If Judas had to pinpoint the biggest flaw of the falna system, it would be the restrictive rules it imposed on magic.
The limitations were clear, especially the three-slot rule in the Magic section.
As a result, the diversity of magical spells in the world of DanMachi was surprisingly low...far lower than one might expect in a realm where adventurers routinely faced monsters of unimaginable variety and power
The falna's limitations inadvertently created a magical landscape where strategic ingenuity was as important as raw magical skill... if not more so.
Since mages can't just use every spell they want, they have to carefully choose which three to equip and how to use them in combination.
Success depends not just on how powerful they are naturally, but how cleverly they use the limited magic they have.
In other words... the rules make magic less diverse, but they reward cleverness in how you use what you've got.
For example, the whole reason for the formation of the Fairy Force in the first place, Riveria's skill [Alf Regina].
Because of this skill, it raises Riveria's magic stat, strengthens the effects of the magic of all Elves within her magic circle, and converts the used magic energy of all Elves within the magic circle to mind and lets them absorb it again.
And the result?
It had created an unrivaled squad of powerful mages... the strongest in all of Orario, possessing firepower that even the Freya Familia couldn't match.
...
'As for the matter of teaching the mana-core method to others... that's an important decision that will require much deliberation.'
Judas exhaled slowly, fingers drumming against his thigh as he mulled it over.
The mana-core method wasn't some simple breathing exercise or training routine.
It was a legacy of a world far different from Orario.
After a long moment, he came to a quiet conclusion.
For now... he would keep it to himself.
It hadn't even been that long since he joined the Loki Familia.
They treated him well, true, and he had already formed bonds with some of them... but trust was a different matter altogether.
And so, with a small sigh, Judas tucked the thought away.
'When I'm certain... then I'll decide.'
"Let's get started."
The curious elves then opened their mouths.
The questions directed at Judas boiled down to a few key points...
His ability to multi-cast, his skill in skipping chants, and how he managed to bypass the three-magic-slot limitation.
"I don't understand," someone muttered.
The answers he provided left the majority of those present scratching their heads in confusion.
Except for Riveria, who seemed to have an inkling of what his words truly meant.
Her, Finn, and Gareth had inquired about Judas' origins from Loki.
And the words that came out of Loki's mouth were definitely shocking.
"I don't know much... but I do know that he comes from another world."
"Which would explain why he has such extraordinary abilities despite being low-level."
It was only her speculation, pieced together from the small clues Loki had managed to gather so far.
But it was enough to make Riveria's heart stir.
'Magic from another world, huh?'
That was the main reason Riveria had brought him here.
Just the possibility of learning magic from a completely different world was enough to ignite her curiosity.
'Judas Spade... you are full of mysteries. I want to know more about you.'
The thought of asking him to teach her surfaced briefly, tempting her.
But she forced it down... not out of pride, but out of respect.
'Maybe... when he trusts us more, he'll decide to tell us himself.'
She was determined to make Judas feel a true bond with the Loki Familia.
She lowered her eyes, reaching for a particular status sheet.
Up to this point, Loki had permitted only Riveria, Finn, and Gareth to view his status sheet.
'Thirteen thousand magic...'
Reading the numbers, the green-haired High Elf couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh of amazement.
'The Blessing of the World Tree, huh? If my father heard about this, he might just leave the forest he's holed up in and come here without a second thought.'
She tapped her chin thoughtfully, unaware that the discussion had shifted.
The Fairy Force, initially grilling Judas with questions left and right, now openly shared their own spells and formations, asking for his advice, his perspective, on how to maximize their potential.
Judas spoke freely, his words flowing like a torrent, dissecting formations, suggesting refinements, pointing out ways to synchronize their spells with devastating efficiency.
Even Riveria couldn't help but smile faintly, joining in with questions and considerations of her own.
Hours passed.
By the time the discussion wound down, a quiet sense of satisfaction settled over the group.
"Thank you very much, Judas."
The members of the Fairy Force said in unison, their expressions glowing with the subtle light of newfound understanding.
Although they couldn't get the answers they were seeking, they were able to gain something.
Even Lefiya had gained a clue on how to achieve concurrent chanting thanks to Judas' words.
"A shortcut to learn concurrent chanting, huh? Let me think..."
Judas thought for a few seconds before answering.
"A small trick will suffice, as long as it can help me learn."
Lefiya blinked.
Although she had asked that question, she expected him to give the same answer as everyone else who had mastered concurrent chanting.
She had practiced really hard... but it seemed like she had a hard time getting the hang of it.
The foundation was already there, but she needed one more push to finally be able to pull it off.
At this point, she would accept any help, even if she had to swallow her pride and ask for his advice.
"From what I understood, the process of chanting is like juggling a bunch of bombs in your hands. If you mess up even a little, those bombs will explode, hence an Ignis Fatuus."
Concurrent chanting was like that... juggling a bunch of bombs in your hands while moving around.
It was a technique that required a lot of skill and control.
"In my opinion, you should just focus on evading attacks and concentrating on activating your magic, instead of trying to attack and defend at the same time."
Judas said this as he remembered Ryuu's words when he asked her about concurrent chanting.
"Lefiya, you said you are a rearguard mage, right? Then what do you think is the difference between a rearguard mage and a vanguard mage?"
Judas focused his gaze on Lefiya.
"Ah, well, compared to rearguard mages who use large-scale magic that decides the outcome of battles, vanguard mages are those who use small-scale magic."
Lefiya answered fluidly without missing a beat. If she was going to be Riveria's successor, knowing this much should be expected.
"Then that's the problem... large-scale magic uses way more mind, which in turn is harder to control, and drains your concentration even more."
"I bet you already have the skill set to do concurrent chanting. You just need something to click to finally be able to do it."
His words made Lefiya fall into silent thought.
'Evading and the amount of magic power...'
"Additionally, you should learn how to split your mind in two. Think of it as allocating resources in your brain so you can learn to multitask effectively."
"You asked for a trick, right? Try this exercise. It will probably help increase your focus and concentration."
"Try chanting while folding laundry. Or brushing your hair. Or sweeping the floor."
He waved his hand lazily.
"Even eating works, but that one's a bit tricky unless you want to choke."
"If you want a simpler option, try holding up your left and right index fingers, then make a circle with your left and a square with your right."
Judas demonstrated the motion effortlessly, each movement smooth as butter.
Lefiya went silent, unsure of what she had just heard.
She looked down, watching his hands draw a circle and a square at the same time. Curiosity tugged at her.
'It shouldn't be that hard, right?'
She tried it.
'Huh?'
But to her surprise, she found it far more difficult than she expected.
"To practice your ability to evade, try juggling while walking around. Or maybe you could even try juggling in the dungeon while avoiding monster attacks."
"And once your mind gets used to that feeling," he continued, "you can start weaving simple spells first, then gradually increase the complexity by casting large-scale spells."
"Before you know it, your brain and body will be used to these actions, and you'll be able to start concurrent chanting without even thinking about it."
Lefiya stared at him, her breathing slow, almost still.
The tricks and exercises he suggested seemed stupid.
But the more she thought about it...
This was... actually brilliant.
Or, more fittingly...
Stupidly brilliant.
She bowed her head slightly.
"Judas... thank you. Truly."
It was on this day that Lefiya's impression of him started to change.
Judas shrugged like it was nothing.
"Hey everyone! We're heading to the Hostess of Fertility! Don't be late for the feast!"
Loki's voice suddenly echoed from the halls as she ran around the mansion like a madman.
For some reason, a wave of familiarity hit Judas... a memory surfaced.
'Oh, is it that time already?'
The event where Bete badmouthed Bell in the bar, causing him to run away crying.
It was a particularly memorable scene in the anime, and Judas wondered what would change.
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