End of Training

The clearing was ablaze, though not with the fiery determination I had hoped for. Rather, it was my own battered body, torn and scarred, that smoldered with the aftermath of a fierce battle. The ice shards, like frozen knives, had ravaged me, leaving me shivering and bleeding. My clothes were tattered, a sad testament to the brutality of my teacher's assault.

"I have nothing to fight back against multiple targets," I muttered to myself, my voice a mere whisper amidst the chaos.

The relentless hailstorm of ice shards continued, more numerous and larger than the previous waves, as if they were determined to break my spirit. I felt despair creeping in, the cruel acknowledgment of my weakness gnawing at me.

Refusing to yield, I clung to the shreds of my determination. I couldn't use Grey's template in this training as Magna, but I couldn't let my feelings of defeat consume me. Magna Swing was many things, insecure at times, but he wasn't a quitter. I wouldn't be one either.

In that moment of resolve, the digital grimoire I had inherited lit up. It was as if my soul recognized what I needed. A blank page filled with a new spell, etched into my being.

"Fire Magic: Exploding Buckshot!"

Multiple tiny fireballs appeared in my hands, and I hurled them at the falling ice shards. My newfound magical power, thanks to recent progress, allowed me to outpace the shards. Each fireball exploded upon contact, clearing a path through the relentless assault. I felt a spark of hope amidst the chaos.

The second round of shards ended, and I stood there, panting heavily, surveying the damage. My body was covered in shallow cuts, but at least I was still standing. Gamgee remained completely relaxed and unharmed, his stoic demeanor unyielding.

Not wasting a moment, Gamgee summoned a third wave of shards, even more numerous and larger. I knew I had to evade and escape, but I couldn't let despair consume me. With renewed determination, I understood that in Earthland, lineage held no significance. One could increase their magical energy reserves through training and hard work.

Considering this, it dawned on me that Gamgee's magical reserves were undoubtedly comparable to that of a Clover Kingdom royal—mind you, not the likes of the incompetent Solid or the vain Nebra. If I were to keep pace, I needed to continuously push past my limits.

As the shards fell around me, my digital grimoire lit up once again, providing the answer I needed. I declared confidently, "Fire Reinforcement Magic: Base Run Gamble!" My feet became covered in fire, and I shot forward like a blazing comet. It was as if I'd harnessed the very essence of fire itself.

Impressed by my rapid growth, Gamgee maintained his stoic facade, but I could sense a glimmer of pride beneath that facade. He commended me silently for my progress, acknowledging the significance of this combat training.

It was time for him to show me the gap in our strengths. Gamgee summoned yet more shards around him, and they hurled themselves at me. I focused on evading and intercepting the shards with my buckshot, creating a wall of fire that defied the incoming storm.

However, the strength gap was too significant. Several shards managed to evade the explosions, guided and engulfed in a blue light. I couldn't keep this up. My magical power was nearly depleted.

In a moment of desperation, I decided to charge straight at Gamgee. I concentrated all my magic on my speed, and my flame boots transformed into blazing boots that reached my knees. A mist enveloped me as I collided with the shards, and I could see Gamgee's surprise in his eyes.

I emerged from the mist, battered and bruised, but not defeated. My flame boots disappeared, and my remaining mana gathered in my fist. My grimoire etched another spell, and I unleashed a giant fireball point-blank at my grandfather.

"Fire Magic: Maximum Exploding Fireball!"

Gamgee struggled to create a protective dome around him as the massive fireball collided with him. A colossal explosion engulfed us, incinerating the surrounding greenery. The earth trembled, and a shockwave rippled through the clearing.

Villagers, alerted by the explosion, rushed from the village to ensure everyone was safe. Their gasps and murmurs filled the air as they stared at the devastation, wide-eyed and bewildered.

There I was, barely standing on one knee, covered in ash and cuts, squinted through the dissipating smoke to see my teacher. My transformation slipped and was undone as Gamgee appeared before me, completely unscathed, his shield remaining intact. My spirits wavered, and I felt a deep sense of despair settling in.

"Still not enough, is it?" I mused and chuckled at myself, even as my strength waned. I couldn't keep consciousness any longer. My body was battered and broken, and darkness beckoned, a soothing refuge from the pain and exhaustion.

As I faded into unconsciousness, I couldn't hear Light's anxious warning. He urged me to eat one of Charmy's treats and recover my mana. Gamgee remained calm, observing his grandson, his expression impassive and stoic. He ridiculed me for my stubbornness, even as he applauded my resolve.

With a soft smile, he used one hand to perform a healing enchantment spell, casting a soothing green light that bathed me and eased my pain. My breathing steadied, and I slipped further into the darkness.

In his other hand, he cast a water spell, dousing the flames and preventing a forest fire from spreading. The clearing was a chaotic mix of ash, ice shards, and scorched earth. Gamgee's stoic facade masked his silent pride and relief. I had faced the trial by fire and ice and emerged with newfound strength.

Gamgee stood guard over my unconscious form, watching as the villagers approached the scene of destruction. They exchanged worried glances and hushed conversations. I was alive but battered, my future uncertain but filled with potential.

------

As I succumbed to unconsciousness, the familiar tone of my otherworldly benefactor's notification rang out. DING!

"Congratulations on completing the side quest titled 'Chapter 1,' with the description: 'Embark on your magical journey by completing your first training session.' Your reward is Charmy's Cupcake (Uncommon) x1 and a Bond Ticket (Uncommon) x1." DING!

And then, another cheerful chime resounded. DING!

"Congratulations on finishing the side quest titled 'A Master's Acknowledgment,' with the description: 'Earn recognition for your magical prowess from your master.' Your reward is a Bond Ticket (Rare) x1 and Yuno's Communication Device (Common) x1. Bonus Reward: 'For gaining a capable mage like Gamgee's respect, you have received a Summon Ticket (Rare) x1."

With these rewards, my journey as Magna Swing continued to progress:

- Name: Magna Swing

- Alias: Weird Glasses Yankee

- Magic: Fire Magic

- Age: 20

- Height: 169 cm

- Blood Type: B

- Eyes: Light Grey

- Hair: Don't Ask

- Country: Clover Kingdom

- Occupation: Magic Knight

- Squad: Black Bull

- Progress: 20%

------

I woke up in the village clinic my body covered in bandages. Ori, the village apothecary, was standing over me. "Hey there, young one. You've been through quite an ordeal," he said. I tried to sit up, but he gently pushed me back down. "Don't move too much. Your wounds are still healing."

My first question was about my grandfather, Gamgee. Ori assured me that Gamgee had taken care of the worst of my injuries and brought me here. He also mentioned that he had applied a special ointment to the bandages, which would speed up my recovery. "You should be up and running in a day," he said.

I started to protest, wanting to return home, but Ori quickly shut me down. "Sorry, lad, but those were your grandfather's orders. You're to stay here and rest."

I couldn't argue with my grandfather's wishes, so I thanked Ori and lay back down, feeling bored and frustrated. I decided to mentally communicate with Light, and I asked him to display the template's progress. Seeing it at 20%, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement, thinking that I might complete Magna's template within a month. But Light quickly shot down my optimism.

"Completing a template becomes harder as you progress," he explained. "You need to be prepared for years of hard work, especially for higher rarity templates."

My spirits dampened. I had hoped for a quick journey to power. Light consoled me and reminded me that as I gained more templates, I would find it easier to complete them, regardless of their rarity.

Two rewards from the side quests caught my attention. The first was Yuno's communication device, which looked like a metallic pen with a jewel on top. I couldn't see its purpose in a world where no one else had such a device.

But Light surprised me, explaining that it had been altered to channel my communication magic. It allowed me to communicate with devices that stored communication lacrima. I pointed out that I hadn't learned communication magic yet, but Light said that the ability was now ingrained in me.

I wondered about lacrima and what else it could be used for. Light elaborated on the various types and their uses. Then, I asked about the summon ticket, and Light explained that it could randomly summon a clone of any rare Black Clover character to my side for 10 minutes. They would retain their personality and abilities but be subservient to my wishes.

I considered the possibilities but reassured Light that I had no intention of using it for any 'inappropriate' purposes. He responded with some skepticism about my sincerity.

I was unfazed by his doubts and asked a question that had been bugging me. Light clarified that while I couldn't bond with a new template until I completed my previous one, he never said I couldn't draw a new template.

Light confirmed my guess and reminded me that I was free to draw another template but asked if I was certain about it. I responded with confidence, wondering aloud what else I would use the templates for. 

Then, Light introduced me to the conversion panel. He explained that two common tickets could be exchanged for an uncommon, four uncommon tickets for a rare, eight rare tickets for a heroic, and sixteen heroic tickets for a legendary template. He also clarified that different kinds of tickets couldn't be combined. For example, I couldn't exchange a bond ticket alongside a summon ticket, nor could I exchange bond tickets for summon tickets.

I couldn't help but tease Light, calling him stingy and ridiculing the seemingly outrageous conversion rate. I claimed I'd rather have sixteen heroic templates than just one legendary. Light promptly silenced me with a single sentence: "Asta is legendary."

I was momentarily stumped, but I quickly asked if I could even bond with Asta, given that I already possessed magic. Light assured me that I'd find out in the future. Frustrated, I cursed and chose to ignore Light, stating that I wouldn't waste my two uncommon bond tickets right away but would use the rare one I had just obtained.

Light displayed the new template for me to see, and I eagerly awaited its appearance.

The template read:

-Name: Vetto

-Alias: Vetto the Despair

-Race: Elf

-Magic: Beast Magic

-Age: 27

-Height: 195 cm

-Blood Type: O

-Eyes: Purple

-Hair: Blond

-Country: Neutral Zone (Elysia)

-Occupation: Village Protector

-Affiliation: Ten Apostles of Sephirah (Formerly)

-Progress: 0%

Looking at the new template, I'll admit I was momentarily stumped. Perhaps it was because of the first two I was expecting another Black Bull member and kinda forgot about the other characters. But as far as rare templates go, Fraudgoleon aside, I don't think you can do much better than Vetto. If Grey supplies me with a decent amount of magic power and Magna with a strong physique, Vetto does both, but at a higher level. As an Apostle of Sephirah, Vetto has more mana than most royals, and his physical abilities are off the charts, making him more beastly than a man.

Granted, Magna could probably win in a one-on-one fight if he could hit Vetto with his ridiculous trump card, but generally, Vetto was leagues above him in probably everything but ingenuity. Maybe I'll be as strong as my grandfather after I complete Vetto's template.

Damn it! I want to bond with Vetto, but I can't. This is so annoying; it's like having a cake in front of you, but your mom doesn't let you eat it until dessert time. But in this case, dessert time will take several years, and then the cake won't be as appealing anymore.

'Won't the cake be moldy?' Light helpfully added. 

"It's a metaphor, dumbass!" I shot back.

'Technically speaking, that's a simile, but no good host,' Light replied.

I paused, speechless, not having any good counter to his response. I merely clicked my tongue in annoyance and ignored him. However, I was still pretty happy with my new draw. I'll just have to push past my limits as fast as possible and finish Magna's template!

------

1 Month Later:

Despair, nothing but despair. Irony dripped from my latest draw, mirroring the overwhelming emotion that had been haunting me. I had earnestly believed that my relentless dedication would yield significant results. Yet, as some wise soul once said, "Reality is often disappointing." A solid month of tireless effort, trying to adhere to my self-made formula, had resulted in the meager outcome before me.

- Name: Magna Swing

- Alias: Weird Glasses Yankee

- Magic: Fire Magic

- Age: 20

- Height: 169 cm

- Blood Type: B

- Eyes: Light Grey

- Hair: Don't Ask

- Country: Clover Kingdom

- Occupation: Magic Knight

- Squad: Black Bull

- Progress: 22%

A mere 2 percent gained after an entire month of grinding. But what added a cruel twist to my frustration was that half of those hard-earned points hadn't even come from training. No, they had been the product of my mounting frustration, my sheer exasperation at the lack of progress. I had genuinely thought that being angry might provide the push I needed. However, as that irritating know-it-all Light chimed in with his infinite wisdom, he dared to mention something about "lacking authenticity."

But then came the cruel revelation – the things that genuinely infuriated me didn't align with Magna's usual frustrations. You'd think Magna Swing would be aggravated by a rodent infestation, or perhaps bedbugs, roaches, or even the dreaded shortage of toilet paper! Wait... perhaps someone who grew up in the sticks had gotten used to those inconveniences. Damn you, Magna Swing, for being so damnably tolerant of things that would send any sane person into a fit of rage!

The only one who got pissed was Rex Gardner, not Rex Gardner acting as Magna!

Regardless, I'm en route to visit my grandfather. I'm no fool, and neither is Gramps. He most likely wishes to have a heart-to-heart with me regarding my mounting frustrations. Beyond the disappointment in my stalled progress, I'm somewhat irked with myself for throwing a month-long tantrum that made Gramps want to see me. I mean, seriously, I'm technically a middle-aged man.

As I strolled out of the forest and approached Bag End, I mentally prepared myself for the impending conversation. I told myself that the first step would be to offer an apology. Gently, I opened the door and removed my shoes. It was in this moment of quiet preparation that I heard my grandfather's powerful yet soothing voice echoing through the house, "I'm in the living room!"

Taking a deep breath, I moved toward the living room, where I found Gamgee sitting on his rocking chair, sipping from a coffee mug. His posture was relaxed, and he seemed content. Upon my arrival, he turned to me, offering a warm smile, and gestured for me to take a seat in the chair across from him.

I settled into the chair and waited for him to initiate the conversation. However, it appeared that he was in no hurry to speak. He continued to enjoy his coffee in serene silence. Feeling that it was my responsibility to break the ice, I finally spoke up.

"Listen, Gramps..." I began, my voice filled with sincerity. Gamgee nodded gently, signaling for me to continue. I scratched the back of my head, a nervous habit, as I continued, "I just want to say that I'm sorry for acting like a brat over the past month. I know it's not an excuse, but I'm just frustrated that I can't seem to make any progress."

"Hohohohoho," Grandfather's laughter resonated in his typical Santa Claus fashion. My curiosity piqued, and perhaps sensing my growing annoyance, Gamgee coughed and made a concerted effort to stifle his amusement.

"Cough, cough, ahem, ahem, sorry, lad. It's just that, rather than being upset, I was actually quite pleased to see you upset."

"Pleased?" I repeated in disbelief. Who could possibly find joy in their grandchild's setbacks?

Noticing my offended expression, Gamgee hastened to explain, "Lad, I didn't mean I was pleased with your lack of progress. What I meant was that I was delighted to witness you having a tantrum. It showed me that there is still some child-like innocence inside of you. I understand that you can't be a regular child, especially by our society's standards, so observing you occasionally act like children your age would be a source of relief and joy for me."

I absorbed his explanation, finally comprehending his perspective. Well, I guess I can let this one slide, old man.

"Anyways," my grandfather began, "If it's bothering you that much, instead of apologizing, why don't you demonstrate your commitment through your actions?"

"My actions?" I repeated, genuinely curious.

"Yes, your actions," he affirmed. "You see, your 'explosive' training sessions have somewhat disrupted the tranquility of the villagers and their peaceful lives. They're too polite to complain directly, so how about showing your gratitude with tangible deeds?"

"How do you suggest I do that?" I inquired.

"Well, you see, every now and then, bandits rear their heads here in the countryside. Historically, it's been my responsibility, as the sole mage in the village who knows attack spells, to handle these threats. However, I've come to the realization that I'm no longer the sole capable individual in the village who can address this issue. So, why don't I put my adorable and devoted grandchild to good use? You'd be more than willing to share the burden with a 74-year-old man like me, wouldn't you?"

I responded, feigning incredulity, "You want a mere 4-year-old to confront bandits?"

Gamgee, in his characteristically deadpan manner, countered, "You have the soul of a 29-year-old war veteran, considering you've seen more blood than I have."

"Touche," I conceded.

I really didn't have much to say in response to that. It was apparent that, although Gamgee was seemingly assigning me some tasks, he was subtly offering his assistance. We both theorized that my initial progress had been hampered because I subconsciously understood that he would never endanger my life. Beyond the superficial wounds, our battles lacked genuine stakes. However, when dealing with bandits, there would be no such restraint; they'd be willing to kill indiscriminately, whether it was a woman, an infant, or the elderly.

Confronting life-or-death situations might be the catalyst I needed for growth. Of course, I had no intention of succumbing to bandits, but their sincere intent to kill was what really counted. Furthermore, I had made a promise to myself that I wouldn't embroil the villagers in my problems when I first regained consciousness. If this wasn't enough to persuade me, the next development sealed the deal.

DING! The familiar sound of the system chimed, and its display appeared – inaudible and invisible to anyone but me. "Assigned Mission: 'Bandit Slayer.' Description: A newly formed bandit group has taken refuge deep within the mountain caverns. They plan to raid Hobbiton and neighboring villages, plundering them dry. Your mission is to drive them out before they can inflict any harm! Time Limit: 24 hrs Status: Optional Failure: Displeasure of Gamgee Rewards: ???"

'That's a new addition,' I pondered. As the screen transitioned to present the "Do you accept?" prompt, with options for 'yes' and 'no', I unhesitatingly chose 'yes' in my mind.

"Alright, Gramps, actions do speak louder than words, and there's no time like the present, right?" I said, preparing to take my leave.

"Splendid... But remember to put on a disguise!" Gamgee reminded me.

"Yeah, yeah," I waved my hand nonchalantly as I walked away from him, heading out of the house. "I get it – I won't attract unnecessary attention."

As I stepped out of the house, my figure became enveloped in a cloud of magic before eventually dissipating, revealing the familiar punkish form. It's time for the name Magna Swing to resonate through Fiore!

"You mean the countryside," my ever-present companion chimed in slyly.

"Shut up!"