The Forgemage of Konoha

Magic and Thaumaturgy

Shirō was genuinely astonished this time.

One had to understand that in the Type-Moon universe, Magic and Thaumaturgy are entirely different concepts—each occupying a vastly different level on the spectrum of mystery.

Thaumaturgy refers to techniques that, while seemingly supernatural, are still within the realm of possibility given enough time, effort, or technological advancement. It is essentially the use of Magecraft—a system of rituals powered by magical energy (prana)—to achieve effects that humanity could eventually replicate through science. It's a shortcut, not a miracle.

True Magic (also called "True Sorcery") on the other hand, is fundamentally different. It encompasses acts that are utterly impossible by any human means—past, present, or future. Magic is an anomaly, a miracle that defies all logic and understanding. And in the Type-Moon setting, these miracles are exceedingly rare. Only five True Magics—known as the Five Magics—are recognized to still exist, with their users dubbed Magic Users (a rank above even the strongest Magi).

In this world, Mystery is power. The more unknown and rare a thaumaturgy is, the stronger it becomes. If a technique becomes widely known, its power diminishes. It's a direct consequence of how close a thaumaturgy is to the Root—the origin of all things, and the source of both magic and mystery.

As technology advances, the collective understanding of phenomena increases, and mystery fades. Eventually, if a thaumaturgy becomes too well-known or replicable, it simply ceases to function.

But Magic... Magic is untouchable. Unreachable. It retains the highest density of mystery, and therefore, unmatched power.

Currently, only five True Magics are known to still function:

The Second Magic, mastered by Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, governs Parallel World Traversal.

The Third Magic, known as Heaven's Feel, enables materialization of the soul—the method by which Heroic Spirits are summoned.

The Fifth Magic is unnamed, but its wielder, Aoko Aozaki, has demonstrated power equivalent to firing a rocket launcher with a mere elbow strike—enough to fight Dead Apostles and Counter Guardians (like EMIYA) head-on using only her physical body.

As for the First and Fourth Magics, their true natures remain a mystery.

So, Shirō's shock upon hearing the system's next message was completely justified.

> "Yes. The Host's Origin has a potential path to touch upon True Magic."

"What? Which one—First? Fourth?" Shirō asked quickly.

> "Insufficient data during retrieval."

Shirō frowned. "Then how do I cultivate Magic?"

> "The Host must first cultivate Projection Magecraft to its utmost."

"And then?" Shirō asked, sensing the hesitation.

> "...Insufficient data."

"..."

The flicker of hope Shirō had just felt was instantly extinguished.

Why did I even bother having expectations for this broken system?

He had assumed that any system capable of hinting at True Magic would be absurdly powerful—even if damaged. But after all this time, the only information he received was that his Origin and Projection were possibly related to Magic.

Possibly.

Useless. Magic was clearly not something he could reach right now.

For now, the most important thing was improving his strength. Shoving thoughts of Magic aside, Shirō turned his attention to something more immediate.

"System, how much energy is left?"

> "Currently, 9%."

"And how much is required to strengthen the other attributes to C++?"

> "To raise the remaining three attributes to C++ will require 113.5% energy."

"Wait, what?!" Shirō exclaimed.

> "113.5%."

"Why so much? When I raised Magical Energy to C++, it only cost 11%—even with the doubled consumption at C-rank."

> "Note: Enhancing Magical Energy consumed repair progress, not raw energy."

Shirō narrowed his eyes. "There's a difference?"

He had already suspected something was off, but wanted confirmation.

> "System repair requires both energy and Rule Crystals. While Rule Crystals exist in all things, the current system can only extract them from raw energy—hence the extreme cost."

So that was it.

Shirō had always wondered why the system could self-repair just by absorbing ambient energy. Now he understood a bit more. But another question surfaced.

"Can the material extraction function be repaired?"

> "The Material Extraction Function is permanently damaged. Irreparable."

"..."

The system really is bottom-tier now.

Other transmigrators' systems would've already helped them defeat Ōtsutsuki Kaguya by now. He? He wasn't even a Chūnin yet!

But Shirō quickly reminded himself:

Contentment is a virtue. At least he still had a system.

"How much energy is needed to reach D-rank?"

> "3%."

"Then raise Strength and Endurance to D++."

> "Strengthening initiated."

Instantly, the energy was deducted—but Shirō felt... nothing.

Strengthening through the system was a gradual enhancement, increasing potential. Even reaching A-rank wouldn't grant instant power—it just opened the possibility of achieving that level through training.

That's how his system worked. Not like those overpowered ones that handed out full mastery overnight.

And with no urgent cultivation to continue tonight, Shirō turned off his thoughts—and went to bed.

---

The Next Morning

"Morning, Chong Jie, Qing Yu. Where's Teacher Yamada?"

Thanks to years of ninja discipline, Shirō had long rid himself of the habit of sleeping in. Still, when he entered the hotel dining area, both his teammates were already seated.

"Teacher Yamada went out to buy breakfast," Qing Yu replied.

"Buy? Isn't there a restaurant here?"

"He said he knew a place with better food. He's been here before," Chong Jie explained.

"Lucky I didn't order yet," Shirō said, sitting down. "So, what are you two planning to do today?"

At that, Qing Yu's eyes lit up. "We made plans last night! Do you want to join us?"

Shirō glanced at Chong Jie, who suddenly looked nervous. Then Qing Yu too stiffened slightly.

...So they're just being polite.

He sighed inwardly and decided not to tease them. "Nah, I've got errands to run. Don't want to get in your way."

Qing Yu visibly relaxed. "Aww, that's a shame."

Shirō noticed the quick sigh of relief... and instantly decided to be annoying.

"Actually… It's not much. I'll just tag along after we hang out."

"No, no, Shirō! You should do your thing. We wouldn't want to delay you!" Qing Yu said hurriedly.

"Exactly! Your business is more important," Chong Jie chimed in, equally panicked.

Shirō chuckled inwardly. "Really, it's just a few small gifts. Won't take long."

Please don't.

Of course, they didn't dare say that aloud—after all, neither of them could beat Shirō yet.

"Gifts for friends shouldn't be—"

But midway through, they saw the teasing grin on Shirō's face.

He was toying with them again.

If looks could kill, Shirō would've died ten times over.

---

"What's with all the noise?" Yamada finally returned with takeout bags. Seeing the sulking faces, he didn't need to ask.

"Shirō, bullying them again?"

"Unjust accusation! They were bullying me—stuffing me with dog food!" Shirō countered dramatically.

Acting cute? He'd once sworn he'd never do that again.

But like the saying goes: Wang Jingze's Law of Fragrance transcends all worlds.

Even across dimensions, True Fragrance reigned supreme.

Integrity? It's just something that, once lost, never stays put again.

"Sure, sure. As if I don't know you by now," Yamada replied dryly.

"Eat up, everyone. After breakfast, we'll disband and go our separate ways for the day."

"Mm." x3

"So, what are your plans?" Yamada asked.

"I've got errands. They're off on their couple date—Tch! Heretics!" Shirō muttered.

"Precocious little devils," Yamada sighed. Then turned to Shirō. "What about you? Thinking of finding someone?"

"No rush," Shirō replied with unnatural smoothness—too practiced, like someone who's been asked that many times in a past life.

And then a thought struck him: In this precocious ninja world... would he end up single again?

The idea made his heart go cold.

Not because he didn't want romance—but because the law of his heart told him not to catch a case.

"Focus on cultivation for now," Yamada nodded, then added, "Want company on your errand?"

"No need, just buying some small gifts."

Yamada shook his head. "Sometimes you seem way too mature. You should enjoy your youth."

He watched Shirō carefully. Despite his easy going demeanor, Yamada knew the kid carried a heavy burden. He cultivated harder than anyone else his age. That kind of discipline… didn't come from nowhere.

If only I were a Jōnin, Yamada thought bitterly. He might already be stronger than me...

"Teacher?"

"Hm? Ah, nothing. Eat up."

And with that, the four of them sat down to enjoy their meal.