Seiji sat quietly at the long oak table in the Arcane Research Society’s meeting room, its surface etched with faint runes that pulsed with a faint blue glow. The room was dimly lit, with shelves of ancient tomes towering around him. It was a haven for intellectuals and magic enthusiasts—neither of which Seiji considered himself to be.

  Around him, the other club members spoke animatedly about complex spell theories, alchemical experiments, and magical artifacts. A third-year student was presenting something about the manipulation of spatial magic, her hands moving in fluid gestures as a projection danced in the air. Seiji tilted his head, trying to make sense of it, but the words slipped past him like water.

  He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “What am I even doing here?” he thought, glancing down at the blank notebook in front of him. Joining the Arcane Research Society had seemed like a good idea at the time—it was quiet, no one asked too many questions, and there was no physical exertion required. But now, surrounded by people who clearly knew what they were doing, he felt out of his depth.

  “Hey,” a voice beside him whispered, breaking through his thoughts.

  Seiji turned to see a girl around his age with shoulder-length auburn hair tied back in a loose ponytail. Her sharp green eyes studied him curiously.

  “You’re new, right? First-year?” she asked, her voice low enough not to interrupt the presentation.

  Seiji nodded. “Yeah. Second day.”

  “Figured. You look a little... lost,” she said with a smirk, leaning back in her chair. “Don’t worry, everyone does at first. I’m Yuka Inoue. What’s your name?”

  “Seiji Takahashi,” he replied, offering a polite smile.

  Yuka raised an eyebrow. “So, Seiji, what brought you here? You don’t exactly give off ‘arcane enthusiast’ vibes.”

  He hesitated. “I guess I just wanted to learn something new.” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either.

  “Huh. Fair enough,” Yuka said, her smirk softening into a genuine smile. “Well, if you need help, just ask. This place can be... overwhelming at first.”

  Before Seiji could respond, the meeting shifted gears. The club president, a tall and imposing fourth-year with a commanding presence, stood up and clapped his hands.

  “Alright, everyone, that concludes today’s presentation. First-years, welcome to the Arcane Research Society. We’ll pair you up with mentors to help you get acclimated. For now, feel free to explore the library or practice rooms. Meeting dismissed.”

  As the members began to disperse, Yuka stood up and motioned for Seiji to follow her. “Come on, I’ll show you around. Better than sitting here staring at a blank notebook.”

  Seiji followed Yuka through the maze of shelves and study areas, his eyes scanning the seemingly endless collection of books and scrolls. The air smelled faintly of parchment and ink, with a subtle hum of magic lingering in the atmosphere. Yuka pointed out key sections as they walked, her voice casual yet informative.

  “That’s the spell archive,” she said, gesturing to a row of tall shelves. “You probably won’t need it yet, but it’s got everything from basic charms to advanced conjuration spells. Just don’t try anything too ambitious—we’ve had a few incidents.”

  Seiji raised an eyebrow. “Incidents?”

  Yuka laughed. “Let’s just say some people think they can handle summoning magic on their first try. It doesn’t usually end well.”

  They turned a corner and entered a quieter section of the library, where individual study booths were spaced out. Yuka leaned against one of the shelves, crossing her arms as she looked at Seiji.

  “So, what’s your focus?” she asked.

  Seiji hesitated. “Focus?”

  “Yeah. Everyone here has something they’re passionate about. Enchantments, elemental magic, artifact restoration...” She tilted her head. “You’re not just here to look busy, are you?”

  He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. “I’m still figuring that out, I guess.”

  Yuka’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before she nodded. “Fair enough. But take it from me—this place will grow on you if you let it. There’s more to magic than just flashy spells and complicated theories. You might surprise yourself.”

  Before Seiji could respond, a soft chime echoed through the room, signaling the end of the club’s reserved library time. Yuka pushed off the shelf and gestured toward the exit.

  “Come on, let’s get out of here. If you ever feel like diving into the archives, let me know. I’ll make sure you don’t accidentally summon something dangerous.”

  Seiji smiled, feeling a small sense of relief. For the first time since joining the club, he felt like maybe he wouldn’t be completely out of place.

  Later that afternoon, Seiji wandered into one of the practice rooms the club had mentioned during orientation. It was a spacious, circular chamber, its stone walls inscribed with wards designed to contain magic. A few other students were scattered around, testing spells or sketching runic designs. Seiji stood awkwardly in the doorway for a moment before spotting Yuka again. She was hunched over a workbench, carefully etching a glowing sigil onto a small silver pendant.

  “Takahashi!” she called out without looking up. “Come here.”

  Seiji walked over, intrigued. “What are you working on?”

  “Enchanted jewelry,” Yuka replied, holding up the pendant. The runes flared briefly, then settled into a faint shimmer. “This one enhances the wearer’s concentration. Not very flashy, but useful.”

  “That’s impressive,” Seiji said sincerely. “How long did it take you to learn that?”

  Yuka shrugged. “Couple of years. It’s not as hard as it looks once you get the basics down. Want to try?”

  “Me? I’d probably ruin it,” Seiji said, taking a step back.

  “Nah, you’ll be fine,” Yuka said, handing him a blank pendant and a small engraving tool. “Here, I’ll guide you. Just follow the pattern I show you.”

  Hesitant but curious, Seiji took the tool and watched as Yuka drew a simple rune on a piece of parchment. Under her patient guidance, he began etching the design onto the pendant. His strokes were shaky at first, but as he concentrated, he found a surprising rhythm. When he finished, the pendant glowed faintly, a testament to his effort.

  “Not bad for a first try,” Yuka said, inspecting his work. “You might have a knack for this after all.”

  Seiji grinned, feeling a small surge of pride. “Thanks. That was actually... kind of fun.”

  “Told you,” Yuka said with a wink. “Stick with me, and you might just learn something.”

  That evening, back in the dorm, Seiji recounted his day to Tatsuya and Hiroshi over dinner. Tatsuya was still buzzing with excitement from his latest practice at the Swordsmanship Club, while Hiroshi eagerly shared his plans to uncover hidden stories as part of the School News Reporter Club. Despite their vastly different experiences, the three friends found common ground in their determination to make the most of their time at Tenryu Academy.

  “So, the Arcane Research Society,” Tatsuya said, leaning back in his chair. “Think you’ll stick with it?”

  Seiji thought for a moment, remembering Yuka’s encouragement and his first attempt at rune crafting. “Yeah,” he said with a small smile. “I think I will.”

  As they laughed and shared stories, Seiji realized how much he valued their support. Even if he didn’t know exactly where he fit yet

  Later that night, Seiji found himself seated by the dorm room window, gazing out at the Academy grounds illuminated by moonlight. The soft rustle of the breeze and the distant murmur of students winding down from the day provided a soothing backdrop. Despite the peace around him, his thoughts were restless.

  Yuka’s words lingered in his mind. "There’s more to magic than just flashy spells and complicated theories. You might surprise yourself."

  He glanced at the Skill Card Book hidden carefully under a stack of papers on his desk. Its faint aura, invisible to anyone else, pulsed softly as if calling to him. But Seiji knew better than to experiment here, especially with Tatsuya in the same room. For now, he needed to focus on understanding the world around him.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  “Still up?” Tatsuya’s voice cut through the quiet as he stretched and turned from his bed. His hair was still damp from his evening training session, and his ever-present wooden practice sword rested by the headboard.

  “Yeah,” Seiji replied, closing the curtain halfway. “Just... thinking.”

  “About the club?” Tatsuya asked, propping himself up on one elbow. “What’s it like? Did you find anything cool yet?”

  Seiji shrugged. “It’s a lot to take in. Everyone there already seems to know what they’re doing.”

  Tatsuya laughed, the sound lighthearted but sincere. “You’re overthinking it, man. It’s only the second day. You’ve got time to figure it out.”

  “Maybe.”

  Tatsuya grinned. “Look, if you’re feeling lost, just do what I do—punch forward. Well, maybe not literally in your case, but you get the idea.”

  Seiji chuckled, the tension in his chest easing slightly. Tatsuya’s optimism had a way of cutting through his doubts.

  The two of them continued chatting for a while longer, their conversation drifting from club activities to Tatsuya’s latest sword drills. Eventually, Tatsuya’s steady breathing signaled he’d fallen asleep, leaving Seiji alone with his thoughts once more.

  He glanced again at the Skill Card Book, its faint aura pulsing rhythmically. The temptation to open it was strong, but he resisted. There would be time for that later—when no one else was around. For now, he needed to rest and prepare for whatever challenges the next day would bring.

  The next morning, Seiji attended his usual classes, which mirrored the schedule from the first day. The morning began with History and Basics, where the instructor continued to lay out the foundation of Tenryu Academy’s unique curriculum. The lecture covered significant events in magical history and key principles that every student needed to grasp.

  The second subject, Bushcraft, took them outside once again, where students practiced setting up makeshift shelters and identifying useful resources in the environment. Seiji found the hands-on approach refreshing, though Tatsuya spent most of the time wrestling with tangled ropes and grumbling about needing a sword for everything.

  By the time the morning classes wrapped up, Seiji felt a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. He and Tatsuya headed to the cafeteria for lunch, where the smell of freshly prepared food lifted their spirits.

  “Bushcraft is no joke,” Tatsuya groaned as they sat down with their trays. “How do they expect us to survive in a forest without weapons?”

  Seiji smirked. “Maybe they’re trying to teach us to adapt to any situation.”

  “Or they’re just evil,” Tatsuya muttered, digging into his food.

  After lunch, the afternoon class—Dungeon Tactics and Exploration—brought a shift in focus. The instructor introduced new strategies for traversing unknown terrain, managing resources, and working effectively in teams. They simulated dungeon layouts on a large interactive map, encouraging students to think critically about every move.

  Seiji found the class fascinating, especially as the instructor shared stories of real-life dungeon expeditions and the challenges adventurers faced. Tatsuya, on the other hand, was already sketching battle plans on a notepad, clearly itching for the moment they could put theory into practice.

  When the class finally ended, Seiji decided to head to the Arcane Research Society’s room earlier than usual. When he arrived, he found Yuka already there, seated at one of the study booths with a stack of books spread out in front of her. She glanced up as he walked in and smirked.

  “Early bird, huh? Didn’t peg you for the type,” she teased, closing the book she was reading.

  Seiji scratched the back of his neck. “I figured I’d get a head start. Maybe... try to figure out where I fit in here.”

  Yuka leaned back in her chair, studying him. “That’s the spirit. Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.”

  She motioned for him to sit across from her and pushed a thin, leather-bound journal toward him. Its cover was embossed with an intricate sigil, and the pages were filled with handwritten notes in an elegant script.

  “This is one of the beginner’s guides to enchantments,” she explained. “It’s not flashy, but it’s a good place to start if you’re serious about learning.”

  Seiji opened the journal carefully, his eyes scanning the first page. The words were surprisingly clear, breaking down the basics of imbuing objects with magical properties. As he read, Yuka pointed out key sections, her explanations making the concepts easier to grasp.

  “You’re good at this,” Seiji said, glancing up at her.

  Yuka shrugged, a hint of a smile on her lips. “I’ve been here for a while. You pick things up. But don’t expect me to do all the work for you.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied with a small grin.

  As the afternoon stretched on, Seiji grew increasingly absorbed in the intricacies of enchantments. The journal Yuka had given him covered everything from the basic theory of imbuing mana into objects to small, practical exercises for beginners.

  “Alright,” Yuka said, leaning over his shoulder and tapping a passage on the page. “This part here—it’s a basic application of the enchant spell. You channel mana into an object while visualizing a specific effect. The trick is maintaining a steady flow of mana while keeping your intention clear.”

  Seiji frowned slightly, staring at the instructions. “Sounds... easier said than done.”

  “Of course it is,” Yuka said with a smirk. “But you’re not going to learn by just reading about it. Let’s get you some hands-on practice.”

  She got up and rummaged through a nearby cabinet, returning with a small stack of dull, unpolished rings. “Here. These are practice items. No magical properties, so they’re perfect for beginners.”

  Seiji took one of the rings and held it up to the light. It looked ordinary enough, but he could feel a faint, dormant potential within it—like a blank slate waiting to be filled.

  “So, what do I do?” he asked.

  “Focus on something simple,” Yuka instructed, sitting back across from him. “For example, make the ring glow. Channel your mana into it, visualize light, and keep your intention steady.”

  Seiji took a deep breath, closing his eyes. He placed the ring on the table, rested his fingers on it, and concentrated. At first, he struggled to find his focus. His mana felt sluggish, slipping away like water through his fingers.

  “Relax,” Yuka said, her voice softer now. “Don’t force it. Let the mana flow naturally. Imagine it as an extension of yourself.”

  Seiji steadied his breathing and tried again. This time, he visualized the ring bathed in a gentle, golden light. He felt a spark of warmth in his chest, spreading down his arm and into his fingertips. The ring under his hand began to hum faintly.

  “Something’s happening,” he muttered, his eyes still closed.

  “Good,” Yuka said, leaning closer. “Keep going. Don’t lose your focus.”

  The hum grew stronger, and a faint glow began to emanate from the ring. Seiji’s concentration wavered for a moment, but he quickly regained control, pouring more of his mana into the object. The glow brightened, illuminating the table with a soft, golden hue.

  Suddenly, a familiar sensation washed over him—a gentle pulse from his Skill Card Book. His eyes snapped open as a translucent screen appeared before him.

  [Enchant (Active) – Common]

  Allows the user to imbue objects with temporary magical effects by channeling mana. Effects vary based on the user’s intent and mana capacity.

  Seiji blinked at the notification, the glow of the ring fading as his mana flow stopped.

  “Did you see that?” he asked, looking up at Yuka.

  “See what?” she replied, raising an eyebrow.

  “Nothing,” he said quickly, waving it off. “Just... something clicked.”

  Yuka studied him for a moment, then nodded approvingly. “Not bad for your first try. You’ve got potential, Seiji. If you can refine that, you might actually make something of yourself here.”

  Seiji grinned, his fingers brushing over the now-inactive ring. The Skill Card Book’s notification lingered in his mind, its words etched into his memory.

  For the next hour, Seiji practiced under Yuka’s guidance, testing the limits of his newfound skill. He managed to imbue faint glows into several objects, though his mana reserves were quickly drained each time. By the end of the session, he was exhausted but deeply satisfied.

  As they left the Arcane Research Society’s room together, the sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.

  “You did well today,” Yuka said as they walked across the courtyard. “If you keep this up, you might even surpass some of the senior members.”

  “Thanks,” Seiji replied, his voice tinged with both pride and exhaustion.

  “Don’t let it go to your head,” she added with a smirk. “You’ve still got a long way to go.”

  Seiji chuckled. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

  As they parted ways, Seiji felt a renewed sense of purpose. Unlocking the Enchant skill was only the beginning, and he was determined to see just how far his Skill Card Book—and his own potential—could take him.

  That evening, after dinner, Seiji returned to his dorm room, his mind buzzing with thoughts about the Enchant skill. Tatsuya was sprawled out on his bed, sketching new battle strategies for Dungeon Tactics, his wooden practice sword resting by his side.

  “You look like you’ve got something on your mind,” Tatsuya said without looking up.

  “Just... thinking about today,” Seiji replied, sitting by his desk. He glanced at the Skill Card Book hidden beneath a stack of notebooks, its faint aura pulsing softly.

  “Wasn’t that Arcane Research Club thing supposed to be all reading and theory?” Tatsuya asked. “You look like you ran a marathon.”

  “It’s more hands-on than I expected,” Seiji said with a small smile. “I’m learning a lot.”

  Tatsuya chuckled. “Good. Maybe you’ll turn into some kind of genius mage while I’m out there cutting down enemies. We’ll make a great team.”

  Seiji laughed softly, but his thoughts remained focused on the book. He waited until Tatsuya turned back to his sketches before carefully pulling the Skill Card Book out. It shimmered faintly in the dim light of the room, as though responding to his touch.

  He opened it to the newly unlocked page.

  Enchant (Active)

  Rarity: Common

  Level 1: Allows the user to imbue objects with temporary magical effects by channeling mana.

  Effect: Imbued objects gain effects based on the user’s intent and mana capacity.

  Unlocks at Level 5: Precision Enchantment – Increase control over mana flow, allowing for more stable and targeted enchantments.

  Unlocks at Level 10: Dual Enchantment – Imbue two objects simultaneously with different effects.

  Below the description were diagrams and instructions, much like the journal Yuka had given him earlier. However, the book’s guidance felt more personalized, as though it understood his level of experience and tailored the information just for him.

  He glanced at Tatsuya, who was still absorbed in his notes. Deciding it was safe enough, Seiji placed a small metal button from his desk in front of him and focused.

  “Let’s see if I can do this without draining myself completely,” he muttered under his breath.

  He pressed his fingers against the button, drawing on the techniques he had practiced with Yuka earlier. The warmth of his mana flowed into the object, and he visualized a simple effect: creating a faint, flickering light.

  The button began to glow faintly, but unlike before, the light felt more stable—more refined. The Skill Card Book’s guidance was helping him streamline his mana flow, making the process smoother.

  “Not bad,” Seiji murmured, a small grin forming on his lips.

  The glow faded after a few seconds, leaving the button looking ordinary once more. Seiji leaned back in his chair, feeling a mix of pride and exhaustion.

  “Hey, what’s that?” Tatsuya’s voice startled him, and he quickly slid the Skill Card Book back under the stack of notebooks.

  “Uh, nothing,” Seiji said, holding up the button. “Just practicing something I learned at the club.”

  Tatsuya raised an eyebrow. “You made it glow? That’s pretty cool.”

  “Yeah, just a simple trick,” Seiji said, trying to sound casual. “I’m still figuring it out.”

  “Well, keep at it,” Tatsuya said with a grin. “Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll enchant my sword to burst into flames or something.”

  “Maybe,” Seiji replied, chuckling softly.

  As the night wore on, Seiji continued experimenting in secret, testing the limits of his new skill. Each attempt brought him a little closer to understanding the nuances of enchantment, and with every success, his confidence grew.

  But deep down, he knew that this was only the beginning. The Skill Card Book’s potential was vast, and he had barely scratched the surface.

  The next morning, as Seiji and Tatsuya headed to their first class, Seiji couldn’t shake the feeling that something significant was on the horizon. Whether it was another trial, a new challenge, or an unexpected encounter, he felt more prepared than ever to face it.