[18] The World of Magic

Chapter 18: The World of Magic

Durin currently resides in a fantastical world where magic exists, similar to most fantasy worlds, magic here is also a privilege only a few can wield.

Although the elements are abundant almost to infinity, only a few possess the ability to perceive them and construct magical channels within themselves to release the elements. These individuals, after undergoing systematic study of magical systems, can grow to become what is commonly known as a mage.

"The magical energy in this world is almost infinite, so even without constructing magical channels like mages, one can absorb this energy unconsciously. In such cases, a bit of training can enhance physical attributes beyond limits, which is how knights train themselves to become stronger."

Durin glanced at Zat while speaking. Although Zat was currently just a regular Level 2 swordsman, in the combat-scarce Southern Region, a Level 2 swordsman was already considered a pillar of strength. At least in the Edward family, aside from the Captain of the Guard who was a Level 3 swordmaster, everyone else was just ordinary apprentice swordsmen.

Upon hearing Durin's words, Zat, realizing the similarity between knight training and mage growth, couldn't help but ask, "So, can I also use magic? I mean, aren't there novels about protagonists who practice both magic and swordsmanship? I always thought magic knights were cool..."

In response, Durin sighed in resignation, "You're overthinking it. Although both are based on elements, the elemental control of a mage and the mana utilization of a swordsman are fundamentally different systems, akin to the gap between arts and sciences. Anyway, Zat, you're probably the least likely person here to learn magic."

"What?! Seriously..."

Clearly taken aback by his swift exclusion, Zat sighed and sat down, feeling a bit dejected. Meanwhile, the others gathered around with keen interest, clearly intrigued by the mysterious nature of magic.

Realizing he needed to elaborate, Durin recalled the teachings from the Mage Tower and continued, "Simply put, everyone has the potential to become a mage, but whether they can use magic ultimately depends on their aptitude. Those with exceptional aptitude, like me, master all four major elements and other special elements, becoming Grand Mages at the fastest pace possible. Those with average aptitude, like Helena, may only comprehend fire elemental magic in the end, with limited control over elements, barely reaching the advanced level."

"Why are you assuming that everyone in this world is as much of a freak as you are?" Helena complained in response to Durin's words. "My mentor told me that as a single-element controller, I would progress faster. Although the path is singular, magic is inherently difficult to master. Having more elements to control means more divided focus. It should have been like that... But who knew that someone like you, who knows everything, could still skyrocket like a cheater!"

Upon hearing Helena's words, everyone turned to look at Durin in surprise. Winry, curious, asked, "So, Lord Edward, you're a genius?"

Durin, who usually didn't bother to show off to those in the castle who didn't understand magic, nodded reluctantly. "Sort of. After all, those old geezers were all fighting to take me as their disciple back then, but I turned them all down. Haha."

"Turned them down? Why?"

Seeing Winry's confusion, Helena interjected before Durin could answer, "Because he had no interest in magic at all! Since the first day he entered the Mage Tower, he never focused on studying magic. Instead, he spent all his time running to the Alchemy Tower, a secondary branch of the Mage Tower, even though magic is so interesting. Why waste time on alchemy, which has no clear path? Or rather, why did you become a Grand Mage earlier than me when you clearly had no interest in magic?!"

"...," Durin was at a loss for how to respond to Helena's complaints. Having heard enough of her complaints in the past, he ignored the girl's melancholic expression and continued, "Anyway, the elements are mainly divided into the four major elements of wind, fire, water, and earth. The other secondary elements are derived from these four primary elements, which are the ultimate truths pursued by mages. Observing whether a person has the aptitude to comprehend elements generally requires specialized instruments or magic circles. But for a Grand Mage like me, I can usually tell with just a little probing."

With that, he reached out and grasped Winry's wrist, murmuring as he saw her nervous expression, "Hmm, your magical circuit is barely open, but your elemental affinity is almost non-existent. Unfortunately, Winry, you don't have the talent to become a mage."

"I... I see..."

Showing a disappointed expression, Winry quickly adjusted herself. After all, she had never expected to be able to use magic since birth, and now she was only being confirmed.

And soon, Durin resumed the examination, finally determining that among those present, Winry, Zat, and Lawrence had no magical talent. Apart from them, there was Aya...

"How did it go? Can I become a mage?!"

Seeing the girl's hopeful expression, Durin couldn't help but furrow his brow. Although he had already realized the oddity of this suddenly appearing girl, it still surprised him to this extent. After all, no matter how good a person's magical circuit was, it couldn't be completely unobstructed. There would inevitably be some hindrance due to impurities in the body. But this girl not only had no impurities but was completely unobstructed.

And most importantly, her affinity for elements was almost zero!

Yes, she was an extremely rare waste stuck between genius and garbage!

"..."

Not knowing how to evaluate her, Durin thought for a moment before finally saying, "Once I invent a magic power bank, you should be able to be a hundred percent mobile fast charger."

"???"

Ignoring Aya's expression of 'although I don't understand, does that mean I'm amazing?', Durin quickly made plans for everyone to return and rest. As he recalled the magical aptitude test just now, another layer of gloom rose in his heart.

Yes, magic was ultimately too limited. Something that only a few people could use couldn't possibly drive the advancement of civilization, let alone the cultural prosperity Durin imagined.

So how can we make the privilege of magic, which is only possessed by a few, available to everyone, allowing ordinary people to enjoy the benefits of magic? Although Durin currently doesn't have any ideas on this matter, he understands that it's a question he must find an answer to.

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