“I’m back! I apologize for leaving in such a rush before. I had certain errands to run.

Also, I’ve got you these.”

“A shirt and a book? Thanks, it was getting a bit chilly in here without a shirt. But what am I gonna do with that book? How am I gonna read it?”

“It’s a grimoire. Also, you still have the Oath of Babel. You should be able to read it.”

Wow, they really are handy.

“Wait, a grimoire? Thanks, but I think I’m better off just training my swordsmanship. I did already try to check my magic affinities, and the priest said I had none.”

“Was it in Ayla? If so, the priest there only answers to Marduk. Of course, he wouldn’t see any affinity in you. But in the worst-case scenario, even without any, you still need to learn to fend off for yourself. I’ll only be here temporarily, and no matter how good you could get with any weapon, not knowing anything about magic will only end up with your death.”

“Okay, I’ll skim through it quickly before going to bed.”

“I see you made yourself a new friend.”

“Oh him? He’s just here for shelter and free food. I’ve called him Enfield. Isn’t he cute?”

“He? You’re aware it’s a female, right?”

“Oh. She’s called Enfield then.”

“They’re called winged putorius if you want to know anyway. I’m shocked she’s here. They aren’t from this continent. It must have run away from her owner.”

“Aren’t we in the middle of nowhere, though?”

“Yeah, I’m confused about it, but whatever, I’m gonna be heading to bed now. If you have anything to ask me?.”

“How much longer do we have to stay here?”

“At least a couple of weeks, your killer said someone called Whitelaw felt your presence when you arrived in this world, so let’s avoid getting you on their radar for now. Worry not. I’ll take care of you during this period while you read that book and practice with your sword.”

“Alright. Hey, could you tell me your name at least if we’re gonna be here for a couple of weeks?”

“Just refer to me as Raphael.”

Wow, even his name is cool.

He quickly tried to hide a slight smirk.

“I told you to stop reading my mind.”

“I can’t help it. I still don’t know if I should trust you fully, so for now, I’ll keep reading them to make sure you don’t ever think of betraying me.”

“I really don’t like it, but also can’t blame you. I would do the same in your shoes, I guess, and you’ve been helping me, so thanks again.”

“Anything else?”

“No, I’m alright. Goodnight, Raphael.”

“Have a pleasant night then!”

After getting changed into the new shirt, I decided to start skimming through the book.

I shouldn’t be surprised, but this is really in English. I wonder what it’d be like without the oath of babel. How did I not think about it before when everything I saw was in English… I could read that menu back in Ayla.

Oh wow, these characters are nowhere similar to any language to earth, are these supposed to be runes?

Wait. Why couldn’t I read the runes on Hilda’s axe then? Did they mean nothing, or does this device have some limitations of some sort? Whatever, I’ll just ask Raphael tomorrow.

Reading the grimoire was more understandable than I would have thought. To some extent, magic was similar to some concepts of science and chemistry from my world, but thanks to the mana present in this world, it could achieve things that could only be imagined on earth.

The groups I had previously heard from Leif were apparently 6, and each of them had sub-classifications.

Casting spells could be done without a need for chanting, but to optimize your mana usage, it was better to chant and was only recommended in a bind.

Magicians were ranked on a scale from 1 to 9.

1 Apprentice rank 2 Intermediate rank 3 Adept rank 4 Expert rank 5 Noble rank 6 Blessed rank 7 Sovereign rank 8 Supreme rank 9 Deity rank

These ranks were group-specific, so someone could be a supreme rank buffing magician but still be an apprentice in any other group.

So there’s a lot of studying to do if I don’t want to be a glass cannon in only one type.

Magic wasn’t limited to those sub-classes. But instead, they could be combined with others to cast different types of spells.

The power of their strength was based on how well they could combine. The graph in the book explained their compatibility quietly and clearly.

This power system seems like something out of a game, but at least it’s pretty easy to understand. And this graph too, green is good compatibility, yellow possible, and red rare cases.

The book had some handwritten notes that I couldn't read.

What’s with these notes? Something else that the oath of babel isn’t translating?

By the time I had gotten through most of the basics, the darkness of the night had sipped into the room, so I couldn’t continue reading anymore.

Is Enfield already asleep too? I’ll just hit the hay, too, then. I hope I can sleep today without getting a nightmare.