Part 1

  Magic, it’s something that every isekai world should have. A rule that destroys the laws of physics. A phenomenon that cannot be explained. It is something that I MUST learn! It’s almost 3 years since I was reincarnated in this world. I more or less adjusted and learned about their language, although I’m not fluent, I can understand them a little at least. Under the shade of the same tree, Reiya is telling me a story about the silver haired hero again, I’m looking at the pictures of the book while listening to her. What’s interesting about this story is that it tells a lot about this world’s history, how do I know? Because it’s how most anime presents their world building, always through a story. I keep listening to every detail since it might be useful in the future, just like this stone puzzle and the hidden mirror puzzle. It also tells a clue about the Holy Crucifix Blade, which is the sword that the hero used to slay the God of Demons, Judas. I’d like to get my hands on this one day!

  Reiya notices my fingers slide towards the picture of the Crucifix Blade as my imagination of wielding it surges through my mind.

  Grabbing another book, she says “Look Ophir! Want to hear the story about the God of Light Caelum?”

  I glance towards the book, piquing my interest before I nod in excitement. Reiya chuckles before opening the book as she starts to read.

  . . . . . . . . . .

  According to the book, there are 9 Gods who created this world— Arcadia. Among them is the protector of all evil and the guide of all life, the God of Light, Caelum. After hearing the cries of humanity, he cut off his index finger and forged a powerful sword that can slay Judas. With that, humanity was given hope. The Silver Hero used the sword to kill Judas and after that, the sword was hidden away for its power can endanger humanity when it’s in the wrong hands.

  After an hour of storytelling, Reiya closes the book. “It’s time to go back Ophir, Clarrie is going to be worried if we don’t get back on time.” She attempts to carry me, but I stop her hands. “Ophir? What’s wrong?” She asks, tilting her head.

  I carry one of the books with a smug face, obviously indicating that I could walk by myself, but Reiya was oblivious of my intention and attempts to carry me again but before she could, I immediately walked towards the direction of our house.

  “Ahh! W-wait, Ophir!” She immediately grabs the other books before catching up to me.

  Reiya is a hardworking mother, going here she carried me, three story books, and a basket of snacks. She intends to do the same thing going back home, but I can’t let her do that! I may be a child in body, but I have conscience y’know!

  While walking in this dirt paved path, I look at the mountains in the distance. Passing through this road even for months always reminds me of my desire to venture into this new world, to create my own odyssey. I stopped on my tracks as I stare at the tallest mountain in the distance, captivated by the icy mountain that is shrouded in clouds, I can’t help but wonder what’s in there.

  “Ophir!” Reiya calls.

  I then walk quickly to catch up to her as she waits for me before continuing to head back home. After a while, we finally arrived. Clarrie noticed us by the window and went outside to welcome us.

  “Welcome back Ms. Reiya.” She then turns her head towards me, noticing the book I’m lending to her. “And Young Master Ophir.” She smiles as she receives the book. “I’ll take that for you as well Ms. Reiya.”

  “Oh, thanks!” Reiya gives the other two books to Clarrie.

  Clarrie’s eyes lit up as she remembered something. “Oh, that’s right. Ms. Reiya, tomorrow’s the day Duke Lain Aurum is visiting.”

  “Is it already time?” She frowns. “It’s obvious why a person of high standing is visiting a commoner’s home…” Reiya turns her head towards me who’s walking my way inside the house.

  “There’s nothing we can do… Young Master Ophir was born under the Arcane Moon, he’s one of the chosen Heroes.”

  “Ugh, why can’t they be satisfied with the other 14 chosen heroes?!” Reiya went inside feeling a bit frustrated. “Ophir is just another boy, he gets to choose his own future too, right?!”

  Clarrie follows her from behind. “That’s true but… it’s the Kingdom’s rules. Well, if I were to say, Ms. Reiya is already lucky since the Duke of Sylvanea personally chose you.”

  “Even if it’s the King himself, I’d rather live a peaceful life with my Ophir!” She pouts as she raises me up to carry me.

  “If his majesty hears that, he’ll definitely have you executed…”

  “I’ve had enough of those noble etiquettes and rules, I’d rather die! Especially if my Ophir’s freedom is at stake!” Reiya storms upstairs feeling upset.

  Clarrie sighs before forming a little smile on her face. “Such a free-spirited girl… I hope Young Master Ophir won’t take her bad habits.”

  Reiya storms in her room and places me on her bed before collapsing beside me, stuffing her face in the bed sheet. She sighs before turning her head towards me. “What am I going to do Ophir…? I don’t want to deal with noble related things!” She whined.

  Ignoring her complaints, I crawled my way down the bed. Curious, Reiya watches me crawl down and walk my way outside the room and down the hallway, Reiya just observed and followed me throughout the entire time. I eventually reached her study room, there were no books piled up on the floor this time, everything was arranged, it was probably because of Clarrie. I searched for the same magic book on her bookshelves and found it in the upper section, noticing Reiya peeking by the door, I look at her and point my hand at the book, opening and closing my palm trying to tell her to grab the book for me. Reiya still didn’t come out of the corner and continues to peek by the door.

  I walk towards her and grab her by the skirt.

  “Ara, you found me...” She chuckles.

  I pull her trying towards the shelves trying to get her to grab the book for me.

  “Alright, alright! You’ll tear off my skirt Ophir! Geez, what are you even trying to do in my study… Hm?” She notices the book I pointed my hand on. “Book of Magic I? You’ve always been interested in this book ever since you came inside my study room.” She grabs the book and lends it to me. “It’s not like you understand the contents, all you do is stare at the drawing of magic circles! There are even much more interesting picture books with better art and stories!”

  Na?ve…! You might not know, but I have more or less learned the basic common language in this world you know! I may be a 3-year-old kid, but I can basically make out this book’s content and your language by just a few words that I understand! I’m an honor student in my past life for a reason!

  I flip a few pages and stop where I left off.

  Hmm, basic… water… mater? Ohh, so this symbol of the magic circle was indicating water all along! Let’s see what it says… water magic, basic… chant?

  “Oh God of Magic, Laplace. Grant me the power to quench the thirst of your subjects… Create Water.” Reiya chanted a few words before a small magic circle with the exact design as the one in the book forms between her hands. I saw tiny glowing particles being sucked into the magic circle before a bubble of water forms.

  Fascinated, my hand reaches out towards the water, touching its surface before submerging my hand inside. It’s like a bubble, but with water inside, it’s cool and soft. I move my hand around the bubble, my face curves into a fascinated smile without my knowledge. Before I knew it, right then and there, I fell in love with magic.

  “Disperse…” Reiya casted, and the water turns into tiny particles that spreads around the room like spray.

  For the first time, Reiya saw Ophir smile. Ever since Ophir was born, she has never seen him smile, laugh, nor make a sound. She had thought that there was something wrong with his body, but after multiple check-ups from different doctors and a diviner, it was deemed that his body was in more than perfect condition. Seeing him smile so innocently made her feel like she found something priceless after 20 years of living in this world. “Mmh… I’ll teach you magic when you’re a little older.” She smiles and carries me up. “I’m hungry, let’s go get something to eat, shall we?” She leaves the study room, closing the door behind her.

  Part 2

  On the bed, while flipping the page of the Magic Book. I can’t help but be bothered by Reiya’s glances as she bites on the bread while reading a novel.

  If you wanna read then focus on your book… you’re lucky you can fully understand this world’s language, while I suffer here from trying to make out what these words are. So far, I may not be able to understand everything, but I can memorize the patterns in these magic circles, not much of use but I’ll try something out when I get the time.

  I then crawl down from bed and walk towards the window to bask in the fresh air, Reiya continues to glance at me from time to time while I observe the surrounding.

  I wonder if I’ll have to fight dragons and kill the demon lord in this world, it sounds cliché, but the adventures could be fun. Having a party of adventurers, growing strong together, fight through monsters together… Wait, first of all would there even be adventurers? There must be, who would map out the continent and discover stuff if there aren’t?

  The next day. After waking up on the bed and seeing Reiya sleeping soundly, I crawl down and walk my way to the empty guest room. There I put down the Magic Book, flipped a few pages and stopped at a certain magic circle pattern. I stare at it for a few seconds, tracing the spiral lines with my finger before standing up, ready to try and imitate this magic.

  A circle and a few symbols surrounding it along with a spiral shape in the middle… I must perfect this.

  I closed my eyes and started to imagine building up the magic circle, I made sure the symbols are perfect and so does the patterns, it took me a few seconds to finally make out the image when I suddenly feel an odd static feeling from my chest and arms.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  Similar to the pins and needles you feel on your legs after waking up on your seat from sleeping for hours, what was it called again? Paires, pars… pares… ah, paresthesia! But this one is less extreme, it tickles instead.

  I can then feel a gentle blow of winds in my palms as I start to feel a bit nauseous, I peek with one eye only to be surprised by a mint green magic circle as gentle winds start to gather. The curtains danced, and the book flipped pages after pages along with my hair swaying along the gentle blows.

  W-woah… WOAH!!! IT’S MAGIC!!! IT’S REALLY… ma- gic…

  I fell down unconscious on the ground… When I wake up, I found myself in Reiya’s room, I feel so sick and dizzy, I can’t think of anything, my head is spinning and before I knew it, I threw up on the bed making Reiya worried sick as she rushes over to take care of me.

  “O-Ophir! What happened!? Clarrie!” Reiya rushed me downstairs to Clarrie.

  On the kitchen table, as Reiya uses magic to heal me, Clarrie was concocting an herbal medicine. Reiya’s magic helped me feel better from the headache a little, but the nauseating feeling still lingers.

  I feel sick to the core, is this the side effect of using magic? Why is Reiya not affected by it? And I didn’t even use magic for that long! It's only a few seconds before collapsing. This is too much for a child’s body to handle…

  I wasn’t able to concentrate that much because of vomiting, when Clarrie caught me off guard by shoving a spoonful of the medicine into my mouth.

  IT’S SO BITTER!!! UGH…

  “Uah…” I coughed.

  “Geez, Ophir what did you even eat? You’re making mama worry…” Reiya then checks on my temperature and was able to verify that I didn’t have a fever.

  “Ms. Reiya, the Duke is arriving today.” Clarrie spoke as she puts down the empty bowl of medicine.

  “Oh right! Clarrie, can you take care of Ophir for a bit? I’ll go prepare myself real quick.”

  “Take your time, I’ll take care of Ophir and dress him up.”

  Reiya nods before rushing upstairs to her room, “Thanks a lot!”

  Clarrie wiped off the excess medicine around my mouth before giving me a warm bath, she then clothed me with fresh clothes that makes me look elegant like a young noble. Clarrie was quick with her fingers, so it didn’t take long for her to complete her task and just as she was finished, Reiya finally came down wearing formal clothes.

  “How do I look?” Reiya twirls once showing off her clothes.

  Clarrie then approaches her and fixes the collar. “You look beautiful Miss.”

  “Hehehe!” Reiya then looks past Clarrie before approaching me, “How’s my little Ophir, are you feeling better?” She picks me up and nuzzles my nose.

  “I’ll go tend the living room Miss.” Clarrie bows before going to the living room.

  “Mmh, thanks!” While she still has time, she then gave me a bottle of milk to make sure I don’t go hungry during her meeting.

  After a few minutes, they hear the gallops of the horses from outside the house. Reiya puts me down on the sofa while Clarrie went to the entrance to greet the guest.

  They look so frantic, are they having an important guest? Who are we meeting, a hot-shot in the castle? Maybe the local lord… Whoever it is, he/she is definitely someone oh high standing.

  I look up to Reiya who’s sitting beside me, spacing out with a serious expression, as if she’s building up courage inside. She then took a deep breath in and out before I put my hand on her wrist.

  You got this Reiya, whoever you’re meeting with, I’m sure it’ll all go well!

  Reiya smiles before pinching my cheek gently, “Such a precious kid.” She chuckles. “Ok, I got this!”

  Just then the door opens and enters Clarrie escorting 2 men, a guy wearing a fancy blue and silver suit, with a face that screams ‘I’m famous’, strong body, fierce emerald green eyes, and blonde hair, all the features that screams he's a noble. Behind him is what seems to be his guard. He wore blue colored formal attire that fits the theme. Immediately, the room is filled with pressure in their presence.

  Reiya rises from her seat and greets him. “Greetings my lord, it is an honor to have your presence in my humble home.” Reiya bows her head down in his presence.

  “Beautiful day to you Ms. Reiya Aterion.”

  “Please, allow yourselves to be comfortable.” Reiya gestures her hand to the seat across the coffee table.

  Clarrie then guides the 2 gentlemen to the seat. The noble sits down while his knight stands guard just behind him, both hands at his back.

  This guy looks like a sore thumb inside our house, his elegant presence made it look like a rose on a deserted land. Clarrie goes to cater for some drinks and leaves the room for Reiya to handle. The noble took a glance at me before proceeding to talk with Reiya. As they have their own meeting, I remembered about that incident I had after using magic just a while ago.

  After using what seems like wind magic for a few seconds, I felt sick and fell down unconscious… waking up I vomited with headaches and nausea. But why? It’s not a side effect of magic since Reiya wasn’t affected by it when she used magic, is it because I’m a toddler? Maybe my body couldn’t handle magic since I’m still a child, no child would have enough power to be able to use magic… ah, mana perhaps? Do they have things like mana? Well magic does need a source of energy or something… That’s it! It must’ve been mana! I only lasted for like 3 seconds, SO LOW!!! Meaning I have to increase the capacity in some way first… training? But how? Do I just keep on using magic or level up? Maybe it’ll grow as I grow older. Since I have to test my theories, I have to suffer from vomiting and stuff, it might be a good chance since I already did it once, I could pretend to be sick. Sorry Reiya, but you’ll have to suffer worrying about your little kid for a while… this meeting is taking a bit long, I want to test my theories already!

  Just then, I overheard their conversation mentioning the Children of the Arcane Moon as Reiya puts her hand on my shoulder. I look up to see her having an uncomfortable expression on her face.

  Just what are they talking about…?

  Part 3

  A few moments ago…

  Lain took a glance at the little child beside Reiya before proceeding to speak, “You might have known me already, but I’ll introduce myself. I am Duke Lain Aurum of Sylvanea Kingdom, a pleasure to meet you, my lady.” He bows his head a little with his right hand on his left chest.

  “Oh please, you don’t have to bow your head for me, for I am a mere commoner!” Reiya responds frantically.

  “I insist, it’s only but a proper etiquette as a noble to greet with respect, especially to someone who’s about to return to being a noble…”

  Reiya paused for a moment, unsure if she heard it right. “...Pardon?”

  “I shall explain since it’s what I came here for, but it is still mid-day so let us not rush too much and try to break the ice first, shall we? I am quite interested in you and would wish to know how your day was, I hope I didn’t intrude in the wrong time.”

  “Oh no, not at all! My day is perfect as usual, I simply take care of my boy and study every now and then.” Reiya pats Ophir’s head, who seemed to be spacing out. “Though, I will be quite busy with my research this evening.”

  “I see, you really are a diligent magus as they say.”

  “To hear that from the duke himself, I’m flattered.”

  “You are quite popular amongst magus within the tower, they say your research has improved magic in the past 4 years ago! I have to say, finding a method to successfully layer two and more magic circles is an impressive work.”

  “I’m glad, I enjoy learning more about magic, it has been my hobby ever since I was young, and to be able to contribute for the betterment of the kingdom, it is truly an honor.”

  “As expected of a Magus! With that, you have the means to become a Sage once you ascend enough.” Lain smiles.

  Clarrie came back with a tray carrying 2 teacups and a teapot. She pours the tea into those cups before placing the cups on the table for Reiya and the noble.

  The noble raises the teacup leading to his lips before drinking it in an elegant manner, “Mmm, this tea is exquisite.”

  “Thank you, that tea is quite popular in this village. Grown from the leaves of Cichasbi.”

  “Ooh, I didn’t know Cichasbi leaves could be brewed into a tea… maybe I should buy a few stocks.”

  “It relieves stress as well! I’m glad you liked it that much, but if I may… shall we get back to the main topic?”

  “Ah right, my purpose for today’s visit is to ask your hand in marriage.”

  With a calm look, his words left Reiya and Clarrie, looking shocked. Feeling a bit upset, Reiya then replies with a question.

  “It’s… because of my child, isn’t it…?” She puts her hand on Ophir’s shoulder.

  “Partially yes, your child was born under the Arcane Moon, I do love to see him grow into a fine warrior and with a fine flower like you, I couldn’t ask for more!”

  “It feels a bit lacking for a noble such as yourself, there’s more to that isn’t there?”

  “That's quite intuitive of you, as expected of a Magus! The other reason is to save you.”

  Confused, Reiya paused for a moment before asking the duke, “Save me, from what?”

  He sips his tea before responding to her questions, “I somehow managed to get my hands on a Divination Magic Scroll called Clairvoyance a while back. Although it may not be able to specify the cause, but according to the scroll, you will have great misfortune in the gathering.”

  “In that case, why don’t I just skip the gathering? Won’t I avoid it that way?” Reiya starts to look more confused and doubtful.

  Still, with a calm expression, the noble replies, “Ms. Reiya… you know full well that the presence of the Maidens of Fate is mandatory, be it a noble, a commoner, or even a slave.”

  “Then, why did you come all the way here just to tell me that…? I’m a commoner, what benefit does it give you from saving me?”

  “To repay a long-time debt…” The noble places down his cup before continuing, “I was indebted to your father when I was a child you see.”

  Curious, Reiya asked. “D-debt?”

  “You’ll know it soon enough, but for now I need to make sure things are prepared. For you and your child’s safety, please accept my hand marriage, at the very least, only for the title.” Lain’s expression shifts to a more serious gaze.

  Reiya, feels more confused, she tilts her head down to think. Her doubts still lingered and she still wishes for Ophir to choose his own path in life instead of being destined as a hero, but more importantly, she wants his safety and couldn’t weigh the risk.

  “You don’t have to answer me right away, I’ll give you plenty of time to think, I’ll be back for your reply and to pick you up for the gathering within a week. I wish you the best, Ms. Reiya.” With that, the noble rises from his seat before exiting the room along with his knight. “Thank you for today’s hospitality.”

  Reiya sat there, filled with complicated emotions, whether she accepts the duke’s offer and becomes his bride, setting Ophir’s future in stone as a warrior without even having a choice, or the dangers that could come from her misfortune and the risk of not seeing him again.

  Ophir leans on her arm and looks up at her worried expression before smiling to cheer her up.

  “Ah, Ophir… Mama’s ok.” She pats his head before nuzzling his nose. Her heart melts from his innocent smile, seeing him free of worries, makes her forget her problems even if just for a while.

  Later that night, Reiya stopped her research to call it a day and went to her room. There, she sees Ophir browsing on the magic manual at the bed, she approaches Ophir who heard her enter and turned to her.

  “It’s bedtime sweetie, let’s sleep.” She yawns.

  She then closes his book and places it at the desk beside the bed, Ophir crawls to his usual spot on bed and Reiya fixes herself beside him.

  “It’s been a long day today hasn’t it, sweetie? You’re still quite energetic even at this hour…” She pats his head as she cuddles him close. “I’ll sing you a lullaby then, the one that always makes you sleep.” She then starts humming a tune and singing a gentle song, her soft voice echoed throughout the moonlit night, and it didn’t take long till Ophir’s eyes started to feel heavy and drift off to sleep.

  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  I found myself just spacing out in a dark place… I look around to find out where I am, but all I could see is an empty darkness and my reflection on the water-like floor.

  Is that… what the, my old face? Since when have I reverted!? Also, where am I!?

  I turn side to side, looking for an answer. It wasn’t until I turned around only to see a kid. Somewhere from around 11-13 years old, she has pale skin, white hair, and a one-piece dress. I slowly approach her, attempting to confirm if this was a dream. As I get near, I start to see what she really looks like, and it only made me stop my tracks as my eyes fall captivated by the flower glowing in the abyss.

  Usually, faces in dreams are blurry, you just know who a person is without even seeing their faces in a dream, but I don’t know this person. Yeah, this is real… have I been transported back again? Could it be that girl was the culprit?

  “You’re mistaken, this is merely a dream…” The girl spoke, as if she read my mind. “Well, not quite.” She proceeds while walking towards me, “I transferred your soul just to talk to you here privately… thus you have that appearance.”

  “So, you really are the culprit of that magic circle in my classroom. Well? Who are you, what is it that you want?”

  She giggles a little, with a cute smile on her face. “Such a simple guy you really are… Seiji.”