Chapter 5 - Universal Law of Magic

As Fang thought about the theories the old elders had explained, he remembered that three of them had also come up with a universal law of magic, having fought mages at their own level!

A person’s body would either be suited for magic or martial arts. The chances of a person being suited for magic were quite low, but those who were exhibited incredible destructive power. The issue was that absorbing the mana required for spells demanded a deep understanding of the world. Even with meditation, this was difficult to achieve.

While trapped in that place of eternal darkness, Fang had been forced to learn various theories about magic, just in case he ever had to fight a mage.

However, everything the elders taught him was theoretical; Fang wasn’t a magician, so he wasn’t sure if those theories were practical. But Mii was...

Fang searched the mansion, finding Mii washing clothes. “Mii, can you stop for a moment?”

She put down the clothes and turned toward him. “How can I help you, Master?”

“Listen to this,” Fang began, reciting a new perspective on magic, based on the basic theories he’d been taught. “What do you think?”

Mii listened intently with her head down, but as he continued, her expression turned to shock. “Master, this way of perceiving magic explains the deep fundamentals that everyone has long suspected but never understood! These ideas are so unique and fresh. I’ve never heard anything like this before, even in my school!”

Once, out of curiosity, Fang had glanced at the magic book Mii studied from. The pages were filled with complex formulas and theories, which he found impossible to grasp. Even if he had been born with a body suited for magic, he doubted he would have made much progress. Magic required comprehension, which was different from simply having the ability.

But the basic theories the old elders had taught him used simple, vivid examples. Fang was sure that, aside from advanced material, basic magic—below the level of a magician—should be relatively easy to learn.

Excited, Mii asked, “Master, where did you learn these magic theories? They must have come from a powerful magician, maybe even an archmage.”

Although Mii was the person Fang trusted most in the world, he couldn’t help but think that explaining he had learned from old, supreme masters in a spirit world while in a coma was too bizarre. With a laugh, he brushed it off. “The details aren’t important. If you think these explanations are useful, just keep them in mind as you practice.”

Mii could tell Fang was hiding something but didn’t press the issue. “Yes, Master!”

These methods were powerful, and Fang stayed inside the practice room most of the time, emerging only for their frugal meals.

---

A month passed.

Inside the mansion, Fang’s body was alight with a faint glow. He had successfully spread energy throughout his entire body—his eyes lit up with joy.

He was at the breaking point from the novice stage to the intermediate stage! After just a month of effort, Fang had reached this stage. Time had flown by; he glanced at the calendar and smiled.

A few days later, the day of the entrance exam arrived.

Although Fang had learned the endless method for practicing, the time the old masters had to teach him had been limited. They only imparted the basics and the most useful martial arts theories. Supreme techniques required decades to master, and learning ten different supreme styles in six months was impossible. However, the unique insights and approaches they gave him had placed him far ahead of the majority of people. He knew, though, that he couldn’t afford to be complacent.

He had a head start, but it was only the beginning. He still needed to learn proper fighting techniques and gain combat experience—both of which would be available at a good college.

Fang’s eyes narrowed. Half a year ago, he had been unable to break past the apprentice stage due to the flaw in his heart. But now, things were different.

*I must get the top score in the entrance exam!*

---

Victoria City was buzzing with excitement as the entrance exam approached.

Outside the venue, anxious parents and children arrived early, accompanied by friends, all waiting for the exam to begin.

To adhere to the principles of openness and fairness, the entrance exam was open for public viewing. Naturally, many people came to watch.

The crowd’s murmurs grew louder as two figures appeared, instantly drawing attention.

“Hey, isn’t that Fang?”

“That guy was already weak, but after being in a coma for half a year, what luck does he have left?”

“I heard he hasn’t even been training since he woke up. Is he here just to test his luck?”

“Luck? He couldn’t even break past the apprentice stage, and now he’s trying to take this exam? How shameless. He should just quit.”

The same hurtful insults that Fang had heard half a year ago followed him. No one, except Vincent and Yato, knew that he had already reached the novice stage—after all, he’d spent his time holed up in his residence.

Mii, standing by his side, couldn’t help but feel angry at the hateful comments. “These people really underestimate you, Master. Ignore them. Focus on the exam and prove them wrong!”

Fang chuckled. “Mii, don’t worry. Soon, no one will dare to look down on us.”

As only examinees could enter the grounds, Fang patted Mii’s shoulder and confidently strode forward.

Suddenly, a figure blocked his path.

Vincent.

With his back straight and an arrogant swagger, Vincent sneered. “Only a 5th-grade novice? Fang, with such pathetic strength, you’re as fragile as a piece of paper.”

Vincent paused, taking deep breaths. He had come from the training school to the city at the last moment, squeezing in as much practice as possible.

Fang, indifferent, ignored him. Their shoulders brushed as they passed, and Vincent almost stumbled.

*Fang was this strong?*

“Who’s the trash now?” Fang remarked as he walked away.

Vincent’s face turned ugly, his body trembling in rage. “You…”

Fang kept walking, leaving Vincent fuming behind him. Watching Fang’s confident stride, Vincent’s heart sank. Fang had definitely reached the novice stage, and he might even be at a high grade—there was no other way he could have withstood that collision.

But Vincent wasn’t discouraged. *Fang, don’t think that just because you beat Yato, you have real strength. During this exam, you’ll see. Compared to me, you’re nothing!*