Level 2 Acolyte
Another five months had gone by in a flash.
It was just a few hours till dawn, and Leylin sat on the bed within his dorm and held the crystal ball he'd bought from Kroft in his hands.
'Even if rank 0 spells are the only magic acolytes can cast, it is definitely better than nothing. The Spiritual Force is the primer for the spell, and the model determines the type of energy output. Basically, the model is the car and the Spiritual Force together with the mana energy are the gas...' -Leylin remembered the information Aralis had transferred to his brain some days ago.
The level 1 acolyte could only store a slight amount of mana particles in their body and have basic magic resistance. However, their usage of mana particles is rather shallow, and hence, they are unable to cast magic.
As for a level 2 acolyte, the greatest contrast is that they are capable of casting rank 0 spells. A rank 0 spell that is amplified by the spell's model will have a greater destructive effect compared to the simple usage of mana particles. It is because of this, that no acolyte would waste their time trying to do magic without a spell model.
'This shall be my gateway to becoming an actual mage, at last. Constructing a spell model, however, is a complicated matter. In addition, your Spiritual Force will be impaired in case you fail to cast the spell for the first time and will need at least half a month to recover. This is a bottleneck that even fifth-grade acolytes are unable to break through with ease...'
[Luckily, I am here for you, Doctor.] -The A.I. chimed in.
'Indeed. You'll be the key to reduce my chances of failing.' -Leylin nodded with a content expression.
'After advancing to a level 3 acolyte, I must construct a spell model of my own. Hell, I might even buy some more just to broaden my arcane arsenal. Monopolizing the strength potion market has been yielding great profits, and since my alchemy gig will keep me swimming in crystals, I'll have more than enough to finance everything I may need in the near future.'
[I am just grateful that you haven't found yourself in the need of risking yourself with quests so far.] -Aralis voiced her relief at her Master's safe method of progressing.
'Hehehe, unlike that idiot of Kaliweir and his company of braindead gibbons.' -Leylin mocked.
'Be that as it may, I have finally advanced to a level 2 acolyte with tonight's mediation. I can sense that the energy particles in my body have increased several times when compared to a measly level 1 acolyte...' -Leylin smirked, his eyes burning with ambition for even more power.
[Well, Doctor I have two pieces of news that will make you highly pleased. First: I am now able to measure and thus represent Spiritual Force!] -At this instant, the feminine voice of the A.I. sounded, carrying all the excitement.
'Two days faster than your estimate. What happened?' -Leylin perked up at the mention of this.
[That's actually the second piece: I've been upgraded by your increase in Spiritual Force! My capabilities have been enhanced overall; check it out! I just cannot get past the defensive abilities of a Magus still.]
A screen was projected by Aralis and it was littered with many curved lines and numbers. From this, one could see that the processing ability of the A.I. had been truly elevated last night.
'Makes sense. Considering you fused with my soul when I transmigrated into this world, my accretion in Spiritual Force has indirectly changed you. And by the looks of it, for the better.' -Leylin analyzed immediately.
[Hey, as long as it's good for you, right?] -The A.I. reasoned.
'Yes. Anything that benefits me is welcome. I don't like being ignorant of this matter, nonetheless. Even if it's what I already know, I want a full report on that subject later.' -Leylin only partially conceded.
[Roger that.]
Leylin's presumed that the subject of souls was the most unfathomable of the arcane arts. Despite that the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy claimed to be a pioneer in this area, they had barely managed to experience and grasp a few behaviors and patterns of the ectoplasmic beings. Moreover, only an official Magus was qualified to browse this information. For Leylin, it was still a long journey ahead.
'Aralis, do me the honors.'
[Bringing out your current stats...] -The A.I. assistant projected the usual 3D hologram in front of Leylin's eyes and displayed his stats.
//
Dr. Fang Ming (Leylin Farlier's body)
<Power Scaling>
Level 2 acolyte
<Physical Stats>
Strength - 2.23
Agility - 2.41
Vitality - 2.72
<Mystical Stats>
*NEW* Spiritual Force - 4.21
//
'I suppose those are adequate numbers, for now. Although, there's a new obstacle standing in my road to level 3. Using mana radiation to increase my stats has its limits and my growth will quickly stagnate... I wonder what methods those true Magi use to strengthen their bodies...' -Leylin touched his chin.
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There was a small district between the Academic Hall and the Trading Post where the Abyssal Bone Forest students sold their higher-leveled goods. It was called the Senior Market since it was mostly level 3 acolytes who were doing the buying and selling in that area.
Although the items being traded had set standards and one could hardly find any counterfeit within its stalls, they were all the more expensive. The service of the traders was remarkably lacking too, and they were extremely cold towards their clientele.
Leylin came to the front of a stand. Behind the counter was a grave-looking old lady who wore a deadpanned expression as if Leylin owed her a lot of magic crystals. She even clicked her tongue when the youth tilted his head as a manner of greeting her.
"What do you want, brat?" -The old lady's voice sounded. It contained a depressing and grouchy air that would give goosebumps to most people.
Leylin furrowed his brows slightly. He could sense the energy waves of a level 3 acolyte radiating from this old lady.
'Aralis, inspect her.'
//
Name: Unknown || Gender: Female || Estimated age: 60-70 || Level 3 acolyte || Strength: 2.0, Agility: 2.1, Vitality: 3.5, Spiritual Force: 7.6
//
With his assistant providing the information, Leylin confirmed that this old lady was in fact a level 3 acolyte, but her Spiritual Force was rather low as if she had been injured before.
'How dare this wretched crone to look down on me; when she is nothing more than a disgrace for all acolytes. Were I in my first life, I would've slit her gullet without a second thought right then and there...' -Leylin's eyebrow twitched, but he immediately composed himself.
[She's not even deserving of your wrath, Doctor.]
Leylin mustered the best gentlemanly smile he had: "Would you let me have a look at your basic spell models?"
"Catch!" -The old lady flung a dusty large book over to him, and did not appear even slightly bothered about whether he was going to buy or not.
Leylin opened the book, keeping a stern and aloof countenance.
The spell models and their corresponding introduction appeared on the pages of the compendium. Aralis had wordlessly scanned and classified them according to her Master's needs and preferences, so Leylin could skim through them in his holo display.
//
<Secondary Energy Fireball>
*Summon a formidable fireball to attack your enemies.
*Prerequisite courses: Foundations of Negative Energy, Construction of Spell Models.
<Shadow Sphere>
*Use Shadow Energy to construct a fairly covert sphere.
*Prerequisite courses: Necromancy Studies, Transfiguration.
<Acidic Aqua Shot>
*Create an acidic ball with immense corrosive properties. Able to correct the trajectory slightly.
*Prerequisite courses: Foundations of Negative Energy, Psychology.
<Umbra's Hand>
*Ability to use Negative Energy to form a concealed palm in the shadows for attacking. Extremely covert.
*Prerequisite courses: Shadow Studies, Basic Evocation.
//
"All of these are the most basic spells. How many advanced spells do you have in stock?" -Leylin matched the sour tone of the old lady in his question.
"None. We only provide the basic spell types here. As for the rest, get them from your mentor." -The old lady shrugged.
"Give me the spell models for Acidic Aqua Shot and Umbra's Hand, then." -Leylin brought out the golden pouch with his crystals.
"One will cost 10 magic crystals, the total sum is 20." -The old lady seemed to be annoyed.
"I'll pay you 15 for both." -Leylin dismissively told and just as he was about to hand the lady her crystals, she abruptly slapped him. He faked being hurt by it.
"You'll pay me 20 or you get nothing!" -The lady smugly grinned.
'She fell for it, the fool. These so-called select merchants are so accustomed to having it their way every time.' -Leylin concluded.
"Says the vendor who just attacked one of her potential customers; a fellow acolyte! The rules are clear. You are not allowed to hurt other acolytes intentionally within academy grounds, including this marketplace. Who knows, I may even speak of this infraction to the overseer? He has ways of confirming whether it is true or not. I do wonder what he'd find, should he open an investigation on this particular stall..." -Exclaimed Leylin out loud, making the nearby people direct indignant gazes at the old lady.
"Also, I'm quite sorry to inform you that my offer has just been lowered. Ten crystals for both spell models." -Leylin put the crystals on the counter table, staring the woman down with a fierceness unmatched, with his previous victim act evaporating.
She took out the appropriate books from a secure brown locker.
The lady was fuming in rage at this point: "Take them and don't ever come back, rascal! Or else!"
'Or else, you'll regrettably kill yourself trying to take another swing at me...'
The Farlier heir swiftly grabbed the two thick books made of parchment paper. 'Umbra's Hand' was written on the cover of the top book, in the Byron language.
[Hahaha! Serves her right!] -Aralis celebrated.
'As soon as I master these spells to 100% casting efficiency, I'll get my hands on the good stuff.' -Leylin decided.
He then turned around gracefully and made for the exit, not wanting to stay for a moment longer.
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"Leylin, wait up!" -On the way back, a voice sounded and Leylin halted in his footsteps.
A male wearing leather armor ran over: "Earlier, I saw a silhouette of someone that seemed familiar, and it was really you! We haven't met in a long time, good friend!" -Kaliweir greeted.
The leather armor he wore was rather damaged and looked rather pitiful as it was not repaired.
[What is it with acolytes and dirtiness?]
"Are you possibly... buying spell models? Have you advanced to a level 2 acolyte already?!" -Kaliweir looked at Leylin who was holding the two spellbooks, professedly startled.
'Scan him for me, Aralis.'
//
Name: Kaliweir || Gender: Male || Estimated age: 16-18 || Level 2 acolyte || Strength: 2.6, Agility: 2.8, Vitality: 3.1, Spiritual Force: 4.1
//
'Heh, it resembles as if Kaliweir advanced not long before I did. He must be mulling over the reasons as to why a third-grade like me is able to keep up with a fourth-grade like him... To think I once conceived him as a potential rival. Pathetic.' -The Farlier heir evaluated secretly.
"You are correct in both of your assumptions, dear friend. I have just broken through, and I bought these spells to learn some elementary magics." -Leylin answered calmly, a hidden keen smirk disappearing before it even showed.
"Ever since that previous incident, our team has accepted only a handful of quests... Raynor has also advanced to a level 2 acolyte recently and he even wanted to try learning a spell model. It's a pity that he has yet to pass a few basic theory lessons after failing them several times." -Kaliweir placed his hands in his pocket, obviously wanting to look cooler.
Just then, he couldn't help but admire Leylin's impeccably tailored grey robes. They even had golden embroidery enchanted with protection charms. Not that he'd know with just a look, but still.
After sizing up Leylin's aspect, he said: "You are admittedly worthy of being a Potioneering student, having so much money!"
Leylin smiled meekly. Not only do these tailored grey robes have spells that remove stains, but the fabric was also of the best quality. Its defensive capabilities could be comparable to steel chainmail armor, so the price was rather hefty. Many acolytes did not have the capability to buy another set after damaging their original robes, let alone something so refined.
Nevertheless, Leylin was different. He even had two more replacement sets carefully hanged in his wardrobe.
"Ever since my brewing success rate has increased, things have been going well for me." -Leylin put on a self-accomplished expression, but not one of arrogance. Under his mask though...
"You don't say... Well, in the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy the cost of everything is too damn high." -Kaliweir's expression was not too good. He came from a first-class noble family in the Chernobyl Islands, but he soon discovered he was actually broke when he got here.
"Speaking of which, after we have all advanced to level 2 acolytes and mastered our spells, shall we and the gang all take up a mission?" -Leylin asked.
"Really? That would be great! I need the cash, so of course I'm in!" -Kaliweir was extremely gleeful. It seemed as though he had been considering it for a long time.
[I must hand it to you, Doctor. I honestly believed he would resent you over the private lessons affair.]
'It is inevitable. He can't escape his fate of serving as one of my tools. And he'll do so with a smile on his face, as it should be.' -Leylin did a half-smile under his mask.