Chapter 24: You Want to Control Your Magic Power, Don't You? (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 24: You Want to Control Your Magic Power, Don't You? (1)
I really want to give it a swing.
Looking at Sitri, that thought naturally crossed my mind.
Ah, for the record, I’m talking about the Sword of Archangel Ahaia where Sitri is sealed… or the Demon Sword Sitri, for short.
“This is insane… the pressure it gives off in person is on a whole different level.”
The Demon Sword Sitri was a cheat item that boasted the highest attack power and a 100% defense-ignore option.
I wondered if the Demon Sword Sitri standing before me possessed that same level of might.
I was lost in thought, absentmindedly stroking the jet-black sword.
—Clatter!
“Huh?”
“Ah… I am sorry, Young Master. That’s strange… I was only holding it lightly…”
At Helena’s feet lay the remains of a shattered cup.
Fortunately, Helena wasn’t injured, but her condition seemed somewhat unusual.
“What’s wrong, Teacher?”
“I was trying to pour some tea for you, Young Master… but it seems I was careless, and the cup broke. I apologize.”
Helena skillfully cleared away the shards of the shattered cup… but I couldn't take my eyes off the scene.
Is it even possible to crush a cup just by gripping it?
If it were a glass from my previous life… no, honestly, even that would be impossible.
That’s exactly why they use props made of sugar in movies.
Well… maybe some people could do it under certain circumstances… but the cup Helena broke wasn't some fragile glassware.
“Don’t tell me I’m like that too…”
Just in case, I lightly gripped the corner of the table in front of me.
—Crack.
“Holy shit.”
I had only gripped it very lightly, yet the corner of the table was torn right off.
It was ripped away exactly in the shape of my grip.
This definitely wasn't happening yesterday.
—Clatter! Clatter!
“…Teacher?”
“I-I am so sorry. Every time I try to hold a cup, it just shatters…”
We can’t go to Berlina in this state.
I can’t exactly massage the delicate and beautiful bodies of women if I’m breaking, snapping, and tearing everything I touch.
Besides, I wouldn't even be able to show Helena and Sitri any affection like this.
Therefore, I headed to the bedroom area at the back of the carriage.
Fortunately, nothing happened during those few steps.
“Sitri.”
“Mmm… what is it… let me sleep a little longer… it has been five hundred years since I last felt the touch of a bed and blankets…”
“Get up, quick. It’s an emergency.”
“What… do you want to do it again…? We spent all of last night…”
“I can’t even do it if I wanted to! That’s the problem! Just get up!”
“What?!”
Along with Helena, who had entered the bedroom, I explained the situation to Sitri.
I told her how Helena was blowing up cups just by holding them, and how I had torn off a chunk of the table like some Yakuza boss from a fighting manga.
“Hmm, indeed. You certainly cannot do anything in that state, no matter how much you might desire it.”
“Exactly. Do something about it. This started happening after I contracted with you, so you’re definitely the cause.”
“What is with that tone? It sounds as if you are saying this is all my fault.”
“N-no… I didn’t mean it like that… Could you please do something about it, Great Demon of Lust? I’m begging you. I’m literally on my knees here.”
“Hehe, very well. It would be troublesome for me as well if you cannot control your strength. And it must be quite distressing for Helena.”
“It is. My body has reached a point where I can no longer be satisfied by anyone but the Young Master.”
Those words made my precious and proud "little brother" throb with vigor… but I suppressed it with a tear in my eye.
If I started anything now, this precious, fully autonomous carriage would be reduced to splinters.
While I was stuck in a state where I could neither touch nor thrust, Sitri finally spoke after examining Helena’s and my bodies.
“Hmm, fortunately, it is nothing serious. Your bodies have simply been reinforced by magic power.”
“Magic power?”
“Physical reinforcement?”
“Only one of you ask at a time! It is confusing when you both speak!”
“Ah, sorry. Then I’ll ask. What do you mean our bodies were reinforced by magic power?”
“Have you forgotten already? By forming a contract with me, you have gained an immortal body and my magic power. Normally, this should have happened the moment the contract was sealed, but it seems the circuits for the magic power to flow only just connected, likely because both you and Helena became contractors simultaneously.”
“I see… So? What do we do? Like Teacher, I don’t know anything about magic power or magic.”
This world is a fantasy realm where swords and magic are alive and well, and monsters occasionally run rampant.
So, naturally, there is an unknown power source called magic power or mana—or what mages call the "Fifth Virtual Element."
However, to handle this magic power, one must possess innate talent and undergo rigorous training from a young age.
Unfortunately, Helena, myself, and the vast majority of people were not blessed with such gifts.
As a result, even though we were told our bodies were reinforced by magic power, the reality was that we couldn't even feel the magic, let alone control its output.
…This part is annoyingly similar to the combat elements of the original work, which were unnecessarily detailed and difficult.
“There is no need to be so intimidated. Every living creature in this world uses magic power, whether they realize it or not. You simply haven't been conscious of it.”
“Are you saying… I have been using magic power?”
“Indeed, Helena. You are undoubtedly a superb swordsman. Someone of your caliber could easily slay an Orc, even if an Ogre might be too much.”
“That is true. An Ogre is difficult to face alone, but an Orc is not a particularly challenging opponent.”
“Exactly. But think about it. Is it truly possible for an ordinary human, who is merely skilled with a sword, to cut through the thick hide and even thicker muscle of an Orc? Or would it be possible for a five-year-old Leon to swing a sword ten thousand times in thirty minutes?”
“That… would be impossible. However, the Thankful Slash is something anyone can do if they set their mind to it…”
“That is exactly my point. Humans exert incredible strength in moments of desperation, in the heat of the moment, or to protect someone. Solomon said that every human has the power to work miracles, but from my perspective, they are simply tapping into their internal magic power unconsciously.”
I see… magic power is something like a surge of adrenaline or a "clutch" instinct.
Like a father displaying superhuman strength or speed to save his child.
Or an athlete delivering an incredible performance in the finals of a world-class tournament.
A power that allows one to surpass their limits in that "This is it!" moment.
That was how I understood magic power.
“That explanation was much easier to understand than anything from a typical mage. I thought you were just a slightly dim-witted Great Demon.”
“Who are you calling a dim-witted Great Demon?! Magic itself is a technique and a field of study created by me and my brothers and sisters!”
“…Huh? Demons created magic? Not mages?”
“Indeed! There is a reason it is called 'Magic' (魔法 - Demon Law)!”
They say history is written by the victors.
It seems the demons defeated by Solomon lost more than just their freedom.
Of course, I doubt Solomon intended for such a result… but no great hero can stop the flow of time alone.
However, history is an endless dialogue between the past and the present.
Setting aside the past for a moment, I asked Sitri again.
“So, what should Teacher and I do now? How can we manipulate our magic power?”
“Hmm… since I am doing this anyway, I would like to teach you properly and thoroughly for about a hundred or two hundred years…”
“No. Absolutely not.”
“And why not?”
“If we did that, all the beautiful, well-endowed older women waiting for me would be dead. Or they’d be shriveled-up grandmas.”
“…Hmph.”
It’s not like I like any older woman.
A "Milf" is a beautiful, ripe woman who exudes an overwhelming sexual charm.
Being married or having children are just "flavor points" that enhance the appeal.
As the saying goes, "A red rice cake looks better and tastes better," right? What looks good usually tastes good too.
“Mmm… I suppose that is true… I am certainly older than you, and I am beautiful…”
“Exactly. You’re the most beautiful and greatest demon in the world. So tell me an easier, faster way.”
“I was about to say 'How could such a convenient method exist!', but fortunately, there is one.”
“What is it? Tell me!”
“Hehe, do not be so impatient. Both you and Helena appear to be quite capable swordsmen. Is that not so?”
Well… I’m fairly confident in my skills.
Even if my purpose was entirely different, I did learn the sword from Helena, a descendant of the Sword Saint, for fifteen years.
Of course, I never had a single chance to show off those skills… danger and challenge were far removed from the life of the second son of a Count…
“In that case, there is only one method suitable for you and Helena.”
“Finally!”
“Real combat. As you move your bodies and swing your swords, you will naturally awaken the sensation of circulating magic power.”
“Hmm… true… every time I got my ass kicked by Teacher, an unforgettable lesson was etched into me…”
“Y-Young Master…! What do you mean, 'got your ass kicked'…!”
Teacher, my flesh and bones remember every bit of your harsh tutelage.
No lectures are needed.
The lessons of broken bones and bruised flesh are never forgotten.
I, Leon, have not forgotten a single word.
“…Helena, what on earth…? Isn't breaking bones a bit too much, even for training…?”
“N-no! I was simply instructing the Young Master according to my family’s traditions!”
“You aren't denying that you broke his bones, though.”
“T-that was… it just happened before I knew it… B-but! In the Sword Saint Family, fractures are something that happens to everyone, all the time! Especially during instruction and training!”
Of course, I have no ill will toward Helena.
Because of that time, the relationship Helena and I have now is possible.
Besides, I healed quickly thanks to recovery magic anyway.
“Regardless, I need to learn how to manipulate magic power quickly. I have to get to Berlina as soon as possible.”
“I knew this already… but you truly are greedy. Are you not satisfied even with Helena and me in your arms?”
“It’s not about satisfaction. And it’s not greed. Making virtuous ladies happy is my mission.”
“Sigh… fine, let’s go with that…”
By the way, where can I get some real combat experience?
Bandits and outlaws, which are said to be crawling in other countries, are nowhere to be found in the Empire.
I’m not saying it’s a crime-free utopia, but it does mean the state is that stable.
“They say you can't find dog shit when you need it for medicine, and now I can't even find a single monster.”
As I grumbled while looking out the window at the peaceful scenery, I heard Helena’s voice from behind me.
I wondered what that rustling sound was; Helena had spread out a map.
“Young Master, the Schwarzwald Mountains are not far from here. It is that dense forest and mountain range you can see in the distance through the window.”
“Schwarzwald… Ah, the Black Forest? I’ve heard of it…”
“Yes. It is called that because the forest is so dense that sunlight cannot reach the ground. That place should be suitable.”
“Then let’s go right away. I’m actually looking forward to it. The thought of seeing you in action, Teacher.”
“Young Master…!”
Before I knew it, Helena and I were embracing each other.
Well… it wouldn't be bad to go for a round before we head out, right?
“I will not stop you, but I worry whether this carriage can withstand your sexual intercourse.”
“Ugh.”
“Haa… you’re right…”
Dammit, I have no choice.
Since it’s come to this, we’re heading straight for the Black Forest.