecstasy — the book that Lady Astella gave to me.
Shit, how the hell did this thing appear on me? This doesn't make sense!
Oh, wait. I did shed a drop of my blood on the book, right? Then maybe it's a magical mark or something like that... well, who cares! As long as I can become a mage, I wouldn't even mind sacrificing my legs; having a weird mark below my navel isn't a problem at all.
I quickly stopped caring about these unnecessary thoughts, then took a good bath that lasted for over an hour.
As I stepped out of the bathroom, I noticed that Anna was already asleep.
"Hmm..."
My goal was to try to absorb some mana today, but since Anna was sleeping, I didn't want to accidentally wake her up, so I gave up on these thoughts and decided rest. Tomorrow I'll try to absorb mana, yes!
I lazily went up to my bed and slowly began to sleep.
But...
Ugh... Ugh...
I woke up in pain!
Why do I feel like my belly is on fire??? I can't sleep at all!
It's like there's a hot bonfire right below my navel... I pulled my shirt up to see what the hell was happening.
"W-What?"
The womb-shaped thing below my navel glowed, shining so brightly it bathed the room in light. W-What the...
"M-Maybe I should touch it...?" Honestly, I have no idea, but I decided to touch it anyway.
"....haa.....ha....."
My heart pounded like a drum within my chest.
As I touched, I felt a wave of intense feelings I've never felt before!
Just a light touch made my body tremble! This is not good.
But.. maybe I should touch it again...?
"...hah.....nhii....fuuh...
Ugh... my mouth accidentally released these weird sounds again... this is disgusting... but...
"....nn.....ah..."
I tried to hold back my voice, but... ugh... I just couldn't do it...
These sounds... are no different from wild animal noises, right...?
Ah...
"....What....is....going....on....with....me.....???"