The Honorable Wanderer: Mushoku Tensei

-Ash-

As I walked along the snow-covered path, following trails obscured by thick snow, I felt a biting cold piercing through my bones, trudging alone in the quiet forest. It felt like crossing a dimensional boundary, as if this world contained only me and the sound of the wind. Because of this, I decided to converse with Ciel.

"Ciel, what do you think about the mechanism of magic in this world according to that guidebook?" I asked in my mind.

[In my opinion, the mechanism of magic in this world has some similarities with magic on Earth before Mana disappeared with the departure of the gods from the mortal realm. Back then, magic was easily accessible due to the abundance of Mana in the atmosphere. The concept of Mana here is also similar, but the way it is managed is somewhat different.]

"Different?" I asked, intrigued.

[Yes, most magic on Earth used magic circles to create wonders. There is indeed a mechanism of magic circles in this world, but it is not practical for combat. Most mages here recite incantations, which is very inefficient.]

"Are there no mages in this world who can use incantations silently?" I asked again.

[There are indeed some, but such talent is very rare and usually only possessed by special beings who have been accustomed to the flow of Mana in their bodies from a young age. According to what the entity Ramos said, humans in this world are really limited in their knowledge of magic. Only the upper class has the ease of learning magic because they are taught from a young age, regardless of the cost, as mages here truly have a bright future.]

"Irony indeed," I murmured.

[Indeed, also magic in this world is still tied to external feedback. A mage is judged based on how powerful their attacks are, mostly.]

"So how does it differ from Earth?" I asked again.

[Humans on Earth had advanced significantly in the field of magic before Mana vanished from Earth's atmosphere. In the modern world before the end of the divine era, magic on Earth could disrupt the laws of nature, to a degree that could affect fundamental concepts.]

"Oh, that's crazy. So can I perform magic mechanisms like those on Earth?" I asked eagerly.

[Of course, you can. I can teach you from scratch. Starting from forming magic circles within your Mana Core until you can influence the fundamental concepts of this world. However, please be aware that there may be parties in this world who may not be pleased with your achievements if you manage to reach the level of changing concepts. Therefore, I advise you to use it wisely.]

"Alright then, that sounds good!" I replied with enthusiasm.

With renewed zeal, I continued my journey along the snow-covered path. My steps were steady, despite the cold that continued to gnaw at me. I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with the knowledge and new power that Ciel would teach me, I felt more prepared to face whatever came my way.

As I ventured further, the scenery became more unfamiliar and mysterious. Snow-covered trees seemed like silent guardians watching my every move. The howling wind created eerie sounds, as if whispering secrets about the world I had yet to uncover.

Night fell, and I decided to rest in the dark, cold forest, quickly and carefully setting up a simple camp. In a place where one never knows when a monster might attack, I remained calm and unafraid.

Before sleeping, I prepared a meal of dried meat provided by the villagers. Afterward, I sat down to meditate, following Ciel's instructions to form a magic circle within my Mana Core.

The Mana Core, as Ciel described, is the heart of one's magic. The more magic circles one sets up, the higher the level of magic one can use. Eventually, at Tier 9, magic can affect the fundamental concepts of this world.

With my legs crossed and hands placed in front of my abdomen, I assumed a monk-like meditation position. In my mind, I envisioned the flow of mana moving through my body, trying to keep it stable. The rest, I left to Ciel in forming the magic circle.

[Try to feel each flow of mana moving through your body. Focus on the stability of that flow,] Ciel guided me with a calm voice in my mind.

Slowly, I felt the soft, warm flow of mana moving through my body, like a tranquil river. My concentration deepened, and I could feel the first magic circle beginning to form within my Mana Core.

Time seemed to pass slowly, but I remained focused, following each of Ciel's directions meticulously. The magic circle gradually took on a clearer and more stable form. Every detail felt so real, as if I could see and touch it with my own hands.

After a while, I finally opened my eyes. The night was growing late, but I felt more refreshed and energized. Although I had only just begun, I could sense a new strength beginning to grow within me.

"I did it," I whispered with a faint smile on my face.

After receiving Ciel's guidance, I felt a surge of excitement to try creating fire. Even though a miracle flowed within me, my curiosity and ambition to master this unique power burned brighter.

[Now, imagine how fire forms. Visualize it appearing in your hands,] Ciel's voice echoed in my mind.

Recalling my previous experience with Uriel's power, I knew the mechanism was different. Uriel produced sacred energy applied as an external force. This time, I wanted to focus on fire, something simpler yet full of potential.

I remembered the basic concept of fire: fuel, oxygen, and a heat source. With a calm mind, I visualized the chemical reaction that creates fire. In my mind, I saw how the fuel ignited, oxygen played a role, and heat created a living flame.

In meditation, I placed both palms in front of my body, visualizing a small flame appearing between them. With each heartbeat, I focused the mana flowing through my body, imagining it forming thermal energy.

Soon, I could feel something warm beginning to gather in my palms. The fire I visualized slowly emerged, glowing softly with an orange-red hue.

[Quite good,] Ciel commented with confidence. [Now, try to sustain and control that fire. Focus on the flow of mana that maintains the flame.]

I endeavoured to maintain concentration, feeling each beat of the mana flow merging with the fire's power manifesting before me. A sense of pride enveloped my heart as the small flame continued to burn in my hands.

By moving my hands, I saw the fire following my movements, dancing with life. A combination of wonder and humanity, something I had always dreamed of.

"How do I use this to attack? You know, the fire doesn't touch my hands—it floats in a way very different from Uriel's power, which seemed to channel the fire as if I were a matchstick," I said, watching the flame still dancing in my palms.

[To attack, it's quite simple. You can add more oxygen to the small flame, then throw it like a cannonball,] Ciel answered, her voice calm but firm.

I visualised how oxygen could enlarge the flame, providing additional energy that could make it stronger and more impressive. In my mind, I imagined the process—oxygen entering the flame, nourishing its power, and creating a small explosion that could be directed.

With growing confidence, I refocused. Remembering Ciel's words, I concentrated on strengthening the flame in my hand, imagining oxygen flowing in, blending with the heat and light already present.

In an instant, I felt a change. The small flame began to grow, vibrating with greater power. I lifted my hand and, with a decisive movement, released the fire as if throwing a fireball.

The fire shot from my hand, soaring through the air before exploding in a magnificent burst of flame, creating a beautiful trail of light in the darkness of the night.

"Wow, that was amazing!" I shouted, feeling satisfied with the result. With this ability, I could attack and defend myself simultaneously.

[Good start, you can proceed to the next stage,] Ciel praised, her mechanical voice full of enthusiasm.

"Eh, is it alright? If I run out of Mana, what then?" I asked, a bit concerned about the consequences.

[Of course, it's fine, sir. Your soul is blessed by the four Miracles, which makes your body's reconstruction different from ordinary people in this world. Additionally, you come from a different world and have managed to cross dimensional gaps, so naturally, your Mana is greater than most here. Moreover, you have already inscribed a magic circle in your Mana Core, so your Mana will continue to replenish quickly, as long as you do not use higher-level magic spells. You are still in good shape,] Ciel explained calmly.

Hearing that explanation, my anxiety began to ease. "So, I can continue experimenting and learning without worrying too much about this limitation?" I asked, feeling more confident.

[Exactly. Keep practising and exploring your abilities. Every step you take will bring you closer to a deeper understanding of magic and the potential within you.]

With renewed spirit, I decided to continue my training. Under the gentle moonlight, I was ready to explore more about this power and all the possibilities it might hold.