Chapter 5: V1C5 – The Power of Magic!

"The ability you've awoken to is a hit, choosing you Aki, was a good choice."

"What is it?"

"It seems you have the ability to steal 'magic' power from slain foes."

"Huh? Magic!?"

"I didn't want to tell you this much but I'll do it since it relates to the use of your power."

"Ok, lay it on me."

"Magic power or mana is a substance that exists in reality. It has similar properties to normal matter in the world but is slightly different. That difference is the strange property of being affected by the mind and will. It can't be observed by normal means either."

Well, I am a [Magical Girl] so many using magic isn't that big of a shocker...

"The physical enhancement procedure I did on you was engraving the magic formations for magic strengthening into your body. Magic formations are a way to harness the power of mana that doesn't use the will but the knowledge gained from magic's properties and how to manipulate it autonomously. The weapon manifestation ability too is magic-based, with the engraved magic formations being closer to the mind allowing flexibility. The more magic you put into each, the stronger they become, simple input and output."

"I see, what about awakening the mind/soul? Is that somehow related to mana?"

"The mind is related to mana in the sense that it can manipulate it, but awakening the mind has no direct effect on mana manipulation unless the awakened ability is specifically mana manipulation. The awakened abilities are usually non-magic based and use pure will to manifest phenomena in reality. Think of magic as like a medium for the human will to be expressed while awakened abilities are like bursts of energy that bend reality forcefully. This means that awakened abilities are a lot less flexible and changeable than magic-related ones. The way to instigate awakening the mind is by forcing the reality within the mind to twist and distort after all. That might be a bit too complicated for you to understand..."

"Hmm...so if the energy called magic is what I think it is, manipulation can be learned through practice and strengthening my will right? If my physical enhancement and weapon manifestation is also magic-based, then does that mean I can manipulate the allocated mana to them even better with practice? I could potentially strengthen them to an absurd point given I had enough mana...!...maybe I could make two [Realizers] and dual-wield too..."

"That is correct and your awakened ability relates exactly to that point. Your ability, I'll name it simply, [Mana Drain] steals every particle of mana within the body of a vanquished foe. In other words, an enemy defeated by your intent and will. If you are able to drain the mana of enough [Curses], you'll be able to use that absurd energy amount as fuel for strengthening your body and weapons. This ability definitely suits your battle style and current capabilities. The reason I could tell this is that my mana detection abilities are pretty high."

"This is starting to look fun."

"Then, let's go hunt some more [Curses] and steal their mana."

"Ou!"

---

Yoru and I began running around Tokyo all day long fighting handleable [Curses] and gradually increasing my mana pool. Apparently, whenever I kill a [Curse], the mana is also drained from its [Core] so they will always turn colorless. This makes the [Core] a bit useless but that's fine since I'm growing stronger, I'll keep them around as trophies of battle.

"I can already feel the power welling within me...it's much greater than before."

Before, I could allocate mana, or what I called internal power before, to my muscles and [Realizer]. But now, I have a much bigger pool of mana I can pull from to give to each, making enhancing my body and sharpening my cutlass's effects greater. Currently, it's late into the night and one of the last [Curse] subjugations of today. I fill my body and strengthen [Realizer] with a 50/50 spread of my own increased mana.

"Ururuuu...!"

My opponent is a [Curse] in the form of a giant bird. Its ability to fly is troublesome for a close-quarters swordsman like me. However, if I throw [Realizer] at it then defeating it should be possible. Swords aren't meant to be thrown? Then, how come it worked?

I threw the strengthened cutlass at the bird's wing. The flow of mana through the formation should've stopped when I let go of [Realizer] but the remaining mana would strengthen it for the moment I need. As the sword cut through the air, it pierced the [Curse]'s wing brutally and knocked it off balance. It began a spiraling descent with a moderately heavy sword lodged in its wing. My aim was perfect, due to the effect of strengthening my eyes with mana.

I need to be very careful with strengthening more sensitive parts of the body with mana though because too much or too intense of a will can cause irregular blood flow or burning sensations. Flowing mana into my eye though is a great way to practice precision with mana manipulation which I need in order to become proficient and make the most of my ability.

I ordered [Realizer] to return to my hand, which is a function of the magic formation for weapon manifestation since it's a weapon born from myself. The cutlass and the bird it's attached to came soaring quickly to me. Grasping the handle, I had a clear view of the [Curse]. I shook it off the blade and went into striking position. It isn't in the sky nor is it in shape to run, a perfect opportunity. 

*slash*

The bird monster went poof and dispersed all around, this isn't mana but solidified ill will held together by a mana-rich [Core]. Well, it isn't mana-rich anymore since my [Mana Drain] turned it colorless and a murky clear. 

"I think that's enough for today Aki."

"Yeah, I think so too. Today was very productive, I learned a lot of things too."

"Most [Magical Girls] don't even know about mana's existence. The only reason I told you was that it was related to your ability."

"Well, you didn't have to use the terms mana and magic. You could've just told me it allowed me to improve my strengthening when I thought of it."

"Well, that's not using your ability at its best. You need the full scope of mana manipulation...is what I deemed necessary."

"Is that so. Well, I guess I must be a pretty special [Magical Girl]."

"Well, you are since you're a boy."

"True, aha."

My cutlass returned to particles and I began briskly running home with Yoru behind me. The sounds of the distant sea filled the air and some stars peeked through despite the light pollution. If I had died that day I wouldn't have been able to enjoy this. Dad, mom, Airi, I'm going to enjoy this life a little longer...and find the answer I hope I'll find. 

"Wait...Aki."

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"Hm? Did you find a [Curse]?"

"Yeah, and it might be a bit much for you..."

"Well, no one ever grew but never challenging themselves...let's go."

We took off again to slay the detected monster.

---

"A wolf [Curse]..."

"Seems like it."

I begin shifting my mana:

[Magic-Based Physical Enhancement Formation: 30%-arms 20%-legs]
[Magic-Based Weapon Manifestation Formation: 50%-cutlass]

"Huuuya!"

I jump into the thick of things and slash down with [Realizer]. The mana-sharpened edge cuts through the [Curse]'s skin easily. After inflicting a deep wound, I step back. It whimpered and howled, but no begging was going to save it from death. I rush forward and slash again, this time, beheading the wolf cleanly after I direct more mana to my cutlass. I feel my mana pool expand in that instant, my perceptiveness to mana is increasing, only within myself though. At this rate, I'll eventually be able to fully manipulate the magic formations engraved into my body and detect every change to my own mana as well. 

*bite*

"?"

My face immediately warped in pain as I pulled my left leg away from the wolf's grasp. There are multiple wolf [Curses]? No, these ones were called by the earlier one, this could be bad. I turn in the direction behind to see 4 wolves in front of me, eyeing me like prey. Not like I'm going to become prey though!

[Magic-Based Physical Enhancement Formation: 30%-arms 10%-legs]
[Magic-Based Weapon Manifestation Formation: 60%-cutlass]

I prepared for a defensive battle, considering the aggressive nature of [Curses]. I was right, and the wolf that initially bit me lunged again, only to be pierced by my quick thrust of [Realizer]. It seems I broke the [Core] by chance, what luck. The wolf dispersed with a final shriek and 3 wolves remained. Seeing their friend immediately destroyed warned them so they were less eager to strike. However, I will stay on the defensive and not take risks since they still outnumber me. 

"Gwwrra!"

Finally, one of them couldn't wait anymore and I dodged its lofty tackle, cutting my curved blade sideways. The movement was hindered by the wound on my left calf but I managed to pull it off. 

*slash*

The wolf fell flat on the ground, and I used this chance to violently slash off the wolf's head (which usually leads to instant death for beast type [Curses]). My aim was slightly off so I couldn't severe the whole thing in one stroke, I did manage to fatally wound it though. Then, the other two rushed in for their ally's sake. But, this was something I had anticipated! I picked up the nearly dead wolf next to me by the sorry neck and held it to shield me from the incoming attack. Seeing their comrade being used as a shield stirred a reaction from the other side, am I becoming a bit too evil?

Using this opening, I pulled the weakly resisting wolf shield away from me and made a wide slash with [Realizer] onto the wolf on my front. I cut right down its front body, but it wasn't enough. The wolf quickly regained itself and charged at me again. Making the most of my mana training, I pushed a ton of mana into my right leg and shot it forward, directly hitting the wolf's belly and pushing it back. Now tackling the wolf to the side, I regained my stance. It seemed to be on guard, but I'm not waiting for it!

"Hooora!"

I pushed mana to power my legs, covering the distance in a short amount of time, and instantly shifted it to my arms. Taken aback by my gain in speed, the [Curse] dodged the blow reflexively. It couldn't avoid the entire slash though as the blade ran down its leg, hindering its ability to move. As it staggered, I aimed and slashed again at its neck with my strengthened [Realizer]. Surprisingly, it cut straight through and the wolf was beheaded by my sword's sharpness. Hm? Oh, it seems the wolf I used as a shield leaked enough energy and dispersed, well that's another one down. It seems only one opponent remains...

I ready my sword and glare at the [Curse] I kicked away a moment ago. What's your move? It then turned its heel and began to run...

"Not like I'm going to let you run away from me!"

Time to use my special move, well, I call it special but it's just me being reckless. [Realizer Release] is what I've named it, the act of shoving as much strengthening magic as possible into my cutlass and throwing it with excellent precision. 

"Take this! My [Realizer Release]!"

I even said it out loud, I think my slight chuunibyou is getting worse. Well, I think I look cool so who cares?

The reinforced blade flew through the darkened air, finally lodging itself into the wolf's torso. Caught you! I hastily ran over while calling [Realizer] back to me. With my caught prey, I had a clear opportunity to strike it down, which I took. The wolf was killed by me without hesitation, maybe since it's not a living being I can do so without feeling guilty? Anyways, the same colorless [Core] dropped from the space and I exhaled refreshingly. Keep in mind that not all [Cores] have the same size or density, in fact, most don't.

"You surprised me with that one, but not too much. It was within calculations. But, your growth with manipulating mana despite only using it today was astounding."

Yoru said that as he touched the bite wound on my left calf, it immediately reverted to how it was before and healed. I wonder how often he can do this for me...

"Hehe thanks..."

"This time, we're really going home."

"Okay!"

I unsummoned my white edge and began the journey home, satisfied from the victory that took a lot out of me that day. 

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