Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy, Harem, Slice of Life

Sub-Tags: Heartwarming, Spirits, Strong Lead

Light Magic and the Key to Curing Curses!

The Prince of Positivity

There are many directions that a series about a cursed child could take, especially in the light novel genre. Refreshingly, this series takes none of the trope-laden paths and instead chooses an overwhelmingly positive outlook and atmosphere. Perhaps it’s because I’m so used to this genre’s formula that a series of this nature took me completely by surprise.

With a supportive family and side cast, Callus, the story’s protagonist, has a uniquely positive attitude even whilst facing such adversity. His curse may be slowly taking his life, and he’s a prince hidden from public view, but throughout the volume, this never stops him from being inquisitive and constantly seeking ways to improve himself or cure his curse.

It is this attitude for life that makes so many others want to help him. From friends to spirits, there are very few who can avoid falling for his charms.

The Friends Along the Way

Many friends’ll join Callus’ quest to cure his curse because of his healthy attitude towards life. The first to make his positive influence known is Cryssie, the daughter of a famous knight within the nation. Their visit to the estate is rather fortuitous due to the appearance of a wyvern. This battle shows off Callus’ light magic skills so far and gives way to Cryssie becoming his knight.

The second to be charmed by Callus’ efforts is Sissy, Master Gourley’s other apprentice. Her appearance is invaluable to understanding the curse, making sense of the situation much in the same way a medical investigation is performed. As a result, it is concluded that the curse is spread through the blood rather than settling in one place.

Callus’ maid, Shizuku, is the last in the volume to reveal how his kindness touched her. His acts taught her to trust her emotions once again.

Spirits and Magic

On his quest to cure his curse, it is discovered early on that the key may be within the powers of light magic. Having his curse temporarily lifted by Master Gourley’s light magic, a conclusion is drawn that an as-of-yet-undiscovered light magic spell may be able to cure Callus. Thus, Callus takes it upon himself to become Gourley’s apprentice and learn light magic for himself.

In this universe, magic is controlled by spirits, and one must enter a contract if they ever wish to use it. There is some interesting thought on behalf of the author into the details of the spiritual system, including the fact that there are many reasons for a spirit to choose a host. For Callus, his contract with Selena came through the unique taste of his cursed mana. For Gourley, his contract involved a pet hawk from his past. 

Callus’ abilities with light magic neither start strong nor even at the end of the first volume become overpowered. His magic grows in line with the growing relationship he has with his spirit contractor.

This piece-by-piece approach can also be used when looking at the progress made towards curing his curse. Only small parts of the puzzle have been illuminated by the events of volume one, giving plenty of leeway for the mystery to continue in future volumes.

Overall, Six Months to Live’s approach to light novel fantasy is a refreshing take within the genre. An intriguing mystery weaved into a series with a positive and encouraging atmosphere engages as well as entertains. Featuring likeable characters and an overall goal, it manages to immerse the reader in its world. This is a series that I’d highly recommend!