It's dead in night.
I'm definitely going to regret staying up late once again, but it's the only time I can study this...
"Novice guide to magic"
I still remember what she said...
"As much as I love you, I would really prefer if you stayed out of this magic stuff. People risk their lives, and I don't want you to risk yours."
I know she means well, but isn't it kind of restraining? Like I can't be my own person with how she tries to push her own business onto me?
Besides, why can't I be with him as well?
I feel my soul trembling in fear, and yet my determination and a cup of tea pushes me onward.
"Magic Tome No.1: Genesis"
It's... A bit daunting to read something so thick with pages. The most I've read are encyclopedias, and even then it's for parts I cared about.
Still...
...
Skipping the preface, I turn towards the first page. It's about understanding oneself.
Yes... I know not everyone is cut out to be a magician.
I'm not sure if I'm even cut out for it... Yet that wavering feeling can't leave me, especially as I picked up this tome.
Reading further... Man, these magicians have a strong sense of self, huh?
It was said that the magic was once a gift from the Endless King, as she was the one that wanted to lead humanity to the better prospects. She was the one who believed in our autonomy, as opposed to her brothers who had denied it.
Hmm...
"It is of utmost importance that you find a conductor from which you cast your "self". That way, no harm should come your way."
Reading further, it's apparently a tool to which you can imbue your magic.
And it has to be a tool of high affinity and affection. Something that can be considered a treasure to the individual.
They note that the telltale sign of the personal conductor is that upon holding it, you experience "great joys beyond words"... This tome is written in such a convoluted way.
... But I'll try.
Searching around my room, I can't seem to find anything that would bring that joy.
I was about to give up, but then...
Something dreadful came to me...
Coming from that door...
...
As I approach our secret weaponry and open the lid, I feel... Oh god...
The dread doesn't disappear, in fact it was made even worse, yet at the same time... I feel immeasurable excitement. Subconsciously, my hand reaches out and grabs something. That something sent shivers down my spine.
Is that...
No, it can't be...
Yet it feels like my heart is going to jump out and latch onto it, pressing itself closer and closer just to feel it.
It was a rifle. A weapon of self-defence against the possible thieves and creeps.
I've had target practices before, and I was taught trigger discipline. After all, I have to defend myself at some point.
Yet now...
It feels like a brand new world is about to open.
Had I felt it before when I was practicing?...
She did say I was a surprising natural at this. At first it did seem to be just a compliment, a job well made - but now...
*Creak*
!!!
...
... No one's here. Alright, I gotta get out of here, don't want anyone catching me red handed dead at night. Especially her...
...
Alright... I should be safe now... Though firearms are really loud... Well, I AM armed, so any animal shouldn't be a problem I think.
Holding the shotgun close to my chest, I feel warm. Like it brings me comfort like she would.
Alright, what it says next...
Turning on my lamp, I read the following.
"Utter the words gently under your breath:
"Heed me now, my beloved companion."
And you'll feel like you're now bound to the conductor by soul."
...
"H-Heed me now, my beloved companion..."
In that instant, that tremor I felt disappears and I feel like something has gone away.
The rifle doesn't seem that different though...
!... I hear the rustle!
Alright, guess it's time for target practice--oh?
A bunny?
Well, I don't really want to kill an innocent little creature. Especially with how terrified it looks.
"Rrrrrrrgh..."
"Eek!"
A wolf!!!
"No-no-no! Ah! Stay back!"
As I push on the trigger, no bullet comes out and I realise that the shotgun was unloaded. No-no-no!
"Rrrrrrrgh!"
Come on, please fit...
"Rrrrah!!!"
"S-STAY BACK!!!"
Just in time before my face got mauled, I managed to load the rifle and aim it at the
But just as I pushed my trigger, something weird happened.
The bullet was pure white, like it was radiating. And it cleanly pierced the beast before it attacked.
What is this?...
The bunny scooted close to me and I picked it up. So fluffy...
"Okay buddy, go to your home..."
I wonder...
Anyhoo... I should probably go home. I wonder if I'll be able to persuade her to let me keep the rifle in my room...
Argh!!
My head...
Why does it...........
Hurt?......
~
"■■■■!"
"Yes, sweetie, hold it just like this..."
"Hm, surprised you ■■■■■■ stuff..."
"Well, ■■■■■■■■ and ■■■■■■, so ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■"
"Haah..."
"Surprised that you even ■■■■, ■■■■■■"
"Come on, don't think of me as cruel, C■■■■■■"
~
Say... That black haired witch...
To be continued...