The lizards lazing about had yet to notice Charlie, preoccupied more by their own relaxing business than to notice a little splash from the river. It suited Charlie fine of course, he was still too weak and withered to even consider taking on anything even remotely threatening.

The memories of the strange creatures tucked away in a hidden cave and the perilous battle Charlie just survived made his heart race. The question of why they didn't all attack him at the same time still baffled him, but Charlie was not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Still, their insidious power that infected one's mind was powerful and terrifying, though alive, Charlie had to be weary of their presence.

It raised the question, just how many creatures had some sort of ability like that? Were they all using Mana naturally, without having to know what it is or what it was?

Now that Charlie thought about it, he was no different, really, he had also used Mana subconsciously. [Hollow Fang] and [Devour] had ways of working with Charlie that didn't require words or an understanding of the mystic qualities of Mana. One came naturally, clearly borne of instinct, while the other... Even Charlie doubted that many other creatures had an ability like that.

[Devour], that ability felt like it almost had a mind of its own. Often it felt like it was the one controlling the situation, and Charlie was nothing more than a spectator.

Charlie could still remember the feeling of the alien Mana latching onto his own, it felt so strange, and so wrong at the same time - like it was unnatural even to this world. It's unique sensation was etched into his mind, layered with fear, forever.

Yet, fear would not stop Charlie in turning his near-brush with death into a long lasting lesson. Firstly, the one Charlie had to remember the most, there are no friends among mindless creatures - they only want to kill or swallow you whole. They are nothing more than feral beasts and lack real sentience, relying solely on their instincts to guide their actions. Often, those same instincts meant wild violence.

Second, there might be a way to learn how to use Mana like the many other creatures by his own endeavour. Not only did [Devour] steal abilities, but also parts that belonged to slain creatures. Up until now, Charlie barely had a chance to fully utilise it's unreal power - even now, Charlie didn't feel like he was close to truly using, but it was a way to progress.

Now, though, Charlie had an inkling of a path forward outside of the reality-defying powers of the System. It was a path he could forge himself, something that he might be able to do with his own efforts if his conjectures were right. Sure, Charlie still had to work himself to the bone at leveling up his abilities, but they were given to him, and not something he earned.

Charlie wasn't sure if it was possible in the first place anyway, but there was one thought that kept him locked in on the idea.

If they can do it, why can't I?

Charlie might have been born into this world with both [Devour] and [Hollow Fang], and he knew then instinctual. Yet the way they're both used was nearly identical.

After finally being able to perceive the Mana inside of himself, Charlie was able to figure out how to cast [Worm of Envy]. By guiding Mana to the required spot in his body, Charlie was able to cast the {Epitaph} and {Power} - but what if that wasn't the only way, what if most abilities required a manual cast?

Charlie's mind exploded with possibilities and spun with unending ideas. Weak connections between theories were discarded and replaced with more concrete thoughts - increasingly solidifying Charlie's confidence the deeper he descended into his ravenous curiosity.

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The eerie creature that almost swallowed Charlie whole was able to extend it's Mana from its own body, and somehow latch onto his, penetrating deeply and infecting his mind. That fact alone proved to Charlie that it was possible to use Mana outside of his own body. The more he thought about it, the more obvious it should have been.

Within the cave, Charlie was exposed to the ambient Mana that collected within the shadows, and became especially noticeable when he sense the mysterious connection form. Then, there were the Cult of Worms and their Magics. The ball of fire the man threw, the ocean of darkness that spewed out of the shadowy pedestal and even the way the workers made the shovels float.

They were all using Mana outside of their bodies.

Charlie wanted to try out his ideas so badly, but he was still right in the middle of the enemies stronghold. Though the lizards have ignored him for now, it didn't mean he was safe. Still within the river, Charlie first needed to find a way out - as there were too many lizards relaxing by the shore to find an easy way through their wall of bodies.

Swimming up through the river was not an option either, as it originated somewhere up further in the cave, and only briefly cut through the caves vast opening. Charlie was in no mood to try and delve down another dark hole, at least not now.

Though, if Charlie were to return down the river back to right before the exit into where he finished his fight with the overgrown lizard, there were a few places where he could make temporary camp. It wasn't spacious, but just large enough to take his growing body with some room to spare.

Though, the idea of diving into the water and holding his breath again... Well, he didn't look forward to it - even if the water has been empty of any of those nefarious aquatic creatures so far.

Charlie could only sigh at his own misfortune.

Plunging his head beneath the water, Charlie was immediately cut off from most of his senses, even his already terrible eyesight worsened under water. It caused Charlie great discomfort to intentionally deprive himself of his basic senses, but if it meant he could get a bit of peace and quiet while he recovered, then it would be worth it.

Charlie swam with the stream, and only after a few breathless seconds, Charlie saw the shimmer of light above him and broke through the water with a deep gasp. Even though Charlie had yet to come across a creature in the river, his heart was still beat violently in his chest and ears from this short endeavour.

After climbing onto the small and rocky alcove, Charlie gave himself a few minutes to not only catch his breath, but to ease his stressed mind.

The first thing Charlie wanted, and needed, to do was simply sleep. He had been fighting, running and almost dying for hours - days even. Charlie's body was simply exhausted right down to the bone. In fact, if he were to simply look down and inspect his body, he'd still see his ribs.

The fight between Charlie's venom and the lizards poison did not end amicably. It seemed that most of his own body was consumed in the aftermath, withered away to nearly nothing. If it meant survival, Charlie would have sacrificed even more of his body - it was a miracle that he still had the capability to move.

Sleep came quickly, whisking Charlie away to a dreamless rest. While checking out the Systems mystical text did cross his mind, all he really wanted was some good old fashioned sleep - he'd check it out another night after regaining some mental acumen.

Wakefulness came too quickly, and Charlie desperately wished for another five minutes, but, wish as he might, his mind refused to go back to sleep.

Sighing dejectedly, Charlie sat up - his body felt like lead. No, lead was too pleasant, it felt like it was dragged through mud, metal shrapnel and doused in concrete.

Taking a quick look, Charlie noticed that his withered body looked noticeably better already. His ribs were still visible, of course, but at least there was some improvement. At this rate, it would be another week before he was back to his top form.

Charlie took a quick drink of water and got himself into a comfortable position. Though the body belonged to a serpent, Charlie still enjoyed stretching himself out. There were no satisfying pops, but the stretch itself was enough to put a pleasant spin to the start of the day.

With a fresh enough mind and a renewed resolve, Charlie delved deep within himself, and stirred the slumbering Mana in his core.

Charlie was unable to contain himself any longer. The call to learn about Mana and Magic was just too strong for his infernally curious mind.

If the foundations of his ideas were true - today, Charlie would learn Magic.