Tracing Patterns

The pages of the book, which had been turning with a fluttering sound, suddenly stopped at the last chapter.

"Magic patterns. There was a concept like that too."

It was something Leo vaguely knew but had never paid attention to when playing the Musketeer. Now, as he sat in the dimly lit library, the concept held new significance. He read the chapter carefully, absorbing every detail.

According to the book, from the moment a wizard's magical power awakens, a unique magic pattern is formed. This pattern remains like a trace every time they use magic—a personal fingerprint of sorts that cannot be altered once established.

Leo's brow furrowed as he read further.

"However, it is meaningless since archmages above level 8 can adjust magical power on a particle basis... What level is level 8?"

In WORLD 2.0, where Leo had played as the Musketeer, wizard levels weren't measured by such categories but by the grades of Sinister magic they could use. The idea of level 8 felt alien in comparison.

Nevertheless, this was unfamiliar knowledge, something that hadn't existed in the game. It warranted investigation. Leo decided to examine his own magic pattern.

"Open your palm, place the index finger of your other hand in the middle, and let the magic flow through it," the book instructed.

Leo followed the directions, channeling his magic as instructed. A faint glow began to spread across his palm, forming a distinct pattern. His expression shifted as he watched three spirals intersect, swimming across his skin.

Curious, he nudged the magic slightly. The spirals reversed, transforming into dozens of interlocking diamond shapes.

"… … "

He tried again, this time shifting the magic sideways. The diamonds faded, replaced by countless concentric circles radiating outward. Leo's eyes widened as he realized he could freely change the patterns with ease.

This wasn't normal.

"I can change the pattern at will?" he murmured. "That must mean... my control over magic is already at the level of a great wizard."

It was absurd, considering it had only been three days since his magical awakening. Yet the proof was right in front of him.

"I definitely have talent."

Leo allowed himself a small, wry smile. Given how weak his body was, it seemed only fair that his magical talent bordered on the extraordinary. Taking a measure of solace in that, he gathered the introductory books he had been reading and deposited them in the library's return box.

He had absorbed most of the information already, thanks to his photographic memory. Now, it was time to focus on more advanced material.

As the Library Emptied

As the library's closing time approached, only two or three patrons, including Leo, remained. The sun's last rays filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. Leo sat motionless, lost in thought.

"How long has it been since I had time to myself like this?"

He looked out at the setting sun, his face creased in a thoughtful frown. This moment of solitude was a stark contrast to the relentless drudgery of the factory. Yet, even in this peaceful setting, Leo couldn't shake the tension from his expression.

"This is different from what I expected."

After spending the entire day devouring magical texts, Leo had reached an unsettling conclusion. Much of the knowledge he found was unfamiliar and, worse, unhelpful. The concept of magical patterns was useful, but the rest?

"The concept of public magic has completely disappeared."

The books spoke only of the Sinister system—unique magic for each wizard. There was no mention of Dexter, the common magic system every wizard in the game had relied on.

Had the shift to WORLD 3.0 erased public magic entirely?

Leo frowned. "Even with my talent, I couldn't have conjured magic that didn't exist." The absence of Dexter didn't make sense. Despite its lack of power compared to Sinister, public magic's versatility made it indispensable.

"It doesn't add up. Public magic can't have simply vanished."

He flipped through a few more books scattered on his desk, each one elaborating on unique magic—elemental spells, necromancy, sorcery, binding magic. But the descriptions were meaningless without a grimoire or a teacher to guide him.

Leo sighed and pushed the books away. Finding a grimoire or a master was not an option in his current situation.

As he gathered his things, a voice spoke from behind.

"If you want to be a wizard, you should give up."

Leo turned to see a woman tidying up nearby. She wore a white blouse and a blue skirt, her blonde hair neatly swept to one side. Her cool blue eyes glanced at him briefly before returning to her task.

"You can't become a wizard just by sitting around reading books," she continued in a matter-of-fact tone. "It's too late for you at your age. You should focus on theoretical magic engineering."

Leo's gaze narrowed. "What are you trying to say?"

"I don't want to see you clinging to false hope."

She placed the book she was holding on the shelf and looked at him directly, her eyes sharp and unyielding.

"Without a school or a teacher, you're wasting your time. University is your only option, and even then, without a strong foundation, you'll fail."

Leo stared at her, silent, absorbing her words.

"Curiosity, passion, and inquiry mean nothing without talent and luck," she added, her tone softening just slightly.

Still, Leo didn't respond, his gaze steady.

The woman sighed, brushing her hair back. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that to a stranger." She gestured toward the door. "It's closing time. Please leave."

As she turned away, Leo spoke.

"Is that from your own experience?"

She paused, looking over her shoulder. "What?"

"Shouldn't a student push themselves to see what they can achieve before giving up?"

Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, her composure slipped.

"You're a strange one," she muttered, shaking her head. "I'm not a student."

Leo raised an eyebrow as she pulled a business card from her pocket and tossed it to him.

"Come back later. I'll show you some magic, if you're serious."

When Leo looked at the card after leaving the library, he realized why she had been so blunt.

[Lavatenon University. Professor of Elemental Magic.]

[Iris Richellen.]

Leo blinked in surprise. "A professor?"

She had carried herself like a student, yet she was a professor all along.

A Sudden Encounter

Leo had just stepped back onto the street near his hotel when a young man in a police uniform approached him.

"Excuse me," the officer called, holding a small device in one hand. "Can you cooperate with an inspection?"

Leo's mind raced. "A checkpoint?"

He forced himself to remain calm, stepping forward. "Of course."

The officer smiled. "Just checking magical patterns after a recent robbery. Standard procedure."

Leo extended his hand, letting his magic flow through the device. He subtly altered the pattern, ensuring it didn't match anything suspicious.

The officer nodded, satisfied. "Thank you. You're clear."

As the officer walked away, Leo exhaled in relief.

"They weren't from the factory."

He was safe—for now.