Chapter 3: Echoes of Resonancy and the Crystal’s Secret
It is already morning, but I couldn’t sleep much. I still can’t believe I’m in another world, and beyond that, I can’t believe that bastard of a brother is here too. However, I’m incredibly excited to find out whether or not I can use magic.
Setting those thoughts aside, I get up to go find Roland; he told me to wait for him in the living room. Once I finish tidying up, I head over to him.
…
"Good morning, Kaito."
"Good morning, Roland."
"Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Good, come with me then."
(I follow behind him. I had already seen most of the interior of his house yesterday, but it still amazes me. It gives me that feeling that I’m truly in a medieval era. It’s not very big after all; it’s just the living room and three other rooms—his daughter’s, his, and...)
"Let’s go in. This room is where I keep my things from my adventuring days. When we finish your evaluation and your training, I’ll give you a few things."
"No, I-I couldn't trouble you any further. I’ll pay you for them properly when I have money."
"You worry too much."
"..." (The room was small. There was a window with a cloth curtain that barely let the sunlight in. The floor was covered by a wool rug with a diamond pattern. Along the sides, there are cabinets seemingly filled with adventurer gear. In the center, there is a table; a leather-like hat, a pair of gloves, a silver-like necklace, and a few other things were scattered around the room.)
"Look over here. This is a crystal ball. Normally, everyone in the kingdom has one because from the moment your child is born, you place their hands on the ball and your affinities, qualities, ranks, and skills appear—assuming you have any, of course. If you don’t have them, it won’t display anything. But it surprises me quite a bit that your family didn’t do this with you. At any rate, I’ll explain everything in detail, okay? So pay attention."
"Magic Power is known as the 'Echo of Resonance,' as it manifests through the resonance between the individual and the environment. Every living being and object possesses a unique vibratory frequency, and those who can tune into these frequencies can access magic. Not everyone can do it, which is why mages are highly valued throughout the world.
The levels of Magic Power are as follows:
Echo of Resonance: The most basic level, where the individual can perceive the magic frequencies around them.
Collective Resonance: The individual can tune into the frequencies of other beings and objects, allowing them to manipulate magic energy. Innate mages and royalty are usually born with this level.
Harmony: Finally, Harmony. The individual can create magic harmonies, combining frequencies to achieve specific effects. Only Heroes are born with this from the start; that’s how we know they are Heroes.
There are two other types that are rare:
Collective Synchrony: The individual can synchronize their frequency with others, allowing them to share and amplify magic. In this one, you must have a high level of synchronization with the other person, because if done carelessly, one of the two could end up seriously injured. To reach this, you need a bond with the other person—a union of soul and body is necessary, and even then, it is often not achieved. In fact, many think it’s just a myth, so there isn't much information about it other than that.
The Aeon: The highest level, where the individual becomes a channel for universal magic energy, allowing access to limitless power. No person to date has reached this level.
Magic is learned through practice and dedication. Those 'chosen,' so to speak, can learn magic in the following ways:
Instruction: An experienced master can teach magic to a disciple.
Study: You can study ancient texts and discover new spells and techniques if you want to learn beyond the norm. There are books for the general public, though; in fact, I have some books that belonged to my wife. And finally...
Revelation: In some cases, magic can be revealed to an individual through a mystical experience, though this is more dangerous because it’s like forcing it. If it doesn't go well, you’d end up damaging your brain and would die as a result.
There are different types of Magic:
Elemental Magic: Manipulation of the elements—earth, air, water, or fire. Some people even manage to master all four. Of course, there is also Light and Dark magic. Light is extremely rare, but it became known because one of the Heroes awakened with it; I think it’s the first time that’s happened in 1000 years. But we’ll talk about the Heroes in a moment. Continuing with my explanation, Dark magic belongs exclusively to demons.
Life Magic: Physical healing, emotional healing, and spiritual healing. Normally, people from the Church are the ones who have this type of magic, but it is difficult to manage all three. Only the Maiden, who is the Princess of the kingdom, is among the few who can do it, though she ends up on the verge of collapse afterward due to how demanding it is.
Mind Magic: Manipulation of perception, memory, and will.
Illusion Magic: Creation of illusions and manipulation of perceived reality.
Now, as I promised, I will tell you about the magic of the Heroes..."
"Eh? How do you know that?"
"Well, they are Heroes, so their powers are known by everyone except for one—the last Hero's. Don’t interrupt me."
"S-Sorry, please go on."
"1. Thrakos the Unconquered: Elemental Magic. He masters all elements as expected of a Hero, but his primary magic is Earth.
2. Lyriath the Moon Shadow: Illusion Magic.
3. Kaelor the Stormbringer: Elemental Magic (Air).
4. Aldric the Eternal Fire: Fire magic, though apparently he also has Life magic, it's just not as strong as a healer's.
5. Zhilin the Darkness Destroyer: Light Magic. The only Hero known to have the capacity to use that magic.
And that would be how magic works in broad strokes and the specialties of some Heroes. All of them are incredibly strong in their own right; just because I numbered them doesn't mean they go from strongest to weakest, it was just easier to say it that way. We’re done with this, and it’s time for you to put your hands on the crystal ball."
"Yes." (I'm nervous, honestly, and I think my heart will break into pieces if they discover I have no power.)
As he placed his hands, a sort of mini-projection appeared, showing Kaito’s information:
Name: Kaito Shimizu Echo of Resonance: (——)
Elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, -, -
Title: Novice Swordsman, ——, ——
"Oh, Kaito, you have good stats! It’s incredible that you can use all four elements and, above all, that you are a master of the sword."
"Even I don't know what to say..." (What is this? It seems Roland can’t see it, but... there is a different window being shown only to me. What does this mean?
"Though there are some strange things that look blurry, like your Echo of Resonance and your title..."
"I-I really don't know either..." (The box I am looking at is different from the one shown by the projector.)
Kaito Shimizu | Lv 1 Age: 19 years old •
Male
HP: 200/200 MP: 230/230 Strength: 140 Magic: 180 Stamina: 170Dexterity: 100 Resistance: 250
Harmony (Magic Affinity) Fire: 10 Water: 10 Air: 10 Earth: 10 Light: 🔒 Darkness: 🔒
Acquired Titles: Novice Swordsman, Puppetry, Being from Another World, Magic Affinity (Harmony)
(These are the abilities I chose...)
"This is incredible, Kaito. I’m truly impressed. It seems you have the aptitude to be a swordsman just like I was. Let’s go train after we have breakfast, and then I’ll give you some books to study. They were my wife’s and they’re just gathering dust, so it’s better I give them to you."
"Really… (I don't really have to worry about these kinds of things anymore, right?) I-I will accept them gladly, if that is alright with you, sir."
"Oh, come on! Don’t use such formal language with me, it makes me feel old. Just speak to me casually."
"If that’s okay with you, then I don't mind."
"Great! After we finish with your training, I’ll give you some gear from my days as an adventurer."
"Dad! Kaito! Breakfast is ready! Come eat before it gets cold!"
"Oh, breakfast is served. Let’s go eat right away, otherwise my daughter will get angry—and you really don’t want to see her when she's angry."
(It's nostalgic in some way to see this, but nothing more than that, I don't miss my family at all in the end they were responsible for this especially that damn bastard... but it doesn't make sense to think about unnecessary things right now)
