Magic and New Spells

Despite the popularity of magic, the number of magic shops was small.

There were several reasons for this. First, the magic shops were essentially selling the same thing, so it was hard to be more competitive.

Moreover, running a magic shop required a great knowledge of runes. Only the most talented mages could offer a sufficiently large repertoire of runes.

Finally, any mage could not improvise himself as a merchant from one day to the next. In addition to the trade license that every merchant had to have, the person concerned had to have a rune master's diploma, which required one year of studying runes.

In the city of Avrel, there were only two rune sellers. The one closest to Lilliana and Stella's inn was right in front of the Adventurers' Guild building.

It was of course there that our two protagonists were going to go.

"Do you know the shop manager?"

"Unfortunately, no. I came here somewhat penniless and since I graduated from school, I haven't learned any spells yet. The only one I can use properly and effectively is the fireball. That's why I'm here too, I'm going to buy some runes with the money we earned yesterday."

The two girls entered the small shop. Given the small number of shops in the city, a large number of people were present.

Magic shops were a strange kind of shop. Indeed, no material goods were sold. What was sold was knowledge. It was thousands of years of research buried in the head of a single person that was sold.

The exchanges were therefore more of a conversation. Each interview lasted an average of five minutes, which resulted in extremely long lines.

Although the merchants could not remedy this, they tried to provide very comfortable waiting rooms. This did not stop some impatient people from grumbling, which could sometimes make the experience extremely painful.

Lilliana and Stella had to wait for an hour and a half in the waiting room before they could enter the interview room. This room was much smaller than the previous one.

Many magical installations were hanging on the walls to provide soundproofing and privacy. Otherwise, the rest of the room was rather neutral, without much decoration. Three windows lining two walls illuminated the room, particularly in the middle of it.

"Pleased to meet you, I am Varlan, runemaster. What can I do for you?"

The first to speak was Stella:

"Hello, we would like to buy some runes."

"Yes, of course, what type?"

"For now, I will wish for the fire-type rune Kyu, as well as the rune Ne. I will also take the lightning-type rune Lei, as well as the runes Re and Revera."

"Well, that will be four thousand Astels for the Ne rune, five thousand Astels for the Lei and Kyu runes. The Re rune will cost you eleven thousand Astels and the Revera rune will cost you twenty-seven thousand Astels."

Stella pulled out her adventurer's card and held it up to the pay station. Fifty-two thousand Astels were debited.

"Well, let's proceed with the transfer."

Varlan reached out his arm and placed two fingers on Stella's forehead. He closed his eyes, and a faint blue light appeared.

"Vannaisha Endora, Ne, Lei, Kyu, Re, Revera."

The light grew brighter, then faded.

"The transfer is complete."

"Thank you. We would like to buy some runes for my friend as well."

"All right, which ones would you be interested in?"

"I don't know anything about light and dark runes, what would you propose to us... ?"

"Twenty-five thousand Astels. As a reminder, I'm starting."

Varlan looked from head to toe at Lilliana.

"You are a warrior. A warrior affiliated with both the light and the dark? Interesting. I imagine you're looking for the ability to use defensive spells?"

"Yes, indeed. Of course, I'm not against using support or offensive spells."

"For twenty-five thousand Astels, I can offer you the runes Lin, Juna, Qyun, Ess, and Fe. The first is the mother rune of light spells, the second will allow you to fix the position of your light particles. The Ess rune adds consistency to your magic. Combine them to create a shield that is almost impenetrable to low-level creatures. The Qyun rune will allow you to concentrate your light particles in one place. Finally, the rune Fe will allow you to launch this ball of light."

(Sighs)

"Well, I'll have to work hard apparently."

Varlan laughed.

"Indeed! But don't worry low-level magic is easy to learn and master, you should be able to use these new runes quickly, especially with a fellow magician at your side. Well, I guess you're okay with this purchase?"

Lilliana in turn took out her card to pay. Then Varlan passed on his knowledge. After that, they went out. Although Varlan was not in a hurry, many other people, whether adventurers, guards, or merchants, were waiting their turn.

"Well, I think I already took a liking to magic!"

Stella smiled slightly.

"And why is that?"

"I barely go to a merchant, give him my entire fortune, and he gives me spells in exchange, that will make me significantly stronger."

"Haha, wait and see before you speak. It might be strange at first look, but magic still requires a certain amount of mastery, and more importantly, a good magic stat! Especially since you're more concerned with strength, agility, and vitality. By the way, how are your stats?"

"I don't know myself, to be honest, it's been a while since I checked. We should do it, tomorrow."

"Why not now? We're right in front of the building."

"I'm sorry, but right now I'd like to concentrate on these runes."

"Well, let's do it tomorrow, then."

"Let's go home."