Infinite Magic Power but Can't Use Magic!? The Birth of the Strongest Physical Sage!! [Chapter 7]

This is a continuation from the previous work.

If you haven't read it yet, I recommend starting from Chapter 1.

Chapter 7: The Genius Alchemist and the Three Continents

The port town of Seaver was a city bustling with activity day and night.
Exotic spices and crafts brought in by sea routes were lined up, and the square was always crowded with travelers and merchants.

Ray and Filia were also gathering information at an inn in a corner of the town.

“—Have you heard? There’s a woman who has set up a strange atelier on the outskirts of the port.”
“You mean the alchemist, right? I heard she makes weird potions.”

Filia listened with interest to the rumors being exchanged in the tavern.

“Ray, she’s an alchemist. She might be a lead regarding the stone tablet.”

“Alchemy...” Ray muttered softly. Unlike magic, it is a technique that changes the properties of matter. If she has that knowledge, it might be a clue to deciphering the ancient relics.

The two immediately headed to the back alleys of the port based on the information they obtained at the tavern.

◇ ◇ ◇

The atelier was located at the end of a narrow cobblestone street, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It was a small wooden building, but soft light leaked from the windows, and the bottles and instruments lined up behind the glass glittered. When they knocked on the door, a clear voice returned from inside immediately.

“Come in, it’s open.”

When they entered, a mysterious heat drifted along with the scent of medicinal herbs. Bookshelves lined the walls, packed tightly with books and records. At the central desk, a woman wearing glasses held an instrument.

“Customers? ...You have rare faces.”

The woman, who had her long hair tied in a braid and wore a lab coat-style garment, looked at Ray and Filia with interest. Her eyes were filled with calmness and curiosity.

Ray stepped forward and introduced himself.
“I am Ray Magnaforce.”

"I am Philia Crest." Philia smiled and bowed her head slightly.

The woman's eyes sparkled behind her glasses, and she smiled pleasantly.

"Welcome. I am Liana Fermina, an alchemist. It's a small studio, but please, have a seat. I can at least offer you some tea."

Liana put the liquid-like substance she was holding in one hand into her bag and attended to them.

◇ ◇ ◇

Ray took the ancient stone tablet from the pouch at his waist. The moment it was placed on the desk, Liana's eyes sharpened.

"This pattern... is it an ancient language?"

"So you really can read it!" Ray exclaimed in surprise, and Liana carefully picked up the tablet and traced it with her fingertips.

"I am an alchemist, but I am also a researcher of ancient civilizations. This isn't just decoration. It's a warning with a clear meaning."

Philia leaned forward.
"A warning...?"

Liana took out a piece of parchment and spread it on the desk. It was covered in the same ancient language.

Liana gasped in surprise as she held the tablet, but she immediately began to explain in a soft tone.

"You see... this isn't just an old pattern. It has a warning inscribed on it. It says, 'Do not open the gate. Otherwise, the three continents will once again sink into calamity.'"

The air in the room froze for a moment.

"Calamity...?" Ray muttered.

"Yes. It likely relates to the cause of the ancient civilization's collapse. If the seal is broken, it could affect the entire continent. At the very least, it is too dangerous for you alone to handle."

Anxiety appeared on Philia's face.
"Then, what Ray found was..."

"Dangerous, and at the same time, extremely important," Liana stated calmly. "...And you?"

Liana stared intently at Ray.
"I can feel a circulation of magic power within your body. It's a peculiarity that shouldn't exist in a normal human. That is likely why you were drawn to this stone tablet."

Ray was speechless. He could not hide his surprise at her powers of observation, which allowed her to see through him so thoroughly upon their first meeting.

◇ ◇ ◇

"So—can I come with you?" Liana said in a light tone, shrugging her shoulders.

"My magic power is below average, but I should be able to help with alchemy and knowledge," Liana said, assuming she would be joining them.

When Ray and Philia exchanged glances, Liana laughed playfully.

"I'd be happy if you'd let me join your party, without all the formalities."

Liana continued.

"I can support you with my alchemy and knowledge. More than anything, it is my duty to decipher this ancient language!"

Ray pondered for a while, then nodded. "...Understood. I'll rely on you."

Liana smiled slightly. "Good. Then, once again—welcome to my laboratory."

Liana's atelier. Light streamed in from the window, spreading across the desk as she pulled a large piece of parchment from a bookshelf. As she unfolded it, a map depicting three continents appeared.

"—This is the full picture of our world."

Ray and Philia leaned forward, straining their eyes to look at the map.

◇ ◇ ◇

"First, this is the continent where we live. The Seryuna Continent." Liana's finger traced the upper left. Symbols representing lush mountain ranges and kingdoms were lined up there.

"Academia, kingdoms, and religion are developed here. The Magic Academy, of course, also belongs to this continent. It is the center of knowledge and culture."

Ray nodded. Seryuna—the stage where he grew up, learned, and stood between exile and innovation. It was both a source of pride and a source of suffering for him.

Ray and the others were told by Liana the exact location of the port town of Seaver, situated on the southeastern side of the Seryuna Continent.

"Next, this one." Liana's finger moved to the right side of the map.

The Arzes Continent. It is ruled by a centralized aristocratic class, and a surveillance organization enforces strict control. Families with immense magical power hold the authority, and the people are bound in the name of order.

Surveillance organization... Philia's voice hardened.

Yes. I hear that rebels and researchers of forbidden arts are thoroughly eliminated. But ironically, the system of magic is advancing most efficiently there. It is also a land of longing for those who crave power.

Liana smiled bitterly.

And finally,
Her finger pointed to the bottom left.

The Elnor Continent. A land where many ruins of ancient civilizations remain, covered in untouched nature. There are many places beyond human reach. That is precisely why legends and artifacts sleep there. It is a continent that adventurers and scholars yearn for.

Ray's heart raced. Exploring the unknown and finding new answers—it felt as if it were resonating with his own destiny.

Liana took a breath and looked at them.

The three continents each maintain a balance. But...
She cut her words short and lowered her gaze to the stone tablet.

'Do not open the gate. The three continents will sink into calamity once again'—if these words are true, it means an existence that will break that balance will appear.

Ray stared at the stone tablet and clenched his fist tightly.
Philia stood silently by his side as if to support him.

Liana pushed up her glasses and gave a soft smile.
There is no need to be afraid. A warning is just a warning. But we have knowledge and courage. ...Besides, the two of you are special.

At those words, Ray relaxed his shoulders. Philia also gave a small smile.

◇ ◇ ◇

Dusk. The silhouettes of ships lined up at the pier of the port town of Seevel were dyed red. The sound of the waves and the calls of sailors hoisting sails mingled together.

If you are going to cross the continent, taking a ship from here is the best way.
Liana said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. The alchemy tools she had brought from the atelier rattled with a metallic sound.

Ray looked out over the harbor and took a deep breath.
Finally... this is where the real journey begins.

Philia nodded slightly.
The path we chose. I have no regrets.

Liana looked at the two of them and laughed lightly.
That's a good resolve. Then I will accompany you to the end as well.

In the distance, the curtain of night spread across the sea. Beyond it lay unknown continents and the destiny that awaited them.
Thus, the adventure of the three was about to set out on a new course.

Conclusion

What did you think?

A new companion has joined!

I have crafted the story to build anticipation for which continent we will head to next.

If you have any thoughts, please feel free to leave a comment.

I want to make this work even better with your valuable feedback.

Thank you for your support😸

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