Long-Term Investment

Lynn was tempted. A spellbook personally crafted by an experienced old mage was bound to contain profound magical knowledge. It was a priceless treasure that money alone could not buy!

Barton saw through Lynn's thoughts, his eyes smiling as he continued.

"My student seems to have taken quite a liking to visiting Whispering Forest lately. I hope you can keep an eye on her and, while you're at it, investigate the Corruption Cult.

"Of course, you needn't make contact with them. This sort of attack surely wasn't their first. 'Every path leaves traces.' Do what you can, and based on your findings, I'll pay you a reward that will satisfy you—under the Association's name.

"The Corruption Cult once suffered a devastating blow. They are no longer much of a force, and the fact that they had to rely on outsiders to set traps proves it. But you must be wary of their ability to corrupt people's minds."

Barton furrowed his brow and looked solemnly at the sleeping Gray.

"This Orc was most likely bewitched by them, which allowed the Soul-Eating Worm to parasitize him. You should count yourself lucky. It actually weakened him; otherwise, if an experienced warrior had struck with his full strength, even my Abjuration magic could hardly have guaranteed that you'd emerge unscathed."

As he spoke, Barton rose and walked over to Lynn. He stretched out his right hand and patted Lynn's shoulder, just as he had during the day—but this time, he patted it several times in succession.

"What was that?" Having been on guard in advance, Lynn noticed the faint flow of magic this time.

"Upgraded Shield Spell. It can withstand three lethal attacks of the third ring or below." The old man smiled kindly. "Consider it a little reward for agreeing to take the job."

I haven't agreed yet... Lynn grumbled inwardly. Still, Barton's promised reward was genuinely tempting.

"But, Mr. Barton, is it really all right to let Elaine keep going to Whispering Forest?"

Whispering Forest was where Adventurers like them earned their living. It was no place for a noble young lady like Elaine.

Barton gave Lynn a deep look and sighed. "That child is from the Frey Family, one of the most illustrious families in the Yaxia Kingdom. Child, do you know their family motto?"

That really touched on a gap in my knowledge. The original owner read all sorts of miscellaneous books, but as a commoner, he had never studied the nobility.

"Those who act first prevail!" Barton wagged a finger, looking every bit the lecturer. "The Frey Family believes action surpasses all else. They encourage their children to be independent, to accumulate experience without relying on the family's influence. Only those who perform outstandingly earn the family's attention."

It was like how eagles taught their young. Not only did they personally push fledglings learning to fly off cliffs, they also deliberately made the chicks in the nest fight over food. Only the strong survived.

Lynn was momentarily speechless. He had never expected Elaine to come from such a ruthless family.

"I can tell that child trusts you deeply. The two of you are both exceptionally gifted mages, but the road ahead is fraught with difficulties. Only by helping each other can you grow better."

Lynn understood the old man's implication. He wanted him to invest in Elaine and help her gain a foothold in the Frey Family?

And in return, as a mere commoner, he could benefit as well. They would help each other rise.

It seemed to be a win-win arrangement.

Of course, that was only if they could truly grow strong without mishap.

Lynn seemed to see limitless possibilities. With Elaine Frey's status as an heir of the Frey Family, he would surely be able to leverage far more resources, greatly aiding his path as a mage.

Yet he remained calm, wary that this seemingly easygoing old man might be selling him an empty dream.

Fortunately, I haven't stepped into the game yet. I can observe carefully and be ready to withdraw at any time... Lynn analyzed.

"I understand, Mr. Barton. I accept your commission. I'll watch over Elaine and investigate the Corruption Cult."

Old Barton nodded in satisfaction.

Next, Lynn asked him several questions about magic, especially because he was curious about the Shield Spell Barton had cast on him.

From this, he gained three important pieces of information.

First, old Barton was at least an experienced mage, and he had entered that level many years ago. His specialized profession was [Abjuration Mage], a profession proficient in all kinds of defensive and auxiliary magic, and especially skilled with barrier magic.

Second, once mages reached deeper levels and gained a more thorough understanding, low-ring magic could undergo "Ring-Ascension." This meant that some useful low-ring spells would not be phased out as their level rose.

Third, once a mage's understanding of a particular spell reached a certain level, they could freely alter its casting method. For instance, [Shield Spell] originally existed as a chant-based spell, yet Barton could cast it through a more concealed technique.

Knock, knock, knock. A very soft tapping came from outside the door.

It was two Magic Association staff members, and Lumi, whom he had met during the day, was with them.

With a sweep of his sleeve, Barton pointed at Gray. "Take him back."

The two immediately lifted the burly Orc warrior, their effortless movements leaving Lynn clicking his tongue in amazement.

But he soon noticed that both wore black gloves. The leather was smooth and reflective, resembling some kind of deep-sea fish.

Magical items? They really are convenient...

"Child, lock your doors and windows, and get some proper rest." Barton winked his right eye at Lynn again before turning and leaving.

After seeing the three off, Lynn looked at the door whose handle Gray had twisted apart and silently sighed.

I'll find someone to fix it tomorrow... He moved a table and chairs against the door, checked that all the windows were shut, and only then returned to sit on the bed.

Tonight had been far too eventful...

With a sigh, Lynn summoned the Codex of Origin.

[Through conversing with a scholar, you have acquired new knowledge. "Wisdom" Inspiration acquisition progress: 3/3]

[You have obtained one point of "Wisdom" Inspiration]

["Shield Spell" is guaranteed to appear among the spells available for your next upgrade]

It could work like this too? Lynn pondered. Was it because the magical knowledge he had just acquired was primarily related to Shield Spell?

On the open Codex, three stars shone brilliantly, while two crystalline droplets floated above them.

One was a deep, secluded blue; the other was dreamlike, like an amethyst.

In other words, there were four kinds of Inspiration in total. Colorless Inspiration was universal, and Lynn had only received one point at the very beginning. The rest corresponded to the colors of the stars.

He first wrapped his thoughts around the deep-blue Inspiration and dragged it toward the star that glowed blue as well. Like a drop of water falling into the ocean, the Inspiration vanished in an instant.

Then, line after line of twisted text gradually surfaced.

[Your knowledge is ascending! You will come into contact with more mysteries!]

[Choose one of the following three first-ring spells]

[Burning Hands]

One of your hands will be enveloped in magical flames, allowing you to unleash a large torrent of fire across the area ahead for the duration.

"This is a convenient kitchen spell. I often use it in place of those disobedient magical ovens."

[Magic Missile]

You create several missiles formed from pure magic. They will continuously pursue targets locked onto by your spiritual perception until they hit.

"Simple and efficient. Nothing works better for keeping those panicked rats from getting away."

[Shield Spell]

Touch a creature or target yourself to gain a briefly lasting magical shield. It halves the effects of elemental and Arcane attacks, but cannot defend against mental attacks.

"Its hardness lies somewhere between the shell of a turtle from the Mottled Sea and the scales of a metallic dragon..."

Lynn had already grown accustomed to the quote-like lines beneath each spell description. He had seen them before when learning Frost Ring and Blink Step.

But... dragons? Weren't they all at least five-star magical creatures?

Lynn grew ever more curious. Just who was the person who had left these words? Had they once compared an Upgraded Shield Spell with a dragon's scales?

Soon, another line beneath [Shield Spell] drew his attention—

[Special Effect: You may set its casting method to automatic activation. When it detects a threatening attack, it will immediately release a shield for defense.]