2 Why are my mana points increasing so quickly?

In the midst of preparations for Genevieve's birthday party, I found myself in the study surrounded by countless wooden frameworks holding an infinite number of books.

Among them, I retrieved a guidebook entitled "Beginner's Guide to Learning Magic."

"(This book provided a comprehensive explanation of how to use magic attacks ranging from rank F to C.)"

I wasn't exactly satisfied with the number of information presented by the book. Then again, it was a beginner's guide.

After thorough examination, it had become clear that magic could be classified into two categories: Magic Arts and Magic Skills.

「The |Magic Arts| involve the use of mana to create magical phenomenons, while |Magic Skills| require the use of skills which can be categorized as Integral, Additional, Unique, Instrumental, or Apex.」

Not so hard to grasp is it?

"To use magic, one must possess mana, which can be obtained from within the body, stored in an item, or from magic circles."

Reading through the book, I was already engrossed.

After considering my options, I concluded that practicing magic was the best course of action.

My natural affinities for [Water Magic] and [Plant Magic] were already present, and I inherited the latter from my father, who was a member of the royal family.

I consulted another guidebook that provided detailed information on spells for every elemental category.

Incantations were only required for [White Magic], which I did not possess an affinity for. As such, I did not need to learn any incantations.

With my preparations complete, I stood up and readied myself to test my abilities.

To improve one's control over mana, it was necessary to concentrate and feel the mana as it circulated through the body.

Then, direct the mana from the heart to the outlet point, preferably the fingertips, and visualize the size and speed of the kneaded mana before projecting it.

Practicing spells and learning to recognize the feeling of mana could also aid in improving control.

"(Hmm... So by following these steps, I should be able to improve my mana control and enhance my abilities. Still, one's limit differs from person to person.)"

During a three-hour study session, I diligently worked to learn new affinities.

To my surprise, my MP increased from 300 to 400, allowing me to acquire a rank E [Water Magic] spell. However, I was unable to test my new abilities in the study as I risked damaging the books and incurring Vanessa's wrath.

Instead, I made the decision to venture to the forest south of the mansion to experiment with my newfound skills.

"(I wonder why my MP increased so drastically...)"

A flock of birds flew over me as I thought.

"(Does it mean that the more I train, the mana points increase? No, if that's the case then everyone would have an astronomically higher level of mana points than me, so I wonder why?)"

Rubbing my chin, I walked into the forest south of our mansion.

Before leaving the mansion, I made sure to bring along one of the magic guidebooks.

Although some individuals viewed [Water Magic] as a lackluster affinity, I personally believed it to be a significant advantage given my circumstances.

To ensure I was able to effectively utilize the spells, I've familiarized myself with the various ranks and their corresponding MP requirements. With my current MP level of 400, I should be capable of casting rank D spells that required approximately 50 MP.

The guidebook contained spells ranging from rank F to rank C, however, I made the decision to refrain from utilizing rank C spells as they consumed around 150 MP.

"(Here is how mana consumption works per spell:

                Rank F (5 MP),

                Rank E (10 MP),

                Rank D (50 MP),

                Rank C (150 MP),

                Rank B (300 MP),

                Rank A (1, 000 MP),

                Rank S (1,500 MP),

                Rank S+ (2,500 MP),

That's basically how it settles down from weakest to strongest in descending order.)"

The guidebook contained the following rank C water spells.

                [Aqua Sphere] Forms a sphere of water that can be shot as a bullet.

                [Aquarrow] Coined from "Aqua" and "Arrow," it forms a 30cm arrow that moves at an impregnable speed.

                [Water Barrier] Water is created from beneath to act as a barrier.

                [Aqua Blade] Shoots pressurized water that becomes as thin as a blade. Strong enough to cut through wood.

I attempted the first two spells successfully. So, I consumed 300 mana points.

Then, something strange happened.

My mana points increased from 400 to 600.

"(Why are my mana points always increasing...?)"

That was a question I could only ask myself.

Fortunately, because of this anomaly, I was able to learn the last two without a hitch.

After another hour, I used [Aqua Sphere] again.

"Alright! [Aqua Sphere!!]"

Immediately, I did a high-speed sphere of water to flew out of my palms and straight for a thin tree which it snapped in two.

THUD!!

My body hit the ground, exhausted.

Although my mana point boost mid practice helped me practice for a substantially longer period of time, it still had a lasting draining effect on me. At the time, I felt like I could sleep.

But sure enough, I couldn't.

"Hey short turd, why are you lying in the dirt?" (Boy)

Almost instantly, I opened my eyes.

There was only one person who called me "short turd." It was Salmarc (16, tenth child and seventh son), just seeing him caused my blood to boil. By the expression on my face, one could tell I was displeased.

Nevertheless, I had to be respectful.

I quickly stood on my feet and bowed my head.

"Good morning, Brother Salmarc." (Lumiere)

"Morning? It's already afternoon you dolt." (Salmarc)

That much time had passed while I was training?

"What are you doing out here?" (Salmarc)

Why is he even asking?

My whereabouts were only of concern to a select few individuals, namely: Arthur, Jericiho, Lana, Micah, and Genevieve. Salmarc, however, was not among those who showed any interest in my activities.

As the third child of Ayisha (45, the first wife), Salmarc was related to Arthur, Genevieve, and Vanessa, who were also Ayisha's children. While Arthur and Genevieve treated me with kindness despite my status as the product of a one-night stand, Salmarc and Vanessa were both rude in their interactions with me.

Matter-of-factly, Arthur and Vanessa were actually twins.

So it was obvious where Vanessaʼs anger came from. She came out of the womb first and Arthur relaxed for an hour or so, probably saying: "Oh well, the crown's mine either way."

"I just came out to do some reading." (Lumiere)

"Well it's only natural you would, you don't have talent for any other thing... The filthy child of father's one time sexual encounter, it's very likely you're a child of one of those courtesans you find in cheap brothels." (Salmarc)

His laughter were more annoying than his words.

"Um, brother? Will that be all? If you don't have anything better to do, I certainly do."

Of course, I had to insult him in a polite manner.

"You disrespectful piece of crap! Have you forgotten who I am?!" (Salmarc)

"Not really, if I remember correctly you're my elder brother, anything else? Perhaps you'd like me to polish your boots?" (Lumiere)

Well, it wouldn't be the first time I was polishing his boots, and from the look on his face, it certainly wouldn't be the last. All I wanted was to read in peace. Sometimes, I saw myself as someone who reasoned on a more mature scale. Maybe it was because I had small memories of my past life.

For some reason, my brain consumed information much more readily than the average child.

Salmarc was an adult but he could barely read. Which made sense since he wasted his time on either girls, friends or on making my life a living hell.

"You arrogant prick!" (Salmarc)

Language brother, you don't plan on spoiling your adorable brother, do you?

Like hell he'd listen if I told him that.

He raised his hand in an attempt to slap me, but his plans were foiled when he heard Vanessa call his name.

"Coming sister!" (Salmarc)

Almost instantly, he rushed to his sister's summon. Like me, Salmarc had his share of beatings receieved from Vanessa whenever he messed up. Being the eldest child, she was an absolute menace in most cases.

("Phew, that was close!)"

Stress was written all over my face, sweat rolled down my forehead.

"(I don't know what I would've done if he actually slapped me.)"

As the illegitimate child, the best offense was defense. What these people hoped I'd do was commit a crime that would get me kicked out before I was fifteen.

But I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of watching me fail.

"(I'll get stronger! So that I can live an independent life. If I don't then I'll never be able to find my mother, thanks to keeping the memories of my childhood... There's a chance I can find her, the only word I recall her clearly repeating to me was— "Gluttonia." But how exactly do I get any answers from something so vague.)"

--- Status ---

Name: Lumiere

Race: Human

Titles: Naturally dead, bastard child.

MP: 600/600

Magic Arts: [Water Magic] (Up to rank C), [Plant Magic] (Still at rank E)

Magic Skills: Integral Skill [Appraisal] (Rank F), Additional Skill [Lung Master] (Rank E)