Training Addict Magician in a Growth-Focused Story

Training Addict Magician in a Growth-Focused Story

EP.9 Advancement in Rank

Arpina’s Basic Four Elements Magic had a system ranging from 1-star to 5-star. Each level dealt with different elemental magic, and at the final 5-star level, it achieved harmony among all elements. This corresponded to the Apprentice 5th Grade. This meant that Leon could train with this magic until he became an Arcane-Grade mage, the Grade following Apprentice 5th Grade.

Currently, Leon was practicing the 1-star Arpina magic, which was water magic.

“Clear waves, respond to my call and appear here. Aqua Sentinel.”

Mana condensed in the air, and a blue slime-like summon appeared. A characteristic of Arpina’s magic was that it summoned spirit-like creatures in the form of animals. These were not actual living familiars but rather manifestations of intent brought into reality. Once summoned, they could skip the intent manifestation stage in subsequent spells, aiding in the following magic.

If Aqua Sentinel was memorized, the incantation stage for Aqua Sentinel could be skipped, and the intent manifestation stage for the next linked spell could also be omitted, allowing Leon to cast spells at a speed similar to that of an Arcane-Gradeed mage. This was a clear example of the importance of high-level magic. If this was the case for magic used by Apprentice mages, it was obvious that high-level magic would become even more crucial as one advanced in Grade.

For six months, aside from his working hours at the magical archive, Leon devoted all his time to learning Arpina’s magic. Having obtained a private room, he no longer had to worry about practicing magic under the watchful eyes of others after work.

As he reached the latter stages of the 1st Grade, he started exchanging his rewards for artifacts instead. He kept a few elixirs for emergencies but consumed most of them.

Breakthrough Quest

▶ Advancement in Grade

He had determined that elixirs were not very helpful for advancing in Grade. Advancement in Grade was a matter of enlightenment.

After reaching a sufficient mana capacity through elixirs, Leon made up his mind. It was his first time receiving artifact rewards.

▶ Acquired Disposable Magic Missile Scroll (F-).

▶ Acquired Disposable Earth Wall Creation Scroll (F-).

Over the course of more than ten artifact rewards, there was only one non-disposable artifact.

▶ Acquired Mana Trace Eraser (E).

It was a disc-shaped artifact made of silvery metal. He had yet to find a proper use for it.

In addition, Leon had cleared a small area of the forest and prepared the ground to create a small herb garden next to his training space. Although it only contained the three types of herbs he had gathered during the old man’s errands, the growth rate of the herbs was satisfactory.

Even when Leon was outside the orb, time continued to flow within it. One minute in reality equated to an hour inside the orb. It was an ideal environment for growing herbs, regardless of growth cycles, suitable soil, humidity, or sunlight conditions. Simply planting them in the ground was enough for them to grow, thanks to the dense mana concentration.

For instance, the Planetia Dew Herb, which was listed in the F-grade elixir recipe, typically required 6-7 months of care to fully grow as an annual herb. However, after transplanting it into the orb, it fully matured and began to reproduce within just one day of real-world time.

‘If only I could secure more herbs…’

At the very least, he could almost replicate F-grade elixirs.

In six months, Leon had accumulated 80 merit points. Adding the 20 he originally had and the 10 merit points given each month, he had a total of 100 points. Leon had already decided how to spend all these merit points.

[Vacation (1 day) – Merit Points 5]

If he didn’t spend any merit points for a month, he could take 2 days of vacation. Leon hadn’t used any merit points for half a year.

He planned to use the vacation days when he broke through to the second Grade. He had accumulated 16 days of vacation. Leon immediately went to find the old man at the magical archive.

“I’d like to take my vacation.”

“Oh, finally using it? I’ve been waiting to see when you’d use it. How many days do you plan to take?”

“Sixteen days.”

“…”

Leon understood the old man’s speechlessness. He never intended to use all 16 days at once.

‘It’s a modern tactic to start with a big ask and then negotiate…’

“Alright.”

“…Pardon?”

Leon, who was about to say he’d use the days in parts, asked again, dumbfounded.

“I said it’s fine to use them all. But you’ll have to do me a favor later. I think I mentioned it once before.”

“Is it about gathering herbs?”

“This time, you’ll come with me.”

“With you…”

Leon pondered for a moment before nodding, hiding his doubts.

“Understood.”

“When do you plan to start your vacation?”

“Can I start from tomorrow?”

“Go ahead.”

In truth, he hadn’t expected it to be difficult to get approval for the vacation, given that the librarian’s presence was almost negligible. However, he hadn’t expected the old man to agree so readily to 16 days off. Was it a stretch to think that the old man had been waiting for an excuse to go herb gathering together?

Leon decided to remain cautious, even if it meant worrying unnecessarily.

Leon decided to prepare thoroughly for reaching the second Grade. For two weeks, he dedicated all his time to training, except for sleeping. He stocked up on quick meals like bread and ate them in the orb space. He didn’t leave his room. After receiving rewards from quests in reality, he would take a short nap and then immediately continue his training inside the orb.

As planned, Leon achieved the second Grade. He remained seated in a meditative position, observing his state.

——————————————————

[Growth Assistant]

Information

▶ Name: Leon

▶ Grade: Apprentice 2nd Grade

▶ Mana Quality: E-

▶ Attribute Constitution: Tri-Attribute (Water, Wind, Earth)

General Quest

▶ Basic Magic Training (Completed)

Breakthrough Quest

▶ Grade Advancement (Completed)

——————————————————

His mana core had become more solid, and his mana had increased. Thanks to the elixirs, Leon already possessed a mana capacity beyond that of a typical Apprentice 1st Grade mage. Now, he could use magic at least ten times in reality. This was about 1.5 times the amount a typical Apprentice 2nd Grade mage could use.

He could memorize one additional spell, and his mastery of Arpina’s basic magic had reached 2-star, allowing him to summon two familiars. These were the water and wind familiars.

Now, a truly mystical aura seemed to flow around Leon, making him feel like a real mage. This meant he had to be even more cautious. Stronger mages would find it easier to detect that he was a mage. Although he was adept at using mana concealment magic, he needed something safer. Despite this risk, Leon was beaming with joy purely from the achievement of advancing in Grade. Even Ria, who was considered the most talented, hadn’t reached the second Grade yet, and here he was, an Apprentice 2nd Grade mage in just seven months from being an ordinary person.

▶ Reward probability has increased due to Grade advancement.

▶ 200 hours of Orb of Space-Time provided.

▶ Please select an additional Grade advancement reward.

▶ Artifact (E+ Grade Magic Detection Pendant) / Elixir (E+ Grade Refined Essence)

‘Additional reward?’

Was it that from the second Grade onward, additional Grade advancement rewards were given? After a moment of contemplation, Leon chose the elixir. Although he had been exchanging general quest rewards for artifacts, an E+ grade elixir was a different story. Moreover, it was an essence.

▶ Acquired Refined Essence (E+).

A blue potion in a transparent bottle appeared in Leon’s hand. From his studies on elixirs, he knew that those labeled as ‘essence’ increased mana capacity, while those labeled as ‘refined essence’ improved mana quality. Naturally, refined essences were much rarer. While consuming essence could also enhance mana quality, it required a large quantity.

Without hesitation, Leon uncorked the bottle and drank it down. He felt a warm sensation spreading throughout his body, as if he were slowly submerging in warm water. Soon, a tingling sensation, like a fine electric current, coursed beneath his skin, converging towards his mana core at his solar plexus. The tingling feeling culminated in a burst of energy from his core. His senses sharpened, and his mind cleared instantly.

“Ha…”

A relaxed sigh escaped Leon’s lips.

▶ Mana Quality: E

His mana quality had risen from E- to E. With purer mana, even the same spells would become more powerful. Enjoying the pleasant sensation, Leon soon regained his composure. The other breakthrough rewards were straightforward. The 200 hours of training time were reasonable, given that higher Grades required more training time. Although he didn’t feel an immediate difference from the increased reward probability, he believed it would prove beneficial eventually.

General Quest

▶ Acquired Disposable Triple Fireball Scroll (E-).

‘Oh, maybe I can feel the difference already.’

Just in case, he had completed a general quest after increasing the reward probability with his breakthrough reward, and he received a decent scroll. Although it was disposable, it was still useful.

For the remaining two days, Leon stabilized and consolidated his overflowing mana. Concealing his mana with mana concealment magic, he headed to the archive for work.

“It’s been a while, and you look much better.”

“Thanks to you, I had a good rest.”

“You haven’t forgotten our promise, have you?”

“No, when should we go?”

“How about today?”

The old man’s face was calm and composed. Leon nodded with an expressionless face.

“…Understood.”

Returning to work after a long break didn’t feel awkward at all.

With little to do, it didn’t take long for Leon to readjust. After finishing his tasks, he left with the old man, heading towards the herb mountain. Unlike the last time, there were no guards at the entrance, but Leon didn’t show any sign of noticing.

“What kind of herbs should we gather today?”

“Ah, I remember we gathered low-grade herbs last time. Today, we’ll venture deeper.”

Without even looking for herbs, the old man just kept walking. After a long hike, he suddenly stopped.

“Is this where we should look?”

“Hmm…”

The old man didn’t answer, instead staring intently at Leon. Leon pretended to scan the surroundings, knowing full well what was coming.

“How did you awaken your mana?”

The old man’s voice carried an eerie undertone, different from his usual demeanor.

As expected.

Leon felt a sense of inevitability. Concealing his rising tension, he responded calmly.

“You knew?”

“Seeing that you think I didn’t know, it seems you didn’t learn from someone. That makes it even more intriguing. You awakened mana on your own?”

Leon began to activate his core, recalling the spell formulas in his mind. The old man noticed and smirked, a sinister expression that didn’t match his usually kind face.

“Did you just realize? But thinking you could face me with a 1st Grade’s power was your mistake.”

The old man drew upon his mana. Leon quickly assessed the old man’s Grade.

Third Grade!

He had suspected, but now it was confirmed. Despite the alarm bells ringing in his mind, Leon’s eyes remained calm and focused.

“I hope you make a good test subject.”

The old man raised his hand leisurely.