The librarian, eager to assist, gathered a selection of tos he deed suitable for William's needs.
"I understand your focus is on body enhancent," he said, his eyes twinkling behind his spectacles. "These should provide so significant boosts to your abilities."
The first to detailed a B-rank spell called Raging Torrent, which promised to amplify William's strength to extraordinary levels. What intrigued William most was the spell's potential for modification and enhancent.
"Once you reach B-rank and above," the librarian explained, "you can customize and refine your spells, creating unique variations tailored to your specific needs. Think of them as the foundation for your magical repertoire."
Lower-ranked spells lacked this adaptability. This, William realized, was why mages were truly recognized for their mastery of B-rank and higher magic. Those were the spells that defined their abilities and set them apart.
William collected tos for enhancing his strength, agility, and stamina, each a significant upgrade from his current spells. But he also sought to expand his repertoire, venturing beyond his comfort zone. He wanted to explore different elents and magical disciplines.
Just because his focus was on physical enhancent didn't an he couldn't branch out and beco a more versatile mage. With Magic Mind amplifying his learning capabilities, the possibilities seed endless.
The librarian, whom William now knew as Roland, offered so sage advice.
"Since you're venturing outside your area of expertise," Roland suggested, "it's wise to start with elents that align with your environnt. Here, in this frozen mountaintop, ice magic would be a natural choice."
The logic was sound. Ice magic thrived in frigid environnts, just as fire magic flourished in warr climates. It was common for mages to travel the world, seeking out locations that complented their chosen disciplines.
"Thank you, Roland," William said, his gratitude evident. "I'll definitely explore so ice magic."
Roland smiled. "Of course, William. Feel free to ask if you need anything else."
He returned to his post at the main desk, his watchful gaze ensuring order within the library. William, for the first ti, ventured beyond the familiar shelves of body enhancent magic, his curiosity leading him towards the section dedicated to ice spells.
There, amidst the towering stacks, he encountered a young woman with striking white hair and captivating blue eyes. Her uniform, subtly different from his own, indicated she was a senior student, perhaps in her second or third year. She glanced up as he approached, her expression a mix of curiosity and recognition.
"You're William, aren't you?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of amusent. "The famous one."
William, caught off guard, attempted a playful response. "The one and only," he replied with a grin. "Don't tell you've fallen for my charms too?"
He instantly regretted his words. His attempt at humor fell flat, the awkwardness hanging heavy in the air.
The girl's expression soured. "How absurd," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Good luck finding your spells, then," she added, her tone dismissive. "Idiot."
She turned and stalked away, leaving William standing there, mortified. He wanted to kick himself.
'Idiot! What have I done?' he thought, his cheeks burning with embarrassnt. 'Of all the things to say to such a beautiful girl...'
Fortunately, the awkward encounter was quickly forgotten as William imrsed himself in the pursuit of knowledge and power. He scanned the shelves of ice magic, his eyes drawn to spells that would complent his fighting style.
He envisioned himself a master of both physical and magical combat, his enhanced strength and agility augnted by spells that could immobilize or hinder his opponents.
'Imagine trapping an enemy in ice,' he mused, 'then closing in for a decisive strike.' The possibilities excited him.
He selected a B-rank spell called Ice Tomb, which promised to encase an opponent's legs in a solid block of ice, effectively immobilizing them. He also chose an A-rank spell, part of a two-part set, that imbued his weapon with icy power.
The second part of the set, which conjured a formidable ice armor, would have to wait. Mastering even one A-rank spell was a daunting challenge, and he didn't want to overextend himself.
With his chosen tos in hand, William retreated to a quiet corner of the library, eager to delve into the intricacies of ice magic.
The manuals were proving to be a fascinating challenge, their intricate runes and complex incantations demanding his full attention. As William sat imrsed in his studies, a group of students approached, their presence disrupting his concentration. He recognized them as second-years, their uniforms bearing the markings of their advanced standing.
"Excuse , William?" one of them began, a tentative smile on his face. "Would you mind if we joined you for a mont?"
William closed his to, his curiosity piqued. "Certainly," he replied, gesturing towards the empty seats across from him.
The three students settled into the chairs, their expressions a mix of eagerness and apprehension.
"We're registered adventurers with the guild," the first student explained, "and we're currently undertaking a mission that requires an additional mber. We were hoping you might be interested in joining us."
William was taken aback. While he knew it was common for second and third-year students to participate in guild missions, he was still a first-year, a novice in the world of magic.
"May I ask why you've approached ?" he inquired, his brow furrowed. "Wouldn't a student from your own year, or perhaps a more experienced mage, be a better fit?"
The students exchanged glances, a hint of admiration flickering in their eyes.
"We know you might not enjoy discussing it," the first student began, "but you were the sole survivor of that tragic expedition to the elven ruins. Word of your...resourcefulness and talent has spread throughout the academy. We believe you'd be an invaluable asset to our team."
William, though flattered by their assessnt, remained cautious. He sensed there was more to their request than t the eye. But the allure of adventure, the chance to test his skills in a real-world scenario, was difficult to resist.
Intrigued, William leaned in, eager to hear more.
"We believe it has sothing to do with demons," the student whispered, his voice apprehensive. "There's a village nearby that's been overrun by...well, corruption. We need to investigate and, if necessary, eliminate the threat."
"Demons?" William echoed, his mind flashing back to the obsidian blade tucked away in his pack and the serpent's cryptic words about his own demonic lineage.
"Yes," the student confird, "though it's more accurate to say the corruption is caused by demonic energy. That doesn't necessarily an there are actual demons involved. They're practically extinct, after all. But this village is suffering, and we need to help."
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The students explained that the village was plagued by a dark force, its inhabitants succumbing to a sinister influence, their livestock withering, their crops failing. It was a chilling echo of the events that had unfolded in Willow Creek.
William, rembering the villagers who had perished, felt a surge of determination. He wouldn't stand idly by while others suffered the sa fate.
"I'll join you," he declared, his voice firm. "But I need to speak with Headmaster Tholfnir first, to ensure he approves."
"Of course," the student replied. "We understand. We plan to depart tomorrow, so you have ti to speak with him today."
With their agreent secured, the students departed, leaving William alone with his thoughts. He gathered the spell books he had selected, checked them out with Roland, and headed towards Tholfnir's office. He needed to convince the headmaster to allow him to join this mission.
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