V3 Chapter 84

Human Beings, having the worst affinity for Mana couldn’t cast magic with will and spirit alone. [Mana Operation] skills are not the only one that is needed to be able to use magic. Humans can do the process inwardly through the use of [Internal Mana Control]. Externally, however, is different.

[External Mana Operation] is a process required to control the mana of the surrounding- outside of the body. However, as Human Beings are not magic creatures, they don’t possess the ability to do so, even with the skill. Just like how human beings could only breathe and swim underwater for a few minutes, despite knowing how to swim or how to hold their breath, they can never live under the ocean.

Human mages, no matter how gifted they are, cannot manipulate the mana outside of their bodies due to having no control over it. Thus, to cast Magic, they needed an external factor, or the so-called [Mana Catalyst] to cast a Spell- Magic Stones which were embedded into Magic Items that help and support them in gathering and controlling magic power. In a simple analogy, it’s like having a conductor that attracts the magic power in the surroundings to use in casting a spell.

These Magic Tools can be in the form of Magic Wands or Staves, which was a common magical tool since ancient times. However, as time passed by, Magical Tools also changed into something more intricate in designs which were much popular to most mages, such as a ring, a necklace, or a bangle, and there’s even a form of a sword- a magical item specifically for Magic Swordsman and such- though the magic tool’s output and power depend on how big, or high grade the magic stones used, or the power of the runes engraved on the mana catalyst.

Since Humans are not able to control magic power directly, they needed these magic tools to use magic.

As a powerful and gifted mage, Jin can cast magic without magic tools after a very long time of practice and hard work. It seems like, after years of continuously using magic, a human body has a chance of being able to adapt and be receptive to magic power. That’s when skills such as [Internal Mana Control] and [External Mana Operation] reached certain levels. This is also a requirement of being an ArchMage.

However, without magic tools, he can only use basic elemental spells such as [Torch], [Fireball], and such. As for 2nd tier spells, they are still doable, but 3rd tier and above would be impossible.

It was said that the reason is that humans don’t have magic cores like magical beasts and monsters, or those considered innate magic beings. No matter how high [Mana Control] skills were, there’s a limit to how human beings can control mana- especially without Magic Cores. If one tries to cast a 3rd Tier Spell, the mana would instead consume one’s internal Mana. However, be warned, for the magic power inside one’s body is not enough to cast a 3rd tier and above spell, and so, if forced would instead consume life force, and might cause death to the caster.

Even now Jin and the others thought that Rain was hiding a Magic Tool with him, enabling him to use magic. It will be impossible otherwise.

Unbeknownst to them, however, Rain has a strange, and magical physique that almost resembles a Magic Being. That’s why he can cast magic without the use of a Magic Tool. And through his Physical Cultivation, he was slowly transforming his physical body into that of a Magical Being. But if anyone knows about his condition, there would surely be a lot of commotion- and perhaps, the magic society of Human Beings might be rattled and shaken to their very core.

As they walk through the forest, Rain chatted with Jin. He realized that Jin was a complete Magic nerd. Because of that, he was able to learn a lot of things about Magic, one that is studied and used by humans in this world. And as expected, the Magic Arts learned by humans have a slight difference from the Magic Arts of the Magic Beings such as the Lamians.

In the first place, though, Lamians also have systematic Magic Arts, but all of them were able to be invoked in an instant. Even only using the imagination as the Catalyst for the spell. The Magic of the Magic Beings is like the art of controlling the elements, while the Magic of Humans is like using program keywords to invoke the Magic Spell. This is also why people in this world called Magic Beings have the Gift of Magic.

But for Rain, something is different.

The Magic that Magic Beings like Lamians could use, which they dubbed as [Origin], is the true Magic, while the Magic that Human Beings could use, is like something replicated from a classic RPG Game. It’s not Magic, just programmed magic skills. Not to mention the Classes. If these abilities were given by Gods, then, it would just be a complete, half-hearted imitation of the RPG Games back on Earth. Still, it was indeed enough for the humans to protect themselves, and have the chances of survival against demons and magic beasts.

As for Rain, he was able to use Magic just like a Magic Being because of the incredible amount of magic power he had accumulated from eating monsters through [Predation]. At the same time, his mana veins were cleared completely through the Lamian’s Magic Stone Ritual. Though, of course, it would not work that well, if not for his own strange and peculiar physique that is already close to magic beings after eating monsters and absorbing them completely through [Predation].

Hearing about Magic from Jin, Rain finally understood that he was an anomaly. After all, he can use Magic without any restrictions, or limitations. And besides, no wonder the Lamians have praised him when he first use magic. And some even wondered if he was even a real human. He thought they were just praising him for the good of it.

But now, it seems like he had become an anomaly from the human race who should have been unable to use magic outside of his class.

Through their journey, Rain was able to learn a lot of things, from skills, and classes, to the current situation of the continent, especially including the ongoing war against the Demon Race. Though it seems like the war has yet to reach the worse stages since the appearance of the Heroes, the Demons started to retreat.

Whether they are afraid of the heroes or not and instead were only scheming something in the shadows, they don’t know. But one thing they know for sure is that the Demons would not easily back down.

Then, there's also Roel, the Knight.

Jin was an incredible Mage, but Rain was also impressed at Roel, the taciturn but gentlemanly Knight.

The great knight’s reaction speed was extremely fast and he was good at grasping opportunities. He knows when to appear or not, and he would be in front of you the instant you need it.

Zia, on the other hand, has the Elemental Variant: Lightning Affinity. She can conjure lightning attacks against her opponents. Though, unlike Mages, she can only conjure basic and simple magic spells. However, with her sword skills, she was extremely strong, not to mention, lightning-fast.

[Magic Swordsman]

That seems to be her class, a combination of Magic and Swordsman Class.

According to the system, Magic Swordsman is a very strong Special Class that is said to be able to become a jack of the two trades, but master of none. That’s why, most people in the Magic Swordsman focused on one aspect, mainly Swordsmanship, and make magic a support skill. Thus, Magic Swordsman became a common Swordsman that can use magic- kind of troupe, not the other way around.

It seems like it’s easier to focus on swordsmanship rather than magic.

Still, with her Lightning Affinity, Zia’s power was double that of a normal Magic Swordsman. Not to mention, her lightning speed was blinding. And from what Rain had observed thus far, she was also cultivating a body reinforcement art, further increasing her strength and toughness above that of her peers.

As for Jonathan, Rain didn’t know what to say about him.

But the guy is overwhelmingly strong. Perhaps, he can even be a rival of Drova's prowess.

Though, what Rain was certain of is that he was also a Magic Swordsman with an affinity of water and wind. Though he rarely exhibits even a portion of his true power, still, when he made a move, it was very earth-rending.

The four of them are monsters that are equivalent to the Elite Warriors of the Amani Lamians.

They dared to enter the Desolate Cave with just a few people without worries is reasonable. Because every single one of them can take care of themselves even in this kind of place.

As they walk through the thick foliage, suddenly, Rain who was monitoring the map on his smartphone frowned. A red dot was coming toward them at an incredible speed. He stopped, and then immediately after he could feel a cold feeling coming from all directions. It made the blood within his body stiffen up. A kind of sensation similar to being targeted.

“Is something wrong, little brother?”

Noticing Rain’s sudden change in expression, Jonathan asked curiously.

“Something’s here,” he said, as his eyes scanned in vigilance across the dark environment.

Compared to the central region of the Desolate Cave, this place was exceptionally quiet. However, it was this silence that made him feel uneasy. Rain could feel a sense of tension appearing in his body. His hand subconsciously went after his sword.

It’s here!

Rain immediately jumped backward- followed after was a shrill scream. Beneath the earth filled with rotten leaves, a hideous giant serpent sprang out.

The instant that the body twisted, it immediately went towards his direction, crashing on the ground where he once stood.

Why is it always me?

Do I look like a weak target?

Though he doesn’t want to admit it, he does look like one. Especially if compared to the people he was with at the moment. Compared to the other members of the group, perhaps, he is the weakest.

“Hm? An Evil Python…”

Jonathan muttered with a frown.

The large snake was huge.

When it raised its head, it easily reached four to five meters in height. Its size as well can easily pass three meters. Black saliva dripped out from his giant mouth, causing the leaves on the ground to become rotten. It was evident that it was highly toxic.

Due to the sudden attack, the others were slightly in confusion. However, they quickly recovered from the shock and immediately went into a stance. This was classified as C-rank Magical Beast, whose strength was comparable to B-rank Monsters. They never imagined that they would meet such powerful monsters one after another. It seems like the reputation of the Desolate Cave is deserved.

“Hmph.”

Jonathan glared at the large monster, and then let out a cold hmph. He fiercely took a step forward and a dense Magical Energy erupted out. However, before he could even pull his sword, suddenly Rain landed in front of him.

“Little brother?”

“Wait,”

Rain said, his eyes staring at the evil python. Then, suddenly under the surprised eyes of the group, he steps forward, walking toward the monster.

“Little brother! What are you doing?!”

Jonathan asked. However, Rain didn’t say anything, his attention focus on the Evil Python.

*Hiss!!

The Evil Python let out a threatening hiss, opening its mouth and baring the dagger-like fangs that went unsheathed, coated with its deadly venom. Still, Rain remained calm, and his lips even curved upwards.

Furthermore, looking closely, his blue eyes had slowly turned green, with a strange slit at the center, looking like the eyes of a snake. Though the people behind didn’t share the same fearlessness, and their expressions turned grim and panicked. Their magical energy surged through them, ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice.

“Faaaassshaaa, feeeissha, fuwaassshh,”

“...?!”

Wearing bewildered, and confused expressions, suddenly they heard strange words that seemed to resemble a hiss, coming from Rain.

What is he doing?

In response, the Evil Python hissed, seemly angry, and once again bared her fangs, but to their surprise, it only seemed to be giving him a warning, as it didn’t try to attack him despite the short distance between them closing.

What is going on?

Jonathan and the others never expected the Monster to act like that, after all, the infamy of the Evil Python was not unheard of. It would attack and kill anyone or anything in front of it.

But giving a warning?

Now, this is a first.

“Doooosshaaaasssss, weeeiissshhhhuuaaasss,”

Now a weird expression appeared on Jonathan and the others.

Why does he speak, like an eerie whisper?

What is going on?

Suddenly, their eyes widened in horror as the Evil Python opened her jaw wide, and swoop down its head, right straight toward Rain.

“Little Brother!!”

“Rain!!”

They called out, and hurriedly rushed toward him, but a large, whip-like tail swept over them. Cyan who had received an order via telepathy from Rain immediately stop, and retreated. However, the others who were unaware were sent flying. Even Roel was blasted by the Evil Python’s tail.

As for the others, they continued their attack.

Jonathan hurriedly jumped, slashing his sword in the process. But it only created metallic sparks, displaying the horrifying toughness of the monster scales.

This evil python…!

Zia did the same but only caused the same thing. The red-robed mage started chanting, and fire elements immediately gathered around him. While the armored knight immediately hide behind his shield and took the full brunt.

He let out a loud yell, and his body shone with a bright golden light. However, a massive impact assaulted him, and his body was knocked back, crashing against a nearby tree.

So strong…!

The full armored knight vomited a mouthful of blood.