Chapter 8. First lesson with Roxy

Roxy's first magic lesson was very simple so far.

We were just going through the basic principles of magic, with Roxy reviewing my knowledge and comprehension.

Roxy was a good teacher. Once she saw that I understood a certain subject, she moved to another.

There seemed to be no clear flaws in her knowledge, but I think the fact that there was little for her to teach me when it came to the basics was annoying her and hurting her pride a little.

After all, I was not a complete newbie that you'd expect from a little kid.

I have my own understanding of magic, knowledge from reading the novel and also experiences from my previous life, so a lot of what she told me was common knowledge or common sense.

Most importantly, I have the mind of an adult.

I have already gone through the magic guidebook countless times and experimented with magic for a year.

I didn't require Roxy's teachings to become a powerful mage since it was mostly about talent and training, but still, Roxy's knowledge and practical experiences were valuable. I could feel like my view of the world broadened when I listened to her.

There is only so much a person can learn about magic from a single book.

Obviously, I could see at a glance that in large part the world's understanding of magic was quite limited and primitive.

No matter how well-read Roxy is, there are many things that are left unexplained.

For example, magic spells expend different amounts of mana depending on the 'changes to the size'.

If the default is 1 for a silent cast, additional mana will be expended the more I expand the spell and increase the speed.

But in contrast, if I make the spell smaller and weaker, I also have to expend more mana.

Creating a single droplet of water requires more mana than creating a fist-sized Water Ball.

I asked Roxy this question, but the only answer I got was: "That's just the case".

It looks like the common public doesn't know the answer.

I had a simple hypothesis though.

It's probably because that's how it's supposed to be.

In other words, that's how spells are designed to be.

Let's say, a Water Ball spell costs 1 mana and creates a hand-sized ball of water. The moment you activate the spell, you gather 1 mana, no matter what.

If you want to reduce the size of the water ball to the size of a water droplet, you will need to expand additional mana for the change of volume.

Basically, when you cast Water Ball, it has a predetermined mana cost, even when you do it chantlessly. When you want to reduce the size, it expends additional mana to remove the equivalent amount of water mana from the water ball.

It's an additional mana cost that's separate from the mana amount designed to formulate the base structure of a spell.

The only way to reduce the mana cost is if you create a completely new spell that's designed to create a water droplet. Then it will only consume a little bit of mana.

"Teacher, why do incantations work?" Seraph asked at one point.

"They just do," Roxy patiently replied with her usual expressionless face.

"I see…" 

The same kind of answer.

Basically, why does a string of specific words cause such a special effect?

Do the words resonate with some rules of the world or a deity, like Words of Power in Skyrim?

Or are the Incantations a method of self-hypnosis over one's magic circuits like in Nasuverse of Fate?

Understanding this would be the key to creating new magic spells, something that had never truly happened in the novel.

The truth behind Incantations.

Looks like it's unknown.

Roxy said, "Well, what should I say?... First of all, the magic that you normally use - are you aware who was the one that figured it out?"

"... No."

"Yes, it's good to be honest. And to answer it, magic is said to have come from the ancient long-eared race High Elves."

High Elves.

Like Elinalise?

I frowned.

I remember that Elinalise was chased out of the Elven Forest after 'assaulting' too many men. The wives of these cheating men banded together, out of jealousy, and chased her away.

A fun fact.

Roxy continued, "Long ears High Elves are a race living in the north of the Millis continent."

According to Roxy's explanation, a very long time ago, before the war between humans and demons broke out, the world was still in chaos and wars arose everywhere.

During that time, ancient long-eared race High Elves were able to communicate with the forest spirits, manipulating the earth and winds to fight off the invaders. It's said that it was the world's oldest magic.

"How were they communicating with the spirits? Was it through words?" I asked.

"...I am not sure. It isn't explicitly stated. The current magic is derived from the human race imitating the ancient High Elves' magic during the wars back then, and evolving it. The incantations of today are shortened versions of incantations humans used in ancient times."

"I see…"

This wasn't very helpful.

Hmm.

"What are forest spirits?" I asked.

And my question seemed to stump Roxy again.

Sorry.

Roxy said, "I'm not sure. Spirits are related to Summoning Magic, but I don't know much about it."

I see. Basically, she doesn't know.

I also don't have any clues.

I guess I'll just have to drop the topic for now.

Roxy looked downwards and muttered, "I'm sorry I'm such a useless teacher."

Oh, wow.

I really sunk her confidence, did I?

I forced a smile and said, "No, not at all. I'm learning a lot."

Roxy stayed expressionless. "You don't need to be polite. I'm not quite qualified to teach someone like you."

I shook my head and continued, "No. You're a great teacher. And I'm learning a lot. You don't need to be ashamed about things you don't know or can't do."

"..."

I thought for a moment, then said, "You know what you know, and you can do what you can do. I think you're amazing, Teacher. It's only shameful if you give up on learning."

I said it then tried to give her my brightest cherubic smile.

I put a lot of thought into my lines, I hope it works.

Roxy continued looking at me for a long while. She then softly smiled, extended her hand and flicked my forehead.

Ouch.

I felt that from that moment onwards I got along with Roxy much better. It isn't that she's a bad teacher. I'm simply a demanding student.

…

"We've covered enough theory for now. How about we do some practical training?" Roxy said.

"Okay."

"Let's start with Water Ball," said Roxy.

Will she do it? Will she do it?

Roxy raised her staff and faintly pointed it at her target. "Let the great protection of water be on the place thou seekest. I call a refreshing burbling stream here and now. Water Ball."

When Roxy recited the spell, a basketball-sized water bullet was formed in her hand.

It flew towards one of the trees at high speed.

Crash.

The branches snapped easily, and the fence got soaked.

She did it!

Afterwards, she looked at me expressionlessly.

Did she expect praise for her aim?

"Teacher, that tree is one that Mother raised and treasures. I guess Mother will be angry," I said, slightly nodding.

Roxy: "Eh!? Really?"

"Yep." I nodded my head. "One time dad swung his sword and cut some of the branches. Mom was furious."

"This isn't good… Got to think of something!!!" Roxy frantically ran to the tree, and picked up the fallen branches.

I then watched from my chair Roxy with her face red pick up the branches.

"Uu… let the power of God be converted into a bountiful crop, and bestowed into one's who had lost their strength to stand up once again, Healing."

With the chant, the branches attached themselves together back to how they were before.

"Phew." Roxy let out a breath of relief, then started walking back to us.

…

After Roxy's lessons, there was lunch shortly after noon.

Roxy was invited in as well.

When me and Roxy entered the dining room after being called in by Zenith and Paul, the table was already mostly filled with utensils and dishes.

Meanwhile Lilia continued walking around to bring in the rest of the meals and drinks.

"Roxy! You can sit here. We'll start in a minute!" said Zenith.

"Yes. Thank you for inviting me." Roxy politely sat down on a chair that Zenith brought out.

"Seraph, don't touch anything before everyone sits down, yes?" Zenith lectured.

"Yes, mom."

Zenith enjoys it when I call her 'mom', so I did just that... Even though from my perspective I'm akin to an evil spirit of a man older than her that had taken over her son's body and pretends to be her cute little son, so there's a bit of guilt and awkwardness involved when using such an intimate word.

.

Anyway.

I jumped up onto the chair in my usual seat.

Meanwhile Paul took a large gulp from his jug while sitting down in the seat of honor, then let out a satisfied breath. "Haaa…"

"Drinking so early in the day. You're going to die young," I muttered when seeing this.

Paul laughed. "Haha. I'll be just fine. Your old man won't kick the bucket so easily."

I let out a light breath hearing this.

'Be careful what you say. You might have as well just triggered a flag.'

Toward Paul, I had quite complicated feelings to be honest.

He was quite trashy in the novel, but he didn't give me any reasons to complain so far in reality.

Maybe apart from him and Zenith making it difficult to fall asleep every night.

'Wish they had some kind of sound proofing in their bedroom.'

I sighed.

"What's this? Want some, Seraph?" Paul extended his mug toward me.

I shook my head. "No, thank you."

"Haha, I was just kidding." Paul laughed. "By the way, what are you thinking about?

'I'm thinking that I kind of owe you for bringing me up, but if you betray Zenith's feelings and break your vow the same way as in the original, I probably still won't go easy on you,' I answered in my mind.

I was a guy that also secretly wanted a harem.

But it was about integrity.

And also about the way Paul views and treats his spouse and women in general.

"Hm?" Paul looked at me.

I smiled and replied, "Nothing. I was just hoping you would live a long life, so please don't drink, dad…"

Paul was a little stunned for a moment, then grinned. "No worries. I won't die at least before I see my grandkids."

'Why be so specific..' I rolled my eyes inwardly.

Of course, in the novel Paul died just when Rudeus had his first kid, without ever seeing his grandkids...

"Alright, let's start," Zenith spoke up as she sat down at the table.

Soon after, Lilia politely sat down as well on the opposite side, next to Roxy.

"First, let's say a prayer."

When everyone was already seated, Zenith recited a short grace as usual while the others silently listened.

"""Let's eat!"""

Soon enough, lunch began.

I smiled.

The food was really extravagant today for lunch. The table was packed.

Zenith and Paul should have wanted to give a good impression on the magic tutor. These meals were being prepared this morning, ever since we got the news of the tutor coming yesterday.

Paul soon started talking about his S-rank adventurer background and about how he met Zenith.

After that, it was Zenith's turn to introduce herself and she talked about the capital of Milis, Millishion.

"Dad, can you give me some?" I asked while pointing at a chicken which was grilled whole.

It really looked delicious.

Furthermore, sufficient protein was the most important for a child's growth, research and common sense said.

"Sure thing! What do you want? A drumstick?"

"Yeah."

Paul then cut out a large drumstick from the grilled chicken that he was devouring by himself, then passed it onto my wooden cutting board that served as my plate.

"Thanks."

"No problem. Just don't eat too much or you'll puke! After this it's your first swordsmanship lesson!"

"Yes."

As the meal continued, I could see Roxy looking both shy and happy as she tried the various dishes in a merry atmosphere.

"Say, Roxy, where are you from?" Paul asked at one point.

"...To formally put it, I'm from the Migurd village from the Bigoya area in the Demon Continent," Roxy answered with an emotionless tone, yet with anxiety on her face.

"So you're from the Demon Race?"

"Yes…"

Zenith, Paul and Lilia all looked at Roxy.

"I see," Paul replied indifferently, then took a gulp of his beer.

Zenith and then Lilia also returned to their meals after a moment.

And I could see Roxy's eyes widen in surprise.

"Anyway, welcome! You must have had it tough as a demon on the Central Continent," Paul said with a warm smile.

"It wasn't too bad," Roxy said, a clear lie.

Is the discrimination against demons so bad?

I pondered.

Apart from her hair color, she still looked very much human.

Who would discriminate against a girl like her?

Paul then asked Roxy a few casual questions.

It turned out that she had just graduated from Ranoa University.

Teaching me was her first job as a tutor, and her first job after leaving the school.

Talk about running into a tough first job.

I now understood more why she didn't have full confidence in being a capable teacher in the anime, whether for Rudeus or for the perverted fat prince in that kingdom.

And especially for me here.

Eventually, the lunch ended.

After the meal, there was an hour's break for me to digest what I ate.

I spent that time practicing my drawing skills a bit using the new sketchbook I got, drawing the scenery outside my window as well as some of the Magic Circles from the Magic Guidebook.

It wasn't long after when Paul shouted after me, calling me down for sword training.