dowonnn

[dowonnn]

I Pioneered Scientific Magic - Chapter 2

‘Fantasy world?’

In the face of something as extraordinary as magic, Linn's natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge overcame the fear instilled by being pursued by the Inquisition.

The allure of the arcane arts beckoned him, igniting a deep-seated desire to explore this newfound realm of wonder.

Despite the ever-looming threat of the Inquisition, Linn's insatiable appetite for discovery eclipsed his fear.

Having spent just over half a year as a sorcerer's apprentice, Karl's understanding of magic was still in its infancy, encompassing only a handful of spells.

Among his limited repertoire were three fundamental zero-circle spells: [Primary Material Deconstruction], [Water Condensation], and [Mage's Hand].

While these spells held crucial importance in various practical applications, they lacked significant offensive capabilities.

At least at their current level.

Delving into the realm of first-circle magic, Karl had encountered [Fireball], a more advanced spell.

However, its execution required the consumption of specific magical materials, making it somewhat resource-dependent. Another first-circle spell, [Ice Blade], remained beyond his current grasp, eluding his mastery.

Linn carefully inspected the contents of his pouch, taking stock of his limited resources.

His findings included two red firestones, three Sekas silver coins, several bronze coins, seven intricately inscribed drafts of magic formulas, a weathered copy of Elemental Analysis, and a small bag of grey powder—the crucial casting material for the formidable [Fireball] spell, known as the [Embers of Crimson Fire].

Excitement welled up within Linn as he held the small bag of grey powder. Within Karl's memories lay the complete instructions for casting the [Fireball] spell, and Linn was eager to put this knowledge into practice.

With the step-by-step instructions fresh in his mind, Linn meticulously prepared for the casting process. He began by utilizing [Primary Material Deconstruction] to analyze and parse the spell material.

Then, employing [Mage's Hand], he manipulated the [Embers of Crimson Fire], causing them to vibrate at a specific frequency, effectively activating the magic within.

Although the process might seem laborious, the time-consuming aspect of resolving the spell-casting materials could be accomplished in advance.

With sufficient skill and precision, activating the [Fireball] spell could be accomplished in a mere second.

Linn's excitement to unleash this supernatural power surged within him, yet he exercised caution, hesitating to rush into the unknown.

'No. I shouldn't.'

Fully aware of the risks and the potential consequences of his actions, he chose to bide his time, awaiting the opportune moment to wield his magical abilities.

Considering the value of the limited [Embers of Crimson Fire], which amounted to only five Sekas silver coins—just enough for three [Fireball] spells—Linn decided to exercise caution and avoid any unnecessary waste.

After careful contemplation, he settled on [Water Condensation] as the first spell to cast. Regarded as one of the essential zero-circle magics, it held a significant place in the curriculum of apprentice sorcerers.

If [Primary Material Deconstruction] served as the gateway to manipulating magical materials and [Mage's Hand] stood as the invaluable tool for sorcerers, then [Water Condensation] was the introductory lesson that initiated apprentices into the world of magic.

With the basic magic [Water Condensation] and its advanced counterpart [Ice Blade], the process of casting these spells did not require the prior preparation of specific spellcasting materials.

Instead, the required elemental components could be directly extracted from the mystical realm.

Drawing upon the knowledge ingrained in his memory, Linn closed his eyes and entered a state of meditation.

The solid foundation laid by the original Karl proved beneficial, as within a mere two or three seconds, he successfully unlocked the gateway to a new world.

Closing his physical eyes revealed a wondrous sight—a realm teeming with magical energy. Through his spiritual senses, he could perceive that the entire room was suffused with countless shimmering magical elements.

'A billion? Ten billions? Hundred billions?'

Attempting to quantify their number proved futile, for they stretched far beyond human comprehension, akin to an endless expanse of stars scattered across a vast cosmic canvas.

Within this realm of magic, the elements displayed a vibrant dynamism, continuously shifting and reorienting themselves. Among them, the most abundant element was known as [Thalu], comprising approximately 70% of the total elemental presence.

Curiously, Linn recalled that his mentor, Koru, had dismissed [Thalu] as useless.

'Useless?'

After taking a moment to absorb the awe-inspiring spectacle before him, Linn redirected his attention to the practical application of magic. With focused determination, he began to harness the power of the elements.

The process of casting [Water Condensation] involved extracting two specific water-related elements from the elemental world and combining them in a two-to-one ratio.

While one of the elements was relatively abundant, comprising around twenty to thirty percent of the elemental world, the other was rarer and required more effort to locate.

Fortunately, there was a simpler alternative. The elemental world itself contained a small quantity of readily available water elements, which could be harnessed and reassembled using the [Primary Material Deconstruction Technique].

Thanks to the original Karl's unwavering dedication to magic, these fundamental spells had been practiced countless times, resulting in a solid foundation. Therefore, Linn quickly grasped the method after initially experiencing some discomfort.

Strangely enough, this realm of elemental magic felt oddly familiar to him.

As Linn opened his eyes once again, he found a marble-sized mass of water hovering gently in his palm, upheld by the power of [Mage's Hand].

"...It worked?"

Linn's momentary lapse of concentration led to the disintegration of the water mass, which trickled through his fingers. It served as a reminder, akin to a splash of cold water, that he couldn't afford to be complacent with such a minor accomplishment.

As an apprentice sorcerer on the run from the Church, he couldn't afford to lose focus. The small success of conjuring a marble-sized mass of water held no practical value in a battle.

It wouldn't even suffice to quench an enemy's thirst, let alone serve as a weapon or defense.

With the image of Koru's impressive display of [Water Condensation] leading to the powerful [Mass - Ice Blade] still fresh in his mind.

However, he had witnessed his predecessor's mentor, Koru, employing Water Condensation as a preliminary step to unleash the second-circle spell known as [Mass - Ice Blade] against his adversaries.

In an instant, a collection of a dozen fist-sized water spheres swiftly congealed, metamorphosing into sharp ice blades resembling diamonds. These projectiles were swiftly launched towards the approaching bandits, akin to a swarm of locusts in flight.

With a single devastating strike, the encroaching enemy was obliterated!

Inspired by this achievement, Linn was determined to attune himself to the elemental realm and make another attempt.

Due to the merging of memories upon crossing over, Linn's spiritual power became significantly more abundant compared to his original body, Karl. Furthermore, he found himself capable of harnessing a greater amount of magical energy.

Utilizing the [Water Condensation] earlier had exerted only a minimal toll on him, and he sensed that he could achieve even greater feats.

Closing his eyes, Linn delved once again into the realm of elemental forces. This time, he refrained from hastily employing [Water Condensation] and instead sought to employ his spiritual power to influence every element within his vicinity.

These elements possessed a striking diversity in appearance, evoking within Linn a vague sense of familiarity. Some elements felt remarkably weighty, to the point where the slightest manipulation left him mentally fatigued.

Fully immersed in this endeavor, Linn suddenly observed a peculiar phenomenon.

The elements suspended before him gravitated towards his body with an uncanny rhythm, only to be subsequently expelled in an unbroken cycle.

Did it mean that a wizard's physique required a regular intake of these magical elements?

This query abruptly surfaced in Linn's mind. Upon closer scrutiny, he made an even more astounding revelation: the phenomenon was evidently triggered by his own breath...

"Wait a minute. Isn't this oxygen? What's happening?"

Linn experienced a moment of profound perplexity, causing him to involuntarily draw in a sharp breath as the grand and enigmatic image of magical elements shattered before his eyes.

Initially, he had failed to recognize them because he hadn't perceived these elements visually.

Instead, he had sensed them on a more ethereal level through his spiritual power, subsequently utilizing his magic to exert influence...

Furthermore, the composition of chemical elements in the atmosphere of this world varied somewhat from his previous realm. Hence, Linn hadn't even considered this possibility initially.

However, armed with this realization, a fresh explanation emerged for the process of harnessing elements to create water currents that he had undertaken previously.

Water is an inorganic compound composed of two chemical elements: hydrogen and oxygen.

It became evident that the air held a minute quantity of water vapor, possibly representing the elemental water in the context of a wizard's understanding.

So, rather than employing magic, was Linn actually engaging in a pursuit of chemistry?

Did it mean that wizards were essentially a group of chemists?

"Huh?"

Upon reaching this conclusion, Linn experienced a momentary freeze, but he swiftly shook his head in dismissal.

After all, this world contained a mystical force known as magic, and based on the spell he had recently performed, it appeared that magic had the potential to manipulate matter at a microscopic scale.

If there were no constraints, then a sorcerer could attain god-like power.

Drawing from the scientific theories of his previous life, Linn understood that all matter in the world was composed of atoms.

If magic possessed the ability to manipulate matter on such a fundamental level, it had the potential to create or annihilate anything.

"That's..."

Lost in deep contemplation, Linn became acutely aware of the immense potential that would emerge from merging his knowledge of chemistry and physics from his previous life with the power of magic.

If the scientific theories of his past had been geared towards constructing various machinery to shape the world, a sorcerer possessed the ability to directly transmute these theories into magical manifestations, embodying greatness within themselves.

Once again extending his hand, Linn witnessed as the hydrogen and oxygen present in the surrounding air were stripped away and coalesced into a small mass of water, resting in his palm.

However, this prompted some lingering uncertainties within his mind.

Typically, the combination of hydrogen and oxygen to form water involves a combustion reaction. But where did the resulting heat and energy dissipate during this process?

Could it be possible that they were absorbed by the magic itself?

The realm of magic held countless possibilities, and Linn acknowledged that definitive answers to such inquiries could only be sought at a later time, once he had the necessary resources and conditions for experimentation.

If his suspicions were accurate, the underlying purpose of the First Circle spell known as [Ice Blade] was to alter the state of water from a liquid to a solid, thereby heightening its lethality.

To achieve this, the temperature of the water had to be lowered...

Recalling his knowledge of physics from his previous life, Linn recollected that temperature signified the average kinetic energy among molecules within an object, with molecular collisions generating and transferring heat.

This indicated that he needed to decelerate the motion of the water molecules, right?

With a mere thought from Linn, the remarkably lively water molecules within his palm gradually decelerated, compelled by the force of his magic.

They clustered together tightly, and within an instant, the small water mass transformed into a transparent ice crystal.

Amidst Linn's astonishment at the confirmation of his suspicions, a sudden beep resonated within his mind.

[Special energy detected... Source unknown. No records found in the database. Would you like to create a file?]

"Who?"

Linn found himself momentarily stunned, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face.

The voice he heard seemed eerily familiar, all too reminiscent of his past experiences.

However, hadn't he crossed over into a different world? His physical form had been altered, and the auxiliary chip he had once possessed should no longer exist...

"071, is that you?" Linn queried, his voice filled with anticipation. "Do you h knowledge regarding our crossing over? Is there any record within the system?"

In response, the voice intoned, [Due to unknown circumstances, the system experienced a shutdown and subsequent reboot. Consequently, there is no existing record of the said process.]

Linn's expression soured momentarily, disappointment creeping in. Nevertheless, he swiftly regained composure and posed another question.

"How long will the remaining energy sustain your operation?"

Aware of the constant danger surrounding him in this unfamiliar realm, Linn felt compelled to ensure his own survival to the best of his abilities.

The unexpected presence of the auxiliary intelligence was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise.

While the capabilities of his personal implanted auxiliary chip had been restricted due to the Federal Amendment Act, the vast reservoir of technological knowledge stored within 071, thanks to Linn's previous role as a data storer, presented a valuable advantage.

In a world where science and magic intertwined, the significance of such information could not be overstated...

[37.6% energy remaining. Special energy detected, capable of sustaining system operation...]

'Does the special energy... refer to magic power?' Linn pondered, his mind swirling with thoughts.

The awe-inspiring qualities of magic power filled him with profound wonder. If he were still in his previous life, he would have eagerly immersed himself in laboratory experiments.

However, the current circumstances weighed heavily upon him. As a lowly apprentice sorcerer, devoid of wealth and influence, he found himself hunted by the Church.

The uncertainty of whether he would see the sun rise on the morrow loomed over him.

With a sigh, Linn composed himself and spoke with solemn determination.

"071, create a new folder and designate this special energy as magic."

[Loading database...]

Seizing the opportunity, Linn turned his gaze towards the diamond-shaped ice blade suspended in the palm of his hand.

Thanks to the infusion of magical power, this ice blade differed from the solid ice he had encountered in his previous life.

It emanated a constant frigid aura, featuring a tapered, cone-shaped tip and a streamlined overall form.

In fact, it would be more appropriate to describe it as an ice arrow rather than an ice blade.

This particular shape was known as the [Koru configuration], designed to minimize air resistance.

It became evident that Linn's mentor, Koru, possessed a commendable understanding of fluid mechanics...

Linn inwardly sighed, feeling a sense of disappointment. His expression turned slightly puzzled as he compared the ice blade in his hand to the one he had seen Koru unleash in the past.

Surprisingly, the one in his hand appeared smaller.

Despite the higher concentration of hydrogen in the air of this world compared to his previous life, even if Linn were to gather all available hydrogen, it still wouldn't be sufficient to create a substantial amount of water.

Contemplating this, Linn couldn't help but wonder how his mentor had managed to cast the Second Circle Magic, [Mass - Ice Blade].

It seemed implausible that Koru could instantly extract hydrogen, oxygen, and water vapor from a radius of hundreds of meters.

If that were the case, Koru would have no need to cast [Mass - Ice Blades], as his enemies would have perished from oxygen deprivation alone.

"...Then how?"

Momentarily unable to comprehend the mystery, Linn chose not to dwell on it too deeply. Instead, he focused his attention on the ice blades hovering before him, struck by a sudden idea.

"071, retrieve relevant information regarding armor-piercing arrows and barbed arrows," Linn silently commanded within his mind.

In the blink of an eye, a vast stream of data cascaded across his retinas.

Countless images, information, and three-dimensional models flooded his senses, causing his head to momentarily spin.

"Replace the materials with ice and optimize the design for stability, reduced air resistance, and maximum lethality."

As quickly as the images had appeared, they faded away, only to be replaced by a new, pristine three-dimensional graphic within a mere second.

Linn firmly etched the three-dimensional image before him into his memory. With a subtle twist of his right hand, the suspended ice blade disintegrated instantaneously.

Zero Circle Magic - [Primary Matter Deconstruction].

The ice blade, now reduced to its elemental essence, tightened within the grasp of Linn's hand under the influence of magic power.

It underwent constant transformations, gradually aligning itself with the image imprinted on his retina until it reached a stable state.

The reformed ice blade was noticeably narrower than before, and its pointed cone-shaped head had been reshaped into a triclinic form, ideal for piercing armor and inflicting deep wounds.

Two long barbs adorned its underside. It was evident that once this ice blade struck its target and embedded itself into flesh, the opponent would be left speechless with agonizing pleasure.

"Oh, this is nice."

The success of the magic improvement experiment infused Linn with a renewed sense of hope for his survival.

However, he recognized the limitations of [Ice Blade], realizing that achieving significant further enhancements would prove challenging even with shape optimization.

With this in mind, Linn swiftly shifted his focus to the second First Circle magic Karl had mastered—[Fireball].

Unlike [Ice Blade], which could extract its "raw matter" from the air, [Fireball] required the usage of a specific magical substance known as the [Embers of Crimson Fire] for activation.

Linn speculated that these ashes were a highly flammable substance, capable of rapidly swelling and igniting when subjected to friction under the control of magic power.

If his assumption held true, it raised the question of whether he could utilize other flammable materials to unleash this magic...

"071," silently in his mind, Linn said, "Look up information on the production and usage of white phosphorus.'"

White phosphorus, a colorless or pale yellow translucent wax-like substance, possesses a strong irritant and an extremely low ignition point.

Upon contact with oxygen, it ignites vigorously, generating temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees Celsius.

What is even more alarming is the challenging task of extinguishing a white phosphorus fire due to its strong adhesion properties.

Upon contact with the human body, it rapidly burns through the skin, muscles, and penetrates deep into the bone marrow. Furthermore, the gas produced during combustion is highly toxic.

In Linn's previous life as a data storer, he witnessed the launch of the Federation's new white phosphorus bombs, an utterly horrifying spectacle that remains etched in his memory.

As the missile detonated in the air, a relentless shower of fiery rain cascaded from the sky, engulfing the surroundings in an unquenchable inferno that stretched for kilometers.

The intense heat, combined with the material's impervious properties and terrifying toxicity, ensured that even taking refuge in a shelter provided no means of escaping certain death.

White phosphorus bombs are deemed highly abhorrent, having been prohibited as weapons against humanity since the previous century.

Consequently, the Federal District cautiously conducted clandestine research on them, aware of the severe repercussions they carried.

The process of producing white phosphorus is not overly complicated, and a comprehensive guide is stored within the auxiliary intelligence brain. Therefore, with the availability of necessary materials, Linn could manufacture it even without the aid of specialized equipment.

As Linn pondered this, a heavy thumping sound suddenly reverberated from the door behind him.

A sharp change in expression swept across Linn's face.

He currently sought refuge within the slums of the Nordland Territory, a location rarely disturbed by anyone.

Unless...

The witch-hunting team dispatched by the Inquisitorial Court had arrived.

[dowonnn]

I Pioneered Scientific Magic - Chapter 1

Dry, thirsty, hot, and overcome by a profound sense of fatigue, Linn slowly pried open his eyes. As his vision adjusted, he found himself confronted by a ceiling veiled in cobwebs, its neglected appearance adding to his disorientation.

He found himself in a diminutive abode spanning less than 30 square meters, its age visibly apparent. The wooden walls, worn and decaying, were smothered in a film of dust, bearing the traces of insect-inflicted damage. The derelict state of the dwelling left an unsettling impression on Linn.

Inside, chaos reigned supreme. Clutter and debris cluttered the space, haphazardly strewn about in every corner. Dozens of loose pages lay scattered across the floor, their contents exposed and vulnerable, while a narrow passage was the only respite amidst the disarray.

Perplexed and overwhelmed by his surroundings, Linn's mind was consumed by questions.

'Where am I? Have I fallen victim to a kidnapping?' He gingerly massaged his throbbing temples, struggling to regain his clarity of thought.

The unfamiliarity of the location left Linn with a sinking feeling. This was undoubtedly a place he had never set foot in before. In light of these disconcerting circumstances, he braced himself for the worst possible scenario, recognizing that the odds pointed towards his abduction.

"071, reveal my current location," Linn silently implored in his thoughts, hoping for a prompt response. However, seconds passed by without any indication from the typically reliable artificial intelligence.

The realization that even the trustworthy artificial intelligence had been rendered inaccessible hit Linn with a wave of unease. His heart sank, compelling him to swiftly extricate himself from the confines of the bed.

To his surprise, a sharp, gleaming short sword lay propped against the headboard, a curious and unexpected discovery. Moreover, his right hand clutched a crumpled parchment scroll.

Overcoming his initial trepidation, Linn unfolded the parchment scroll, revealing a mysterious array of intricate and cryptic symbols etched onto its weathered surface.

[Time's running out, the priests of the Inquisition have spotted our trail, we will meet at the agreed place in Ur town before Moonburst, take the seventeen Sekas bronze coins with you and follow the signs .... Please be careful. - Jeanne]

As Linn's eyes scanned the enigmatic message, an unbidden surge of fear gripped his heart, accompanied by a stirring recollection that flickered in his mind.

The words on the parchment awakened an unsettling mix of emotions within him. It was as if the message held a weighty significance, though the details remained hazy. Linn's memory began to stir, struggling to piece together fragments of the past that had been buried deep within.

<Within a sprawling square, a clamorous congregation amassed, their collective fervor and exhilaration palpable as they cried out in unison. The atmosphere crackled with an electric energy, charged with anticipation.

At the heart of the square loomed an imposing platform, its grandeur befitting the occasion. Towering above the multitude, a bishop adorned in flowing white silk robes commanded attention, his sceptre held high, cutting through the cacophony of the crowd.

In a dramatic turn, the air became thick with crimson flames, engulfing the platform in a blazing inferno. Within the fiery tempest, the horrified onlookers beheld the anguished figures of several individuals, writhing and contorting in their desperate struggle against the merciless onslaught. Their collective cries of torment echoed through the square, painting a haunting scene of agony and despair...>

'What's this? A movie?'

The ghastly tableau that surfaced in Linn's thoughts sent a chill coursing down his spine. It was a cruel sight, one that stirred an unsettling mix of horror and discomfort deep within him.

Yet, he couldn't comprehend the origin of these inexplicable memories that now haunted his mind. Who was this mysterious figure named Jeanne mentioned at the conclusion of the enigmatic letter?

In a sudden surge of realization, an idea materialized in Linn's mind. Acting swiftly, he hurried towards a nearby puddle of water within the confines of the house. Peering anxiously into the mirrored surface, his eyes met his own reflection, and his pupils contracted, betraying the intensity of his apprehension.

His fingers, trembling with a mix of anticipation and unease, disturbed the stillness of the water, creating delicate ripples that distorted the reflection before him. However, amidst the wavering surface, Linn could still discern his own visage with remarkable clarity.

Staring back at him was the countenance of a youthful man, seemingly aged between eighteen and nineteen. Clad in a tattered linen robe adorned with patches, his slender frame hinted at a modest physique.

A layer of dust veiled his pale complexion, while his short, tousled brown hair added to the disheveled appearance. But what captured attention the most were his dark pupils, filled with a profound expression of horror and trepidation that echoed the depths of his soul.

'Did I just got isekai'd?'

A chill ran down Linn's spine, causing him to inhale a sharp breath of cold air. The thought that took hold of his mind seemed utterly absurd, yet it was the only explanation he could fathom in this bewildering situation.

He pondered the advancements made by the Commonwealth in brain development and neuron research, acknowledging their prowess in the field. The technology surrounding brain chip transplants had reached unprecedented heights before his arrival in this new reality.

However, the notion of transferring one's consciousness into a different body to achieve rebirth seemed like an unfathomable fantasy, defying the limits of plausibility.

Moreover, Linn couldn't fathom why anyone would orchestrate such an elaborate deception, as he didn't perceive himself as someone deserving of such immense intrigue and manipulation.

Overwhelmed by the weight of realization, Linn sank down onto his haunches, abandoning any hope of a fortuitous explanation. In a state of shock, a torrent of convoluted memories surged forth from the depths of his consciousness, flooding his mind with fragments of the past.

Devoting nearly half an hour to untangling the bewildering recollections, Linn struggled to grasp the true nature of his current circumstances. Gradually, a semblance of understanding took root within him.

He had somehow traversed to a realm reminiscent of medieval Europe, a realm teeming with diverse kingdoms and domains. Among these domains, the most formidable power stood as the Sekas Empire, the very realm he now found himself in.

Among the myriad kingdoms that dotted this realm, the Seikas Empire reigned supreme, holding the position of unparalleled power. However, overshadowing even the imperial authority of mortal rulers was the Holy See—an influential religious institution dedicated to the worship of a deity named Aila.

This monotheistic faith embraced a doctrine of creationism, shaping the beliefs of countless devotees.

Beyond their efforts to propagate their faith and deceive the masses, the Holy See's Order held a significant mission: the pursuit and eradication of wizards and witches. This grim responsibility weighed heavily upon them.

What intensified Linn's distress was the unsettling realization that the adolescent whose existence he now inhabited appeared to possess the gift of sorcery.

To be more precise, he was a sought-after apprentice sorcerer, a designation that brought with it dire consequences in this world plagued by witch and wizard hunts.

Clutching the crumpled parchment tightly, Linn's head throbbed with the weight of confusion. Frustration and exasperation welled up within him. Simply because he had inexplicably crossed over to this realm, he found himself subjected to circumstances that offered no respite or favorable treatment.

A wry smile tugged at the corners of Linn's lips as he contemplated the absurdity of it all. The situation he found himself in seemed like nothing short of a cruel joke, mocking the unpredictability and unforgiving nature of his newfound reality.

Linn, under the alias of Karl Stellan, was none other than the illegitimate son of a Viscount within the mighty Seikas Empire.

While his status as an illegitimate child meant that he was not particularly favored by those around him, he counted himself fortunate to have his basic needs met.

In a tumultuous world consumed by the conflicts of warring nations, the comfort of being well-fed and clothed brought a sense of contentment to Linn's life.

With his privileged status and a relatively stable environment, combined with the knowledge he possessed from his previous world, Linn harbored ambitious aspirations.

He envisioned a future where he could carve out a prominent position for himself, one that could potentially ignite an industrial revolution and challenge the supremacy of the Holy See. Though daunting, he recognized that such a feat was not entirely out of reach, given time and the right circumstances.

Regrettably, fate had dealt a harsh hand to the young Karl Stellan, as he fell victim to the machinations of a sorcerer named Koru. Instead of leading the comfortable life Linn had hoped for, Karl found himself coerced into becoming Koru's apprentice, embarking on a tumultuous journey filled with constant movement and uncertainty.

The burdens he bore were not limited to the challenges of his apprenticeship; he also struggled to find sufficient sustenance amidst their nomadic existence.

Just a mere four days ago, Karl's mentor, Koru, had orchestrated an audacious plan to abduct the Duke's daughter. However, fortune favored the Duke's family on that occasion, as they managed to thwart Koru's scheme.

The following day, news swiftly reached the Inquisition about Koru's capture before he could make his escape.

Upon learning of these events, Karl retreated into the safety of a concealed stronghold, concealing himself from the prying eyes of those who sought to harm him. Gripped by an ever-present sense of fear, his days were tinged with trepidation and the constant awareness that danger loomed over him.

During the six months that Karl had spent as Koru's apprentice, he had been exposed to the grim realities of this world. Witnessing the horrifying spectacle of apprentice sorcerers being condemned to death by burning at the stake left an indelible mark on his psyche.

The constant threat of the Inquisition's priests descending upon him, ready to seize him and subject him to the same fate, plagued his thoughts to the point where sleep became a distant luxury.

As these haunting memories resurfaced, Linn, now grappling with the weight of his current situation, whispered to himself in anguish. The idea of simply returning to his previous world became a tempting consideration, a desperate measure to escape the clutches of this nightmarish existence.

Besides him, there were six other disciples who, like Karl, were likely being pursued by the authorities.

Karl possessed a unique advantage in this perilous situation — he had knowledge of the names and appearances of these individuals. Perhaps leveraging this information and becoming a tainted witness could serve as a potential escape route.

However, the moral dilemma weighed heavily on Karl's, or rather, Linn's conscience. He couldn't simply betray his fellow apprentices for personal gain. He refused to succumb to the temptation of changing his loyalties under false pretenses, only to regret his decision later.

Instead, Karl resolved to chart a different course, one that would allow him to navigate this treacherous landscape with integrity intact. He would focus on formulating a strategy that would safeguard his own survival while simultaneously avoiding any compromise of his values.

Selling out his comrades was not an option for Linn...

The first step for Linn was to dispel any unrealistic fantasies and find a sense of calm amidst the chaos. With a clear mind, he could then strategize on how to elude the clutches of the Inquisition.

In this ancient world devoid of modern surveillance technologies, where criminals were identified through hand-drawn and impressionistic portraits, disguising oneself in civilian attire offered a promising avenue for evading capture. Once outside the jurisdiction of the Duke's domain, it would be considerably more challenging for the Inquisition to track him down.

Fortunately, Linn discovered that his original persona had also dabbled in swordplay, drawing the attention of the Viscount's father a few years prior. This previous experience had equipped him with the skills to fend off bandits who had attacked the domain. Leveraging these skills would prove valuable in his escape.

However, it was essential for Linn to maintain a low profile and refrain from openly displaying his magical abilities. Unveiling his acquired knowledge of magic would undoubtedly draw the attention of the Inquisition, a perilous outcome he sought to avoid at all costs.

'...Wait. Did I just say Magic?'

As Linn delved deeper into his memories, a wave of realization washed over him, causing his expression to shift into a state of bewilderment and awe.

He discovered, to his astonishment, that the memories contained within him hinted at his ability to wield magic. This was no mere illusion or sleight of hand commonly employed by ancient entertainers.

It was genuine, bona fide magic!