Long ago, a great power burst forth from the world. This is mana.

The world bathes in its essence, creating what humans would later call magic.

However, not every human was able to fully harness the power of mana.

To those few who could, was later called "The First Generation".

This handful of people can fully manifest magic, in the sense that even the weakest spell would be at least twice stronger.

The majority of humanity is called "The Third Generation", people who have decent magical capabilities. They are the fruit of knowledge of "The Second Generation", also known as the worst history in magic. That would be a later topic.

Even then, not all could use magic, or could only use little of it. Around 30% of humanity belongs to this group, called "Void".

Now, why am I talking about history at this time?

Let's go back a while ago.

I witnessed a newly hired female barista being harassed at the back alley of the store. Before I could step in, the harasser exploded into bits, flesh, and blood splattered in the dark alleyway.

However, there was no sound.

Yes. Though the explosion was indeed small, it should have created some sort of noise. But there was none.

Our eyes met, and I fainted. End of recap.

Now you see, that right there is magic. She masked the sound with magic. How is that possible? I don't know.

As I have said earlier, 30% of humanity belongs to a group called the "Void", people who can either use little magic or no magic at all. I belong to that group. I have low magic power. I can charge my terminal for only 20% per hour. A third-generation can charge a terminal to 50%.

The terminal is a portable magic tool invented for magicless people, though everyone benefitted from it because it served as some sort of identification and wallet. Though it can do more than that.

What's a magic tool you say? It's a piece of technology that is powered by magic. Such magic tools made life easy for magicless people, like making a fire for cooking or the like.

I have gone off a tangent. What was I talking about?

Yes, the current situation!

I woke up paralyzed sitting on a chair, in what seems to be a fairly normal room. And I can guess who did it.

The pretty barista lady standing in front of me, that's who.

A somewhat tall lady that looks to be in her early twenties. Blond, long hair that reaches to her waist. Pale skin that makes her look fragile. Emerald-colored eyes that glisten.

She is still wearing her barista uniform, and no blood can be seen on her.

Michael: "Err… Hello, I guess?"

Lady: "…."

Now I can say for certain she did not want me seeing what she did with that man. She must've really hated that man. I mean she blew him up with magic you know? And she made sure no one hears it too.

Michael: "Um?"

Why does this have to happen to me of all people? Sigh…

Michael: "Um, I'll keep quiet about it…"

Lady: "That's a given."

Whoa, so she can speak.

Lady: "Be grateful I didn't kill you too."

Michael: "Ahaha, well can you release me now, please? I want none of that mess, and I still have my coffee to pick up."

Lady: "You sure like your coffee."

Michael: "Of course."

Lady: "Sorry but you'll have to answer me first. Anyways we're in one of the vacant rooms of the cafe upstairs, so you can go later. I won't be killing you. Yet."

Can we not resort to violence, please?

Lady: "The first time we met, you noticed something with me right? I knew you're not normal. Who are you exactly?"

Michael: "I'm just your average "Void"."

Lady: "Lies."

Michael: "I'm not lying though? I am a "Void", specifically one with weak mana. I know self-defense so I thought I needed to stop the man in the alley earlier seeing as how I was involved with the scuffle this morning."

Lady: "A "Void" would not conduct one's self the way you do."

Michael: "…."

Sighhh… so troublesome.

Lady: "Speak or I'll blow your brains out. Who are you?"

Michael: "Haaah… really, so troublesome."

At that moment, the atmosphere in the room changed. The lady noticed this right away and readied herself. The man in front of her was not the same person she was talking to just now. He felt completely different.

In the lady's POV

Just who is this guy?

I can faintly feel his mana. Is he really a void?

But something's not right with him. I can vaguely feel it.

I should kill him now, an unknown variable is too dangerous.

Suddenly,

Employee: "Heeey! Trainee, help me close down the shop!"

Lady: "Uh, yes! Coming!"

When I looked back, the man was gone.

Lady: "What?!"

Where did he-?!

She looked around, and he is nowhere to be seen.

Employee: "Are you coming to help me or what!"

Lady: "Yes!"

I left the room, confused as to where the man disappeared to.