Elena watched Youngmin for a moment before replying. Her voice remained cold, but her lips curved slightly into a faint smile.

"Don't think about it. I just hope you adapt well to this world."

Youngmin felt relieved by the unexpected warmth. Though she had been cold at first, he could sense the kindness and sincerity hidden behind her exterior.

Right at that moment, Alex returned with various magical artifacts, including one designed to measure magical potential.

"Youngmin, come here for a second," Alex called out while inspecting the tools.

"Oh, okay! I'm coming." Youngmin replied, still clueless about what was happening.

"Hold on," Alex handed him a cube-shaped object and gave instructions.

"What's this?"

Youngmin grasped the cube, but nothing happened.

"Hmm… I see no traces of magical energy at all."

Alex paused in thought before handing him another tool.

"Hold this and recite these words: Fireball."

Youngmin followed the instructions. "Fireball."

For a brief moment, the cube flickered faintly, but Alex remained unfazed.

"So, he can read and speak the magical language, but he cannot use magic directly… Just as I thought."

Though the reaction was minimal, the flicker was enough to confirm Youngmin's potential.

Alex made a decision. "Youngmin, you have nowhere to go, no food, and no shelter. Stay here with us. You have knowledge of ancient magical languages, and in return for your help, I can offer you guidance and a sense of belonging."

Realizing he had no other options, Youngmin felt despair creeping in again. But when he glanced at Elena, his spirits lifted.

"Alright, I'll stay," he decided.

Alex then gave him a new name, as "Youngmin" sounded unfamiliar to the people of this world.

"Youngmin, your name might be difficult for people here to pronounce. Would you be okay with a new name?"

"Of course."

"From now on, you will be known as Merslin."

"Merslin… Huh, that's funny. It's actually the name I once used in a story I wrote when I was younger."

Elena, though initially hesitant about letting a stranger stay in the magician's tower, eventually accepted it. After all, helping those in need was part of their duty.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

And so, Merslin's new life in another world began—with the guidance of Alex and Elena.The next day, Alex had business at the royal palace, leaving Elena in charge of Merslin's training. She led him to the magic training room—an expansive hall with high ceilings, neatly arranged magical artifacts, and symbols of ancient spells carved into the walls. A target stood in the center, waiting to be tested. Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a mystical glow over the chamber.

"We'll start with something simple," Elena announced, her voice still carrying its usual coldness, though there was a hint of expectation. "We'll practice creating magical flames. Watch closely and mimic my movements."

Elena extended her hand and calmly chanted, "Fireball."

A small flame ignited in her palm, floating gently before dissipating. Merslin's eyes widened in amazement.

"That's incredible! Do you think I can do that too?"

Elena studied him carefully. "You can. But magic isn't just about reciting words. It requires willpower and focus. Try it now."

Determined, Merslin copied her stance and extended his hand.

"Fireball!"

Elena's eyes narrowed as she observed him.

"His pronunciation is perfect… in Korean. That alone is surprising."

But nothing happened. No flame. Not even a spark.

Merslin looked at her in disappointment. "I don't understand… What am I doing wrong?"

Elena sighed, stepping closer. "Magic comes from within, not just from words. Try again. This time, focus all your energy at your fingertips."

Merslin nodded and took a deep breath. Closing his eyes, he concentrated harder.

"Fireball."

Still, nothing.

Elena exhaled quietly. "Good. If he had cast it so easily, that would've been a problem."

She could sense his latent potential, but she was also relieved that he wouldn't suddenly wield magic beyond control.

Despite maintaining her usual detached tone, she tried to encourage him. "Relax. Don't overthink it. Magic requires balance. Try again—believe in yourself, Merslin. You are special."

Her words gave him newfound confidence. Taking another deep breath, he steadied his mind.

"Fireball."

This time, a tiny flicker of flame appeared at his fingertips before vanishing instantly.

Merslin gasped. "I did it!"

Elena allowed a small smile to escape. "Not bad. That was just the beginning. You'll need much more practice, but I can see your potential. Keep at it, and you'll improve."

Merslin clenched his fists with determination. "I won't give up, Elena. I'll work hard."

Though she kept her cold demeanor, Elena silently acknowledged his resolve. She could sense that Merslin would play an important role in the fate of this world.

A Market Encounter

The Grand Market of Luminaria was bustling with life, overflowing with merchants, exotic goods, and lively chatter. Merslin and Elena walked through the streets, gathering supplies.

"This is the largest market in Luminaria," Elena explained. "You can find almost anything here."

Merslin marveled at the unique items being sold. However, their shopping trip was interrupted by the sound of shouting.

A group of men were causing trouble in front of a restaurant, knocking over crates and intimidating shopkeepers.

"Hey, hand over the money, or we'll destroy this place!" one of them bellowed.

Merslin frowned and turned to Elena. "We can't just stand by. We have to stop them."

Elena nodded. "Agreed. Let's go."

They approached the scene, standing their ground. Merslin stepped forward and spoke firmly.

"Stop this. You're hurting innocent people."

The thugs turned to him and sneered.

"Who the hell are you? Get lost!"

Before Merslin could respond, one of them shoved him aside.

Just then, a new figure entered the scene—a tall, muscular woman with fiery red hair and piercing green eyes. She was clad in sturdy battle armor, her presence exuding strength and authority.

With unwavering confidence, she strode forward and declared, "That's enough. Leave now, or deal with me."

The thugs burst into laughter.

"What's a woman gonna do to us?!"

A dangerous glint flashed in the warrior's eyes.

"You just made a big mistake."

And with that, the real battle began.