Reincarnated as a Genius Mage

Slowly— I walk toward the stone structure.

On it, there are various ancient like runes. And in the middle of the runesand, a large handprint lies; etched into the stone.

Gently; I rest my palm on the rough handprint.

Immediately, a humming sound echoes in the silent room. It's the type of sound that a computer makes when it's turned on.

It feels like my vitality is being drained from me.

The Mana I stored in the cells of my right-hand is getting sucked into the stone.

There's no light, no flash. Nothing. And then it stops.

I turn my neck toward Alexander, and stare at him with questioning eyes.

A gentle smile is on his lips, his gaze not fixed on me. He's staring elsewhere.

And then I trace the direction of his gaze to the back of my head. Just at my back, there're two objects— hovering and shimmering with bright light.

"As expected. You didn't get only one artifact, you got two. That's a first."

My eyes widen, and I stare at the objects floating in front of me with intrigue.

"Take them. Let's go, we're done here."

I nod, and I grab my two new artifacts.

***

I just gained two special magic objects that are mine and mine alone.

This means that only I can use them, and they're fused with my mana.

"Not bad, not bad at all. But.. how the hell do I use these?"

I'm holding a strange ring with spikes on it. The ring is gray colored, and it's emitting a strange mana that's different from mine.

The mana it emits is neither elemental, nor pure. It's like.. it's like pure mana, but it's not like pure mana. I find the existence of this ring weird and confusing.

And there's a weapon on my bed, just by my side. I have no idea what it is. It's made with some kind of metal, and it's like a ring, but much larger. If there's anything like a thigh ring, then it'll be this, because I can fit my whole thigh in it.

It's circular, and it has no design on it. The edge is smooth, thin, and sharp like a sword, and I'm pretty sure it can slice through flesh easily.

I'm a mage. What would I need a weapon for?

The ring seems to be much more than what I see it as. I'll hold onto it for now, until I discover its abilities, and what that unique mana it's emitting is.

But I won't wear it though, I'll just keep it in my pocket. Mysterious things like this always trigger metaphysical reactions, and I'd like to avoid that. I've had my fair share.

My eyes focus one last time at the circle-like weapon.

"As for this weapon..."

I bend down, and shove it under my bed.

"I'll just abandon it for now."

***

In the training grounds.

"That's enough training for today."

Klaus says as he throws the boulder away from my head with one hand.

Quickly— I stand up, and I stretch my body, cracking my neck quickly, and subtly flexing my muscles.

"Good, you're getting be–"

Like a hungry lion— I lunge toward him. He's standing without guarding himself, he has so many openings so it's the perfect opportunity to catch him off guard.

His arms are crossed across his chest, exposing his stomach. So I go for a blow under his stomach. My right fist is clenched tight, and I put strength into my right arm to make my punch more explosive.

As my fist is about to connect to his stomach, he raises his knee with an almost blurry speed, and he blocks my punch.

Crack!

It's my fist. It's broken.

I leap— taking two large steps back, and I shake my wrists, waiting for the broken fist to heal. It usually takes about five seconds.

"Nice try."

Through the faint dust rippling around our area of impact, I see his grinning face and the glim of bright light in his hazel eyes.

"Tch."

Just what kind of monster is this guy?

He rushes toward me like a natural disaster, his burly figure seemingly propelling the dust that trails behind him like a hurricane.

With a speed that should'nt be possible for his size— he swings his large fists toward my face.

I can't block it with my hands, else it'll get broken. I barely tilt my head slightly to the left— dodging his fist. But it slightly graze my ear, leaving behind a small stinging cut.

"Ouch."

In that same moment, I grab his lunged hand with my hands, and I use it as support to push my body upward, swinging my leg to his level.

I twist my waist mid-air— spinning. And with a spinning kick, I connect my heel to his jaw.

Thud!

As I hit him, he doesn't flinch. The sound is as if I hit a sandbag.

Time itself seems to have slowed down as he remains unmoving.

He let me hit him.

With his left hand— he holds my ankle. Holding me upside down like an object, making me dangle in the air.

The blood in my body rushes towards my head, and the world around me keeps spinning.

BoomCrack!

Like a truck with failed brakes— his right fist slams into my ribs, shattering the lot of them.

"Argh!" The pain I feel from that punch... getting hit by a hammer would be less painful compared to this.

Then, he throws me on the ground, like I'm some kind of object.

And I land— face first into the sand, and some sand enters my mouth.

"Ptui." I spit out the saliva mixed with sand in my mouth.

I'm holding my ribs, the punch he landed on me broke some of my left ribs. But they'll heal soon.

"Not bad, not bad at all. You lasted ten seconds. And that surprise attack was... good."

He's grin is as wide as ever, he's obviously thrilled by this... pathetic fight.

"If I were using my flames, you'd be dead by now."

"Oh yeah? Then why don't I die when you burn me every single day with your flames while 'tempering my body'?"

"I regulate the heat and temperature of my flames while doing that. And besides, the burnt parts of your skin fall out by themselves anyway. Your healing ability is truly a blessing."

His facial expression is akin to one who just found a new source of pleasure.

"Ew. You disgust me."

"I love you too young Master Charles."

As I hear his words, I clench my jaw, tightening my fists, and from where I seat— I jump, heading toward him with great speed.

I'm determined to make one hit count. Just one. I don't care if I keep losing, but just one hit would make me the happiest man on earth right now.

But...

He holds my neck mid-air, and with a sickening thud; he slams my back on the ground.

"Urgh!"

"You have a lot of things to learn before you create your first circle."

His low, evil ass chuckle echoes in the training grounds.

I hate this world.