I Was a Dropout Who Couldn’t Use Magic for 16 Years, but Then I Remembered My Past Life as a Scientist and Became OP in Another World - Chapter 4

As I munched on my sandwich, I opened the first book.

It felt strange being able to understand the content, even though the text wasn’t in Japanese. But I didn’t dwell on it and kept reading.

What was important now was to start from the beginning and organize all the information, even the things I already knew.

—

There are three major continents in this world.

I currently reside in one of the countries on the smallest of those continents, called Magia.

I’m not sure how accurate the maps are in this world, but it seems the edges of the map on the right and left are connected in some way.

From both my memories and the descriptions in this book, the concept of the universe doesn’t exist here. But the sun shines outside my window, and at night, I can see the stars. This suggests that the world may be a planet orbiting around a star, much like Earth.

However, I should only consider that as a possibility for now.

Looking at Earth’s history, it took tremendous effort for the geocentric model to be replaced by the heliocentric model. There was even a time when people believed the Earth was flat.

And since this is a different world entirely, it’s possible that things operate on a completely different set of concepts.

What’s important is the fact that, in this world, a day is approximately 24 hours, there are four seasons, and there’s both sunshine and rain.

This strongly suggests that the physical laws of this world are somewhat similar to those of Earth.

Gravity exists, causing rain to fall to the ground. When rain falls and the sun shines, the heat causes water to evaporate, refracting in the air to form rainbows.

The fact that I can breathe must mean that oxygen is present in the atmosphere, which implies that atoms and molecules might exist here as well.

Although this world lacks advanced technology, it seems highly likely that the physical laws are quite similar to those of my previous world. I think it’s safe to assume that, at least tentatively.

“With that premise, we arrive at the greatest mystery of this world: the one thing preventing the advancement of science and technology.”

I pulled out an especially thick book from the pile.

Its title read, The True History of Magic.

In this world, there exists something that operates alongside the physical laws—magic.

In fact, magic overwhelmingly dominates, and all culture is built on the assumption that everyone can use magic.

(For someone like me, who’s reached this age without being able to use a single spell, I’m a true anomaly—one in a few hundred thousand.)

It’s a strange thing, but even in my defective body, magic power flows through me. Just as every person on Earth has blood flowing through their bodies, in this world, everyone has magic power flowing through them.

And according to this book, it’s not just humans. Magic power, the source of all things bestowed by spirits, exists in animals, fish, plants, and even in the ground, water, and air.

…It’s unclear whether this is merely a spiritual expression unique to this world.

But what if I assume that this magic power is just another type of subatomic particle?

It exists within humans, animals, and all things in nature. Thinking of it that way, I can begin to make sense of it.

The key difference between this world and my previous one lies in the existence of this unknown particle—magic power—which is the cause of the magic phenomenon.

“But even so, it’s strange that this magic power interferes with other physical laws. Magic power itself isn’t fire, water, or electricity. So why does it cause such drastically different results depending on a person’s will…?”

“What are you doing, Nii-sama?”

“Whoa!!”

Startled by the sudden voice from beside me, I nearly dropped the book.

“J-Johann? That was fast.”

“What are you talking about? It’s been five hours since we last talked! If anything, my lessons took longer than usual.”

“Has that much time passed already…? In any case, you should knock before sneaking up on me like that.”

“I did, several times! You just seemed really absorbed in whatever you were doing.”

“Ah, I see. I was a bit focused.”

Johann glanced up at the towering pile of books with a curious expression.

“Since when do you read books, Nii-sama? Especially this many?”

“I need to rest in my room for a bit. Reading is the only way to pass the time, right?”

“You could’ve just played with me if you were bored.”

“But you’re busy with your studies and training. Don’t worry about me.”

Even as I said that, Johann didn’t seem convinced and tilted his head in confusion.

“…Something’s still weird. You don’t sound like the old Nii-sama. You never used ore to refer to yourself, and I’ve never seen you so absorbed in a book that you didn’t hear me knocking.”

While giving me a suspicious look, Johann circled around my chair, poking me with his finger.

I sighed, knowing that it must feel strange to him. My change in self-referencing was noticeable, but explaining that I had regained memories of a past life was out of the question. I racked my brain for how to deal with this when Johann suddenly pointed a finger at me and asked:

“Okay, then. Tell me what my favorite food is.”

I immediately understood his intention.

“The bagel sandwich from the bakery in town.”

“What’s the game we’ve played the most?”

“Hide and seek, followed by treasure hunting.”

“What was the result of our last board game?”

“I lost. It was my 652nd loss out of 3 wins.”

“What animal do I want to have as a pet right now?”

“A fluffy cat.”

“What’s the biggest secret you’ve kept from Father?”

“You accidentally flushed the ring he bought you down the toilet.”

“Correct…”

Johann crossed his arms, deep in thought.

Of course, I answered correctly. Just because I regained another set of memories doesn’t mean I forgot my 12 years with Johann. Those memories are still very much a part of me.

“So you really are Nii-sama.”

“Obviously. You can tell just by looking at me.”

“But you’re so different. It’s like you’ve turned into an old man or something.”

“An old man…!? W-well, I did hit my head pretty hard… That’s probably the reason. I’m sure I’ll be back to normal soon.”

“Well, as long as you’re still Nii-sama, I don’t really care either way.”

“You’re okay with that?”

Johann seemed to accept that explanation, albeit partially, and sat down in the chair next to me.

“So, what kind of books are you reading? Wow, there are so many notes!”

“I’m reviewing the history of magic. There’s a lot of eye-opening information, like this part…”

As I pointed at one of my notes to show him, I noticed that Johann wasn’t looking at the paper but at me.

“I like you just the way you are, Nii-sama, even if you can’t use magic.”

Realizing I’d made him worry, I quickly patted Johann’s head, trying to comfort him.

“Don’t make that face. I’m not studying magic out of some inferiority complex. I just wanted to learn more about it. Surely I have the right to do that, don’t I?”

While stroking my little brother’s soft black hair, I tried to explain.

Johann remained silent, his lips pouting slightly.

He’s such a smart and kind child, I thought.

It’s impressive how he’s grown up to be this sincere.

A good-for-nothing older brother and an extremely talented younger brother. It’s a dynamic that wouldn’t be out of place in any world.

I had disappointed our parents countless times, to the point where they practically ignored my existence. Meanwhile, Johann received all their love and attention, living up to their expectations with his extraordinary talents.

Physical ability, intellect, magic—he excelled in all areas where I fell short.

He could’ve easily grown up to be jaded.

In fact, our parents often warned Johann, “Don’t end up like your brother.” I was the perfect cautionary tale for their parenting.

But Johann never looked down on me.

He always treated me like his beloved older brother.

And he just said that he liked me even though I couldn’t use magic.

I can’t even count how many times those words have saved me. If it weren’t for Johann, I probably would’ve run away a long time ago.

Our parents definitely want him to be the heir. I want that too.

But the order of our births can’t be changed so easily, and that’s what makes things complicated.

“Alright, alright. That’s enough.”

Johann, visibly embarrassed, shook off my hand.

“Since you’re bored, let’s play something. What do you want to do? A board game?”

“Yeah, but let me finish reading this book first…”

I stopped mid-sentence as an idea struck me.

Research requires experiments. But since I can’t use magic, how can I conduct those experiments?

The answer was simple—I could have Johann help me.

“Hey, Johann, would you be willing to help me with my studies?”

“Huh!? No way!!”

He rejected the idea immediately, and with all his might.

“You’re good at studying, but you still hate it, huh?”

“I just finished intense training today! Why would I want to study again after that?”

“No, no, you won’t have to study. I just want you to show me some magic.”

“…Show you magic?”

Johann tilted his head in confusion, so I picked up the book from my desk and showed it to him.

“Reading through this, I was shocked. None of the books in this world explain the why behind magic. They only give instructions on how to use it. I guess that’s to be expected since everyone can use magic from birth. But from my perspective, they’re skipping over the most fundamental part. Even this prestigious book only says vague things like ‘Be grateful to the spirits,’ or ‘Focus and project your will forward,’ or ‘Keep trying until it works.’ None of it is scientific.”

“Sci-scientific?”

“I want to figure out exactly how magic comes from nothing, and why it responds to someone’s will. If I can understand the principles behind it, I might learn why I can’t use magic. And if I follow the right steps, I might even be able to use magic myself. That’s what science is all about.”

“I-I… I don’t really get what you’re saying, but… does that mean you want to be able to use magic, Nii-sama?”

“Hm? No, not exactly. I just want to understand the underlying principles. If I figure out that I can’t use magic in the end, that’s still a valid result for my research.”

“Ugh, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Johann looked at me like I had completely lost it, but I could feel my heart racing with excitement.

After all, this world is full of fascinating mysteries that no one has bothered to unravel. How could I not be thrilled?

“The old me gave up without even trying. But I realize now that I never actually made an effort. I can confidently say that the old me was a fool. But I’ll make up for those 16 wasted years. I’ll crack the code of magic and throw the formula in their faces!”

I grinned, clenching my fist in the air. I could hear Johann muttering beside me.

“I-I’m sure of it now… He really did hit his head too hard…”