* DASH *
The distance between the two of us shortened in moments, however, not by my actions. The woman was swift, her approach being far beyond my expectations. If I didn't know any better, I would've said she's a close combatant and not a long-range Mage. However, considering she held out her hand in front of her before entering an adequate range for either a grapple or a strike, there had to have been Magic coming. Mana warped and began to write scripture against the air.
Mages that were able to use their internal nervous system to cast Magic were known as Self-Casters. When a Self-Caster uses a complex spell, they must formulate their Mana into scripture, the local term for what would be called "magic circles" in fiction back on Earth.
" Scripture, huh? "
Was she going all out or was this her attempt at starting slow and testing the waters? Either way, I didn't have the luxury to take her lightly.
" Fourth-Circle Ice Arts: Shivering Lance! "
From her scripture came a large spike of ice, shaping itself into a lance of easily a meter, radiating ice-cold Mana. Considering she called it "Fourth-Circle," the depth of the scripture had been certified as a Mid-Tiered.
. . .
When I had first been transported to this world, Theatera, it took me a very long time to become accustomed to the abilities of Aura. My Earthly body hadn't yet been built for Aura. However, after the six months of training required to learn it, I encountered a Mage. That Mage, locally known as "Grand Seer", had been a meddling old man who said I had unprecedented talent in Magic arts. Through a miracle of some sort, my body was capable of performing Self-Casting Magic despite being Human. I remember clearly when he gave me my first lesson...
" Remember, Takumi, Magic arts are split between three tiers. Low-tiered arts are typically only capable of causing immediate damage without any lingering effects. Then there's Mid-tiered arts, now depending on the type of arts you're using, Mid-tiered spells can cause quite a bit of destruction and be quite Mana draining. However, the effects of Mid-tiered arts usually fade after some time. "
He paused after explaining the first two tiers as if there was something he hadn't wanted to tell me. At the time, I didn't understand. However, a few days after that lesson upon which I hadn't listened to his warning, I became well aware of why he wanted to hide High-tiered arts from me. And that very same incident became the reason why I vowed never to use such abilities near innocents.
. . .
" First-Circle Nature Arts: Vine Bind. "
I slammed my hand down against the ground, vines bursting from the cracks in the path, latching onto the lance before it could fly toward me. While I had been using Low-tiered nature arts, Nature Magic had been by far the most creative of all Elemental Magic. It allowed for nearly infinite methods of using it due to its low Mana costs and surprising depth.
" Unwise! To use plants to bind Mid-tiered ice arts~! "
" Your lance isn't advancing—I'd call that a win. "
" There's a reason it's called the 'Shivering Lance', boy! "
As she spoke, the lance began to shake and vibrate, suddenly sprouting branching pieces of ice that shredded the vines holding it, allowing for the Mana that had been used to propel it to continue. I had been caught off guard, surprised by a spell I had never seen before. Years of fighting experience in this world and yet I've now encountered a spell unfamiliar to me so early on in my second life.
Where had this woman been this whole time?
Snapping out of my trance of admiration and surprise, I jumped back using my raw athleticism and held up my hands, gritting my teeth. I had told her I had been talented and gifted with Nature Magic upon my arrival to this world, however, if I used anything too high level, I'd reveal my hand. And if I lost here—I could potentially lose her interest.
Reveal I was lying...or take a loss here...
* SIZZLE—EVAPORATE *
" First-Circle Fire Arts: Fire's Warmth! "
Immediately, I resorted to showing my cards. In war, it should be noted that the true goal of your tactics should always be to get your opponent to reveal their hand and play the situation accordingly—taking advantage of what's been laid out on the table. So in the sense of war, this woman had won the first round.
Fire wrapped around my hands as I formed a First-Circle scripture, using a Low-tiered fire art jam-packed full of Mana to envelop the ice lance in fire and melt it. It worked, as expected, and gave me a moment of reprieve. It took nothing out of me to do so, however, I still slightly grimaced.
" What's this~? I thought you could only use Nature Magic, Hero. "
She stopped her assault, pausing as she held up her hand, small scripture forming from her fingertips with bits of ice starting to form at them. She had clocked my capabilities now, knowing I could use Fire Magic too. Being able to use multiple types of Elemental Magic is extremely rare—considered to be an ability only possible by those who already possess High-tiered abilities in one element. This may have been my second run in this life, however, I didn't have much experience in dealing with people that could sniff me out.
I was unfortunately quite sheltered in that way.
" Haah...You put me in a bad spot Miss. "
" Don't! Call me 'Miss.' Call me Briha. Brina the Witch. "
Witch? Was that some sort of title used by female Mages? But wouldn't I have known about it then? After all, I know about the "Grand Seer" and the "God of Magic"...
As I asked myself that question, I began to reflect just a bit. Maybe all I knew how to do was fight. There were so many things about this world and its people I was so ignorant about. When I begin to think about it...maybe that's why I couldn't beat Raksha. I had been fighting blind and dumb.
" Alright...I'll do just that then. "
" My name is besides the point—your magic on the other hand is quite important. It seems you're capable of more than you let on. So I'll ask, only this one time~ Have you come into contact with any being before you arrived in this world? "
I paused for a moment. Not too long that she may think I had been coming up with an answer to feed her but instead to think if my mentioning of Theatera would be a detriment or a boon.
" I only remember being told by a voice that I must save this world. After that, I appeared in the Royal Throne Room. "
Brina looked at me, her eyes slightly squinting as if she were looking at me harder. My eyes darted back and forth from her own set and her fingertips, practically encased in ice now. There was a long moment of silence before she began to let the ice on her fingers crumble, melting and breaking away.
" It seems you're telling the truth. "
Had she been looking at me to determine whether I was lying or not? And if so, ho—
" Before you ask how I know, don't underestimate what a Witch is capable of, Hero~! "
It felt like she was reading my mind or something, what with her constantly calling out what I was thinking. However, this confirmed that the "Witch" title was something more than just a simple moniker. I wanted to ask what a Witch had been, though I felt like I had no grounds to ask any questions at all.
" So...you're not bothered that I lied about my Magic? "
" Why would I be? As long as you don't have any malignant plans, you and I will be ice cold. "
A smile spread across her face, one that radiated a nefarious tone. However, this Brina seemed to be an unknown entity in my life—I had no way of knowing whether she was evil or someone I would need to take note of. And this, coupled with the fact I had never seen her before in my original life, would worry me greatly. Where would this woman end up? And had there been any way I could get her to help me?
" Brina? No, Ma'am! "
" Yes, boy~? "
" Would you do me the honor of accompanying me on my journey? "
" Journey? And where would you be going? "
" I'm going to the Demon Territory. I need to set some things straight. "
" The Demon Territory? You are aware of just how dangerous and taboo it is for Humans to cross over into those lands, right? "
I tightened my fist. Such stupid rules. They will bring nothing but destruction and heartache to everyone who lives in this Realm.
I look toward Brina with a tightened face.
" I have to. I am this world's Hero. Not just for humanity. "
Brina the Witch looked at me, looking me up and down. Maybe she could see my conviction was coming from a place of experience. It was obvious to tell just how invested I had been despite only having seemingly been here for a day or two at most. However, I wouldn't waste time in putting up fronts just to hide the fact I regressed. I will push forward and save everyone—and I'll need everyone I can to do that. I held out my hand toward her, looking for a shake.
" Please. Your Magic expertise can save this world. No, it can change it altogether. "
Brina sighed and tilted her head down. She hadn't known me at all, it was no surprise she wouldn't immediately accept my offer. And so, I began to lower my hand. No way that would work—
* GRASP *
" I'll work with you, Hero~ "
" R-Really?! "
My face lit up, my hair bouncing out of my face and showing my eyes. Even though they were a dark color, they were brightened by joy.
" Yes. I plan to see just how much Magic talent you're hiding from me. And...if we can truly change this world...maybe... "
Her words trailed off. It was probably something she didn't feel comfortable talking about yet, but that was fine. I raised my other hand and placed it over hers, holding onto her tight for a moment.
" It's fine! We'll work together to change this world! All of us! "
It hadn't originally been part of my plans but I managed to get an amazing Mage on our side. I hadn't been sure of just how strong she was, however, due to the fact she effortlessly cast a Fourth-Circle spell, she must've been quite powerful.
" Now all I have to do is get permission to see the Royal Blacksmith! "
" Royal Blacksmith? What for? "
" Well, we're going to need gear if we plan to travel to the Demon Territory. Of course, at some point, we won't be able to convince any carriage owners to take us further, and running on foot may be dangerous for many reasons. "
" When do you even plan to take off? And what do you plan on doing once you get there? "
I knew exactly what I was going to do. It wasn't a matter of speaking with any elders of the Demon Territory or even getting in touch with leaders of the Human Territory and forcing them to make peace. No, I needed to find Raksha. If I could stop the tragedy that will take place and help...Maybe we can avoid that bleak future.
" Don't worry! I've got a plan! Just trust me, okay Brina? "
She stopped and looked stunned. Something about my words and face must've left her shocked for a moment. However, not too soon after, she rested her face and chuckled.
" Right, trust the boy I just met. Of course. "
The woman patted my head, messing up my black and gold locks that had been laid neatly into a ponytail.
I laughed a bit. It felt good to have someone for sure on my side.
But now, I have to worry about the next piece of my plan. The Royal Blacksmith: "Mundul".
CHAPTER 24 END