Chapter 72 : Chapter 72

Chapter 72: Exchange (2)

Labella drew a magic circle in the air.

Dots and lines were etched into the void.

Strokes multiplied, curved, and intersected.

Soon, a complex yet beautiful magic circle took shape.

But the newly formed magic circle didn’t transform into magic on its own.

Labella didn’t stop and began drawing the next magic circle.

Strokes different from the first formed another shape.

This magic circle was also mysterious and beautiful, yet it, too, didn’t become magic.

Labella drew a third magic circle in the same manner.

The result was the same.

Each distinct magic circle held no magical effect on its own.

Labella kept drawing magic circles.

Eventually, about ten magic circles floated in the air.

Then, she moved the first magic circle to the bottom and began stacking them one by one, like ingredients in a hamburger.

The ten magic circles layered up.

At that moment, the magic circles ceased to be flat.

Dots and lines of the first dimension formed two-dimensional magic circles, and those circles stacked into a three-dimensional structure.

The combined magic circles seemed to glow for a moment before scattering into the air with a faint fizzle.

“Polarin-nim, you’ll be performing this task.”

“…Me?”

“Of course, it’ll be in a different way from mine.”

To my bewilderment, Labella continued her explanation.

“Let’s do it in a way only Polarin-nim can. Pour out your mana into a three-dimensional form, then carve it intricately.”

In other words, instead of stacking ten magic circles like floors of a building, it was about creating the entire building at once.

“We’ve named this method of stacking magic circles the ‘Three-Dimensional Magic Circle.’ The moment you complete the precise form of the three-dimensional magic circle, Polarin-nim, you’ll dominate your surroundings.”

* * *

A three-dimensional magic circle just for me.

Labella explained the overview, and other mages came onto the platform to convey the theory and principles behind the magic’s manifestation.

“Wait a moment, could you explain that part one more time?”

This method twisted the very concept of conventional magic.

There were parts I couldn’t grasp immediately, and I didn’t hesitate to ask questions.

‘Guess I’m practically a mage now.’

Though I still couldn’t cast any magic.

Even just forming the shape could trigger the magic.

But understanding the underlying principles would allow for broader applications.

I wanted to cast magic on a perfect foundation.

“I’ll give it a try.”

The long theoretical review finally ended.

Now comes the challenge.

The eyes of those watching me burned with fervent anticipation.

“It might not work on the first try, so don’t get your hopes up too much.”

“Just do it already!”

“Yeah! Even if you fail, we’ll analyze it. Just try!”

I threw out a joke to lighten the mood, but the mages didn’t take it.

A complex structure of ten magic circles stacked three-dimensionally.

I had to pour out mana in a cylindrical shape, then meticulously carve away parts, like playing Jenga, to complete it.

It was a challenge that didn’t sound easy even in words.

The mages gathered here knew that.

I now understood their shouting was their way of encouraging me.

“Phew…”

I let out a deep breath.

I locked eyes with Labella for a moment.

Then I tapped my heart.

The first attempt at my exclusive three-dimensional magic circle began.

I poured out mana.

A pristine white cylinder formed cleanly.

From there, the delicate work began.

I removed dots and shaved away strokes.

I didn’t think about stacking ten flat magic circles into layers.

What I needed to create was not flat but three-dimensional.

I was different from the other mages.

I kept that realization in mind, repeating it as I crafted the three-dimensional magic circle.

It took quite a while.

But the surroundings were silent.

Though these mages rarely united, in this moment, they all held their tongues.

They must all be focused.

But checking their reactions was a luxury I couldn’t afford.

If my focus wavered even slightly and a stroke went astray, the manifestation would fail.

…And so, after the final stroke was drawn.

The magic activated.

No one needed to confirm it—I could feel it instinctively.

This radius was my domain.

I was in control.

After confirming the magic had activated, I finally looked up at the mages’ faces.

Some had their mouths agape, others were teary-eyed with awe, and some were scribbling with quills, calculating something even in this moment.

“At this Exchange, we’ll crush the other magic towers’ noses flat.”

Mumbel, the second-in-command of the Mana Research Division, nodded and said.

* * *

The mages erupted in thunderous applause.

“Argh! You did it in one go!”

“I knew you could do it!”

“…We’ve witnessed history.”

Fervent reactions poured out, but I couldn’t respond.

- But this way, it seems it’ll take a long time to cast the magic.

- Heh, as expected of a magic novice.

- I suppose so?

- Once a mage uses magic, it’s etched into their mind.

- What does that mean?

- You’ll understand when you experience it. Try drawing the three-dimensional magic circle again.

When I tried the magic again, I keenly felt what Labella meant by “etched into the mind.”

The first time, I had meticulously carved the structure of the three-dimensional magic circle, memorizing each part.

Now, that structure was perfectly ingrained in my mind.

All I had to do was release mana according to the ingrained structure and absorb it.

“Congratulations, Polarin.”

Labella stepped into the radius of the activated magic and offered her congratulations.

“Thank you, Labella-nim. It was only possible with everyone’s help.”

I replied, steeped in emotion.

But soon, I noticed Labella’s mage-like demeanor.

“As expected, theory and practice differ. We estimated a 1-meter radius, but it seems closer to 1.5 meters…”

“…”

“Surprisingly, there’s no sense of discomfort when entering the field. Yet there’s a clear resistance to manifesting mana. That’s actually better. In combat, it could catch opponents off guard.”

Labella methodically explained the effects of the magic she experienced.

“You’re maintaining it well. The mana consumption must be immense.”

“Yes, it’s not small.”

But my trained Dragon Heart kept the magic stable without faltering.

Maintaining the magic during combat might be different, but for now, it wasn’t too difficult.

After pouring out her observations, Labella looked me straight in the eyes and said,

“Termination.”

“What?”

“That’s what we’ve been calling this magic during our research. Of course, since it’s Polarin-nim’s unique magic, you can name it something else.”

So the magic circle I used was called the Three-Dimensional Magic Circle, and the magic it formed was named Termination.

“Termination. I like it.”

I decided to keep the name the research division had given it.

Though it was my magic, I wanted to honor the efforts of those who created it.

And so, I cast my unique magic, Termination, once more.

After a few repetitions, I could cast it far more easily than before.

“Let me try too! Can I test it?”

Many wanted to step into Termination’s field and test it.

Labella asked for my opinion.

“Is that alright?”

“Of course. Is there a 4th-Rank mage here?”

“Me! That’s me! I mean, it’s me!”

A mage, suddenly polite, raised his hand eagerly and rushed toward me.

He stepped into the field, spreading his arms as if in ecstasy.

“I’ll cast a spell now. My favorite, Mass Magic.”

The mage’s expression turned serious.

He began drawing a magic circle or rather, he flailed in the air.

The moment he tried to release mana within the field, I could instantly sense its movement.

Even without intentional suppression, the 4th-Rank mage’s mana couldn’t escape my dominance.

“Urgh…”

The mage sweated profusely, flustered, but nothing changed.

Waaa! Clap clap clap clap!

Another round of applause erupted.

* * *

The day of the Exchange finally dawned.

Ostrum was enveloped in a festive atmosphere, with cheerful laughter filling the streets from early morning.

Not only magic tool merchants but also imperial nobles and negotiators seeking to recruit skilled mages flooded into Ostrum.

At the same time, tension simmered among the mages of the magic towers.

Guided by Labella, I headed to the plaza.

“For the next few days, you can consider all of Ostrum the Exchange venue. It’s held in three phases, and the first is here.”

The plaza was filled with not just mages but ordinary people too.

Here, magic tool merchants and inventors set up stalls to sell their wares.

“Look at this pillow! Tell it the dream you want before sleeping, and you’ll dream it!”

“Need a disguise? It’s simple! Infuse mana into the magic circle on this mirror, and you’ll transform into someone else for six hours!”

“The second phase takes place inside the plaza… Polarin-nim, where are you going?”

My eyes were dazzled by the abundance of magic tools everywhere.

“Oh, sorry. But that crystal orb looks worth buying.”

Labella narrowed her eyes and stopped.

She didn’t outright say no, but her presence was intimidating, and I trailed off.

“I have some money…”

“If you have money, that’s even better. Save it. The real items come up at the auction after the Exchange.”

“But you said not everyone can participate in the auction.”

“Is Polarin-nim just anyone? You might become Ostrum’s most famous mage today.”

Labella continued her explanation.

The auction she mentioned was exclusive, open to only a select few after the Exchange.

The items there were said to be of world-shaking value, far beyond the trinkets I’d been eyeing.

Thus, participation was restricted.

Each magic tower could send five representatives, and only select figures from influential non-mage organizations were invited to the small-scale auction.

“I’ve put Polarin-nim’s name on the list, so don’t worry and follow me.”

“Oh, yes, understood.”

“The second phase is the research presentation… Hey, Polarin-nim?”

I was caught staring at a cloak that changed color with each touch.

“Yes, yes… Let’s head to the second phase venue.”

I’m really rich, though.

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