Chapter 43
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MJK
Chapter: 043
Chapter Title: Library
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Even though he could now combine elements, Andy's daily routine didn't change much.
In the mornings, he headed to Estelle's workshop to craft magic tools, and in the evenings, he threw himself into magic training back in his inn room.
To anyone watching, it was the same old life, unchanged on the surface. It might even seem dull and monotonous.
But to Andy, it was utterly fascinating.
'Magic combinations.'
That was what he'd been immersed in lately.
Whirrr...
The boy's circle spun steadily.
Mana particles lined up at his fingertips. He fine-tuned their arrangement with delicate precision, adjusting the distances between them based on experience and intuition.
How long had he spent arranging those mana particles like this?
The boy murmured softly.
"Is this the limit of optimization...?"
Lately, he'd been combining elements while also optimizing them.
Aiming for maximum effect with minimal mana. He'd meticulously positioned the particles to boost performance relative to mana cost.
A week later...
"At the 1-circle level, this is the limit. Can't make it any more refined than this."
Andy had finally hit a wall.
The inherent limit of a 1-circle mage.
'My mana sensing is pretty decent... but the circle's influence is overwhelming.'
Mana circles.
The magical organ representing a mage's realm, housed within the body.
A circle's impact on a mage was absolute.
The number of circles determined their mana sensitivity, multi-casting ability, and even the power of their soul and will—differences vast enough to divide mages into realms.
That was why circles defined a mage's level.
Even though Andy was merely at the 1-circle realm, he was already multi-casting spells and combining elements...
In truth, it was simply his exceptional talent. Normally impossible for a 1-circle mage.
But even that had reached its limit now.
"To go further, I need to form a second circle."
Andy realized he had to create a second circle.
Unfortunately, he wasn't in a position to do so yet.
His mana reserves were insufficient, and he didn't even know how to form one.
'Mana amount will be solved soon enough once the count gives me that potion... but forming the second circle is the real issue.'
Circle-forming methods varied by family and magic tower. The circles themselves were closely guarded secrets.
That's why he couldn't ask Estelle for advice.
Sharing the format would mean leaking her family's secrets.
Second circle. Was there no way to learn how?
Pondering deeply, Andy muttered.
"That mysterious magic book's sequel. It'd be great if I could find it somewhere."
The enigmatic book that had first guided him into magic.
Thanks to that unknown tome, Andy—who'd never even sensed mana before—had become a 1-circle mage.
If he found the sequel, maybe it could lead him to the second circle?
But he shook his head.
"No way. It's unrealistic to expect another miraculous find like that... I'll find another way eventually."
With those stray thoughts cleared, the boy dove back into his magic practice as usual.
But he didn't know.
The sequel he sought was closer than he thought.
Early morning. Andy headed to Estelle's workshop as always.
But today, it looked different from usual.
"Ah! Andy! You're here."
"Estelle, what's all this?"
Andy glanced around the workshop interior.
It was always quite cluttered.
Materials scattered everywhere, tools strewn about. Even though the boy cleaned it occasionally, it stayed that way.
But today, it was even messier.
'This... isn't a workshop anymore. It's a warehouse.'
Piles of crystal orbs in the corner, unfamiliar tools, vials of what seemed to be reagents for magic tools.
The scene—several times more chaotic than usual—filled the boy's fresh eyes upon arrival.
Estelle spoke softly.
"Andy. You heard the rumor about the Federation army coming to this city, right?"
"The reinforcements? Yeah, I've heard. Lots of people at the inn were talking about it."
Andy nodded.
As she said, word of the Federation army's arrival had spread through the city.
The Empire's forces had pushed south all winter. To stop them, the Federation was finally sending troops—that was the buzz.
The city's mood was upbeat as a result.
Residents hoped the army would drive out the Empire and end the uncertainty.
'Not that it's likely just empty rumor.'
Andy didn't believe the reinforcement rumors.
Such talk had circulated all winter anyway.
When the front lines broke, when fleeing villages, even in this small town after their arduous escape.
Rumors always claimed the Federation would soon send forces to repel the Empire.
And they were always false.
No matter how long they waited, no Federation army came.
So Andy dismissed all such rumors as nonsense.
But surprisingly...
"That rumor seems to be true. The Federation military actually commissioned military magic tools from us. A huge order, too."
This one appeared legitimate.
If no army was coming, they wouldn't bother ordering from her.
"See those materials? All for military magic tools. Communication crystals... mana amplifiers... scrolls with attack spells, even projection orbs!"
"Whoa."
Andy eyed the piled materials with wonder.
These weren't for the civilian tools they usually made. These were for military magic tools, used directly by the army.
Far more complex, advanced, and expensive than market goods.
'No wonder Estelle looks so happy.'
They'd landed a military commission.
Far pricier than mana lamps. She'd make a fortune.
She seemed thrilled at the impending profits, gazing contentedly at the materials.
That's when...
"Ah! Come to think of it, that's missing...!"
She slapped her forehead, as if something had just clicked.
"Missing? What?"
"Books. The ones I need to reference for making these. It's been ages since I worked on such high-level tools, so I need to brush up on the basics."
She apparently hadn't prepared the necessary books in advance.
"Andy, sorry, but could you run an errand? Go to the library and grab these books. Hang on, I'll write the list."
She scribbled a list on paper and handed it over. Andy read it.
'[Mathematical Theory of Communication], [Discrete-Time Signal Processing], [Encryption Algorithms], [Wave Optics]...? What're these?'
Titles that looked daunting at a glance. These must be the foundational knowledge for advanced magic tools.
Andy realized anew.
'Being a top mage isn't just about casting spells well.'
Mages.
Not just spellcasters.
Scientists unraveling the world's mysteries, engineers advancing technology, artisans bringing it to life.
Especially Estelle—a magitech engineer, not a battle mage.
Magitech engineers developed and crafted tools with magical effects. It demanded vast knowledge and skills.
The list she gave? Precisely what was needed for military magic tools.
"I had some copies, but... lost them somewhere. Can't find them anywhere. I need those for the commission. Anyway, grab them from the library."
Her request: fetch the books from the library.
Andy nodded.
"Got it. Borrow these from the library? I'll be right back. It's close, won't take long."
"Thanks!"
The boy turned and headed out of the workshop.
The grand library of the metropolis Karius.
This was Andy's second visit.
'Well, first time I didn't even look at a single book before leaving... so this is my first real visit?'
He'd tried coming several times before.
But something always came up.
First visit: ran into Estelle, no reading done. Weekends: meeting the count. After that: nonstop magic training.
Yet somehow, boy and books were destined to meet.
He'd made it to the library at last.
'...Even if it's for an errand, not reading. Still.'
Andy surveyed the library interior with fresh eyes.
Impressive no matter how many times he saw it.
How did they amass so many expensive books?
And plenty of worn, antique ones too—clearly collected over ages...
The scale and history were staggering. Even on a second visit, he marveled.
As Andy took in the sight...
Thud, thud.
Heavy footsteps approached. Andy looked toward the sound.
"Kid. This ain't a place for poor brats like you... Huh?!"
A bespectacled middle-aged man approached, mid-rant, then startled upon seeing the boy's face.
Someone Andy recognized.
The library curator.
The man's shock suggested he too remembered the mage Andy.
Andy clicked his tongue softly.
'Library curator. Still hasn't ditched that sleazy attitude.'
He vividly recalled his first visit.
The man had sneered at his clothes, then groveled upon learning he was a mage.
Even after that embarrassment, no change.
Andy strode right up to him and snapped.
"Poor what?"
"I-I didn't realize you were a mage! Forgive my rudeness! I'm sorry!"
"..."
"I swear it won't happen again! Sorry, truly sorry! Sir Mage!"
The curator bowed deeply, apologizing profusely. Trembling in utter terror.
Seeing the pathetic middle-aged man deflated Andy's anger.
He sighed deeply.
'Whatever. Not worth it—he won't change anyway... Let's just get this done.'
The boy pulled out the paper and showed the list.
"These books. Mind finding them for me?"
"Truly sorry... You want me to fetch the books?"
"Yes."
Andy held out the paper. The curator took it gingerly and scanned it.
He furrowed his brow slightly.
Andy grew uneasy and asked.
"Don't tell me the library doesn't have them?"
"No, we do. I remember seeing them in inventory. But..."
He trailed off, looking apologetic.
"...These are specialized academic texts. The kind only mages seek out... Rarely requested. It'll take time to retrieve them."
"Time? Why?"
"Rarely used books go to the basement storage. Not well-organized, so searching takes a bit. Why not come back in a few days...?"
He suggested returning later, planning to prepare when convenient.
But Andy shook his head.
"A few days is too late. I'd appreciate it as soon as possible. It's urgent."
With a hefty commission, faster was better.
Andy pressed for quick action.
"Then I'll head to the basement right away. Probably an hour or two. Could be sooner if lucky. Wait here."
Andy nodded. An hour or two was manageable.
He planned to stand and wait.
But...
Clank.
As the man opened the basement door...
The boy felt something.
'...'
A kind of impulse.
An intense urge striking his soul. One he'd felt once before.
Suddenly, a memory surfaced.
'When I first encountered that magic book.'
Back when he was just an orphan, slaving away at the inn.
While sorting a mage's luggage, a book fell out. On impulse, he'd stolen it.
A boy who'd never stolen, never even considered it.
Enchanted, he'd pocketed it.
This felt just like that.
A sensation of fate calling. His soul shaking violently. Every nerve focused on one spot.
'Something's in that basement.'
A gut feeling that going there would yield something precious flooded his mind.
The curator descended the stairs.
Andy called out.
"Wait! I'll help search."
"No need for a mage like you to..."
"It's urgent, so we need to hurry. And two people will find them faster, right?"
Using the excuse of helping, the boy headed downstairs. The mere curator dared not refuse a mage.
Andy followed him down.
Whirrr...
His circle began to rotate slowly. Resonating with something below.
The boy felt his heart race.