Magic Test
As lunch ended, the anticipation of what lay ahead began to build within me. Or so I hoped.
"Janis, do you know of any spots where I could practice my magic?" The mere thought of harnessing magical abilities filled me with excitement, akin to a child lost in a world of enchantment. That's exactly how I felt at that moment.
"How about we head to the forest? I need some supplies, and it's a perfect opportunity for you to practice your magic." Janis suggested.
"Supplies? Can't you just purchase them?" I questioned her, recalling her wealthy background. While I admired Janis's down-to-earth nature, it seemed excessive for her to handle everything independently.
"Don't get me wrong. I enjoy strolling around and discovering new things. Plus, these supplies are rare ingredients that are not readily available elsewhere." She clarified, elaborating on her intentions. I nodded in understanding, intrigued that our foods were considered uncommon treasures.
"Let's go~!" Janis exclaimed cheerfully, linking her arm with mine. Her closeness made it feel as though we were newlyweds on a honeymoon.
In this world, if marriage existed, would we be considered a couple? No, we were likely just friends with benefits. I couldn't imagine breaking free from Janis if she decided to drain me dry.
With our high-profile status, the villagers' stares weighed heavily on my mind, making me overly self-conscious and uneasy with the attention. Despite my discomfort, we pressed on, eventually arriving at the forest where I first appeared.
"Janis, could you tell me how magic works before I test it?" While we weren't far from the village, this was now an isolated domain where no one would bother if I destructively used magic.
"Why don't we head further in first and give me a moment to think?" Janis suggested, pausing to consider our approach.
We proceeded to a lake across from where we had encountered the slime. Janis retrieved a container and began collecting water from it.
"Is it safe to drink water from here?" I inquired, observing Janis's actions with a hint of concern.
"This tool purifies water. How about we start our magic training here?" Janis proposed, finally kicking off the long-awaited practice session. After all the waiting, the anticipation started to stir excitement within me.
"To harness magic, you must first tap into your mana," Janis explained, placing her hand on my stomach to indicate the location of my mana core.
"You possess mana. The simplest way to access it is by connecting with the energy within you. Remove your shirt, and I will help you sense it." She instructed. Despite my suspicions about Janis's intentions, my desire to wield magic overrode any reservations. I complied, allowing her to envelop me from behind.
"Do you feel it? The energy pulsating within your core?" To my surprise, Janis refrained from any sexual behavior. Instead, I sensed the same unfamiliar energy surfacing when my system was linked with Janis.
This newfound energy was unmistakably mana, exuding a potent force I had never imagined possible. It felt like something similar to an additional stamina bar one might encounter in a video game. As I dove deeper into this abundance of power, I began to grasp the potential to manipulate it. Concentrating on creating a breeze, I felt the air stir around me, a discernible sign of my control over magic.
Gradually amplifying the gust, I pushed it to the point where it held lethal potential. With a flick of my wrist, I directed it toward a nearby tree, causing a sizable chip to form upon impact.
"Woah..." My astonishment was noticeable. Though I knew I hadn't tapped into my full strength, the sheer destructive force of my magic was impressive. The damage would have been unimaginable if unleashed on someone back on Earth.
Contemplating the potential advantages of wind magic, its swiftness and ability to obscure visibility stood out. Unlike in some depictions where the wind is vividly colored, it appeared more subdued, almost grayish, especially when condensed.
"I remember feeling the same way when I first delved into magic," Janis remarked, her tone tinged with nostalgia. However, her sentiment was overshadowed by her tactile expressions of affection, her hands exploring my bare chest as she nuzzled against me.
"Janis, you can let go now," I reminded her, resigned that I couldn't curb her desires. Since she had aided me in mastering magic, I reluctantly yielded to her.
~
"Magic is categorized into ten ranks, with the first rank being the lowest and the tenth being the highest," Janis explained as we ventured deeper into the forest, searching for valuable resources. In between our travels, she imparted knowledge about magic to me.
"What rank are you? And how powerful is that?" I inquired, lacking understanding about the complexities of magical prowess. In this world, I had no frame of reference to gauge her abilities, but witnessing the impact she could make on the environment led me to believe she was at least moderately powerful.
"I've reached the pinnacle of the fourth rank. As for you, you're starting from the baseline of what a fourth-rank mage should possess in terms of mana." She revealed.
"Is that considered impressive compared to others?" I asked, hoping for insight into her standing in the magical hierarchy. However, her response was a dismissive shake of her head, and she regarded me with an expression akin to that of a naive child.
"For someone of my age, reaching the fourth rank is quite exceptional. It's a level where many tend to stay in their lifetime. Only true talents lie beyond." Janis declared proudly, her chest swelling with pride at her accomplishments.
"How old are you?" I blurted it out without much thought, immediately regretting the question. Thankfully, Janis didn't seem offended, which hopefully meant she wasn't too old.
"I'm 24," she replied, sparing me from any potential repercussions of my careless inquiry.
"Janis, you're incredibly talented!" I complimented her, feeling compelled to acknowledge her achievements. Her bashful reaction only added to her charm, and I couldn't help but find it endearing.