Labyrinth Exploration 101 - L.E Chapter 4 (Part 1): One Day, Magic Grew in My Head (3)

The tech tree of「Labyrinth Exploration MoMo」is as follows:

—

[ Please select which stat’s tech you wish to acquire. ]

1.Strength

2.Stamina

3.Agility

4.Durability

5.Magic

6.Perception

7.Mental Strength

8.Appearance

9.Luck

—

First, you choose which stat-related “tech” to specialize in. Simply put, it’s called “specialization,” and for me, there was no need to hesitate—I chose **Magic Power** without a second thought.

—

[ You have selected Magic-related tech. ]

1. Low-Grade Mana Recovery
2. Low-Grade Mana Detection
3. Low-Grade Mana Transmission
4. Low-Grade Mana Emission
5. Low-Grade Mana Manipulation
6. Low-Grade Mana Concentration
7. Low-Grade Mana Blocking
8. Low-Grade Mana Amplification

—

In this way, the tech tree is a system that strengthens stats and adds additional abilities—think of it as a “tech tree” that branches out as you progress.

“Wow. Everything’s unlocked?”

I couldn’t help but marvel.

Normally, the available tech depends on your stat levels. For example, if a character’s Magic stat is around 7–8, techs like [Low-Grade Mana Blocking] and [Low-Grade Mana Amplification] would be locked.

But for me, all Magic-related techs are wide open.

Choosing wasn’t difficult. [Mana Concentration] and [Mana Manipulation] were my top priorities. Mastering these would unlock higher-tier techs, like [Magic Memory] , an essential tech for any aspiring mage, both for immediate growth and future potential.

—

[ You have acquired Low-Grade Mana Concentration. ]

[ Low-Grade Mana Concentration ]
◆ Allows you to concentrate mana more easily.

—

Okay.

“Done!”

I lay down on the mattress. Not a bed—just a mattress. I didn’t buy a bed frame because I couldn’t afford it.

“For now, let’s get some sleep.”

Starting tomorrow, I’ll dive into proper magic theory.

—

* * *

The next morning.

—

[ David’s Magic Bookstore ]

I arrived at the nearest magic bookstore.

Magic bookstores are vastly different from regular ones. They sell magic-related books, which are far more expensive than ordinary books, and also deal in magical items. You’d expect tight security, but…

“Is it always like this?”

This place looked like an ordinary neighborhood bookstore.

I quietly slipped inside. The jingling sound of the entrance bell felt oddly comforting.

“Hmm.”

I glanced around. Books were neatly arranged on the shelves, and there was a faint smell of dust.

As I hobbled between the shelves, I spotted a book.

—

「Understanding Magic: Basics」

—

This was the foundational textbook I’d been looking for. The author was *Tae-hyuk*, Korea’s first officially recognized mage.

I carefully picked it up and approached the counter.

The store owner was… distinctive, to say the least.

He had long, snow-white hair tied back, and his beard was as thick as a lion’s mane. His muscular build was imposing, yet he wore round glasses, giving him the vibe of a character straight out of a martial arts novel.

“How much is this?”

The owner glanced at the book. His features were strikingly deep.

“5.99 million won.”

“…How much?”

“5.99 million won.”

“……”

I pursed my lips.

That’s ridiculously expensive.

“Do you offer installment plans? Like 12 months?”

“Installments are available, but only for 6 months.”

“Ah, I see.”

I’d been saving up, so 6 months should be manageable…

Wait, no. I’m not even saving right now.

I got confused with my pre-regression memories.

Around this time, I only had about 5 million won in my account.

After being discharged from the military, I had around 100–200 million won from compensation and other sources, but it all went into rehabilitation, hospital bills, and mana injections.

“…What about credit, then?”

I subtly shifted gears.

“Credit?”

“Yes. A 3-month grace period, followed by 12 months of payments—”

“Hah. What are you planning to do with that book on credit?”

He didn’t kick me out immediately but chuckled as if amused. Thankfully, his reaction wasn’t hostile.

“Just reading it. Maybe look at the pictures too.”

“No.”

“…Then, can I read it here for a bit?”

The owner raised an eyebrow. It was like watching a statue twitch.

“Do as you please. You can even sit and read.”

Despite his blunt tone, he allowed it. He seemed like a good person, maybe.

I hobbled to a seat in the bookstore.

…Ah.

That’s when I realized it. This hobbling of mine subtly evokes sympathy. I hadn’t been out much since becoming like this.

I sat by the window and opened the book.

—

[ Ⅰ. Magic ]

[ Magic, first discovered in 1900, is now known to the entire world. Its existence is beyond doubt, but scholars still disagree on its origin. However, this book will avoid such controversial topics and focus solely on the basic methods of handling magic. ]

[ Magic is an energy inherent in all living beings and nature. Its properties are diverse, but ultimately… ]

[ Thus, magic is fundamentally the mage’s will made manifest. The most important starting point is instilling the concept that magic flows through the body’s blood vessels—into yourself, into your own flesh. Only then can a mage easily utilize magic. ]

[ Bear this in mind: magic follows both the mage’s desire and its origin. Human magic pathways are formed this way. Thus, magic is, in a broad sense, conceptual. ]

—

Magic flows through the body’s blood vessels. Thought shapes reality, and concepts lead to existence.

Only then can magic be used as naturally as a part of your body.

It’s similar to what the YouTuber said, but compared to this textbook, that YouTuber was completely amateurish.

“Phew…”

I lifted my arm. Staring at the clearly visible veins on my thin skin, I thought:

“…Mana in my vein.” (He said in English)

A chant in English, meaning “mana in my veins.”

“Move.” (He said in English)

It felt awkward, so I switched to Korean.

Move.

Move.

Move.

How many times did I repeat that?

No, how many dozens, hundreds of times?

At some point, the area around my arm twitched. Maybe it was more visible because I was so thin, but the veins definitely reacted. Even a faint blue glow shimmered on the surface of my skin.

Success!

“…Hey, kid.”

A deep voice suddenly boomed from above. Startled, I jerked my head up.

Dangun

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