Magic... the ability to bend the laws of the world and perform supernatural acts. Using the energy that flows within one's body called mana, one can create certain things and cause amazing events.
However, in this world, not everyone can use magic.
That's because one needs to have a mana core to control the mana within. This mana is activated and transformed into magic using spells.
Mana cores are made by condensing the tiny bits of mana within a person. The more a person grows, the higher their mana rises. That's why the child had to be ten years old before they could
"awaken" and form their heart.
But what happens to those who don't have mana, to begin with? They can never hope to form a mana core and are labeled "unqualified." I was one of those in my past life.
But now...
"Ah, it seems that has changed," I muttered to myself in my childish language
And the good news is, I wasn't incompetent in this life. I had mana, so I'd be able to form a mana nucleus and use magic.
So why wasn't I overjoyed and super excited about this development? Well, that was because of the bad news.
I barely had enough mana to qualify as an incompetent, or even to become a potential magic user.
What's wrong with this low amount? Is this actually all the mana particles I have? I know I'm barely a week old, but... this is way too low!
I had a low mana count and it was way too low! This wouldn't even amount to a tenth of an average baby's.
"Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!" I groaned inwardly.
Since I was reincarnated, wasn't I supposed to be blessed with some kind of special power or cheating ability?
I was supposed to have almost limitless mana, but here I was again getting the short end of the straw.
Well, no use complaining now. At least I have
Some mana. Even with this, practicing magic should be feasible....
A broad smile slowly formed on my face. Although I was a little disappointed—no, very disappointed—by my very meager talent, I was still very happy.
"I have mana now!"
Yes. In my past life, I would have wished for even the tiniest amount of mana to perform magic just once. It seemed my prayers had finally been answered.
"That's right. Even with this, I should finally be able to do it!"
I had become a great sage who revolutionized the world of magic, yet I hadn't used any of it for myself. This time, all the knowledge I had gathered and built up... I would finally be able to apply it myself.
I was no longer interested in being a great magician or whatever. I had enough fame and prestige to last two lifetimes.
What I wanted at this moment was simply to enjoy practicing the magic into which I had immersed myself.
Perhaps this was my reward for the tireless effort I had put in
At dawn.
"Ah, I can't wait to grow up....
*
*
*
Night fell quickly, and darkness crept in. I lay down in my bed, right next to my mother's.
Apparently, Mother was the only one in the house. I hadn't seen Father, nor had I heard anyone speak of him since I was born.
I couldn't escape her watchful gaze.
While everyone else slept, I stayed awake, thinking excitedly about various things.
What should I try first? This, or that... perhaps this other one... or could I do this instead?"
~Creak~
Suddenly I heard a creak. Our bedroom door seemed to be slightly ajar. Who could it be?
Mother had obviously barred anyone from entering
Our private space unless you ask them to.
I have a bad feeling about this....
I quickly closed my eyes and pretended to fall asleep.
Thanks to the darkness, the intruder couldn't see my half-open eyes and watched them slowly approach our position.
"Pitiful! I can't see them very well!" I grumbled, the effects of the darkness hindering me as well.
Suddenly, I noticed something the stranger was holding that made my eyes almost pop out of their sockets.
The object had a slight glow in the dark, a bright sheen reflected off its surface.
"This... knife...?"
He picked up his knife, still maintaining his fitness as he approached my mother's bed.
It was well hidden and not very large. This person, whoever it was... was a professional.
"Who's after her? My mother? Or..."
Judging from the path of his movements since he entered and the direction he
His face pointed at him; he seemed to be coming toward me.
The knife he was holding was small too, and from its sheen, it was very sharp. Finally, it dawned on me that I was the target.
"Why? I was only born a few days ago. What could I possibly have done to attract the attention of a killer?"
Nothing came to mind.
Maybe someone had discovered I'd been reincarnated and wanted me dead. Or maybe that was why no reincarnations ever appeared again.
Maybe they were killed before they had a chance to grow.
"I must stop all these thoughts," I was quickly brought back to reality.
Having useless theories wouldn't solve anything right now. There was only the certainty that he wanted to do this to me.
Whatever reasons he had were just secondary.
"There's no way I'm going to die here!"
I was trapped in my bed, unable to do anything
anything like the naughty kid I am... or so you think.
Whoa... this will be the first time I've done this, but, I guess I have no other choice!
Using one of my secret discoveries that I've never revealed to the rest of the world, this was the only way I could stand even for the smallest chance in this desperate situation.
Spellcraft Phase 1...
This would have a negative impact on me, but there was no other way to do it