After finishing the basic theory of magic, I finally moved on to earth magic. As it turned out, Viren had affinities for both earth and wind. Not bad at all—actually a very solid combination for combat and versatility.
Still, I quickly realized that I didn't need as many spells as most mages. Even at the first rank, many of them already knew five or six spells, sometimes more. But after thinking it through, I came to a different conclusion: I only needed two. One offensive spell, and one defensive. For my fighting style, anything beyond that would just be unnecessary clutter.
So I decided to start with an offensive spell.
Two more weeks passed in this steady rhythm of study and practice. Day after day, I worked on constructing the spell formula, refining it, memorizing every detail. It wasn't easy—far from it. More than once I caught myself getting irritated, especially when the formula wouldn't stabilize in my mind. But eventually, after persistent effort, I managed to complete it.
Another week later, I successfully cast the spell for the first time.
Offensive spells are usually rated from one to five stars relative to others of the same rank. The higher the rating, the more efficient and powerful the spell is considered.
Stone Rain — 1★
Summons three small stone projectiles.
Each is about three centimeters long, sharpened toward the target.
I will rate spells on a scale from 1 to 5 relative to spells of the same rank.
Damage: 3
Speed: 3
Area of effect: 1
Mana cost: 4
Cast time: 1 second
Why did I choose this spell, even though its versatility is low? The answer was simple. Combined with swordsmanship, it was incredibly convenient. I didn't need large-scale destructive magic—I needed something fast, precise, and easy to weave into combat. And while the mana cost was relatively high for its performance, that didn't matter much in my case. I wasn't a pure mage.
I spent another week learning how to use the spell while moving. That part was especially difficult. Casting while standing still was one thing—but maintaining focus during movement, keeping balance, not losing control over the formula… that was something else entirely.
Eventually, I reached a level where casting no longer slowed me down significantly. Though there was still one limitation—I couldn't use aura while casting. That would take more time to overcome.
After that, I moved on to a defensive spell.
I didn't aim for the strongest possible defense. Instead, I chose something practical—a spell with a fast casting time.
Defensive spells are evaluated based on how much protection they provide and how large an area they can cover, again relative to spells of the same rank.
Earth Wall — 1★
Defense: 2
Mana cost: 3
Protected area: 2
Cast time: 0.75 seconds
Interestingly, there were many variations of Earth Wall. By slightly altering the structure of the spell, you could achieve entirely different effects. That alone showed just how flexible earth magic could be.
So why this version?
Simple. I needed moderate defense—enough to block most attacks, except for those that required a long casting time and carried overwhelming power. I also intentionally chose a smaller coverage area, since I would mostly be fighting alone. There was no need to waste mana protecting a wide space.
Learning and mastering this spell took me about two weeks. Compared to the offensive spell, it felt slightly easier—but that didn't mean it was simple.
After finishing both spells, I thanked my mother.
Now, my next goal was clear. I needed to reach the second rank of the aura core.
At first, I overestimated myself. Without elixirs, it would take me another three or even four months to break through. At the same time, I couldn't neglect body tempering or completely abandon magic training.
So I made a decision.
I would fully utilize the resources of my family.
In the original story, Viren barely managed to reach the first rank before entering the academy. But I had taken a different path. I had focused more on technique and physical strength rather than raw progression. Because of that, elixirs aimed purely at improving the aura core hadn't seemed necessary before.
But now… things were different.
It was time to push forward.
I temporarily set aside everything related to magic, except for a single hour of daily meditation. I also paused endurance training. It was important, yes—but right now, the priority was clear. By exhausting my aura core through intense strength training and then restoring it through meditation, I could achieve the fastest growth.
Two months passed in this brutal, efficient routine.
I could feel it.
I was close.
"Soon," I thought to myself. "I'll break through."
One morning, during a usual breakfast with my mother, she suddenly spoke:
"Viren, Tia is returning from the academy today."
"My sister?" I asked, though it was more of a rhetorical question.
Tia… the older sister of this body. According to Viren's memories, she used to beat him from time to time—but always for a reason. And as someone who had read the novel, I knew the truth.
She cared about him. A lot.
So I wasn't afraid.
…No.
That's right.
I wasn't afraid.