Golden Finger: <Analyze>

Third-Person Perspective

After Arai concluded his awakening rite, he completed some official documentation. Afterward, he descended to the ground floor and, with the help of one of the staff members, reached Verdi's assigned chamber.

"How did it go?"

The moment he returned, Verdi asked eagerly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Arai didn't speak; simply raised his hand, revealing the golden sun emblem.

Verdi's expression turned peculiar, gradually shifting before he let out a sigh.

"…"

Arai was slightly taken aback. This wasn't the reaction he had anticipated from Verdi.

'Hey, what's with that expression? Aren't you supposed to be astonished right now?' Suppressing a growing sense of unease, Arai asked, "…Is something wrong?"

"No, not at all!" Verdi quickly denied it, though his face betrayed him.

Before Arai could probe further, Verdi grabbed his hand and said, "Let's head back to the estate first."

"Alright." Arai didn't argue.

Before they left the chamber, a member of the Truth Court approached Verdi, speaking with visible tension. "Pardon me, Lord Verdi, but regarding the… uh…"

"No worries," Verdi interrupted with a dismissive wave. "I'll handle it. This is my jurisdiction, after all."

"Understood." The man exhaled in relief and left hastily.

'Hmm? What's going on?' Arai raised a brow curiously.

As they exited the room and walked through the hallway, a hooded figure approached Verdi.

This figure wore the signature black-and-white attire of the Truth Court but with a distinct black hood embroidered with golden patterns draped over his shoulders. A black mask concealed the upper half of his face, leaving only his mouth and a sliver of his nose visible.

"Ha!"

Arai staggered, overwhelmed by an oppressive aura that bore down on him. He stared at the man in terror as if a feral beast stood before him.

Verdi frowned and tapped Arai lightly on the head, dispersing the pressure, allowing him to breathe freely again.

The black-clad sorcerer didn't seem to notice Arai, as his gaze never wavered from Verdi. With a frosty tone, he said, "Don't forget to submit the reports on schedule."

"And I hope you find him soon because many lives depend on it."

"I'll do my best," Verdi replied earnestly.

"You'd better." The sorcerer's voice remained cold as he turned and left.

The moment he was gone, Arai let out a relieved breath.

'What in the world was that?! I thought he was going to kill me…'Even recalling the suffocating atmosphere around the man sent chills down Arai's spine. The overwhelming malice and dark aura left an unsettling impression.

Sensing Arai's fear, Verdi chuckled and patted his head. "That man you just saw was Clayton, a member of the Law Enforcement Division of the Truth Court."

"Are you familiar with the divisions of the Truth Court?"

"Yes," Arai nodded affirmatively, recalling what Kuban had mentioned earlier about the 'Law Enforcers' and the 'Mystery Researchers.'

"Good. Then you must know what the Law Enforcers do, right?" Verdi continued, "What you felt around him are the lingering malevolent emotions that come from slaying countless warlocks. Killing so many leaves them with an aura of perpetual dread."

"But it's truly remarkable…" Verdi sighed in admiration. "Normally, when children your age encounter a Law Enforcer, they either wet themselves or faint from fear because of that aura."

"Your mental fortitude is commendable."

Verdi looked at Arai with genuine praise.

'Should I tell him I'm actually a grown man?'Arai mocked silently but instead smiled and said, "Maybe I inherited it from one of my ancestors? After all, they were wartime leaders, and this level of intimidation would've been nothing to them."

"Maybe. Or perhaps you're just an old monster in a child's body?"

The father and son shared a laugh as they climbed into the carriage to return to the estate.

Despite everything, Verdi couldn't hide his happiness.

"Arai, as a reward, take this book."

"Hmm?" Arai glanced at the book with indifference before his expression brightened.

[Beginner Spells]

"Spells?" Arai couldn't hide the smile that spread across his face.

The spells from Introduction to Magic had been rubbish, unworthy of his time or effort. They were nothing more than basic, non-combative examples, akin to children's educational models.

But this book? This was the real deal!

"I haven't given you a birthday present yet, have I?" Verdi handed the book to Arai, saying, "Consider this a reward for your patience over the past three years."

"I'll give you your actual birthday gift later."

"Thank you." Arai expressed his gratitude sincerely.

"What's with the formality?" Verdi laughed, ruffling Arai's hair. "You're my son; no need for such decorum between us."

Son… Arai didn't respond but pondered the word for a moment before nodding silently.

Arai's Perspective

Upon returning to the estate, Verdi told me to rest, as we'd begin some training starting tomorrow. I was advised to get a good night's sleep.

Mizuki was already asleep, as night had fallen.

After eating my dinner, I returned to my room. I changed into more comfortable sleepwear, extinguished the candles, and collapsed onto the bed, drained of energy.

I stared quietly at the ceiling. Despite the exhausting day, sleep eluded me.

After a long stretch of silence, I muttered, "Analyze."

A translucent blue ring appeared within my field of vision, emitting an imperceptible blue light that scanned the entire room. Though the candles were out, the darkness couldn't hinder my senses, I could clearly perceive everything in the room.

"As I thought…" I smiled with satisfaction.

My ability had arrived! My greatest asset in this world was finally here!

Previously, when speaking with the chessman, I hadn't dared to believe I'd possess such a remarkable power, but now, there was no need for doubt.

This ability was the reason I had confidence in surviving this world.

It was called <Analyze>.

As the name suggests, it's an ability that allows me to analyze nearly anything I want, from head to toe and beyond. I knew instinctively that it could analyze spells, living bodies upon touch, materials, and artifacts—revealing their origins and even the method of their creation.

It could even break down attacks, and once the analysis was complete, I could replicate those attacks, provided I had an affinity with the relevant element.

It was a cheat, a fitting tool for a protagonist in this kind of world.

It came with four sub-functions:

- Analyze: [Analyze- Scan - Microscope]

- Simulate

- Complete Analysis

- Trace Origin

Aside from basic analysis and simulation, both Complete Analysis and Trace Origin required direct physical contact to activate. The physical connection had to be maintained until the analysis was complete; otherwise, the information might remain incomplete or be entirely canceled.

I had gained all this knowledge instinctively as if it had been downloaded into my brain when the cube merged with me. I didn't even need to test it to understand its scope.

"This ability does count as a golden finger, doesn't it? Oh, why even ask? It is." I grinned as I continued staring at the ceiling.

This ability, resembling advanced nanotechnology, suited me perfectly.

I guess there were no computers in this world, yet with this ability, I had access to a microscopic lens and an internal storage device.

It would be an enormous aid for my future research! I suppose my luck wasn't bad after all, considering this ability hadn't been left behind with my old body. Or maybe the Chessman had ensured it remained with me?

Whatever the case, it didn't matter. What mattered was that it was still mine!

"But with this, I must put in the effort now."

The days of peace were over for me since the awakening rite concluded. Now, I had to live seriously and strive to become a true magician.

Although I said that, the road ahead was still long.

Starting tomorrow, I would likely begin lessons on how things operate in the noble world. On top of that, preparations for me to become the heir of the dukedom would also start. Maybe even lessons on leading armies in battle—not to mention living as a magician.

This was already giving me a headache.

I stood up, climbed out of bed, and settled into the chair by the desk.

A faint buzz echoed as I gently lit a candle on the desk and pulled out the book [Beginner Spells] from one of the drawers.

It was the book Verdi had gifted me earlier.

"Let's see how effective this ability really is…" I opened the book and flipped through the pages, stopping at the fire spells section.

The book contained zero to third-level spells for four elements: Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water. Without a doubt, a book like this must have been incredibly expensive. I was genuinely moved that Verdi had given it to me.

"Let's start with an easy one."

Soon enough, I found a zero-level spell called [Fire Sword].

"Hmm… first, form mana into a tangible shape in your hand, and then…" I read the steps to execute the spell and studied the corresponding magic circle. This type of spell could be executed in two ways: either by following the steps or by memorizing the associated magic circle.

Executing the steps was out of my reach for now, as it required summoning flames from nothing, without magic circles, chants, or any external tools, relying solely on raw magical prowess. Seasoned enhancers could do that with ease.

But I was just a newly awakened child. I'd need more time to understand and practice.

I focused on the magic circle for the spell and muttered quietly, <Analyze: Analyze>

Instantly, a scanning beam emitted from my eyes, sweeping across the Fire Sword magic circle. The scan lasted for about three seconds before a miniature version of the circle appeared clearly before my eyes.

"..."

"That easy?" I was momentarily speechless. Just by scanning the circle, I'd memorized it.

It should be noted that memorizing spells took a tremendous amount of time. Why was it so hard to memorize them? Because magic circles were composed of numerous algorithms and intricate runes—like committing an entire architectural blueprint to memory and recalling it flawlessly!

Memorizing a circle was significantly harder than memorizing a lengthy chant, but the results were worth it.

Did this mean I could memorize all the spells in this book in minutes?

"I don't think I'll do that…" I dismissed the idea.

First, it felt childish and pointless; I didn't have any combat style yet, so memorizing all these spells would just clutter my mind. I wouldn't do something so frivolous.

Most importantly, I wasn't even at the first rank yet!

What good would memorizing these spells be if I couldn't use them? None at all.

Just because I'd completed the awakening rite didn't mean I had automatically become a one rank magician. The presence of the Laska ring didn't change that either.

"Phew…"

I pushed the book away and decided to try something else.

"Whoosh!"

A golden book appeared on the table, adorned with ancient engravings and a large sun emblem at its center—it was my Grimoire!

The book was truly a masterpiece, as if crafted by an ancient artisan. The sun emblem at its center glowed faintly, resembling a star in the night.

"Let's see…"

Thinking about it, when they said 'Sun Element,' did it imply having an overwhelming burning power? Or was it akin to possessing the strength of a star?

First, I decided to open the book and check its contents…

To my surprise, it refused to open!

"Huh?" I tried again, but the book remained sealed shut, as tight as a metal safe.

Hmm, I frowned, puzzled by the unexpected resistance.

This is odd. Does it require fulfilling some sort of condition to unlock it? Why is it sealed in the first place?

Since I couldn't figure it out, I decided to approach the problem differently.

I'll ask Verdi tomorrow.

It had been a long day, packed with events. I suppose I should get some sleep.