As Thomas made his way to the library, he noticed a group of students from the Arcane Academy walking a few paces ahead of him. They were muttering among themselves, their expressions a mix of frustration and disappointment.
“I can’t believe we failed that practical exam,” one of them lamented, running a hand through his messy hair. “It’s like we don’t fit in here at all.”
“Yeah, it’s just too competitive,” another student chimed in, glancing back at the imposing structure of the academy with a defeated look.
Chat:
FrostBite: Man, even the smart kids are struggling.
DragonLord: Welcome to the club, huh?
RuneMaster5000: This academy seems harsh!
Thomas felt a pang of sympathy for the students. He knew what it felt like to be out of place. The Arcane Academy felt like the Harvard of magic, a place where only the best and brightest were supposed to thrive.
As he walked past them, he caught sight of a group of youngsters in unfamiliar uniforms—likely from the Knights Academy—standing a short distance away. They were laughing loudly, clearly enjoying the misfortune of the Arcane students. One of them pointed, smirking as he said, “Look at those wannabe wizards! Can’t even handle a little magic!”
This comment sparked an argument. “At least we’re trying to do something meaningful with our lives!” one of the Arcane students shot back, anger flaring in his voice. “What have you done besides play knight in shining armor?”
The tension in the air was palpable as the two groups squared off, each trying to prove their worth. Thomas paused for a moment, unsure if he should intervene or keep moving.
Chat:
IronMage69: Oooo, it’s about to get spicy!
VoidKnight: Should we call for backup?
FrostBite: Just keep streaming, Thomas!
But he decided to keep going. He didn’t want to get caught up in their drama. He had his own goals to focus on. As he moved past the gathering, he could still hear the escalating insults and barbs exchanged behind him.
“Whatever,” Thomas muttered to himself, shaking his head. “I’m not here to get involved in petty squabbles.” He quickened his pace, determined to find some books that could help him with his magic studies.
Eventually, he reached the library, its grand wooden doors carved with intricate runes that seemed to pulse with a gentle glow. Pushing them open, he was met with the scent of old parchment and leather, the soft murmur of students engrossed in their studies filling the air.
Chat:
RuneMaster: Welcome to the library of secrets!
FrostBite: Time to unleash your inner wizard!
IronMage69: Find the good stuff, Thomas!
As Thomas stepped inside, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. This was where he could learn, where he could gather knowledge, and maybe—just maybe—find a way to unlock the mana within himself. He took a deep breath, ready to dive headfirst into the world of magic.
As Thomas stepped deeper into the library, the imposing figure of the librarian caught his attention. The woman was older, with spectacles perched on the edge of her nose, and her expression was a mix of curiosity and mild judgment. “Ah, an adventurer!” she remarked, her voice rich and resonant. “It’s rare to see someone like you in the capital’s library.”
Thomas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you mean by that?”
The librarian gestured toward a series of shelves lined with books. “Most adventurers don’t have the time to study. They’re too busy hunting monsters or taking on quests. If you’re here, it usually means you’ve hit a wall in your journey.” She pointed westward down the aisle. “The theory of mana and related texts are that way.”
Thomas frowned, sensing a hint of judgment in her tone. “How do you know I’m here for that?”
“Let’s just say it’s a common tale,” she replied, folding her arms. “Adventurers seeking knowledge after being turned away from the Knights Academy or the Arcane Academy. You look like you’d pass the Knights without a second thought, but judging by your clothes and your… aura, I’d wager you tried to enroll at the Arcane Academy and got rejected.”
Chat:
DragonLord: She’s calling you out, Thomas!
FrostBite: Ooooh, burn!
RuneMaster5000: Guess you have a type, huh?
He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. “Okay, you got me there. They said I couldn’t use mana.”
“Correct,” she replied, her expression softening just a little. “But don’t let that discourage you. There’s more to magic than just raw power. Understanding the theory can give you a solid foundation.”
Thomas considered this. Maybe she was right. He needed to learn about mana before he could even think about using it. “Thanks for the tip,” he said, nodding toward the shelves. “I’ll check it out.”
As he walked past her, she added, “Just remember, even if you’re rejected by the academies, that doesn’t mean you can’t forge your own path. Many great mages started with less than ideal circumstances.”
Chat:
IronMage69: Damn, that’s some solid advice!
FrostBite: Take notes, Thomas!
RuneMaster5000: Sounds like she believes in you, man!
Feeling a renewed sense of purpose, Thomas navigated through the rows of bookshelves, scanning titles until he found a section labeled “Mana Theory.” He began pulling books off the shelf, flipping through the pages, hungry for knowledge.
Hours passed as he immersed himself in the theories of mana manipulation, spell structures, and the history of magical practices. The librarian occasionally glanced his way, a hint of approval in her gaze as she noticed him taking diligent notes.
Finally, after collecting a small stack of books, Thomas approached the front desk, ready to check them out. The librarian looked up, her eyebrows slightly raised. “You’ve been busy, I see.”
“Yeah, I’m trying to figure out how this mana thing works,” he admitted, placing the books on the counter.
She scanned the titles, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Good choices. These will help you understand the basics.” As she processed the check-out, she added, “Remember, knowledge is a powerful tool—use it wisely.”
Chat:
RuneMaster5000: She’s definitely your magic mentor now!
FrostBite: Mentor vibes incoming!
DragonLord: Time to be the next big wizard, Thomas!
With a stack of books tucked under his arm and newfound determination fueling his spirit, Thomas exited the library. He felt a sense of excitement tinged with uncertainty—he was embarking on a new journey. Now, all he needed was to figure out how to harness this newfound knowledge. As he stepped back into the bustling streets of the capital, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.
After hours of poring over dusty tomes and thick volumes, Thomas began to piece together the essence of mana. The books described it as an exotic energy that existed all around, manipulated through a delicate balance of three core elements: Emotion, Intention, and Imagination. The triangle of these factors was what gave mages their power, their ability to shape the world around them with magic. Chants were a tool for guiding those elements, the books explained, a structured way to focus one’s mind and will.
"Chants, huh?" Thomas muttered, shaking his head as he leaned back in his chair. “I’m from Earth, we don’t need all that chanting nonsense. Gimme a keyboard, and I'll make it happen.”
Chat:
ArcaneHunter: Bro’s about to crack magic like it’s a coding problem.
Nightmare42: Who needs chants when you’ve got JavaScript?
FrostBite: Imagine Thomas typing out spells instead of chanting, lmao.
Suddenly, as if the universe itself was listening to his thoughts, a familiar ping rang in his mind. A notification window popped up in his view:
----------------------------------------
Upgrade Alert: Mana Sense skill upgraded to Mana Manipulation.
----------------------------------------
He blinked, sitting upright. “Well, that’s convenient.”
Before he could even fully register the upgrade, another window flashed in front of him:
----------------------------------------
Passive Skill Gained: Mana Harvest.
Description: Your body passively absorbs ambient mana from your surroundings. Efficiency increases based on proximity to sources of mana and your emotional state.
----------------------------------------
Thomas stared at the windows, his mind racing. “Mana… Harvest? Wait, I can absorb mana now?” He grinned, a spark of excitement lighting up inside him. He had just been reading about how mages spent years learning how to draw mana into their bodies. But here he was, gifted a passive skill for it—no chants, no deep meditations, just straight-up passive absorption.
Chat:
DragonLord: Mana Harvest? Oh, this is gonna get good!
ArcaneHunter: Dude’s getting the free trial of magic without all the paperwork.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
FrostBite: Cheat code activated!
RuneMaster5000: Let’s gooo, Thomas! You’re basically a mage now!
Thomas stood up, feeling a strange but subtle energy surrounding him. It was faint but noticeable, like a soft current of air brushing past his skin. His hands instinctively reached out, and though he couldn’t see it, he could feel the mana slowly flowing into him. It wasn’t like anything he’d experienced before. The power was there, waiting to be shaped.
“Okay,” he said to himself, rolling his shoulders as the chat cheered him on. “Time to see if this works.”
He closed his eyes, thinking back to the books' teachings. Emotion. Intention. Imagination. He focused on a simple idea: conjuring a small orb of light. His emotions were calm, focused; his intention was clear; his imagination painted the image in his mind. The mana responded, shifting within him.
Slowly, a dim light flickered to life in front of him—small, barely noticeable, but definitely there. A tiny orb of pale blue light hovered inches above his palm.
Chat:
Nightmare42: Yo, that’s sick!
ArcaneHunter: THE MAGIC HAS BEGUN!
FrostBite: Let there be light!
RuneMaster5000: Dude is really doing it, no chants needed.
Thomas opened his eyes and stared at the orb, a grin stretching across his face. It was faint, sure, but he had done it. No chanting, no spells. Just pure will.
“Holy shit,” he whispered. “I actually did it.”
Chat:
DragonLord: Bro’s the real deal now.
Nightmare42: I love that you’re hacking magic!
FrostBite: Man’s about to rewrite the laws of magic in this world.
The orb flickered a few times before dissolving, the light fading back into nothingness. But that didn’t matter—he had taken his first step into the world of magic.
Thomas chuckled to himself, standing in the quiet library with a newfound sense of purpose. “Alright, magic academy, you may have rejected me, but I’m about to do this my way.” He pulled out his rune book, an idea forming in his mind. Maybe he didn’t need their rigid rules and centuries-old traditions to make something of himself here.
With his mana manipulation and Mana Harvest skills, a whole new path had just opened up for him.
Chat:
RuneMaster5000: Watch out, academy. Here comes Thomas, the Rune Engineer.
Nightmare42: Can’t wait for you to start making some OP runes, man.
ArcaneHunter: Next up—magic engineering!
Thomas's mind raced with the possibilities. “What if,” he mused aloud, “instead of boring old chants, I could just input custom commands for my spells? Like programming, but with magic!” The thought electrified him, and he could almost feel the energy in the air shifting.
Chat:
FrostBite: Bro, that’s a whole next level!
DragonLord: Custom commands? You’re basically a wizard coder now!
ArcaneHunter: Magic programming? This is gonna be wild!
He visualized a spell, focusing intently on what he wanted it to do. Instead of just creating a simple orb of light, he began to imagine more complex constructs. He pictured a swirling mass of energy, infused with elemental properties, like fire, water, and even a hint of lightning. His imagination raced as he considered the possibilities.
“Alright, let’s see… how about I create something like an artificial atomic structure? Just… make it unstable enough to explode on command,” he said, laughing to himself. The idea was wild, but the thought of crafting something truly powerful excited him.
He began to outline the elements he wanted in his mind, mentally layering them like building blocks. He envisioned the base, a stable core, then adding elements that would give it energy—fire for heat, water for fluidity, and a spark of electricity to tie it all together.
Chat:
RuneMaster5000: Dude’s about to go full chemistry meets magic!
Nightmare42: This is next-gen spell crafting right here!
FrostBite: Are we sure he’s not a supervillain?
With the visualization clear in his mind, Thomas concentrated on commanding the spell. He envisioned the energy swirling around his hand, gathering into a compact form. He imagined inputting commands like “ignite,” “flow,” and “spark,” adjusting each element in his mind. The energy coalesced into a small sphere in front of him, pulsating with a mix of colors.
“Now… to end the spell,” he thought, visualizing a command to release the energy. “Dissipate.”
As he spoke the word silently in his head, the spell reacted. The sphere exploded outward in a burst of light and color, showering the area with harmless sparks that faded into the air. It was spectacular—like fireworks on a smaller scale, but with a sense of control that thrilled him.
Chat:
DragonLord: HOLY SHIT, THAT WAS EPIC!
FrostBite: I can’t believe he just did that!
RuneMaster5000: Bro’s got talent!
ArcaneHunter: That was like a mini nuke!
Thomas stood there, breathless, exhilaration coursing through him. “I can actually do this. I can create spells without chants and customize them however I want!” His heart raced as the implications hit him. The library was a treasure trove of knowledge, and with his newfound skills, he could develop spells that others had only dreamed of.
“I’ll just need to keep experimenting,” he said to himself, a grin plastered across his face. “And maybe save these commands for later. I could create a whole arsenal of custom spells!”
As the chat continued to erupt with excitement, Thomas couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. He was no longer just a rejected adventurer; he was a pioneer, crafting his path in a world full of magic and possibilities.
Chat:
Nightmare42: Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
DragonLord: He’s gonna be the new magic prodigy!
FrostBite: Just don’t blow up the library, okay?
Suddenly, a window popped up in front of Thomas, gleaming with bright letters that made his heart race: Skill Gained: Spell Command Interface. His eyes widened in disbelief.
“What the hell? A magic command prompt? This is insane!” he exclaimed, nearly bouncing on his feet. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. “I’ve basically turned into a wizard programmer!”
Chat:
RuneMaster5000: Dude, you just leveled up your wizard skills!
FrostBite: This is so epic, I can’t even!
DragonLord: Are you gonna start a spell database next?
The realization of what this meant sank in. The Spell Command Interface would save him time during his spell-crafting sessions, allowing him to store and instantly cast custom spells he created. No more tedious visualizations every time he wanted to unleash his magic; he could call upon them at a moment’s notice.
“Now, if I could just figure out how to reduce the mana consumption,” he muttered to himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He remembered reading in one of the books that mana usage could be optimized through efficient channeling and focusing one’s emotional energy. “Maybe if I refine the emotional input or alter the structure of the spell itself…?”
Chat:
Nightmare42: Just think about how sick it’ll be to cast spells like you’re typing a command!
DragonLord: You could make a spell for literally everything, dude!
RuneMaster5000: Just don’t forget to make a self-destruct command in case things get messy!
Thomas chuckled at that. “Right? I might need a safety net for my little experiments!” He mentally started brainstorming ideas for spells that could be useful in various scenarios, from combat to utility.
As he walked through the library, he could hardly contain his excitement. The possibilities felt endless. But first, he needed to ensure his mana capacity was adequate for the spells he envisioned. He recalled some theories on mana enhancement—certain rituals, potions, and even mana-infused artifacts could boost his reserves.
“I’ve got to start looking for ways to increase my mana,” he said aloud, earning him a few curious glances from nearby students.
Chat:
FrostBite: Mana potions, anyone?
ArcaneHunter: Better hit the market for some good stuff!
Nightmare42: You could just buy some crystals too! They’re supposed to help with mana!
Thomas nodded, considering his next steps. “I guess it’s time to hit the shops and see what the capital has to offer.” He made his way toward the exit, already thinking about the potential items and resources he could gather.
As he exited the library, he took one last glance at the towering shelves filled with ancient tomes and magical knowledge. “I’ll be back for more,” he promised himself. The Spell Command Interface was just the beginning of his journey into the world of magic, and he intended to master it.
He stepped out into the bustling streets of the capital, excitement coursing through him. “Let’s go find some mana-boosting goodies and level up this spell game!”
As Thomas strolled through the vibrant streets of the capital, an idea sparked in his mind, brightening his expression. “I need a base of operations,” he murmured, half to himself and half to the chat. “Somewhere hidden, out of sight, and underground would be perfect. I can expand it, make it my own little hideout!”
Chat:
FrostBite: An underground lair? Dude, that’s like super villain level!
RuneMaster5000: Just don’t go full evil genius on us, alright?
Nightmare42: I’d totally join your secret base club!
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets, reminding him just how much time had passed. He nearly forgot Ingrid’s quest amidst his excitement. “Shit, the letter!” he exclaimed, picking up the pace.
Arriving at the guild hall in the capital, he was struck by its grandeur. It was massive compared to the one in his hometown, adorned with intricate carvings and bustling with adventurers. He spotted the guildmaster—a stout man with a booming voice, who seemed to command the attention of everyone around him.
With purpose, Thomas approached, holding the letter tightly. “Excuse me, Guildmaster?” he said, trying to project confidence despite the whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind.
The guildmaster turned, eyebrows raised, “You must be the one Ingrid mentioned. You have a delivery?”
Thomas nodded, handing over the envelope. “Yep, from the guild in town”
The guildmaster took the letter, nodding with a knowing smile. “In these times, it’s good to see young adventurers taking initiative. I appreciate your discretion.” He tucked the envelope away. “You’ll find the capital has plenty of opportunities for those willing to seek them.
“Thank you, sir,” Thomas replied, feeling a mix of relief and excitement.
After his quick exchange, he realized he needed to find an inn for the night—preferably one that could serve as a good launching point for tomorrow’s recon mission. As he scanned the guild hall, he overheard a couple of adventurers discussing a cozy inn known for its hospitable service and excellent food.
“Sounds perfect,” he muttered to himself, his stomach grumbling in agreement. He quickly headed out, following signs that pointed to the Wandering Wyvern Inn.
As he approached the inn, the warm glow of lanterns spilled out onto the street, welcoming him in. Inside, the atmosphere was lively, with patrons enjoying their meals and laughter filling the air. Thomas stepped up to the bar, a sturdy-looking dwarf with a bushy beard greeting him with a hearty chuckle.
“Welcome, traveler! What can I do for ya?” the dwarf boomed, wiping a mug with a cloth.
“I need a room for the night,” Thomas replied, a smile creeping onto his face as he surveyed the delicious spread of food nearby. “And maybe some food, too.”
The dwarf grinned. “You’ve come to the right place! A room for the night will set you back 1 silver. How about a hearty stew and some ale to go with it? Just five coppers!”
“Deal,” Thomas said, handing over the coins with eagerness.
As he settled into a corner table with his meal, he felt the familiar thrill of adventure tingling in his veins. Tomorrow would be all about scouting for the perfect underground base. With his mind racing with ideas and plans, he finished his meal and headed up to his room.
Chat:
Nightmare42: Get some rest! You’re gonna need it for tomorrow’s recon!
RuneMaster5000: Hope you find the ultimate secret lair!
FrostBite: Don’t forget to leave a secret entrance for us!
Thomas chuckled at the comments as he flopped onto the bed. “You guys are wild,” he muttered, closing his eyes. He dreamed of underground chambers, hidden treasures, and the boundless potential of what his new base could become. The capital felt alive with possibilities, and he was ready to seize them all.
With a grin on his face, he drifted off to sleep, planning the next phase of his adventure.