[Explosive Advantage] Engaging in a Mental Battle with the Strongest Evil Spirit Since Birth, I Exceeded the Measurable Magic Limit – The Humble Conquest of the Cursed Child - Chapter 11

Kai had just received an explanation about the Body aspect of the Mind, Skill, Body principles from Miss Kagami.

Now, it was time to learn about Skill.

“Let us begin with Skill. Simply put, it refers to technique. Yes, I realize that’s stating the obvious, but since we’re discussing skills, it can’t be helped. The techniques of an exorcist are generally referred to as sorcery.”

“Sorcery?”

“Yes. Sorcery follows specific forms and molds magical energy into shape.”

“Ooh…”

(It sounds pretty impressive…)

“Magical energy can be shaped into one of the five great elements: wind, fire, earth, lightning, or water, and then released.”

“I’d like to see it…”

Kai gazed at Miss Kagami with eyes sparkling in anticipation.

“…V-Very well. Allow me, with all due humility…”

Saying this, Kagami extended her arm and turned her palm upward.

Then, she murmured softly—

“Fire Art: Hotarubi.”

A small flame flickered to life in the palm of her hand.

“…Like this, for example.”

“Whoa…”

Witnessing magic firsthand for the first time, Kai felt a surge of awe.

“That’s… amazing.”

“Eh…!? Ah… y-yes… th-thank you.”

Kagami looked caught off guard, her expression a mixture of embarrassment and surprise.

“Um, Miss Kagami… How do you do that?”

“Ah, well… Each sorcery technique has an accompanying manual known as a Book of Arts.”

“I see… So I just need to read this Book of Arts?”

“No, you only need to touch it.”

“Huh? Just touch it?”

“Exactly. However, touching the Book of Arts is merely the beginning. Once you do, the technique’s formula will flow into your body. From there, you must repeatedly perform image training to visualize executing the technique. If one lacks compatibility with a particular art, no amount of training may yield results. That said, once you succeed even once, it becomes much easier to perform the technique in the future. However…”

“However…?”

“The side effects of absorbing the Book of Arts can be… quite severe.”

Kagami grimaced slightly as she spoke.

“I-I see.”

(Sounds pretty rough…)

“Well then, Miss Kagami, may I borrow the Book of Arts?”

“Eh? I-I beg your pardon?”

Hearing Kai’s request, Kagami looked as if she’d been struck by a blow.

“Lord Kai… Were you listening? Absorbing the Book of Arts comes with harsh side effects…”

“Yes… But I want to try it.”

(I don’t have much time left until I reach the age of six—the age when my father and mother died in my previous life. I need to grow stronger as quickly as possible…)

“…”

Kagami was at a loss for words. Then…

“No, I cannot allow it… Not without permission from your guardians.”

For Kagami, refusing a request from a possessed child was a life-threatening risk.

Even so, she held fast to her professional principles as an instructor—prioritizing the safety of her student above all else.

“You’re right. I’ll ask Dad when I get home.”

“Yes…”

Hmm… Boy… If you truly wish it, I, the great Douma, could inject the technique into you myself…

(Ah, I was wondering why you’d been so quiet today…)

“Eh? Douma, you can do that?”

“What…?”

(Crap…)

Kai accidentally spoke aloud while conversing with Douma, and Kagami gave him a puzzled look.

“Ah, um, it’s nothing.”

Kai scrambled to cover it up.

(So, um, Douma, you really can do that?)

W-Well… yes…

(Huh…? He’s acting a bit meeker than usual…)

“Thanks, but not right now.”

Kai wanted to respect Kagami’s stance on needing a guardian’s permission.

I see…

And so, that day ended with physical training—in other words, muscle conditioning.
It was a special program tailored for young children.

Even so, it was no easy task.

The next day—

“Miss Kagami, I got permission from my dad to use the Book of Arts.”

“Yes, I received confirmation from your father as well.”

After training yesterday, Kai had consulted his father about learning sorcery.
Though his father hesitated, after confirming with Kai’s mother, he gave his approval.

“Then, please allow me to present this…”

From her attaché case, Kagami rummaged through and retrieved a book, placing it on the dojo floor.

“This is…”

“Yes, the Book of Arts.”

Kai held his breath in awe.

“But we will begin with the basics. This is the Hotarubi technique I demonstrated yesterday.”

“Understood.”

“When you’re ready, please touch the Book of Arts.”

“Yes.”

Kai steeled himself and reached out to touch the Book of Arts.

(Ah…!)

The moment he touched it, he felt something hot rush through his entire body.
Images of the technique flooded into his mind.

“Lord Kai, are you alright?”

“Yes, for now…”

“Good. Now, the real training begins. Gather your magical energy, then visualize releasing the technique.”

“Got it.”

Kai extended his arm, palm up, just as Kagami had done.

“I’m ready… Fire Art: Hotarubi.”