Chapter 3: Manamatus

Chapter 3: Manamatus

The sound of a door opening could be heard from the room that William was staying in, followed by two pairs of footsteps at a medium pace.

William raised his head toward the doorway to see his mother, joined by a long and smooth leg that led to a white dress of medium length and ended at a round-faced girl who looked to be of similar age to William. She had light brown hair that reached her shoulders and seemed to carry herself with a slight sense of nobility.

"Hey Will! It's me again, Charlotte. Misha told me that you weren't feeling well today.

I was here last night for your mana sickness, but you probably don't remember because you were already passed out. I came to check on you and make sure you don't have any other side effects." the girl introduced herself to William with a smile, "I'm going to take a look at your health. Stay still for a moment William." Charlotte continued.

She placed her hand on his upper chest, then a flowing bright green light circled down her arm and enveloped William's body. There was a refreshing feeling for a few seconds as he felt his strength returning.

"How do you feel now?" Charlotte asked.

-Discovered Life Magic: +1 Potential Point

So this is how Magic works here. It's a good thing I don't have to chant any embarrassing phrases. The last thing I need is for someone to hear me yell "FIREBALL!" every time I shoot off a spell. On second thought, it would be somewhat hilarious the first couple times.

He thought for a moment about the commands he had just learned from the System.

Open Status Menu

———

STATUS:

—Health: 100/100

"I'm going to finish up on my weaving before lunch. Don't work too hard William. I know you want to get stronger so we don't have to be poor, but you'll be a great Cultivator someday, I know it!" Misha said with a soft smile as she also stepped out.

William waited until Misha was gone before checking his room for more clothes to wear. He was still shirtless and didn't want to go out looking like a stray. After checking the only drawer in the room, there was a single light-brown tunic that seemed to be his size and a pair of simple brown shoes.

After feeling that he looked somewhat presentable, William stepped out of the room and wandered through the small house until he found the door leading outside. He stepped out to the bright sun on his face. William's eyes squinted slightly before adjusting to the fresh scene.

-Entered new environment: +1 Potential Point

In front of William was a small dirt path curving toward a nearby village on the left. On the other side of the path was a large open field with a small hill with lush greenery next to a large creek. To his right, about a dozen goats were grazing in a second, smaller field. It appeared his family lived on a ranch of sorts.

William showed a mischievous smile. If it were too easy to become overpowered, he wouldn't want to do it. I like the way you think System. You want all my peers to underestimate me for being a commoner. I can already see the looks on those noble faces when I beat their arrogant sons and daughters into the ground. Clearly William had read too many books.

He decided to take the road less traveled, literally. Will crossed the road and climbed up the hill in the large field. He didn't have any money, so going to the village was pointless. I have Fire Affinity, I should probably learn how to use it.

Will closed his eyes, focusing on the mana running through his veins. He raised his right arm with the palm facing out, then proceeded to channel the Fire Element outward. His palm turned bright red, yet Will didn't feel any pain. A moment later, a fireball the size of a golf ball shot into the sky. It flew for almost 2 seconds at a moderate speed before exploding into a small shower of sparks.

-First Time Mage: +5 Potential Points

-Fire Element Acquired: +1 Potential Point

—UNLOCKED TITLE: +1 Potential Point

-Manamatus (Uncommon): You are a somewhat rare individual with a talent for Magic that appeared before you started Cultivating. All Magic you use will be 10% more powerful.

-Unlocked your first Uncommon Title: +1 Potential Point

[1] Manamatus: From the Latin "amatus" for loved, and directly meaning "He who is loved by mana". In this case, "Mana" loses the a at the end, becoming "Man".