It's been a few weeks since I came into this world and I've been able to learn many things in that time.
The first thing to note is that this is a world based on magic, a fairly obvious fact. It's set in a period similar to the 15th or 16th century, except that there's greater modernity and hygiene thanks to magic.
It also appears that this planet has five times the mass of Earth and is made up of four main continents. The smallest of these is still larger than the European Union. There are also the North and South Poles, but the people of this world haven't yet set foot on cold land, at least not the human race.
Then there are the other races, and as expected, this world has a rather large variety that would be difficult to list. In short, the races are divided as follows: spiritual, beast, demonic, giant, and human, respectively. Each division has its own line of different races.
The spirit race includes elves, fairies, gnomes, dwarves, nymphs, mermaids, and so on. The beast races are those that share traits with both animals and humans; they are among the most numerous, and you can probably imagine what types there are. The demon race includes vampires, succubi, ogres, imps, ghouls, oni, majin, kijin, and so on. They're also a numerous race, and apparently, I resemble a majin, but it's not really a problem. By the way, trolls are monsters in this world.
The giant race is basically just that: giants that can grow to be over three meters tall ice giants, fire giants, cyclopes, minotaurs, and so on. Anything that's inherently large.
And finally, the human race, which, being human, can't be any other; they themselves are divided into categories based on their appearances and regions of activity, such as barbarians, amazons, southern humans, eastern humans, and so on. The funny thing is, regardless of how they're divided, they're all human.
This covers the topic of races in this world; there are variations, but it would take me a long time to explain them all.
I've also been experimenting with my powers and abilities to see how far I'm capable. And the result: I nearly burned the entire damn forest down! Every spell or anything else I tried ended up destroying everything around me; even a simple punch leveled the ground! Although I had my setbacks, I was able to control my power enough to keep it within normal limits.
[I highly doubt that blowing the head off a major dragon with a single blow is anything below standard, miss.]
"I'm doing the best I can, yes! But don't interfere with my story! And don't call me miss!"
[....]
Anyway! I was able to control my powers enough to move around the forest without worry (I say this because I no longer cause a gigantic explosion with every punch I throw). I explored various corners of this place, and since my body doesn't tire, I was able to keep moving day and night, exploring every area until I came across something quite impressive.
"How come this can't be seen from outside the mountain range?"
What stood before me was a colossal tree that easily surpassed the clouds in the sky. It was far larger than the mountains that make up the range; its branches covered almost the entire forest, and knowing firsthand how vast this forest is, that made the tree all the more impressive.
This, it seems, is a divine tree: a specimen so unique it seems ancient hundreds of thousands of years old, which means it's the only one left.
How do I know? Even without my companion here, I have access to all the knowledge of several worlds. I could physically know the cure for cancer just by thinking about it.
Getting back to the point: a divine tree is the result of a deity spilling some of their blood onto an oak sapling, resulting in this gigantic specimen. There were quite a few in the past, but thanks to a dispute between gods, all were destroyed except this one.
Lesser gods often fight, so I won't go into detail about the reason they clashed, but I will say it was for a rather stupid reason. And the reason this one survived is because it developed a camouflage system that makes it impossible to see unless you go deep into the woods. Besides, the other two idiots were so engrossed in their fight that they never even looked that way.
Having found something like this, I decided to establish my settlement near a lake north of the divine tree.
There was plenty of space, and the atmosphere was pleasant and peaceful. The lake in question was so large that it could easily be mistaken for the shores of a calm beach. I wanted to build my own house, so I limited myself to crafting only the tools necessary for construction. The end result was a simple but very well equipped cabin; it had enough space for two or three people, and the plumbing system was magically created, with a bathroom that was quite modern for the time. It's a bit unsightly, but the only thing I was interested in was the bathtub, and this body doesn't defecate, so the toilet was purely decorative. The cabin is divided into four rooms: the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, and a bedroom; it's practically every new graduate's wet dream. It was quite fun trying new things, and it's rewarding to see the result you wanted.
Thanks to that, I also became interested in magic and magical tools. I can do anything I set my mind to, regardless of whether I know the fundamentals or not, but doing it just like that is quite boring. More than anything, the variety of magic that exists in this world sparked my curiosity. I have no problem using magic (except for the excessive power output), but for other people in this world, it requires study and rigorous training. The arcane language is primarily used to interpret the incantations of spells that converge in a magic circle to execute them. It sounds simple, but it's quite complicated once implemented, as it requires a good capacity for mana manipulation, and the arcane language is very difficult to learn: it's like combining Mandarin Chinese with Latin, plus it has to be pronounced quite quickly. Although it's not strictly necessary to use the arcane language to interpret spells; it can easily be used without the incantation, and the magic circle can be simplified, although the people of this world haven't reached that conclusion or haven't managed to do so.
The most common magic is elemental magic; It's what everyone already knows: fire, water, air, and earth, along with the ice and lightning variants.
And the less common ones are those that originate from natures incomprehensible by the standards of this world, such as space time magic, gravity magic, holy magic, dark magic, spirit magic, and so on. There are other variants born from unique abilities, but that varies depending on the user. Although I'm not very interested in that type of magic, what interests me is composite magic: a type of magic created by combining two or more magical spells. It's quite incredible when you think about it, but it's very underutilized, since in this world there's very little understanding of the elements and their chemical components. For example, if you combined fire magic with earth magic, the result wouldn't be lava or the refinement of the mineral into earth; it would become a piece of burning earth. Another example: combining water and fire magic wouldn't produce steam or another element, but rather something like a shot of boiling water. Magic requires an understanding of attributes and a great imagination, but since the level of scientific knowledge in this world is quite low, they are more limited to having a lot of imagination.
"How is it that the beings of this world have fallen so far behind?"
[Magic is a very convenient tool that has covered almost all of people's needs; moreover, this is a more violent world, plagued by monsters, so there is more emphasis on military development than on social development itself.]
"Well, the need to survive is more important than thinking about how to live."
Probably, without magic and skills in this world, many races would have become extinct.
With everything cleared up, I began creating my own compound magic spells that interested me, and in the process, my own original magic as well. And before I knew it, I ended up creating a grimoire. Honestly, I don't know exactly when my notebook became a grimoire, but it seems to have something to do with the runes I placed on the cover as decoration and the fact that I was unconsciously adding mana every time I wrote down my magical theories and new magic circles. Grimoires, it seems, are considered objects of great power in this world. Most of them safeguard absurd powers and knowledge, and their functions vary: from being able to destroy an entire nation to awakening or summoning monsters of mass destruction, among other things. And mine is something like that.
Name: Book of the AbyssRank: DivineDescription: A book written by the goddess of death and vengeance herself, possessing the knowledge of eternity and describing the truth about this world. An endless abyss of countless worldly wisdom; whoever possesses it can recreate the spells within its contents.Magic Damage Increase: 30%. Mana Consumption Reduction: 60%. Bonus Damage from Curse.Unique Ability: Devourer of Knowledge (Shadow Magic).
It ended up being quite scandalous. And where the hell did the name come from? All I did was recreate some chemical formulas to look like magic spells and some physics theories; I don't recall writing anything that strayed far from the truth of the world. And this unique ability shadow magic I understand, since I created it because I thought it would be cool, but it seems to have morphed into a unique ability. The other ability has the capacity to store formulas and magic spells within the pages of the book. Along with the other stats, this thing is literally broken.
"Isn't that dangerous?"
[Did you write any particularly dangerous spells in that book?]
"..."
[Keep it close to you and don't lose it.]
"Yes, that's a good idea."
I have to be careful with the things I create from now on. One mistake and I might accidentally bring forth something capable of destroying the world. The hand of God can be dangerous at times, so I decided to store the book, something I only recently learned was possible.
[Isn't that a grimoire either?]
"This book is just my notes on different plant species and monsters in the forest."
Aside from magical research, I also started investigating the forest's ecology. It fascinated me. Each plant had unique properties, and I couldn't help but take notes. It was a habit I had since university in my previous world.
"Now that I think about it, I wanted to study biology back then, but that major wasn't available in the state where I lived. My grandfather was already frail, so moving wasn't an option. I ended up studying mechanical engineering… it was a nightmare."
The missed deadlines, the sleepless nights, the endless projects, the jobs I took to afford materials… those were exhausting days.
"Well, I might as well make the most of what I learned."
I still wanted to keep experimenting with everything this world offered, and the next thing on my list was magical tools. Even though civilization here resembles a medieval era, there is a surprising degree of modernity thanks to magic tools.
This is all possible because of magic stones. With them, people created streetlights, elevators, communication devices, and even zeppelin like airships. There are also magic tool based weapons such as cannons. Magic tools rely on magic stones, which are usually dropped by monsters in dungeons or naturally form in places filled with mana. These stones are crystallized mana capable of storing energy, making them perfect self recharging batteries.
With them, you can easily create a simple engine. The only real limitation is the stone's storage capacity. You can make magic tools without stones as well, but they end up being less efficient since they cannot store magic and rely entirely on the user.
The tool I was making didn't use a magic stone. It isn't that it couldn't, but I simply didn't need one. It doesn't require much magic to operate… I think.
Ever since I learned about magic tools, I've wanted to experiment with them.
For now, I finished the first one:
Name: Rapid Shooter
Grade: Unique
Description: A magically modified crossbow capable of firing arrows consecutively at high speed. Each arrow can easily pierce a dragon's scales and the weapon features an automatic barrel reload mechanism.
Type: Upgradeable
Critical Damage Increase: 40%
Hit Rate Increase: 50%
Abilities: Armor Break, Accurate Shot, Projectile Trajectory Manipulation
This time, it turned out to be something less outrageous compared to my previous creations, though it was still amazing.
With this, I don't have to smash monsters into pulp anymore, which will make studying them much easier. I'm honestly impressed it reached a unique grade. I half expected it to transform into some absurd weapon of mass destruction, but it turned out remarkably well.
I made a repeating type crossbow because I liked Berserk and once watched Valhalla Rising. I guess my inner child couldn't resist.
"Well then, what should I make next?"
[Do you plan to make even more things?]
"Of course. An inventor's heart doesn't quiet down after just a couple of gadgets. I have to keep going."
I have the ability and knowledge to create almost anything in this world. Not using that would be a crime. So I'll experiment and learn with everything I have.
With this new resolve, my enthusiasm soared.
…......
Four months passed. Not too long, but not short either. During that time, I experimented with various things, and several changes occurred.
One of them was my house. It was no longer just a cabin. After creating different magic tools, I realized I lacked space, so I demolished the cabin and built a larger one. Then, as time went on, the need for more space increased again, and in the end, the original cabin disappeared completely and was replaced by a gigantic mansion.
It didn't have to be a mansion, but I went a little overboard with the plans and this was the result.
The structure is arranged in a trident shape. It has a spacious kitchen and a large dining hall. The bathroom is practically a massive swimming pool decorated with ocean motifs. The hallways are wide with high ceilings, and every room is elegantly furnished.
I even created a library.
How? I copied all information related to a subject and placed it inside books I created with magic. Doing it by hand would have taken years. Because of that, the library ended up becoming the largest area in the mansion. I even had to use space time magic to expand its interior without altering the exterior structure.
I had also created several laboratories, most of them focused on alchemy. When I discovered alchemy, I was genuinely impressed by the sheer number of things I could do. Combined with my knowledge of chemistry and the knowledge inherited from the gods, I was able to recreate a fully living body, although without consciousness. Even so, the ability to create life so easily from monster materials was astonishing. Transmutation let me alter the structure and composition of any object with frightening precision.
Although, now that I think about it, this might also have something to do with the fact that I am a goddess.
This was also related to the other changes that occurred during those four months.
"I see you haven't finished, miss."
A new presence stepped into the blacksmith's forge where I was working. It was an expressionless girl with beautiful features and glossy black hair. Her bright, cold eyes held a natural dignity, and combined with her tall, well balanced figure, she had an air of elegance and maturity. She wore a dress that looked like a blend between a maid's uniform and futuristic combat armor. She walked toward me without the slightest discomfort, seemingly unaffected by the scorching heat radiating from the furnaces.
"It is stunning. No matter how many times I see you, you are truly beautiful, Maria."
"Oof. You are the one who created this body, miss. I still believe maintaining my existence as a remnant of consciousness is more efficient, miss."
"Don't say that. Isn't it fine to experience the world while walking on the earth? At least this way you can enjoy a hot bath and a good meal, right?"
"Well… I cannot deny that."
You have probably already guessed, but this elegant beauty named Maria is the system the previous goddess left me. After discovering that I could create functional bodies, I immediately crafted one for her and named her Maria. If I had to explain why, it was because I had started to feel a little lonely. Besides, she would be extremely useful once I decided to explore the world beyond the mountain range.
"Also, the temperature in the forge is at its peak right now. Are you okay?"
"The lady used the most resistant materials available to create my body. A little heat is nothing."
Now that I think about it, I used materials from some very powerful monsters to construct her body. I am not entirely sure how strong she is.
Let me check:
Level: 225
Name: Maria
Gender: Female
Race: Automaton
Titles: Apostle of the Goddess of Death and Vengeance, Founder, Ironheart
HP: ______
MP: 3,000,000 / 3,000,000
Vitality: Cannot be measured
Vigor: 3004
Dexterity: 2000
Strength: 5009
Agility: 1036
Intelligence: 10004
Luck: 3422
Karma: 0
Active Skills:
Appraisal, Steel Wall, Charge, Elemental Magic, Electric Magic, Spirit Magic, Composite Magic, Melee Combat Techniques, Hammer Combat Techniques, Shield Technique, Concealment
Passive Skills:
Etiquette, Negotiation, Parallel Thinking, Arithmetic, Super High Speed Thinking, Defense Enhancement, Language Skills, Immunity to All Poisons, Immunity to Curses, Immunity to Instant Death, Multitasking, Auto Recovery
Racial Skills:
Remote Control, Rapid Learning, Peripheral Vision
Unique Ability:
Control of magnetic fields
Yes, she is definitely built like a walking fortress. What on earth did I do to her body, and where did she get all these abilities? Although, knowing her, she probably learned them on her own.
"By the way, miss, I came to tell you that I finished installing the second magic engine."
"So fast? Wow, that was fast."
"It is simple once you understand the theory."
Easy for someone with a computer for a brain.
The magic engine she mentioned is the power source that keeps every function of the mansion running, including the forge. I invented it two months ago when the mansion required more constant activity. The engine absorbs mana from the surroundings and distributes it throughout the mansion. Since the mansion had expanded even more over the past two months, another engine was necessary.
"So the east side of the mansion is already operational, right?"
"Yes. We only need to replace the drainage system with the updated version."
"Alright. I'll finish this quickly so we can wrap things up."
"Would it not be better to rest? You have been inside this forge for several days, although it is true that it does not affect you."
"I got hooked on this and couldn't stop. Anyway, I'm done now. Let's finish the pipes so I can take a peaceful bath."
"Please do not do anything strange this time."
"I'm not promising anything."
"…"
Hehehe. What's with that red face? You can't fool me. You liked it, didn't you? Your mouth says no, but your body says yes, baby.
Even though she normally acts cold, she has a surprisingly harmless side at times. I can't help but tease her whenever I get the chance. A lot has happened since my death, but I don't regret any of it. In fact, everything has been unexpectedly fun so far, and more importantly, I am not alone.
I still haven't completely adjusted to being a woman, but it doesn't bother me anymore. It is better to look forward to tomorrow.
That said, two years passed before I even realized it.