What a trouble

"Thirty-four...,fourty-six...,fifteeh-shes, hah! Shah! Huff...!" Releasing the stress in much needed exhales, I sank to the floor.

Its been only a few weeks that I started my training and whereas I wasn't able to even do five push-ups in the past, now I could go fifty.

A normal human will not be able to improve at this rate, doesn't matter what drug they use to enhance themselves. But thanks to Nano, my growth rate has been exceptionally rapid in comparison to that of your average joe.

"From being half-dead to this robust health in such a short time, khak! Quite an egeslic feat if I say so myself." I wryly chuckled.

"Sadly in a world of magic, these physical improvements mean but naught. I don't...have a mana core."

Thinking about my condition, I could only grumble.

'I need mana circuit tattoos,' rising from the floor, I quenched my thirst with a swig of water from the flask.

When I first thought about the mana circuits, I realised it would be rather impossible to create them. Why, because I lacked the exact details of the circuits' design.

Luckily, during my recent interactions with Nano, I discovered Nano had the ability to extract memories of a person. Memories which are vague and hard to remember details of. One for example would be memories of dreams which are often forgotten.

"Nano..."

[Affirmative, think about the memory you want refined.]

Nano also had the ability to understand the intent of the user. In this case, mine. I didn't need to always spell out what I want, Nano could read my intent. And perhaps that's why, grandpa didn't make Nano sentient. Afterall privacy is important.

[Nano on standby mode, user can proceed.]

Breathing heavily, I closed my eyes, not wanting to mess this up.

I focused my thoughts on the mana circuit tattoo from my novel. A horizontal white line was traced in the blackness of my closed eyes.

Almost immediately, vivid memories flooded my mind showing geometric shapes and details on how to create mana circuits in a person. Details of page numbers, the day I wrote the concept...

Insane. Nano was insanely good at this.

In a way Nano is a cheat, way more broken than what the hero, Rune Valtari has. I was even able to execute those martial arts moves straight out of a movie.

'In any case...,' I opened my eyes.

Now I know how to design the mana circuit tattoo, precisely as I saw in my memories.

But seeing is one thing and creating is other.

What I would need is a skilled tattoo artist if I were to bring this concept into life, along with top-notch mana stones.

But for that, I would need a lot of fund, money which I don't have. Also, I would need an alchemist's help. And to ensemble a team of a tattoo artist, contractors, alchemist and a shaman, I need money.

Sadly, Noah Grey of this world lacks the financial resources for me to spend like a millionaire.

But I was not the Noah Grey of this world and I did have some plans on how to get money. From pillaging low-level dungeons for top-tier items and selling them, to locations of high level relics. I had a lot of ideas.

But such methods were not a reliable long-term solution.

I needed a steady stream of revenue.

After thinking for a bit more, another idea struck my mind. An idea, which should have been obvious from the get go!

'How can I forget about my own speciality!'

"Tcht!" My tounge clicked against the roof of my mouth in disappointment.

The focus of this world was on power and other things were considered secondary.

The development of technology was simply for the increasing of fighting power.

We were constantly at war against monsters, demons and other species so it was only natural for this approach.

But, what is life without a little bit of entertainment?

I am a computer-science genius.

Yes, I am.

To earn money, I could make apps and sell in the market, easy right? But...I guess, that's only in air.

It usually eats at the brain to spend hours staring at a computer screen, searching for the correct algorithms.

"Come to think of it...Miss Riya told me that the director had called for me today..." I remembered what she said during weapon selection. "I wonder what they want from me?"

***

Arcanum is quite vast, itineranting usually requires one to book an electric cab.

And so I am here, sat in an electric cab; cost fourty credits for the trip from A section to D.

Section A was the area housing all the faculties and establishments for 1st year students, including the hostels. And 'credit' was the currency inside the academy walls.

Section D is where the principal's office is at.

Still, why did Mr. Oliver call for me in person?

Oliver Wilson, rank SS hero, dean of this institute; mostly busy in matters pertaining to Central's cases...the Jedh' Islands demon-gate incursions..., it was rare for him to be in Arcanum. Let alone ask for personal meetings with a random nobody like me.

Sus...it is sus, or am I over thinking?

Miss Riya's mention about the affinity test of that day only makes me believe that this calling perhaps has something to do with my lack of mana core—I theorize that I have no mana core. Hopefully I am wrong.

Luckily, details of a person's mana core is only attended in official documents, after s/he's aged fifteen: the time period of testing mana affinity.

So. There definitely is no prior data regarding 'Noah Grey's' mana core.

Still, all this doesn't sits well with me.

Was me attending the academy was a mistake?

Could it be that the road I've chosen to shun attention is the very path destined to spotlight me?

Sigh!

***

I checked in with the receptionist before heading straight to the Principal's Perch, a separate section on the 3rd floor of the faculty head, in section-D.

Surprisingly, the bifold door was open, revealing half of the office.

Without wasting any more time, I approached.

Knock-Knock "May I come in, sir?"

His blue eyes swept on me. Tall, broad shoulders, a handsome oval face, perfectly styled brown hair. There was one other man by his side.

"Ah, yes?" Oliver finally asked.

"I am Noah, sir. You asked for me?"

"Oh right, come in."