“Um, would it be possible to change it to fire or earth...?”
Once more for the umpteenth time, Fake Michael looked apologetic.
“I apologize, but I can’t make any changes. Ryo, your magical aptitude falls within the range of Creation, in short under those aforementioned gods’ territory. It’s out of the scope of our responsibilities. Moreover, in Phi, a person’s magical attribute is conferred at birth so therefore cannot be learned after the fact.”
“So basically I’m stuck with water magic for the rest of my life?”
Ryo looked so defeated, so hopeless that Fake Michael rushed to add on to his explanation.
“That is indeed the case, but please rest assured that possessing an aptitude for water is a very good thing for humans. For example, no matter where you live, you will need water. And you will never have to worry about procuring it. Not to mention eighty percent of Phi’s human population can’t even use magic. So you’re quite blessed in that sense too, Dominus Ryo Mihara.”
Well, he’s not wrong. Humans need water and sodium to survive. In a world of sword and magic, I doubt even the cities will have proper water and sewer systems in place. Which means it might be a big deal if I don’t have to worry about water there.
Ryo Mihara was a fundamentally optimistic person.
“Is there any chance that water magic has any healing or restorative properties...?”
“In Phi, healing falls in light magic’s domain.”
“Oh, okay...”
Fake Michael’s explanation continued. Phi’s magic system consisted of six elemental attributes—fire, water, air, earth, light, and dark, though it also included magics that couldn’t be categorized as any of the six elements.
“It may be possible to learn new magic as long as it’s a non-elemental one. But...it’s just a possibility. I won’t say it’s zero, although it is exceedingly slim. Honestly, I wouldn’t hold any expectations on that front. Instead, I recommend you focus on developing your aptitude for water magic.”
Fake Michael gave Ryo more details while staring at the tablet in his hand.
“I see that most of your physical abilities are slightly above average. Since Phi isn’t structured around the so-called level or skill systems, steady effort will be your most important ally.”
I guess I’m not all that surprised to learn I’m still pretty much average. But if I’m only slightly above average like he said, then that means I’ll have to work my butt off just so I don’t die right away...
“How can I improve my magical and physical abilities?”
“Humans are humans wherever they are, whether on Phi or Earth. In short, the methods to better yourself remain the same. On Earth, the more a person uses their body, the more they train it, yes? For example, lifting weights adds muscle while running improves cardiovascular functions. Here’s another one—there’s a specific group of people in Africa on Earth whose vision is leagues better than 20/20 because they have looked at things and people from great distances since childhood. On the other hand, let’s consider those who become blind. Without sight, they have no choice but to rely on their hearing to gather information about the world around them, making their hearing quite acute. So it is on Phi. Dedicate yourself earnestly to improving and you will.”
After that, he explained a few more things before reaching the final stage of the process—asking Ryo what he wished for in this new world.
“A slow life! In a place where I can be left alone and not have to deal with people!”
Fake Michael nodded firmly and moved his fingers on the tablet’s display.
“Then let’s have you reincarnated in the Forest of Rondo. I’ll prepare a house and a two-month supply of food. In that time, please learn to use your water magic well enough to hunt. I’ve made it so that monsters won’t approach your house. You could call it a barrier. Based on Earth’s measurement system, I placed it within a hundred-meter radius. There’s also a sea located five hundred meters southwest of your house. Once you become adept at using water magic, you should be able to extract salt from the seawater. Do your best, Ryo.”
“I understand, thank you. Oh, one last thing. How exactly do I use magic?”
Ryo asked the most important question at the very end. Considering he would be reincarnated in a world of magic, he couldn’t not ask how to go about using his!
“The crux of magic relies on the user’s ability to produce an image in their mind. A clear image. After that, it’s just a matter of gaining experience. No matter what it is, one will never be good at it right away. But the harder one tries, the more they’ll improve. Magic is the same.”
“I’ll try my best. Thank you very much for all your help.”
And with those words, Ryo’s body was enveloped in light before it vanished. Then, only Fake Michael remained in that space.
“A slow life, hm... Sounds wonderful. Perhaps one day I too will gain a corporeal form and live a slow life in some world.”
He scanned over the data on the tablet one last time...and realized what he missed.
“Ack... I forgot to tell him how powerful his magic is, even for Phi. Well, I suppose he’ll figure it out along the way.”
Except there was something else too.
“A hidden trait? But why? I haven’t seen a hidden trait since her, the first one I met when I was assigned to reincarnation... That was ten thousand years ago, wasn’t it? I wonder what his special trait is.”
Hidden Trait: Eternal Youth.