Compensation θ ~ I might be late for reincarnation, but since I was born as the talented eldest son of a prestigious noble, I might be on the winning side.

In the manga and novels I read in the past, it was a common trope for reincarnated individuals to deplete their magical power every day since infancy, gradually increasing their maximum magical capacity by orders of magnitude.

However, in this world, that doesn’t work.

Magical power is determined by someone’s magic core, and since you can’t replace it, you can’t increase the supplied magical power through training. At least in the realm of magic, talent surpasses effort. In other words, those born with it are the winners.

It’s like having a significant advantage in a game due to a starting asset. Pay-to-win, if you will. While I won’t say that talent is everything, there’s clearly a difference that effort alone can’t bridge. Good or bad luck may play a role, but it won’t lead to a major comeback on its own.

In such a harsh reality, I thought, “What if someone born with talent worked even harder?” So, I considered the idea.

Until now, my efforts weren’t quite ordinary, but I endured even the toughest development. I endured and survived.

So, I won’t let my advantages go to waste. I was born with them, after all. I need to make the most of them.

Furthermore, I want to aim for something if it’s possible, an unseen summit.

The point is, while it won’t increase my magic capacity, I’ve decided to get ahead and familiarize myself with magic manipulation in advance.

Because this is one of my advantages. Normally, you acquire a class at the age of seven, but I have it from birth. So, I thought, why not start an early education?

Hey, AI, please guide me.

《The first step in magic manipulation is recognizing the astral body. You need to clearly perceive the astral body, which is the vessel for magic. 》

Hmm, magic flows within the astral body. To be precise, it circulates loosely within the magical network constructed within the astral body, much like lymphatic fluid.

You can’t control the flow without knowing the vessel. It’s common sense, but recognizing the astral body, which you don’t usually consciously think about, is surprisingly difficult.

Seems like a stumbling block, right? But it’s okay. I have a strong ally.

《 The kogen [Araneola] has already grasped the recognition of the astral body and the magic within the astral body. Would you like to share the sensations? 》

Yes, could you do that for me?

The core of araneola itself assimilated with the magical core and branched out and extended into the astral body like roots.

In other words, the magical network, which is a collective of magical pathways, serves as Araneola’s limbs.

So, if I share my senses with the Araneola, it should significantly reduce the difficulty of the first step.

—-Ahh, it feels strange.

I can sense it perfectly overlapping with me, like having another body. This is the astral body. It feels somewhat vague compared to what I expected, maybe because I’m not recognizing it properly?

《 It seems that your preconceived notions about the astral body will be a hindrance. 》

So, it’s saying that my preconceptions are getting in the way. Astral body, astral, astral… like a ghost, where the soul leaves the body—no, in this world, the soul and the astral body exist separately.

Is that the reason my recognition become a hindrance? Um, is there a good way to clear this up?

《How about trying to have a direct conversation with Araneola? 》

Can I do that? AI, they communicate conceptually without using language, right?

《It’s still in the early stages of language development, but communication through language is possible. 》

When did that happen? Well, if that’s the case…

Araneola, can you hear me?

[Yes, Master.]

Wow! It’s fresh to hear the voice directly.

I’ve only interacted with you through AI. Naturally, this is the first time I’m hearing your voice. Is the voice I heard the initial settings?

《It reflects the Master’s underlying desires. 》

Haha, I see. Desires, huh? That’s embarrassing. But well, it’s me, so I guess it makes sense.

Hey, Araneola.

To me, your voice sounds like that of a cute girl. I hadn’t really thought about it, but it seems like that’s my desire and the image I have of you got affected by that.

Changing the image might not be that easy. But if you don’t like it, I’ll work to change it. How about it?

[It’ s o kay Ma ste r.]

Really?

[Ye s, M ast er.]

Thank you. Oh boy, what a sincere response.

Together, the two of us. While we have separate personalities, we can interact closely, share the same sensations, and even share the same consciousness. We’re like conjoined twins.

I wonder what you look like? You must be incredibly cute. After all, I’m superficial. Pure, without a trace of malice, and never telling a lie. That’s the image of purity.

Wow, this is easier than I thought.

The image of a girl of about the same height as my younger self emerged. The girl’s body was filled with magic that flowed steadily from the magic heart, branching and circulating gently throughout her head, neck, limbs, and extremities, before returning to the magic heart.

Araneola had extended the magical pathways to every nook and cranny of the astral body, making her almost synonymous with it. So, should this make recognition possible?

《First stage achieved. The next stage is mastering the magic. 》

Alright, let’s move on.

When I first activated the magic heart, the amount of magic it discharged was enormous. It was like a wild horse, and until I could control it, I was completely drained. But now, it’s entirely docile. My metabolism is running smoothly, and my normal magic is in what you could call idle mode.

When I use magic, it begins to move frantically within my astral body. Magic circulation is the basics of magic control, training to move magic without consuming it.

Araneola has already mastered the magic within the astral body, right? But full-scale magic circulation hasn’t been done yet, has it? If I manipulate a large amount of magic within my body, even I should be able to tell.

[Y es, li mit in g it t o t he bas ics.]

Then let’s do it together. It’ll be more fun with both of us.

[Y es, Mas ter.]

The Rex Trinity significantly enhances the host’s abilities. It’s a precious companion to spend a lifetime with. You could even call it a partner.

If we can communicate like this, I want to work closely together like true partners.