Iron Magic #1
Knowledge transfer. It was the exclusive domain of grand mages, a magic long forgotten in modern times.
Learning naturally required physical time. People even called those who coveted others' experiences without effort thieves at heart, for the time invested in training was precious.
Knowledge transfer eliminated that physical time, the emotional drain, and countless trial-and-error attempts.
The principle was simple. It gave one's knowledge to another. It transplanted the experience one had accumulated directly into them.
"If you're the successor of the guardian, this much service is the least I can offer. Right?"
"Of course. Absolutely."
Lawrence nodded vigorously at Icaller's words.
"Once you've internalized this knowledge, come find my lingering thoughts embedded in the next grimoire. And please restore my lair."
"I will do so without fail, Guardian."
He couldn't hear thoughts, but Lawrence replied aloud. It was a sign of respect and a way to etch his duty into his heart.
Crackle—
Icaller's thoughts coalesced into a single orb. That tiny marble contained decades of his iron magic theory.
The orb floated straight into Lawrence's head.
Duration: 2 hours
Side Effect: Mild headache possible
Warning: Confirm you are in a safe location
Content: Basics of iron magic and up to 2nd Circle
Lawrence closed his eyes naturally, savoring the jumble of sensations flooding his mind. It felt like dreaming or watching a movie.
What was clear was that visions, interpretations, and experiences from the dragon's perspective were pouring directly into his head.
'No wonder it's so hard to use. It wasn't designed for ranged combat from the start.'
It was a battlefield.
Icaller had aspired to be an outstanding martial artist and warrior, but he couldn't abandon magic. Elemental magic lacked appeal and risked friendly fire.
So he devised a solution. He wanted to concentrate exactly the power he needed into a single point.
Earth magic scattered fragments like rocks, which he hated. Flame, lightning, and water magic had excessively wide areas.
Kraaaah—!
When he looked toward the scream, Icaller spotted a single blade piercing thick armor amid the melee.
That sparked a brilliant idea. Create swords with magic, manifest spears and shields with magic. Replace cumbersome gear with magic entirely.
Thus, iron magic was born.
Lawrence now knew its origins more precisely than anyone and inherited the creator's experiences fully.
"Huuuuuh…."
It didn't end there. True learning required adding one's own insights to complete it.
Lawrence took it a step further, pondering ways to make iron magic even more valuable.
Then, something astonishing happened again.
Icaller's magic circles can now be generated.
Iron magic up to 2nd Circle can now be engraved on mediums without extracts.
Feel gratitude. This is all the great guardian's arrangement.
So that was it.
When Lawrence opened his eyes again, his pupils gleamed with a dark crimson light. For a fleeting moment, they were unmistakably draconic.
"I should normally be sleeping by now, but not tonight."
He felt like he had truly stepped onto the path of an artifactor.
Mediums and extracts—he had thought they were essential, but his hunch was right.
Ultimately, if magic manifested through magic circles, studying and mastering them was the key.
'I'll collect them all and make them mine.'
This was the craftsman's greed, proof that dormant blood was awakening.
Lawrence was steadily walking the path of the next guardian.
Clang, clang—
Lawrence tinkered with artifacts using materials from his subspace. Time flew by unnoticed.
Soon, a magic announcement signaled the hour.
"Everyone, rise and shine! Let's start another vigorous day!"
The tower master's booming voice echoed thunderously. Did this old man ever sleep?
It felt just like a barracks mic blaring, <<All company members, rise for reveille. Morning roll call...>>
"Already this late?"
Looking out the window, dawn hadn't broken yet. The world was shrouded in deep indigo, the darkest hour—perfect for greeting the gradually brightening day.
The Iron Tower was starting its day.
Lawrence tidied up and stepped out.
Mages were already emerging busily. Rachel from the next room appeared disheveled.
"Did you sleep well, Young Master?"
"Yeah. I was so excited I barely got any. You? You cooked all day yesterday."
"Hehe, that's my job. I'm fine."
Rachel smiled brightly without complaint. Seeing her, Lawrence thought he should enhance Guardian's performance further.
She'd handle various tasks ahead; low stamina couldn't hold her back.
'There was something suitable among the iron magic transfers.'
He wanted to fill that empty slot meaningfully. His own creation as a guardian—how proud could he be?
A loyal subordinate obeying only his commands. Strong subordinates made life easier for the boss.
Considering that, Lawrence decided to craft an artifact for her and headed out.
The air was quite chilly. Spring hadn't arrived. White breaths puffed everywhere.
"Did everyone sleep well? It's the first day with our new recruit, so let's keep it light—just twenty laps around the tower."
"Yes, sir!"
"Ooh, easy day today?"
It looked just like soldiers reacting to lighter PT—probably not his imagination.
Rachel went to prepare breakfast, while the rest began training in earnest.
Fasted cardio... If he ensured proper nutrition later, it would sharpen the mind nicely.
"Run!"
"Ack!"
"Gah!"
Running in sync felt incredibly natural. Lawrence kept pace from the rear, completing morning training flawlessly.
Life at the Iron Tower had truly begun.
"Wow, you kept up great with training."
"Thank you."
"Did Montemer teach you this stuff, junior?"
"No... I just trained alone and looked up knight family materials."
Ooh—
The training-obsessed mages bombarded him with questions, eager for any tip.
As he answered, the tower master appeared and dispersed them.
"Stop bothering the kid and get to research."
"Yes, sir."
"Oh, I sent a letter to Montemer. Reply should come soon. Surely that great noble house wouldn't want issues with a direct heir's nutrition... right?"
"Probably not. If they're sane."
Lawrence thought of Media as he replied. Anyway, it was support the family had no reason to refuse.
Blocking it would be... 'Maybe sell artifacts.'
That'd bring enough for a new tower, beyond meat. Worth considering seriously.
A creator's goal included selling high. A last resort, perhaps.
After physical training, next was magic practice and study time.
Researching iron magic through texts and hands-on casting. Lawrence considered it most crucial.
"Iron magic has long chants. It shares roots with earth magic, requiring many. Implementing imagery is tough due to refined elements."
The tower master's explanation continued amid individual research.
The chant was indeed lengthy.
"First, a demonstration. With mature imagery mastery, chants shorten. But textbook style is like this."
"O Earth, expel your hardness and offer it to me. Here, a steel sword is newly forged..."
⟨ Iron Sword ⟩
'So damn long.'
Lawrence waited silently. Over 30 seconds later, the magic manifested.
Now he understood why iron magic was called inefficient.
Steel sword manifested.
Crackle!
A steel sword floated in the air, precisely blade only, as if controlled that way.
"To handle such long chants, our bodies must be sturdy and agile."
Kwachak!
The steel sword flew into solid rock, slicing it like tofu.
Impressive power indeed.
"If it hits, it's the strongest in its circle. That's our combat style."
"So you hold enemies close as much as possible."
"Exactly."
Lawrence eyed the faintly bitter tower master. As a fellow tower master, he'd likely been subtly dismissed.
Iron magic felt inferior to orthodox elemental magic.
He knew it. Regrettable not teaching a promising noble heir proper magic.
But from now on, that fate would change completely.
'I'll make it happen.'
The tower master was a good man. He'd be a great help later.
This was an investment for the future, a declaration of using this place as a base.
Lawrence raised his hand and uttered the trigger word.
The magic activated instantly.
Artifact manifestation. Instant magic formation without chant.
Pajijijik!
The tower master's eyes widened at Lawrence's authority.
Massive steel lance like a cavalry spear—no chant.
Kwaduduk!
"…."
"Tower Master, I don't think iron magic is inferior."
"What is the young master's ability?"
"I'm an artifactor. The world's only one who can create artifacts, the one to revive this tower—"
The tower master's eyes sparkled with emotion and hope.
This was the ideal battle mage he'd dreamed of.
Lawrence met his gaze squarely and declared,
"—and the one who will become the greatest battle mage."