Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 114 (Part 2)

The small black stone pulled from the troll’s heart resembled a mana stone, with the difference being that it was composed of concentrated magical energy rather than mana.

“Was the troll manipulated by someone?”

“No, not someone. This stone itself is the source. The troll must have absorbed mana naturally while breathing, which the stone converted into magical power, like a mage would.”

“Is the stone itself special?”

“Yes, it’s a curious stone. I wonder where the troll picked it up.”

Mana exists everywhere—in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.

People absorb it naturally through eating and drinking but expel it without being mages.

However, this stone converted consumed mana into magical power.

Unlike mana, magical power could be absorbed and stored. As a result, the troll became a beast storing lumps of energy, even unintentionally.

“It didn’t seem particularly stronger.”

“Of course. It’s not an aura but magical power. Without knowing how to use it, having it is meaningless. Its lifespan might increase, but its mind would suffer.”

Mages live longer than ordinary people. Even without reaching the 7th circle, many lived to be 60 or 70.

“So it’s only advantageous?”

“No, there are issues with holding unused magical power. Pain, irritation, discomfort—those are common symptoms. It probably also becomes more irritable. This magical stone is full of impurities. Imagine kneading dough for bread but half of it is sand.”

Some people, due to their constitution, could instinctively use magical power. Rare cases existed even among beasts, but he dismissed those thoughts for now.

“It’ll turn aggressive, won’t it?”

“Exactly.”

Rodin glanced at the remaining trolls still fighting the mercenaries. He could sense similar clusters of magical energy within their bodies.

‘Some even have more than one.’

This meant some trolls had consumed multiple of these unusual stones.

“May I examine the stone?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Rodin washed the bloodied stone with Undine and handed it to Jena.

Jena scrutinized the stone before nodding.

“It’s not something I recognize. I thought it was a Mana Crystal.”

“It’s different from a Mana Crystal. Mana Crystals convert mana within themselves to magical power. This stone absorbs surrounding mana and converts it. The purification process was skipped, leaving too many impurities.”

“That’s true. But they do look similar.”

“It seems like an attempt to recreate the process of making Mana Crystals, but with unexpected results.”

Mana Crystals were essential in artifact creation, outperforming unprocessed mana stones in success rate, duration, and potency.

But the method to produce Mana Crystals had been lost long ago. The Magic Tower had been trying to restore it for years without significant progress.

Rodin himself had briefly studied Mana Crystal production, but only for a few days and without any major breakthroughs.

“I agree. But it’s clear this isn’t from my era.”

“I think so too. This seems like an ancient relic from after the fall of the Magic Empire. Looks like some ruins were unearthed somewhere.”

“Possibly.”

While Rodin and

Jena conversed, the battle was nearing its end.

Only one troll remained, and the mercenaries were cornering it with joint attacks.

“The fight is almost over. Let’s prepare to move.”

“Are you not going to search for the ruins?”

“No, I’m curious, but it’s more hassle than it’s worth. To investigate, we’d have to stray off course, and Margaret comes first.”

It was disappointing, but Rodin decided to let it go.

Their priority now was reaching Hedenes. Lingering here wasn’t an option.

“We’re leaving.”

“Yes.”

Karis and Jena got the wagons moving. The mercenaries clearing the battlefield stepped aside.

They knew who had saved them. Even if they couldn’t repay the favor, blocking their benefactor’s path was unthinkable.

Besides, a skilled swordsman sat on the coachman’s seat. That implied the person inside the carriage had the authority to command such talent.

“Th-thank you.”

“You shouldn’t be thanking us. We only acted on orders.”

“Oh! Please convey our gratitude to your master.”

The caravan leader, an older man, bowed toward the unseen Rodin in the carriage without hesitation.

“You’re too kind.”

Rodin poked his head out and nodded. The caravan leader quickly raised his hand.

“It’s fate that we met. How about joining us for dinner? The sun will soon set.”

“Hmmm.”

“I’ve traveled here often and know the area well. A little further ahead is a spacious clearing. Why don’t we camp there tonight? We’ll provide dinner.”

“Hmmm.”

Rodin didn’t respond right away. After a brief pause, he scanned the mercenaries and caravan staff.

‘Not bad.’

Rodin didn’t possess the ability to judge good and evil by someone’s magical energy or face. He simply relied on a gut feeling, and they didn’t seem like villains.

“Brother.”

“Big Brother Rodin!”

Larry and Bianca looked at him with hopeful eyes. They must have missed social interactions.

“Alright, we’ll take you up on your offer.”

“Thank you! Clean up the battlefield quickly. Move the injured to the wagons!”

The already brisk mercenaries picked up the pace.

They pushed the troll corpses to the roadside. Mercenaries skilled in butchering quickly stripped them of flesh, bones, and hide.

The injured were gathered in a central wagon. Those with potions used them on their wounds; those without had their injuries bandaged.

“Here we go.”

“Big Brother Rodin, where are you going?”

“There are injured people.”

As Rodin moved, Bianca stuck close by, determined to observe everything he did.

Rodin used the 3rd-circle Vital Sign and 2nd-circle Healing magic on those with less severe injuries. Blood clotted quickly, and gaping wounds began to close.

For those with serious injuries, he used 4th-circle Restore and 5th-circle Recovery magic. Life-threatening wounds that exposed organs returned to minor injuries.

“Thank you. Slaying the trolls was already a great favor.”

“It was nothing. It’s best for the injured to rest a bit longer.”

“Understood.”

With the treatments done, Rodin returned to the wagon. In the meantime, the battlefield cleanup had nearly finished.

Hyung_Otaku2

•