Reincarnated as a Genius Prodigy of a Prestigious Family - Chapter 20

6. So, What Do You Do? (4)

Contrary to popular belief, the amount of magic each wizard possesses doesn’t vary much. Magic involves absorbing natural mana, refining it, and releasing it in a controlled manner.

Wizards’ bodies are weak and easily exhausted because of this. The ‘circle’ serves as a filter and pathway for mana circulation. Wizards with multiple circles can perform more powerful spells with less mana.

‘Usually, without a circle, the flow and density of mana are limited…’

But Dane was different.

He had an entirely different density and flow of mana compared to the average person.

If he could form circles?

The already high-density mana would be further compressed and refined, allowing for even more potent magic.

Ordinarily, such density and pressure would overwhelm and destroy the body.

But Dane was different.

His mana affinity was extraordinarily high.

His body could naturally accept and utilize a higher level of mana.

In Dane’s case, his mana affinity was higher than any wizard Sidraine had ever seen.

‘Then why…’

Doesn’t he have circles?

Sidraine soon realized why.

His magically enhanced vision saw the two mana cores near Dane’s heart.

“Why, why did you create mana cores?!”

Sidraine shouted in shock.

Dane frowned at the outburst.

“Is that a problem?”

“Of course it is! With such incredible mana affinity, you’re swinging around cold steel instead?! This is insane!”

Sidraine raised his voice again, clearly exasperated.

“You have this unbelievable density and flow of mana, and you made cores instead of circles? You’re wasting your talent!”

Dane tilted his head in confusion.

“Can’t I use both?”

Where to begin?

Should he explain why ‘magic swordsmen’ have such short lifespans?

Why they are often seen as jack-of-all-trades, masters of none?

Or should he just call him an idiot for not realizing his potential?

“Do you really think that?”

“Yes.”

His confidence was bewildering.

So Sidraine explained.

“Cores and circles interfere with each other. It’s a rule. If you funnel highly compressed mana from the cores into the circles, the circles will break under the pressure!”

It was a set rule.

That’s why magic swordsmen have short lives.

They burn brightly but briefly, using both magic and physical prowess.

Autopsies of magic swordsmen often show torn and damaged mana pathways.

So, according to Sidraine, Dane could never form circles now.

‘Such a waste!’

Despite his eccentricity, Sidraine didn’t disdain warriors who used cold steel.

But from a wizard’s perspective, Dane’s potential felt wasted.

If he had such talent, he could have reached the mythical ninth chain.

Sidraine was so frustrated he almost pounded his chest.

“Is it impossible to use magic without circles?”

“Of course it’s…”

Sidraine paused.

“…possible, but nearly impossible. How could you use refined mana spells without the refinement of circles?”

From Sidraine’s perspective, it was impossible.

Attempts had been made, but they mostly failed.

“Then shall I try?”

“What?”

“I’ll try using magic without circles.”

What nonsense is this kid spouting?

“Well, I’ve never tried it before.”

Sidraine couldn’t believe his ears.

“…”

What is this crazy kid saying?

But Dane calmly recited the magical reconfiguration code that just came to mind and summoned his mana.

When he opened his palm, a fireball ignited in the air.

A basic first-circle spell.

But this kid had no circles.

How?

“Oh, it works.”

Dane smiled at Sidraine.

Sidraine’s jaw dropped.

“How is this possible?”

He didn’t forcibly create a circle.

But how did he control such fine mana without one?

“This is impossible…”

“Should I try another?”

Dane dissipated the fireball and cast another spell.

A thin mana shield appeared before him.

A first-circle physical protection spell.

Sidraine felt like fainting.

A kid with no circles cast magic?

On the spot?

“Wow, this works too.”

Dane murmured excitedly, and Sidraine realized something profound.

Circles.

Filters that refine mana.

The power and level of a spell depend on the mana’s purity.

For example, a fifth-circle teleportation spell requires mana refined five times through circles.

Thus, a first-circle fireball should be impossible without circles.

“Arabella said my mana purity is higher than others. Maybe that’s why?”

Ah.

Sidraine realized.

This was the true meaning of ‘talent.’

A natural, overwhelming talent.

“Haha…”

Sidraine chuckled.

Dane had an extraordinary affinity for mana.

His mana was incomparably pure and dense.

And…

Despite having no circles, he could perform magic effortlessly.

This kid was the real deal.

Sidraine felt a surge of urgency.

“Would you like to be my apprentice?”

* * *

I knew I had high mana affinity since childhood, managing mana with my eldest sister and forming a mana core at three.

That’s probably why I could move easily in the Forest of the New Moon.

Even though breathing techniques helped, the forest that even my mother found challenging didn’t affect me much.

I could stay there for hours because accepting and releasing mana was natural for me.

But I didn’t know my mana was so dense and pure that I could use magic without circles until ‘now.’

“This is actually working.”

It was surprising.

I had worried about forming circles after creating my mana core.

But it was easier than I thought.

If forming circles was hard, I could just use magic without them.

My mana was already as pure and dense as if it had been refined through circles.

And that seemed remarkable.

Judging by the way the tower master was chasing me, ignoring his dignity.

“Stop right there! Let’s talk for a moment!”

Maybe I didn’t realize how extraordinary it was because of my eldest sister’s constant praise.

I thought it was natural for a genius.

Maybe it felt natural to her too.

She’s a genius as well.

“Please, let’s talk!”

“It’s time for bed.”

“Sleep in broad daylight?”

This guy was persistent.

I said no.

I quickened my pace.

But just as I was about to speed up, the wizard suddenly appeared beside me.

“Ha ha. See? This is acceleration magic. It temporarily speeds up the body. If you become my apprentice, you’ll learn this and much more…”

I channeled mana to my legs and instantly sprinted away.

A chase began.

“Isn’t that the guy who got poisoned by the Redcap Mushroom? Why is he chasing the young master?”

“Isn’t he a wizard?”

“A wizard got poisoned by a mushroom? What an idiot.”

The residents of the estate watched the spectacle.

“This is gravity magic! Using it under your feet feels like flying! Interested now?”

“My sister already taught me that.”

“…”

Sidraine always caught up whenever I ran.

Doesn’t a tower master have plenty of willing apprentices? Why pursue me?

“You must become a wizard! Wasting your talent is a crime! If you learn from me, Sidraine Gauss, master of the Nirksion Tower, you’ll…”

Sidraine tripped, rolled on the ground, and quickly got up, still determined.

Persistent.

Are all wizards like this?

“Ha, ha.”

After a while, Sidraine stopped, panting.

He couldn’t use more magic due to mana backflow.

“Damn it, if not for the mana backflow…”

“You should rest.”

“Hmph. But there’s still a way!”

Sidraine pulled out a feather, which burst into flames, lifting him off the ground.

An artifact.

Floating in the air, he approached me.

“Haha. How about it? I can provide artifacts like this for free if you become my apprentice!”

No choice.

I can’t draw a sword or spear on a sick person, nor punch him. I need to handle this gracefully.

Should I try wind magic?

I summoned my mana and reconfigured it to a wind spell.

When I extended my hand and released it-

Whoosh!

A strong wind blew Sidraine away.

I felt my mana drain quickly.

But the spell worked well.

“Whoa!”

Sidraine landed hard on his rear.

He’ll give up now, right?

“Good heavens… wind magic too!”

Guess not.

“You’re indeed… incredibly talented!”

“I still won’t be your apprentice.”

“I’ll make you change your mind!”

Is he dying without an apprentice or something?

“Can you use second-circle magic? Want to try?”

“I don’t know the code.”

“You don’t know a second-circle spell? With such talent, how can you not know even a second-circle spell?”

Not knowing is normal.

I never asked my sister.

And who would’ve thought I’d use magic like this?

“Ha ha, I didn’t expect you to get along with my son so quickly.”

A savior’s voice.

My father.

“Look, the Count is here.”

“How handsome he is, even at his age.”

“That’s why he’s a Count! He might be the most handsome noble in the Empire.”

“Isn’t Duke Termione from the capital also very handsome? Everyone who saw him said so!”

My father smiled at me amidst the residents’ whispers.

“Son, already getting along?”

“No. I was running away because he kept asking me to be his apprentice.”

“Apprentice?”

Sidraine quickly intervened.

“Count Sogress. Your son has extraordinary talent in magic!”

“Is that so?”

“More than you know! I’ve never seen a wizard cast chain-level magic without circles!”

“Is that true, Dane?”

I nodded and summoned a fireball in my hand.

My father’s jaw dropped.

“My word.”

Sidraine, emboldened, began a speech.

He explained my high mana density, purity, and natural affinity, allowing me to use magic smoothly without circles.

“Is that so? I didn’t know my son could go beyond basic mana emission and use actual magic…”

“That’s why he’s incredibly talented!”

My father nodded, intrigued.

“You’re truly a tower master. You recognized my son’s magical talent so precisely.”

“It’s not just recognizing talent! Your son is a genius. He could become a legendary magic swordsman!”

“A magic swordsman?”

My father’s brow furrowed.

Oh.

That’s not it.

“Yes, a magic swordsman. Isn’t it exciting? If he becomes my apprentice, I’ll make him the best wizard and swordsman…”

“Tower Master Sidraine.”

My father’s voice turned serious.

“Magic swordsman is not an option.”

“Why? Isn’t he exceptionally talented in both?”

Sidraine seemed taken aback by my father’s intensity.

But only for a moment.

“My Dane will not be a magic swordsman. He will be a magic spearman.”

“…”

“…”

Father.

I want to be a magic swordsman too.

And an assassin and summoner, if possible.