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chapter 40
Humans are creatures that run toward their goals.
From short-term objectives to the ultimate goals they’ve longed for in the long term.
Goals stimulate the desire to challenge oneself and bring out a person’s ambition.
Just like the message that appeared before Lawrence’s eyes.
He read the text that had formed in the corner of his retina.
[Participate in the Magetower Contest and seize victory.]
[They will use every underhanded tactic to crush the Iron Magetower.]
[You must stand above them and show how greatly the successor of the Guardian has grown as a mage.]
[Reward: Red Dragon – Draksha’s Unique Ability]
‘I can’t ignore this.’
Draksha.
A Red Dragon, known as one of the most ferocious dragons.
The fact that it was said to possess a unique ability that may have belonged to a distant ancestor of Montemer… this was something he had to accomplish.
Lawrence spoke to himself, as if making a promise.
This wasn’t something he could simply overlook.
“I will win and prove that the Iron Magetower is truly incredible.”
“Ohhh! That’s our youngest! So dependable!”
“Young master of Montemer! Please become a monster in our Iron Magetower!”
Everyone pinned their hopes on him.
Lawrence gave a small smile and nodded.
The real training would probably start tomorrow.
But there were plenty of things to do before that.
“Lord of the Magetower, may I spend some personal time after the meal?”
“Hmm. That’s fine. Our training begins at dawn, so it would be wise to rest well.”
“Understood.”
Lawrence had secured his time and could take care of what he needed to do.
Although they were seniors, they didn’t specifically demand anything from him.
He thought the culture here wasn’t as rigid as he’d expected and got up after finishing his meal.
“I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll leave first. My apologies.”
“No need. It’s your first day, so it’s natural to have many things to do. Feel free to go.”
“Thank you.”
With that, Lawrence began to look around the Magetower.
The first thing that caught his eye was the training hall.
At first glance, it was a [Physical Training Room] for body conditioning.
They called it that in the military.
“Wow, this is like a full-blown training hall. Why does it feel so familiar?”
Seeing it reminded him of his military days, and he felt a slight PTSD coming on.
But that aside, this was different. Lawrence examined the equipment and plates.
He didn’t know how they had been crafted to the exact same weight, but it was probably thanks to magic.
“Ugh—Wow, this is ridiculously heavy. How many kilograms is this?”
[Weight detection result: determined to be 30 kg.]
Crazy.
Even in modern gyms, the plates rarely go beyond 20 kg.
Yet here, the basic plates were 30 kg. Lawrence shook his head in disbelief.
As he pondered how to use them, a guiding message appeared to help him.
He read it carefully.
[These are also made from dragon scales.]
[They are ready for immediate use.]
[Objects combining a medium and extract.]
[Magic circle extraction.]
[Exercise equipment made from Icaler’s scales]
[Engraving: Icaler’s Training Method]
[Grade: 3rd Circle]
‘Whoa, this is intense.’
So far, the challenges had been relatively easy, but this was different.
The size alone was enormous, and there were areas that required filling with magic circles.
Even when working in the previous world, filling empty space like this had been the hardest part.
Still, it looked fun.
‘Let’s make one as a test.’
Would it make a difference?
Lawrence placed a plate into a pocket dimension, brought it to his room, and immediately picked up a special pen.
A pen capable of inscribing magic circles.
Scratch, scratch—.
Every time he began work with the pen, he felt an overwhelming sense of excitement.
As he drew each line, breaking through uncertainty, the outline of the object began to take shape.
From that moment, the flight of imagination kept his hands moving.
This time was no different.
“This is the most fun part, no doubt about it.”
For now, he was simply tracing the patterns, but later he could analyze them and create his own magic circles.
Even while tracing, he memorized each pattern in his mind.
Someday, he believed he could create artifacts without needing extracts.
By the time the sun set and the clock struck 10 PM, the first artifact was complete.
After secretly bringing the plate to the training room, he checked the experience points he had gained.
[Artifact using Icaler’s scales completed.]
[Dragon Body achieves additional growth.]
[Hatchling: 53%]
‘Just one, and it’s already this much?’
Perhaps he could leave the Hatchling stage here.
Lawrence smiled meaningfully.
Here were plates, barbells, and exercise equipment everywhere.
Indeed, nothing beats grinding for fast leveling.
“Hah… this is exciting.”
As he smiled and left the training hall, he ran into the Lord of the Magetower.
After a polite bow, the lord smiled and spoke.
“If you’re not going to sleep yet, follow me for a moment. I was planning to give this to you tomorrow, but the sooner the better.”
“Understood.”
What could he be giving him?
Lawrence suppressed his curiosity.
“Do you know the principle behind Iron Magic?”
“Vaguely. I’ve heard it refines what’s in the earth once more.”
“Correct. Ordinary earth magic uses the earth itself. Iron magic goes a step further—it filters out the hardest and strongest substances from the ground and uses them.”
He added that while it could be used in empty areas, it was far more powerful when there was actual earth.
Lawrence nodded as he listened.
They arrived at the top floor library of the Iron Magetower.
Compared to Montemer’s library, it was narrow and modest.
But it contained the essence of Icaler, the founder of Iron Magic.
“Hmm… yes, this will do.”
“A basic textbook, then.”
“Indeed. Read it when you have time. This will help with what you’ll learn ahead.”
The lord handed over two thick books.
Lawrence took them, pausing for a moment.
Perhaps it was better to reveal his abilities now.
“Lord of the Magetower, I actually have something to tell you.”
“That you don’t have a mana rod?”
“Yes. You knew?”
“Hehe, I am the Magetower Lord. How could I not notice that? I knew from the beginning.”
Yet he hadn’t asked earlier, probably to avoid making things uncomfortable for an eleven-year-old Lawrence.
Even a noble child was still a child.
When else could he act as an adult and receive guidance?
“Regardless of your unique ability, you can still learn and use magic. This book will be all the more helpful.”
“Understood. Thank you for your consideration.”
“But don’t fuss over it and lose sleep.”
Lawrence bowed.
The lord patted his shoulder a couple of times with his thick hand.
Lawrence didn’t dislike the gesture.
Even as a “mature” child, he needed someone to rely on.
It wasn’t that he didn’t have feelings—it was just dulled.
With a bright smile, Lawrence hurried away.
The lord watched his retreating figure for quite some time.
2
[Iron Magic – Basics]
[Extraction: Manifestation – Iron Spear]
[Grade: 2nd Circle]
[This book can infinitely extract magic circles.]
[Iron Magic – Body]
[Extraction: Manifestation – Iron Buster]
[Grade: 3rd Circle]
[This book can infinitely extract magic circles.]
“I didn’t know this.”
The Iron Magic textbooks contained Icaler’s essence—a very basic magic theory.
In the Iron Magetower, everyone had to study these books and follow their teachings.
Lawrence decided to resume his theoretical study, putting aside practical training for a moment.
Before reincarnation, he had always thought he’d never need these books again.
But that was foolish.
In fact, he needed magic theory now more than ever.
‘Even when using artifacts, there will be many ways to apply them.’
He remembered someone once saying that avoiding rigid magic use was the way to become a top-tier mage.
He couldn’t recall exactly who said it…
“Now then…”
He sat at a desk and slowly opened the book.
The preface was written in elegant script.
[I am Icaler, founder of Iron Magic and called the Guardian.]
[Successor, with a will as firm as iron, read this book.]
[If you believe yourself special, place your hand upon the book.]
[Fool, did you really believe that?]
Lawrence chuckled.
He could get a glimpse of Icaler’s personality.
‘Well, might as well try. I am special, after all.’
Perhaps everyone would think the same.
He placed his hand on the book, half in jest.
Then—
[What? It actually appeared.]
Something amazing happened.
A gruff voice sounded, and Icaler appeared in the air.
Lawrence opened his eyes wide in astonishment.
A muscular man with long golden hair tied back.
A physique that could easily lift three tons.
So that’s a dragon.
[Hello? My successor. No need to reply. This is just a message I left.]
[Wow, I don’t know what choice you were given. That old man is relentless, so do your best.]
What’s with this rebellious tone?
Lawrence just listened.
[Such impudence…]
[Anyway, forget this boring book. I will impart knowledge directly.]
[Do your best. Iron Magic is supremely powerful in close combat.]
[Only those with “Authority” can use my magic properly.]
So that’s why.
He finally understood why Iron Magic was considered inefficient.
Authority.
Quick movement and instant-kill attacks on par with a Shadowless Strike.
Finally, Icaler delivered a final statement, granting Lawrence his wish.
[From now on, I will transfer knowledge to my successor. Stay alert.]
“Yes!”
For a scholar like Lawrence, it was a dream come true.
