Shops that deal with magic and magic circles are commonly called “Magic Shops.”
It’s like calling a hardware store a “Weapon Shop.”
“Welcome!”
Maria and I walked from the tavern to the Magic Shop and entered together.
From the term “Magic Shop,” I had imagined a house like the ones where witches live in fairy tales, but it wasn’t like that at all.
It was more akin to a bookstore from my original world.
Bookshelves were lined up with enough space not to obstruct customer movement, and books were densely packed along the walls.
I approached the woman sitting at the counter.
She was a tall, long-eared staff member.
“Um, I’m here to buy magic stones to learn magic…”
“Magic stones, right? Understood. Let’s see… lately, our stock has been a bit low… Ah, this catalog. Please choose from here.”
With that, the staff member pulled out a worn catalog from under the counter.
A glance through it revealed a vast number of spells listed in text. However, sticky notes indicating “Out of Stock” were plastered all over it.
“What does this ‘Out of Stock’ mean…?”
“It means exactly what it says. Many countries are experiencing shortages lately. Even with limited items, with tournaments and events approaching, there’s not much decent stuff left. If you reserve now, you’ll receive it after the tournament. It’s a business where materials are scarce and production is slow.”
This world has arenas.
Extending from that, there was supposedly a “Dance Battle Tournament” to decide the pinnacle of those who make combat their livelihood. It seemed that participants were currently buying the magic they would use in the tournament.
Feeling dejected by the poor timing, I browsed the catalog.
There seemed to be thousands of spells.
“I see. I’ll take a closer look.”
Offensive magic, healing magic.
Elemental magic, support magic.
From basic spells that I was familiar with, to life magic and ritual magic, there was a wide variety.
For now, I wanted to buy one support spell from this list for Maria.
However, all the seemingly useful ones were out of stock.
Meanwhile, Maria herself was looking around the store with curiosity from behind me.
“Maria, take a look too. If you find anything interesting, I’ll buy it for you.”
“Ah, yes. Understood.”
I called Maria over, who was wandering around, to help me choose a spell.
At that moment, the staff member stopped us with a flustered expression.
“W-wait a moment, customer. By any chance, are you planning to have that child learn magic?”
It seemed unusual for a child of Maria’s age to be buying magic.
Because I am tall, I wasn’t treated like a child while shopping, but it seemed that wasn’t the case for Maria due to her height.
“Um, is there a problem with this child?”
“No, it’s just that this child is a bit too young… It would be better to first check if she has the aptitude to use magic…”
I could tell they were trying to gently refuse, likely not wanting to sell magic to children.
The staff member took out various items from under the counter, such as a crystal ball and papers with incantations.
“You can tell from this?”
“Yes. If you place your hand on this, it will reveal the quality and quantity of your blood. Based on that, we can measure the types and capacity of magic you can learn.”
I observed the magical tools with great interest, marveling at their convenience.
In a world where magic has developed so far, such tools must have been created.
Then, I pondered the phrase “types and capacity of magic you can learn.” It probably meant there were limitations on the magic one could learn. My expectation that I could complete all the spells in the catalog if I had enough money was dashed.
“Alright then, young lady. Could you please touch this?”
The staff member offered the magical tool to Maria.
“Ah, yes.”
Maria then held out her hand.
As she did, a red mist began to form inside the crystal ball.
“Huh? Oh, w-wow. You have mid-tier magic power. And dual attributes: fire and null.”
Maria is apparently mid-tier.
Then, what about me and Dia?
Suddenly, I became afraid to touch the crystal ball that was there.
Excited by the discovery of a prodigy, the staff member praised Maria rapidly.
“You’re amazing, little one! I’ve been doing this job for a long time, but I rarely see someone your age with such magic power!”
“Th-thank you…”
Perhaps unaccustomed to praise, Maria hid her face behind the catalog, embarrassed.
“Now then, it’s your turn next, big brother.”
With that, the staff member offered the crystal ball to me.
I hesitated for a moment, then resolutely placed my hand on the crystal ball.
The change was immediate.
The entire crystal ball became more transparent. Though the crystal ball was already transparent, its slight impurities and murkiness vanished, rendering it perfectly clear.
“—Ah, what? What is this? A phenomenon I’ve never seen, a color I’ve never seen. Or rather, is this even a color?”
The staff member then retrieved a thick book from nearby and began to research the phenomenon.
I already had a good idea of what it was, so I stopped her.
“No, it’s fine. You don’t need to research it—”
“No, no, I’ll figure it out quickly. This transparent color seems to be called ‘Dimensional Attribute.’ It’s a very rare and ancient attribute. Since it’s transparent, we can’t determine the capacity from this… I’m sorry…”
The staff member bowed apologetically.
But for me, it was enough.
Given my status, there was no way my capacity was insufficient. Rather, it was more reasonable to assume my capacity was beyond what the crystal ball could measure.
My magic power, as indicated in my status, was several times that of Maria’s, who was considered mid-tier, so I was confident.
“It’s alright. Just knowing my attribute is good enough.”
“Hmm. If only we had measuring tools other than crystal balls… we don’t have any. I’m sorry. I’ll get out the catalog for dimensional attributes, just in case. I think we have a minor magic catalog somewhere…”
With that, the staff member retrieved a thin catalog and handed it to me.
A quick look at the thin catalog revealed items like ‘Star,’ ‘Sun,’ ‘Moon,’ ‘Light,’ and ‘Darkness.’ Even within this minor catalog, dimensional attribute spells were particularly few.
There were only two types. Even buying both would leave me with money to spare.
“Dimensional Magic ‘Connection.’ Dimensional Magic ‘Form.’ There seem to be only two…”
“Th-that’s very few… Ah, but they seem to be in stock. Actually, there are so few people with dimensional attributes that they’ve remained in stock.”
“Then, I’ll take both.”
“Huh? Are you sure? Without knowing your capacity properly?”
“Well, even if I can’t learn them now, I’ll be able to eventually.”
“You’re very casual about it, big brother. Are you perhaps wealthy?”
“It’s casual to buy *this* magic.”
“How envious… Alright, I’ll fetch them right away, so please wait.”
The staff member left her seat and disappeared into the back of the store.
During that time, I decided on Maria’s spell.
“Maria, how about it? Did you find anything interesting?”
“There’s nothing good. All the practical fire-attribute offensive spells are sold out. However, there are quite a few decent ones in the null-attribute section, perhaps because the population is small.”
“Oh?”
I looked at the catalog Maria was browsing.
Indeed, the fire attribute section was filled with “Out of Stock” notices. Even the basic ‘Flame Arrow’ was unavailable.
I also checked the ice attribute, and it was the same. However, since I was focusing on dimensional magic, it didn’t matter if the ice attribute was unavailable.
“How about this ‘Firefly’?”
“Huh, this one?”
After a quick glance, I pointed to a random spell.
Named after a firefly, it apparently could create a blinding effect with fire. A note indicated that it had no attack power due to its weak heat.
“I don’t expect attack power from Maria. I want her to have support.”
“Sigh, is that so…? Ah, for the null-attribute, ‘Impulse’ is the best. It’s a proper offensive spell.”
With that, Maria pointed to ‘Impulse’ in the null-attribute section.
It was described as a vibration magic with a short range. Enemies hit at close quarters would be blown back several meters by the shock.
“Then, I’ll buy those two. The price is reasonable. And I’ll buy one ice magic spell for myself, just in case.”
“…”
“What’s wrong?”
“Sigh. You really just spend large sums of money so casually.”
Maria glared at me, exasperated.
“This money was obtained at the risk of my life. It would be a waste not to use it.”
“You should just save it normally…”
Maria completely disagreed with my opinion.
However, I was acting with the intention of not staying in this world long, so the idea of saving money didn’t occur to me.
“Here you go. Big brother, here are your magic stones.”
While arguing with Maria, the staff member emerged from the back of the store.
“Thank you. Also, we’ve decided on this child’s magic. Fire Magic ‘Firefly,’ Null Magic ‘Impulse.’ And please, one Ice Magic ‘Little Snow’ as well.”
“‘Firefly,’ ‘Impulse,’ and ‘Little Snow,’ right? Those are common spells, so I can bring them right over. However, ‘Little Snow’ doesn’t match your attributes, so you won’t be able to learn it?”
“Ah, please don’t worry about it. It’s a rich man’s indulgence.”
Although the aptitude test showed no suitability for the ice attribute, I knew for a fact I could use ice magic, so I needed to try.
“Sigh, an indulgence? For us, it’s better if we can sell it.”
“I’ll pay in advance.”
“Ah, yes.”
The total cost was less than two gold coins. ‘Impulse’ was slightly more expensive, but the others were cheap as their uses were limited.
As usual, pretending to take it from the bag I carried behind me, I took two gold coins from my ‘Inventory.’
“You really just pulled them out so easily.”
Maria looked at me with an incredulous expression.
I wish she would stop looking at me like that every time money comes up.
“Thank you for your patronage! Well, you really are quite wealthy. Alright, I’ll go get the young lady’s magic stone right away.”
In exchange for the money, I received my change in silver coins and the Dimensional Magic stones.
The Dimensional Magic stones emitted a strange radiance.
The items themselves were similar to the magic stones obtainable from labyrinths, but the craftsmanship was on a different level. Intricate magic circles carved deep within the stone completed its otherworldly beauty.
“It’s beautiful. It feels like a waste to consume it.”
“Some people have them made into accessories. I’ve heard there are such accessories.”
Maria shared her knowledge for my benefit. She mentioned that some people have magic stones for Divine Magic made into wedding rings to pray for longevity.
While listening to such stories, the staff member returned with Maria’s magic stone.
“Here you go, this is for the young lady. I’ll also include the country’s certificate. If anything comes up, please visit us again. Since you’re wealthy, we provide excellent after-sales service.”
“Thank you. By the way, can I drink this here?”
“Not at all. Would you like some water?”
“Please. It’s my first time, so I’d like a professional nearby.”
“Coming right up!”
The staff member expertly brought water from the back.
Then, Maria and I swallowed the magic stones with the water we were given.
I had three, including the Ice Magic, and Maria had two.
Although I was resistant to the act of swallowing a stone, seeing the younger Maria swallow hers without a complaint, I also consumed mine without losing face.
“Congratulations, young lady! You should be able to use magic now. But please refrain from doing so inside the store! Ah, and I’m not sure if you, big brother, will be able to use yours.”
“I understand… How is it, Maria? Can you do it?”
“How could I tell? It’s my first time.”
Maria stared at her palm, but seemed unable to discern any change.
“Staff member, I’d like to test it outside for a moment.”
“There are no other customers, so I’ll accompany you outside and watch.”
The staff member kindly offered to watch us use our magic.
We went outside and were led to the store’s garden. A scarecrow target was also set up, so it seemed common for customers to test their magic.
“Young lady, imagine… The magic power circulating through your body gathering in your palm, its heat rapidly increasing, and then overflowing as flame pouring from your hand. And then, chant: ‘Firefly’!”
“—’Firefly’!”
Flames erupted from Maria’s hand.
The staff member was clearly experienced. She had probably guided many people in using magic. It seemed Maria was in good hands with her.
I needed to test my own magic.
“Young lady, that’s amazing! Truly, you’re a bundle of talent! Shall we move on? Next, imagine gathering colorless magic power. This colorless magic power gathers and trembles as if about to burst from your palm. Suppress that trembling, and then shout: ‘Impulse’!”
“—’Impulse’!”
As I continued with my task, I caught sight of the scarecrow being blown away out of the corner of my eye.
{Magic}
Ice Magic: Freeze 1.04, Ice 1.06
Dimensional Magic: Dimension 1.42, Connection 1.00, Form 1.00
Unique Magic: Dimension – Multiple Expansion 1.02
Dimension – Decisive Calculation 1.04
Using ‘Display,’ I confirmed the magic I possessed.
Despite gaining ‘Connection’ and ‘Form,’ ‘Little Snow’ had not increased.
The aptitude test conducted in the store had certainly shown no elements of the ice attribute. Was it possible that I could only learn dimensional magic? If so, the existence of ‘Freeze’ and ‘Ice’ that I already knew was inexplicable.
Another possibility was a lack of capacity, but I couldn’t be certain. Given the ambiguity of the Magic Shop’s aptitude test, I would have to experiment myself.
Setting aside the unclarified points for later, I decided to grasp the details of the magic I had acquired.
{Connection}
MP Cost: 100
Advanced Dimensional Magic. Connects dimensions according to the user’s power.
{Form}
MP Cost: 1
Basic Dimensional Magic. Imbues concepts such as dimensions and spacetime.
The details were not much different from the descriptions in the catalog.
Naturally, ‘Connection’ raised my expectations.
If what it said was true, then I could return to my original world as things were.
As I was researching my own magic, Maria approached after finishing her magic practice.
“Master! I can use magic too!”
“…Stop using that title outside. And be quiet for a moment. I need to try my magic too.”
Maria was genuinely happy and excited.
However, if ‘Connection’ could return me to my original world, I would be the one to be happier and more excited. Ignoring Maria, I began to chant.
Imagine.
It was a single wish.
The wish to return to my original world.
“—Magic ‘Connection’!”
I raised one hand, constructing the image with my full magic power.
Mana that interfered with dimensions surged from my palm. It swallowed the surrounding air and condensed in my palm. The condensed air formed a wall composed of pale purple mana.
It was an amorphous magic door, like a reflection on a rippling water surface.
I reached out to the door.
If my imagination was correct, this led to my original world.
I pushed the door, trying to open it—
“—It won’t open.”
As I pushed and pulled the magic door, the staff member approached, looking intrigued.
“Hmm, I’ve never seen this before. Is this Dimensional Magic ‘Connection’? I’m so moved to see magic I’ve only read about in books with my own eyes. However, it won’t open like that. You need to chant it one more time to create a ‘pair’ for it to function.”
“Huh?”
“Come on, come on. Chant it again.”
The staff member seemed to know more about this magic’s details than I did. I decided it was best to follow her lead as a professional, and chanted the magic again.
“—Magic ‘Connection’.”
As instructed, I created another door nearby.
“There. Now, that one and this one should be connected. According to the literature, at least.”
In other words, it was like a portable door that I could place myself. I understood how to use this magic.
“I see. …Alright, go on, Maria.”
“N-no. It looks suspicious. It’s scary.”
I felt the same way.
Even though I had created the door myself, it took courage to step through a pale purple door that was clearly not physical.
Reluctantly, I cautiously pushed the door with my right hand.
This time, it opened without resistance.
Then, the other door opened, and my right arm emerged from it.
Scary…
“It’s just like the literature. Congratulations, big brother.”
“Th-thank you.”
“But please close them. They’re in the way.”
“Ah, yes.”
I withdrew my hand and envisioned the door disappearing. The door vanished without any problems.
It seemed it wasn’t a means of ‘returning.’ It was likely the magic to set up a warp zone, like in a game. If I could ‘return,’ it would be if I set this door up in my original world. Of course, if that were possible, I wouldn’t be struggling.
Steeling myself, I decided to have the staff member examine my other magic spell.
“Excuse me. Could you tell me about the other spell as well?”
“The other one… you mean ‘Form,’ right? Hmm, ‘Connection’ is an easy spell to understand with its illustration, but there’s little documentation for ‘Form.’ All I know is that it ‘adds’ dimensional attributes.”
Unfortunately, with the other spell, it was completely a matter of trial and error. I decided to test it.
“Anyway, I’ll try using it. —Magic ‘Form’.”
With a vague idea of magic construction, I unleashed mana towards the sky.
What appeared was a pale purple soap bubble.
“A bubble…?”
The staff member curiously poked the bubble with her fingertip.
It didn’t pop like a soap bubble, but it easily dissipated.
“It is a bubble.”
I had the same impression.
However, only I knew that it was more than just that.
Only I, who controlled the bubble, could intuitively understand.
This bubble was… off.
The outline of this bubble couldn’t possibly be made of moisture. It was natural, as it wasn’t water-attribute magic.
What created its round circumference was a slippage in dimensions.
It was a bubble only possible with the dimensional attribute.
I didn’t understand the true meaning of the phrase ‘adds dimensional attributes,’ but it was certain that this bubble possessed the dimensional attribute and was under my control.
“Well, big brother. Did you figure anything out?”
“No, not really… It just seems like a bubble…”
If I explained the sensation of the magic to the expert staff member here, I might find an effective use for it. However, I had obtained magic that few users in this world possessed, and the desire to keep it secret won out, so I lied to the staff member.
“Is that so? That’s a shame.”
“There’s no way to use ‘Form,’ huh…? But thank you. Both I and this child are beginners, so…”
“No, no, this is my job.”
I thanked the staff member, who shook her head.
Then, I called out to Maria, who was playing with my bubble by poking it.
“Maria, is that side done?”
“It’s alright. I’ve grasped the knack.”
Maria seemed confident.
I felt she was happy, having been praised by the staff member as talented.
“Well then, excuse us. Thank you very much. We’ll likely be back.”
“Yes, goodbye, big brother. And you too, young lady.”
“Thank you for your help. Excuse us.”
After bidding each other farewell, Maria and I left the Magic Shop.
The staff member waved until we were out of sight. And so, Maria and I acquired new magic.
