The third books about, Treasures, Spells, and Humans, chronicle the origin and development of power, tracing its progression point by point, from the shallow to the profound. They serve as a history of the extraordinary world, analyzing the perfection of these supernatural abilities through historical narrative.
As the titles suggest, the most critical of these is "Treasure." However, the so-called treasure is not mere gold or silver, but the true source of power: artifacts possessing such immense strength they can destroy an island in an instant.
These artifacts magically enable people to fly through the sky, swim freely in the water, and travel between islands in a matter of seconds. These objects, which defy the natural order of the world and are completely unscientific, are collectively termed "Treasures."
Of course, while they are all "Treasures," they are divided into different levels. Ed did not know the specific criteria for their power levels, but from low to high, they are respectively called the [Holy Grail], [Scepter], and [Crown].
"Treasure" is the source of all extraordinary power that humans possess in this world. Every supernatural ability humans use relies on the assistance of "Treasures."
Humans possess innate magical power within their bodies, which gradually expands with age until it stabilizes in adulthood, roughly between 16 and 18 years old. The standard age of adulthood in this world is also 16. However, this internal magic is inert and cannot resonate with the external magic in the world.
Naturally, humans cannot mobilize this dormant, solidified magic on their own, just as they cannot consciously control every part of their body, many functions operate automatically through the subconscious. An external force is needed to clear the magical pathways and reactivate the latent energy within, a process known as "Touching." The name originates from the requirement to physically touch a Treasure to become a "Toucher," hence the "Touching Ceremony."
Any "Treasure," regardless of level, can reactivate the magic within an ordinary person. However, the number of people a Treasure can awaken is limited, dependent on its level. The exact reason for this is unknown and not explained in the book. When the "quota" is full, no new individuals can be activated unless a vacancy occurs after someone's death.
As magic becomes active through the Touch, the pathways are activated as well. Like nerves that connect and control magic, humans can now direct their own magic as effortlessly as they move their hands and feet.
This active magical energy enhances a person's physical condition, strengthening their physique. If there was one benefit Ed looked forward to as a Toucher, it was this: a powerful physique meant a healthier body, more stamina, a longer lifespan, and, crucially, the ability to use magic to reinforce specific limbs and perform otherwise impossible feats. What more could one want?
As control becomes more proficient, one can temporarily expand their magical power through physical contact. Channeling it into weapons grants them enhanced characteristics, or the extended magic can be manipulated for other operations. This reminded Ed of a Haki-like skill from a certain pirate anime he had watched until his death, a notoriously long show with a story so compelling you couldn't leave it halfway, even waiting a week for a single episode, but that bastard show until his death show no sign of getting finished.
If one wishes to wield greater magical powers, it can only be done by controlling "Treasures" through magic. With magical energy, humans can also master "Treasures" more easily. However, Treasures are exceedingly rare, and only a small fraction of people ever possess one.
So, what about the others? Humans with strong souls who frequently interact with Treasures gradually gain new powers from them. These distinct powers acquired from Treasures are called "Spells." Spells can be cast directly using the body's magical energy or with the aid of magical materials.
According to legend, some individuals have even carved spells onto their own bodies. After mastering a spell, one can inscribe it in the air or on any object; the spell will then draw magical energy from the surroundings to function, and the caster can control it remotely.
Ed had some knowledge in this area, as Jack's Spell Explanation clearly described the use of three spells. He also learned of a [Scepter]-level Treasure: [The Incinerating Molten Tree], the source of the "Cross of Righteous Fire" spell he acquired from Jack. As for the other two spells he knew, "Spiral Water Chain" and "Silver Blade," their originating Treasures remained unknown.
Thinking of this, Ed raised his right hand and waved casually. Three playing cards engraved with different spells appeared in his hand. He studied them for a few seconds but, confirming he still understood nothing, stored them back in his inventory.
He stood up, blew out the oil lamp, and lay down on the bed in the moonlight. Though it was destined to be a sleepless night, he wasn't accustomed to sleeping alone without Raila's soft body beside him, and despite the medicine from Jenny curing his seasickness, the constant motion made it hard to rest. Every time he closed his eyes, he felt the world shaking around him.
...
Early morning.
The cool sea breeze and the rising sun dispelled the previous night's fog. After washing and dressing, Ed walked down to the cabin. It was a spacious sailing ship, yet only five people were aboard; including himself, which made six. It wasn't just empty, it felt like a ghost ship.
Among the six, four never left their rooms except for dinner, so only Hamo and he seemed to wander the decks regularly. A stranger boarding might assume only two people manned the entire ship.
Arriving at the restaurant on the gun deck, he found Hamo, the second normal person on the ship besides himself, waving cheerfully. "Ed, over here!"
Ed first went to the counter in the open kitchen, where Uncle Matt handed him his breakfast with a smile. Thanks to last night's small episode, where Ed had proven how lucky they were to enjoy Uncle Matt's god-level cooking, his favorability with the old man had skyrocketed.
The result was a wonderful, healthy breakfast: a piece of golden bread, a fried egg, a portion of bacon, salad, two omelets, and even a glass of milk with honey.
Thanking Uncle Matt, Ed sat beside Hamo and stared at the glass of milk. "Can milk really be stored on a ship for long? I didn't see any cows in the hold yesterday," He asked, confused.
Hamo, who was devouring his breakfast like a starving man, gulped down his food and explained, "The storage room has a freezing spell, it's the same cold storage I showed you yesterday. Have you forgotten already? I hear it keeps the food fresh, though I don't really get how it works. But that room is freezing cold; I went in once and there was ice everywhere."
I see. A magic freezer. That's creative, Ed thought casually as he started on his omelet. But with his Inventory's permanent time-freeze function, he'd never have to worry about such things.
Eating breakfast on a moving ship with rough waves was challenging, akin to trying to eat on a slow-moving roller coaster. The dining area was occupied only by him, Hamo, and Uncle Matt busy in the kitchen. After Hamo finished his meal quickly, he collected three packaged food boxes from Uncle Matt.
"Ed, enjoy your meal. I've got to take breakfast to the captain, Lipoca, and old man Bobby," Hamo complained in a whiny tone, "Why won't these people walk a few steps for breakfast? What's so great about locking themselves in a small room all day? They'll suffocate in there one day."
As he lifted the kitchen entrance curtain, he suddenly turned back to Ed, who was eating while deep in thought, and added, "By the way, at our current speed, we should reach our destination by noon."
With that, he hurried out.
By noon, huh? That's faster than I expected, Ed thought, staring at the kitchen entrance. Last time, it took three days to reach an island. This ship is much quicker than Hols's junk. He looked around the empty kitchen; even Uncle Matt had vanished somewhere.
Sigh. If I ever become captain, I'll make a rule that everyone eats together, Ed resolved. Anyone who eats in their room gets kicked off the ship and can dine with the sharks... It's so depressing to eat alone... Sigh, I miss Raila even more now. Shaking his head, he continued with his breakfast.