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"But how are you planning to do it?"
Meteria looked at him with genuine curiosity. "Do you intend to become a god's Familia member?"
Her meaning was obvious—if Ronen had made up his mind, she could help introduce him to a god.
"No," Ronen shook his head firmly. He'd already given this thought the night before. "Right now, what I need is to continue learning the written language, the spoken tongue… and the knowledge of magic."
Magic—an extraordinary force capable of producing supernatural phenomena. In most people's eyes, it was synonymous with power.
Typically, casting magic required a chant and the expenditure of spiritual energy, known as Mind. The longer the chant, the greater the power—divided into Short, Long, and Super-Long Chants. That said, chantless magic also existed.
Magic itself was split into two broad categories: Innate Magic and Bestowed Magic—the latter awakened by receiving a god's blessing.
Innate Magic was tied to bloodlines and natural talent. Its properties were fixed, and only races with magical heritage—like fairies, elves, or rare subaces—could truly wield it through their own potential and rigorous training.
Bestowed Magic, on the other hand, was born of a person's passion and understanding of a particular subject. It was awakened through the grace of a god. Unlike common fantasy settings, this world's magic couldn't simply be studied and learned—it had to be earned through Falna. And it came with limits: one to three slots per person.
Innate Magic was hard to control. It often caused magical surges or backfires, leading to self-injury. With the reliability and simplicity of Bestowed Magic, many gave up on their innate gifts.
In short: Bestowed Magic are easy to control but couldn't be learned. But Innate Magic, while incredibly difficult to control, could be learned—and therein lay the key.
Though ordinary humans were not typically part of magical bloodlines, magic knowledge itself was still critical, especially for those aiming to become mages or scholars. Not only did it enhance magical potential, but it opened the door to creation.
Eight hundred years ago, the famed sage Fels created the Philosopher's Stone and even pioneered necromancy and resurrection spells—transforming personal understanding into real, usable magic.
To do something similar, a clear path was essential. A precise understanding of magic's logic and the inner desire to bring about change—only then could one develop new magic.
"To cure your illness," Ronen said with quiet resolve, "there are two possible paths."
"One is to awaken a Bestowed Magic that can seal or eliminate skills."
"The second is to accumulate magical knowledge and craft a spell or artifact with the same effect."
Meteria already carried an artifact that suppressed her negative skill, but it could only hold it back, not eliminate the skill.
But that didn't mean it was impossible.
With deep magical knowledge and genuine desire, there was a chance—however small—of creating magic with that exact function.
Her sickness stemmed from a negative skill. It was like a constant drain on her life force, and it only grew stronger with time. If they could seal or erase that skill, the "incurable illness" could be cured.
"Bestowed Magic reflects one's current understanding of magic and is a manifestation of the heart. Because of that… anything is possible."
Hearing this, Meteria slowly nodded. A soft light began to kindle in her eyes. Hope. Motivation.
This wasn't just about her anymore—it was about Ronen. About her sister, too.
Meteria and her sister Alfia shared a similar skill type. But while Alfia stood at the pinnacle of talent, Meteria lacked the qualities of an adventurer.
Still, being a member of Hera's Familia. Goddess Hera already explained things like this to her, gave her a broad perspective, and she could tell—Ronen's theories and reasoning doesn't have any flaws.
With her mind also set in motion, the two didn't remain in bed for long. They rose together and began the day.
After washing up and eating, they resumed their lessons.
That afternoon, Meteria left the chapel briefly. Ronen waited, both hopeful and nervous.
By the next day at noon, she returned—with several girls in tow and their arms full of books.
They were support members of the Hera Familia. Curious about the boy Meteria had taken such interest in, they swarmed around Ronen with teasing smiles and romantic gossip.
Meteria, soft-spoken and fragile, was the complete opposite of the battle-hardened warriors that filled the Familia. Her gentle presence made her something of a beloved mascot sister to them all.
Even Hera, despite her temper, doted on Meteria. Her illness, combined with her lack of combat potential, meant everyone was particularly kind to her.
She was, in essence, the Familia's cherished flower.
Despite her gentle nature, Meteria had a firm will. Once she made a decision, no one could shake her. Knowing that, Ronen figured Hera already knew of his existence—but hadn't come to meet him.
She was probably allowing Meteria to handle things.
And Hera, infamous for her short fuse, would only back off if Meteria stood her ground.
Understanding that, Ronen had no desire to meet Hera—yet. He wasn't stupid. Meeting his future mother-in-law while still jobless and living off her daughter's kindness? That was a one-way ticket to being looked down on.
He wasn't a masochist nor he is a character with return of dragon son-in-law script .
Now that Meteria had bought him some time, Ronen wasn't about to waste it.
A woman who'd lived for billions of years? She could probably see straight through him with a single glance. Just the thought of it made him shiver.
After seeing off the other Familia members, Ronen stood alone in the chapel, clenching his fists as if bracing himself.
"To face the future… to change the future… and to embrace a happy future."
He smiled and turned toward Meteria.
"Let's begin."
They resumed their studies.
Side by side, they practiced the common language of the continent. They poured over magical theory. They shared smiles, soft laughter, quiet touches. The bond between them deepened with every word, every spell.
Meteria had once dreamed of curing her sister's "illness" and had studied magic for that very reason. While her knowledge wasn't vast, it was enough to serve as a guide for Ronen—both in language and in arcane theory.
Their shared determination and companionship became the wings of their journey. Ronen's learning speed soared.
He had already mastered basic conversation in just two weeks. His gift for study was exceptional.
Now after understanding the basis his progress reached new heights at an astonishing rate.
In just half a month, Ronen's fluency rivaled that of a native. His grasp of magical knowledge quickly surpassed even Meteria's.
And with each day, his growing strength and tireless dedication gave her more confidence in their shared dream.
In that bright, supportive atmosphere,
Ronen's path gradually became clear.
His goal was no longer a vague hope.
It was a Clearer Goal .
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