Episode 19

I had some doubts about how much my game knowledge would apply here. But the fact that I was able to get into Soulwing Academy showed that the training was paying off. 

Half a year ago, my magic power was only at a G rank level. But now it’s reached S rank. While I can’t check my stats like in the game, I’ve been able to do more foundational training ever since my magic power reached the passing line.

Today’s a running day. I changed into my running shoes at the entrance, ready to go for a jog while listening to music through my earphones, as usual… but then, I paused and took out my phone. 

…Should I send a message to Seraph and Luminous?

They’re probably still asleep. If they wake up and find I’m not there, they’d be surprised. When we established the Union, the three of us exchanged contact information via a messaging app. I opened our group chat and left a message, letting them know I’d be out for about two hours of morning training and that I’d probably be back around seven.

Well, considering that Kyōjūs are more active at night, there’s no way they’ll attack again after yesterday’s incident.

After sending the message, I stepped outside, taking a deep breath of the cool morning air.

Ah, feels good.

Today’s my first run since moving here. During spring break, I was busy preparing for the move. And just when I finally arrived, I was attacked by Kyōjūs, ruining most of my break. As a result, I haven’t had a chance to properly explore the city. 

And why wouldn’t I want to take a look around? This is the city from the game I love…!

The street trees sparkled with morning dew, and the streets were still quiet. Occasionally, I passed by people jogging or elderly couples out for an early morning stroll. The fresh air filled the streets.

Seeing the town made my excitement rise. The exact same scenery from the game was unfolding before my eyes. No matter how well-crafted the game world was, there were still parts where the real thing wins out. 

As I jogged, I couldn’t help but reminisce about different scenes from the game. “I’ve been here for that one quest,” I thought, or “This is where that hidden character appears after completing the event…”

Before I knew it, a lot of time had passed.

…Okay, focus. I can’t just run all morning. After all, today’s the entrance ceremony. 

I decided to calm myself down and headed for an open field. 

Running wasn’t the only thing on my agenda today. I needed to confirm something about my power.

By making contracts with angels and demons, we can gain the power of magic. In the game, there were fire, water, earth, wind, ice, lightning, light, and dark elements. The protagonist could use all of these elements, a one-of-a-kind “Soulbinder.”

But, well, that was the protagonist. Regular contract holders could only use the magic element best suited to them after making their contract. 

My situation is unusual, but I’m not the protagonist. I can probably only use one element. 

Today, I’m going to find out which one it is. Up until now, my magic training has only been about releasing raw magic power. But starting today, I’m going to actually practice using magic.

…Magic.

It would be a lie to say I’m not excited. I feel like a kid again, my excitement rising. 

First, I need to figure out which element I can use.

I closed my eyes and focused on the magic inside me. In the game, the way to determine your elemental affinity was described. Each element had its own color, and if you focused on your internal magic, you could see that color.

I closed my eyes and concentrated on sensing the magic within me.

…Gradually, I began to see two colors: yellow and blue.

The yellow represents lightning. The blue isn’t water… it’s a deeper shade, which means it’s likely ice magic. 

Realizing this, I put a hand to my forehead. 

Two elements… seriously?

It’s not as impressive as the protagonist, but at this moment, I’m the world’s first dual-element wielder. Well, considering I’ve made contracts with both Seraph and Luminous, it’s not exactly strange. With each contract, I gained access to their corresponding magic. 

Even though I’m trying to live as just a regular character, this world insists on treating me as something special. 

Still, it’s magic—real magic! I’ve wanted to use magic for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was little, or at least until middle school. I seriously tried to practice in hopes that I might someday be able to use it.

…And now, it’s real.

I swallowed hard, barely containing my excitement.

Can I really use magic? And how strong is it? 

Once the thought entered my mind, I knew I had to try it. There was no other choice.

I already have a general idea of how to use magic. I could feel the power of lightning and ice within me, circulating as I focused my magic. It was a sensation of both electricity and cold rising simultaneously inside me.

In the game, magic was categorized under skill names, but this is real. Here, it feels like I have more freedom in how I use it.

First, lightning.

I concentrated my magic into my right hand. As the magic gathered, I transformed it into lightning. A tingling sensation surged into my hand, and I could feel my excitement climbing.

…All that’s left is to release it.

Go!

The moment I aimed my hand at the ground, an electric discharge shot out, crackling through the air and hitting the ground with a small explosion.

“Whoa! It’s real… real magic!”

Even though I’d seen it countless times in the game, I was moved by the lightning that had just fired from my own hand. 

After launching a few more lightning spells, I realized, whoa… magic burns through energy fast.

…Looks like I’m not yet used to channeling magic efficiently. I’ll need more practice to improve how I convert my magic power.

Before I run out of energy completely, I should at least try out my ice magic too.

After catching my breath, I concentrated magic into my other hand, focusing on the cold power within. Just like with lightning, I pointed my hand at the ground. 

In the next moment, an ice arrow shot out and pierced the earth.

I couldn’t help but let out a sound of amazement. I can use both lightning and ice! The magic I’d always admired in the game is now something I can wield with my own hands… I’m so excited, I might pass out…!

No, it’s not the excitement. I might pass out from overusing my magic…

Anyway, I need to train more and improve my magic efficiency.

Original Author’s Comment:

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