Several days had passed. Currently, I was having breakfast in my room. Even though the order to stay out of the palace had been lifted, I didn't dare wander around the palace alone. This was because the Periodic Kingdom's palace was so vast. I was afraid I'd get lost and not be able to return to my room. It would be better to wait for Kali if I wanted to explore the palace.
There was a knock on the door. I immediately opened it. Kali, Natori, Magnesi, and Kalusi greeted me. I greeted them back. Kalusi explained her purpose. It turned out I was ordered to go to the palace hall. I was tasked with measuring the scale of the noble family's magical powers. Hearing this, I was overjoyed because experiencing magic was something I'd dreamed of since childhood. While I was in another world, I had to enjoy it.
Upon arriving at the palace hall, I saw several people. If my reasoning was correct, I might be able to guess which noble family they belonged to. This was based on my observations of the Alkali and Elkali families. Generally, elements belonging to the alkali and alkaline earth families are white solids. That perfectly describes them because white is identical to their hair; the only difference is their skin color. Perhaps because alkaline earth elements are found abundantly in the soil, the author describes the Elkali family as having slightly darker skin.
I guessed the person with half-black, half-white hair was from the Carbon family. Then, the pale green and brownish-yellow hair belonged to the Halogen family. There was also someone with bright yellow hair, which must have been from the Oxygen family. And the sun-colored hair was probably from the Noas family. As for the rest, I didn't know.
Kalusi explained what I was supposed to do with the noble families who possessed magical powers. I was instructed to measure their magical power scale. Honestly, I was quite nervous. But, whether I wanted to or not, I had to do it. Before doing so, I explained to them that the results of my analysis were still a possibility.
They lined up in order of noble families, starting with the Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Halogen, and Noas families. And it turned out my guess was right: the person with purplish-red hair was from the Nitrogen family. I also saw several with gray hair, and I could guess why they had gray hair. In fact, I could immediately guess the scale of their magical power. However, I was at a loss for a proper explanation. For now, I'd rather see what magic they'll use.
First, there was a man with black hair. His name was Caribo Carbon. His magic was able to create charcoal. Second, a man with gray hair. His name was Nitaro Nitrogen. His magic was able to create explosions and freeze things. Then, followed by a woman with purplish-red hair. Her name was Fosufa Nitrogen. Her magic was able to accelerate plant growth and create plants. Fourth, a man with silver-gray hair. His name was Oxo Oxygen. His magic was able to create wind and control it. Then, followed by a woman with bright yellow hair. Her name was Sulfi Oxygen. Her magic was able to create acidic liquids. Sixth, a woman with pale green hair. Her name was Chloe Halogen. Her magic was able to purify things. Then, followed by a man with brownish-yellow hair. His name was Bram Halogen. His magic was able to create liquids that had a pungent odor. Eighth, a woman with hair the color of the sun. His name was Neus Noas. His magic could create and control light. And finally, there was a man with silver hair. His name was Argus Noas. His magic could create barriers.
After observing, I understood what the author was thinking. For elements that are generally found in colorless forms, the author would describe them with silver or gray hair, or a combination of both. Furthermore, their magical powers were also related to the corresponding element. Furthermore, the author also described groups 1 and 2 as possessing physical strength. This may be related to the metallic properties possessed by those two groups. This was quite interesting because the author really paid attention to such details. I think I know what I have to explain to them.
"Okay, I'll share the results of my observations. Your magic power depends on the amount of mana you can absorb. The Carbon family has the least amount of mana absorbed, and then it increases in order, with the Noas family having the greatest amount," I said.
Hearing this, some people were upset. One of them was Oxo. He couldn't accept that his magic power was weaker than that of the Halogen and Noas families. He nearly lost control. Thanks to Sulfi, Oxo's anger was calmed. I explained once again to them that my observations could be wrong, as this was the first time I'd seen their magic power. There might be factors I don't yet know about that could affect magic power.
Actually, I think the amount of mana absorbed is similar to electron affinity, which is the energy change produced by an atom in its gaseous state when it gains an electron to form an anion, or negative ion. Across a period, electron affinity increases from left to right.The halogens have the highest electron affinity. However, it is difficult to measure electron affinity because the anions in some elements are in an unstable state.
Several days passed. After hearing my explanation, they all suddenly received an order from the king. The order was to go on an expedition to eradicate the monsters in the north of the kingdom. Perhaps this would allow me to truly analyze magic power properly. I tried to ask the king to join the expedition. Surprisingly, the king allowed me to join without going through a lengthy process. I was very happy about this because this was what I had dreamed of: seeing the power of magic in battle.
"Um, Arunika. May I speak with you for a moment?" Sulfi asked with an embarrassed expression.
"Yes," I replied.
"You know, Oxo couldn't accept that his magic power was weaker than the Halogen and Noas families. I can somewhat understand what you're saying, but is it true that there's no way to increase magic power?" Sulfi asked curiously.
"Hmm, can I ask you something first?" I asked.
Sulfi nodded. I asked Sulfi if there were any requirements for activating magic power. Then, Sulfi explained how to use magic. First, you have to visualize the power you're about to unleash, then ensure there are no blocked mana flows. Essentially, these two powers have a flow that circulates throughout the body. If anything is blocked, it will interfere with the release of their power. Within the flow of mana, there's a point where, if this point is blocked or obstructed, the mana flow will be disrupted.
Hearing this, I seemed to realize something. But I needed to see it for myself to confirm it. Sulfi's explanation broadened my understanding of the author of this novel. She's a master at making analogies. Could I possibly create a story like this in the future?