Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1323: Artificial

Leah added quickly, “Of course, I will not ask you to examine me free of charge. In return, I can listen to any reasonable request that you ask of me. However, if it is anything that will take too much time, I only ask that it be delayed. Since I am a 5th year student of Aeritentiam Academy, I must remain focused if I wish to join one of the three divisions after I graduate this year.”

In truth, before Izroth’s arrival at the Kroma Family estate, Leah was doing research on rare illnesses that could be caused by magic or curses. During their desperation to heal Amelia Harpe, they eventually requested Leah’s help. Although she was not a healer, she knew some healing magic. And, more importantly, she was someone who made it to her 5th year at Aeritentiam Academy—a feat that was virtually impossible to achieve without some talent in magic.

Of course, requesting Leah’s help was just one of the many approaches the Kroma Family tried. In other words, by that point, they were simply casting nets into the sea anywhere they could and praying that they caught something worthwhile.

Naturally, Leah’s research turned up with no results. In fact, she was still in the middle of looking into things when Quicksil sent for her to come aid Izroth.

Nevertheless, as a mage, the one thing she always did at the start of a new research project was to gather as much data as possible. As such, Leah knew precisely how much effort went into treating Amelia Harpe, as well as the talented and influential individuals who tried their hand and failed.

Yet, this person before her was able to solve the issue that baffled those who were many times his senior the same day he arrived at the Kroma Family estate.

“It’s not easy meeting a healer of this caliber. This could be the only chance I have to take another step forward before I graduate.” Leah thought to herself with a serious expression.

Though the nerves she felt could not be fully hidden from her face.

“It’s just a simple examine. Without your assistance, my plan may have stumbled upon an unfortunate roadblock. It may have been at the request at the Kroma Family, but it does not change the fact of the matter. That said, while I can examine you, I can’t make any promises.” Izroth responded calmly.

‘It’s not bad to have a connection to someone from the World Magic Organization. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders. Not to mention, I’ve been somewhat curious about something since earlier.’

Leah’s eyes lit up as she immediately said, “You have my thanks. And, even if Supreme Elder Izroth cannot find anything, I understand. I will accept it without question.”

“Then, I will begin.” Izroth said as he activated his Energy Vision Sense.

At the same time, Izroth used Divine Appraisal and Deep Insight on Leah.

NPC Name: Leah Dovesing(???) -> Leah Dovesing(Hidden Rare)[Appraised]

…

~Appraisal~

Age: 19

Physical Condition: Poor

Affinity: Water

Faction: World Magic Organization/Aeritentiam Academy/School of the Great Sage

Likes: Cats, Research, Forgotten Magic, Gardens

Dislikes: Reia Rosewood, School of the Star Dragon, Individuals Who Waste Their Talents

Potential: ???/???

~Appraisal~

〈System Alert: [3] Flaws have been discovered in «Leah Dovesing»!〉

〈System Alert: Flaw [1]: Born with the magic circuits in her body arranged in an irregular manner, it makes it difficult for her to control magic properly.〉

〈System Alert: Flaw [2]: Due to the way her magic circuits are arranged, the magic she uses consumes ten times more mana than the average person.〉

〈System Alert: Flaw [3]: Possesses a below average mana pool, caused by her artificially arranged magic circuits.〉

As Izroth read over the information from his Divine Appraisal and Deep Insight, Izroth narrowed his eyes and deactivated his Energy Vision Sense as a thoughtful expression formed on his face.

‘At first glance, her physical condition seems stable. Or, at the very least, not any worse than the average person’s. Without a skill like Deep Insight, it would have been difficult to tell from simply looking at her.’

Rather than external, Leah’s problems seemed to all stem from an internal source—her magic circuits.

In simple terms, magic circuits were what allowed people to channel mana in their bodies and take in external mana. However, if those magic circuits were damaged for whatever reason, the difficulty of casting even the most basic of magic would skyrocket.

It was like moving liquid through normal straight tube versus a tube that was twisted and turned in a complex manner. Not only would it take longer for the liquid to reach its destination, but it also required several times more effort.

But, out of everything Izroth with Deep Insight, what caught his attention the most was the third listed flaw. In particular, it was a single word—”artificially”.

If Leah’s magic circuits were arranged by artificial means, it meant that someone had intentional sabotaged her mana circuits. However, this part directly contradicted the first flaw listed by Deep Insight that mentioned Leah was born with irregular magic circuits.

‘No… There’s a difference. The first flaw says her magic circuits are irregular, while the third specifically uses the word artificially. Then, could it be that she was born with a unique physique and someone wanted to intentionally stifle her growth?’

Izroth had seen similar situations occur in the Seven Realm. Typically, it was done to protect the status of someone with more backing from being stepped over. To put it bluntly, it was to nip the bud before it could grow.

There was always a chance that Leah also performed an experiment on herself that backfired. As a mage, it would not be completely unthinkable for her to be desperate for a solution to a lifelong problem. But, Izroth did not believe that this was the case for Leah. After all, someone who could reach the level of mana control she displayed—that was not something one could achieve by pouring their efforts into looking for shortcuts.

Of course, Izroth could only speculate as he did not know Leah’s background or circumstances. Regardless, it did not change the fact that someone had essentially sabotaged her since birth.

Seeing this reminded Izroth of when he first learned that someone in the Divine Realm was stifling the growth of his Source despite never having knowingly crossed paths with them. It was much easier to deal with an enemy you could see and knew existed. However, there was no bigger headache than dealing with enemies who understood how to hide themselves deeply.

Fortunately for Leah, it was unlikely that her unseen enemy was a being from the Divine Realm.

Leah appeared anxious as she watched Izroth silently contemplate. Her mind kept going back and forth on whether it was a good or bad sign. However, all the thoughts in her mind were swept aside by the words that would soon enter her ears.

“You were born with irregular magic circuits. However, the issue at hand is that the magic circuits in your body have been artificially rearranged. Were you aware of this?” Izroth asked.

A look of confusion and bewilderment appeared on Leah’s face. She was surprised that Izroth could tell that she was born with awkwardly arranged magic circuits just by looking at her. Though the part that confused her was the mention of it being artificial.

“Artificially arranged? That is not possible. I was born with this condition. I have had it for as long as I can remember. Besides, if someone tampered with my magic circuits, even if I did not realize it, how could the professors and elders at Aeritentiam Academy also miss it?” Leah said, clearly shaken.

“It’s true that they should have been able to notice. But, as a mage, you should know better than anyone what happens when skilled mages are unable to detect the work of another’s magic.” Izroth commented.

“…A mage more skilled than them is the one who cast it.” Leah said as she furrowed her brows and visibly frowned.

She then continued, “That… If what you are saying is true, they would have to be a mage capable of deceiving the professors and elders at Aeritentiam Academy. At the very least, they would have be on the same level as the high-ranking mages of the three divisions in the World Magic Organization. Why would someone of that caliber use their magic to-“

Suddenly, Leah’s eyes widened in shock as if she had been struck by an abrupt realization. Simultaneously, the color from her face drained as she covered her mouth and felt nauseous.

In that brief instant, Izroth could see several emotions flash through Leah’s eyes. But, what stood out most was not anger. Rather, it was the overwhelming sadness in her eyes. That was a look Izroth had seen before—the expression of someone who had just experienced a deep wound of betrayal by someone close to them.