New chapter of World Teacher is out! (1/1 chapter)

 

 

Common Sense Breaker

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The day after Erina-san had completely recovered without issue, I was sitting in the garden from the morning, concentrating my mind. Erina-san was resting today to take care of her health, and Noel and Dee were busy with housework, so there was no one around. It was just right because what I was about to do was a bit special.

I understood the other day, but I should have questioned the common sense of this world. Without realizing it, I had been thinking about the common sense of my previous life and this world together. A world where magic does not exist, and science has developed. A world where magic exists, and science has not developed.

It was natural that differences arise. It took me three years to notice such an obvious fact. I had been so elated by being able to use magic that I was unknowingly swept away by the common sense of this world. It was careless of me.

In this world, there were three ways to make fire. One, use fire attribute magic. Two, use magical tools. Three, use fire stones.

As an exception, there was using fire released by monsters, but basically, the above three were mainstream and common sense. Making a fire source by friction heat was not known, and even Dee, who had been an adventurer, seemed to have seen it for the first time.

In other words, it had not permeated society. Even though friction heat could be made anywhere just by rubbing hands together. Probably, the strong-rooted common sense that there was no other way to make fire than these three was the cause. It was a perspective from knowing modern science in my previous life, but what I focused on was not about fire. It was that there was magic that had become invisible because of rigid common sense.

I opened the “Intermediate Magic Textbook” placed beside me. It was a book brought to me yesterday, and by reading it, I noticed several points. I would experiment with each one by one.

First, incantation. The beginner book said it was standard to shorten it, but the intermediate book said the ultimate incantation was no incantation at all. No incantation meant activating magic by only the final magic name, and it seemed that relentless effort and talent were necessary to reach that.

The ‘Impact’ I used on the goblin yesterday, I had gotten irritated by the incantation and cut it off halfway and released the magic. The incantation keyword of ‘Impact’ was to activate the mana inside oneself, condense it, and shoot it out. According to what was written in the beginner book, it should not have activated, but the magic was activated. It might have been explained as just incantation shortening, but that incantation at that time omitted the important part of ‘shooting out’ and still activated. I suspected there was a gap there.

At that time, the image had mixed more with firing a grenade launcher loaded with grenades than just throwing a mana ball. Although it was magic, a weapon familiar from my previous life had unconsciously intervened. As a result, I released a shock far stronger than usual and incapacitated the goblin. The ‘Impact’ I had used until then had only shaken the target a little, but that power that lifted the goblin’s body was strange.

The important thing is not the incantation but… the image?

When I first used ‘Light,’ the light orb had moved according to the image. The world had the image that ‘Impact’ was attributeless and weak, and it actually was weak. Since I had started using it after seeing a demonstration from Noel, that image might have been burned into my brain. If I had used it without seeing a demonstration, I wondered what would have happened, but anyway, I tried it. Since it was an experiment, no incantation.

This time, the image was an old-fashioned cannon where gunpowder and cannonball were loaded directly from the muzzle and rammed with a rod. I imagined that cannon I had fired repeatedly at enemy ships in the wars of my previous life.

I closed my eyes and concentrated, gathering mana flowing through my body into my hands, forming a sphere, and waiting. I directed my hand toward the target, imagining the mana sphere wrapped by the cannon barrel. Then, I pulled the trigger that appeared in my mind. At that moment, with a loss of mana sensation, a cracking sound like wood breaking echoed. When I opened my eyes, the target I had hung was crushed into pieces and rolled away. I was surprised by the power beyond expectations, but my hypothesis had been correct.

Magic could be changed by image. Moreover, I had not uttered incantation or even the magic name, and mana consumption had been no different from ‘Impact’. Truly a revolution. But there was still more I wanted to try.

Next, the image was an automatic pistol, a handgun. For stable projectiles at close and medium range, the first thing that came to mind was a pistol that fit in one hand and was easy to shoot precisely. I had used it for many years and was familiar with disassembling it, so it was easy to imagine. My favorite had been a magnum, but that time I imagined a common handgun considering power. An important point was rifling, the grooves inside the barrel that spun the bullet to fly straight and pointed.

This time, I did not close my eyes and stared at the target wood, making my hand in the shape of a pistol with my index finger and thumb raised. I concentrated mana, created a bullet, loaded it, checked rifling, and pulled the trigger! A sharp dull sound echoed, and the aimed wood slightly shook and had a hole about the size of a thumb. I continued to aim at distant targets, and it was found that both range and power were no different from the real thing. Additionally, there had been no firing sound, almost no recoil, the trajectory was more stable than the real one, and mana consumption was low. It was so convenient that I wanted to suspect there was a catch.

I got carried away and tried various guns, but about half misfired and nothing happened. The misfired guns were ones I had used less frequently, so the image had been weak, and probably they had not activated. If there had been a real item there, I would have needed an image detailed enough to know every single part. While hypothesizing, I kept shooting, and after more than twenty shots, my mana was depleted, so I stopped.

Amidst the tiredness attacking my body, the next experiment was meditation. This was not magic but one of the actions to quickly recover mana. Mana naturally recovered over time. Humans unconsciously absorbed mana from the atmosphere and converted it into a quality suitable for themselves. Meditation consciously sped up this natural recovery. The method was to relax and capture mana with the whole body and take it in. It seemed that the beginner wall was to be able to capture mana, which was why it had been written in the intermediate-level book. When hearing meditation, one thought of zazen, but relaxing was good enough, so I lay down with my arms and legs spread out.

I closed my eyes and captured mana.

Captured… how do I do it? A substance that does not exist in my previous life? So, I have no choice but to gropingly grasp it. Mana is invisible, but during magic activation, it is certainly possible to feel this mysterious energy. In other words, should I feel the atmosphere for a sensation similar to this energy?

I turned my consciousness outward and tried to search for mana.

…Mana.

…Mana.

…Mana.

…Mana.

………
…………..!

“!?!” (Sirius)

I jumped up without thinking. I had half fallen asleep, but that sensation was definitely mana.

Before I forgot, I closed my eyes once more, and that time I was able to perceive it surprisingly easily. It felt like a switch had been flipped or like my own seal had been released, a refreshing sensation.

I understand. This is the mana that overflows in the atmosphere and still strokes my body like mist. Is this what it means to capture mana? There is no one to tell me the correct answer, so I will move on.

Next, it had been written about absorbing mana, but that I did not understand at all. Surely it had not just been a matter of taking a deep breath. I had hit a wall again. I groaned and tried various things, but to no avail.

Hmm, absorbing… Do the people of this world have such sensory organs? If so, I should have them too… absorbing mana, converting the overflowing mana into my own color… convert? Now that I can sense it, I notice that the mana in the atmosphere is similar to the mana that emanates from myself. Like red inside red, or trees inside a forest. And right now, my mana is depleted and almost blank. Instead of absorbing, what if I synchronize with the surroundings?

I lay down again and brought my mind to a state of clear, calm emptiness, just as it was.

“Sirius-sama!? What’s wrong?” (Noel)

Just as I was about to reach out, Noel shouted. Of course, if someone collapsed right in the middle of the garden, one would be surprised. I waved to Noel who was running toward me to show that I was okay, but she did not stop and peered closely at my face.

“Are you safe? Could it be that the incident yesterday left some aftereffects?” (Noel)

“Calm down. I was just meditating, see?” (Sirius)

To stop the never-ending Noel, I slapped down the page that had the meditation instructions. Noel began reading the page with a puzzled expression, but after finishing it, she smiled awkwardly.

“Um, Sirius-sama? This is intermediate level, isn’t it? Can you… really do this?” (Noel)

“Well, I managed to capture it, but I don’t really understand absorbing it. I’m stuck for now.” (Sirius)

“No, no! That’s amazing enough. Normally, it takes years of learning from a teacher before one can do this. To reach this level by self-study is incredible.” (Noel)

“Self-study? Didn’t you teach me?” (Sirius)

“Not at all! I’m just a beginner at the basic level. I only showed you a little; I wouldn’t say I taught you.” (Noel)

“It was because you showed me that I came this far. By the way, did someone teach you?” (Sirius)

“There was a former magic teacher in my hometown who taught me. Apparently, I was considered the most talented in the village and was even encouraged to go to school.” (Noel)

“School? There’s a school that teaches magic?” (Sirius)

“There is. But enrolling requires a lot of money. My village was poor, as was my family, so I gave up on school. That’s why I only learned the basics and left my hometown to earn a living.” (Noel)

Probably feeling nostalgic for her hometown, Noel narrowed her eyes and looked into the distance.

“Sorry. That was a bit insensitive of me.” (Sirius)

“I just felt a little nostalgic, so don’t worry about it. Besides, I’m happy now. Meeting Aria-sama, Erina-san, Dee-san, and Sirius-sama… I truly think I’m fortunate.” (Noel)

I felt somewhat fulfilled by that heartfelt smile of a girl her age. After all, she had been taking care of me, and I sincerely wanted her to be happy.

“By the way, worrying about your Onee-chan is a hundred years too early. No matter how much you know, you’re still a child.” (Noel)

That’s true, but coming from you, who always makes blunders, it’s not very convincing. To me, you are like a troublesome little sister. As a thanks for that smile, I will make you help with an experiment.

“I will keep that in mind. By the way, Noel, are you free?” (Sirius)

“I am. My work is settled for now, so I came to check on you, Sirius-sama.” (Noel)

“Then, I will show you something interesting as an experiment. Once my mana recovers… maybe?” (Sirius)

While thinking about the mana amount needed to try the next idea, I noticed something.

My mana is recovering? It has only been a few minutes since depletion, and I barely meditated just now. Normally, it would take hours to recover, but could it be that the brief nap I took was actually quite long?

“Is something wrong?” (Noel)

“Ah, no… my mana recovered, so I just tried to concentrate a bit.” (Sirius)

“Wow, your recovery is really fast. Even for me, it takes at least half a day.” (Noel)

I will leave it for now. I can just deplete my mana again and try. Now, to improve ‘String’. It looks very useful as a rope, but in its current state, it is too impractical. Bundling it might help, but if possible, I want to make it safe and strong.

The image I had in mind was Kevlar thread, the strongest class of aramid fibers. It was used in bulletproof vests and, despite being less than one millimeter thick, had a tensile strength of sixty kilograms, an excellent scientific material. I bundled many of these threads to make one sturdy rope. I could have made it a chain or wire, but since mana had a soft image, I decided on a rope.

“I’m going to use ‘String’ now, so could you pull on it for me?” (Sirius)

“That will snap immediately.” (Noel)

“It’s okay. It’s a bit special, so it won’t break easily.” (Sirius)

Leaving Noel with a doubtful expression, I activated ‘String’. Although invisible, when I sensed it, mana in the shape of a thick rope sprouted from my palm.

“Here you go.” (Sirius)

“Huh… wait? There was no chant, was there?” (Noel)

Not only no chant, I didn’t even say the name of the magic. Ignoring the puzzled Noel, I let her grip the end extending from my palm.

“Don’t worry about that. Just pull quickly. You can use full strength.” (Sirius)

“But it will break… something’s different. Here I go!” (Noel)

Perhaps noticing something from the feel of the rope, Noel suddenly changed her expression to serious and started pulling. I put all my strength into pulling as well, but the mana rope did not budge.

Hmm, success. Whether it is because of the mana or not, this strange rope has no creaks or bends and seems to have perfect strength. However, I failed one thing.

“Whoa!” (Sirius)

“Wah! Sirius-sama!” (Noel)

I was pulled off balance and dragged.

Well, I am trained, but still only three years old, so it’s understandable. After hooking it on a tree to climb and using it as a swing chain, I concluded it was sufficiently practical. Changing the thickness allows various uses, making it an all-purpose magic tool.

Since it bundled many mana threads, it felt like it consumed a bit more mana. Still, not enough to cause depletion, so I left it there and returned for the time being. I certainly felt sorry for the three who were rousing themselves for my sake. But well, for then, I relied on those people. I had meant “educator” lightly, but being praised so much was a little embarrassing. I would grow to live up to that trust, though.

“Thank you all. But since there are five years, let’s not overdo it.” (Sirius)

“Thank you for your concern. First is the entrance fee. While selling my potions, I will help gather the funds.” (Noel)

“I will handle the selling.” (Dee)

“I will research the school. It would be a waste for Sirius-sama’s talent to end here!” (Another attendant)

Noel said with heavy breaths, but for a moment I heard her whisper sadly, “I gave up, though”.

Ah, I see, Noel is enthusiastic because she overlaps with her past self. It must have been a regret that she could not go herself.

“It looks like it will get busy from now on. Before that, Dee, give this to Sirius-sama.” (Noel)

“Understood.” (Dee)

Dee left the living room and after a while returned with a sword in his hand. He handed the sword to me and urged me to draw it with his eyes, so I drew the blade.

“What is this?” (Sirius)

“It is a sword I obtained when I was an adventurer. It will not break even against goblins, so please accept it.” (Dee)

The blade was fifty centimeters long with faint patterns etched on it, and the hilt was rugged without any decoration, a short sword. It was a bit big for my three-year-old self to use, but I liked the practical appearance. However, the blade of that sword was not made of iron. Despite being sturdy and solid, it was light. I was not an expert in swords, but that was not something sold just anywhere.

“It looks like a really good weapon, but is it okay to receive it?” (Sirius)

“I don’t mind. I am no longer an adventurer, and it is short for me, so it was a spare sword I kept. I found it deep inside a certain ruin, but since it is light for use as a sword, no one paid attention to it and I took it. I showed it to a weaponsmith, but the material was unknown. I kept it as a charm, but I think it is a perfect weapon for the current Sirius-sama.” (Dee)

Oh, it is the first time Dee has been this talkative. As he says, it is better suited as a self-defense weapon focusing on appearance rather than as a weapon. It is a strange sword, but it is not cursed or anything, so I will gratefully accept it.

“Here you go. A belt to hang the sword.” (Dee)

“Thank you. I will use it carefully.” (Sirius)

“It looks cool, Sirius-sama. Now you are a proper adventurer.” (Dee)

Dee slightly smiled at my thanks and was pleased.

The belt size is already adjusted, and if I equip this, I will be an adventurer… well, no way. It is impossible for a three-year-old.

“Sirius-sama, you have taken a weapon, but please do not overexert yourself.” (Erina)

“Yeah, I understand. Yesterday was because it was necessary. But when I become stronger, I intend to fight goblins again.” (Sirius)

“I want you to avoid fighting as much as possible, but experience is necessary. However, please always take Dee with you next time.” (Erina)

She must have been extremely worried, but Erina swallowed her concern and encouraged me. I thought she was really a wonderful person. Asking me to take Dee had been the least she could do out of kindness. Goblins would have been done in an instant if I had used gun magic, but I wanted to regain the skills from my previous life by defeating them directly. I was done with the disgraceful fight where I could only defeat two at the same time, drenched in blood.

In my previous life, I could have defeated three without getting blood on me, probably humming a tune while doing it. It had been okay to use magic. However, relying entirely on magic would not have allowed growth, and my gun magic had been especially too powerful. I thought long-distance sniping was possible if I had wanted to, but if it became known, I might have been hunted as a dangerous factor. I tried to keep it hidden except when necessary. Usually, I had to get by with martial arts and other magic.

Thus, surrounded by understanding people, I no longer needed to restrain my growth. Having gained the unknown power called magic, I looked forward to how high I could ascend.

Now, from here, the real training begins.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)