The Honorable Wanderer: Mushoku Tensei

-Roxy Miguard-

In my 40 years of life, I had never heard a theory like the one proposed by a child who seemed barely in his teenage years. Although his appearance was that of a 15-year-old, I knew that beastman children could look older than their age. So I dared to think that way.

The boy before me, Ash, presented a theory I had never heard before, and it was fascinating to discuss. First, there was the Mana Core. According to him, the Mana Core is a collection of mana gathered within a person, functioning as a heart. This is different from the theory I had learned. Mana is typically considered a natural energy source used for casting magic.

All living beings possess mana, but only a small fraction can control it to turn it into the marvel known as magic. The concept of the Mana Core is vastly different from the general understanding of mana that I knew.

The Mana Core, according to Ash, is the central point of mana energy within the body, similar to a heart that pumps blood. Thus, it serves as a central resource that allows a person to access and use magic more efficiently. This is a revolutionary and promising idea.

Second, the Magic Circle. I knew that magic circles existed in this world. They were first used by demons during the war between demons and humans long ago. However, the application techniques explained by Ash were very different. Magic circles are usually inscribed on media such as skin, earth, or paper, and produce certain effects when used.

According to Ash's theory, a Magic Circle could be inscribed directly into the Mana Core, the central point of mana energy. By doing this, the flow of energy or spell reading becomes easier and even bypasses the chanting of spells, requiring only the utterance of the spell itself. This approach is very different and more efficient.

"You, where did you learn all of this?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"Ah, that…" Ash set down the wooden bowl of soup, stirring it slowly before answering, "Someone told me, a very wise and knowledgeable person."

"May I know the name of this wise person? If they wrote a book, their views on magic could change our entire understanding!" Admiration and enthusiasm were evident in my voice.

"Hmmm… Raphael, his name is Raphael," Ash said calmly, as if the name was a precious secret he had just shared.

"Raphael… A fine name," I murmured, contemplating the figure who might have such profound knowledge of magic.

We sat in silence for a moment, enjoying the warm soup under the twilight sky. My thoughts were whirling, imagining the new theories I could teach my students, the significant changes that could occur in the world of magic.

"Roxy, if you want to demonstrate the theory I mentioned, it's better not to do it just yet," Ash said, breaking the silence with a serious tone.

"Eh, why!? This could lead everyone to explore the mysteries of magic even further!" I couldn't hide my disappointment.

"I know," Ash replied, "but sometimes such things are met with strong opposition due to tradition or controversy. I can only teach this to you and not have it practised in this world yet. Only I have inscribed a magic circle into my Mana Core."

"Then, inscribe it into my Mana Core as well!" I said with unwavering determination.

"I also, Master Ash!" Aurelia said eagerly, her eyes shining with hope.

"Un, can I have it too?" Zephyr also chimed in, looking at Ash with hopeful eyes.

Ash looked at the three of us with a surprised expression on his face, and then he sighed deeply. "Alright, I'll teach you, but I don't guarantee that it will work, okay!"

We all nodded, ready to accept whatever would come next. Ash then began his explanation.

"Firstly, inscribing a magic circle into the Mana Core is a complex and risky process. It requires high concentration and a deep understanding of the structure of magic and mana energy. You must be absolutely certain and ready to face the consequences."

He continued by showing diagrams and detailing the steps. Aurelia, Zephyr, and I listened attentively, absorbing every word and gesture he demonstrated.

"Alright," Ash said finally, "we'll start with basic exercises to strengthen your Mana Cores. This will take time, but it's an important first step before we attempt the magic circle inscription."

We all nodded again, our resolve growing stronger. This was the beginning of something great, something that could change the world of magic forever.

-Ash Constantine-

Three days had passed since I left the previous fortress city. During the journey, I had taught the three people accompanying me about the theories I had proposed. The knowledge I borrowed from Ciel-sensei was highly intriguing to Roxy. In fact, she was willing to be the first in this world to have a magic circle inscribed into her Mana Core, aside from myself.

The reason she became the first is that I do not consider myself a part of this world. For me, my soul remains from Earth, despite being transmigrated into this child's body.

Additionally, I taught Aurelia about mathematics, economics, and some tricks in dealing with others. Actually, it wasn't me teaching, but Ciel-sensei. I was merely the intermediary.

Next, I taught Kendo to Zephyr. Of course, without Ciel's help, since Kendo is one of my skills and still fresh in my memory.

Roxy was also interested in the sword techniques I taught to Zephyr. In this world, there are three types of sword styles: Sword God, Water God, and North God, each with its own distinctive style. Roxy was already familiar with these three styles, and none of them resembled what I taught to Zephyr. So, I made it up and claimed it was a sword style I had created myself, called the Wind God Style.

The Wind God Style encompasses power, sensory sharpness, agility, and the ability to anticipate and counter the opponent's attacks. This technique emphasises a balance between offense and defence, allowing a warrior to move swiftly and nimbly like the wind while maintaining power in each sword strike.

"Wind God Style?" Roxy repeated with curiosity. "I've never heard of it before. What makes it different from the other styles?"

I smiled and began to explain in detail. "The Wind God Style focuses on developing four main aspects: power, sensory sharpness, agility, and the ability to anticipate and counter the opponent's attacks. Each exercise is designed to enhance one or more of these aspects."

"First, power. An expert of the Wind God Style must have sufficient power to withstand an opponent's attacks and deliver a deadly counterattack. Strength training and specific techniques are used to enhance muscle strength and body endurance."

"Second, sensory sharpness. This involves improving the ability to detect and respond to an opponent's movements. Through meditation and concentration exercises, a warrior learns to heighten their senses, enabling them to perceive the slightest changes in an opponent's movements."

"Third, agility. An expert of the Wind God Style must be able to move swiftly and nimbly, avoiding opponent's attacks and finding openings to strike. Balance and speed training are crucial for developing agility."

"Lastly, the ability to anticipate and counter the opponent's attacks. This is the core of the Wind God Style. Through sparring and strategic analysis, a warrior learns to read the opponent's movements and respond with timely and accurate counterattacks."

Roxy listened intently, her eyes shining with interest. "This is very different from the styles I know. Has Zephyr started mastering these techniques?"

"He's still in the early stages, but he's learning quickly," I replied. "Zephyr has strong determination and high enthusiasm. I'm sure he will become a master of this style one day."

Zephyr, who had been listening closely, smiled with burning enthusiasm. "I will train hard, Master Ash. I want to become strong and protect what is dear to me."

I patted his shoulder, feeling proud of the progress he had made.