Looking up, I saw Aunt pointing at Samuel while chiding him regarding the way he used magic. She took a deep breath before she spoke again, “Samuel, what was that? Do it again. And do it right this time. You’re better than that.”

What?! But that was so good. According to the book, it’s normal for children at 11 aevis to still not have forged a core, not to mention casting a spell. But he clearly cast a… I shook my head to dismiss the thought, as I wasn’t feeling it to be appropriate to speak up.

Samuel’s throat went up and down slightly before he nodded. Turning back to face the area he just shot, his expression turned unnaturally serious for him as he began chanting again.

“O winds of the furious storms, heed my call and shove away the obstacles before me, Wind Bullet!!”

This time, the impact of his spell was a lot stronger than before, as a patch of dirt flew off into the distance before scattering after hitting against the bark of one of the trees, causing dirt to scatter all around in the process.

Wow, that was amaz—

“Samuel, are you doing this on purpose? I remember teaching you better than that.” Once again, a monotonous yet melodious voice chided.

It was even better than the one before it! And how old is he? Barely 10?! Not even people at the ages of 12 should be that capable right?

“But mom, if I go any stronger than this, the yard would be ruined, not to mention—” Samuel tried to protest, but Aunt shot his argument down before it could even sprout.

“As I said before, you don’t have to worry about any of that. That’s none of your concern. Don’t worry about just a yard. Even if you destroy the mountain in the distance, I will take all responsibility. So go all out.” Aunt spoke, her voice emotionless.

A bead of sweat popped up on my forehead as I listened to the mother chiding her son.

Destroy the mountain… Wouldn’t that be something like an earthquake at that rate? Doesn’t it mean that everything in the area would also be… No, I think I underestimate magic too much.

I felt a tug at my sleeve, distracting me from the frightening thought. Looking at my side, I saw Amelia tugging at my sleeve, gesturing to me to lend her an ear. Leaning to the side, I heard her whisper, “Mom is a really tough teacher. She accepts nothing less than best. As for breaking a mountain, it is as normal as breakfast for her. Both in studies and combat, she is strict like a teacher from—”

“Amelia~ Darling, I can hear you,” Aunt spoke, looking unamused.

Oh, that explains. Poor Samuel. I kept my bubbling sympathy to myself, unwilling to be dragged into the mess before me. Still, exploding a mountain is as normal as breakfast…. Are all magicians that strong? And can I become that strong as well? Yeah, I must be underestimating it too much.

Although feeling a bit awkward, I looked ahead while focusing on magic being cast. He raised his left hand straight up while his right hand hung casually from his shoulder. According to all I had read, his stance was a mess. This time, a large amount of green arcana gathered along his arm — way more than anything before — as he began chanting the same spell.

With a surprising lack of sound, a column of air at least as thick as my arm — an air bullet of a far larger size — made its way up into the sky.

Up in the sky, it was on a one-way course to strike a flying bird while the bird in its trajectory was oblivious to what came its way.

However, just before it could strike the bird, a clang rang out before the green column of light disappeared with a sound akin to glass cracking.

The bird flying in the air flinched and began falling before it hurriedly flapped its wings to escape the scene at full speed.

A few moments later, what looked like snowflakes fell to the ground before melting and disappearing away.

Just Amaz— No, I won’t do the same mistake again. Magic should be stronger.

“Barely passable. You can do better than that,” a monotonous voice echoed out yet again.

Yeah, I really underestimated it before. That’s right. I nodded while being a bit pleased with my growth.

“Mom, it’s tough to concentrate when people are watching,” Samuel spoke, looking in our direction with an expression as if he was being wronged.

“That’s why it’s barely passable.” Aunt stated, as a matter of fact. “Without that reason giving you a way out, you would be casting it all over again. And possibly all day. You have been slacking off again, haven’t you?”

Unable to say another word, Samuel sighed as he stared up at the sky.

However, a moment later, my brow creased as I stared at Aunt’s hand. To be particular, my eye was caught by a small circle-like projection slowly fading above her index finger. Its colour was arctic, signifying an attribute of ice.

Was that a… magic circle? According to the book, there are many ways to use magic, most common ones being a chant, a magic circle and runes. And a magic circle is a structure of carvings which is used as a means to manipulate arcana, similar to how a chant would work. Although, as per the book, chants are easier to learn whereas magic circles take a lot of study before any rudimentary spell could even be cast.

Wanting to confirm my suspicions, I asked, “Aunt, was that a magic circle? Did you draw it beforehand?”

Although circles could be produced by the caster on the spot, there was one other method. It was one of the major advantages of magic circles over chants — someone could draw them beforehand to allow for a somewhat instantaneous magic casting. Although, after the use, the circle would get damaged or even destroyed.

Taking a moment to register my words, she scratched her cheek as she answered, “Let’s call it that what I used was a magic circle. And no, I didn’t draw it beforehand. It’s just a little trick you’ll pick up along the way the more you practice.”

“I see,” I said while slightly confused.

As if sensing my confusion, she continued, “The book you’ve been reading, it’s just the starting steps. They can’t include everything in one book, right? Don’t think over it too much. There’s a lot you don’t know and haven’t seen yet.”

So something I will pick up along the way if I try out magic? Sounds… pretty interesting. Oh right!

Continuing my train of thought, I asked, “Aunt, if I’ve were to try forging a core—“

Creak — the door to the yard opened as a familiar man bearing long chestnut hair and a grim expression slowly came wheeling out on his wheelchair.