《Magic is Programming》 Chapter 00Chapter 00: The Final Code The relentless clattering of the keyboard echoed through the dimly lit room. This was a small, dark rented house, its heavy curtains drawn tight against the outside world, blocking out the light and blurring the distinction between day and night. A young man in front of the computer had lost track of time, unable to remember how long he had been sitting there, fingers flying over the keys. The room was a chaotic mess: takeout boxes piled high, dirty clothes strewn haphazardly across the floor, and empty drink bottles littering the desk. A thick film of dust coated everything, and the air was stale, carrying a damp, musty odor that made it hard to breathe. The boy himself was no better; he hadn¡¯t bathed in days, his hair was a tangled mess, and a week¡¯s worth of stubble covered his face. The rhythmic tapping of the keyboard suddenly halted. The boy¡¯s bloodshot eyes were fixated on the screen, a flicker of joy breaking through the exhaustion etched on his face. Just then, his phone began to ring, cutting through the stillness. He groaned, rummaging through a mound of empty coffee cans to find it. When he saw the caller ID, he hesitated for a moment before answering. ¡°Martin.¡± A melodic yet urgent voice came through the line. ¡°Are you still trying to stop us? Stop the virus you created?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Martin replied, forcing a smile, but the relief in her tone was short-lived. ¡°Actually, I just finished. I¡¯ve developed a countermeasure for the Hammer virus. As soon as I upload it, the virus that has wreaked havoc for the past month will be eliminated.¡± Panic seeped into her voice. ¡°Martin, I warn you not to do that! I can pay you¡ªhow much do you need?¡± ¡°This is the bitter fruit I planted. It¡¯s my responsibility to end it.¡± His voice took on a heavy tone, laced with unspoken grievances. ¡°Mary, you¡¯re still working with those people. They¡¯re profiting from my virus. I can¡¯t just stand by and watch.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°Please, I¡¯m begging you! If the Hammer virus is cleared, they¡¯ll kill me¡­¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you wanted?¡± His heart sank at the realization. He had trusted her once, but now he felt betrayed. ¡°I used to believe in you, but¡­¡± his voice faltered, filled with a mix of sadness and anger. He sighed, ¡°Mary, you¡¯ve always been good at manipulation.¡± He hung up the phone, the weight of her words lingering in the air. The phone rang again, but Martin ignored it, tossing it aside in frustration. Very few people knew his name, but among those who did, it was synonymous with hacking excellence. He was young but had accomplished feats that even seasoned hackers could only dream of. He had earned the nickname ¡°The Magician¡± in the underground world, thanks to his ability to conjure up viruses that wreaked havoc on networks worldwide. His most notorious creation was the Hammer virus. The sheer destructive potential of the Hammer virus kept him from unleashing it until now. But Mary had changed everything. He had fallen for her, and for six blissful months, they had shared everything. Yet, in the end, she had betrayed him, stealing the virus and using it for her own gain. Three days later, chaos erupted globally as criminal organizations hijacked major banks and government systems with the Hammer virus. The world was thrown into disarray, and Martin realized the truth: Mary had been a pawn, a ¡°thief¡± sent to exploit him. Though he was a hacker, he had always adhered to a code of ethics. The disaster caused by his creation pushed him to confront his own limits. After a month of sleepless nights, he had finally crafted a countermeasure. ¡°This is it¡­ it¡¯s all over¡­¡± The cursor hovered over the Enter key. One press would upload the countermeasure, neutralizing the Hammer virus and ending the chaos that had persisted for weeks. He pressed down, the progress bar on the screen inching toward 100%. Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion washed over him. He swayed, struggling to maintain his balance. He took a few tentative steps before collapsing to the floor. Mary¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, fading into the darkness that enveloped him. He was utterly drained. Was this truly the end? Yet, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He had reached the pinnacle of his craft, a feat few could claim. The Hammer virus, once unstoppable, had been brought down by his own hands¡ªa fitting end. With a weary heart, he closed his eyes. He had no regrets. Chapter 1: A New Reality " If you want to take over my store today, you¡¯ll have to step on my giant sword!¡± ¡°Debbie, why are you making this harder than it has to be? Your father has passed, and you¡¯ve borrowed a lot of money to settle his affairs. According to the contract, if you can¡¯t repay your debt, you¡¯re supposed to surrender Anthony¡¯s shop. Those contracts are binding¡ªare you really going to regret this now?¡± ¡°Busca, you know I can pay the money, but you¡¯ve been driving away my customers, ruining my business! Everyone knows you¡¯ve had your eye on Anthony¡¯s magical lodge for a long time!¡± ¡°What are you talking about? The contract is right here. If you don¡¯t want to give up the shop, I advise you not to make any foolish moves.¡± Martin''s consciousness flickered back to life, and he was jolted awake by the heated exchange. What is happening? Is this some kind of film? A shameless display of bullying the poor girl? Where is the public decency? He opened his eyes and instinctively tried to sit up, only to cry out in pain as he collapsed back down. His body ached, and he was disoriented. But what shocked Martin even more was his surroundings. He found himself in a hut filled with bizarre objects, exuding an unmistakable magical aura. In the center of what appeared to be a cluttered shop, two men were confronting a girl. The men were imposing figures, led by a portly man with prominent ears, a long nose, and wild red curls. He wore gaudy golden robes, clearly the boss in this situation. The other two were muscular brutes, brandishing weapons and sneering as they watched the girl.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Across from them stood the girl¡ªa slight figure, perhaps no more than fifteen or sixteen, with short black hair. Despite her delicate appearance, she wielded a massive sword that looked impossibly heavy for her frame. Yet, she held it with an ease that astonished Martin. What the hell is going on? Where am I? Who are these people? They look like they¡¯ve stepped out of a fantasy novel, and I was just in my rented house! Did I somehow die and end up in another world? As a hacker who had spent his life navigating the depths of the internet, Martin had encountered countless stories of fantastical realms. But this felt different. Then, an intense wave of pain surged through his head, and suddenly, memories that weren¡¯t his own flooded in like a torrent. This was not just any world; it was a realm dominated by magic¡ªthe continent of Aigendas. The owner of this body, also named Martin, was an orphan taken in by George Anthony, the proprietor of the magical lodge. This Martin had shown a knack for magic from a young age, and George had hoped to groom him as his successor. However, he had also hoped for a union between Martin and his daughter, Debbie. But George¡¯s health had deteriorated, leading to his untimely death. In a desperate bid to save him, Martin and Debbie had exhausted their savings on medical expenses. After George¡¯s passing, they found themselves deep in debt and had to turn to the local loan shark, Buska, who had maliciously driven away their customers to force them into default. Martin''s identity was now entwined with this new life¡ªa life of magic. A sudden clang interrupted his thoughts; the two thugs had begun their assault on Debbie. Although she was slim, she wielded the enormous sword like a seasoned warrior, making Martin realize that this was not as unusual in Aigendas as he initially thought. The world was filled with various professions, including swordsmen, who could excel even without magical talent. Debbie was a second-tier swordsman, and while that made her formidable, the two men accompanying Busca were also second-tier fighters. The odds were stacked against her. As Martin watched the confrontation unfold, he could no longer remain passive. He had to act. This was his chance to reclaim control of his life¡ªor rather, the life of this body he now inhabited. ¡°Debbie!¡± he shouted, his voice breaking the tension. ¡°You don¡¯t have to fight them alone!¡± All eyes turned toward him, surprise etched across their faces. It was now or never. Chapter 2: The Awakening of Power Martin scrambled to his feet, retrieving the wand that had fallen to the ground and raising it high. With a shout, he exclaimed, ¡°Lightning!¡± The wand traced a shimmering arc through the air, aiming at one of the towering men before him. As a novice mage, Martin was only a second-level practitioner. His repertoire of spells was limited to simple, everyday incantations. He preferred spells like [Breeze] and [Dust Removal]¡ªharmless and practical. Attacking spells felt foreign to him, an uncharted territory he had never ventured into. Now, as he invoked [Lightning], he felt a surge of confidence, bolstered by the memory he inherited as a hacker . But to his dismay, the only response was a flicker of sparks at the tip of the wand. Nothing more. ¡°What the hell?¡± he muttered, bewildered. The room fell silent as everyone turned to stare at him, confusion etched on their faces. Debbie, a fierce warrior with a glint of hope in her eyes, shouted, ¡°You have to hide! You can¡¯t fight¡ªleave it to me!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t let that kid escape! Quinn, grab him!¡± shouted Busca, one of the imposing figures in the room. A swordsman named Quinn sneered, striding toward Martin with malicious intent. Debbie rushed to intercept him, swinging her massive sword, but was blocked by Busca, who stepped in her path. ¡°Martin, get out of here! Now!¡± she yelled in desperation. But Martin stood his ground, clutching the wand with determination. He was struck by a sudden realization¡ªmagic operated similarly to the programs he had spent his life creating. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Magic was a manifestation of mental power and intent, a way to shape the world around him. The spell [Lightning] required a mental template, a specific configuration of magical symbols stored in his mind. Activating the spell meant channeling that template through the wand and drawing in the elements of lightning from the environment. He tried to summon the spell again, drawing on the knowledge inherited from Hammer. However, something felt off. The magic template he had formed in his mind was flawed, preventing him from harnessing the lightning elements correctly. ¡°The magic template!¡± Martin thought frantically. ¡°It must be corrupted!¡± His heart raced as Quinn¡¯s rough hands seized him by the collar, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. With a menacing grin, Quinn taunted, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mr. Mage? Your magic doesn¡¯t seem to be working.¡± Martin felt a cold wave of dread wash over him. He was running out of time. The long sword in Quinn¡¯s hand was poised to strike, and the reality of his predicament began to sink in. He focused intently, recalling the structure of the [Lightning] template. Each spell was composed of magical symbols, and he had the capability to identify the errors within. As a peak hacker, deciphering code was second nature to him. With urgency, he mentally navigated the structure of the spell. ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± he thought. ¡°Just a few lines, and if I can spot the error¡­¡± ¡°Here! This symbol is wrong!¡± he gasped as clarity flooded his mind. ¡°It¡¯s creating a redundancy that¡¯s breaking the spell!¡± ¡°Martin!¡± Debbie¡¯s voice cried out again, snapping him back to reality. Quinn¡¯s sword was inches from his chest, and he could feel the weight of impending doom. But instead of fear, Martin felt a strange calm wash over him. He raised his wand one last time, a smile forming on his lips. ¡°Lightning!¡± A brilliant bolt arced from the wand, striking Quinn squarely in the chest. The impact sent him crashing backward, his body slamming into a shelf, sending debris flying. Martin landed gracefully, wand in hand, exhilaration coursing through him. In that moment, he felt powerful and alive. "That was... surprisingly exhilarating," he thought, a newfound confidence igniting within him. Chapter 3: The Spark of Conflict Quinn was struck by the "lightning" spell cast by Martin , crashing into a nearby shelf. The wooden structure splintered, sending an array of gadgets tumbling to the floor. A sword clattered and lodged itself into the wall, leaving Quinn sprawled among the debris. The soft cloth armor covering his chest was scorched and smoldering, a testament to the spell''s impact. Though he was not fatally injured, he was in no condition to rise anytime soon. In Anthony''s magical hut, silence enveloped the room, the aftermath of the spell leaving everyone stunned. [Lightning] was a basic first-level spell, its destructive power limited, yet it had sent a second-level swordsman like Quinn flying. This was a clear indication that Leaf had mastered the spell to an extraordinary degree. It was common knowledge that even the slightest mistake in casting could lead to a spell¡¯s failure, but Martin had struggled to cast [Lightning] moments before. "Unbelievable... this has to be a fluke," Busca, the self-proclaimed boss, finally broke the silence, his finger jabbing at Martin. "He just cast that spell by accident. I did my homework; he¡¯s just a magician¡ªhe can¡¯t do any real damage!" ¡°Locke, attack him! He won¡¯t be able to cast again!¡± ¡°Lightning!¡± Martin shouted, pointing his wand at Busca. A silver-white bolt shot forth, leaving no room for mercy. In that moment, he felt an unfamiliar satisfaction at the thought of teaching the greedy businessman a lesson. Before the lightning could reach Busca, a shimmering barrier appeared before him¡ªa defensive spell activated just in time. The barrier shattered with a loud crack, sending shards of light scattering. Even so, a tendril of electricity arced toward Busca, causing his frizzy red hair to stand on end and leaving him with a scorched mark across his cheek. ¡°You... you broke my ¡®crystal guardian¡¯ spell! That cost me thirty silver coins!¡± he stammered, his bravado slipping as he examined the remnants of his defense. Martin¡¯s expression hardened. He turned his gaze to Locke, the hulking swordsman who had been standing nearby. When their eyes met, Locke flinched, instinctively raising his sword.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of your magic!¡± Locke shouted, though his voice trembled slightly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to fight you, but I will,¡± Martin replied coolly, gesturing toward the incapacitated Quinn. Locke¡¯s confidence wavered. He had previously dismissed Martin because he believed he lacked any real offensive spells. But now, witnessing Martin¡¯s command of [Lightning], he understood the threat posed by the magician. Locke reluctantly stepped forward to help Quinn, casting wary glances at Martin and Debbie. ¡°Busca, you can¡¯t let them get away with this! My son is coming back from the capital in three days. He¡¯s a four-level swordsman, and he will level your magical hut!¡± Busca blustered, though the fear in his eyes betrayed him. ¡°Do you think I won¡¯t destroy you right here, right now?¡± Martin''s wand flicked menacingly, a smile creeping across his lips. Busca¡¯s bravado crumbled, and he stumbled out of the hut, followed closely by Locke, who was dragging Quinn behind him. ¡°Don¡¯t let them escape! I still have tricks up my sleeve!¡± Locke shouted, but Martin was already focused on Debbie, the girl with the giant sword. ¡°Wait,¡± Martin called, grabbing Debbie¡¯s shoulder. He was acutely aware of his dwindling energy reserves; he could only manage one more [Lightning] spell before collapsing. With a final surge of determination, he directed his attention to Quinn. He couldn¡¯t let the opportunity slip away. As the exhaustion washed over him, Martin felt himself losing consciousness. His last thought was a mix of regret and longing; he didn''t want to faint, but if he had to, it would be near Debbie. --- When Martin awoke, he found himself lying on a bed. The pounding in his head had faded, replaced by a dull ache. He stared at the wooden beams overhead, the bizarre events flooding back to him. From hacker to magician to fighting alongside a girl wielding a sword¡ªthe transition felt surreal. It must have been a dream. But as he turned his head and saw Debbie sitting at his bedside, he realized it was all too real. After exhausting his mental energy, she must have taken care of him. He had no doubt of her strength after witnessing her in battle. Cautiously, he sat up, still groggy from sleep. ¡°Are you awake?¡± Debbie asked, her eyes brightening. She rubbed her eyes sleepily, and despite her earlier ferocity, she looked quite adorable. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m back to normal,¡± Martin replied with a smile. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need to rest?¡± she pressed, concern lacing her voice. ¡°No, I¡¯m fine now,¡± Martin assured her, appreciating her caring nature. ¡°Good! Then hurry up! I¡¯m starving!¡± she exclaimed, her face lighting up with enthusiasm, and Martin couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at her childlike exuberance. Chapter 4: The Flames of Potential The slate before Martin was etched with a few simple magic symbols, forming a basic magic matrix. He marveled at its functionality: it could absorb the fire elements in the air and create a flame. ¡°It¡¯s incredible,¡± he thought as he observed the small stove flickering to life, the red flames dancing merrily. In reality, the stove was simply a slab placed on a countertop, engraved with a line of magical symbols. This magic matrix acted like a program, continuously drawing fire elements from the surrounding air. Yet, for the magic matrix to work, it had to be activated with actual magic. Magic itself was a vital component in becoming a magician. To Martin, magic felt like a wondrous energy source. If the slate with the magic matrix were a machine, the symbols would be the program or circuit board, and the magic power would be its electricity. Without the right input, the machine remained dormant. To the side of the stove, a small blue gemstone glimmered. This magical crystal had the power to keep the flame burning for months. By controlling the output of the magic, Martin could adjust the flame size¡ªakin to using an induction cooktop. Magic was an extraordinary energy that everyone possessed, though the amount varied from person to person. Depending on their chosen profession, the energy had different names. Mage''s referred to it as magic, swordsmen called it sword energy, believers identified it as the power of faith, and knights spoke of it as an oath. The people in this world had also discovered various types of gemstones that could trap and release the magic within them. "The application of magic has permeated everyday life here," Martin mused, glancing around the kitchen. The chandelier overhead was crafted from a flame matrix mixed with glass, while a device on the kitchen counter utilized a wind matrix to create a gentle breeze, much like an electric fan. There was even a simple storage box that kept food cool using an ice matrix¡ªfar different from the refrigerators he was familiar with. Anthony¡¯s Magic Cabin, the establishment he was in, specialized in selling such magical items. As he continued to marvel at the magic-infused gadgets around him, Martin felt a surge of excitement. With his programming knowledge, he could decipher the thirty-two magic symbols that made up these basic magic matrices. His background in hacking had honed his ability to parse complex strings, which made understanding these magical constructs intuitive. ¡°I never imagined my hacking skills would translate to magic¡­¡± he thought, a smile creeping onto his face as he considered the possibilities. According to the memories of his predecessor, the more advanced magic in this world was fundamentally built on these thirty-two symbols. Simple spells required fewer symbols, while more complex curses could demand thousands, even millions. The most potent spells had the capability to reshape the earth itself.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. However, mastering the sheer volume of symbols required a level of mental strength that was beyond ordinary individuals. Only those with the magical aptitude of a true magician could hope to bear such a burden. "And these magic symbols are far more intricate than any programming language I¡¯ve encountered," he thought. "Combining them could yield incredible effects." A newfound interest in the magical world bubbled within him. Yet, he knew he had to improve his own abilities. Currently, he was only a second-tier mage. The hierarchy of magicians was clear: primary mage ranged from levels one to three, intermediate from four to six, and advanced from seven to nine. However, reaching the pinnacle as an advanced mage was just the beginning. From there, they would delve into specialized fields, exploring deeper magical elements. It was rumored that a higher sacred realm existed beyond specialization. But those thoughts were far ahead of him. In the town of Stan, where Martin resided, the highest-ranking magician barely reached level seven. Even the Martan Empire, to which Stan belonged, only boasted a handful of level eight magicians. As Martin contemplated this magical world, he stirred a pot of noodles on the enchanted stove. When the noodles were ready, he called out for Debbie, his companion, to join him for lunch. Outside, he spotted Debbie practicing with her oversized sword, her form impressive despite her small stature. She swung the massive weapon with ease, creating an illusion of impending flight with every motion. ¡°Debbie, it¡¯s time for lunch!¡± Martin shouted. She paused, leaning the sword against a nearby well, and wiped the sweat from her brow before rushing inside, eager for a hearty meal. Curious, Martin approached the giant sword leaning against the well and attempted to lift it. To his dismay, he found it far too heavy for him to budge. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m better off with magic than swinging swords,¡± he muttered, resigned to his limitations. As he watched Debbie devour her noodles, he glanced toward the yard¡¯s entrance, contemplating a stroll. He still had much to learn about the world outside. Just as he decided to step out, Debbie appeared before him, a noodle dangling from the corner of her mouth. ¡°Martin, where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± she asked, her hands on her hips. ¡°I was just going for a walk¡­¡± he replied. ¡°No!¡± she insisted, shaking her head. ¡°You scared off that creep with magic this morning! If he sees you alone, he might try to attack you again. So, you¡¯re not allowed to leave the yard!¡± ¡°I can use attack magic now. Why should I be afraid?¡± Martin protested, feeling exasperated. ¡°When your attack spell isn¡¯t fully charged, don¡¯t you realize? This morning was pure luck! If you go out there, it¡¯s too risky. Just stay here, and I¡¯ll handle it. I promise after three days, he won¡¯t dare come back. I still have a trick up my sleeve!¡± ¡°Then what can I do?¡± Martin asked, feeling a bit helpless. ¡°Just focus on living well,¡± Debbie replied seriously. ¡°...¡± She patted his shoulder reassuringly, her expression a mix of protectiveness and determination. Despite being two years younger, Debbie naturally took on the role of protector, especially since Martin was still a fledgling magician. Even though a mage could wield considerable power, their weaknesses were evident, especially in the limited number of spells they could cast. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll stay put for now¡­¡± Martin nodded, though he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of unease. ¡°Buska said he would return in three days. I need to be prepared for whatever comes next.¡± Chapter 5: The Confrontation at Stardust Avenue Three days slipped by in the blink of an eye. On the morning of the fourth day, Busca instructed the groom to prepare his carriage. After a short ride of two blocks, he arrived at the prestigious Stardust Avenue in Stan City. This avenue, located at the heart of the city, was exclusively reserved for noble vehicles; no ordinary carriage could traverse its well-paved roads. As Busca parked at the end of the street, he gazed at the grand houses and upscale shops lining the avenue, envy flickering in his eyes. "When will I have a home on Stardust Avenue?" he mused, thinking of his son, Kerry. "Kerry''s become the guard of the city''s main house, a fourth-order swordsman. With his talents, who knows? He might even reach seventh-order status one day. If that happens, he could earn a noble title, and establishing a family business here wouldn''t be out of reach..." As the morning breeze caressed his face, Busca entertained his dreams. But then his thoughts shifted to Anthony''s magical shop, and a sneer crept across his lips. "What does that little shop even amount to? My son is on the city council, and I have a transfer contract penned by that little girl. Even if he demolishes his magic shop, he won¡¯t face any repercussions. Let¡¯s see what they do today!" Just then, Busca spotted a tall figure approaching down Stardust Avenue. Clad in black iron armor etched with magical runes, it was unmistakably his son, Kerry. The armor was the standard issue for the defenders of the city¡¯s government, equipped with protective charms created by skilled magicians. Such armor was not available on the market for less than dozens of silver coins. "Kerry!" Busca called out, a smile spreading across his face. "Father!" Kerry replied, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?" "Get in the carriage. We need to talk," Busca urged, ushering his son inside. He instructed the groom to head straight to Anthony¡¯s magical shop. Once inside the carriage, Busca recounted the events of the past few days, concluding with, "Locke and Quinn couldn¡¯t handle those two children. They ended up getting hurt because of a foolish magician. This time, I want you to teach them a lesson. With that contract in hand, we can do whatever we want with his shop." "Dealing with those two brats will be a cinch," Kerry said with a smirk. But then he paused, looking thoughtful. "But I remember that magician is only a second-level mage. I¡¯ve heard he isn¡¯t keen on offensive spells¡ªjust some life curses. How did he manage to hurt Quinn?"Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. "I¡¯m not sure. Something must have provoked that little brat into casting an attack spell. It¡¯s a shame about the crystal guardian charm I bought for thirty silver coins!" Busca replied, his frustration evident. Kerry grinned, his confidence growing. "Well, that makes it easier for me. As a fourth-level swordsman, this will be a walk in the park. Just watch how I handle them!" --- Meanwhile, outside Anthony''s magical shop, Debbie sat on the steps, her expression serious. Her youthful face was a mix of determination and anxiety. She wore a simple suit of armor¡ªher birthday gift from old George on her fourteenth birthday. Though its defensive capabilities were minimal, it seemed more like a costume than practical gear on her 15-year-old frame. The armor fit her snugly, accentuating her petite figure, while her oversized sword rested beside her, a stark contrast to her appearance. Debbie''s poised demeanor drew the attention of passersby, many stopping to steal glances at the unusual sight. Martin approached, a bag slung over his shoulder. He looked uneasy about the impending confrontation. Leaning down, he whispered to her, "Can¡¯t we find another way? Maybe talk to the city council?¡± Debbie bit her lip, shaking her head. "We¡¯re just a small shop. The city government wouldn¡¯t bother with us. Besides," she continued, her voice low, "the magic shop is technically under Busca¡¯s ownership now. Unless we can find a way to nullify that contract, there¡¯s nothing we can do." She turned to Martin, concern etched in her features. "Martin, the wind is picking up. You should head back inside." Martin hesitated, feeling the wind chill prick at his skin. "I¡¯m fine," he insisted, although a sneeze betrayed him moments later. "Maybe I need to work on my stamina," he admitted sheepishly. He sat beside Debbie, trying to muster some courage. "This magic shop belongs to both of us, and so does this challenge. We face it together." Debbie¡¯s stern expression softened slightly, warmth breaking through her concern. But then she looked at him with curiosity. "Martin, you seem... different lately. Why do you suddenly feel so much more confident?" Martin felt a flush creep up his cheeks. He had wanted to impress Debbie but hadn¡¯t expected her to notice. "Well, I¡¯ve just realized that I have to step up. The old George entrusted me with you, and I can¡¯t let you down," he replied, trying to sound more self-assured than he felt. "Ha! Who said I wanted you to take care of me?" she retorted, her cheeks reddening. Just then, she spotted a carriage approaching, her brow knitting in concentration. She instinctively gripped the hilt of her giant sword, a weapon that was almost as large as she was. "They¡¯re here! Martin, stay behind me and be careful." Martin could only shake his head at her fierce resolve. The carriage rolled to a stop in front of the shop, and the door swung open. Kerry, clad in his menacing black armor, leaped out. His eyes narrowed as he looked over Debbie and Martin, a contemptuous smirk curling his lips. "You two really think you can stand up to us? How foolish." Debbie straightened, her determination unwavering. "We won¡¯t back down, Kerry!" Just then, Busca clambered out of the carriage, slightly off-balance due to his weight. After regaining his composure, he addressed the pair with a commanding tone. "I¡¯m giving you one last chance, Debbie. Hand over the magic shop, and I might let you go unharmed. Otherwise..." He paused, casting a glance at Kerry, "... my son won¡¯t hold back." The tension in the air thickened, and the confrontation was set. Chapter 6: The Clash of Blades ¡°Oh, what a big show of bravado!¡± Kerry scoffed as he watched the small figure brandishing a giant sword, ready to fight. His contempt was palpable. Busca smirked coldly. ¡°My son isn¡¯t like Quinn and Lock. He¡¯s a middle-level swordsman. You think you can intimidate a girl with that oversized weapon?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see if you can handle the weight of my sword!¡± Debbie shouted, her determination shining through. The crowd around them began to grasp the situation. Busca¡¯s disregard for Anthony¡¯s magical lodge was well-known, especially after the death of George. It seemed that Busca had finally decided to take action, dragging his son into the fray. ¡°Busca is such a bully,¡± a bystander murmured. ¡°Isn¡¯t there a magician apprentice in Anthony¡¯s Magic shop?¡± ¡°Martin? He¡¯s a dullard. I heard he can only manage simple spells like [dust removal] and [breeze]. What good is he now?¡± ¡°Busca is taking it too far. Doesn¡¯t the city owner care about this?¡± ¡°What can he do? I heard that to cover Old George¡¯s funeral expenses, Debbie had to borrow five silver coins from Busca and used the magical lodge as collateral. If she can¡¯t pay it back, the lodge is Busca¡¯s,¡± another resident added, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s shameless!¡± ¡°There¡¯s a binding contract, so Busca has the right to the lodge¡­ but I doubt the city government will intervene,¡± someone else sighed. ¡°If Busca gets away with this, I¡¯ll never shop at his store again,¡± another said defiantly. The onlookers continued to murmur, but they were just ordinary townsfolk, powerless to intervene. Busca had brought his fourth-order swordsman son, and the townspeople knew they couldn¡¯t compete with that kind of power. As the chatter continued, Busca whispered something to Kerry, who then drew his long sword with a flourish. The swordsman¡¯s arsenal consisted of various types of blades: short swords, long swords, fine swords, medium-sized swords, great swords, and giant swords. After reaching senior level, swordsmen specialized in their respective weapons. Debbie wielded a giant sword, while Kerry had a long sword, setting the stage for their confrontation. Kerry¡¯s long sword gleamed in the sunlight, polished to a shine, giving off an intimidating aura. With a sneer, he pointed it at Debbie. ¡°Let¡¯s play, shall we? I¡¯ve always wanted to spar with a ¡®great swordsman¡¯!¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°Bring it on!¡± Debbie shot back, her resolve unwavering as she charged at Kerry, her giant sword raised high. The clash of metal rang out as the giant sword met the long sword, sending sparks flying. Debbie stumbled back a few steps, but Kerry remained unfazed, pressing the attack. Each strike from Kerry was precise and quick, forcing Debbie onto the defensive. She struggled to hold her ground, retreating under the relentless onslaught. The long sword¡¯s speed and agility were overwhelming, and she found it difficult to create any openings for her counterattacks. Kerry¡¯s taunts fueled the crowd¡¯s excitement. ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got? I thought great swordsmen could handle a little pressure!¡± Martin, watching from the sidelines, felt a surge of anxiety. He reached into his bag, preparing to throw a few magical scrolls if the situation escalated. ¡°Don¡¯t hold back, Kerry! Finish her!¡± Busca shouted, his eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°Debbie, just forget about me! Do what you have to do!¡± Martin yelled, desperate for his friend¡¯s safety. ¡°The fourth-order swordsman is too fast. Your magic won¡¯t reach him in time!¡± Martin¡¯s heart raced as he watched Debbie stumble back, her back against the steps of the magical lodge. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, Debbie declared, ¡°Don¡¯t worry! I still have a trick up my sleeve!¡± ¡°A trick?¡± Martin echoed, confused. ¡°When I visited Busca¡¯s store last time, I didn¡¯t want to break anything, so I held back. Now, I don¡¯t care about that!¡± she exclaimed, her confidence returning. She gripped the hilt of her sword tightly, taking a deep breath. ¡°Watch this, my ultimate move!¡± As she spun her body, the giant sword blurred into motion, creating a whirlwind of steel around her. The centrifugal force made her seem like a spinning top, the blade whirling dangerously close to Kerry. ¡°Is that supposed to do something?¡± Martin wondered, sweat dripping down his brow. In that moment, the crowd gasped as Kerry¡¯s previous confidence faltered. His attacks were deflected with ease, and he stepped back, unsure of how to counter the whirlwind of steel. ¡°Come on, Kerry! Attack!¡± Busca yelled, frustration evident in his voice. Kerry, gritting his teeth, lunged forward, trying to find an opening. He slashed three times at Debbie, but each strike was met with a resounding clang, the giant sword bouncing off without leaving a mark. Before he could react, Debbie surged forward, the momentum of her spinning attack propelling her toward him. ¡°Whoa¡ª¡± Kerry cried out as the giant sword made contact, the impact resonating through the air. The magical runes on his armor flared to life, absorbing some of the blow, but it wasn¡¯t enough. He stumbled back, crashing into Busca¡¯s carriage with a loud crash, wood splintering around him as the vehicle fell apart. ¡°Get out of the way!¡± the panicked groom shouted, leaping to safety. The horses bolted, spooked by the chaos. Debbie stood still, breathless and wide-eyed, as the crowd fell silent. The second-order swordsman had knocked down a fourth-order swordsman with her unconventional technique. ¡°Debbie, he¡¯s not seriously hurt, is he?¡± Martin rushed to her side, concern etched on his face. ¡°I know, but¡­ look at this !¡± Debbie exclaimed, caught up in the moment, her excitement suddenly turning to embarrassment. With that, she lost her composure, doubling over as she spat out the remnants of her lunch from the previous day. The crowd around them stared, caught between shock and laughter, unsure how to react. ¡°Debbie!¡± Martin laughed, shaking his head. ¡°Maybe take a moment to breathe?¡± Debbie, still recovering from her earlier exertion, managed a sheepish grin. ¡°Alright, but let¡¯s finish this!¡± Chapter 7: The Spark of Defiance ¡°Look at you! Relying on Mage instead of facing me in a fair fight? Pathetic!¡± Kerry taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. He turned to Martin, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll take over from here.¡± Martin wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the weight of the situation. ¡°Is this really necessary?¡± he replied, a hint of uncertainty in his tone. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ve been through worse,¡± Debbie interjected, her voice steady despite the tension. Her gaze locked onto Kerry, who was now rising from the wreckage of the carriage, anger radiating from him as he gripped his sword tightly, ready to retaliate. With a swift motion, Martin grabbed Debbie''s shoulder and pulled her behind him. ¡°You need to stay back. I can handle this.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Debbie¡¯s voice was laced with doubt, her eyes searching his face for reassurance. ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ve got this,¡± Martin replied, trying to sound confident. As he spoke, Kerry lunged forward, his black iron armor gleaming ominously in the light. A deep gash marred the chest plate, a testament to Debbie''s earlier attack. Fury ignited in Kerry¡¯s eyes as he traced the jagged line with his fingers. ¡°Don¡¯t think you can just walk away from this!¡± he shouted, his grip on the sword tightening, the tremor of rage evident in his hands. The armor, a prized possession provided by the city, had suffered an insult it was not designed to withstand. Feeling the tension in the air, Martin pushed Debbie aside gently, his own resolve hardening. Digging into his bag, he pulled out a small object, his expression calm. ¡°Your next opponent is me.¡± The onlookers felt the air grow thick with tension. Kerry, now fully enraged, advanced slowly, his presence overwhelming. The crowd held its breath, unsure how a young magician like Martin could stand against a seasoned swordsman.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. In that moment, Martin pulled out a small magic scroll, his heart racing. He had prepared for this. ¡°Catch!¡± he shouted, tossing the scroll towards Kerry. Kerry¡¯s reflexes kicked in, and he reached out to grab the object, smirking. ¡°You think you can attack me with¡ª¡± ¡°Boom!¡± The fire magic scroll erupted into a blaze, the flames enveloping Kerry¡¯s hand almost instantly. He screamed as the fire scorched his skin, and he desperately tried to extinguish the flames. Despite the protection of his armor, the magic had found its mark. ¡°Magic scroll!¡± Busca shouted, his eyes wide with disbelief. The crowd gasped, astonished that a mere shopkeeper''s apprentice could wield such power. Magic scrolls were a luxury, and the idea of using one in a street fight was almost unheard of. Kerry finally managed to smother the flames, revealing a swollen, blistered hand that throbbed with pain. His fury intensified, his face contorted with rage. ¡°You dare use magic against me?¡± Martin, feeling a surge of confidence, smiled. ¡°No one said it was forbidden. Besides, I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be so easy to provoke.¡± Time rewound to three days prior in Anthony¡¯s magical shop. ¡°This is a magic scroll?¡± Martin mused, his brow furrowed as he concentrated on the task before him. He meticulously followed the template, inscribing intricate magical symbols on the parchment using a special quill dipped in enchanted ink. The process was delicate, and any mistake could ruin the entire scroll. Old George had taught him the importance of precision, and now, with his past experience in coding, Martin found himself surprisingly adept at this new craft. As he wrote, he recalled the complex spells he had once created, marveling at how different yet similar this was. The art of crafting a magic scroll was not just about writing; it required a deep understanding of magical theory and a steady hand. ¡°Let¡¯s see how powerful this scroll can be,¡± he thought, his determination growing. After a mere twenty minutes of focused effort, he had produced the fire magic scroll. With a sense of satisfaction, he activated the scroll in the privacy of the shop''s back room, a brilliant explosion of flame illuminating the space. ¡°Not bad,¡± he muttered, impressed by the potency of his creation. Now, standing before Kerry, Martin felt the weight of his own courage. He had prepared for this moment, and despite the fear swirling within him, he was ready to face the consequences of his actions. The streets of Stan bore witness to the clash between magic and might, and Martin was determined to stand his ground. Chapter 8: The Reckoning of Scrolls The scroll was a rare and valuable item, especially for civilians like Busca, who, despite being a local bully on Stardust Avenue, was still considered an ordinary citizen. He was just a bit more fortunate than his neighbors, and even so, spending fifty magic coins on a single scroll was out of the question for him or his son. Such items were reserved for emergencies; in a regular confrontation like this, their utility was limited. Common sense dictated that ordinary civilians rarely resorted to magic scrolls in fights. In the heat of the moment, Martin hurled a flame scroll toward Kerry. The scroll struck Kerry¡¯s hand, causing him momentary discomfort, yet Busca felt no concern for his son¡¯s well-being. Kerry, too, remained unfazed. "Let¡¯s see how many more of those scrolls you have!" he taunted, brandishing his sword with confidence. "Okay, challenge accepted!" Martin replied, a determined glint in his eyes. He reached into his bag, tore open a scroll, and tossed it at Kerry. Then another, and another¡­ In a matter of seconds, he had thrown five scrolls, two flames, two lightning, and one wind. The air crackled with energy as flames danced and lightning flashed, sending plumes of smoke and dust swirling around. The onlookers gasped; the sight of so many scrolls being unleashed in rapid succession was nothing short of extraordinary. The value of those six scrolls amounted to three silver coins¡ªan exorbitant sum for the average citizen. Kerry was prepared, skillfully evading the onslaught, but the embarrassment of having to dodge scrolls was clear on his face. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "Come on, Kerry! Those scrolls are worth a fortune! He can¡¯t have many left! Now¡¯s your chance to attack!" Busca shouted, eager for his son to seize the moment. Taking his father¡¯s words to heart, Kerry lunged forward, sword raised high, teeth bared. Martin, maintaining his cool demeanor, dug into his bag again, pulling out more scrolls and tossing them one by one, as if he was carelessly discarding coins. Each scroll he threw was equivalent to the average monthly income of a typical civilian. The crowd was stunned; how could anyone waste such wealth so nonchalantly? As the scrolls rained down on Kerry, he found himself overwhelmed. He had faced many opponents in his time, but never had he seen someone unleash a barrage of scrolls in such a reckless manner. By the time Martin finished, he had thrown a total of thirty-nine scrolls, each worth fifty copper coins¡ªnearly twenty silver coins in total! Panting slightly, Martin paused to catch his breath, eyeing Kerry, who was now visibly dazed from the sheer volume of magic being thrown at him. "You think you can keep this up? Your scrolls will run out eventually!" Kerry shouted, attempting to regain his composure. He raised his sword once more, ready to strike. But Martin had a different plan. He planted his wand firmly into the ground, channeling a spell that would create a gust of wind. With deft flicks of his wrist, he activated a scroll from the pile scattered at Kerry''s feet. The ground erupted into flames, catching Kerry off guard. He shrieked in surprise as he stumbled backward, narrowly avoiding the blast. The scrolls at his feet began to stir, almost as if they had a life of their own, rising up to hover in the air before him. The crowd watched in silence, captivated by the spectacle. Martin, with a sly grin, controlled the magic at his fingertips, directing the scrolls toward Kerry as if they were sentient weapons primed for battle. As the flames flickered and the dust settled, Kerry remained rooted to the spot, caught between disbelief and fear. The tide had turned, and the power of the scrolls was no longer just a distant concept but a stark reality he had to face. Chapter 9: Clash of Steel and Magic Martin had never been interested in offensive magic; instead, he had always favored life spells, particularly the [Dust Removal] spell. It was versatile and effective, allowing him to control the battlefield without drawing attention to his intentions. Today, however, he had a plan that required a different approach. As he prepared to unleash his strategy, Martin deftly unfurled a series of scrolls containing various spells. Each scroll represented a significant investment, and he knew he had to maximize their potential. With the flick of his wand, he activated the first scroll, sending a flurry of magical energy toward Kerry. Fire, lightning, earth, water, wind¡­ each scroll activated in quick succession, propelled by Martin¡¯s precise control. He had trained for moments like this, his fingers dancing along the wand as if he were playing a video game. In a previous life, he had been a peak-level hacker, and now he channeled that same skill into manipulating magic. Kerry, a fourth-order swordsman, found himself on the defensive. The scrolls bombarded him from all angles, and despite his training, he struggled to keep up. A fire spell singed his hair, and dirt and grime coated his once-glorious armor. The crowd watched in stunned silence, unable to comprehend how Martin¡ªa second-order magician¡ªcould dominate someone with Kerry¡¯s skill. In a matter of moments, Martin had unleashed hundreds of scrolls, each worth a small fortune. The realization hit the onlookers: this wasn¡¯t just a clash of magic and swords; it was a display of wealth and power. Kerry was enveloped in a cloud of swirling dust and smoke, making it impossible to see his condition. The last flame scroll ignited, illuminating the area momentarily before the dust settled. Martin, panting and exhausted, kept his wand trained on the lingering cloud, his heart racing with anticipation.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°Did I really just beat him?¡± he wondered aloud, a mix of pride and disbelief washing over him. Debbie approached Martin, her eyes wide with shock. ¡°You actually defeated him like this? This is... unbelievable!¡± Martin couldn¡¯t help but smile, but then his expression turned serious. ¡°How much did this cost? How many scrolls did I use?¡± Debbie frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°Wait, I thought we only had seven scrolls in stock? You wrote a hundred in a few days?¡± ¡°Uh, well¡­¡± Martin stammered, feeling a bit sheepish. ¡°I may have gone a bit overboard¡­¡± Debbie¡¯s expression shifted from shock to concern as she glanced at the dust cloud. ¡°He won¡¯t be dead, right?¡± ¡°I hope not,¡± Martin replied, trying to convince himself. ¡°But I might need to check¡­¡± With a wave of his wand, he cast [Dust Removal] again. The dust parted, revealing Kerry in a defensive stance, sword planted firmly in the ground, looking far more composed than he should have been. ¡°Is he posing for the afterlife?¡± Martin muttered, incredulous. Debbie¡¯s eyes widened in recognition. ¡°No, that¡¯s a defensive position! He¡¯s using the God of War technique!¡± ¡°Wait, what?¡± Martin exclaimed, just as Kerry surged to his feet, a fierce light igniting in his eyes. Enveloped in a glow, he looked like a warrior reborn, his power amplified. In a split second, Kerry charged, his speed now exponential. He closed the distance between himself and Martin in an instant, rage etched on his face. ¡°I will kill you!¡± he roared, grabbing Martin by the throat and lifting him off the ground. Martin struggled to breathe, panic surging through him. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, a glimmer of determination sparked within him. He still had one trick left. With a quick gesture, he pointed his wand at Kerry¡¯s armor, now marred with the remnants of their clash and dotted with strange black lines. Those lines were remnants of his earlier spells, inscribed with a simple fire matrix. Activating the magic, Martin grinned as Kerry¡¯s armor suddenly ignited into flames, catching the swordsman off-guard. ¡°Now that¡¯s how you fight fire with fire!¡± Martin shouted, relishing the moment as chaos erupted around them. Chapter 10: The Price of Fire Martin had devised a plan that involved using magic ink to inscribe a fire magic matrix onto Kerry''s enchanted armor. This ink was not just any ordinary substance; it was a specialized material capable of materializing magic matrices. Typically, these matrices were drawn on parchment to create potent scrolls, but in this case, the enchanted armor itself provided a suitable canvas. The magic ink required precise craftsmanship, and Martin was fortunate that Kerry¡¯s armor met the necessary standards. Among the scrolls that had been salvaged from the aftermath of the previous confrontation, some were infused with extra magic ink, skillfully contained within cotton balls wrapped in oil paper. Martin, using the life magic spell [Dust Removal], was able to manipulate the cotton ball of magic ink with remarkable precision. As he worked, he inscribed the fire magic matrix directly onto Kerry¡¯s armor, a feat not easily accomplished, especially for a low-level magician. Once completed, the matrix awaited activation, which would draw from the ambient magic energy around them. When the magic was finally channeled into the matrix, flames erupted, engulfing Kerry in a fiery blaze. The enchantments within Kerry''s armor, designed to harness and sustain magic, had only intensified the flames. The fire was relentless, and as it licked at his body, Kerry¡¯s shouts of panic echoed through the air. Unlike a standard flame curse that would extinguish after a short duration, this fire was fed by the residual magic in the armor, becoming an unyielding inferno. The crowd that had gathered stood in shock. They had anticipated a straightforward confrontation, but Martin''s unexpected tactic had turned the tables. Was this a high-level spell ? The rumors whispered among the onlookers suggested it was a flame that would only extinguish when its target was consumed. ¡°Kerry! Kerry!¡± Busca cried out, grinding his teeth in desperation as he rushed toward Martin. "What have you done? Put out the fire on my son!" ¡°Alright,¡± Martin replied calmly, though his heart raced at the sight of the chaos he had unleashed. He had prepared for this moment, and yet he felt a bead of sweat trickle down his brow. ¡°But first, I need that contract.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°What contract?¡± Busca¡¯s eyes darted between his son and Martin, panic etched across his face. ¡°Your son is a fourth-order swordsman. I imagine he can endure for a few more minutes,¡± Martin stated, his voice steady. Busca, sweat dripping from his brow, fumbled through his pocket and produced a scroll of yellowed paper. ¡°Here! Just put out the fire!¡± Martin unfurled the contract, his eyes scanning the contents. The moment he saw Busca¡¯s signature, he tore it in half, relishing the moment. ¡°You¡¯ve given me the contract. Now put out the flames!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t play games with me! You need to help my son!¡± Busca shouted, his voice tinged with desperation. ¡°Not yet,¡± Martin replied coolly. ¡°You¡¯ve caused significant disruption to Anthony¡¯s magic shop. You owe us for the losses incurred. I¡¯d say one hundred gold coins would be fair.¡± ¡°Are you mad?¡± Busca exclaimed. ¡°One hundred gold coins? Do you expect me to just hand that over?¡± ¡°What do you think I¡¯m doing right now?¡± Martin asked, smirking. ¡°Time is running out.¡± As Kerry continued to writhe in agony, Busca¡¯s resolve crumbled. He took a deep breath and reluctantly reached into his pocket, pulling out a brass-colored card, the emblem of the Goblin Bank. ¡°This represents one hundred gold coins. Just take it!¡± Martin accepted the card, shoving it into his pocket. He could see the horror etched on Debbie¡¯s face as she realized the magnitude of the transaction. ¡°Now, extinguish my son¡¯s flames!¡± Busca demanded, his voice trembling. ¡°Of course,¡± Martin replied, his demeanor shifting to that of a calm spellcaster. He raised his wand and uttered a spell, ¡°Water!¡± A gentle stream of water materialized, cascading over Kerry''s burning form. The flames hissed and sputtered, succumbing to the onslaught of water. In moments, the fire was extinguished, leaving Kerry gasping for air, his once-pristine armor now charred and battered. Kerry collapsed to the ground, panting heavily. His face was singed, and his once-glorious armor resembled that of a battered warrior rather than a proud swordsman. Busca was left speechless, his mind racing as he tried to comprehend what had just transpired. ¡°You... you tricked me!¡± he stammered, finally realizing the extent of Martin¡¯s deception. ¡°I¡¯m just a second-order magician. What kind of powerful spells could I possibly wield?¡± Martin replied, a smug smile creeping across his face. ¡°Your son is fine. He¡¯s simply been through the equivalent of a training exercise. A bit of fear is good for the soul, after all.¡± Busca clenched his fists, the sound of his teeth grinding echoing in the tense silence. He had been outmaneuvered, and the realization stung more than the flames had. Chapter 11: The Unexpected Encounter Busca hurriedly led his son away from the scene, but the crowd did not disperse immediately. Instead, they gathered around Martin, voices buzzing with amazement. Mages were a rare breed, and although the previous hammerhead had tarnished the image of magic users, the impressive display by Martin had drawn admiration. ¡°Martin, your magic is incredible! I was sweating just watching you!¡± one onlooker exclaimed. ¡°Right? They should call him a genius! A second-level magician taking down a fourth-level one? That¡¯s a bold move! And he even got a hundred gold coins out of it!¡± another chimed in. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, Busca practically robbed him! He¡¯s been flaunting his arrogance around here for too long; it¡¯s about time someone put him in his place,¡± someone else added. ¡°He¡¯s going to regret crossing paths with a second-level magician. Kerry''s abilities could be compromised after this,¡± another voice suggested, speculating on the implications of the confrontation. As the crowd continued to chatter, Busca¡¯s reputation as a bully in the street was taking a hit. Suddenly, the crowd parted, and Debbie squeezed her way through, her bright smile lighting up her face like a blooming flower. She approached Martin, clearly excited, her small frame adorned in armor that was too big for her, a testament to her youthful spirit. ¡°Martin! That gold card¡ªhand it over to me for safekeeping!¡± she said, her tone a mix of authority and playfulness. Martin raised an eyebrow, taken aback. ¡°Is that really the most important thing right now?¡± he thought, wishing she would focus on her own bravery in the confrontation rather than the finances. But knowing better than to argue, he handed over the gold coin card. Debbie eagerly took it, examining it like it was a treasure. Once it was secure in her armor, she patted her chest as if to reassure herself, a proud grin spreading across her face. As the crowd gradually dispersed, Debbie pulled Martin back toward Anthony¡¯s magical shop. She stretched her arms above her head, a look of satisfaction washing over her. ¡°There¡¯s nothing like a good fight to get the blood pumping!¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. But then, as if recalling a sudden need, she touched her stomach. ¡°Martin, I¡¯m hungry! I haven¡¯t eaten properly in days.¡± ¡°What do you feel like having?¡± Martin asked, smiling at her enthusiasm. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the big restaurant! We¡¯re rich now!¡± she declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Martin paused, trying to grasp the significance of a hundred gold coins. The amount felt enormous, especially since he had recently struggled to afford basic necessities. He remembered borrowing ten gold coins from Busca just to cover George¡¯s funeral expenses. A hundred gold coins was a small fortune. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go!¡± he replied, eager to experience the world beyond Anthony¡¯s shop. Half an hour later, they found themselves seated at a window table in the Orchid Inn, the finest restaurant in Stan City. The table was laden with dishes that Martin had only dreamed of tasting, each one more exquisite than the last. Debbie, dressed in a flowing white dress with her hair styled in playful ponytails, looked every bit the innocent girl. But the giant sword she carried, nearly dwarfing her, reminded Martin of her fierce spirit and determination. ¡°The swordsman can¡¯t forget his sword, just like a magician can¡¯t forget his wand,¡± she remarked, glancing at Martin with a sly grin. ¡°Where is your wand ?¡± Martin shifted uncomfortably. ¡°I, uh... forgot it,¡± he admitted sheepishly. Debbie blinked, momentarily speechless. As they enjoyed their meal, Martin couldn¡¯t help but admire the vibrant world around him. The city of Stan was a blend of medieval charm and magical wonder, with colorful enchantments filling the streets. Magic-infused street signs glowed with a warm light, while horse-drawn carriages moved gracefully along the cobblestone roads. Various races mingled, each adding their own unique flair to the bustling atmosphere. While savoring his meal, Martin¡¯s gaze suddenly drifted outside, captivated by a striking figure approaching. His focus sharpened as he recognized a girl riding a stunning white horse, effortlessly parting the crowd. ¡°What are you staring at, Martin? Don¡¯t waste the food!¡± Debbie snapped, following his gaze. Her eyes widened as she spotted the girl. ¡°Is that... Lady Effia?¡± Martin¡¯s heart raced. Lady Effia, the daughter of the city lord, was renowned as a prodigious swordsman, already a fifth-level warrior at a mere sixteen years of age. Her presence commanded respect, and her beauty was undeniable. ¡°She¡¯s incredible,¡± Martin murmured, momentarily lost in admiration. Debbie nudged him playfully. ¡°I knew it! You¡¯ve got a crush on her! I found that portrait hidden under your bed!¡± Martin¡¯s face flushed. ¡°That¡¯s not¡ª¡± he started, but the words caught in his throat as he felt a mix of embarrassment and admiration watching Lady Effia, flanked by her guards, glide past. ¡°Just keep your eyes on your plate, lover boy,¡± Debbie teased, but there was a hint of pride in her smile, perhaps recognizing the significance of the moment. As the two friends settled back into their meal, the essence of their world unfolded before them, vibrant and full of possibilities. Chapter 12: The New Beginning Three days had passed since Martin¡¯s rebirth, and in that time, he had fully absorbed the magical knowledge left by the former Martin. He had also reviewed the information stored in the mind of the hammer, but most of it was irrelevant¡ªlike the previous Martin¡¯s embarrassing infatuation with the city lord¡¯s daughter, Miss Effia, whose portrait he kept hidden under his bed. Debbie seemed unfazed by Martin''s sudden disinterest in his dream crush. Despite her petite stature, her boldness was comparable to that of her massive sword. She often laughed off Martin¡¯s secret admiration, recognizing that in Stan City, nearly everyone regarded Effia as an idol. Effia was not only a fifth-order swordsman but also a renowned figure, one whose charm captivated men and women alike. Debbie herself harbored a vague admiration for Effia, understanding why her future husband might secretly idolize her. In fact, it was amusing to think that Debbie had her own collection of Effia¡¯s portraits tucked away under her bed. As they gazed out the window of their hotel, Martin watched Effia stride through the streets, her confidence and poise evident. He knew she was far beyond his reach now, and the memories left by the hammer had dulled his infatuation. He had developed a certain immunity to the allure of beautiful women, realizing that they often served as mere inspirations rather than attainable goals. After spending eight silver coins on a hearty meal at the inn, Martin and Debbie stepped out, both wearing satisfied expressions. As they walked along Stardust Avenue, Debbie eagerly chatted about their future. ¡°The magic scrolls you create are incredible, Martin! If we sell them, we could make a fortune. One scroll can earn us forty copper coins, and with a thousand scrolls, that¡¯s four gold coins! Can you imagine?¡± ¡°The sales of magic scrolls have always been hit-or-miss,¡± Martin replied, wiping the sweat from his brow. ¡°Even if I can create them, will people actually buy them?¡± ¡°Things are man-made, Martin! We have a hundred gold coins in our hands,¡± Debbie said cheerfully. ¡°Is there anything you want? You¡¯ve worked hard today. Let me treat you!¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Martin was taken aback. ¡°You have a hundred gold coins, but you want to buy me something? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be saving?¡± Yet, he couldn¡¯t help feeling a warmth towards Debbie. After three days of companionship, he had grown fond of her, almost viewing her as a family member. As they strolled along Stardust Avenue, Martin¡¯s gaze fell upon a shop. ¡°Debbie, let¡¯s buy some magic tomes!¡± Nothing fascinated Martin more than magic. He had only mastered five of the thirty-two magic characters, and he was eager to learn the rest. It was like being introduced to a programming language; he was determined to understand every aspect of it. With his newfound abilities, he believed he could create his own spells. ¡°Magic tomes? Sure! Let¡¯s go!¡± Debbie exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. Martin was surprised by her eagerness. Had she become so generous overnight? He chuckled at the thought, recalling how she used to skimp on ingredients for their meals. The bookstore they entered was called Kara¡¯s Magic Bookstore, the largest in Stan City, renowned for its collection of magical tomes. As soon as they stepped inside, Martin was captivated by the rows of bookshelves, each filled with volumes on various subjects. The quiet atmosphere suggested that the owner had faith in the integrity of the townsfolk, confident that no one would dare steal from such a reputable establishment. As he scanned the shelves, Martin¡¯s attention was drawn to a large book titled "Agendas: Encyclopedia of the World." He pulled it off the shelf without hesitation. The book was hefty, bound in gilded leather, and filled with countless pages detailing the history, culture, geography, and races of the world. ¡°An encyclopedia?¡± Debbie asked, her eyes wide. ¡°Aren¡¯t you more interested in magic than history?¡± Martin smiled. ¡°I am interested now. Understanding the world will help me with magic.¡± Debbie nodded, though she was clearly skeptical about his newfound interest. ¡°Do you want more books?¡± ¡°I¡¯m heading to the innermost shelf,¡± he replied, pointing toward a secluded area that housed the magic section. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll check out the swordsman biographies over there,¡± she said, grabbing the heavy encyclopedia from Martin¡¯s hands. As Martin approached the magic shelf, he was met with a dazzling assortment of titles. He carefully examined the books until two caught his eye: "Intermediate Magic Language" and "Advanced Magic Language." He pulled them from the shelf, dust swirling in the air as he did so. Suddenly, he heard footsteps descending the stairs nearby. He turned to see a pair of slender legs making their way down. They were beautifully shaped, exuding a sense of elegance and confidence. But as his gaze traveled upward, he noticed something peculiar¡ªthe legs were green. Martin blinked in disbelief as he processed the sight before him. Chapter 13: The Cost of Curiosity Martin stood outside Kara''s Magic Bookstore, taking in the scene before him. The street was bustling with orcs, a sight he had encountered many times before. However, he noted that the orcs were predominantly male, each towering at least two meters tall, their muscular forms unmistakable. Their fangs, though intimidating, did little to diminish the allure of a female orc descending the steps of the shop. As she approached, Martin couldn''t help but admire her figure: long, powerful legs, a slim waist, and a chest that demanded attention. Her clothing was simple¡ªalmost battle-ready¡ªfeaturing a skirt that barely covered her thighs and a top that left little to the imagination. If one could overlook the green hue of her skin, she was, undeniably, striking. The female orc revealed herself fully as she reached the bottom of the stairs, biting down on a chicken leg with a primal satisfaction. Her red hair fell messily over her shoulders, giving her an almost wild appearance. Martin couldn''t help but wonder if orcs had a different standard of grooming altogether. "Oh, we have guests!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of warmth and curiosity. She pulled the remains of the chicken leg from her mouth, grinning widely, revealing her sharp fangs. "Welcome!" "Uh, hello..." Martin stammered, recognizing her now as Kara, the owner of the bookstore. She was known for her beauty among the Fang Tribe¡ªa group of orcs famed for their formidable fangs and strength. He recalled hearing stories about her, but the reality was far more captivating than he had imagined. Kara seemed to remember him as well, her eyes glinting with mischief. "What brings you here? I heard you used a magic scroll to take down a fourth-tier swordsman this morning. Impressive! I''ll give you a 10% discount on your purchases today." Martin''s mind raced. He had only been in a minor scuffle, but word traveled fast in a small town. He tried to play it cool, but the thought of her discount felt overshadowed by the weight of his prior actions. "I, um, just want these two books," he said, placing them on the counter.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Kara raised an eyebrow, flicking through the pages with a scrutinizing gaze. "Sure you want these? Remember, once you touch them, there''s no going back. The total is ten gold coins." Martin blinked, taken aback. A lavish meal at Stan City''s finest restaurant cost only eight silver coins, and now he was being asked to part with ten gold coins for two books? The realization hit him¡ªhe might have made a serious misstep. "Ten gold coins?" he repeated, incredulous. "For these?" Before he could protest further, Debbie''s voice cut through the confusion. "Martin! What are you doing?" she exclaimed, her tone laced with a mixture of anger and concern. "You can¡¯t just touch the magic tomes! You have to buy them if you do, and they¡¯re ridiculously expensive. Plus, you can¡¯t learn magic without a teacher!" Her words struck a chord. Martin''s heart sank as he remembered the intricacies of magic. The tomes might provide some insight, but true understanding came from a master. He felt like a fool for even considering buying them without a plan. Kara watched the exchange with a bemused expression, chewing on the remnants of her chicken leg. "So, are you buying or not? The encyclopedia comes free with your purchase of those two tomes." Debbie turned to Kara, her eyes wide. "You can¡¯t just give away books like that!" Kara smirked, seemingly unfazed. "It''s my store; I can do what I want. So, are you in, or are you going to keep hesitating?" Martin felt cornered. The excitement of acquiring knowledge clashed with the reality of his dwindling funds. In the end, he reluctantly agreed to the purchase, handing over nine gold coins for the encyclopedia and the other tomes. As he left the store, his heart heavy with regret over the impulsive decision, he couldn¡¯t help but feel he had been taken advantage of. Debbie walked beside him, her expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. "You really need to be more careful, Martin. Learning magic isn¡¯t just about reading books. You need guidance, and those tomes won¡¯t help you without a teacher." Martin sighed, acknowledging her point. He had made a sizable investment, but he still felt drawn to the challenge of understanding magic on his own terms. He recalled his past as a hacker¡ªself-taught and constantly learning. Perhaps he could apply that same determination to his new endeavor. As they walked past a group of children playing nearby, an idea struck him. "Debbie, I''ve got a plan to boost our store''s business..." With renewed energy, Martin began to share his thoughts, his mind racing with possibilities. Chapter 14: The Mercenarys Bargain The Mercenary Guild Hall in Stan City was a striking edifice, its grandeur evident even against the backdrop of the city¡¯s government buildings. Designed to mirror the renowned Mercenary General Union , its architecture had once been the pride of the town. However, recent revelations suggested that its design closely resembled a less celebrated building nearby, diminishing its reputation among the locals. Despite this, the Mercenary Guild Hall held a significant place in the heart of Stan City, serving as a central hub for mercenaries across the continent of Aegandas. Here, warriors, priests, and mages reported in regularly to accept and complete missions, with the guild¡¯s operations contributing a substantial portion of the city¡¯s tax revenue. As the early morning sun filtered through the hall¡¯s grand windows, a fourth-order swordsman named Damon perused the task board. His brow furrowed in concentration as he struggled with the terminology. Yet, the words ¡°dark forest¡± stood out, and he felt a familiar dread. After twenty years of mercenary work, he understood all too well what those words entailed. ¡°Hunt a second-order Lesunx cat in the dark forest and return with the fur, flesh, and blood intact¡­¡± he read aloud, his voice laced with concern. The dark forest was infamous¡ªa sprawling wilderness teeming with dangers that even seasoned mercenaries feared. Lesunx cats, known for their cunning and aggression, were particularly troublesome prey. "I can''t fathom why a magician needs to study these creatures," Damon muttered, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword. "If I¡¯m going into that forest, I¡¯d better gear up. I need some magic scrolls for self-defense and a solid set of armor." Just then, a scruffy little boy approached him, clutching a stack of colorful leaflets. Damon felt a flicker of annoyance at the interruption, but curiosity got the better of him. "What do you want, kid?" he asked, taking one of the leaflets from the boy¡¯s outstretched hand. The flyer was unlike anything he had seen before. "Mr. Mercenary, are you ready to save your life while saving money?" it proclaimed in bold, fancy lettering. "Take advantage of our incredible offer at Anthony''s Magic Store! Low-end magic scrolls for just forty-eight copper coins! Fire, lightning, water, levitation, and wind scrolls¡ªeach for an unbeatable price! Plus, buy ten and get one free!"If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Damon couldn''t help but chuckle at the enthusiastic pitch. While he usually purchased scrolls from Morgan¡¯s Magic Store, the price difference was hard to ignore. ¡°Forty-eight copper coins, huh? That beats fifty anywhere else. I can¡¯t let this opportunity slip by.¡± Feeling invigorated, Damon glanced at the boy, who beamed with pride after delivering the flyer. He tossed a copper coin to the child, who caught it carefully as Damon made his way toward Anthony¡¯s magic shop. Nearby, the boy¡ªJames¡ªgazed at the coin in wonder, his heart racing with excitement. He quickly grabbed another stack of leaflets and approached the next mercenary he spotted. Meanwhile, similar scenes unfolded throughout Stan City. Around the Mercenaries Guild, the Swordsmen Guild, and bustling marketplaces, eager children distributed the flyers, each one aiming to entice adventurers with promises of unbeatable discounts. The captivating language on the leaflets inspired many to head toward Anthony¡¯s shop in search of bargains. Not long before, Martin had been pondering how to boost the sales of his magic shop. After witnessing Debbie¡¯s frustration over her recent purchases of seemingly useless magical tomes, he was struck by an idea: why not employ flyers to promote his business? It was a simple concept, but no one in their world had attempted such a marketing strategy before. Given that magic scrolls were some of the most coveted items in his store, Martin decided to create an engaging flyer highlighting their value. He printed hundreds of copies and enlisted children like James to distribute them in exchange for a copper coin each. The results were immediate and exciting. As word spread, customers flocked to Anthony''s Magic Store, eager to take advantage of the discounts. Around noon, the sound of the shop¡¯s doorbell jingled, announcing Debbie¡¯s arrival. Her face lit up as she entered and spotted Martin, who was deeply engrossed in a book titled "Intermediate Magic Language." ¡°Martin! You won¡¯t believe it! The business is booming! People are coming in left and right!¡± she exclaimed, her energy contagious. ¡°That¡¯s great to hear!¡± Martin replied, glancing up from his reading. ¡°I think we¡¯re onto something here.¡± Debbie¡¯s smile faltered as she noticed the book in his hands. ¡°But, Martin, Dad always says you need a teacher to learn intermediate or high-level magic. You¡¯re still a second-order magician. Why rush it? Let¡¯s focus on making some real money first.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a bit of reading,¡± Martin insisted, brushing off her concerns. ¡°I¡¯m curious about it.¡± Debbie shook her head, but before she could respond, the door jingled again¡ªthis time signaling a customer. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back!¡± she called, rushing to serve the new arrival. Martin returned to the pages of his book, but the words began to blur before his eyes. ¡°This is harder than I thought¡­¡± he muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. He knew he had to balance his ambitions with the realities of his current skill level. But with the surge of customers and the thrill of new ideas, he felt a spark of hope for the future of Anthony¡¯s Magic Shop.