The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 21.2

“Did you think of using ignition magic indoors? Indoors, a fire starter is fine. As long as you get a spark, it’s okay. But what about outdoors?”

“Oh…”

“Typical adult magic power is just over 100. Using 10 magic power for ignition will cause it to go out quickly, and you’ll need to reignite, using another 10 magic power. On a windy day, you’ll run out of magic power in no time.”

“So, it can only be used 10 times?”

“Actually, it’s 8 times. When magic power drops below 20%, you can no longer stand. Below 10%, you faint, and when it reaches 0, you die.”

The mention of death sends shivers down her spine.

“Only when using a tremendously powerful magic that’s beyond your capability would you die from running out of magic power. In reality, magic that runs out of magic power won’t activate. Even ignition magic.”

Hearing this reassures Iris. She had imagined the possibility of dying the moment she started a fire.

“With the magic book I sell, you can ignite a fire even on a windy day outdoors. What if a fire starter or a poor ignition magic fails to light a fire in the cold winter?”

“I would die.”

“Right? It’s not a magic needed for ordinary living, but I think it’s better for hunters and such.”

“Now that you mention it, that’s true. The water-producing magic is also expensive because it provides safe and tasty water while traveling.”

“It’s a bargain just for the lower magic power usage.”

“That’s true. But even if I want it, I can’t afford 1 million G.”

“Those who can’t afford this amount don’t need such magic. Just work hard enough to live reasonably. I think it’s necessary for those who strive towards their goals to become better than they are now.”

“Effort, huh…”

“Right. Even if you’re told to work hard blindly, you might not know what to do, so I hope you find what you really want to do.”

“Mergin, did you have something you wanted to do to be able to do all these things?”

Hearing this, Mergin fell silent for a moment.

“My dreams, huh…”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t actually work hard for them.”

“Eh?”

“I just happened to become able to do various things. It’s not the result of hard work. Sure, I’ve done many experiments and made magical tools. I also trained and practiced to defeat monsters.”

“But isn’t that working hard?”

“It’s not something I would call hard work. I was made to do it and just happened to become good at various things. It’s thanks to abilities that were given to me. It’s not something to boast about.”

“But it’s definitely impressive. The magic you taught me is something I was just given. But I want to use this as a starting point to work hard.”

“I see. Then find a goal and do your best.”

“Yes. So, what is it that you wanted to do, Mergin?”

“Hm? What I wanted to do?”

Mergin spoke in the past tense, about what he wanted to do.

“Have you given up on it?”

“Yeah… You could say I’ve given up.”

“Why did you give up?”

“Well, it was more like a fantasy. And it’s something I can’t do alone…”