Although the deeper a mage delves into the arcane arts, the more boundless magic’s mysteries become, most ordinary folks see spellcasting as simple: just channel mana into a Magic Tool.

This world holds items called magic materials—usually crystals or cores harvested from magical beasts. They amplify magic, acting as conduits for the user’s mana to make spellcasting far more accessible.

By engraving pre-established magic circuits onto these materials through special techniques, anyone can cast spells without understanding magic’s principles. Or, they help mages precisely control complex mana flows for refined spellcasting.

The pendant-style Magic Tool Master Dwayne showed me—crafted from a Fire Bear crystal—belongs to the latter type. Its deep crimson hue lets the user generate flames directly and grants finer control over shape and properties. A perfect beginner’s tool.

“And you seem to have a natural affinity for fire magic,” Master Dwayne pitched with a knowing smile. “This’ll help you grasp its principles deeper.”

“So… with this, I can control the flame’s shape?”

“Exactly. But caution—the circuits are delicate. Don’t force too much mana in, or you’ll break it,” he added.

Beside us, Lem chimed in, “Once you master fire magic, you’ll rely less on tools. Eventually, incantations alone suffice. And the pinnacle? Casting without chanting at all.”

“So… buy or not? Hand over that last Fire Bear crystal, and I’ll slash the price to fifty percent off—just ten gold coins!”

Fifty percent off… and still ten gold? You’re trying to bleed me dry.

But… it *does* sound useful. Ugh, tough call.

“How about a test run?” Master Dwayne whispered like a devil in my ear. “Yulia’s testing Magic Tools over there. Go play with her—it’s free.”

Fine. I’ll try it.

Pendant in hand, I stepped into the room behind the weapon shop. Yulia and Elaina sat nearby, fiddling with jewelry-style Magic Tools after their tests. Yulia spotted me and waved with a bright smile. I smiled back, recalling Master Dwayne’s instructions: hold it or wear it, then channel mana.

I focused mana into the crimson pendant. My power flowed through strange pathways—but slowly, I grasped the control. Alright, time to conjure flames like using a magic crystal. Start with a fireball.

A perfect sphere of flame materialized mid-air.

Next, a fire wall. Mimicking Yulia’s wind barrier technique, I adjusted my focus—and succeeded.

Seeing my fire wall, Yulia stepped over, mana glowing in her bracelet-style tool. “Try this~ Can you do it?” She conjured a tiny whirlwind, then split it into six identical cyclones orbiting her.

I summoned fireballs, mimicking her—but two at once was my limit.

Elaina walked over, smiling gently. “For a beginner? Really good. Keep practicing, and you’ll match Yulia. When I teach you to read later, I’ll explain magic theory too.”

Still… so expensive. I stared at the pendant. If I bought it, no coins left for new underwear. I really didn’t want Lena’s hand-me-downs. Sigh… better pass. I handed it back to Master Dwayne.

As if reading my mind, Lem turned to him. “Old man—if you take eight gold and five silver, I’ll buy it for Alice.”

“Deal,” Master Dwayne agreed instantly.

Lem paid his father, then fastened the pendant around my neck. “Call it an early gift for my apprentice—and little sister—on her path to becoming a hunter. Once you stand alone as a Ghoul Hunter I recognize? No more gifts.”

“But… such a precious thing…”

“Don’t be shy. Just take it.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, blushing.

Flustered, Lem quickly changed the subject. “If Alice’s registered as my little sister officially… we need a birthday for her.”

“The day before the Tianzhi Festival!” Master Dwayne chimed in smoothly—truly father and son.

*I’ll repay you the moment I earn money*, I vowed silently.

Later, after shopping at Master Dwayne’s, we visited the underwear store Elaina recommended. I bought clothes for nearly two gold. Lem followed us three girls inside, eyes darting everywhere—utterly flustered. For someone who looked older than my pre-reincarnation self, his innocence was almost suspicious. Had he never had a girlfriend?

At dusk, Lem, Yulia, and I enjoyed a feast treat courtesy of Miss Aileen.

“Ahhh, nothing beats a free meal!” Lem declared, full and tipsy.

Elaina handed three gold coins to Yulia. “Yulia, Alice—handle the bill? The shopkeeper adores cute kids. She might discount it.”

“Eh~ I’m too full to move,” Yulia whined, patting her stomach.

“Be a dear. I’ll make you new practical clothes tomorrow. Go on, for me?” Elaina coaxed expertly.

Yulia dragged me to pay. This girl—who fought me hours ago—now clung to me like an old friend.

Holding hands with this doll-like blonde little girl felt wonderfully pleasant. Smiling, I led her to the counter.

*Time to be extra cute… maybe she’ll slash the price fifty percent.*

Wait… if *my* discount stacks with Yulia’s cuteness discount… is this meal free?

“So,” I said, “you sent them away to tell me something?”

“Watch Dante, current commander of Fort Posein,” Elaina warned softly. “He’s Yulia’s guardian too. He might cross paths with Alice. The unrest twenty years ago began because of your birth mother’s mixed bloodline. He could recognize Alice’s heritage and invoke the Special Ghostkind Handling Protocol… take her from you.”

She added quickly, voice easing, “But don’t worry too much. He’s a lazy fool. He’d avoid such trouble. I’ll keep him away from Alice.”