Bad Feeling

(Oscar's POV)

Hmm? The weather became cloudy, suddenly. I have been training for a while now. I think it's already been an hour or two at this point. I guess I lost track of time, again. It started to happen a lot these days. I can't help but get lost in my research.

I don't know much about magic. So, learning something new is extremely important to me. Not just learning but practicing what I learned is also feel amazing too. It gives me the feeling of getting stronger.

Anyway, today was a little different from other days when I practiced magic. Today I tried the original spells I created, mostly. First was the [Rock Bullet]. I inspired it from the novice level spell, [Water Ball]. Of course, I didn't use the same size as the water balls. I used the size of normal bullets. But the way it works is copied from the water ball. I changed some of the parameters.

The spells are like little codes but magical in nature. Once you learned the language of it understanding spells became easier. In this way, I can finally edit some of my novice-level spells and also create different versions for them.

I can use rock or iron as the material of the bullet. While I can use other metals, I'm not familiar with them. Creating iron is already my limit. Since it is created by mana even rock is stronger than normal until the mana inside of it dissipates to air.

As for its speed, it entirely depends on the amount of mana I pour into the spell. The more mana means faster the bullet.

My second original magic is [Lightning Bullet]. The only difference is I use lightning element instead of earth element as the base material of the bullet.

The lightning element isn't just about the thunderbolt. The lightning element basically is electricity. It is fast but if you're using it it would be usually slower than light. It's because unless you have incredible mana control or instinctive control over your spells you can't actually control anything at light speed. Usually.

Anyway. [Lightning Bullet] is fast and it has the power to pierce through the target. I was able to eliminate any sounds the lightning created when I used it as a base. But it still is bright. So it isn't suitable to use in stealth missions.

My third new spell is [Lightning Bolt]. I create a bolt of lightning and throw it at the enemy. It has the power depending on the amount of mana I use. It can paralyze or burn the target. Inflicting damage and weakening the enemy.

The final spell I learned is something very basic. To me at least. It's the [Rock Wall]. I used [Water Ball] as a base and only changed its element to earth and its base material to rock.

I can create a rock wall of two meters with this spell. It can withstand several novice-level spells, right now. If I can pump it more mana it can withstand even more spells.

"Maybe I should learn a few more defensive spells. I have plenty of offensive spells and different methods to attack. But so far I don't have much means to protect myself."

I seriously lack defensive spells. I learned the Healing spells from Kairi. But these aren't enough to guarantee my safety while fighting. Maybe I can create a spell that would work as armor. Also if I complete the [Liquid Form: Water] then perhaps my need for defensive spells would decrease.

Still, the liquid form can't protect me alone. Against the spirits who have the ranks of Middle Class and High-Class spirits, it has no power. Maybe I should create that armor first. The difficulty of the [Liquid Form: Water] isn't something to scoff at. I'm still at the base state of it. It only boosts my water magic and reinforces my body, somewhat. The basic form would protect me from almost all novice level spells but again, achieving it isn't easy.

It's been only two weeks since I gained mana. I'm slowly adapting to this new lifestyle. Unfortunately, it will take some time for me to be able to comprehend the theory and practical use of some magic and spells.

"Something like a sand armor would be awesome, actually. It could protect me from piercing and slashing attacks. And with the base form of [Liquid Form: Water], I can somehow ignore small injuries and traumatic attacks."

This can solve my lack of defense for now. If my enemies are stronger than that I'll have to escape somehow. Well, my Aether Organ and mana paths are improving. Actually, my mana reserves already tripled compared to before my fight with that strange man. If the improvement and growth of my mana reserves continue like this, I'll reach Middle Inferior Class in about two days.

"... I don't know why but I have a bad feeling."

What's this feeling? Just as I was focused on my magic research suddenly this bad feeling made me lose my focus. I can't really ignore this. What's going on?

The feeling is growing every second. There is something going on and it's something important. I got up from my study desk and walked to the window. From my window, I can see most of the neighborhood. There's nothing unusual going on outside. Then what is this dreadful feeling I'm feeling?

My mind couldn't help but wander away. The images come to my mind about the things I did all day long. I confirmed my affinities, I created some spells then tried them in the forest opposite side of where The Army was investigating. Then I came home...

Then... Is this about yesterday? I researched the spiritual core and the necklace. But since I couldn't just make a big breakthrough I dropped it for now. Is it about the necklace? Maybe it is about Aether. I worked on it for the last couple of days. Wait! How can I forget?! Mason!

"Mason! It has to be about him!"

I quickly run out of the house. My mom would probably worry about me because of this but I have no time. Yesterday I left a rune on Mason. It's an Exchange rune. I should be able to teleport there or teleport him to me but somehow rune isn't responding to my intent. Is this because a day passed since I put the rune?

Thankfully I could still feel the rune. I out the rune on his hand so this must definitely be him. I rushed at Mason with all my might. I don't know why but he was somewhere close to the old church in the forest. At least what was left of the forest.

When I got close to the place I heard a single gunshot. At that moment I felt like my heart stop for a second before resumed beating faster than ever.

"MASON!!!"