A Chance(?) Encounter with Emir
BOOM! A swirling blue vortex born from the clash of transformed mana engulfed the entire forest. Flames blazed within the vortex, ice formed, and lightning crackled down. It was utterly impossible.
Fire and ice properties, plus electricity on top of that.
A collision not of two attributes, but three. Such clashes were exceedingly rare. Collisions between fire and ice happened often enough—usually when the massive mana currents from the north flowed southward. But nothing on this scale. This was clearly artificial. The sheer magnitude was staggering—twice, no, three times the size of a typical mana storm.
The blue storm ravaged everything in its path, leaving scorched earth behind. A mana storm of this magnitude would deeply affect any ordinary mage. In severe cases, they could become invalids, unable to cast magic for the rest of their lives.
The aftermath will linger for quite a while.
I clicked my tongue. Even from this distance, my skin tingled. I ignited a small flame at my fingertip to check my mana state.
Crackle!
Ice formed at the flame's tip, and sparks flew. Unstable mana. As the fire grew, I disrupted the flow. Mana mixed with two or more attributes turned volatile, prone to runaway surges.
I need to suppress it as quickly as possible.
There was a sizable village not far off. Twelve hours until the storm reached it. I couldn't let it rampage freely any longer.
There were two ways to quell the mana ravaging the forest. One: envelop the storm with an even greater and stronger mana force. The other: restore order to the collided attributes. Untangle the knotted mana threads like a snarled ball of yarn.
I chose the second method.
I'm no dragon.
I lacked the absolute mana reserves to blanket the entire storm. The second approach wasn't easy either. It demanded precise mana control and affinity to command such a massive force. Moreover...
The caster had to erect a barrier for protection and plunge into the storm's heart. I'd seen mages who rushed in recklessly and never returned.
Hummm.
I cast a barrier around myself. The translucent shield enveloped my body.
"I feel it every time, but mana storms are something else."
A pressure built in my chest like motion sickness. The circle in my heart began spinning erratically. Now it begins. Mana surge—the side effect of being caught in a mana storm. I focused my mind, steadying the wild mana and circle.
Maestro of Magic
One who has reached the pinnacle of understanding mana and magic.
The trait calmed the circle in my heart.
Nngh.
The heart's circle stabilized, barely.
Rumble!
I plunged into the fiercely swirling storm.
BOOM!
Debris and objects caught in the storm hurtled wildly. Thud! "Urk!" Each collision against my barrier boomed loudly. While the barrier shuddered from external impacts, my steps remained steady.
Perfectionist. Traits like this were a blessing in such moments. Morris's innate belief in his own perfection kept me composed.
Then.
Let's begin. I extended mana to link myself with the raging storm. A delicate task—perfectly syncing with the ceaselessly churning mana. Closing my eyes, I concentrated on forging the connection between my body and the storm. Drawing on extreme mana comprehension, I analyzed the storm's mana.
Analyzer activates.
I designed the connection structure between the storm and myself.
Designer activates.
Hummm. Rumble!
Hours passed with intense focus to grasp the chaotic, irregular mana flows.
Got it.
The storm's mana linked with my circle. The unruly mana shook my circle wildly.
Hold the center.
Failure here meant death. Unacceptable. I gritted my teeth.
Stabilize the circle, then...
Untangle the knotted mana. I calmed the rampaging circle once more. Sweat soaked my body. Blood trickled from my bitten lip.
"Hoo."
Circle realignment and mana reestablishment. Stabilizing chaotic mana and separating attributes. A feat other mages couldn't grasp even theoretically.
Before my closed eyes, the mana flows in the storm appeared. Tangled wildly among themselves, like earphone cords left in a pocket too long.
Untangle them carefully.
But swiftly. Speed was key now. I first touched the fire mana. A scorching sensation flowed through.
Whoosh.
Concentrating, I extracted the fire mana from the chaotic mess. One by one. As I worked, the knots loosened.
Whoosh!
The mana that had fueled the storm's fury vanished. The storm quieted momentarily. But tangles remained.
Don't let your guard down...
Bam! "Kugh!" An indescribable impact shook my barrier, shattering my focus. Clutching the mana threads, I resumed untangling the rest.
Ice. Once one was freed, the rest would follow. Slowly unraveling the knots. The first was hard; the second was easier. Untangling fire had let me grasp the storm's structure fully. I decoded and freed the rest far faster.
Splash.
The rampaging ice settled, followed by lightning. The storm ceased. The unruly mana returned to its natural state.
"Hoo."
No lingering effects. Perfect suppression. I severed the link with natural mana.
However.
Not all mana had returned to nature.
As expected.
Some natural mana had settled into my heart's circle.
Maestro of Magic effect activates.
Absorbing mana.
Comprehension: Maestro - 120%
Absorption rate increased due to superior mana comprehension.
Efficiency increased due to superior mana comprehension.
The natural mana in my heart would soon become fully mine. This was Morris's magical talent.
I opened my eyes. The storm that had wrecked the forest was gone, silence reigning. Testing, I lit a small flame.
Fwoosh.
The clean blaze illuminated my surroundings.
"Done."
Whoosh.
A cool breeze tickled my cheek. Clouds gathered in the sky.
"Looks like rain."
Just not too much. Then, the communication crystal at my waist glowed.
It was Jane.
"Just neutralized it."
"We'll have to investigate."
I surveyed the devastated forest. Mana traces reveal much—who did it, and where.
I cast detection magic. At the storm's epicenter, a thick magical scent lingered. Beyond human capability. Only transcendent beings. Or...
Dragons.
This is getting annoying.
My eyes hardened unconsciously.
***
After resolving the mana storm, I headed to the Academy's southern branch. Naturally, to analyze the glass flower from Seria's seat.
The equipment and experts were here—a professor specializing in analysis. Plus, showing my face.
'How about giving a lecture at the southern academy? It's the headmaster's request.'
Jane's message upon hearing I was going to the academy. Pointless. Teaching wasn't my forte. My method: learn through the body. Dodge spells to master defense basics. Exhaust yourself for attack magic. Unsuitable for academy students.
Lost in thought, I arrived in Rolang, home to the academy. Bright southern vibes, warm sunlight. A city that soothed the soul just by existing.
Feels like a European vacation.
Three years in the empire, but this atmosphere was new. Never had reason to visit the south. Heading to the academy under the warm sun—
"Oh? Lord Morris?"
A familiar voice. Turning, I saw Emir in a bright outing dress, white parasol in hand, staring at me. Her ever-present maid trailed behind.
"What brings the lady of Solarion here?"
"Ha, haha. I heard there are great perfumes down south, so I came."
She averted her gaze.
"Strange."
I stepped toward her.
"This isn't a perfume shop."
"I, I got lost. Right, Nelpi?"
The maid behind bowed.
"Yes. I'm directionally challenged and misguided the young lady."
"Is that so?"
Suspicious, but trivial.
"I told you not to visit the mansion, yet you come all the way south."
"I'm not here for you, Lord Morris. Just for perfumes..."
"Then let's leave it at that. Suits me fine."
Emir, avoiding my eyes and fumbling, finally spoke.
"Um, have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
"Then how about dining together? I know a great place—the best in the south..."
"Emir, I'm here in Rolang on Magic Department business as minister. No time for distractions."
She deflated at my polite refusal.
"I see."
I brushed past her into the academy. She seemed about to speak, lips moving, but I didn't catch it.
***
"It's truly regrettable you can't lecture."
The headmaster sounded genuinely disappointed.
"Teaching's not my strength. Consider the welcome event sufficient."
"Of course, Minister. All the cadets were moved by your words."
"Perhaps I'll see them sometime."
"Absolutely!"
Five hours wasted. They'd planned a needless event to greet me. I intended a quiet visit, but they publicized it grandly. Dealing with headmasters is exhausting.
Ignoring the profusely flattering headmaster—his palms must be sore—I headed to the lab.
The natural studies lab at the academy's southern branch in Rolang.
"Oh, Lord Morris! Or should I say Minister now? What brings you here?"
A researcher adjusted his glasses before a flask. Gaunt build, pale skin dotted with freckles, light orange hair. Kimihi. A magical colleague from my learning days. Now chief researcher and professor of natural magic and science. Undeniably capable.
"Long time. Here to request analysis."
"Oho, intriguing as always. Your requests always excite me."
"Analyze these."
I handed over vials: Seria's blood, hair, skin tissue.
"Whose are these?"
"Doesn't matter. Determine the race."
"Half or full human?"
"Yes. And..."
I produced a vial of Seria's love juices, still glowing with mana.
"Ooh, mana water?"
"No. Analyze its components too."
"As expected, mysterious items. More?"
Finally, the glass flower.
"This is the World Tree's glass flower."
"Precise components, mana type, etc."
"Researching some phenomenon?"
"How long?"
"A week. Probably less."
"Good. Leaving them with you."
"Yep!"
Kimihi would deliver solid results.
"Ah, no lecture? Headmaster requested it."
"No."
"Pity. Missed a masterclass."
"Kimihi, flattery overboard."
"Hahaha, sincere."
Handing off the items, I left without lingering. Back to the Magic Tower soon.
As I trudged away—
"Ah, Lord Morris!"
Familiar voice. Emir. She rushed up to me.
"Lucky day—meeting you twice!"
Emir beamed up at me innocently.