"Doms, where's the bathroom?"

Arthur's question snaps me back to reality, but not before he starts taking off his shirt, revealing a chiseled torso with six-pack abs and an athletic physique.

I wonder what training regimen he follows to maintain such a form.

"Doms?"

His voice, tinged with impatience, jolts me from my reverie.

Oh, I was caught staring a bit too intently.

"It's right down the corner," I manage to say, a touch of embarrassment coloring my tone.

Arthur nods, acknowledging my direction, and steps out of my bedroom, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I slump onto my bed, the day's events swirling in my mind.

Oh yeah, the Gun Arts Manual. I momentarily forgot about it amidst the whirlwind of events.

But how can I access the holographic screen? It appears randomly, mainly offering quests.

"Uhh…I summon thee, holographic screen thingy…"

I half-expect nothing to happen, dismissing the attempt as wishful thinking.

Greetings, Master; how may I help you?

Oh, it worked.

The screen materializes in front of me, awaiting my command.

What exactly is this holographic screen, and what are the Stat Points I received earlier?

I'm a System, Master. I can show your stats, progress, and skills and give you quests to complete for rewards. However, since you're Manaless, you can only view your stats, progress, and quests. For the Stat Points, you can use those to increase your Stats.

The System's explanation offers a glimpse into its capabilities and limitations, especially concerning my unique condition as a Manaless. Interestingly, it also seems to confirm that it can read my thoughts.

Yes, I can read your mind, Master. If you need me, you can mutter or think of "System."

Oh. If that's the case, I should be careful not to trash-talk the System.

Yes, you should be careful, Master. If you trash talk, I will leave you and find a new master.

I can't help but chuckle nervously.

Since that's out of the way, I want to receive the Gun Arts Manual...

"Anyways, can I have the Gun Arts Manual?"

Yes, Master.

Without warning, a book materializes out of thin air and descends rapidly toward me. Instinctively, I reach out, catching it just before it collides with my face. This near-miss could have ended rather comically.

Curious and eager, I flip the manual open, only to be met with blank pages. Page after page, I find nothing but emptiness.

"What the..."

As I continue to leaf through the seemingly useless pages, my annoyance begins to bubble.

"System, you sca-"

Suddenly, without warning, I'm overwhelmed by a torrent of information flooding my mind. The intensity of the influx is staggering, sending waves of pain through my head, forcing me to clutch it to alleviate the discomfort somehow.

"Ngh!"

I grunt; the influx of knowledge is so intense that it borders on physical pain. I'm engulfed in this torrential downpour of data for what feels like an eternity but lasts only four minutes.

As the pain subsides and my vision clears, a profound realization dawns on me—I now know the previously unknown movements and techniques.

"So, it's like I just absorbed the information, and all of a sudden, I know the techniques of the Gun Arts."

INFO Name: Dominic Eñerforte

Age: 15

Title: None STATS Strength: 20 (E-)

Endurance: 19 (E-)

Agility: 51 (E)

Speed 49 (E-)

Mana: 0 (F)

Luck: 402 (C+)

Instinct: 747 (A+)

Charisma: 362 (C)

Stat Points: 10 MANUAL ARTS Basic Gun Arts (D+) – Beginner (0%)

Basic Gun Arts encompass many basic combat techniques involving firearms from range to melee. This art form requires physical dexterity to shoot and maneuver accurately and a deep understanding of the firearms themselves—maintenance, bullet types, and the physics of shooting.

A new revelation dawns on me as I notice an addition to the System's interface—a section dedicated to Martial Arts, indicating my newly acquired knowledge.

Master, you should also use your Stat Points and choose a specific stat you want to increase.

A gentle reminder from the System brings my attention back to an aspect of my new life I had momentarily overlooked.

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that."

Looking at my stats, I notice that Strength and Endurance are the lowest, barring my nonexistent Mana.

It's peculiar that Speed and Agility are significantly higher in comparison. My earlier jest about Dominic neglecting leg day seems untrue; however, his physical conditioning in those areas is commendably high.

Since I can use the Stat Points to increase a specific 'Stat,' it's best to add to Mana first.

"System, add 10 points to my Mana."

Master, I can't do that.

I'm confused; why can't it do that?

Increasing Mana is beyond my current capabilities at the moment. However, as you strengthen and complete more quests, I can unlock additional features and capabilities for you.

The System's response makes sense, albeit a bit disappointing. Its capabilities are limited for now, but the promise of more features in the future is intriguing.

Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

Since the System can’t give me Mana right now, I’ll just do the Manaficial ritual that, somehow, no one remembers in this world. Technology in this world has advanced to the point that ancient rituals are forgotten. Fortunately, the protagonist in the web novel rediscovered the ritual when he tried to help someone.

The ritual requires three specific artifacts, each located in temples in different regions of Verdant Haven: the Emerald Coastline, the Greenwood Region, and Misty Peaks.

I could go there after I recover, but the temples are filled with dangerous traps, and I don’t want to risk my life early on. The artifacts are essential, but getting them is not a simple task. I need to be fully prepared before attempting such a dangerous mission.

I must also keep this ritual a secret, as one of the protagonist’s so-called "friends" uncovered the ancient Manaficial ritual and ultimately became a villain. Unbeknownst to the protagonist, this "friend" was a spy planted by Umbrascourge, sent to infiltrate Verdant Arcanum with sinister intentions.

Now I have even more reason to secure those artifacts—it would empower me and eliminate a future threat, preventing the rise of the villain who would wreak havoc in Verdant Arcanum.

Sure, I could do the Modern Manaficial Procedure option to bypass these challenges. But the minimum cost is a staggering 1 billion Camilliums. I can't ask André or Celine to cover that, especially since I've already taken Dominic's place here in Sylvestria.

In my previous life, my parents fell into deep debt to afford my school tuition, and I refuse to put André and Celine through that kind of financial strain.

With this realization in mind, I allocate the 10 Stat Points evenly between Strength and Endurance, aiming for a more balanced distribution to enhance my overall capabilities.

"Add five for Strength and add five for Endurance."

Strength: 20 > 25 (E-)

Endurance: 19 > 24 (E-)

When the adjustment is made, a subtle yet undeniable change courses through my body. It feels as if I suddenly become heavier or more grounded.

This sensation isn't uncomfortable; it makes me feel slightly more robust and durable.

An idea suddenly ignites in my mind: what if I max out a single Stat and become ridiculously overpowered? Imagine it—me, a Manaless boy, strolling around with [SS] rank defense, shrugging off spells like they’re nothing unless they’re [SS] rank or higher. The shock on their faces would be priceless.

Apologies, Master, but that's beyond my capabilities. I can't allow that.

What? Even that’s off the table?

Yes, Master. But to lift your spirits, once you reach [D+] rank in Strength, Endurance, Agility, and Speed, you'll unlock a new System feature.

A new System feature? Now that’s something to look forward to!

-Creak!

The sound of the open door heralds Arthur's return from his bath. His appearance is striking—a towel draped around his waist, his torso still gleaming with water droplets.

"Welcome back, how was your bath?"

I inquire, attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy despite the unconventional situation.

Arthur merely shrugs in response; his nonchalance suggests he is used to being half-naked in front of me- or Dominic.

He then proceeds to rummage through one of the drawers, his actions fluid as if he has done this countless times before.

"Doms, do you have any bigger clothes?"

His question catches me slightly off guard, not because of the request but due to my uncertainty about Dominic's wardrobe contents.

"Keep looking," is the only advice I can offer, watching as Arthur continues his search with determined focus.

After a brief search, Arthur finds what he is looking for—a black shirt and shorts, seemingly larger than Dominic—or I—would usually opt for.

Without hesitation—and with a casualness that leaves me momentarily speechless—Arthur drops his towel to switch into the clothes he finds.

Instinctively, I look upwards to the ceiling, a silent protest against the sudden display.

What the hell is he thinking?

The question echoes in my mind, baffling me with the ease and openness of Arthur's actions.

I wonder if Dominic and Arthur have ever experienced such unrestrained casualness in the past, to the point where privacy lines become blurry or nonexistent.

Even so, it's weird.

"Haah!"

Arthur's sigh fills the room, a sound heavy with exhaustion.

Sneaking a glance his way, I notice he has finished dressing and is now making his way toward me.

Without any warning, he slumps against me, his weight pressing down in a way that surprises me and elicits a surprised "OOF!"

"Arthur, get off!"

I protest, struggling to dislodge him, but his weight is immovable.

"Doms, I'm tired," he confesses, his voice wearing a weariness beyond physical exhaustion.

"Tired of?"

"My father.”

The confirmation of my suspicions about his family situation hits harder than expected.

"My father is always busy with business meetings and Stargate Raids to the point he doesn't have time to care for me," Arthur elaborates, his voice tinged with sadness. "I-I got sick of home, and I always look forward to school daily."

Choosing to stay silent, I listen intently, recognizing the value of understanding more about Arthur's circumstances.

"At first, I had a hard time making friends as I'm not good at socializing," he continues, revealing more about his struggles. "People did come to me, wanting to be friends. This made me happy, thinking I finally had friends. But I later realized they were only after me because I'm going to be the heir of our guild and for my money."

The revelation about Arthur's family owning a guild adds another layer to his story. Yet, I hold back my comments, allowing him to maintain the flow of his narrative.

"Saddened by this, I avoided them and was alone for some time," he says. "Until one afternoon, I saw a boy with black hair and blue eyes crying since he was bullied."

That boy has to be Dominic. Arthur's recounting of their first encounter paints a picture of a pivotal moment in his life.

"After that, I realized you were Manaless, but I didn't care. We spent countless years together, making memories," Arthur says, his tone softening with the memory.

His confession, while touching, catches me off guard. Is this leading to something more?

"I have Light attribute magic, but my life before meeting you was dark, which is ironic," Arthur muses. "We are almo-"

"Okay, Blud, just get to the point."

I am feeling impatient and uncomfortable with the emotional depth of the conversation.

While heartfelt, Arthur's attempt to share his feelings leaves me wondering about his true intentions. Is this merely a moment of vulnerability, or is there a more profound message he is trying to convey?

"Okay, what I'm trying to say is…"

Arthur shifts, gently standing to position himself in front of me. His hands come to rest on my shoulders. The grip is firm, perhaps a bit too firm.

"Doms, I hate it when people hide something from me, especially close to me. So, tell me, where did you get the guns?"

I expected many things—confessions, revelations, perhaps even accusations—but this question about the origins of the guns catches me off guard. However, I should have seen it coming.

Thankfully, improvisation is a skill I have been honing.

"I found them on the road while I was walking toward school. I had no time to find storage, so I hid it in my pockets."

"I see…" Arthur's response comes after a pause, his grip loosening as he breathes relief. "I thought some shady guy ordered you to give those guns to someone shady."

Ironically, that explanation is close to one of the scenarios I had brainstormed as a potential cover story.

Arthur then makes himself comfortable beside me, lying down with a thoughtful look.

"But why didn't you take it to the police then, Doms?" He is full of questions tonight.

"Well, I'm fascinated by guns, so I was eager to get them when I first saw them."

A quick response: I'm hoping it sounds plausible enough.

"And you decided to steal them. That's unlike you, Doms. Hahaha!"

Arthur's chuckle breaks the tension, lightening his mood.

His observation is precise; I had inadvertently strayed from Dominic's usual behavior to make a convincing narrative. But for now, putting up a front seems less important than moving on from the topic.

"Uhh... Yeah."

I awkwardly agree, redirecting my gaze towards the ceiling, a silent signal that I am ready to move on from the topic.

"Srnnk!"

The sound of Arthur's snoring fills the room, a clear sign that he has succumbed to sleep with remarkable speed.

It appears Arthur is one of those lucky individuals who can drift off to sleep almost instantly.

However, sharing my already cramped bed for the entire night is far from appealing.

"Hump!"

With a determined grunt, I give Arthur a nudge—more of a kick, hoping to reclaim my space.

-Thud!

"Ouch! What was that for?!"

Arthur's protest is immediate. His voice is tinged with confusion and annoyance as he is unceremoniously evicted from the bed.

"Get your bed."

"Wha- but we always sleep together in the same bed when I have a sleepover here!"

We always together? So, the original Dominic and Arthur appear so close to the point they woul sleep together comofrtablt

Always together, huh? So, the original Dominic and Arthur must have been close enough to sleep side by side without a second thought.

But wait—if they were that close, shouldn’t he have known where the bathroom was by now?

...

But who cares? I'm not the Dominic he knows.

This is my bed, my space, and the Dominic he remembers isn't here.

"You can sleep on the couch," I suggest—or rather, insist—wanting to end the debate.

"Wha-"