Some seconds later, they arrived at their destination. It was a secluded area far away from the cave where nobody would disturb both of them. Alvaro stretched his body for a bit until he noticed from the corner of his eye a figure. Turning that way he saw Ketty walking towards them.
"Hm? What are you doing here?" Alvaro curiously inquired.
I thought he left already on some merchant stuff.
"I've been called to help." Ketty bowed to both of them.
"Ah, okay." Alvaro quickly put his attention towards Petelgeuse.
"Well, then shall we begin?" Petelgeuse asked, twisting his body backwards.
"Yes." Alvaro confirmed.
My excitement may be childish but who can blame me? I'm about to learn how to use magic! How can I not be excited?
"Magic is made up of six elements, yes?" Petelgeuse wanted to know how much Alvaro knew about magic.
"It should be fire, water, wind, earth, yin, and yang." Alvaro recalled his conversation with the spirit.
After that Petelgeuse stood a bit back, monitoring him. From there Ketty came towards Alvaro and continued the explanation.
"Fire element relates to temperature. Water element regulates life and healing. Wind element functions outside the bodies of living things. Earth element functions inside the body. Yin spells cover debuffs while yang spells cover buffs." Ketty explained, raising a finger when naming a different element.
It makes sense so far. Nothing too difficult to understand.
"Furthermore, the strength of spells starts from the original incantation and increases by adding El, Ul, or Al." Ketty stared at him, in response Alvaro nodded.
Oh, so that's how they differentiate how much power is behind a spell. Quite easy to remember.
"Generally, there are two types of primary casters, Magic Users and Spirit Users which are largely differentiated by how they use mana to cast spells. The former draw on their internal mana through their gates while the latter uses the mana in the atmosphere with the aid of spirits to process spells directly. Spirits can also act as pseudo gates for their contractors if they are lacking the means to use magic on their own."
Wait, spirits are used like that? I was under the assumption that they were the souls of dead people? Though it's good that I can use a spirits gate if mine isn't working or isn't useful.
"That's good to hear." Alvaro murmured.
"Though not considered magic, normal people are also capable of utilising mana for their own benefits. One of such, are different warriors, knights, swordsmen and the like. By subconsciously using their own mana and letting it flow through their body, they imbue themselves with magic-like properties, such as enhanced speed, agility, reflexes, strength and healing. Naturally, these boosts aren't as strong as yang magic or spirit-given boosts but are nonetheless capable."
How magnificent can this get? Even if I fail at using magic I can still enhance my body to fight stronger. Now, that means that I won't be weak compared to the inhabitants of this world.
While Alvaro was not the strongest person on earth. He was fairly athletic due to his genetics and physical training. But that didn't matter in this world since people easily overpowered him. Luckily there's a way for him to keep up with these people. He begged that this world was one where talent doesn't dominate.
"Does that mean I can use all elements?"
In other fantasy worlds you could use all the elements. Though that doesn't mean you could use it efficiently, you can just use all of them.
"Not quite." Ketty interjected, slowly shaking his head sideways.
He would be discouraged but then remembered how most work that way. People can normally only use one element while more talented folks could use more than one.
"Most of the mages are capable of using one element, some people are able to use multiple elements."
"So it comes to luck and talent, huh…?" Alvaro had a dejected expression.
Tch, there will always be this kind of thing. And I can't even do anything about it. It's just how this world works and I need to accept it.
Luck was never his strong suit and will probably never be. Look at his life and you will be able to tell that he indeed never had luck on his side .
"Well, how do I know which elements I can use?" He changed his expression back to normal.
"Hmm? I can't tell which is your affinity so you could perhaps incantate each of them until you find the right one." Ketty suggested, scratching the back of his head.
A solid proposal.
"Incantations for each element are Goa for fire, Huma for water, Fura for wind, Dona for earth, Shamak for Yin, and Jiwald for Yang."
"Okay, I got this." Alvaro gulped and then cleared his throat.
Alvaro was planning on using Al before to see what will happen. Unfortunately Ketty seemed to understand what he was thinking as he warned.
"Make sure to not use El, Ul, or Al. I repeat do not!" Ketty shouted.
He also backed away, while Petelgeuse didn't. In fact, he came closer. Alvaro, seeing this, got a bit confused but other than that he ignored it.
Petelgeuse was going to act as a support, and use the mana inside Alvaro, so the magic will come from his own gate.
"Now, visualize the flow of mana through your body. Then expel a part of it, through your gate, out of your body." Ketty practically shouted since he was far away.
Okay, I got this. Don't panic and you should be fine.
Following his advice or instructions, Alvaro visualized the flow mana and tried expelling a tiny bit. Then he said the incantation.
"Goa."
Nothing happened. Disappointed, Alvaro tried the next one.
So it isn't fire which means I can't have all the elements.
"Huma."
The same thing happened.
Neither this, I guess.
"Fura."
Exact identical outcome.
Yeah, it doesn't seem like I'll have more than one element.
"Dona."
Another duplicate result.
"Jiwald."
Once again, the end result was the same. At least he knew what his affinity was.
"What does Shamak do?"
"The target becomes unable to sense where they are, however they can still feel the ground and sense what's happening to their body."
So it's all debuffs? Not that I mind, in reality I'm actually quite pleased. It will be extremely useful if I use it properly. I'll use that to swiftly eliminate the enemy. Although I doubt it will be that uncomplicated, all I can do is wait until I use it.
"Shamak."
A large puff of black smoke expelled out of his body. The cloud covered the whole area. Alvaro's body instantly fell on the ground. He tried to stand back up. As much as he attempted to get up it just didn't happen, no matter how much effort he utilized. Giving up, he looked to see Petelgeuse standing like nothing happened.
"I see…This is certainly interesting." Petelgeuse commented looking down at Alvaro.
"What's that even supposed to mean?" Alvaro sighed.
"Ah, your control over your gate isn't that good." He bit his finger, then stopped after the second bite.
Being reasonable, it's probable that it was due to my gate being brand new.
"Well, that doesn't explain why I cannot move." Alvaro complained.
"It's unfortunate that you used all the mana in your body."
A single spell drained all my mana? Talk about a let down. There goes my dreams of being a master magician. I really didn't have a dream like that but let's pretend I did for the sake of nothing.
"Can't you do something about it?"
Alvaro once again tried to get up but to no avail. In response Petelgeuse grabbed something inside his robe. He took out a small fruit, the size of a peach seed.
"I'll eat it myself so give it to me." Alvaro raised his arm in an open palm.
Alvaro waited for Petelgeuse to hand the fruit over. Unfortunately that wasn't what Petelgeuse was going to do. He held onto the fruit and went closer to Alvaro's mouth.
"Hm? I can do it myself, no need for any help." Alvaro explained.
"…"
Seeing him not stopping he quickly spoke. "Let's talk this out. Put it on the ground, Geuse!" Alvaro moved, attempting to escape.
Ketty, where are you? Don't tell me you left.
His eyes darted around searching for him only to find him standing there. When he made eye contact, Ketty looked away. Petelgeuse took this chance to swiftly put the fruit into his mouth, accidently putting his finger.
"—!"
Alvaro was ready to bite and sink his teeth into his finger but Petelgeuse retracted his hand in time, leaving Alvaro to only bite the fruit. He chewed it and then swallowed it. A sudden source of energy appeared inside him. After that sudden outburst of energy, he rises to his feet.
"I never expected to be feeded by you of all people. Why couldn't it have been an attractive girl instead?" he joked, the last part that is, the other one was said in full dissatisfaction.
"I completely understand." Petelgeuse embraced something not present.
"Huh?"
Now what is he talking about? This madman had the desire to be feeded by a cute girl? He has to be joking.
"Yes, the witch's affection! Her love, love—"
"Oh." Alvaro flatly said.
What did I expect…
"Anyways, you should be careful or your gate will break." Ketty warned, deciding that now was the time to speak.
How? I just used it once. I'm really worried about my future when using magic. If my gate is about to break I won't use magic anymore until it's completely healed.
"Hmm, then I'll opt to refrain from using it until it's safe enough."
"What about spirit users?" Alvaro asked about the other category Ketty mentioned.
"Spirit arts? My sincere apologies but I can't help you with that." Ketty apologized.
Hmm, that's too ba—
"Ah, my brain trembles."
Petelgeuse—
No.
Alvaro said.
Without warning an unknown and strange conscious entered him. Something felt very wrong about his body. It's as if he was fighting for control. After struggling he ultimately failed, he still was there but it felt like something else was next to him. Before he knew it his body moved by himself. Alvaro's body stretched his limbs.
Huh?! What the hell is going on?! This is…
"Fantastic! It's been decades since I had a body that fits me so well." 'Alvaro' cackled with laughter as he kept using his body.
It was taking all his effort to take control for a couple of seconds. "Geuse?!" Alvaro's bewilderment was evidently across his whole face.
The least he wanted was for someone to possess his body while he watched everything they did. He hated it. Perhaps sensing his fears, 'Alvaro' spoke.
"Worry not, I won't do anything drastic with this body. I would never do anything like that to a fellow believer in love!" 'Alvaro' reassured the actual Alvaro.
Sure enough he shortly departed as Alvaro could control his body again. He wiped his non-existent sweat off his forehead with his arm. Before he could glare at Petelgeuse with anger and hatred, Ketty talked.
"That's surprising! Your spirit affinity must be very high!" Ketty for the first time seemed surprised and impressed.
"I'll let it slide since it was for testing my spirit affinity. Otherwise things wouldn't have gone this smooth." His words were full of venom, which was nothing more than a stern warning.
A chill went down Ketty's spine in both thrill and fear, but at the same time that made him eager to see what Alvaro will become as an Archbishop.
So I can contract spirits?! From what I've heard this is wonderful.
"More importantly, is there anyone here who can teach me swordsmanship or can inform me how much potential I have for it?" Alvaro went back to his neutral expression.
Long story short, Ketty did in fact have experience with swordsmanship. Being a merchant he was making sure that he could protect himself which was an obvious conclusion. Either way, Alvaro would need to train alone since Ketty had more important business. What he did do was see how much potential Alvaro had.
"Hmm…" Ketty stroked his chin as he watched Alvaro swing the sword.
"I would say you average at best. The only reason you're improving faster is due to you being familiar with a similar weapon."
"Is that so?" Alvaro sighed in disappointment.
I guess I can't be a generic overpowered isekai protagonist.
The last thing Ketty taught Alvaro before leaving was an ability called Ryuuhou. An ability which involves using mana to strengthen your own body in order to raise your attack power or withstand attacks. Unlike magic, which is influenced by talent, Ryuuhou depends entirely on training. Which was indeed a positive factor when training the ability.
He took a break for the day because of his mana outburst. He wanted to replenish his mana before using Ryuuhou. He was a cautious man, after all. Spending that time reading instead. Of course, he wasn't feeling any better but he preoccupied his mind to not go further down the spiral of depression. That was his way of coping with it.
Afternoon came around as he finished his last book. Putting it down, he decided it was now the right time to contact the yang spirit.
Concentrate.
Focusing the attention towards the area around him, he attempted his best to draw out the spirits nearby. As if the call was heard, countless flying orbs appeared. The light was enough to brighten the whole cave. Overwhelmed by the innumerable number of different types of spirits he stood speechless. Truly a memorable sight to witness.
So beautiful.
A/N
I've never been the creative type when coming up with new abilities. While I'm still deciding whether to give him the pride witch factor or not, one of the main reasons as for waiting is because I don't know what kind of authority to give him. I know it forms based on the holder's desire.
It has to be balanced. I don't want it to be entirely useless or overly overpowered. So once again I'm asking for your help. But don't worry the decision is still far away so you can take your time.
Well, I'm apologizing for asking a lot from you readers. I know your just trying to enjoy the story and I'm out here asking for help.
I plan for his affinity for yin high but the downside is that his gate is barely useable and that his mana is pretty low.
His spirit affinity is also high but he won't contract a spirit for ever element right away. I'll make him think hard about his choice since there'll will be a lot of spirits who will want to be in a contract with him.
I'll probably post this fanfic across other platforms.
Another thing about the mc is that he doesn't get easily angry or anything like that. Just wanted to say that.
For the reader that's curious about the mc staying in the witch cult, the answer is sort of. He'll stay with them but he'll also be doing his own thing from time to time.
Thanks for reading!
