Chapter 54 - Casting Shadows and Spells
Recently, a certain trend has been sweeping through the Kikyo Society, leading to significant growth in the magical skills of our members. Some have even advanced to higher-tier spells, while others have seen a notable increase in the power and effects of their spells. This trend has sparked a fever for magic training, to the point where the demand for mana recovery potions can't keep up.
The trend started with advice given to a magic-prone apprentice in the underground training grounds. 'I know magic is about visualization, but I just can’t get it to work properly,' she said.
Members of the Combat Unit are required not only to excel in physical and weapon-based combat but also to master magical combat. They must develop their innate magical aptitude, become proficient in general spells, and gain comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of spells, including those used by others. To dominate in battle, knowledge is as crucial as raw power and skill. Without it, one cannot respond effectively. While it's impossible to know everything, acquiring a certain level of knowledge is a duty as a Kikyo Society member.
The first step is to focus on the magic you're good at. If you can't even manage that, you won’t improve overall. You need to go back to the basics.
'Hmm, it seems you’re not visualizing it well in your mind. A vague image won’t yield the desired results.'
This is a fundamental concept, but it's also quite challenging. 'Is there any trick to it?'
Each person visualizes differently, and it’s an abstract process. Explaining it in words can be quite difficult. 'Hey, try saying it out loud.'
'Say it out loud?'
'You have a natural aptitude for fire magic. How about trying something like this?'
I don’t have a natural aptitude for fire magic, so I can’t use complex spells. However, fire is a general-purpose spell, and anyone can use a basic seventh-tier spell. Even if you can only use basic spells, if you have a strong visualization and sufficient mana, you can create a significant effect.
Without a natural aptitude, using advanced spells is impossible, but simply increasing the output is a different story. I closed my eyes, extended my right hand, and began to chant a spell.
'Arise, O blazing inferno, in response to my soul’s call! Manifest the inner crimson hell! Hell Blast Fire!'
It might have sounded a bit childish, but I just strung together some words in frustration. I exaggerated my performance with a grandiose recitation and released the spell. Despite the random nature of my incantation, a powerful flame burst forth.
Without a natural aptitude, most people can only produce a small flame suitable for a campfire. However, with a ridiculous amount of mana and a strong visualization, one can cast an offensive spell.
'No way!'
'Does the President have a natural aptitude for fire magic or something?'
'She's amazing, Onee-sama.'
The apprentices were in an uproar, and even Valeria and the others were surprised.
'Even without a natural aptitude, you can achieve that level of power with strong visualization.'
'But it seemed much more powerful than mine...'
The apprentice looked a bit dejected, but she shouldn’t be too discouraged. Given her natural aptitude, she will eventually surpass me in fire magic.
'If you say it out loud, it might make it easier to visualize. Try different things. With your natural aptitude, you’ll definitely get it with practice.'
I nodded in agreement and taught her a basic incantation for fire, hoping it would help with her visualization. After watching her mutter it, I encouraged her to practice diligently and left the underground training grounds.
The next morning, I went to the training grounds as usual and was greeted by the sounds of magical explosions and incantations. This was clearly the result of yesterday’s influence.
'Red blood of the fire incarnate! Lend your power to me! Fireball!'
'Whispers of the blue wind, a thousand voices to convey my will! Wind Voice!'
'My desire reaches the highest peak! My feet, my arms, my soul seek to surpass all! Extra Power!'
I heard various incantations, many of which were similar to the ones from yesterday. It seemed that the trend of chanting incantations had taken hold.
‘President, listen! My magic has become much more powerful!’
'Mine too, the effects have increased!'
The trainees gathered around me, recognizing my presence. Their spells were indeed more powerful, and my simple advice seemed to have had a significant impact, especially for those who had struggled with magic or visualization.
Well, that’s great. I didn’t expect such a simple suggestion to lead to level-ups.
This was likely due to their regular mana training and the deepened understanding of magic from lectures. Chanting incantations doesn’t guarantee increased effectiveness, but it can make visualization easier. I and other members skilled in magic won’t be using incantations in the future.
This trend of chanting incantations has inadvertently raised the overall magical capabilities of Kikyo Society members. The benefits extend beyond combat. In particular, support magic has seen significant improvements, especially in the realm of rune magic.
Charlotte, the newly appointed vice-commander of the Fifth Combat Unit, has a natural aptitude for rune magic, which has finally blossomed.
Originally from a noble family, Charlotte had a penchant for combat and was initially dissatisfied with her non-combat magical aptitude.
'My magical aptitude is of no use in combat,' she often said. This made her valuable magical aptitude seem wasted.
Initially, she could only use the lowest-tier seventh-level spell, which had minimal effects. This lack of interest led her to neglect her skills.
It’s a waste, but as a noble, she likely never lacked money and may have been more drawn to flashy magic.
However, rune magic is an incredible form of magic. Its strength lies in its ability to automatically activate and maintain its effects indefinitely, provided there is an adequate supply of mana. One only needs to apply a designated rune to the desired object or location.
Of course, it’s not possible to apply runes to anything. There are limitations based on the capacity of the object. For example, a simple wooden stick cannot have any runes applied, and a metal weapon can only handle a low-level rune. Mithril, on the other hand, can handle two mid-level runes. The type and number of runes that can be applied vary depending on the material.
Standard applications for rune magic on equipment include lightening, increasing hardness, and enhancing sharpness. While convenient, exceeding the capacity can cause the object to break, making it a risky endeavor.
Moreover, even if two weapons are made of the same material, the number of runes and their effects can vary, making it unpredictable. Some iron weapons have been known to handle mid-level runes, while some Mithril weapons have broken with just one low-level rune. This inconsistency adds to the complexity.
There are significant risks involved in applying runes to cherished weapons. It’s a magic aptitude that is rare but not very user-friendly.
As a result, rune-inscribed weapons are usually sold with the runes already applied. Adding runes afterward is uncommon.
They are expensive and not widely available. The presence of runes makes the weapons more valuable, but if they can be added for free...
If the weapon is made of a material with a large capacity...
If the worst-case scenario can be mitigated...
The Kikyo Society has a valuable rune mage. Through training, lectures, and the use of incantations for visualization, Charlotte has reached the point where she can use mid-level runes. Our Kikyo Society’s robes, made from special materials, are likely to have a large capacity.
None of the apprentices use low-quality materials for their weapons. Additionally, if they break, replacements are available. We are no longer poor, and we have backups, so there’s no need to fear losing them.
Without the fear of risk, rune magic becomes extremely useful. I decided to let Charlotte apply runes to the robes of those who request it, experimenting to find the limits. I encouraged her to push the boundaries and improve her skills.
If she can eventually apply high-level runes, her value will be immeasurable.
This has become the latest trend in the Kikyo Society, with everyone clamoring for Charlotte to add runes to their equipment.
'President, I understand the usefulness of my rune magic, but it’s overwhelming...' she complained, her usual dignified demeanor giving way to a slightly flirtatious allure.
'Once you’ve done everyone, things will settle down. Think of it as practice time,' I encouraged her.
'We have plenty of recovery potions.
As long as you have the mental strength, you can fight on!'
'By the way, Charlotte, could you add runes to my boots and gloves as well?'
'...Alright, I’ll do everything! Hand them over!'
But please, be gentle with them. They’re custom-made by Torietta-san.
Initially, to gauge the material’s capacity, I had her apply runes to the fabric until the limit was reached. Thanks to this, the number of broken items has significantly decreased.
My robe is unbroken, with runes neatly lined up along the hem. The Kikyo Society’s robes have become priceless.
Charlotte’s rune magic is valuable, especially to blacksmiths. Despite her lack of interest in making money, I plan to leave it up to her whether to keep it a secret or make it public.
Each option has its pros and cons.
Of course, as the Kikyo Society, we would prefer her to earn more money and contribute to the organization. The potential for profit is clear.
However, as a vice-commander of the Combat Unit, I can’t afford to let her focus solely on money-making. We’ll see how it goes.
Another trend, spearheaded by Lily, involves arranging flowers. Despite the Kikyo Society being a group of tough individuals, this feminine touch is surprisingly well-received.
This small hobby seems to be a positive addition, and I’ve decided to participate as well. A girl’s life shouldn’t be just about combat. Cultural activities are also important to promote.'
We inadvertently strengthened our forces.
Next chapter: 'The Next Gambit.'