Chapter 87

What exactly is magic?

In a way, it could be like a 9th-grade civil servant who listens to your requests.

It might be nothing at all. Just another rock lying by the roadside.

Sometimes, it’s an omnipotent key that solves everything and can even be likened to a god.

The history of magic built up in place of modern science.

With countless types appearing, disappearing, and being regulated, it mirrors how modern science rises and falls.

The special allure of magic lies in its boundless potential—it can achieve anything. That’s the banner magic raises, its beginning and end.

While reading books and organizing my intermediate-level knowledge calmly, I began reconsidering magic.

Leveling up skills was quite a boring task, so I had been neglecting it, but maybe this could be one of the keys to breaking through this situation.

A wall of emotions.

The possibility of sending my message back to the unreturnable modern world.

Two problems. If there’s a way to solve them without relying on the system, then that must be magic.

Ironically, while the concept of magic being tied to certain systems is ironic, it’s still welcome since it allows for workarounds outside the given choices—even without seeing the ending.

Perhaps that person also pursued similar choices. Or maybe they struggled desperately just to see the ending. I’m not entirely sure.

I now have more reason to focus on magic. When you have motivation, you should run with it.

Just as I reached an intermediate level, items related to alchemy and enchanting opened up. To improve my proficiency and enhance my equipment, I went to the enchanting table to experiment with magical enchantments on my gear.

“Hmm…”

Materials.

Magic.

Depending on what each requires, I could infuse existing equipment with magic. I could strengthen existing effects or create new ones, and even replace them if needed. The value of enchantment is essential when it comes to equipment.

I immediately placed my sword on the enchanting table to find areas for improvement. While I wanted to add some romantic flair to the blade that ignites flames in my heart, controlling special effects isn’t within my reach—probably due to insufficient magical ability.

[Dark Flame Mithril Sword]

Lv.68

Combat +2

Pain Reduction +1

Anti-Magic Resistance +1

“Romantic Flame” – Dark flames are generated along the path of the swung sword.

Adding healing magic would grant recovery, while elemental magic would add attribute damage.

Reaching an intermediate level in magic wasn’t just about healing, as Gilbert thought—it meant every type of magic had broken through to a certain level. Effectively, I could handle everything. It was both a gift from the system and the privilege of learning magic.

Happily pondering what magic to apply, I chose something appropriate.

[Dark Flame Mithril Sword]

Lv.71

Combat +2

Pain Reduction +2

Anti-Magic Resistance +1

“Romantic Flame” – Dark flames are generated along the path of the swung sword.

Enchantment – Acceleration +1

A speed-related enchantment enhancing actions. Pain Reduction improved by one level as the equipment surpassed level 70. Satisfied with the enchantment, I turned toward the crafting table.

Now it was time to make equipment. Since I’d enchanted it, I planned to guide the equipment’s properties with magic to obtain desired options.

At the crafting table, I melted ingots in the smelting furnace and began making accessories. With my magic level rising and plenty of materials gathered, I aimed to upgrade all my gear. Although it wasn’t urgently necessary, it was good to do while improving my magical proficiency.

I intended to gift Anne and Evangelin nice rings or necklaces. Adding effects like recovery, protection, or health bonuses would help prevent emergencies. Though previously impossible to obtain such desired options freely, I could now guide them during creation with magic.

It’s slightly different from enchantment, which adds extra properties to finished items.

Looking at the newly available ether ingots in the crafting menu filled me with delight. Being able to create ether-infused mithril and orichalcum ingots made me very happy. While ether iron ingots were somewhat purchasable, buying the other two from the system shop would cost 200,000 and 1,000,000 gold each, so I avoided them. But if I meet the conditions and craft them myself, the required gold approaches zero. This is why buying and crafting things with gold is inefficient—you usually pay gold to bypass time and effort.

So, I prefer doing it myself. More gold is better, and using it efficiently without waste is ideal.

Looking at the ingots, I checked the equipment I could make. With a 20% better quality than usual, I anticipated something good—likely around levels 60 to 70.

I browsed the list of available equipment at the crafting table, searching for anything special with the new materials.

“Oh.”

There was the necklace I had in mind under the special equipment category, requiring rare materials.

[Necklace of Purity]

Its name alone was special. The required materials varied slightly depending on color—specifically, gemstones.

For blue, sapphire or jade; for red, ruby; for yellow, topaz.

All required ether mithril ingots, but the specific materials differed slightly. Naturally, the resulting effects would vary too, though magic could adjust them to some extent.

Thanks to consistently visiting mines, I had collected enough gems. With enough for two necklaces, I started crafting right away.

First, the red gemstone—a ruby necklace.

[Passionate Purity]

Lv.76

Protection +2

Natural Recovery +2

Status Maintenance +1

“Winter Snowflower” – Reduced susceptibility to cold and strong resistance to cold-related diseases.

The name changes with the color. The necklace’s performance, imbued with healing and protective intent, perfectly met my expectations.

Protection and recovery, plus maintaining condition—all satisfyingly matched my desires.

But it wasn’t over yet. Using gems for additional enchantments completed the creation.

[Passionate Purity]

Lv.79

Protection +2

Natural Recovery +2

Status Maintenance +1

“Winter Snowflower” – Reduced susceptibility to cold and strong resistance to cold-related diseases.

Enchantment – Health +1

High-level equipment in the late 70s. While capable in combat, it was more suited for daily life. Perhaps extravagant as gifts, but considering prevention of emergencies, the effort wasn’t wasted.

After making the red necklace for Evangelin, I crafted a golden one for Anne.

[Zealous Purity]

Lv.79

Protection +2

Natural Recovery +2

Status Maintenance +1

“Winter Snowflower” – Reduced susceptibility to cold and strong resistance to cold-related diseases.

Enchantment – Health +1

The names differed slightly, but the options were perfectly identical, making me even more satisfied. It showed consistent control over variables through magic, and was a perfect experimental result for creating desired equipment in the future.

I quickly crafted the rest. With ether ingots added and heavy enchantments applied, average 70-level equipment was created, and the earrings made with ether orichalcum hit level 80. After replacing all my gear, I stored the leftovers in my bag.

Though stronger, I still didn’t feel ready to challenge the dungeon dragon—not until my combat level rose further or I obtained absurdly good gear. Right now, it’d just be about holding out and escaping.

Carrying the two necklaces of Passion and Zeal, I returned home. Thin chains adorned with red and golden gemstones shone elegantly—clearly luxurious and beautiful pieces.

Inside, Anne and Evangelin had finished cleaning up and were quietly chatting. The kitchen remained tidy after the meal.

As I approached, their gazes turned to me.

“Did you enjoy the meal?”

“It was amazing!”

“I’m glad. I worked hard on it.”

“You really did. It was delicious.”

Anne raised her hand, clapping softly with Evangelin. Their quiet clap echoed faintly.

“I brought presents.”

“Huh?”

“Really?”

“I’ll put them on for you. Can you sit still?”

Moving behind their chairs, I gently lifted the necklaces. The soft gleam of gold and the elegant sway of red caught my eye.

Who should I give it to first? Deciding quickly, I gave Evangelin hers first—just because she was closer.

No special meaning, just proximity.

Her red hair brushed against my fingers as I revealed her pale neck, carefully draping the red beauty around it. Like embracing her from behind, I placed the exquisite necklace on her.

“Wow!”

Evangelin gasped softly before turning to Anne with anticipation. Fulfilling her expectations, I similarly adorned Anne with the golden necklace.

“Thank you.”

Turning around, Anne hugged me despite my awkward posture, patting her lightly. Evangelin fondled her red gem, smiling at us.

“Did I make these myself?”

“By yourself?!”

“Yeah. Please wear them always if you can.”

“We will.”

“Sure!”

I omitted mentioning they were for protection and that enchantments were applied, fearing it might burden them. Instead, they seemed touched, their eyes glistening as Anne buried herself into me.

And as Evangelin continued caressing her necklace, I subtly hid my slight unease.

Well, if they’re happy, that’s good enough.

The gentle clicking sound of them touching the necklaces continued. Anne’s joyful sniffling and Evangelin’s soft whispers filled the air.

When receiving gifts with such happiness, it makes giving them all the more worthwhile. They probably felt the same way preparing the meal.

Our hearts crossed harmoniously.

The elegant lunch with sparkling jewels passed pleasantly.

That evening was simple—we ate dinner together and parted ways.

Suddenly, a thought struck me.

My farm has empty plots and unused spaces. If I placed Anne’s flower shop and a small restaurant for Evangelin to cook in…

“Hmm…”

Maybe it’s far-off future stuff. Or maybe closer than expected.

If it happens, our lives would intertwine differently—getting closer bit by bit, inevitably leading somewhere.

My thoughts stopped there. Not yet permitted territory.

A chuckle escaped me at the forced nature of it.

“There’s nothing much.”

I took a step forward—imagining the future.

Similar relationally, but now I can picture the future.

Step by step, without relying on the system’s choices, overcoming within reasonable limits.

The moment of choice might arrive sooner than expected. Our delicate relationship could change drastically anytime.

Greedy as it may sound, I don’t want to let go of either emotion or the modern world, even though my heart is almost decided. Knowing I’m gradually improving fuels my greed.

But if the time to choose comes, I’ll gladly face it with courage.

Because avoiding it wouldn’t be the right choice.