Chapter 4 : I’m… in a fantasy world ?

[…]

“Abigaelle-sama?”(Julie)

“Yes, onee-san?”(Abigaelle)

“Would you like me to show you magic?(Julie)

Oh? Is she planning to steal my nose? Or will she pull out a coin from one of my ear?

Well, let’s see and act like I’m surprised.

“Hun? Magic? What is it? I want to see!”(Abigaelle)

Ufufu, pretending sure is easy! Well, I’m just copying what the children used to say when I asked them the same thing.

I hope there wasn’t anyone reincarnated among them, now that I think about it.
I would have looked like a fool.

“Well, look attentively at me then, Abigaelle-sama.”(Julie)

As soon as she says that, she strikes an “arm pump” pose, but with her palm open toward the sky.

Then, she began chanting a magic-y formula.

“O, glorious Spirit of the flame

You who reigneth o’er the fireth realm…” (Julie)

Ooo, that’s a new one! What is it gonna be? Firecrackers? Fireworks?

“…I asketh of thou to lendeth me thy power

To maketh a fireth that will nothing devour.

Will O’ the Wisp!” (Julie)

-whoosh-

…

Rhetorical question: did you ever saw a one year old little girl jumping in the air a meter behind herself, cowering against a wall and pointing her index at you like you were some sort of child-eating demon?

Well, Julie just did…

…

“W-w-w-w-w-what is that THING?!”(Abigaelle)

“What is going on, Abigaelle-sama? What is the problem?”(Julie)

“Why is there fireball on your hand? And why are you acting like it’s normal!?!”(Abigaelle)

Well, yeah, I mean, a blue fireball just appeared on her hand, and she’s acting like it’s perfectly normal! Where are the shriek of pain due to her hand being burned? Why is she so calm about it?

Was that something she expected? Ah, ah, let’s take some deep breath.

Yeah that’s it, come on, calm down. Julie looks more astonished by me than by the fire, so it should be okay.

Maybe it’s a mirror trick?

“But it’s okay Abigaelle-sama! It’s not Fireball, it’s “Will O’ the Wisp”, you know? There isn’t anything to fear about it, it’s heat-less and harm-less.”(Julie)

“Re-really?”(Abigaelle)

“Yes, I swear! Do you want to touch it?”(Julie)

“N-no, it’s okay!”(Abigaelle)

“But, you know, it’s the first time a child your age reacted this way…(Julie)

“Really? But isn’t fire dangerous?”(Abigaelle)

“Ara? Now that you’re talking about it… You know about fire?”(Julie)

“Of course I do!”(Abigaelle)

“But, how? I mean, you never saw it, right?”(Julie)

Aaaah, now that she says this, it’s true that I never saw a fire before in this life. Even during winter, the weather isn’t so cold, and the castle stays warm. No need for a fire in that case.

“…Well, it’s because I heard about it, that it could burn houses and persons alike! That it was a painful thing not to approach!” (Abigaelle)

Yeah, I shouldn’t forget my age. I’ll definitely tell them about this reincarnation thing someday.

But not before I turn twenty-ish, though!

“Well, if you’ve heard about fire like that, I guess it’s normal for you to be afraid. But this one is harmless, so it’s ok.”(Julie)

“Y-yeah, I know, now. But, about that, how did you do it?”(Abigaelle)

“Hun? With magic of course.”(Julie)

“No, I mean really! Is it an inflammable liquid, or maybe a mirror trick? I really want to know!”(Abigaelle)

“But, it really is magic Abigaelle-sama. See?”(Julie)

And then, she did something that no physical laws could permit.
Well, it’s not like harmless and heat-less fire wasn’t already borderline, but to actually manipulate a ball of fire and to make it hover in the air freely isn’t something that my knowledge can explain.

“H-how…?”(Abigaelle)

“Well, it’s thanks to magical power. Doesn’t the word Mana ring a bell? Didn’t you heard about it before Abigaelle-sama?”(Julie)

I certainly did. But not in this life though… And certainly not as a physical phenomenon…

“Well,… no, I guess not”(Abigaelle)

“Ah, then I am really sorry Abigaelle-sama. Sometimes, your cleverness makes me forget that you really are still just a child.

I shouldn’t have shown you something that afraid you so much. I’ll  have to report that to your parents.”(Julie)

“Ah, no, it’s not your fault, Julie onee-san, you couldn’t know… So really, don’t think about it anymore.”(Abigaelle)

“But, for me to scare Abigaelle-sama this much…”(Julie)

“Julie, just… please, don’t talk about that, okay?”(Abigaelle)

“Is it really okay, Abigaelle-sama?”(Julie)

“Of course it is. But then, was that really magic? How did you do that?”(Abigaelle)

“Well, if you really say that it is okay… But I’m afraid I don’t know if I can explain it very well. I’m just a maid, not a teacher, after all.”(Julie)

“Could you try? It’s okay even if I don’t understand!”(Abigaelle)

“Well, I will try then…

To begin with, everything has magic power in them, and most of living things can use it.
The energy used to create magic is called Mana, and “Mana Pool” is the term used to talk about your Mana capacity.
If you don’t have a Mana Pool large enough to cast a spell, then you can’t use magic without specific tools, but they are quite pricey.

And having Mana is just but a prerequisite. If you want to cast [Elemental Magic] spells, for example, you will normally have to borrow the power from a spirit with a chant, like I did earlier.
There is also [Non-Elemental Magic] spells, which are usually easier to use and don’t require a chant.
And then there is [Mystic Magic] spells, but I just don’t really know how those works, since I don’t know any.”(Julie)

“Julie onee-san, can I ask you some questions? I’ve been curious about two things you said.”(Abigaelle)

“Of course Abigaelle-sama, I will try my best to answer your concern.”(Julie)

“You said earlier that you normally have to borrow power from a spirit, then does that mean some can use “Elemental Magic” without a spirit?(Abigaelle)

“Ara, as expected of Abigaelle-sama, you noticed. Well, yes, there is two cases where you can cast magic without asking for a spirit’s help. The first one is, as I said earlier, when you cast [Non-Elemental Magic] spells, like [Body Strengthening] or [Magic-Shield]. Because they are non-elemental, you don’t need a Spirit to cast them, you just have to be skilled with manipulating and using Mana.”(Julie)

“And the second case?”(Abigaelle)

“Well, about this one, nobody really knows. It is said that some people actually managed to cast Elemental Magic spells without even chanting, but since no records of how they did it were found and nobody was able to reproduced it, it is not known if it is truly possible. We only know that this way of casting uses less Mana than borrowing help from a Spirit.

It is also said that, in fear that someone would try to stole their knowledge, people who actually can do it tends to hide that fact.”(Julie)

“Aha, I see. But then, what are those Spirits, exactly?”(Abigaelle)

“To that question, I cannot answer, Abigaelle-sama. I am truly sorry.”(Julie)

She seems… uneasy? Why? I want to know!

“You don’t know? Even though you’re asking for their help?”(Abigaelle)

“Ah, well, it’s not that I don’t know, it’s more like there is lots of different opinions, and I wouldn’t like it if you were to take my explanation for granted…”(Julie)

“Then could you give me some examples? This way I could make my own opinion?”(Abigaelle)

“In that case I… I guess I can.

Well, firstly, the most common opinion is that Spirits are Gods’ children, and they’ve been given the task to rule over the elements. And that’s why we need their permission to use the elements they rule.

The second one is that Spirits are a part of ourselves, and that calling them to ask for their power amount to draw power from within yourself.

The third and last one is that Spirits are just mystical beings who have gained mastery over the elements thanks to their knowledge and power, thus the caster simply ask them to lend him or her this mastery in exchange for some of their Mana.

There are lots of other beliefs, but only on the personal level, and aren’t really taken into account.”(Julie)

Oooh, so it’s like there is several religions here too. Good to know. Well, if spirits and gods do exist here, I already know which theory is the most likely to be exact…

Well, even if they exist, I’m still an apatheist, so, not my problem! At the limit, I may worship Ghost-san. Should I say Ghost-sama then? He did give me a second life…

No, I’ll stick with Ghost-san. I’d prefere it if I where him. Or her. Or it.

“Then wouldn’t that make the third one the most logical?”(Abigaelle)

Huh?

Why does it looks like a boxer just hammer-punched her? Did I say something wrong?

Is she gonna say that I’m a heretic, and burn me right here with this harmless flame?

Nai wa!

Why did I forgot something so basic?
Do NOT discuss religious stuff with a person you do not know the religion!

“H-how did you come to this conclusion, Abigaelle-sama?”(Julie)

Ah? She wants an explanation? Not to burn me to a crisp?

Sorry onee-san! Sorry for doubting you!

“Well, there was two things. The first one is that you talked about people who can use [Elemental Magic] without the help of a Spirits. That invalidate the first choice, since it would mean that those people are at least as powerful as the Gods who created this world.”(Abigaelle)

“But that still leaves two other choices.”(Julie)

“That would be true if you hadn’t mentioned that the people who didn’t rely on the Spirits’ help used less Mana than the others, and that invalidate the second choice, because in this case, asking or not for the Spirits’ help is the same thing, thus the amount of Mana used would stay the same.

And that leaves the last choice, that fits perfectly: by having to ask for the Spirit’s help, you add one more step in the process of casting the spell, thus augmenting it’s cost. If you don’t ask for their help and somehow succeed in casting the spell, then you would use less Mana. Am I wrong?(Abigaelle)

“N-not at all, Abigaelle-sama, I was just surprised that you would adhere to your family’s belief right away! And what more, you even did it not because of beliefs, but through logical thinking! To do that at the mere age of one, you truly are a genius! Your parents will really be overjoyed.”(Julie)

“Ah, even if you say so, it wasn’t really…”(Abigaelle)

*Bing*

Your Skill proficiency has reached the required level. Your Skill [Logical Thinking (Lv6)] has evolved. Your Skill has evolved into [Logical Thinking (Lv7)]

*Bing*

You have acquired the Title: [Genius]

“Eeeeeeh?
Wait, what are those things!”(Abigaelle)

“Things? What things?”(Julie)

“Those blue boxes! And what are they talking about!”(Abigaelle)

“Wait, Abigaelle-sama, blue boxes? You can you actually see them?!”(Julie)

“Of course I can! They’re taking half of my field of view!

Oh, they disappeared! What where they Julie onee-san?

Wait, onee-san, are you okay?”(Abigaelle)

I’m asking this, because, you know, it’s actually the good question to ask when somebody suddenly break down in tears for no particular reason.

Well, she managed to calm herself after a few minutes.

I don’t know what’s going on any more, but this poor Julie, she’s just receiving shocks one after another today… I’m sorry! It’s not my fault, the blue boxes are to blame!

If you’re gonna sue someone, sue them! Not me!

But at this rate, I thin I might brake her someday…

“I am sorry to show you such an unsightly view, Abigaelle-sama, but I was so happy! So you can actually see them?”(Julie)

“Yes, I-I can… I-is that such a big deal?”(Abigaelle)

“Normally I would say no, but in your case, it’s very important!”(Julie)

“What do you mean? Are those blue things a common thing?”(Abigaelle)

“Well, you see, when babies are born, their parents can check their condition through the use of a spell called [Status]. It can display their health, Mana Pool, and inherent Skills, as well as some other various informations. And since Abigaelle-sama was born with black hair and not silvery ones, your parents wanted to check if you had anything that could explain it. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to do so, because only an empty window appeared instead of your [Status]. They then thought that you may be devoid of any magical power, and were very afraid of the curse that could have turned your hair black. But since you were growing healthily, only the concerns about you being devoid of any magical power remained.”(Julie)

Oooh, so this world has magic AND status? Or am I in a game? I don’t really know anymore.

But well, there is one thing that worries me…

“When you said that my parents tried to see my status, does that mean that anyone can see it?”(Abigaelle)

“Oh, thanks the Spirits no! Only your parents can freely see your [Status], and only until you turn three, that is, when you can begin to use your Mana.

But even though, some highly skilled spies could be able to see some information about your [Status], but it’s really a rare case, and doesn’t really concern you.”(Julie)

I see, I see.

“Then, how can I see my [Status]?”(Abigaelle)

“You only have to think about how the [Status] screen should look like, and then link this image in your mind to the word “status” while using some of your Mana.

However, you can’t do it until you turn three, and your parents have to help you the first time, because you will be unable to freely use the Mana inside you without them.

But people tends to… faint, on their first time”(Julie)

“Ah…”(Abigaelle)

I’m totally depressed right now, and I swear that it’s showing on my face.

I can’t use magic till I’m three?
You tell me there’s magic here, and just after that, you tell me I won’t be able to use for the next two years?

And what’s this about fainting?

Well, since I’m a reincarnated person, maybe it won’t happen to me?

Yeah, that should be it.

That will be it. It can’t be any! Other! Way!

Because I totally hate fainting. It’s gross.

“Hum, Abigaelle-sama, may I ask you something?”(Julie)

“Of course, what is it?”(Abigaelle)

Don’t you see I’m sulking, onee-san? Please cheer me up! I’m begging you!

“I was wondering what was the content of those two boxes”(Julie)

“Ah well, the first one was a Skill, something about [Logical Thinking]”(Abigaelle)

“Oooh, did you acquire the skill?”(Julie)

“Oh no, it said it evolved from level 6 to level 7”(Abigaelle)

“Level…7?”(Julie)

“Yes, why, is it bad? Hey, Julie onee-san, are you okay? What’s wrong?”(Abigaelle)

Somehow, she seems… broken? She’s staring blankly at me, like she just discovered that Aliens were invading her garden.

Aaaah! I’ve done it again. Did she broke already?

But as I was thinking that…

“You are truly amazing, Abigaelle-sama! To have obtained the Skill [Logical Thinking (Lv7)] at such a young age, you are not even on the level of a genius, you’re a real prodigy!”(Julie)

*Bing*

Required conditions cleared. Your Title: [Genius] has evolved. [Genius] has evolved into [Acknowledged Genius]

*Bing*

Required conditions cleared. Your Title: [Acknowledged Genius] has evolved. [Acknowledged Genius] has evolved into [Child Prodigy]

“Ah! Don’t say anything more please! I don’t want those windows to keep popping from anywhere!”(Abigaelle)

“Another one? What is it saying?”(Julie)

“About a Title changing from [Genius] to [Child prodigy]. But please, don’t say anything. I don’t want more blue windows for now!”(Abigaelle)

“A-as you want, Abigaelle-sama. But I really can’t wait to see what your [Status] is actually hiding!”(Julie)

I know I wanted you to praise me, but you overdid it there, onee-san!

And all those pop-up are giving me a headache!

Hey but, now that I’m thinking about it…

“But, say, how come those windows never showed up before today?”(Abigaelle)

“Well, in fact, they already have, but it seems that they mostly appear during sleep for children. We don’t know why though.”(Julie)

Well, that’s kinda logical, children learn during the day, and the brain “saves the data” while they sleep.

But, even if I say that it’s logic, it’s only a hunch.

“Well, for now Abigaelle-sama, I do have to report this to your parents, so please excuse me.”(Julie)

“Of course Julie onee-san, but I am going to sleep right away, because my head is hurting right now, so please tell them to wait for tomorrow night before they start interrogating me.

“Of course, Abigaelle-sama. Have a good night.”(Julie)

“Oyasumi’”(Abigaelle)

[…]

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