Chapter 8: FRIH - 8
"Mana?" Ronan snapped back to reality, reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the books. His enhanced talent was more comprehensive than he had initially thought: magic aptitude, mana aptitude, and mana perception. He tested it for a moment, realizing he could control his mana output effortlessly. It felt exhilarating, as if he could do anything. The sheer potential was intoxicating.
But Ronan knew better than to get carried away. This was all just an illusion. Sure, he had boosted his aptitude, but that didn't mean he had magically acquired skills. He hadn't learned a single spell yet, after all. Still, the speed at which his mana resonated within him was impressive. In just a few hours, he had read through a third of the books, far faster than Frieren's ten years of study.
One thought occupied Ronan's mind as he leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping on the table: **Cheat codes are overpowered.**
"Honestly, I got back just in time," Frieren muttered as she stepped into the room. She frowned, surveying the scene thick with the remnants of his mana surge. Using her staff, she began tidying up, adjusting the disarray caused by his burst of energy. Her eyes darted to the books scattered across the table.
"So much already?" she remarked under her breath, surprised. He hadn't even focused on the content; it was clear he was skimming. She wasn't naive, she could tell he hadn't read with depth, not when the books had only been out for a few hours. Yet a third of the material was covered. It was impossible for anyone to be that fast unless...
She shook her head, disappointed but not entirely surprised. Even she hadn't managed to focus on this many books at once when she started. She had spent years slowly absorbing magical knowledge, mastering it piece by piece. She shouldn't expect too much from him, especially considering the fleeting nature of a human's lifespan. They were always chasing the next thing, never satisfied for long. Ronan, this unreliable "Hero," was probably no exception.
For a brief moment, she blinked, her expression unreadable as her thoughts flitted through her mind. After tidying the room, she gave him a stern look, almost like a disappointed mother.
"Be careful next time," she warned, her voice firm. "Learning magic can't be rushed. A broken house is nothing compared to what could happen if you aren't careful. You might end up injuring yourself, and that's the last thing we need with the Demon Lord looming on the horizon."
Ronan nodded helplessly, feeling like he was on the receiving end of a scolding. He had initially thought Frieren was just a naïve girl, but now it was clear she had a protective side. He appreciated it, even if he didn't want to admit it. There was something reassuring about having someone like her around.