A few years had somehow slipped by.
Encia, once a child, was now an adult and had grown accustomed to Procyon, becoming recognized as one of the finest mages there. Her magic could summon rain over vast areas—a scale that other mages couldn’t even attempt—and her name was on everyone’s lips in the magical community.
“Things would get chaotic if word got out she can use multiple types of magic too.”
“Even just this rain-summoning spell has countless people asking to be her disciples. If they knew about her other abilities… ugh, I don’t even want to imagine it.”
“That’s true.”
Unlike most mages, who were limited to specific spells due to their natural talents, Encia defied all such boundaries. According to Tia, most mages instinctively used the magic that suited them best and struggled to expand beyond it. Even when they tried, they could only tweak or slightly transform what they already knew—like a mage who could cast fireballs but not ice spears might still manage to light small flames for illumination.
Anyway, these limitations were considered common knowledge among mages. But Encia wasn’t bound by such rules. She could turn her rain-inducing mana into fiery storms or invisible blades with ease. In fact, she could claim herself as the sole true mage without exaggeration.
“Well, even with those limited spells, others have managed to develop them quite skillfully.”
“I think there’s no progress as long as they remain stuck within the same old framework.”
“But Tia, they don’t even realize they’re trapped in that framework!”
Without Tia’s guidance, Encia might have ended up like the rest, confined within unseen limits, practicing only restricted forms of magic. For Encia, Tia was more than just a mentor; she was like an older sister and a cherished family member from birth.
“But still, their growth is painfully slow. At this rate, it might take thousands of years before anyone attempts to break free from these constraints.”
Tia grumbled, but Encia simply smiled softly. Life as a mage was stable now: casting rain where needed, collecting payment, occasionally returning home to bless her hometown with rain, and so forth.
“Every time I bring rain to my hometown, the environment keeps changing. It used to be almost barren wasteland, but now plants are growing, the soil holds moisture, and farming is improving. It’s becoming a livable place.”
“Of course! Consistent rainfall naturally transforms the environment—it’s expected.”
Thanks to Encia’s influence, her hometown flourished. No bandits dared disturb it anymore after she wiped out one group using lightning and storms. Now, it was safe, prosperous, and indirectly protected under her name.
“All thanks to Tia. You’ve been with me since the beginning. Thank you, Tia. Please stay by my side forever.”
“Hmm… I’d love to, but…”
Encia felt a faint unease at Tia’s hesitation.
“Tia?”
“Unfortunately, I seem to be falling into a deep slumber soon.”
“What?”
“For months now, drowsiness has been overwhelming me. Looks like I’ll need to sleep for quite some time.”
Encia didn’t understand. Sleep? Tia? The person who had always been by her side?
“Come to think of it, a few days ago, Tia was silent for hours…”
“Yes, I dozed off briefly. Guess it’s about time for me to enter a deeper sleep.”
“Well… if that’s how it is, then I guess I can handle it. Though it’ll feel lonely without you around, I’m not a child anymore.”
Relieved by Encia’s response, Tia brightened slightly.
“Yes, you’re not a child anymore. Ah! Speaking of which, I have one last assignment for you while I sleep.”
“An assignment? What kind?”
“I wanted to do it myself, but I think it’d be better if you did it instead.”
Encia nodded lightly, assuming it would be something simple. After all, what serious task could she accomplish during Tia’s long nap?
“While I’m asleep, I’d like you to write a book.”
“A book?”
Not exactly light homework.
“Yes. A book summarizing everything you’ve learned and practiced since becoming a mage. Organize it properly.”
“But how am I supposed to finish that while you’re sleeping?! There won’t be enough time!!”
“Hmm? Decades should suffice, right?”
“Decades?!”
Encia froze. Decades? Was Tia saying she’d sleep for decades? Impossible. How could someone sleep for so long? Even hibernating animals wake up eventually!
“It may sound excessive in human terms, but there’s nothing I can do. I’m starting to drift off already… My consciousness is fading.”
“No way… decades?! Are you leaving me alone?!”
“It’s not like I’m abandoning you. Just going to sleep for a while…”
“Too long! Do you know how short human lives are?!”
“Well, yes, but… I’m reaching my limit. I’m sleepy…”
“In fact, I should’ve fallen asleep much earlier. I delayed it because your voice interested me, but now it’s unavoidable.”
“Still…”
“Please, Encia. Write that book for me.”
“Tia…”
“Promise me, Encia.”
And with those words, Tia’s voice faded away completely.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – –
“This is the book? ‘Basic Theory of Magic by Cientia’.”
“Yeah.”
A girl wearing oversized glasses pulled a thick, dusty book from the shelves while another girl, half-asleep, lazily confirmed its identity without even looking.
“How do you know if you haven’t looked? Besides, the cover’s all tattered—the title’s barely visible.”
“I just know. Anyway, read it.”
The girl with glasses pouted slightly but obeyed, carrying the book to a nearby desk.
“Cough! Cough! Ugh. Look at all this dust. It’s been decades since anyone touched this thing.”
“Well, yeah. Modern theories make this look outdated compared to current standards.”
At that, the glasses-wearing girl bristled.
“What?! So finding this was pointless?! Why did you tell me to look for it if it’s outdated?!”
“Because this book laid the foundation for countless other magical theories, leading to advancements and achievements. Essentially, it’s the root of all modern magic theory.”
“But it’s outdated!”
“So?”
“Shouldn’t we focus on newer theories instead? What reason is there to read this?”
“Old doesn’t mean obsolete. In fact, mastering this could prove far superior.”
“This dusty thing?”
The sleepy girl nodded confidently.
“I don’t believe it.”
“Have I ever lied to you?”
“Well, no, but you’ve certainly omitted facts plenty of times.”
“But I’ve never outright lied.”
The blunt honesty left the glasses-wearing girl frowning. This girl always acted lazy and aloof yet somehow excelled in everything.
“So, why should I read this book?”
“The Basic Theory of Magic by Cientia serves as the fundamental basis for all magical theories. However, it fell out of favor for several reasons…”
“Like?”
“It’s inefficient.”
“Efficient?”
“Yes. Most aspiring mages begin studying magic in their teenage years. With other schools, results usually show within a year depending on talent. But with the Basic Theory of Magic by Cientia, it takes about five years of study just to cast basic spells—even longer if started later.”
“So, it’s garbage…”
“Now hold on. It does have advantages.”
“Advantages?”
“Yes. By mastering this theory, you learn to harness external mana from nature rather than relying solely on your own internal reserves. The power you can wield becomes incomparably greater.”
“But isn’t that different from what we’re taught in class? Mages supposedly use mana stored within themselves.”
“True for other theories, but this one differs. Drawing from external sources allows you to perform feats comparable only to grand rituals involving massive arrays, catalysts, and combined efforts of multiple mages.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. Despite the difficult start, fully mastering this theory enables control over weather patterns and other immense magics.”
The sleepy girl’s explanation sparked interest in the glasses-wearing girl. Who wouldn’t dream of wielding such powerful magic?
“So, if I master this, I can use such strong magic too?”
“No chance.”
“What?! Why so sure?!”
“It’s far too late for you. This theory requires years of practice starting at a young age. You’ve missed that window.”
“Then why show it to me?”
“It’s excellent groundwork for any other magical theory. As I said, it’s the foundation of everything.”
“Oh, right.”
“All modern theories build upon this one. From understanding mana properties to controlling and transforming it through willpower—it’s all here. Mastering this first will drastically improve learning speed when moving onto other theories. Think of it as a learning-speed buff.”
The sleepy girl chuckled softly.
“Though I doubt the original author anticipated such benefits.”
