Once the discussion was over, I immediately went outside the royal palace into a forest near the outskirts of the kingdom. Here I'll be able to use my magic as much as I want without any restrictions. There are several magic barriers placed on the trees to keep the monsters from attacking anyone who wishes to pass through the border. Travellers and merchants passing through the border every day to do business, such as trade and sell goods and work with other companies inside.
Merchants are mostly responsible for the kingdom's goods and products. Monster attacks happen frequently; most people would hire guards as an escort or even well-trained adventurers. To lessen monster attacks, some kingdoms place magic barriers in the forest near the kingdom's border. Since there are always travellers crossing the border connecting the forest and the kingdoms, it was important to place a Barrier to repel any dangerous monster that would attack anyone trying to get into the kingdom.
Monsters are categorised into three different classes. A hazard class monster are average level monsters; they are more than capable of destroying a small village on its own. However, a B or C rank adventurer is more than capable of subjugating them. While a disaster-class monster is capable of causing damage to an entire city or kingdom. A well-trained A-rank adventurer can deal with them, but it would take a group of them. Now the calamity class monsters are extremely rare to find, but they are capable of dealing damage to the entire world.
True dragons are calamity-class monsters as well as demon kings; however, those types of monsters aren't seen often. In fact, the last true dragon that was ever seen was three hundred years ago.
The books I've read so far state that there were five demon kings who were a threat to humanity; however, the heroes were able to stop them three hundred years ago. While they weren't killed, they just disappeared from history.
While the demon lord was sealed with the demon army.
There were four true dragons, each that are said to protect the four corners of the world.
While not much is known about the true dragon's race, it was stated that they didn't participate in the Great War three hundred years ago. And would avoid getting involved with human conflict. The true dragon race is still active even to this day. However, the chances of seeing one now are fairly low.
The people of this world relied on the heroes to defeat the threat of mankind. So far, there are no humans capable of dealing with calamity-class monsters; the only ones capable of actually defeating them are the great heroes of legend.
However, no one really knows how much of the legend is actually true. To think four people were able to stop a powerful being like a demon lord and a demon king. I find it hard to believe that the heroes and I came from the same world.
I stopped before an open field that was filled with nature. The gentle breeze blows through the trees as the sun glitters on the water's surface.
The lake was wide as the water stream went straight up to the mountainside.
The loud cries of animals could be heard in the far distance.
(It's the perfect place for training)
I thought.
I wanted to first try out some fire-type spells; fire magic is the most difficult element to control.
Reason being is that the mana in the body would begin to burn. Fire magic releases an intense amount of heat through the body the user has to control how hot the spell is.
Making it too hot can risk the chance of burning your body. There are ways the user can overcome this setback; some rely on artefacts as a way to keep their body cool. While someone skilled enough can reduce the amount of heat they produce.
The basic fire spell should be fine, as it only needs a small amount of mana, so it won't become really hot.
I gently hold out my palm, and a 1-layer magic circle is then formed around my palm.
"Mother of fire, blast my target flair ball!"
A small blast of fire shot out from my palm and went towards a giant tree.
From the force of the spell, it will only slightly brush the tree; it would cause a little damage to the human body.
The fire hit the giant tree. However, only a small burnt mark was left on the tree trunk.
I only added a small amount of mana to the spell, so it was slightly weaker than normal. I was worried about adding too much mana to the spell; it's not like I'm being stingy, I just don't want to make it too powerful. Though it's not like I would ever run out of mana, I had 100.000 worth of mana, so I had plenty. But I don't want to use more than necessary.
It isn't harmful if someone runs out of mana, but it did take a while for an individual to regain the mana they had lost.
Sleeping is a good and fast way to regain mana, but even that would take up to three hours. I still haven't gotten the hang of controlling my mana.
I remember what Hana had warned me about: some monsters can sense mana, and they feed upon mana. Just thinking about it gives me shivers.
No, with the barrier, I should be fine; the monsters can't pass through the magic barrier.
And also, I looked at the ring still on my middle finger; the ring suppresses the excess mana leaking from a person's body.
I should be fine, I thought.
I then turn my sights to the calm water stream.
The sound of the water running down the mountain hills was relaxing.
As the vast open sky reflects on the water's surface.
Fish and other aquatic animals could be seen underneath the river bottom.
The location was down a giant hill, where there was a huge waterfall. The river was shallow, so you could easily see the rock and other hard objects underneath the water stream.
I then hold out my palm at a distance of five feet from the lake.
"Mother of water brings flood to my enemies' waving surf."
A two-layer magic circle was then formed.
The large body of water immediately began to move, as if the lake had a mind of its own.
The water started moving in a swirling motion.
The water then began to gush up towards the open sky, creating a huge jet geyser.
It went up to twenty centimetres tall, then dispersed into the air like mist, and the water then began to rain down from the sky.
The temperature was cold, but it felt good on my skin in the hot sun.
The water was also sprinkled on the nearby plants.
(Water magic is really amazing, isn't it?)
I thought.
While water magic can be used offensively in combat, most people use it for defence. It can also be used for healing injuries.
My control over the water seems to be a bit sloppy; I wanted it to go up to thirty centimetres.
Water magic is more powerful wherever there is a body of water. While it was possible to make water using magic, it did take up a lot more mana to produce water with mana than to control it from a natural source.
If the user is skilled enough, it is even possible to freely control whatever the user wants to do with the water.
(But all I could do was make a little splash.... I still have a long way to go. It seems)
I thought with a bitter face.
"It's still not enough."
I quietly muttered as I was a little frustrated.
Even if I have overwhelming power, what's the point if I don't know how to control it?
For the time being, I'll just focus on my control.
However, now I want to practice my earth magic.
I then began to carefully observe my surroundings, to find where the best place would be to use earth magic.
While vigilantly watching my surroundings, I spot an area with huge rocks. The ground was filled with small pebbles; there was not even a single plant life form that could be seen, however.
The surroundings were filled with huge trees that roughly measure 45 centimetres. It was impossible to see the open sky, as the tree branches and tree leaves were in my line of sight, blocking the view of the sky. Sun rays shine through the leaves' gaps and brighten up the dark and gloomy forest.
(I'll try out an advanced earth spell)
Now that I'm way out here, there is no hindrance in the way.
I then place both my hands on the hard ground, and a 3-layer magic circle is then formed beneath my palms.
"Mother of Earth brings forth your might gigantic tremor."
The ground was then struck by a violent quake as the ground began to part. The mountain structure also began to deform, and the shock wave also spread around the forest as the weaker animals and nearby monsters began to panic and take shelter and relocate themselves from the shaking ground.
The trees in the surrounding began to tumble over one after another.
The tremor also reaches towards the lake and reshapes the structure of the wide stream. Part of the water stream was then blocked by giant rocks.
The waterfall was also destroyed by the tremor; the boulder that was blocking some of the water that was pouring down the waterfall was destroyed, and more water began to pour down like heavy rain. The side of the mountain was left completely demolished.
*SPLASH! *
The sound of violent water splashing resounded in the area. Yes, this was a natural disaster. The spell, a gigantic tremor, was a spell I really wanted to try; I first saw it when I was reading an old book about spells in the royal palace. After seeing it, I was determined to use it. It gives the user the power to summon earthquakes. Normally, it would take several people to use this spell due to the amount of mana it takes up. I was only able to use it because of the amount of mana I have. Seeing it happen before my eyes, I was really shocked; it was much more powerful than I thought. Some spells allow you to summon storm and Tidal wave, but there is no place for me to try those out as of yet.
I also read about a spell that allows you to control the weather. However, the surroundings were destroyed by the violent earthquake. The beautiful lake was a complete mess; it truly looked like a natural disaster had occurred. Seeing the mess I had created, cold sweat started to run down my face. I'll definitely get into trouble. This could become a huge problem for the kingdom. I can't believe I got carried away like that. This entire forest is managed by the royal family. For the time being, I'll take a break and relocate myself. A wise man once said, "It's not a crime if you haven't been found."
I secretly told myself.
***
After walking through the forest for about 20 minutes, I stopped at another open field that was blooming with beautiful flowers.
The flowers were all lined up together on my left side and right side, creating a straight path you could easily walk through. Each flower had a different colour. red, blue, white and purple.
They were all lined up perfectly, so none were taking over the others' boundaries; they were all in perfect harmony with each other. The sunlight shone on the flowers and made the entire garden sparkle beautifully, yes it was truly beautiful. I widened my eyes at such a sight; it was not something I could easily see in my previous world. In fact, I've never heard of a field like this before. However.
While I was staring at the flower field, the scent of sweet perfume entered my nose, and I turned my head in search of where the scent was coming from. There, the figure of a girl came into view. She had long peach coloured hair that swayed with the gentle breeze, her eyes were a light blue shade that easily reflected the flower field before her. She was wearing a one-piece long dress which was completely pink, matching her hair colour almost perfectly. She also had a straw-hat clutch in her hand, as she elegantly walked beside me.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
She muttered while gazing at the flower field before her.
"Ah.... ye-yeah it's beautiful."
I said nervously.
I'm still not used to being around such a pretty girl, honestly, it feels like my heart would burst. Being before someone this beautiful.
I thought with a small sigh.
She then turns her sights to me with a gentle smile on her face.
"Do you have a favourite flower?"
She asks while gazing at me curiously.
"A favourite flower?"
I said while doing a thinking gesture.
Favourite flower, I've never thought about it to be honest, I do like flowers, however, I don't think I've ever thought of liking a particular flower.
However, if I were ever to choose a type of flower, I think it would be...
"Iris, it's the flower my mother always planted in her garden."
I said while smiling.
"Oh, sounds lovely, I can tell you really love talking about your mother, don't you?'
She said while showing a lovely smile.
"Of course, I love my mother, so it's only natural I also love talking about her, you know; I also love all the other flowers my mother plants."
I replied while brushing the hair off my face. The field was quite windy, so my hair was getting a bit messy.
"Hehe, yes, you are correct, it's only natural you would love the flowers your mother plants."
She said while laughing, with her hand elegantly covering her mouth.
Her movements were refined and elegant. I wondered if she was someone of high status; it would explain why she was so graceful.
"I hope you don't mind my rudeness, but would you tell me your name?"
I hesitantly ask.
"Oh... my apology, I should have introduced myself earlier."
She gasps with a shocked face.
"It's nice to meet you. I am Sherry."
She said with a light bow while pinching the hem of her long dress.
Her motion was relaxing and refined, seeing that I was a bit convinced that she was probably a noble from somewhere.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Haruto Sato. It's a pleasure to meet you."
I said while doing a light bow.
She didn't say her last name, so does this mean she isn't a noble? I wondered.
"Excuse me, but could it be that Lady Sherry is a noblewoman from somewhere?"
I ask with a bit of hesitation in my voice.
It was a bit rude to ask such a question. I was prepared to be yelled at, however--
"Fufu.... no, I am not someone born of high status, you see, I am merely a commoner."
She said with a small chuckle.
"I see..."
She is a commoner, but from her attire and her conduct, she seems more like a high-ranking noble lady from my point of view.
The difference between commoners and nobles is like night and day. nobles were given proper education since birth; they are expected to enrol in a school that would give them the best level of teaching. So, basically, all nobles are refined and intelligent, while commoners aren't so fortunate; they can't afford the payment to enrol in an Academy, so the commoners are intelligent but lacking.
There not as perceptive and cunning as nobles and royals, while some commoners are lucky enough to be enrolled in an academy; her conduct was way too graceful to be a commoner. Unlike my previous world, where everyone could get the best teaching in the world, it's mostly limited to only nobility and royalty. Also, since commoners aren't paid well, they don't wear clothing as clean and attractive as hers.
"You see, I'm the daughter of a famous merchant who is currently staying in this kingdom, although it's only temporarily."
She said with a wry smile.
"Haha, I see... so that's how it is, Lady Sherry must have got her refinement from her parents."
I said with a small laugh.
"Oh, please stop.... There is no need to add any fancy honorifics to my name... You can just call me Sherry. I would rather anyone else, but... not you."
She muttered in a faint voice while bringing her straw hat to her head.
She wants me to just call her by her first name, isn't that asking a bit much from someone you have just met? Well, I guess it does make sense considering she is probably not used to people adding honorifics to her name. I guess, had it been a noble or royalty, it would have been considered rude. But since she personally told me, I'm sure it's fine.
".... Then S-Sherry, what brings you all the way out here?"
I stuttered awkwardly while saying her name, though I was a little curious as to why she was here.
"Well, I enjoy watching the lovely flowers blooming, you know."
She said while turning her gaze to the meadow of flowers before her. Her eyes sparkled as they reflected the sunlight shining on the flower field. A small smile was then formed on her pink lips.
"Oh, I guess I'm not the only one who loves flowers..."
"Yes, I always watched the flowers with my older brother when I was younger. So, seeing this garden brings back memories."
She said while gazing at the flower field.
It was clear she was reminiscing on her fond memories.
"I-I....see."
I said awkwardly, while scratching my cheek.
"So... Haruto, what are you doing out here?"
She asks while tilting her head to the side.
She said my name, so naturally, without any hesitation or feeling embarrassed, I'm honestly impressed.
"M-me oh.... I was doing some training."
I said while smiling nervously.
"Training, I see you don't have a sword with you.... so can I assume you were practising your magic then?"
She said in understanding.
"Yes, because I want to get stronger!"
I said in a strong tone.
She flinches slightly, hearing my tone, but then smiles.
"May I ask why you're so determined to get strong?"
She curiously asks.
"Huh?... Well, I want to be able to protect myself as well as my most important people."
I said while glancing at her awkwardly.
"You wish to protect yourself as well as your most important people?"
For a brief moment, she became silent as she showed an expression as if surprised by my answer.
"Is there something wrong with what I said?"
I ask with a puzzled look.
"Oh. No, that's not it.... It's just that I have met many people who wished to gain power for their own self-interest, so I was just really surprised to hear that you want to gain power to protect your important people."
She said with a faint smile.
Well, I guess there are a lot of people out there who only want power for their own sake.
I could easily understand the meaning behind her words.
"Well, it was nice talking to you, Haruto, but it seems it is getting a bit late, don't you think?"
She said while looking in the distance. The sky was getting dark as the sun began to set over the horizon.
"I guess I didn't notice how late it was getting."
I said while looking at the sunset.
"Yes, I hope we meet Haruto again... I'm sure we are fated to meet."
She said while walking into the open path between the flowers.
"Yeah, same here."
I said while doing a light wave of my hand.
It looks like she's staying between the magic barrier, so I don't have to worry about monsters attacking her.
I then made my way back to the royal palace. It was a 30-minute walk, but I enjoy taking in the fresh air, so it was a pleasant walk.
***
When I got back to the Royal Palace, I noticed there were a lot of maids everywhere you looked; they were moving around restlessly.
While carrying kitchen utensils, some were cleaning the chairs and tables.
I then went to a maid I was familiar with the most in order to find out what was happening.
"Excuse me, Lady Rin, is there something happening?"
I ask curiously.
"Yes, Sir Sato, the princesses are coming back within four days, so we are getting things ready for the banquet."
She said as she placed the plates she was holding in her hands on the table.
"I see... so that's what's happening."
"By the way, Lady Scarlett is currently in a meeting, so you can wait and rest peacefully in your room. I'll call you when dinner is finished."
She said in her usual flat tone.
"… Understood."
I said with a nod.
I then made my way towards the room I was currently staying in.