Chapter 31 – Magic
Rio entered the library and searched for the book he had been reading.
He passed several shelves until he finally reached the one where he had left the book.
It looked untouched, exactly where he had placed it.
He took the book from the shelf.
The table was about ten steps away, and while walking, he opened the book and searched for the page he had been reading.
He took a few steps while looking for it.
When he reached the table, he paused for a moment, still focused on finding the page.
Once he found it, he sat down, placed the book on the table, and began reading.
(Using Magic)
That was the title Rio wanted to read.
He began reading.
(After forming magic circles, you need a medium or a catalyst to channel energy through it.
Most commonly, magical staffs are used.
Magical staffs are usually made from red oak trees.
After reaching the first circle, you likely no longer need a staff, as the body becomes accustomed to magical elements.
Only those with pure-blood lineage can use magic without a staff even up to the ninth circle.)
Rio became more interested and read the book with greater focus.
(After the First One taught magic to one of his children, Arkan, he traveled to learn more about magic and eventually formed his own family.
After many journeys, he found several companions and taught them how to form magic circles.
However, there was a problem.
Although magical energy existed within their bodies, they could not guide it outside.
The energy would leak out, but it wouldn't take shape.
They were unable to use elemental magic such as fire, water, or other elements.
After extensive research, Arkan discovered that his blood allowed him to use magic freely.
However, he could not give his blood to humans.
So he began experimenting by infusing his blood into objects.
Eventually, he succeeded with a small tree.
That tree was an oak.
After it grew, something was different.
Its leaves were red.
It didn't matter whether it was spring or autumn.
Its leaves were always red.
Arkan broke off a branch from the tree and shaped it into a staff.
Only then were others finally able to use magic.
And the older a staff is, and the closer it is to the original red oak, the greater its power.)
After reading just that section, Rio felt exhausted.
The reason was his battle with Bai Chen earlier.
So he returned the book to its place and decided to head back to his room.
"Oh? Young man, you're leaving early today.
Don't you want to read more?"
The old man asked with a small smile.
Rio replied,
"I'm a bit tired today, so I can't read much.
Goodbye for now."
After paying, he left the library and headed straight to the hotel.
Although his mind was occupied with thoughts of other races and magic, his exhaustion prevented him from thinking deeply.
Upon arriving at the hotel, he quickly went to his room to rest.
After knocking and seeing no response, he entered the room and noticed that his master wasn't there.
"He probably went to eat."
Rio said as he lay down on his bed.
(A few hours later)
Night had fallen, and Rio finally woke up.
Yawning, he noticed his master sitting at the table and chair placed in the corner of the room, reading something.
"Master, you're back?"
Rio said as he got up from the bed.
While continuing to read, the master replied,
"Yes.
I saw you sleeping, so I didn't say anything."
Rio asked,
"What are you reading?
A letter?"
The master replied,
"Nothing special.
Just a letter."
Rio sat there, but even after resting, his mind was still occupied with the power of those races.
With a troubled expression, Rio said,
"Master, today at the tournament, I saw the strength of the other races.
They're really strong.
I don't think I can defeat them."
The master placed the letter back into its envelope and slipped it into his pocket.
"That's how combat and competitions work.
If you only fight weaker opponents, you'll never grow and will remain the same.
You need to fight stronger opponents to become stronger yourself."
After a few seconds of silence, Rio said,
"You're right, Master.
Fighting weaker opponents isn't exciting.
I need to fight stronger ones so I can grow stronger too."
"Good.
And I want to teach you a new technique."
Hearing this, Rio immediately became excited.
"Really?
What is it?"
The master began explaining,
"I told you about reverse energy emission.
Using it, you can cause your opponent's attacks to miss their target by even a few millimeters, weakening them and preventing direct hits."
"Ooooh, that sounds awesome."
Rio said excitedly.
The master continued,
"When you release reverse energy, it forms something like an atmospheric and magnetic layer.
It prevents attacks from hitting you with their original force and can even alter their trajectory.
This technique requires a lot of power and can drain your energy quickly.
But in critical situations, it's extremely useful.
At the very least, it allows you to avoid severe damage.
All you need to do is release the absorbed energy from your body in its raw, unshaped form.
That will create the magnetic layer."
Rio looked at his master with a grin and said,
"Wow, Master.
I didn't think you knew techniques like this."
The master immediately stood up and punched him on the head.
"Brat, do you think I don't know anything?
I was using techniques like this before you were even born."
"Ouch...
I was just joking, Master."
The master headed toward the door and said,
"Alright, let's go eat dinner."
Rio was surprised.
"What?
Dinner?
How long did I sleep???"
"I don't know, and I don't care.
Let's go."
The master said as he left the room.
Rio followed him.
(A little later)
After eating dinner, they returned to the room.
The master went to his bed and fell asleep.
Rio sat on a chair, deep in thought.
"This technique is really strong, but my energy still isn't enough to use it on a wide scale."
He lightly tapped the table with his fingers as he thought.
"And magic...
I don't know why, but I feel like I could learn it.
But I'm a martial artist.
Doesn't someone who uses both die?
Forget it.
I won't think about magic for now."
He wanted to practice the new technique the next day, but he didn't know a suitable place.
He also had no one to train with, and his master clearly wasn't interested.
He stayed silent for a few seconds, then suddenly remembered something.
"Oh!
How did I forget?
Bai Chen!"
He decided to find Bai Chen the next day and train with him.
"Well, I don't feel like thinking any more than this.
I guess I should sleep."
Rio extinguished the candle on the table, and the room fell completely dark.
Unable to see anything, he placed his hand against the wall and made his way to the bed.
After finding it, he lay down and said,
"Hoo...
I've got a lot to do tomorrow."
A few seconds later, he fell asleep.
End of Chapter 31