Mastering a single magic spell, even the lowest-level Fireball or Water Arrow spell, was what Caleb needed to truly feel like a supernatural practitioner. It was the same principle as the leap from Rank D to Rank C: it didn't make him much stronger, but it was a crucial threshold. Crucially, magic is cool. Always swinging his fists didn't fit his pretty-boy image.
Akeno Himejima thought for a moment. "Yes, since you've mostly mastered close-combat fighting, you can indeed start focusing on magic. Besides, you can also start utilizing your magic talent sooner."
Caleb nodded enthusiastically, hoping for a voluptuous, red-haired older sister to give him private instruction.
"Here, take this book first. It contains many useful low-level spells." Akeno Himejima pulled a black-covered book from her cleavage and handed it to Caleb. "These are all quite simple. If you master them, they can provide unexpected advantages in battle."
Caleb glanced at Akeno Himejima's ample bosom, surprised that she could actually store something in there. Witnessing the sight firsthand, he was momentarily stunned.
"Why the long face? Take it." Akeno Himejima gently tapped Caleb's head with the corner of the book. "Stop staring. You can't learn that trick."
Caleb chuckled, accepting the still-fragrant spellbook. On the glossy black cover, a red pentagram magic circle emitted a mysterious aura. Before even opening it, he could tell this book was extraordinary.
It was difficult for ordinary people to learn even one low-level spell. Even magic apprentices with formal lineage learned spells one by one from their masters. The spells in this book were accumulated by the Gremory family over many years. If it were truly ordinary, Akeno Himejima wouldn't carry it so close to her. Even at her Rank A strength, there were still spells in it that she hadn't fully grasped. Magic greatly depends on talent and affinity.
Akeno Himejima's specialty was Lightning magic, but she couldn't afford to ignore other types, as some spells were truly useful. For example, Spatial Magic, Spatial Magic, and Spatial Magic. Whether it was for long-distance teleportation circles, instant movement in battle, or the essential storage space for logistical support, it all relied on Spatial Magic. Useful as it was, Spatial Magic was also one of the most difficult types of magic.
Caleb opened the spellbook. The fragrance intensified. He rubbed his nose, maintaining his composure. He had already handled the real thing, so this small temptation wasn't enough to make him lose his cool.
Caleb gathered himself and carefully studied the book's contents. The first page contained low-level attack spells of different attributes: Fireball, Water Arrow, Lightning Bolt, Wind Blade, Earth Spike, and so on. Following those were slightly more difficult spells like Transformation, Swamp, and Charm. The further he read, the harder the spells became. Correspondingly, their power and applicability were also greater.
In addition to the printed learning methods, each spell had handwritten notes—likely the insights and thoughts left by the book's previous owner, Akeno Himejima, while she was learning magic. Some spells even had little tips written alongside them. Caleb was initially confused, but Akeno Himejima's notes helped him at least grasp the outlines.
While Caleb was immersed in his studies, Rias finished showering and walked out wrapped in a towel. She glanced briefly at Caleb, completely unconcerned about exposing herself, and began putting on fresh underwear and her uniform. Unfortunately, Caleb was currently lost in the mysteries of the book, missing an opportunity to witness the spectacle.
By the time he snapped back to reality, Rias was already dressed and sitting in a chair, sipping red tea.
Caleb closed the spellbook, excitedly saying, "Akeno-senpai, thank you! I'd like to keep reading this book for a while."
"The book is yours."
Rias replied, not Akeno Himejima. Magic knowledge was Gremory family property; only she could decide its fate. In fact, if Rias hadn't had a special attitude toward Caleb, Akeno Himejima would never have given him the book. Knowledge shouldn't be easily shared; this was true in every world. Magic knowledge was an intangible fortune, especially this spellbook with Akeno Himejima's notes. If it were leaked, it would definitely cause chaos. For a magic apprentice, this book was a highway to becoming a Middle-Class Sorcerer.
Caleb was overjoyed. "Thank you, President." He suspected the book was extraordinary but didn't know its value far exceeded his imagination. Countless magic apprentices would dream of such an opportunity.
Caleb carefully tucked the spellbook away and asked curiously, "President, when did you get here?"
"I've been here the whole time. I just went for a shower."
After exchanging pleasantries, Caleb got up to leave. With the skillbook in hand, he didn't want to wait another second. Imagining the scene of lightning in his left hand and fire in his right, forcing his enemies to flee in terror, Caleb confidently began learning his first spell.
Three hours later.
Feeling the emptiness in his magic power, Caleb's dreams were shattered. He realized his talent for magic was quite ordinary. His supposed "magic genius" was only because he had directly acquired the Magic Power Extraction skill. After three hours, and exhausting his internal magic power, he had only successfully cast the spell once. The single successful cast was completely uncontrolled, nearly setting his own eyebrows on fire.
Comparing his results with Akeno Himejima's notes, Caleb roughly understood his true magic talent. It wasn't strong, but it was acceptable. Better than the worst, worse than the best. If he practiced seriously for a few decades, he might have a chance at becoming a High-Class Sorcerer.
If he hadn't had any expectations before, Caleb could have accepted this result. But being repeatedly called a genius made him believe he was one. And now, being told the truth—that his genius was an illusion... it was tough. Especially compared to his talent for close combat, Caleb felt even worse.
"Maybe the fire attribute just doesn't suit me."
After his magic power recovered, Caleb continued to experiment, unwilling to give up. Water, earth, wind... the results were roughly the same for every element. He had the best affinity for the Spirit attribute and the lowest for the Earth attribute. The good affinity for the Spirit attribute wasn't due to exceptional talent; it was because Caleb had absorbed his previous host's soul, making his spiritual power naturally strong.
It was confirmed: his talents were fully invested in the Muscle-Bound Idiot route, not the elegant, glamorous, special-effects-laden mage route.
After a night of contemplation within the soft embrace of the Takamine sisters, Caleb successfully convinced himself. If his talents weren't aligned, he would change his approach. Instead of learning magic with diminishing returns, he would focus on getting intimate with girls. Even if he didn't draw a magic-related talent and become a true magic genius, he could still acquire skills directly and quickly master magic.
Strength is temporary; coolness is forever. He was determined to be a noble and elegant sorcerer.
However, Caleb didn't plan to abandon close combat. He could keep it as his ace in the hole. The fight with Tetsuya Hoda made him understand the importance of having a trump card. One crucial skill could potentially change the entire course of a battle.