Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 53: How to Become Stronger
Bang——
Dust erupted into the air, swirling in a thick haze, and Merlin collapsed entirely onto the ground, sprawled and disoriented. His staff was nowhere to be seen—likely lost somewhere in the chaos of the battle exercise.
Aymelon El, the combat instructor, stood over him, gripping his wooden practice sword. He shook his head with a mixture of pity and exasperation. “Merlin, despite your exceptional affinity for magic, you have absolutely no talent for actually controlling it. To be blunt, in combat, you are… an utter fool. In all my years of teaching, I’ve never encountered a student so devoid of aptitude.”
Aymelon’s gaze softened slightly as he glanced down at Merlin, a faint trace of compassion flickering in his eyes.
Kris hurried forward, helping Merlin to his feet. “Merlin, are you okay? We still have to go grab that Beggar’s Chicken after class.”
For a moment, Merlin felt genuinely touched that Kris had come to support him—but as soon as she mentioned the chicken, all sentiment vanished. His face contorted with bitter frustration as he looked toward El. “Instructor… is my talent really that lacking?”
“Lacking? Terribly so! You cannot construct even the simplest spell with your magical control. Yet your magical affinity and reserves are unusually high—that is what surprises me most.” El shook his head, incredulous. He had never seen a student with such potential in raw magical energy, yet so utterly incapable of wielding it.
Merlin said nothing about “working hard to get stronger” or similar platitudes. Even as a transmigrator, he had no interest in exhausting himself in ways that defied logic; such effort didn’t fit his identity. Back on Earth, studying hard had been his chance to change his fate as an orphan—hard work there meant opportunity.
“Don’t worry, Merlin,” Kris said reassuringly, “you’re the heir of Count Léo. One day, you’ll be a noble lord. There’s no need to do everything yourself; just delegate tasks to your retainers.”
Merlin considered her words and felt a flicker of relief. At least there was some logic to it. Yet a gnawing discontent remained. Other transmigrators either became geniuses, gained godlike cultivation instantly, or ended up with systems to make up for weakness. Merlin had none of that—no talent, no combat prowess, nothing.
He had dreamed of being a legendary demigod like the head of the Arcane Academy, leaving his mark on the Aether Continent: exploring hidden dungeons, battling northern sea monsters, slaying dragons…
“Ha ha ha ha ha—”
Demigod Weber’s laughter echoed at Merlin’s complaints, shaking his head in amusement.
After class, Merlin brought his newest culinary creations to Weber, recounting the trials of his combat lesson.
Patting Merlin’s back, Weber chuckled. “So you want to become a legendary demigod, like the head of the Arcane Academy?”
Saint Jones, nearby, rolled his eyes and took a deliberate sip of double-skin milk. “Why aspire to that? You should aim to be like the Pope of the Church of Light—first among mortals beneath the gods, wielding authority, wealth, and strength!”
“First beneath the gods? Bold claim. Have you asked the head of the Arcane Academy about that?” Weber scoffed, unimpressed.
“Ah, you two are so annoying! I’m talking about myself here! I have talent, magical reserves, but absolutely no way to use them in combat!” Merlin groaned, clutching his head. He had tried practicing magic, but without control, no spell could take shape.
Jones grabbed Merlin’s hand and closed his eyes, probing his magical aura. He clicked his tongue in astonishment. “Interesting… your cultivation potential is about the same as ours, but your magical reserves are astonishingly large. At your stage, I’ve never seen such reserves.”
“Really? Let me see!” Weber leaned forward eagerly, taking Merlin’s hand to investigate.
“Such enormous reserves… no wonder you can’t control them.”
Merlin blinked, surprised. “You… know what’s going on?”
“Of course. Think of it like this: everyone else’s total magical energy is like a pond—the size determines how much they can achieve in a lifetime. Ordinary people are puddles; the capable ones, ponds; exceptional ones, lakes. Your magical capacity is like an ocean.”
Weber gestured to the air. “Most people’s magical circuits are like simple pipes—easy to control. But yours are like raging rivers running through a vast ocean. With your current level as a third-tier novice mage, you simply cannot manage it. That’s why no spell can manifest for you.”
“Wait… does that mean I’m destined to never wield magic?”
Merlin’s jaw dropped. His talent was incredible—yet he could feel none of it.
“Not necessarily. There is a way for you to cast magic, without incantations, faster and more efficiently.”
Merlin’s eyes lit up. “What way? Tell me!”
Weber leisurely opened a jar of ice-field blueberry-flavored double-skin milk, scooping a bite with a wooden spoon. Chewing, he gave Merlin a sidelong glance. “You can buy alchemical tools.”
“Alchemical tools?”
“Precisely. More accurately, alchemical equipment. Infuse them with your magic, and the equipment automatically releases spells—no incantation required. Quick, easy, and convenient.”
He continued, “The spells won’t be easy to control, but that’s the trade-off. You can also buy single-use magical scrolls, offensive or supportive alchemical potions… basically, you pay money, you get power.”
Money? Merlin’s interest peaked instantly. That he could do—at his current earning speed, anything money could open, he could access.
“Those stones Jones gave you? One-time-use alchemical talismans.”
“So… where do I get this equipment?”
“The Academy has an alchemy workshop. Steam & Stars can supply it, or you can commission custom items if you have the money.”
Merlin’s mind raced. Finally, he saw the path to strength: spend money. Lavish it. Relentlessly.
“If you want Church of Light products, come to me. In terms of life-saving gear, we’re second to none,” Jones said, pulling a seal from his robes.
“Never mind—just buy it yourself. Whatever I have won’t be useful at your level.”