The air within the castle's corridors was thick with an aura of anticipation as I focused my attention on honing my magical abilities. The battles I had faced had instilled a fierce determination within me, and I knew that only by mastering my powers could I hope to navigate the challenges that lay ahead. Knowing I needed to bulk up my body for future hostile encounters, I spent all my attribute points on Constitution.

 

Sitting cross-legged in a secluded chamber, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I envisioned the magic flowing through me, connecting with the very essence of my being. Drawing inspiration from the spells I had encountered, I sought to improve my control over the elements.

 

Focusing on [Fire Magic], I began by visualizing a small flame dancing at my fingertips. With each breath, I willed the spark to grow larger, feeding it with my mana. Beads of sweat formed on my brow as I concentrated, the flames responding to my mental command. I found out that magic without any chant can form virtually anything, as long as you have a wide imagination.

 

"Come on, I can do this," I muttered to myself, my voice determined.

 

As I continued to channel my energy, the flames expanded and flickered with newfound intensity. I could feel the heat radiating from the conjured fire, and a sense of accomplishment washed over me. The delicate dance between my willpower and the elements was a delicate balance that required both finesse and concentration.

 

After successfully mastering a controlled fire, I turned my attention to [Water Magic]. I recalled the soothing stream I had conjured earlier and aimed to refine my skill. With a deep breath, I visualized a gentle flow of water, focusing on its healing properties. Among all other magic types, water is the most fluid (pun not intended) and most versatile magic, the second being fire magic.

 

As I concentrated, droplets of water began to materialize in the air around me. Slowly, I directed the water toward my hand, allowing it to pool there before releasing it. The droplets coalesced, forming a shimmering orb of liquid. I marveled at the sight before gently guiding the water back into the air, dispersing it with a contented smile.

 

Next, I delved into [Earth Magic]. I envisioned the strength and solidity of the earth, visualizing the formation of a protective barrier. With a firm gesture, I summoned a translucent wall of stone in front of me. The barrier shimmered with an ethereal light, and I marveled at the connection I felt with the element. In theory, I could also form projectiles with this, making this magic type capable of offense. But it takes a great toll on one's magic reserves.

 

Finally, I focused on [Wind Magic], seeking to harness the power of the air currents. I stood and stretched my arms wide, imagining the wind swirling around me. With a fluid motion, I thrust my hand forward, conjuring a controlled gust of wind that swept through the chamber. It was exhilarating to feel the invisible force at my command, and I couldn't help but let out a triumphant whoop. I then concentrated a ball of whirling energy and released it in a conical area (at least that's what's in my mind), and blew a strong wind gust towards the direction I was facing. Among all other magic types, wind magic is the hardest to control due to its unstable nature.

 

With my magical exercises complete, I turned my thoughts to my physical condition. I recognized the importance of honing my body as well as my mind. Rising to my feet, I began a series of calisthenics, pushing my muscles to their limits. I performed squats, lunges, and planks, feeling my body respond to the demands I placed upon it. I did about 50 push-ups and some curl-ups before eventually pausing to rest.

 

My heart pounded in my chest as sweat streamed down my face, mingling with the grime from the battles I had fought. My determination was unyielding, my desire to become stronger propelling me forward.

 

As the training session continued, I feel like my hunger began to gnaw at me. I could feel my stamina waning, the strain of physical exertion taking its toll. I glanced at my holographic status display, noting with concern that my Satiation had dipped below 102, a threshold that signaled the onset of hunger's effects.

 

Pushing through my weariness, I decided to take a break and search for sustenance. I ventured deeper into the castle, my footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridors. The oppressive atmosphere weighed on me, but I pressed on, determined to find food to replenish my energy.

 

However, my search yielded no results. The castle seemed devoid of life, and any signs of nourishment remained elusive. My stomach growled loudly, a harsh reminder of my predicament. The hunger was relentless, eroding my stamina and leaving me increasingly fatigued. I was growing desperate, yet I could feel my body growing weak, further complicating my situation.

 

Desperation gripped me as I continued my futile attempt at searching for food. My vision blurred, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. My steps faltered, and I stumbled against a stone wall for support. The world around me seemed to waver, my surroundings becoming surreal and distant. I am going to pass out soon.

 

Fighting to stay conscious, my legs gave way beneath me, and I sank to the cold stone floor. My breathing grew shallow, and my heart raced as my body struggled to cope with the hunger-induced strain. I fumbled with trembling hands, reaching for my inventory in a last-ditch attempt to find something—anything—to eat.

 

But my efforts were in vain. Darkness encroached upon my vision, and a sense of surrender overcame me. The last thing I remembered was the feeling of my body slumping against the unforgiving floor before succumbing to unconsciousness.

 

...

 

...

 

...

 

I awoke with a start, my senses slowly returning to me. The chamber was dimly lit, the air heavy with a musty scent. As my vision cleared, I realized that I was lying on the floor, my body weak and trembling.

 

My holographic status display flickered to life, and I groaned at the sight.

 

[Ferdinand Tamadito]

[Human]

<Mage-Class X>

Level 3

[XP:10/948]

[Status]

<HP:11/84>

<Stamina:5/102>

<Mana:152/900>

<Satiation:0/204>

Weariness: 86.98%

Exhausted. The person is severely fatigued and may struggle to perform even basic tasks. Rest and sustenance are essential for recovery.

Severely Injured

Wounded. Regeneration rate [50%]

[Attributes]

Strength: 10

Dexterity: 10

Agility: 10

Intelligence: 10 [1,000]

Constitution: 20

Charisma: 10

[Buffs]

<Magician's Blood>

[You hail from a lineage of renowned magicians.]

[Intelligence multiplier +100%]

<Arcane Insight>

[Attains a heightened state of awareness, granting the ability to perceive and comprehend one's own stats with extraordinary clarity.]

 

My heart raced as I took in my dire situation. My Satiation had plummeted to zero, leaving me weak and vulnerable. I could barely move, my body protesting even the slightest exertion.

With a tremendous effort, I managed to pull myself into a seated position against the wall. The world spun around me, and I clutched my head in my hands, attempting to steady my breathing. The realization of my own folly hit me like a ton of bricks—my determination to train and improve had come at a high cost.

 

"I... I need to find food," I whispered hoarsely, my voice barely audible.

 

Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself to my feet, my legs trembling beneath me. The world wavered before me, but I forced myself to take a step forward. Each movement was a struggle, and my body protested with every inch of progress.

 

As I stumbled through the castle's corridors, my mind raced. I needed sustenance, and I needed it fast. Every step was a battle, my vision narrowing and my head growing lighter. The hunger-induced haze clouded my thoughts, and I fought to remain focused on my goal.

 

My surroundings became a blur as I pushed forward, driven by an unrelenting determination to survive. But my strength was waning, and my body's cries for nourishment grew louder. It was as if the very castle itself conspired against me, every step feeling like a herculean effort.

 

With each passing moment, the darkness at the edges of my vision encroached further, and my steps grew more unsteady. I felt as if I were moving through a fog, my consciousness slipping away with each faltering movement.

 

And then, as if surrendering to the inevitable, my legs gave out beneath me. I collapsed onto the cold stone floor, my breath coming in ragged gasps. My vision dimmed, and the world around me faded into obscurity.

 

As consciousness slipped away, I couldn't help but reflect on the irony of my situation. In my quest for mastery, I had pushed myself beyond my limits and paid a heavy price. The castle's mysteries and challenges had proven more formidable than I could have imagined. I failed to even compensate for the fact that I needed sustenance to be able to go on. It's not what happens in videogames, and I didn't even question it.

 

And so, with the echoes of my struggles and determination still lingering in the air, I succumbed to the darkness, the world around me fading to nothingness once again.