April 1st, 2015
As per usual, David's internal alarm woke him up at 6:00 am.
"Mmmnn~..."
⟪ Eh? ⟫
David opened his eyes groggily and the sight before him left him both stunned and grateful.
He had shifted even more in his sleep the previous night and now he was lying on his back. Marin, who had also fallen asleep next to him, was now lying on his chest and hugging him like a body pillow.
⟪ Honestly, I didn't even mean for this to happen, but... I'm definitely not going to complain. I'll just enjoy the feeling of being hugged by a beautiful woman and review my magic system. ⟫
David wrapped his arms around Marin's soft and warm body, closed his eyes, and began going over how his magic system worked.
The core knowledge of his magic system revolves around runes.
Anyone that can wield mana must learn about runes and what effect each rune has.
There are many types of runes and they're split into three categories: basic, advanced, and high-tier.
To get a better idea of what's possible with the magic David created, here's a list of a few runes that exist:
Tier 1: Basic Runes
Common and foundational - used in everyday magic, training, and beginner enchantments.
Elemental Runes:
- Fire
- Water
- Earth
- Air
- Ice
- Metal
- Wood
- Lightning
- Light
- Darkness
Mathematical/Calculation Runes:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Comparison
- Numerical values
- Equal/Not equal
- Greater than/Less than
Utility Runes:
- Activation (On/Off)
- Delay
- Trigger
- Duration
- Range/Distance
- Direction
- Storage (basic form)
- Shaping
- Linking
- Looping
Tier 2: Advanced Runes
Powerful and rare - used by skilled mages, researchers, and in high-tier arrays or enchanted artifacts.
Conceptual Runes:
- Time
- Space
- Gravity
- Motion
- Speed
- Magnetism
- Temperature
Sensory & Perception Runes:
- Detection (mana/life/danger)
- Targeting (set a target)
- Projection (visual/audio)
- Clarity (enhance focus or memory)
- Translation
- Illusion
- Silence
- Invisibility
Body & Enhancement Runes:
- Strength (physical strength/resilience)
- Endurance
- Speed
- Regeneration/Healing
- Resistance (to heat, cold, extreme environments, etc.)
Magical Architecture Runes:
- Amplification
- Stabilization
- Conversion (energy type A -> B, such as mana -> electricity)
- Barrier
- Concealment
- Transfer/Teleport (most compatible with Space runes)
Tier 3: High-Tier Runes
Extremely rare or dangerous - requires immense control or divine blessing to use.
Philosophical/Abstract Runes:
- Emotion (influence mind/feelings, part of brainwashing)
- Willpower
- Instinct
- Truth/Lie
- Memory Manipulation (part of brainwashing)
- Thought Reading
Divine/World-Altering Runes:
- Creation
- Destruction
- Fate
- Probability
- Soul (control over life, death, and existence)
- Law (enforces contracts or rules)
- Dominion (control over other runes)
- Time Reversal (partial/limited)
- Dimensional Linking
Now, that was quite a bit of information, but they're all useful.
When David worked in IT in his previous life, he was very involved with writing programs to help ease his clients' workload so he always had fun programming.
David used to love the isekai franchises where the main character would equate the magic in their new world to programming and they'd become a genius magician.
He took that concept and added it into his own magic system.
You can think of the magic system as a large programming language that affects the universe.
Write the program, see if it compiles, run the program.
In the case of magic, combine runes into runic combinations, run mana through the runic combination to see if there are any mana leaks or disruptions, then cast the runic combination as a spell.
There is only one big difference between a runic combination and a spell. Think of runic combinations as the code and spells as the compiled program.
You can't have a spell without the runic combination...
Just like with programs, spells are named and tagged by their creator. Spells are also usually shared with others if the creator chooses to do so.
For example, there could be spells written as "Fireball - Star" and "Fireball - Kitagawa". Each are spells that relate to casting a fireball, but the one tagged "Star" would be created by David Star and the one tagged "Kitagawa" would be created by Marin Kitagawa.
Spells will often have names and tags indicative of a certain school of magic, but as David is currently only living in the time before his story starts, there are no schools of magic at the moment so he wouldn't have to care about that.
In short, spells can have the same name, but have different runic combinations that make up those spells. The fireball spell created by David would likely be hundreds of times stronger than the fireball spell created by Marin since he knows more runes and can perform better calculations.
Of course, these are just examples and David doesn't yet know that there are others who can currently use his magic system, though he's the only one that knows about all of the runes that exist.
He created the runes out of boredom, but he never implemented most of them in his novel so there aren't a lot that know Tier-2 runes, let alone the handful of entities that know any Tier-3 runes...
Once David finished reviewing his magic system, he was confident that he could do many things in the future.
However, despite having a large amount of mana thanks to the Overflow-class Mana Core he got, the mana isn't very potent so he can't do large spells.
He basically powers his spells with a triple-A battery so he isn't able to cast spells that would require the power of a car battery.
He definitely wouldn't be able to cast a spell that would require the power of a building- or city-wide power grid.
Granted, these are just examples of power requirements, but the correlation should make sense.
[Good morning, David! You don't need to worry, while you're still a weakling right now, you'll be able to get more powers as well as different types of energy later on. Just imagine, in the future, you'll have various types of energy so potent that you could destroy the universe with a snap of your fingers and bring it all back with another snap!]
'You want me to become an over-powered Thanos?'
[No, I'm just saying you don't need to worry about being as weak as a bug right now because you'll get stronger!]
'Wow, thank you for your kind words. You truly are a kind and eloquent girl...'
[Hmph, of course! Praise me more!]
'That... Wasn't a compliment... Ah, whatever. Can I use my daily lottery while I enjoy Marin's warmth?'
[Yep! If you don't want to move, you can just command the lottery to activate rather than physically interacting with it yourself.]
'Sweet, let's do it.'
Instead of the prize wheel David is used to seeing, a gachapon machine appeared in front of him this time with various colored prize balls inside. The colors still correlate to the rarity of the prize wheel, but it's now just in a different format.
'A prize wheel for the first two days and now a gachapon machine? This little flavor of randomness is quite cute, I like it.'
David mentally commanded the handle to pull, causing the prize balls to jumble and jump around for a good 10 seconds before finally depositing a red ball in the prize slot.
'Another SSR?!'
David waited in anticipation as the prize ball opened and revealed what looked like a holographic computer icon.
[Congratulations! You have received Talent: Computer Whiz (System Original)!]
[Talent: Computer Whiz]
[Description: Whether it's a cobbled-together junker or a quantum-locked alien mainframe, if it runs code, you own it. Programming? Child's play. Hacking? Second nature. Hardware? You can rebuild a motherboard from scrap and still make it run faster than the original. Give you a keyboard, a screen, and a second to breathe, and you'll bend the digital world to your will.]
[Effect: Grants perfect proficiency with all forms of computer-related technology--past, present, or futuristic. Instantly understand and master new software, programming languages, and systems. Can hack, debug, and optimize with god-tier efficiency. Capable of designing and building superior computer hardware after a single glance at the original components or touching a completed product.]
[Congratulations! As a bonus, you have unlocked a new section in your mental database! You now have all of the designs and blueprints from each computer component, game console, and media device from your past life!]
A rush of information flooded David's mind once more and aside from the 'Franchises' section in his mental database, he now has a 'Modern Technology' section.
⟪ What the fuck... Isn't this too cheating? I expected my new power to be good, but this is... My gods... ⟫
The women that were awake and heard him stop talking were getting anxious, wanting to know what he was talking about.
What was his new power? Is it something crazy?! Tell us!
⟪ Doesn't this mean I could just create computer parts from 2025 with my magic and then build a computer 10 years ahead of its time?! Also, I can just use my newfound hacking skills to create a bank account and start a company the easy way! ⟫
⟪ Hmm, I could also technically steal money from a ton of big companies and use it to line my pockets, but I'd rather build a business empire rather than stealing. First, it wouldn't be fun. Second, if I somehow died, I'd prefer to leave a massive money-making business to provide for my wives and children in the future. ⟫
⟪ I could technically use magic to create a ton of gold, but that would affect the market in the long run so I'd rather not. Mainly because, like I said before, it just wouldn't be fun. ⟫
⟪ Hmm, I'll at least buy a phone in Akiba, then just create a few things I need for my workspace. I'll need some equipment for creating music, equipment for digital art, enough computers to have each one dedicated to multiple jobs such as programming, music creation, art, and of course everyday-use... ⟫
⟪ While I want to work and be busy, I'd also like to play some MMORPGs like I used to when I was younger. I haven't played games in a long time and I'm itching to get back into an MMO grind, even if it's only for a few hours a week. I wonder what MMOs exist in this world? Hm, I'm excited to find out. I already know the ID I'll use. It'll be either 'Dry Tavern' or 'Empty Bottle'. ⟫
⟪ Since I'm no longer an alcoholic and prefer strawberry milk over anything else, it's definitely a good name choice... Definitely... ⟫
The heroines that are awake: 'Putting aside everything else that's absurd, does he really think those names are good...?'
The answer to those heroines' question is yes, David indeed thinks those names are good...
Now that David got his lottery out of the way, obtained a new over-powered talent, and reviewed his magic system, he decided to pretend to sleep while enjoying Marin's warm body.
⟪ I didn't mean to fall asleep on the loveseat last night, but I still would've expected Marin to sleep in her own bed. While I'm not complaining whatsoever, I do find it a bit odd that I woke up to her hugging me like a koala. ⟫
David subconsciously stroked Marin's head.
⟪ Oh well, her body is soft and warm, I can't complain. ⟫
He closed his eyes and gently wrapped his arms around Marin before pretending to be asleep. His little brother, however, didn't have the ability to feign slumber and he woke up with a roar.
David didn't think Marin was awake yet and just laid there quietly, enjoying the warmth.
Alas...
'Uwahhh! I was so intrigued by what he was saying in his heart that I missed my chance to wake up! This is bad, I can feel something hard poking my stomach! Should I pretend I don't notice it? Ahhh, it's really warm though! And why is he stroking my head?! Well... Whatever, I'm not complaining~...'
Marin woke up as soon as David mentioned creating computer parts from the future.
She didn't realize the position she was in until David said she was hugging him like a koala.
'What was I thinking when I was asleep? I just met David last night, aren't I being too forward?? But... He is really warm and cozy. And he smells really good.'
Marin secretly took many deep breaths, enjoying the scent of strawberry shortcake.
'Haaa~, he smells good enough to eat~. Maybe this position's not so bad...'
⟪ Right now, even though I have near-infinite mana, it's not strong enough to utilize any Tier-2 or Tier-3 runes. I'll have to get creative when creating a doll to act as someone who can co-sign. Before we leave to get a phone, I wonder if I should just create a laptop so I can hack into the government systems and create a reputable persona for the doll to take. ⟫
'That's so cool~! I wonder if I can ask him to create some new stuff for me heheh~.
⟪ I'll do all of that when Marin wakes up... Still, this Computer Whiz talent is absurd. It'll be a massive help in taking over the technology sector in business worldwide. It'll be even easier to recreate games that don't exist in this world, let alone physical technology that's not around yet. One thing at a time though, I can't rush these things... ⟫
Just as David was thinking about his future plans, Marin started to stir herself awake.
"Fuaaa~... Eh? Good morning, David~."
⟪ I see, it seems she's been awake for a while. Who does she think she's tricking with that oblivious expression? Heheh, how cute~. ⟫
"Morning, Marin. Sorry for falling asleep here, I didn't mean to. I hope you don't think I was trying to take advantage of you."
Marin just chuckled awkwardly and tried to brush it off.
"Ahaha, it's fine, I'm sure we were both very tired last night. I didn't mean to hug you to sleep, but you can't blame me, okay? Your body is really warm and feels cozy."
⟪ Marin, you can hug me to sleep every night, okay? I have no aversion to it whatsoever. ⟫
"It's no problem, your body is also really warm and cozy. I wouldn't mind doing it every night."
⟪ Hm, it seems I have removed my filter this morning. Oops. ⟫
"Every night? Haha~, you wish!"
Marin tried to laugh David's comment off, but ended up still blushing hard.
'This guy loves to tease me way too much!'
⟪ Ahhh, I love teasing Marin way too much! ⟫
'...'
Marin just stared at David and smiled awkwardly.
"Anyway, I really enjoy the feeling of you hugging me, but certain physiological reactions are only natural and I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. Would you mind letting me go or do you want to keep feeling my little brother?"
'AH, I FORGOT ABOUT HIS DICK!'
Marin quickly released her grip on David's body and quickly stood up, turning away from David and trying to hide her face.
⟪ Indeed, Marin is too damn cute. I wonder when she'll confess to me, heheh~? ⟫
'Shouldn't you confess to me, mister future playboy?'
David stood up and inhaled the lingering scent of Marin on his body.
⟪ Haaa, Marin really smells quite nice. Speaking of smell, I wonder what I smell like to her? With my Sweet Body ability, every part of me will smell and taste like a woman's favorite sweet flavor. I don't think Marin was smelling me so maybe it didn't work or she just ignored my scent? Hmm, I hope my ability worked and I don't smell bad. ⟫
'No, I definitely smelled you and you smelled wonderful.'
"Alright, I'm gonna head to the living room to start exercising for a bit. You can go back to sleep or do whatever you usually do and we can leave around 10:00 am if that's fine with you."
Marin turned around and nodded, "Got it! I'll just relax in my room for a bit then~!"
David smiled and walked out of Marin's room and went to the living room.
In the living room, David started using a combination of earth, metal, wood, and shaping runes in order to create dumbbells, weight plates, a pull-up bar, and elevated platforms for jumping.
Wanting to tease Marin a bit in case she peaks, David took off his shirt and revealed his perfectly toned upper body.
He started with simple exercises with the dumbbells, then did push-ups with the plates on his back. After that, he held 20kg dumbbells in each hand and started jumping up to the elevated platforms.
After 45 minutes of cycling through those exercises, he used earth and water magic to create a glass and fill it with water.
⟪ Even though I can only use Tier-1 runes, creating simple objects like this is fairly easy to do in such a short time. Creating weights and workout equipment? No problem. Creating a glass and filling it with pure, crystal clear, cold water? I can do it as easily as breathing. ⟫
David finished off his water and then threw the glass in his inventory.
⟪ Can't think of a way to destroy these things with my current selection of magic available yet so I'll just hang on to it for the next time. For now, let's just do a cooldown workout with pull-ups and sit-ups. ⟫
And David did just that, starting his alternating exercise between pull-ups and sit-ups.
'Uwaaa~... His body is fucking hot~! He obviously likes me so wouldn't it be fine to be his girlfriend or something? From what I can hear, he doesn't sound like a bad person, just perverted and greedy for multiple women. At least he's honest about it, though. A big family does sound nice, too... Wait, no, I can't accept sharing my man with other girls, no way!'
While Marin was contemplating her future relationship status, she kept staring at David while hiding herself in the hallway, almost drooling at his sweaty upper body and sharp muscles.
⟪ Hmm, this should be good for now. An hour is a little too short of a workout for me, but it's fine. I don't want to do any combat training since I don't want to destroy Marin's apartment. Anyway, I should really take a shower now. While my body may smell good to women, I can still smell my sweat and I'm not a fan of male body odor. ⟫
David then went around the living room and moved everything he created into his inventory before turning around and heading towards the bathroom.
When Marin saw David turning around, she quickly hid back inside her room.
'Why am I hiding in my own apartment? Where did my flirty and teasing attitude go?!'
David had been wondering the same thing, still unaware of all the changes his presence can induce in women.
After he got to the bathroom, he left the door slightly open as if he accidentally didn't close it all the way. Of course, this was just a ploy to see if Marin would peek at him.
He turned on the shower, stripped himself naked, and stepped into the shower while leaving the curtain open.
Luckily, the shower was big enough that when the water splashes off of David, it doesn't cause the floor outside to get soaked.
Perfect for allowing Marin to peek at him if she so chooses to.
...
While David was washing himself, Marin finally came out of her bedroom and was about to go to the living room, but she stopped when she noticed the bathroom door cracked open.
'Did he leave it open on purpose? No, it looks like it was almost closed, but he must've accidentally left it open.'
Curious and a little absent-minded, Marin crept toward the bathroom door and eased it open slightly to peek inside.
'Whoa... That thing is way too big...'
Marin blushed heavily and tried to cover her eyes, but left her fingers open to allow her to peak.
'That's bigger than the ones I've seen in games before! What the hell is he?!'
She kept staring and imagined a slew of situations that could occur, thanks to her experience with erotic content.
When David was turning to rinse off his back, his entire front side briefly flashed in front of Marin's eyes.
She was so startled that she involuntarily gasped and tried to back away to stop peeking, but she was panicked and tripped over her foot, falling forward and shoving the door open before landing only a few meters in front of David.
⟪ Well well, looks like Marin couldn't resist the temptation of looking at my body after all. ⟫