ยฉNovel Buddy
How To Live As A Writer In A Fantasy World-Chapter 237: Magnificent (2)
This ๐ฌontent is taken from ๐๐ซ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ป๐จ๐๐ฒ๐ฅ.๐๐จ๐บ
Before the serious clash between them began, Arwen brought up what had been happening in her life. Most of it was about the tight schedule, the hardships due to not getting rest time, the difficulty in clearing up the mess left by the council, and more.
Most notably, there was a significant shortage of talent. Arwen wanted to pull resources from the council, but it seemed risky due to most of them being elder elves.
In the unlikely event that a second council emerged, it would be just as troublesome, so Arwen was handling all the work alone for now. Fortunately, thanks to the events surrounding Xenon, there were no signs of a second council forming, and the operation in Alvenheim was proceeding smoothly.
The considerable increase in support for Arwen after the public speech to the nation was one reason, but more than anything, it was the connection between Arwen and the Xenonโs Biographyโs author that played a significant role.
Especially after the contamination of the World Tree, there was a Xenon craze among the elves. The fact that their queen was connected to Xenon led to inevitable rising support. Along with this, neighboring countries began efforts to interact with Alvenheim in any way possible, starting from major powers like the Minerva Empire and the Ters Kingdom to smaller nations. fr(e)enovelkiss
Thanks to these efforts, Alvenheimโs national power was increasing by the day. Despite feeling like she needed ten bodies to cope with the situation, Arwen said she was happy every day because it was the dream she had been envisioning.
โListening to it alone feels exhausting, doesnโt it?โ
To my ears, the workload was so excessive that it made me gag, but the final decision-making power undoubtedly belongs to the queen, so the workload could only be staggering. Particularly now, Alvenheim is in its adolescence. The Council of Elders, a symbol of Alvenheim, has vanished, and Arwen, backed by the people, holds strong royal authority.
Naturally, the workload must be beyond imagination, with Arwen alone bearing it all, which worries me. Arwen seemed to notice my expression, responding with a reassuring, gentle voice and a slight smile.
โDonโt worry about that. I get a solid four hours of sleep each day.โ
โIs that okay?โ
It reminded me that Cindy, for the sake of writing her thesis, stayed up for days on end without sleeping, resulting in her characteristic slurred speech and trademark dark circles under her eyes.
Unlike humans who encounter problems if they go without sleep for over two days, elves can stay awake for several days without major issues. However, their condition noticeably deteriorates, and except for specific professions, they tend to sleep for at least seven hours a day.
โItโs alright. Using a sleep-inducing spell immediately resolves any problems.โ
โIs there such a spell? Thatโs the first time Iโve heard of it.โ
โWe elves use magic in our daily lives, so there are various spells like this one. Apart from sleep magic, there are spells to relax tense muscles or enhance concentration.โ
โHmmโฆโ
I listened to the story and glanced over at Cecily, with a question about whether there was such magic among the demons.
As Cecily and I made eye contact, she smiled and then confidently spoke. It seems that demons are more than capable of performing such magic.
โThat level of magic is basic. Demons are not inferior to elves when it comes to magic. Magical abilities that are helpful in daily life are already widespread among us.โ
Indeed, demons are comparable to elves. They are an enviable race no matter when you see them.
While humans endure some inconveniences in daily life, the two races can simply enchant them away, making the quality of life different. The more I delved into it, the more I wondered how humans managed to win in the race war and how Xavier slaughtered the demons.
โWhen will humans be able to use magic in their daily lives?โ
At the same time, I became curious about when humans would catch up with these two races. Elves and demons can freely use magic like breathing, while humans need to rely on โcalculations.โ
Even their calculation abilities are much superior to humans, and their memory is on an extraordinary level. They can remember what they ate on New Yearโs Day ten years ago.
However, on the flip side, both races lack the adaptability that humans possess. Due to their lifespan, which is several times longer than that of humans, their lifestyles become entrenched. Moreover, with little inclination to compete, they tend to be more leisurely.
On the contrary, humans have a characteristic of striving, almost in a rebellious manner, to leave something behind. Thereโs a saying that โtigers leave their skins when they die, and humans leave their names.โ
Because of this, it often happens that knowledge, filled with failures, soon turns into success. I speculate that one reason humans have gained dominance is because an abundance of โfailuresโ has accumulated.
โBoth of you are remarkable. As a mere human, Iโm justโฆโ
โDonโt belittle yourself. Arenโt you the author of Xenonโs Biography?โ
โYes, Isaac. Youโre the strongest among us. Thereโs no need to belittle yourself.โ
Just before I expressed discontent about being infinitely inferior to elves and demons, the two women immediately comforted me. Even though I was referring to the difference in races, they comforted me at the same time.
Although I felt a bit out of place receiving such unexpected comfort, being looked upon with concern by the two beautiful women somehow made me feel relieved without knowing why.
โThank you. But itโs true that humans are weaker compared to other races, right? And I was referring to differences between races, not individuals.โ
โWellโฆ itโs true that humans are weak.โ
Arwen nodded in agreement after hearing me.
However, she soon looked at me earnestly with galaxy-like silver-gray eyes and spoke seriously.
โBut humans are strong. I can guarantee that.โ
โAlthough humans are weak, humans are strongโฆโ
Itโs a phrase that defines what kind of species humans are. Spoken not by anyone else but by Arwen, an elf, the weight of those words is different.
Moreover, Arwen is not of pure blood but of mixed blood. There is a custom among the mixed-blood in the human world that when their human parents pass away, they enter Alvenheim. Having wandered the human world for several decades herself, she would know better than anyone what humans are like.
โNice words. I should put this in the book.โ
I took out the notebook from the front pocket of my school uniform and recorded it. It seemed fitting as a passage describing Xenon and Lilly, humans among the companions.
Individually, humans may be the weakest race, but ironically, when they come together, they become the strongest race. Other races might unite as well, but historically, none have shown the same cohesion as humans. Even though there were demons, they were lacking in various ways due to their isolation.
โY-you mean putting it in a book? Xenonโs Biography?โ
Arwen was taken aback when I mentioned putting it in a book. Her face was filled with surprise and a peculiar joy.
I stopped recording in the notebook for a moment and looked at her.
โShould I not include it if you donโt want me to?โ
โNo, no! Absolutely not! On the contraryโฆโ
For some reason, Arwen blushed and felt embarrassed. It seems sheโs looking forward to her words being included in Xenonโs Biography.
As I was inwardly finding Arwen adorable, Cecily seemed uncomfortable with the situation.
She clapped her hands, drawing our attention, then opened her mouth as if sheโd just thought of something amusing.
โOh, right. Isaac, since weโre already here, how about learning more about the races of demons and elves?โ
โHuh? Whatโs this about?โ
โYou asked me at the cafรฉ. About my power, the power of demons. As Arwen is the Queen of the elves, why not ask her for a reference for Pride?โ
โI see.โ
I think I get the gist. Just as I sought advice from Cecily, sheโs suggesting seeking counsel from Arwen regarding the prowess โPrideโ should be.
Arwen would likely be pleased that her counsel would be referenced in Xenonโs Biography, and Iโd be getting help in my own way.
Arwen looked at her with a subtle expression, yet Cecily just grinned.
โโฆIt matters not to me. If it can help Isaac, itโs an honor.โ
โSo, youโll help?โ
โIf you wish, I can do more than that.โ
As soon as she said that, Cecilyโs brow furrowed briefly before smoothing out.
Letโs skip over what Cecily meant by โmore than that.โ Seeking advice is the priority right now.
โFirst of all, letโs overlook the fact that elves are famous for their beautiful appearance. Instead, Iโd like to know the differences between elves and demons. Iโve heard that demons have โdiversityโ while elves have โdepthโ.โ
โThatโs very accurate. Our elves, with the help of the gods, were the first to establish civilization. And that civilization has been maintained until now, after thousands of years. Compared to other races, depth is inevitable. Not just in magic but also in knowledge, culture, society, science, language, and so on. It can truly be said to be the beginning of everything.โ
Arwen, who carries elven pride within her despite being of mixed heritage, was praising elves from the start. If she were a typical snobbish elf, it might have been awkward to hear, but perhaps because she was Arwen, there was an inexplicable charm.
In reality, it could be said that the start of all civilizations was elven, and humans who achieved civilization afterwards merely imitated them. There was more than enough basis for confidence.
โThrough such a civilization, the depth of our magic is beyond description. Not only can we observe the stars in the night sky with our own eyes, but we can also make the land fertile or bring rain to drought-stricken lands. Even parts of nature can be substituted with magic.โ
โWhatโs the difference between sorcery and magic?โ
One could also make rain fall using a sorcery ritual, what could be the difference between the two? Arwen widened her gray eyes in surprise when I mentioned sorcery and asked me in an unexpectedly curious tone.
โDo you also know about sorcery?โ
โI know someone who is familiar with it. Besides, there are historical records of humans using sorcery in the distant past.โ
โAh, I see. Well, you do love reading like me, so that might be possible. If you ever need related books later on, feel free to ask. Iโd gladly provide them.โ
โThanks. I always seem to impose.โ
โNo need for thanks. If you ever need anything from meโฆโ
At the moment Arwen was about to express her gratitude.
โAlright, can we skip the explanations? I donโt want to waste any more time.โ
Cecily interjected, appearing displeased as she crossed her arms. Seeing her react with dissatisfaction as Arwenโs story extended, it was understandableโmore of Arwenโs narrative meant less time for the two of them.
Arwen momentarily narrowed her eyes at Cecilyโs irritable demeanor, then cleared her throat and continued explaining in her characteristic delicate voice.
โAhem. Ahem. The digression was lengthy. Anyway, the clear difference between magic and sorcery is that sorcery utilizes nature itself, while magic can be seen as artificially created. Sorcery manipulates the world, while magic is something created on its own.โ
โAh, I see what you mean. So, what about attack magic? Iโve heard that demons are stronger due to differences in firepower.โ
โHuh? What are you talking about?โ
Arwen responded with widened eyes, questioning Cecilyโs statement about publicly known facts, sporting a look of utter disbelief.
Cecilyโs narrowed eyes were a natural response to such confusion. Was it just a misconception that an unknown current had begun to flow?
Whether to call Arwen elvish or confident, he began to explain in a low voice.
โAt a glance, demons with black mana may seem stronger. However, this is a fundamentally wrong understanding. Demon magic often leads to unnecessary waste. Just as their strength may make them seem skill-less, demon magic, in the eyes of us elves, can be considered somewhat outdated.โ
โCan you say that so openly? A princess of Hellium is right next to us.โ
In response to my surprised question, Arwen turned her head slightly and looked at Cecily. Cecily, with her fists clenched, seemed to be challenging Arwen to say it aloud.
After a brief standoff with Cecily, Arwen, as if unwilling to concede on this point, boldly continued.
โOf course. Itโs not because Iโm an elf, but itโs a clear fact. To humans, demons may appear more glamorous and powerful. However, thatโs only on the surface. Itโs thanks to the black mana that they can supply their strength, but their magic, to the eyes of elves, is undeniably crude and chaotic.โ
โยทยทยท ยทยทยทโ
It seemed like this could escalate into a fight. Since I was ignorant of magic, I couldnโt say anything, but Cecily probably wouldnโt stay silent.
As soon as I thought that, I checked Cecilyโs reaction. She had an expression of discomfort but didnโt respond at all.
Seeing this, it confirmed Arwenโs explanation and raised another question in my mind:
โHow did demons come to acquire magic?โ
The origin of demons is humanity. However, during the devil war, humans struggled not only with magic but even with handling mana properly.
And soon, an answer to that question flowed directly from Cecilyโs lips.
โโฆAs the queen said, our demon magic might seem chaotic to the elves. Demons use magic closer to instinct than theory. Thatโs the decisive difference between demons and elves.โ
โInstinctual use?โ
โYes. Demons developed magic literally to survive. In the first generation, becoming a devil occurred frequently before anyone could teach you anything, so they had to awaken to it on their own. By now, weโve polished our theories to some extent, but weโre still far from perfect.โ
So, thatโs it. Demons were using magic as naturally as elves breathed.
While elves manifested magic by calculating, demons brushed aside calculations and reached conclusions directly.
Because of this, impurities affected their efficiency, but they compensated for it with the firepower of dark mana.
Thanks to that, the distinct difference between elves and demons became apparent. This setting serves as a significant aid in distinguishing between Gluttony and Pride.
โHowever, demons have a distinct advantage over elves in the speed of spellcasting. Simple spells might seem similar, but as complexity increases, the difference becomes severe. While elves mumble for ages, demons can just finish it with a simple gesture.โ
While contemplating the setting of Xenonโs Biography, Cecily confidently spoke, gesturing with her hand. It seemed like she was uplifting demons subtly while indirectly pointing out the flaws in elves.
In that sarcasm, Arwen couldnโt possibly remain silent. Arwen furrowed her eyebrows and retorted with displeasure.
โMumbleโฆ be careful with your words. The casting is an indispensable process in magic. In fact, your demons are crude for omitting it.โ
โDuring that time, wouldnโt it be more efficient to cast two more spells? Thereโs no fool who would just watch the magician cast the spell.โ
In response to Cecilyโs reply, Arwen, in a rare occurrence, spoke with an almost disdainful tone, even resorting to snorting.
โHah. Typical of demons to focus solely on combat. I wonder why you only use magic for offense. As I mentioned earlier, magic is not necessarily limited to attack. Magic is an essential force for research that can be greatly beneficial in life. Surely in Helium, you donโt refrain from using magic for research? Thereโs no way. Itโs a race thatโs being compared to our elves.โ
โOh, thatโsโฆโ
Perhaps finding a flaw, Cecily hesitated and averted her gaze. It seems that Helium lacks an institution like Yggdrasil in Alvenheim.
Of course, it wouldnโt be completely absent. Helium must have actively engaged in magical research in its own way.
However, because it was isolated until the release of Xenonโs Biography, progress may have been slow compared to Alvenheim. In contrast, under Arwenโs policy, Alvenheim had active exchanges with other races.
While Cecily hesitated, Arwen, with a triumphant expression, nodded her head and opened her mouth with an attitude that indicated victory.
โLook, Isaac. Unlike the demons who ignorantly rely on brute force, we elves prioritize efficiency. Itโs evidence that elves are superior to demons.โ
And perhaps that touched a nerve.
Snap-
A vein bulged on Cecilyโs forehead. Subsequently, she muttered quietly with a voice that seemed to be audible.
โA dwarf with a small chestโฆโ
โโฆ?โ
Did I mishear that?
Translators note: