40: Planning

"All of these are the most basic spells, are there any that could be advanced further?" Wade's brows furrowed.

"None! We only provide the basic spell types here. As for the rest, get them from your mentor!" the old man said.

"Give me the spell model for fireball and Shadow clone!" Wade said are some contemplation.

"One will cost 20 Magic Crystals!" The old man said.

After handing over 40 Magic Crystals to the man, Wade obtained two thick books. 'Fireball' was written on the cover of the top book, in the Maish language.

This counter was obviously constructed in a manner that let the sales staff always looked haughty than the customers. Wade was a little pissed off at having to look up at the old man.

He carried the two books and turned around, not wanting to stay for a moment longer.

"Wade!" On the way back, a voice sounded and Wade halted his footsteps and turned around to look.

A male wearing black robe ran over, "Earlier, I saw a silhouette of someone who looked like you, and it was indeed you. We haven't met for a long time!" Sam greeted.

"You are... Buying spell models? Have you advanced to a Rank 2 Apprentice already?" Sam looked at Wade who was holding the two spellbooks, shocked and happy

"Yeah! I have just advanced! So I bought them to learn from!" Wade admitted.

"Abby, inspect Sam!"

[Beep! Sam. Strength: 2.6, Agility: 2.8, Vitality: 3.3, Spiritual Force: 8.1, Assessment: Rank 4 Apprentice ]

"It seems like Sam advanced not long before I did, this data shows the stats of an apprentice who had just advanced!" Wade theorised.

"Ever since the previous success, our team hasn't taken up any missions. Some of the new members have also advanced to a Rank 2 Apprentice recently and wanted to try learning a spell model. It's a pity that they have yet to pass a few basic theory lessons after failing them several times..."

Sam said with a composed face, obviously wanting to look like a leader.

After sizing up Wade and remembering the news he heard about him he said, "You are indeed worthy of being a Potioneering student, having so much money!"

"Recently, my success rate has increased a little and I earned more Magic Crystals. However, after buying the spell models, I have spent them all again!" Wade tried putting on a helpless expression.

"Yeah! Each and everything that can be sold has a high cost in the Black Academy, it's just too high!" Sam's expression was not too good. He came 4 to 5 yrs before Wade but even with all the missions he had completed and even after a number of close calls with death he could only reach the 4th rank. One could fell his frustration.

"Speaking of this, after you guys are ready, shall we all take up a mission?" Wade asked.

"Really? That would be great!" Sam was extremely gleeful. It seemed as though he had been considering it for a long time.

Sam and Wade discussed the finer details and then bade farewell to each other. Wade contemplated deeply before deciding to go on a mission with Sam and his team.

He still had a lot of potions which he did not dare to sell, so he could only seek for alternatives. Moreover, converting the knowledge gained from learning a spell into battle experience requires a continuous process of battling.

Regarding battle experience, Sam and his team's strength were higher to his and they had already done quite a number of missions together. Everyone also knew each other beforehand which was naturally better than being with an unfamiliar group of people. So, Sam could help him fit in.

Furthermore, Sam has undergone a long period of arduous training and has learnt a lot. Since he could be considered to have an abundance of experience, as well as the goodwill he had shown, Wade was more at ease with his team.

"When I master the spell models, my plan is to follow Sam and his team on a mission and accumulate some experience. If I really hit it off with these people then with their help I can also go to the other areas with the black market and maybe try and sell some more potions"

Returning back to his room, Wade picked up the Fireball spellbook.

The yellow cover of the spellbook was extremely sturdy like leather, and there were some patterns on it which sent a fiery feeling from Wade's fingertips into his body. The book was tightly bound by a metal chain and the ends were clipped in the fashion of a belt.

"Learning the Fireball spell requires research in Fire energy and Evocation. I've learned both long ago!"

Via selling potions, Wade continuously improved his knowledge by acquiring advanced information on the his three elements of speciality, fire element was one of it.

"The incantation for opening it - Furshoo!" Wade spoke in a low voice.

After hearing the incantation, the book suddenly trembled and, amidst the trembling, the black chains automatically untied by themselves and the pages started to flip through.

"Abby, begin recording the model!"

Wade continuously looked at the spellbook containing the model of the fireball spell. Only after quickly flipping through it once and hearing the notification from Abby indicating that it had fully recorded the content, did he put the book down.

"The construction of a spell model is the foundation for a Sage to cast spells. This process includes a series of complex variation as well as the precise construction of the spell model itself. To learn a spell, 2 to 3 months is needed at the very least!" Wade remembered what his mentor had said.