Chapter 102: The Magic Tool Shop

Compared to the royal capital, the city of Lanzole was remarkably beautiful.

It’s not like the royal capital is dirty, but… how should I put it—it kind of feels like Tokyo.

Whereas Lanzole gives off more of a Kyoto vibe.

There’s nothing traditionally Japanese about it, but I think that analogy works pretty well.

“I see a few people who look like mages here and there. Are those students from the magic academy?”

“I believe so. They look pretty young too.”

“It really does feel like a city of magic. By the way, Sheila, did you ever consider going to a magic academy? I heard you learned magic when you were younger.”

“I didn’t have any real talent for magic. If I’d had outstanding potential, I might have gone… but I always preferred close combat to magic, so I probably wouldn’t have gone either way.”

“I see. If it were me, I think I’d have jumped at the chance!”

Indeed, based on the mock battle tournament, Sheila’s strength in close combat was exceptional.

She can only use basic spells, and even then, she didn’t use them at all during the matches, which shows she really isn’t that good with magic.

“You do like magic, don’t you, Sato? Since we’re here, why not try learning some? I’m sure there are instructors in Lanzole who could teach you.”

“I’d love to, but I know I don’t have any talent for it, so I’ll pass… You’ve seen my stats, right, Sheila?”

“Ah…”

Sheila let out a small sound and looked away awkwardly.

My magic stat is a whopping 1.

I haven’t done any training to improve it lately either, so I know for sure it hasn’t changed.
With a magic stat of 1, no matter what kind of instruction I get, it’s painfully obvious I won’t be able to use magic.

“That’s how it is. I want to use magic, but I simply can’t.”

“That’s just too sad! I really want to help you use magic somehow!”

“I appreciate the sentiment. Just watching you and Moji use magic is enough to make me happy.”

“…Nope! That’s not good enough! This is a city of magic, after all. I’m sure there’s some item that’ll let you at least feel like you’re using magic. Let’s go check out some shops!”

With that declaration, Sheila started walking off at a brisk pace.

Seems I accidentally lit a fire under her… but do items like that really exist?

…Oh! Maybe something like the magic tools Rozzo and Sid mentioned before?

I’ve pretty much given up on actually using magic myself, but I am curious about magic tools.

Feeling a bit like a kid again, I decided to go with Sheila to check out the shop.

We arrived at a shop that looked a bit old, but had a very stylish air about it.

On the sign, along with the words “We carry staffs and magic tools”, was the store name: Magic Cabinet.

“This place has a great atmosphere. I wonder what kind of person runs it?”

“It seems pretty established, so maybe an old man? It’d be cool if he was a former magician or something.”

Chatting like that, we stepped into the shop… and were surprised to see a young woman standing at the register.

She didn’t look like a mage at all—in fact, her fashion seemed like something you’d see in modern-day Japan.

“Welcome! If you need anything, feel free to ask!”

“Hello! This is our first time here. Would you mind if we asked you a few things?”

“Of course! Ask away!”

“Thank you. Actually, I’m looking for a magic tool that can let someone use magic. Do you happen to sell anything like that here?”

“Absolutely! Just a moment…!”

The cheerful clerk rummaged through some shelves and pulled out a small box.

I had no idea what it was, but from the way it was handled, it didn’t seem particularly expensive.

“Is the magic tool that lets you use magic inside that box?”

“Not quite! This isn’t a magic tool—this is a magic orb! It’s a crystal with a spell sealed inside. Unlike magic tools, they’re single-use, but they’re affordable and great for trying out magic!”

“Huh… I’ve never heard of magic orbs before. Are they something that’s commonly sold?”

Sheila seemed to be caught off guard by the explanation and asked the clerk a follow-up question.

If Sheila doesn’t know about it, it’s probably a pretty niche item.

“Nope! I actually made them myself! I was wondering if I could seal magic into crystals, so I gave it a try—and it worked!”

“Wait, you made them!? So, are you the shop owner then?”

“Yup! I inherited the shop from my grandfather, and now I run it all by myself!”

“That’s impressive for someone so young. If you can seal magic into crystals, does that mean you’re a magician?”

“I graduated from the magic academy here in the city. It’s not something I should really brag about, but… I graduated top of my class!”

“Top of your class!? That’s amazing! I came to this city because I was interested in magic, so I’m honored to meet you!”

“Hehe, you’re quite the smooth talker, aren’t you? I’m in such a good mood, I’ll give you one as a gift! It’s a magic orb with a spell usable right here—give it a try!”

“That’s very kind of you, but I feel bad accepting it for free.”

“Don’t worry about it! Go on, rub it a little firmly like this!”

Overwhelmed by her energy, I reluctantly accepted the magic orb and glanced over at Sheila for help…

But she just gave me a nod, so I decided to go along with it and give the orb a try.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter