My soul and my laboratory had rged...
I was thinking about it, reflecting on what I had learned so far.
The tower of Mount Sol, with all its grandeur, still seed to barely scratch the surface of what souls truly were.
They had only managed to understand the basic behaviors and patterns of cytoplasmic beings.
To uncover the deepest secrets, only an Official Mage would have access.
It only reminded that, on the path of magic and engineering, there was still a long road ahead.
I still have much to learn.
The mind of an Acolyte like could not even dream of ddling in the complexity of souls.
—Biochip, bring up my current statistics.
Inside my mind, the voice of the virtual laboratory responded imdiately.
["Status"]
["Na: Eduard Edson"]
["Gender: Male"]
["Age: 16 years"]
["Level: Level 2 Acolyte"]
["Race: Human"]
["Strength: 2.20"]
["Agility: 2.40"]
["Vitality: 2.70"]
["Spiritual Energy: 4.0"]
A 3D image of my statistics appeared before , floating in the air.
What caught my attention the most was my spiritual power, which had more than doubled since I advanced to Level 2.
A significant increase, a clear reflection of my progress.
Smiling contentedly, I continued to reflect on my next steps.
I got up from the bed and began preparing to leave.
I knew that the spell market was located in the district between the Academic Area and the Comrcial Post.
It was a strange place, with an uncomfortable atmosphere, as if it were more of a rchandise outlet than a center of learning.
And the service, well... it was almost nonexistent.
The people there were cold, as if no one truly wanted to be there.
I did not expect kindness from anyone, but I needed what they were offering.
Spells, the next essential step.
When I arrived at the place, the first thing I noticed was the desolate and impersonal environnt.
The counter was empty, except for an elderly woman with a stern appearance standing behind a glass case.
Her expression was impenetrable, as if I were a stranger who owed her sothing.
—Excuse for disturbing you!
Bowing slightly, I felt a dense pressure in the air.
The old woman before emitted a distinct, very powerful energy.
There was no doubt, she was a Level 3 Acolyte, but sothing about her felt different.
I was not sure what she had experienced to reach this point, but I could feel the weight of her presence.
Without hesitation, I decided to use my biochip to check further details.
—Biochip, inspect!
Suddenly, her voice sounded cold and authoritative, like a sharp blade cutting through the air.
She did not seem interested at all.
—What do you want?
The Virtual Laboratory imdiately responded to my request, displaying a holographic screen that showed the old woman’s statistics, and what I found was surprising.
["Bip!"]
["Na: Unknown"]
["Gender: Female"]
["Age: Indeterminate"]
["Level: Level 3 Acolyte"]
["Race: Human"]
["Strength: 2.0"]
["Agility: 2.0"]
["Vitality: 3.70"]
["Spiritual Energy: 6.6"]
Although she was a Level 3 Acolyte, her spiritual power was surprisingly low, which suggested she had probably suffered so kind of injury or severe damage.
However, I was still far from being a threat to her.
The biochip had made a great upgrade since my promotion.
It was now capable of inspecting even the statistics of other Level 3 Acolytes and living beings, although its capacity was limited when compared to Mages.
I smiled as best I could and, in a gentle voice, asked.
—Would you allow to take a look at the spell models?
Without saying a word, the old woman picked up a large, dusty book and tossed it carelessly onto the table.
She did not seem concerned at all whether I would buy anything or not, but that was sothing I had already expected from the cold and impersonal service of the place.
With eager hands, I opened the book and used the biochip so as not to risk missing sothing important.
["1. Solar Light Arrow"]
["Description: Conjures a bow that fires powerful arrows of sunlight, capable of exploding enemies. The solar energy incinerates darkness and purifies the arrows’ trajectory."]
["Prerequisites: Energy Fundantals, Magical Model Construction, Advanced Magical Literacy."]
["2. Radiant Orb"]
["Description: Creates a sphere of condensed light with intense thermal power. The trajectory can be slightly adjusted as the orb moves through the air."]
["Prerequisites: Energy Fundantals, Basic Alchemy."]
["3. Hand of Auris"]
["Description: Materializes a hand of sacred light capable of grabbing or attacking enemies with an energetic impact. The hand shines intensely and dissipates shadows around it."]
["Prerequisites: Energy Fundantals, Light Studies, Basic Evocation, Advanced Magical Literacy."]
["4. Solar Light Shield"]
.
.
.
As I looked at the spells, my mind began to process the information.
Solar Light Arrow... a simple destructive spell, but with great power.
I already knew it would be useful to , considering that with the virtual laboratory, hitting moving targets would not be difficult.
—These are very basic spells. Is there anything more advanced? I frowned, waiting for an answer.
The old woman did not seem willing to help any further.
—None! Here we only provide basic types of magic. As for the rest, get them from your ntor!
I felt slightly frustrated by her lack of patience, but I knew I had little ti to waste.
—Give the magical models for Solar Light Arrow and Hand of Auris!
I gave the best smile I could.
She looked at for a mont, clearly impatient, but finally responded in an even more irritated voice.
—Each will cost 50 magic crystals!
With the old woman irritated, I had no choice but to pay the requested price.
I took 100 magic crystals from my pouch and placed them on the table, watching her hand move over two thick parchnt books.
The covers of the books were simple, but in magical script, the nas of the spells were written.
"Solar Light Arrow and Hand of Auris."
I held them firmly, knowing these books would now be a crucial step in my future as a mage.
I was about to leave, with the two books weighing in my hands, when a voice caught my attention.
—Hey, Eduard!
I stopped imdiately, a little surprised to hear my na.
When I looked back, I saw a man running toward , wearing leather armor that appeared to be in terrible condition.
The armor was torn, covered in battle marks everywhere, and it looked like he hadn’t made the slightest effort to repair it.
—Liam? I said, recognizing him at once.
—I thought it was you! It’s been a while since we last t! Liam said with a genuine smile, but soon his eyes shifted to the books I was holding, and his expression changed to surprise masked by curiosity.
—You’re... buying magical models? Did you advance to Level 2 Acolyte?
—Yes! I just advanced! I bought these books to learn! I replied, feeling a little proud, though I didn’t want to show it too much.
—Biochip, inspect Liam and display only his attribute status! I thought, and a holographic screen appeared, showing Liam’s information.
["Strength: 2.5"]
["Agility: 2.7"]
["Vitality: 3.0"]
["Spiritual Energy: 4.0"]
It seems Liam advanced shortly before .
These statistics are typical of a recently advanced Level 2 Acolyte, I concluded ntally, observing him more carefully.
—We needed so magic crystals, so our team took on a few missions.
—Jas also advanced to Level 2 Acolyte recently and wanted to try learning a magical model.
—It’s a pity he still has to attend so theoretical classes after failing several of them... Liam comnted, casually putting his hands in his pockets, but the look in his eyes was not as calm as his posture suggested. He was clearly frustrated with his financial situation and the obstacles in his path.
I looked at the spells in my hand, and then he made a remark about them.
—You really deserve to be an Engineering student, with all that money! he said with a bitter laugh.
I simply smiled.
—Ah, my success rate increased a bit recently, so I earned more magic crystals. But as you can see, I’ve already spent all of them on these spells. I made a dramatic gesture, putting on a helpless expression, which made Liam laugh lightly, though he seed sowhat uncomfortable seeing my "good fortune."
—Yeah... Every expense in the Tower of Mount Sol is so high... he muttered, and I could hear the frustration in his voice.
I knew his situation.
Liam ca from a noble family, but when he arrived here, he realized that magic crystals and the resources to move forward were far more limited than he had imagined.
Without his family’s wealth to support him, he found himself struggling.
—Speaking of that, after we all advance to Level 2 Acolyte and master our spells, how about we take on a group mission together? Liam looked at with a strange expression.
—No. Because we’re not at the sa level. I said, trying to soften the words, but with a calm smile on my face.
Liam frowned, clearly uncomfortable, but instead of reacting in the aggressive way I expected, he sighed and replied with slight resignation.
—I know... You don’t need to risk your life in that dangerous forest. Just build a few devices and sell them. You’ll earn more profit than I do risking my life every day.
He clenched his fists, and I could see his frustration becoming more obvious.
—It’s not fair! he said, his voice trembling with emotion.
I shook my head, understanding his frustration.
—It’s not unfair, Liam. Everyone has their own path to follow. Mine is different from yours, but you have your own advantages.
—But... he began, yet I was already starting to walk away, not wanting to get involved more than necessary.
I knew what he wanted — he wanted my support, perhaps even a loan of magic crystals or devices to help his situation, but I already had what I needed.
It was better to move on before he started asking for more help.
—Anyway, see you later, Liam. I said goodbye, raised my hand, and left before he could insist any further.
....
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