Two weeks had passed since the fact that Hajime was the weakest was made known to everyone.

Currently, I was with Hajime using his break time from training to check out the Royal Library. On his hand was a large handbook titled "Illustrated Handbook of Northern Continent's Magic Beasts". The reason why Hajime was reading this book was because, in his own words, after these two weeks of training, he had realized that he was even more useless than he had imagined himself to be. However, he could utilize knowledge and wisdom to compensate for his lack of strength. Thus, he had decided to utilize his break time from training to increase his knowledge.

"Haiii~" Hajime let out a sigh after reading the handbook for quite some time, then he threw it onto the table, I caught it before it hit and set it down..

Hajime was surprised as he sent me an apologetic and thankful look.

"What the heck am I doing?" and yet again he let out another deep sigh.

"You're trying to be more helpful."

Hajime slowly took out his Status plate as he rested his cheek on the palm and showed it to me again.

Nagumo Hajime, 17, male

CLASS:Synergist, Level:2

Str:12 Vit:12

Def:12 Agi:12

Mag:12 Res:12

Skills: Transmutation, language comprehension

Hajime's growth rate was lacking when compared to someone like Kouki, whose growth was about five times that of Hajime's. Moreover, we had also realized that he did not have an aptitude for magic. This world also had a different concept of magic compared to my old world.

The process of utilizing magic in Tortus was by channeling magic power from one's body into a magic circle by means of an incantation, which would then activate the magic spells. There was no way to directly activate the spells with magic power, one must construct the corresponding magic circles to cast the respective spells.

Also, the magic power that was channeled into the magic circle would increase in proportion to the incantation time. The scale of the magic circle would magnify in accordance to the complexity of the spell, which will inevitably lead the magic circle itself becoming larger.

For example, the 【Fireball】 attack which was a signature magic spell in RPGs would require a 20 cm wide magic circle. Basic techniques such as attribute, power, range, scope, and magic absorption ,the method they channel the magic power in one's body, were required. Other things such as inductivity and sustained duration were also required for the spells, which would end up increasing the scale of the magic circle.

On the other hand, there are exceptions to these concepts. That is one's aptitude. Basically aptitude means that some people with a unique body constitution could leave out some formulas when using magic spells. For example, a person with the fire-type aptitude will not require to write the attribute section of the magic formula. Instead, one can rely on imagination to make-up for this omission. Instead of writing the attribute section, one can just imagine the fire while chanting the incantation, which will then bring out the fire attribute in the spell.

Most people will have some sort of aptitude, and the aforementioned 20 cm diameter of magic circle is an estimate for an average person. In Hajime's case, he does not have any aptitude. Other than the five basic techniques, he still had to add in the speed, trajectory, diffusion rate, control rate, and such meticulous techniques. Thus, Hajime required a magic circle close to 2 meter wide to launch a 【Fireball】 spell. This would not be practical in a real-combat scenario.

There are two ways to engrave the magic circle; By using a special kind of paper which can only be used one time and metal engravings which can be used multiple times. The former has a wide versatility, but can only be used once and its strength will also decrease. The latter can be used several times and still retain its strength, but its magic spell cannot be changed and it is bulky. The priests and Ishtar all wield staffs that contain metal engravings.

Well, in short, it was not practical for close combat, especially if the person did not have an aptitude. For the "Synergist" class, it could only separate or create compounds, other than manufacturing purpose, it was useless. There was also no divine artifact that was helpful for transmutation. Hajime had originally only received a pair of gloves with a transmutation magic circle carved on it. Well, was there any point in making pitfalls and traps? Even if Hajime could do it on the ground, the scale would be a little too big… He would become an easy target in combat.

During these two weeks, I had made gauntlets for him, though they were meant only for some more protection, and our classmates had labeled him as worthless. There was nothing he could do about it, except accumulating knowledge. His future was bleak in his eyes, with the only thing that increased recently was his unceasing sighs.

"Bah, might as well just go out and travel." While saying that, he peered through the library's window, and gazed at the blue sky outside.

'That's it, I should go to the demi-human's country. A mystical world without kemonomimi is simply out of question.' 'They are located deep in the "Sea of Trees" because of the discriminatory attitude towards the demi-humans, the only ones outside of the forest were slaves.' That was a conversation we had before, he was probably thinking about it again.

According to Hajime's knowledge, the demi-humans were discriminated against and holed up deep in the Hartzena Sea of Trees, that spread across the North and South on the East side of the continent. They were discriminated against because they did not possess any magic power.

According to the legends, during the age of Gods, this world was created by God Ehit and his apostles using ancient magic. The magic that was used in this age was a degraded version of the ancient magic. Therefore, magic was admired by everybody as it was a gift from the Gods. Of course, these were all teachings from the Saint's Church.

Because of this notion, the demi-human which could not use any magic were viewed by humans as an evil race abandoned by the Gods. Then, what about the magic beasts? It is said that magic beasts are a race that brings about disaster and does not have the blessings from God. They are just vermin. Hajime was aghast at this kind of over-generalised perception the humans had when he found out.

Other than that, even though the demons worshiped a different God from the "Ehit-sama" which the Saint's Church worshiped, their view of demi-humans was the same as the humans'. In addition, every demon has high magic aptitude, they require a much shorter incantation than the humans, and a tiny magic circle they make could possess enormous firepower.

Humans, because of the difference in the Gods they worshiped, affirmed the demons as their enemies. Saint's Church's teaching, and discriminated against the demi-humans who were not loved by Gods. Demons are the same as humans. Not much is known about the demi-human race.

'If getting to the "Sea of Trees" is impossible, then maybe I should go to the West Sea? Indeed, there should be a maritime city called Elisen. If I can't see a kemonomimi then I want to see mermaids. Mermaids are a man's romance. And I also want to eat the seafood there.'

The Maritime City Elisen is located at the coast of the West Sea and known as the seafaring demi-human's city. This was the only tribe of the demi-humans that received the protection of the kingdom. The reason was because this city supplied 80% of the seafood and marine-related materials to the Northern Continent's markets. There were no other reasons. What happened to self-righteous discrimination? Hajime was again disgusted at this kind of reasoning.

After passing through the Western Sea, one will reach the Guryuu-en Great Desert. In this desert, there is the trading transit, which also served as an important oasis, the Dukedom of Ancadi, there was also the Guryuu-en Great Volcano. This Guryuu-en Great Volcano is one of the Seven Great Dungeons.

The Seven Great Dungeons were few of the most dangerous zones in this world. There was one dungeon located at the Southwest of the Hairihi kingdom, and Orcus Great Dungeon, which was located at the center of Guryuu-en Great Desert. In addition, the previously mentioned Hartzena Sea of Trees, was another one of the Seven Great Dungeons. They mentioned Seven Great Dungeons, and yet only three were mentioned, that was because the other dungeons were only briefly mentioned in the Ancient Recordings, their exact locations had not been confirmed yet.

Tentatively, there were speculations of the Great Dungeons in certain places. Such as the Raisen Great Canyon, which cuts across the North to South of the continent, and the Shune Snowfield, in the snowy Southern region of the continent.

'Desert is still impossible after all, in that case, you could only look at the slaves in the Empire' 'I still don't have the confidence that I will be able to maintain my calm while looking at kemomimi who were treated as slaves.'

Empire refers to the Herrlicht Empire. This nation was founded by a group of mercenaries during a large-scale war against the demons 300 years ago. This is a military nation which employs numerous powerful mercenaries and adventurers. This nation is ruled by the supremacy of strength, which is quite a dark nation.

The people of this nation do not care so much about the affairs of the demi-humans or other matters, they will just use anything that is of use to them. That is why there are so many slave-traders who deal with demi-human slaves.

The empire is located between the Hairihi Kingdom and the Neutral Commercial City of Fhuren. As the name implies, Fhuren was an independent trading city which remained neutral. This country was managed properly, by utilizing its economic power to the limit, it was able to maintain its neutrality. One can get anything they want in this city, it was not known as the commerce center for nothing.

'Sigh~ In the end, I cannot run away if I want to return home.'

"I think its time to leave, wouldn't you say"

Hajime left in a hurry after hearing that, and I soon followed after him. The road to the Royal Palace was just a short distance, however, it was flooded with cheers and bustle from the Royal Capital. The sound of merchants touting their wares, the sound of children playing around, and the sound of elders reprimanding their overexcited child, it was a very peaceful day, it made me want to stay and watch.

'Seems like to return home well have to participate in the war~'

Training with the others was usually a bad time for Hajime, he was probably preparing for it.

When we reached the training ground, there were students there chatting happily while doing some independent training. It seemed like Hajime had arrived earlier than he thought. Hajime retrieved a western-style sword which was given to him and also started his own free practice.

Suddenly, I heard an attack. I frowned when I saw what I was expecting to see, sadly. As expected, it was Hiyama Daisuke and his gang the Bastards Four, the nickname Hajime had for them. Every time, they would try to create trouble for Hajime during the period before the training commenced. They were half of the reason why Hajime was so depressed during training. The other half was because of him comparing himself to the others.

"Yo, Nagumo, what are you doing? There is no meaning with you carrying that sword, you are so useless after all~"

"Hey, Hiyama that was overboard! Even if that is the truth, you don't have to say it out~ Wehehehehe"

"Why do you come for every training! If it was me, I would have been too ashamed of myself! Heh-heh-heh"

"Ah, Daisuke, since that fellow is so pitiful, why don't you let him train with us?"

Hiyama and the rest were laughing like madmen, was there any meaning to this?

"Ah? Hey hey, Shinji, aren't you being too nice? Oh, actually I am also a nice guy, let's train together~"

"Oh oh, good idea. We are super nice. We are willing to spend our precious time to help this incompetent fellow~. Nagumo~ you must be grateful, right?"

After saying their piece, Hiyama and the gang were all smiles as they brought Hajime to a secluded place shoulder to shoulder. Moreover, the classmates who noticed this scene also turned a blind eye to it, these kids. I followed them.

"No, I am alright being alone, you can leave me by my lonesome self."

As such, Hajime tried to reject tactfully.

"Ha? We are going out of the way to train the useless you, and yet you were saying this to us? You are being unreasonable. You just need to remain silent, and say 'thank you' afterwards. Just that sentence will be enough!"

As Hiyama said that, he hit Hajime in the side. "Urgh!" Hajime let out a groan as his face distorted in pain. I forgot that they were those types of people who would easily resort to violence. However when adolescent boys were suddenly granted such huge power, it was only natural for them to be deeply engrossed. As thus, they were unable to restrain themselves from targeting Hajime. Hajime, who had no power to resist, could only clench his teeth and bear with it.

"Hey, Hiyama, what are you doing?"

They seemed surprised by my voice.

"We, we're just helping train Nagumo, isn't that right?" He tossed an arm around Hajime. I sent him a look when he tried to agree. Was he trying to not be a burden or was he just scared?

"Let me help, I did say I would train him the first day, right?" Taking Hajime's arm we went out to the middle of the field.

Handing Hajime a wooden sword I took a couple paces back and got in a ready position, and so did he. This wouldn't be the first time we've sparred, but it was the first with people watching. That part seemed to shake him a bit. Using his distraction I lunged forward, hitting his chest and knocking him down. Jumping back up he tried to hit me with an upwards swing, I could see a small smile form on his face.

"You both were so cool, I didn't know you could use a sword shirou!"

"Same, Shirou, are you teaching Hajime?"

Shirasaki, Yeagashi, Amanogawa, and Sakagami came to us, having seen our spar.

"While I do agree, and think it's a positive to see Nagumo so active, trainings already started, so let get going"

Usually after the training ended, they would have free time till dinner time. However this time, Commander Meld held everybody back for an announcement. The students were wondering what was going on as Commander Meld used a deep voice to announce.

"From tomorrow onward, we will be conducting our practical training in Orcus Great Dungeon. All the necessary equipment will be prepared by us, I want to use the Magic Beasts outside the capital as practice targets. More importantly, get your spirits up! Have a good rest tonight! Dismiss!"

He quickly conveyed the important announcement like this. Amongst the hustling and bustling of the students, Hajime sat at the end as he looked up at the sky.

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