Chapter 83: There Must Be Meaning in My Roar

Felix was amazed.

This conversation was packed with valuable knowledge. It felt like flipping through a living encyclopedia. Although the rapidly increasing experience bar was thanks in part to his [Genius] talent, Professor Katia Naumann's explanations were so clear and logical that even someone like Felix, who had never studied Originium before, could easily understand.

Q: Can Originium Arts be mastered through learning?

A: Yes. After proper study, Terrans can grasp Originium Arts to varying degrees. However, the upper limit of mastery depends on each individual's Originium adaptability.

Q: If someone has already mastered one type of Originium Art, can they learn others?

A: Yes. In Leithanien, everyday furniture like refrigerators and televisions requires Originium Arts to function. This implies that low-level Originium Arts can be learned through study—though pursuing high-level mastery takes considerable time and effort.

If explained in game terms, it resembled how magic works in Dungeons & Dragons: some spells are innate, like those of a Caster whose power is granted by their bloodline, while others are learned, like a mage's.

To simplify: everyone on Terra is essentially a student at Hogwarts. Everyone has the potential to learn magic—but the infected can cast spells without a wand.

His chat with Katia caused Felix's [Originium Scientist] secondary profession to jump to 5% progress. If he kept having deep conversations like this, a dozen more sessions might be enough to earn him the title of Originium Scientist. Terrifying, yet thrilling.

As the discussion continued, Katia also lamented the differences in how Originium Arts were taught in Columbia. When it came to theory, scholars in Leithanien and Columbia held contrasting views. Even though their frameworks were different, the underlying principles they described often led to the same results.

"I'm really curious," Felix said honestly, eager for Katia to share more. After all, this trip had to be worth it—especially with the progress bar continuing to rise.

Professor Katia was happy to oblige. Even though he barely touched the knife and fork before him, his passion for teaching was evident. This dinner was Felix's treat, but Katia's real appetite was clearly for intellectual discussion. And what could be sweeter or more nourishing than a feast of knowledge?

The explanation from Leithanien's Zwillingstürme casters resembled the traditional concept of magic: first, choose the appropriate spell in your mind; next, channel Originium as a medium to activate it; finally, cast the spell and trigger its effect.

A straightforward example could be drawn from Harry Potter: when Harry wants to cast Expelliarmus, he speaks the incantation, points his wand, and emits a burst of light that causes a real-world effect.

In essence, this process involves three steps: selecting the spell, activating it, and completing it. During activation, the caster might chant the spell, make specific gestures, or prepare material components. In battle, many learn to compress these steps and skip the chant altogether for quicker execution.

On the other hand, Columbia's scholars approached Originium theory with a more formalized, scientific mindset. Their view of Originium Arts was closer to engineering—like writing a computer program. First, you design the program; then, you use Originium as the energy source to run it and achieve the desired effect.

For example, imagine a basic circuit diagram: the Originium is the power supply, the designed spell is the circuit, and the resulting effect is the reading shown on the voltmeter or ammeter.

Felix gained a great deal from the conversation. His Originium Scientist progress bar was already nearing 10%.

Meanwhile, Mandragora was chatting with Adele about their school life. Both were students at the Caster School. Although they were classmates, they hadn't interacted much until now. The two had already agreed to practice Originium skills together during tomorrow's training.

As new arrivals in Leipzig, Senomi and Mandragora—now permanent residents—also asked Adele to take them around the city over the weekend. Not knowing any fun spots yet, they hoped she could guide them. Adele smiled and readily agreed.

Midway through dinner, Felix noticed the three girls chatting happily, their laughter light and easy. The sight put him at ease. It would've been even better if Susie were here, he thought.

He was confident now—Mandragora wouldn't follow the same tragic path as before. Seeing the Originium Scientist progress bar now sitting steadily at 15% gave him a sense of reassurance.

As for Adele, Felix had already identified her—an operator of Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals. In the timeline he remembered, she seemed like a harbinger of disaster. Still, he wasn't entirely sure, as his previous role hadn't placed him in direct contact with many field operators.

Could I recruit Adele to my side...?

And once again, Felix found himself drifting toward dangerous thoughts. In his previous life at Rhodes Island, had he ended up stealing all of their talent after traveling through time?

He didn't know what the future held. For now, Adele still had a happy family. If she followed him too soon, she'd be swept into a life of endless movement—like wandering with Liu Bei during the Three Kingdoms. It might be best to let her enjoy a peaceful life in Leipzig a little longer. In any case, his relationship with Professor Neumann was growing stronger. When the time came, all he'd need was a word.

After sending off Professor Neumann, his wife, and Adele, the little girl turned to wave goodbye to Senomi and Mandragora with a bright, angelic smile.

Felix glanced at Muelsyse, who still looked like she hadn't had enough, and asked, "How was it?"

"I've learned a lot. The scholars in Leithanien have a completely different perspective from Columbia's scientific community. Even though the results may be the same, their methods diverge greatly. That contrast is valuable for my research."

Muelsyse's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she turned to him and smiled. "Thank you for bringing me along today."

"I figured you'd be interested in this stuff, but I only understood half of what they said," Felix admitted with a shrug as they walked. He truly didn't have the textbook knowledge to keep up.

Muelsyse chuckled. She leaned forward slightly, the teardrop-shaped mole beneath her eye glinting under the light. Her flaxen-green hair cascaded gently over her shoulders.

"When we're back in Columbia," she said with a smirk, "would you like this Beautiful Elf Genius to give you a lesson?"

"Sure," Felix replied, completely serious. "Especially if the lesson lasts several days and nights."

He was genuinely curious to see what would happen once his Ecologist sub-profession was unlocked.

Muelsyse grinned and began humming an old Leithanian melody as she walked beside him.

Meanwhile, Mandragora tugged on Senomi's arm and whispered, "Senomi, What do you think about brother and Mumu…"

Senomi blushed faintly and shook her head. "I don't know."

"Aren't you in a hurry?" Mandragora teased.

"I was bought by the master," Senomi replied calmly. "So, naturally, my body belongs to the master."

Degenbrecher, listening in on the conversation between the two young girls, was rendered speechless. She hadn't expected such boldness from a pair of teenagers. Casting a glance at Felix, who was walking ahead of them, she felt a flicker of sympathy in her eyes.

Is this the price of being the only hero in someone's life...?

It felt like she had just glimpsed a tragic future for her boss.

Poor boss.

In the days that followed, Muelsyse began attending William University regularly. Sometimes, Felix would go with her to sit in on classes. Other times, he stayed behind at the factory, working on his iron crafting projects.

He was currently focused on rolling out blueprints for a new pistol.

He hadn't forgotten the mission still hanging on his task board. After all, this was his first B-level task.

Each morning, before sending Senomi and Mandragora off to school, Felix would ruffle their hair and pinch their cheeks—his daily ritual to make sure he'd absorbed enough "good luck."

"System, begin blueprint draw!"

[Explore new blueprints for hand cannons. Spend 300,000 LMD and 30,000 experience points. Confirm/Deny?]

Confirm.

[Congratulations! You've obtained the Semi-Automatic Pistol: Rex]

As a solid choice among semi-automatic pistols, Rex boasted high base damage and critical hit chance—but suffered from low trigger probability, sluggish reload speed, and a painfully slow rate of fire. It was equipment accessible only in version 2.0.

Felix accepted it with a sigh.

[Explore new blueprints for hand cannons. Spend 300,000 LMD and 30,000 experience points. Confirm/Deny?]

Confirm.

[Congratulations! You've obtained the Revolver: Vasto]

Another version 2.0 weapon. Felix endured again.

Wasn't the "luck" absorption enough? Next time, should I kiss them both on the forehead to make it count?

"RNG," he muttered. "if you don't give me a decent blueprint, I swear I'll make you scream like Susan Boyle's pet dog next door. I swear, I will."

[Explore new blueprints for hand cannons. Spend 300,000 LMD and 30,000 experience points. Confirm/Deny?]

Confirm.

[Congratulations! You've obtained the Revolver: Lumen]

A golden legend!

This revolver was undoubtedly among the strongest in late version 2.0. Alongside Spade Ace and Dawn, it formed the trio of top-tier handguns—each with unique strengths and weaknesses—but all considered endgame equipment for 2.0.

The Lumen could even be upgraded to remain viable through 3.0, much like the Spade Ace. Unfortunately, Dawn lacked the same staying power; even with modifications, it couldn't keep pace with the output of Spade Ace or Lumen.

At the very least, this weapon would serve him well through the late stages of 3.0.

Lumen — There must be meaning in my roar.

We listen with all our hearts:

To the Terra, to the assembler that crafts mechanical language—

That translates order for us.

To our own hearts, enduring the howling calamities of nature—

If not reason, then at least peace.

Felix had to admit—the weapon's introduction and description were incredibly cool.

The gun itself was pure white, making it the most suitable Guardian-type weapon for Mostima. Still, Felix intended to make some minor custom modifications, something that would turn this standard-issue guardian revolver into a one-of-a-kind gift.

From what his classmates had told him, Mostima's birthday fell in December. Now in the year 1089, both he and Mostima were 19. He planned to return to Laterano at the end of next year to give her the Guardian Gun as a birthday present.

The plan was already forming clearly in his mind, but for now, he lacked the high-grade materials necessary to craft the weapon. He'd have to pick them up during his next trip to Columbia.

In the meantime, goods from the Kazimierz Chamber of Commerce had just arrived in Graufeld. After informing Degenbrecher and the others, Felix set off for the mobile city to retrieve the shipment.

Leipzig was only a mobile town—and rather than wait ten days for someone to bring the goods to his doorstep, it was much more efficient for him to spend a day or two picking them up himself.

Graufield, unlike Leipzig, was a full-fledged mobile city, governed by nobility. As such, it featured the signature twelve towering spires that marked every noble-run city. These towers served as social venues for the city's elite.

Felix found himself intrigued by the noble culture of Leithania. He'd heard stories—how the nobles would bring out their musical instruments during gatherings, each playing a part, and eventually creating a grand symphony as a group. It was a peculiar but elegant tradition.

A short break in such a city wouldn't be too bad. With that thought in mind, Felix drove through the streets, admiring the scenic beauty on his way to the express delivery company.

When he arrived at his destination, however, his brows furrowed.

The city was unnaturally quiet.

There were no citizens of Graufield roaming the streets. No music, no chatter. Compared to the lively atmosphere of Leipzig, this silence felt... off.

A strange atmosphere hung in the air. Broad daylight, and yet not a soul in sight. Was the city haunted?

Parking his truck to the side, Felix stepped out. With both the Ace of Spades and Dawn holstered at his waist, he approached the express center cautiously.

The closer he got, the more uneasy he felt.

There was a faint smell of blood.

Troublesome.

Felix scanned his surroundings and quickly noticed masked figures cloaked in black emerging from the shadows. Some carried staffs; others held musical instruments. Every one of them radiated the aura of a Caster.

"Do you know what it would cost to attack a Lateran?" Felix spoke calmly, hands hanging loosely at his sides, exuding no sign of resistance. "Your organization will be uprooted. The Executors of the Notary Office will hunt each of you to the ends of the Terra until you die—"

"—Kill him."

Before he could finish, a voice echoed from the darkness. In the next instant, radiant bursts of color lit up at the tips of the staffs.

Felix clicked his tongue. Unless he was attending classes at William University, he always wore a mechanical protective suit. Without hesitation, he sprang into action—rushing into a nearby alley, drawing his gun mid-motion, and firing.

Two sharp gunshots rang out.

Two Casters collapsed, bullets embedded cleanly in their foreheads. But even as they fell, they completed their incantations. Black spells surged like ink, streaking toward Felix.

Anticipating this, Felix shifted his position at a street corner. His well-timed slide took him beneath the inky barrage—two drops narrowly missing his head and splattering onto the ground behind him, where they sizzled and corroded the stone like acid.

[You have killed ?, gain 400 experience] x2

The masks concealed their identities, preventing recognition even through player systems.

Springing off a nearby trash can, Felix launched himself upward. His enhanced strength and agility propelled him like a bird in flight. Light as a swallow, swift as a roc, he flipped and landed on a second-floor balcony. Without pausing, he drew again and fired.

Now it felt like he was navigating a side-scrolling action game. The tight spacing between buildings allowed him to move fluidly across walls and ledges.

Bang!

The Ace of Spades fired once more, claiming another Caster's life. More shots followed. He quickly realized that the enemy had become unsettled—their coordination frayed, their casting speed sluggish.

Then came the sound of battle from another street corner.

Felix vaulted onto the roof of a bungalow to investigate.

Below, a dozen black-clad Casters had surrounded a white-haired Caprinae dressed in traveling gear. She fought them off with calculated grace. Amid the chaos, she glanced upward and caught sight of Felix.

Their eyes met—her scarlet irises locking with his.

Then she grinned.

"Want to come together?"