The Paper User: Exiled for a ‘Trash Skill,’ Awakens True Power and Rises with Two Unique Skills - Chapter 1

Chapter1: The Abandoned Paper User

It was dusk, and I was walking alone through a dim, silent forest.

Pale green-winged bugs flitted around me. I brushed one away with the back of my hand and let out a deep sigh.

“So I’ve been expelled, huh...”

How did it come to this?

No—maybe it’s just because no one recognized the worth of my Skill, [Paper User].

[Paper User] is a Skill that lets me manifest and manipulate paper using mana.

The duration and strength of the paper I create depends on how much mana I pour into it, but my base mana isn’t particularly high. I only have about 1800 mana—lower than the average 2000 for humans. That’s barely enough to manifest a few dozen sheets of paper for short periods.

If only I had more base mana, I could create a wider variety of paper types. Flame-resistant paper. Sticky paper. Even elementally infused paper—I could make a whole lot more of them.

I clenched both fists tightly.

The real problem is that all my mana gets funneled into this paper stuff. If I could just cast more efficient spells—like fireballs or light arrows—things would be so much easier.

This world has six elemental magics: Earth, Fire, Water, Wind, Light, and Darkness.

Magic is fueled by the base mana stored within one’s body. It’s used in all kinds of situations—daily life, combat, and especially monster hunting. For adventurers, offensive magic is essential.

But in my case, offensive spells never became usable in actual combat.

Apparently, my [Paper User] Skill interferes with normal spellcasting.

When I chant a spell, part of the magical formula for manifesting paper automatically surfaces in my mind—subconsciously. It causes delays in activation and weakens the spell’s power.

“If only I’d had a Skill that boosted my magic instead... Then maybe I could’ve become a mage. Or even a magic swordsman.”

My eyes stung. The scenery around me blurred.

I guess it makes sense that Kilsas abandoned me.

Was it wrong of me to play the support role in battle, backing up Albel and the others?

Maybe if I’d taken the lead in fighting more monsters myself, Kilsas wouldn’t have made that decision.

But... if I’d done that, Albel and the others might’ve died. Those three only ever focused on the enemies right in front of them.

Then—

A sharp pain pierced my head.

“Ghh... ahh...”

I clutched my head and bit down hard.

Must’ve been from that hammer strike earlier. The mental damage must still be lingering.

When I touched my forehead, it felt warmer than usual.

“Maybe I should see a magic healer...”

No... it’s just a mild ache. If I waste money on a healer for this, I’ll be broke.

I’ve already been kicked out of the Holy Sword Order, so I won’t be getting another paycheck.

All I’ve got on me is two large silver coins and three coppers. That’s barely enough for ten days of food.

I took a few deep breaths—and the pain faded.

“...Good. I should be okay.”

For now, I’ll head back to the town of Tansa. My body’s feeling heavy after pushing my mana to the limit.

Still holding my head, I began walking through the forest once more.

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