Stepping into the majestic building, which was labeled "Library," Owen was instantly enveloped by the intoxicating aroma of aged paper and leather. Towering columns of books stretched from floor to ceiling, each seeming to whisper tales of knowledge and adventure. In the heart of the expansive room stood an elderly lady with silver hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of wisdom. Her wise eyes sparkled with warmth as Owen approached her, his curiosity bubbling over. "Where can I find the historical books?" he inquired, his voice resonating with eagerness. With a gentle smile, she directed him, "All historical texts can be found in the third section, midway back, up to about book 2000." Grateful for her guidance, Owen made his way through the labyrinth of shelves.
With anticipation mounting, he discovered the alcove dedicated to historical literature, a treasure trove of knowledge just waiting to be explored. He dove into the depths of history, eagerly absorbing the intricacies of this world, beginning with its fascinating technology. He learned that this realm thrived in an era akin to the late 15th century, enhanced by an enigmatic essence known as mana—a mysterious force that underpinned the fabric of this society. His thirst for understanding was far from quenched, so he resolved to delve deeper into this subject once he finished his history readings.
Next, Owen turned his attention to the myriad inhabitants populating this world. He uncovered that the first group comprised humanoid races: the resilient Humans, the ethereal Elves, and the industrious Dwarves. The second group captivated his imagination with mythical beings: majestic Dragons, cunning Demons, and benevolent Angels. He also encountered semi-humanoids like the agile Beastfolk, alongside a menagerie of non-humanoid creatures, including fearsome monsters lurking in the shadows.
Continuing his quest for knowledge, he explored the geography of the vast planet, learning that it was named Isorropia—a land approximately two times the size of Earth. He found himself on the vibrant land of Vara Spanding, 88.5 million square kilometers in size, nestled within the Kingdom of Normandy—one of the mightiest realms reigning over this vast land. Dominating the southeast coast with a sprawling area of 16.4 million square kilometers, the Kingdom was characterized by its coastal capital city, Caledon. This bustling metropolis, with its rich cultures, lay adjacent to the imposing Pavae Mountain Range. Caledon thrummed with life, its population of approximately 2 million people dotted throughout its bustling streets. The city's economy flourished on agriculture and maritime trade, yet, despite its vibrancy, whispers of corruption and crime weaved through the political books, revealing the shadows that lingered beneath its surface.
Fueled by his curiosity, Owen then turned to examine the economy of the continent. He discovered that the currency utilized by the Kingdom of Normandy was known as Thal, Mon, and Ran. It was structured intriguingly:
1 Thal was equivalent to a USD Penny and was made of copper.
1 Mon was equal to $1 and made of silver.
1 Ran started at $100 USD and was made of gold. This made the conversion: 1 Ran = 100 Mon = 10,000 Thal.
After finishing his reading, Owen approached the elderly lady again, longing to uncover the location of the magic section. With her gentle guidance, he found his way there and immersed himself in the arcane texts that awaited. Suddenly, a system notification pierced through his concentration: [Skill Intermediate Reading increased from level 9 to 10]. The announcement continued: [System Notification: Skill evolution Intermediate Reading to Advanced Reading Level 1]. Following this, the system chimed: [Reading Speed increased from 100% to 200%, Reading Comprehension increased from 100% to 200%].
Now, with enhanced reading abilities surging through him, Owen returned to the magical tomes. His eyes swept across the pages like a hawk, allowing him to visualize instructions with uncanny clarity. Emboldened, he opted to experiment with the magical techniques described within the texts, first stepping outside to ensure safety. He located a quiet, secluded alleyway, where the rough stone pavement felt cool beneath him as he settled down.
Drawing a deep breath, he began expanding his will outward, sensing the ambient mana particles dancing through the air. After a few moments of concentration, he perceived a colorless substance wrapping around him—this must be mana. With intention, he directed his willpower to draw the mana from the atmosphere into his heart. Unlike the manual's rigid instructions, he chose to trust the instincts the system provided, believing this would yield greater efficiency. He carefully inhaled the mana, allowing it to fill his lungs before guiding it along newly formed mana pathways, the initial discomfort a small price to pay for such nascent power. Once the pathways solidified, he circulated the mana through his heart, brain, and dantian.
A quick author's note: In this enigmatic world, individuals typically select one pathway: "The Mage" to harness the mind, "The Swordsman" to empower the heart, or "The Archer" to fill the dantian. However, Owen decided to pick all three.
As he completed the circulation cycle, another system notification interrupted his thoughts: [You have unlocked the stat Mana]. [You have learned the skills: Mana Understanding Level 1, Mana Brain Level 1, Mana Heart Level 1, Mana Dantian Level 1, and Mana Circulation Level 1]. A rush of realization swept over him, opening up a world of magical possibilities. But just as his excitement mounted, the system interjected, stating that:
His Mana stat provides him with the ability to wield magic. Each skill influences his magical prowess as follows:
Mana Understanding Level 1: Grants a 1% discount on casting costs.
Mana Brain Level 1: Increases casting speed by 1%.
Mana Heart Level 1: Boosts mana power by 1%.
Mana Dantian Level 1: Extends mana range by 1%.
Mana Circulation Level 1: Enhances mana recovery speed by 1%.