Yuric had been studying magic for four months.
The days gradually grew colder, and the forest shed its leaves, becoming barren. However, only the accumulation of fallen leaves and shorter days marked the change; there was no other significant alteration.
During these four months, he had already read half of the introductory book. He had come to understand the principles of magic and could now even use magic himself. Of course, this was still basic-level magic, but his learning ability and quick understanding were unparalleled.
His master, Hene, occasionally felt surprised inside at how quickly his magical abilities were growing, almost as if they were sprouting before her eyes. …Of course, rapid growth wasn’t necessarily bad, but the problem lay in the immaturity of his skills.
There had been many historical instances where young mages, having reached their levels too quickly, succumbed to arrogance and boredom, leading them down the wrong path!
Master Hene realized that the worries she had once confided in the former Great Witch were now being shared with her own student. Reflecting on the past, she wondered if she herself had not been such a good student to the Great Witch.
Until now, Monica had been responsible for fetching daily necessities. Now, Yuric had taken on this responsibility, visiting the village of Arphenheim at least once a week.
At first, he received many harsh glances from people, but over time, he became something of a local celebrity in Arphenheim. He was mature beyond his years, had a pleasant personality, and was also handsome… especially among the young female mages, he stood out.
The young female mages in Arphenheim held a magic gathering once a month, and since Yuric began frequenting the village, he was obligated to participate in these meetings.
They discussed specific topics each month. Usually, the discussion was led by young female mages who were about to advance to witchhood. Younger female mages who hadn’t yet started independent research would listen attentively, take notes, and learn how to lead discussions.
For mages, talent was important, but so was the ability to convey and convince others of their opinions. Without this skill, even the most talented mage would not be recognized as first-rate. Ultimately, what mattered in the world of magic was the transmission of knowledge.
Through these gatherings, Yuric felt that rhetoric and social skills were crucial for a mage’s survival. This made his good looks a significant advantage. That was why witches did not neglect their appearance, despite being busy with research and daily life.
Whenever Yuric visited the village, he would carefully observe the ateliers lining the streets. These ateliers displayed all sorts of items in their windows, creating a spectacle that one couldn’t see in a rural village. They sold items related to their research or business, promoting themselves to attract young apprentices.
Until a hundred years ago, Arphenheim was inhabited solely by witches. Nowadays, outsiders frequently visit as well. However, only the atelier street is open to outsiders. The rest of the area remains off-limits.
As Yuric was returning to his hut with the necessities ordered by Master Hene, someone called out to him from behind.
“Yuric!”
Turning around, he saw a familiar pair of red braids.
She was Soma witch Lilke, the fourth disciple of Great Witch Ophelia.
Lilke was one of the young female mages Yuric met and interacted with during the gatherings. She was two years older than him, eleven years old.
There was an atelier nearby belonging to Ophelia, and it seemed she had spotted him passing by and called out to him by chance.
“Well met! Come this way. Oh, hurry!”
“I need to go back to my hut…”
“It’ll only take a moment!”
Unlike the calm Monica, Lilke would immediately grab Yuric and boast incessantly whenever she saw him. Influenced by her master Ophelia, who always used honorifics regardless of age or status, Lilke also maintained the habit of using polite language with everyone.
Lilke grabbed Yuric’s wrist and wandered through the streets. After a while, they entered a building on the outskirts of Arphenheim. It was a warehouse filled with miscellaneous items. Inside the warehouse, there was a spacious area created by clearing one corner. Despite the clutter, it looked quite presentable with carpets and furniture placed around.
“This is my research room.”
Not yet independent, she had turned part of the warehouse into a research room.
This was Yuric’s first time seeing another mage’s research room aside from Master Hene’s, so he explored the space with curiosity. As a student of Ophelia, who studied ancient magic, various antiques were displayed here and there. Even the titles of the books were intimidating!
“Incredible, really.”
“I just set it up recently… I wanted to show it to you first.”
Thinking it might be like a housewarming, Yuric paused, wondering what “housewarming” meant.
“You can sit here to rest when you get tired from researching.”
She sat on a plush sofa in a corner. To Yuric, the artistic desk lamp caught his eye. Clearly valuable, it operated on magic. As expected of a student of Great Witch Ophelia.
“How enviable. Researching in a place like this would surely improve your skills.”
“Oh, look at this.”
Lilke brought out an antique she was currently researching, along with the historical research materials.
Though Yuric, who hadn’t even finished reading the introductory book, wouldn’t fully understand its historical value, he feigned admiration.
“Amazing, sis.”
“…Well, it’s not particularly amazing to me.”
“Sis will surely be recognized by Great Witch Ophelia soon. I hope I can have a chance to learn magic history from you sometime!”
Yuric added a few drops of flattery to his sincerity. This was his social skill learned in Arphenheim.
When Lilke boasted, always agree with her.
Her lips curved happily at his praise. Her expression indicated she truly appreciated it.
Knowing when to stop, Yuric sensed it was time to leave.
“Oh, I should head back now. If I’m late, Master might scold me…”
“Yes, understood. I’ll walk you there.”
They parted ways in front of the building. The sky was already turning orange with the setting sun.
Yuric wished he could finish the introductory book and start his own research like Lilke. Whether it was history, creation, development, or practical ancient magic, he found everything interesting. Rather than focusing on a single topic, he wanted to learn broadly.
Lost in thought, Yuric arrived at his hut in the woods. He entered and poured out the contents of the bag onto the table in the living room. A substantial amount of supplies spilled out.
He organized the items and prepared dinner. Shortly after, Master Hene came out of her study.
After dinner, they had a brief tea break. During this time, the master and apprentice had a deep conversation about achievements.
“The workings of magic vary from person to person. For example, in combat, some may be adept with swords, others with axes, and still others with spears.”
Yuric accurately grasped Hene’s meaning.
“So you’re saying to find your own style based on the basics of the introductory book?”
“Exactly. While the introductory book is universal, it isn’t the definitive answer. No one else knows the definitive answer except yourself. Therefore, mages research and study to find their own answers.”
“I see.”
“But you shouldn’t neglect the introductory book either. It is the result of countless intellectual endeavors validated over a thousand years. Most of the answers mages seek are typically built on this foundation. That’s why I want you to read the entire introductory book. It represents the path magic has traveled so far.”
“I understand.”
Hene smiled faintly and looked at Yuric’s profile.
Since taking on a student, she felt as though her second life had begun. The only change was that she had one more human relationship, but the resulting outcomes were unimaginable.
After their conversation, Yuric remained lost in thought, unable to move from his seated position until late into the night.
Finding his own style.
These words shook his mind and heart.
Simultaneously, Yuric pondered who he was. Feeling a sudden clarity, he left the hut and stood in a nearby clearing.
Under the moonlight, in the dim forest.
He considered this a perfect stage and closed his eyes.
Using the world as a canvas,
And himself as a brush,
He would send it to the universe.
If magic were an expression,
Then magic could be a painting.
My magic.
My painting.
Yuric decided to paint his picture and present it to the universe.
Runes flowed from his mind, one by one.
He drew a picture woven with runes.
In a state of meditation, he spread his arms wide.
-Let there be light.
A small sphere of light appeared in the air.
According to the introductory book, it should end here.
However, the sphere grew larger, as if it weren’t enough.
It swallowed the clearing, the hut, and eventually part of the forest.
The universe responded.
Yuric replied.
-Let there be light.
The sky split open.
Impossible, unacceptable.
A pillar of light descended upon the earth.
As if a divine finger pierced the ground.
Only then did Yuric realize.
This was magic.
This was the universe’s response.
The pillar of light slowly faded away, leaving a trail of light.
Yuric, who had used runes like charcoal, felt his mana nearly evaporate due to the overwhelming magic.
Seeing Yuric collapse, Hene rushed out of the hut and caught him.
