NOVEL WEB Chapter 3: Chapter 2
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The translucent blue screen floated silently before Alen, its glow faint against the warm light of the inn's hearth.
[Congratulations to the Host for Awakening the Mage System.]
Alen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"This… isn't normal."
His gaze flicked to Eisen and Heiter, seated across the table. Neither of them seemed to notice the interface hanging in midair.
"They can't see it."
He didn't react outwardly, keeping his face neutral. If this was real—and all signs pointed to the fact that it was—then he needed information. Quickly.
He slowly reached for his cup, using the movement to hide the slight twitch in his fingers.
"Think. Analyze."
Alen let the conversation around him fade into the background. The screen shifted again, listing more details.
---
[Starting Package Activated]
100-Year Lifespan Granted
Basic Spell Knowledge (Beginner Tier)
Language Mastery (Ancient and Modern Texts)
Reward: Novice's Grimoire (Fire and Defensive Basics)
---
His grip tightened subtly around the cup.
"A hundred years of lifespan?"
The implications were staggering. Himmel had lived a normal human lifespan in the anime's canon, eventually passing away from old age. This system was already bending the rules.
"A power-up disguised as longevity. Clever. If I play this right, I'll have far more time than Himmel ever did."
He calmly set the cup down, making no sign that his heart was racing beneath the surface.
"Alright. I need to test this system… but not here."
"You alright, Himmel?" Heiter's voice broke through his thoughts. The priest raised an eyebrow behind his spectacles. "You're quieter than usual."
Alen met his gaze evenly.
"Just thinking about what comes next."
Eisen grunted, his deep voice cutting in. "That's not like you."
Alen smiled faintly, leaning back in his chair. "Maybe I'm evolving."
"Took you long enough," Heiter chuckled.
Alen hid his amusement behind a sip of water.
"Keep it light. Don't overplay your hand."
---
An Excuse to Test
By mid-afternoon, the group departed the village, following the familiar dirt roads leading through sprawling fields and gentle hills. The sun dipped lower, painting the landscape in hues of amber and gold.
Frieren walked several paces ahead, silent as ever, while Eisen trudged along beside Heiter. Their casual banter filled the quiet, but Alen remained at the rear of the group, lost in thought.
The blue screen lingered faintly in the corner of his vision—there but unobtrusive.
---
[New Quest: Cast a Basic Spell]
Objective: Successfully cast Feuer (Fireball)
Reward: +5-Year Lifespan, Minor Mana Potion
Hint: Use the Novice Grimoire to aid visualization.
---
"So, it's progression-based. The more I learn, the more the system rewards me."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"But there's a catch. It doesn't teach spells directly. I have to figure it out myself."
A clever mechanic—one that ensured growth through effort rather than free power-ups.
"I can work with that."
"We'll stop here for the night," Frieren announced abruptly, her voice cutting through the quiet.
Eisen gave a curt nod, dropping his pack onto the grass. "Good spot. I'll gather wood."
"I'll handle the food," Heiter added, pulling out a knife and bread from his bag.
Alen glanced at the nearby treeline.
"I'll check the perimeter," he said calmly.
Frieren's sharp green eyes flicked toward him. She studied him for half a second but nodded without a word.
"Good. She's not questioning it."
---
Into the Woods
Alen moved deeper into the forest, letting the faint crackling of the campfire fade behind him. The air was cool, laced with the scent of pine and damp earth.
Once certain he was alone, he exhaled quietly.
"Alright. Let's see what this thing can do."
The screen brightened in response, the quest details flashing once more.
[Would you like to activate your grimoire?]
Yes
No
Alen didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
A faint ripple of light coursed through his palm. The air shimmered, and a leather-bound book appeared in his hand. Its cover glowed faintly with runes, the title etched in golden letters:
[Novice Grimoire – Fire and Defensive Basics]
Alen flipped it open, the pages turning on their own until they settled on a familiar spell.
---
[Feuer – Basic Fireball Spell]
A simple fire spell. Visualization and mana control required.
Incantation: "Feuer entfache."
---
His eyes scanned the instructions.
"Visualization, mana control, incantation. It sounds simple… but it's probably not."
Alen extended his palm and took a deep breath, focusing on the spell diagram.
"Feuer entfache."
At first, nothing happened.
But then—
A small ember flickered at his fingertips.
It floated gently, barely larger than a candle flame. Alen studied it carefully, maintaining the mental image.
"So far, so good."
Then, the flame began to expand.
"Steady…"
The fireball grew larger, brighter—until it flared, suddenly spiraling out of his control.
"Too much mana!"
Alen stepped back just as the flame shot forward, slamming into a nearby tree with a dull thud. Smoke rose from the blackened bark.
He exhaled slowly, wiping his brow.
---
[Quest Complete: Cast a Basic Spell]
Reward: +5-Year Lifespan
Minor Mana Potion (Stored in Inventory)
---
A faint warmth filled his chest, and the screen flickered away.
"That wasn't perfect, but it worked."
Alen glanced at the scorched tree, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"I can learn. Fast."
He closed the grimoire, letting it fade back into the system's storage.
"I'll take this one step at a time… but I'll make sure to surpass Himmel."