Bounty Hunting

Powerful wizards inherently possess a degree of resistance to magic that targets them. Even if someone tried to locate a wizard using a scent-tracking spell, the resistance would render the spell ineffective, unless the wizard in question was vastly outclassed by a higher-level caster.

Leo knew this well. When configuring his character's traits, he meticulously considered even the smallest abilities. If those configurations were fully implemented in this world, his body would have an innate resistance to any form of tracking or curse magic.

"It might not work against someone much stronger, but it will definitely help me stay hidden or escape unnoticed."

With that thought in mind, Leo left the hotel, checking out immediately and moving to another one farther from his current location.

"No reason to leave a trail."

Although it was unlikely the factory would make a serious effort to track him down, caution was always necessary. The new hotel was modest, with smaller rooms and simpler amenities, but at half the price, it was far more economical.

"At least I won't blow through my money so quickly," Leo muttered, settling into the room.

He transferred his few belongings and quickly took stock of his situation. Grabbing a notepad and pen from the bedside table, he began to jot down his priorities and plans.

Organizing the Future

"Survival comes first," he wrote.

It had been a week since he woke up in this unfamiliar world. Before he could plan anything long-term, Leo needed to stabilize his health and secure his place here. The why and how of his arrival were secondary—he needed to ensure he lived long enough to explore those questions.

The first step was restoring his frail body. If left unchecked, his condition would only worsen.

"To recover, I'll need either unique time-related magic or an elixir."

While time magic seemed a distant dream due to its rarity and the secrecy surrounding Sinister magic, elixirs and medicinal herbs might be more accessible. Though powerful elixirs were rare and expensive, weaker ones that could temporarily strengthen his body might be within reach.

"Finding the right kind of elixir might not be easy, but it's possible."

Of course, even the weakest of these would require significant funds.

Leo sighed. "I need money. A lot of it."

The enormity of his task weighed on him, and he felt the familiar tug of fatigue pulling at his mind. Surrendering to the craving, he lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply. The relief was immediate, as energy surged through him.

"This will cost me later," he thought, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

The contradiction was clear: he needed money to improve his health, but maintaining the strength to earn that money required a constant drain on his body. It was a vicious cycle, but Leo had no choice. He would have to force his way through it.

Fortunately, his exceptional magical talent offered a glimmer of hope. From the start, it had been his only real advantage.

Diving into Magic

Determined to make the most of his situation, Leo dedicated the next few days to mastering the magic he could recall from his past experiences.

The three spells he had used in the factory—Light, Bolt, and Silence—were just the beginning. He delved into every common magic spell he could remember, testing and refining each one.

The room became his workshop, filled with the quiet hum of magic. Rolls of toilet paper were sliced cleanly under a cutting spell, as Leo took notes on each successful attempt. The bed was soon scattered with ink-filled notepads, documenting his growing list of usable spells.

Through this intensive practice, Leo discovered that his control over magic was far greater than it had ever been in the game. In WORLD, even basic spells required careful preparation, but here, magic flowed naturally from his thoughts, manifesting with ease.

"No incantations, no seals… just focus and willpower," he marvelled.

Not only that, but his magical power was increasing steadily, growing stronger with each use. By the end of the week, he could cast spells almost ten times a day, far surpassing his initial capabilities.

"I've grown a lot in a short time," he mused, realizing just how rare and valuable his talent was.

Despite the progress, Leo knew his practice had reached its limit. The time had come to venture out and secure a more stable source of income.

"This is the best I can do for now," he said, staring at the sheets of paper filled with spells and observations.

Tearing them up, he flushed the remnants down the toilet. Everything he had learned was safely stored in his memory, a by-product of his talent in handling and learning magic.

Back to District 49

Leaving the hotel, Leo made his way back to District 49. The stolen money from the thugs wouldn't last forever, and he had to find a way to make more.

"I need to use what I've got," he thought, feeling the weight of his lack of status in this world. A legitimate job wasn't an option, leaving the shadows as his only recourse.

He navigated the familiar alleys, heading to the basement of a shabby gambling house. The man he had saved from the thugs had given him directions to this place.

Inside, the bar was dimly lit, with only a few patrons left as dawn approached. An elderly bartender stood behind the counter, mixing drinks with a calm, practiced hand.

Leo approached the bar, his appearance altered by magic to a more nondescript young man.

"I'm looking for work for a wizard," he said, once the bartender placed a drink in front of him.

The bartender nodded, tapping his glass four times. A woman emerged from the back, her damp hair clinging to her face, her shirt and leather pants giving her a dishevelled, yet dangerous look.

"A wizard, huh?" she said, raising an eyebrow. "You don't look like one."

Leo remained silent, letting his fingers spark with blue electricity.

Her eyes widened slightly, suspicion giving way to interest. "Lightning magic?"

Leo intensified the display, creating intricate patterns with the current. Her expression shifted to one of impressed curiosity.

"We can find something for you," she said, leaning forward. "But you'll need to prove you can handle more than just simple tricks."