Reincarnated in a scientific magic world

The halls of The Arcanum Institute were unlike anything Meeks had ever seen. Towering walls of white stone were lined with glowing runes that pulsed faintly, casting soft light across the polished floors. Floating orbs of energy drifted lazily through the air, illuminating the space with a warm, golden glow.  

Students in robes of varying colors—some plain, others shimmering with intricate patterns—moved through the corridors, chatting in hushed tones or poring over books that seemed to float in front of them. The air buzzed with an energy that Meeks could feel deep in his bones.  

‘This place is insane,’ he thought, trying not to gawk like a total tourist.  

Aldryn led him through the main atrium and into a smaller chamber lined with shelves filled with strange objects—crystals, vials of glowing liquid, and what looked like mechanical devices fused with organic materials.  

“This will be your temporary quarters,” Aldryn said, gesturing to a modest but comfortable room off to the side. “You’ll stay here while we assess your abilities and determine how best to integrate you into the academy.”  

“Uh, thanks,” Meeks said awkwardly as he stepped inside. The room was simple but functional—a bed, a desk, and a small window overlooking the sprawling campus below.  

Aldryn turned to leave but paused at the doorway. “I suggest you take some time to familiarize yourself with your System,” he said. “It will be your greatest asset in this world.”  

Before Meeks could ask what he meant, Aldryn vanished in a swirl of silver light, leaving him alone in the room.  

---

Meeks sat on the edge of the bed and sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Familiarize myself with my System,” he muttered. “Sure, no problem… except I have no idea how this thing works.”  

As if on cue, the translucent interface appeared before him again, hovering just within reach.

---

### **System Interface Activated**  

Welcome back, User: Meeks!  

Would you like a tutorial?  

[Yes] / [No]  

---

Meeks blinked at the prompt before hesitantly reaching out to tap **[Yes]** on the screen.

---

### **Tutorial Initiating...**  

The System is designed to assist you in navigating and mastering the unique challenges of Eryndor. It provides:  

1. **Quests:** Tasks that guide your progression and reward you with valuable resources or abilities.  

2. **Attributes:** A breakdown of your skills and strengths that can be improved over time.  

3. **Inventory:** A space for storing items you acquire during your journey.  

4. **Analysis:** A tool for gathering information about objects, creatures, or phenomena in this world.

Would you like to explore these features now?  

[Yes] / [No]  

---

“Okay,” Meeks muttered under his breath as he tapped **[Yes]** again. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”  

The screen shifted to display his current stats.

---

### **Attributes**  

- Intelligence: 15 (Above average)  

- Creativity: 12 (Innovative thinker)  

- Mana Affinity: 10 (Basic magical potential)  

- Physical Strength: 5 (Below average)  

---

‘Well, that’s not exactly flattering,’ Meeks thought as he stared at his low Physical Strength score.

[Your attributes reflect your current state but can be improved through training and experience.]  

The System’s voice startled him slightly—it was calm and neutral but still felt oddly personal.

“Okay,” Meeks said aloud, deciding to roll with it for now. “How do I improve them?”  

[By completing quests, practicing skills, or using items designed to enhance specific attributes.]  

“Got it,” Meeks said slowly. He glanced at the next section labeled **Inventory** and tapped it curiously.

---

### **Inventory**  

- Empty  

---

“Well, that’s depressing,” he muttered.

[Your Inventory will expand as you acquire items during your journey.]  

“Right… makes sense,” Meeks said with a shrug before moving on to the next feature: **Analysis**.

He tapped it, and a new prompt appeared.

---

### **Analysis Mode Activated**  

Point at an object or entity to gather information about it.

---

Meeks looked around the room for something to test it on and settled on a small crystal sitting on the desk. He pointed at it hesitantly, and text immediately appeared on the screen.

---

### Object Analysis: Mana Crystal (Lesser)  

Description: A small crystal infused with raw mana energy. Commonly used as a power source for magical devices or as an ingredient in alchemical recipes.

---

“Whoa…” Meeks leaned closer to examine the crystal more carefully. ‘This is actually pretty cool.’  

[Analysis Mode can provide valuable insights about unfamiliar objects or creatures.]  

Meeks nodded thoughtfully. “Alright… so quests help me progress, attributes tell me what I’m good at—or bad at—and Analysis helps me figure out what stuff is.” He paused before adding with a grin, “Not bad for an all-in-one survival guide.”  

As if responding to his newfound enthusiasm, another notification popped up.

---

### **New Quest Assigned!**  

**Quest:** Learn Basic Mana Manipulation  

Objective: Channel mana into an external object (e.g., Mana Crystal).  

Reward: +2 Mana Affinity | Beginner Spellbook | Newbie Package

---

“Mana manipulation?” Meeks repeated aloud. He glanced back at the crystal on the desk and frowned slightly. “How am I supposed to do that?”  

[Focus on the crystal and visualize your energy flowing into it.]  

“That’s it? Just… visualize?” he asked skeptically.

[Correct.]  

Meeks sighed but decided to give it a shot anyway—it wasn’t like he had anything better to do right now.

He picked up the crystal and held it in his palm, staring at it intently. ‘Alright… focus,’ he thought. ‘Energy flowing into the crystal… like electricity through a wire.’  

At first, nothing happened—but then he felt it: a faint warmth spreading through his chest and down his arm toward his hand. The crystal began to glow softly—a pale blue light that pulsed gently in time with his heartbeat.

“Whoa!” Meeks exclaimed as he nearly dropped it in surprise.

[Congratulations! Quest Complete.]  

The notification popped up immediately, followed by another message:

---

### Reward Claimed!  

+2 Mana Affinity (New Total: 12)  

Item Received: Beginner Spellbook | Newbie Package

---

Before Meeks could celebrate further, another notification appeared:

---

### **Newbie Package Unlocked!**  

You have been granted **Draconic Constitution**, an innate ability derived from ancient draconic bloodlines!  

Effects:  

- +50% XP gain from all activities  

- +50% Mana Affinity (New Total: 18)  

- +200% Physical Strength (New Total: 15)  

Note: Draconic Constitution enhances both magical and physical capabilities while accelerating growth potential!

---

Meeks stared at the screen in disbelief as warmth spread through his body again—this time stronger than before. His muscles felt tighter, denser; his mind sharper; even his connection to mana seemed more tangible now.

“This is insane…” he muttered as he flexed his fingers experimentally.

For once in his life, Meeks didn’t feel ordinary—he felt powerful.

And this was only the beginning.

--- 

End of Chapter 3