I once again logged in. It was currently past midnight in the game world, making it the perfect time for sneaking into that library. I decided to get going right away.
Following the instructions in the diary, I’ would start by heading south. It was vaguely mentioned as ‘two blocks south,’ but I believe it probably meant two streets ahead. Assuming my guess was correct, I proceeded.
“Ah, there’s the Lesser Ratman, scurrying around…”
As I went a little further, I spotted the Lesser Ratman walking ahead in the sewer. He didn’t notice me yet, but what should I do?
(Well, running away seems to be the only option. Since I don’t have any long-range attack means, there’s no other choice….Even though I’m supposed to be a mage myself.)
I pulled my robe tightly around me and hid in the shadows of the pillars scattered around. Thinking about it, with no breathing sounds or body heat, my skeletal frame seemed suitable for scouting.
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You have acquired the [Stealth] skill through your past actions and experiences.
You have acquired the [Sneak] skill through your past actions and experiences.
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While evading battle in this manner, I managed to reach the ladder precisely as described in the diary. Along the way, I had the opportunity to acquire two new skills, which should make sneaking into the library a little easier.
Oh, by the way, I neglected to mention earlier that in this game, there are two methods for acquiring skills. The first involves utilizing SP (Skill Points) earned through leveling up, while the second entails repeatedly performing actions related to the desired skill. Up until this point, I had been hiding in the shadows and walking without making any sound, which must have led me to acquire this skill.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, the latter method wasn’t particularly popular among players. Although it had the advantage of not consuming SP, it was admittedly tedious and arduous to train within the game. For instance, to acquire the “Swordsmanship” skill, one would need to practice sword swings a certain number of times. In comparison, leveling up and using acquired SP proved to be a quicker route to obtaining new skills.
“Now, let’s climb up.”
Setting aside the discussion on skills, my current priority was to climb the ladder. Oh? Just as I expected, due to my skeletal composition, my body was incredibly light. Even though my physical education grades were average back when I was a student, I effortlessly ascended at this moment.
(Huh? Could it be that a skeleton is indeed more suited for scouting…?)
(N-No, let’s not dwell on it.)
In just about ten seconds, I managed to climb up the ladder and push open the lid that resembled a manhole, blocking the exit. Hmm… It’s heavy…
Without making much noise, I finally made my way into the library after moving the lid….Even though there were plenty of players in the game, was I the only one who first entered a building in a trespassing-like way?
“Cleaning supplies… So this is a storage room.”
It seemed that the library’s storage room was connected to the sewer system. The door didn’t appear to be locked. Let’s get this over with quickly.
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The level of [Stealth] skill has increased.
The level of [Sneak] skill has increased.
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“Heheh, hahaha!”
Back in my base’s personal room, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Oh boy, the harvest was even greater than I anticipated. Not only did I acquire essentials like “Fundamentals of Magic” and “Introduction to Elemental Magic,” but I also obtained practical books such as “Fundamentals of Alchemy” and “Beginner’s Guide to Summoning.” And that’s not all, I even got my hands on “Comprehensive Guide to Basic Skills,” “Alchemy Material Catalog,” and reference books like “Advanced Magic” and “Advanced Alchemy”. Furthermore, I even managed to acquire a book called “Magic Circles Studies”! I just couldn’t stop laughing!
Moreover, regarding the last book, “Magic Circles Studies” if I thoroughly read it, it seems I’ll be able to acquire the skill of [Magic Circle]. Although it wasn’t an option during character creation, it appears there are many skill that could be acquired by gathering information within the game.
By the way, I want to clarify that I didn’t steal these books, and I won’t resort to sophistry by claiming I was merely borrowing them for eternity.. I did actually pay the fee! Well, I just happened to leave everything that was inside the pouch I found in the hideout’s drawer. I should be fine since I haven’t acquired the [Theft] skill, or so I hoped.
“Let’s start with ‘Fundamentals of Magic’.”
Putting aside the preamble, let’s delve into the books I “purchased” from the library. Let’s hope their contents prove to be interesting.
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You have acquired the [Magic Control] skill through your past actions and experiences.
You have acquired the [Non-Elemental Magic] skill through your past actions and experiences.
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Yes, I have indeed finished reading the first book, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations in terms of enjoyment!
To give a rough summary of the book’s content, it teaches how to use magic by harnessing magic power to create various phenomena. It’s explained in such a clear and concise manner that even middle schoolers, or even upper elementary school students, could understand it and by simply following the “Let’s practice!” section at the end of the chapter, I was able to acquire two new skills.
Thanks to the [Magic Control] skill, I could now manipulate my magic power freely, and with [Non-elemental Magic], I could handle pure magic without any specific element. With this, I could finally say that I’ve stepped into the world of magic! Let’s keep reading and progress further with this momentum!
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I finished reading “Introduction to Elemental Magic” and “Fundamentals of Alchemy.” Through them, I learned about the compatibility, strengths, and weaknesses among different elements, as well as the ability to acquire multi elemental magic by leveling up. However, I also discovered the need to read specialized books for each element to acquire elemental magic without consuming SP. Additionally, reaching Level 10 in a specific elemental magic skill would lead to the evolution of the said skill, with the criteria of allocating SP for its advancement. Furthermore, I realized that the only way to raise the level of both magic and alchemy was through practice.
I made a mistake. I hadn’t stolen—ahem, I mean, purchased—the books on fundamental elemental magic. Well, it’s not too difficult since the SP cost for elemental magic is only one point for each element. As for leveling them up, I can use them extensively once I’ve acquired them; furthermore, I can ignore the skill evolution for now as it’s something for the future anyway. I just need to avoid wasting my SP. However, alchemy posed a serious problem. Even if I wanted to practice, I didn’t have any materials at hand.
“I guess I have no choice but to go out into the field.”
According to the “Alchemy Material Catalog,” the materials available in the town of Firth include medicinal herbs and poisonous plants found in the southern forest, various ores collected in the northern mountains, as well as the organs and bones of monsters.
For now, it seemed that the only material I had was a rat’s front teeth, which apparently counted as an alchemical ingredient. However, the minimum level required to use this material was set at 3, making success highly unlikely. Furthermore, according to the “Fundamentals of Alchemy,” the level of [Alchemy] could only increase through successful transmutations. There appeared to be no other option but to venture out and gather materials. Without wasting any time, I set out on my journey.
However, the problem was that I had no idea how to exit the sewer and enter the field above. So, I decided to map out the sewer while hunting down the monsters along the way to level up. But even with the intention to level up, I was currently a solo mage. It was clear that the moment my mana ran out, I would become nothing more than a defenseless wooden doll. I couldn’t afford to take any reckless actions.
Using my [Stealth] and [Sneak] skills, I cautiously proceeded north for the time being. Although there was not a single light in the sewer, thankfully my [Night Vision] allowed me to see clearly.
“Ah, there it is.”
After walking for about a minute, I spotted a regular visitor to the sewer, the Lesser Ratman. Thanks to my skills, it didn’t notice my presence. This was a chance for a surprise attack. But before that, let me use [Appraisal] on my opponent.
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Race: Lesser Ratman Lv4
Job: None
Skills: [Robust Digestion]
[???]
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Oh? It seems like I can now see more information. And what’s this… [Robust Digestion]? It seems they can’t have a decent meal in this environment. Well, I don’t have anything in me that can be eaten… Wait a minute. Could it be that they also eat bones?
Never mind that. For now, I’ll take the initiative and ensure victory! Taste the magic I’ve finally become capable of using!
“Dark ball!”
As I unleashed the magic, a blackish ball of energy began forming at the tip of my staff. Within seconds, it grew to the size of a bowling ball and shot straight towards the Lesser Ratman, hitting it square in the head.
“Dzu…”
――――――――――
You have won the battle.
You have acquired the [Ambush] skill through your past actions and experiences.
――――――――――
I-in a single blow? Is the power of magic truly that formidable? Or perhaps it’s the effect of the newly acquired ‘Ambush’ skill? If successful, the damage is doubled, right? This requires verification. Let’s find the next target. No drops… as expected, but let’s hold out hope for the next one to drop some materials, even if they it hold no practical use.
…Ah, there they are. This time, there were two of them. The [Appraisal] results showed the same level 4 as the one I just defeated. These two would serve well for verifying my skills
“Dark ball!”
“Dzuh…”
“Dzuh?!”
The ambush skill succeeded. It got defeated in a single blow as well. The other one noticed me after the attack and was heading this way. This makes the verification process all the more promising.
“Dark ball!”
“Djih!”
The cunning Lesser Ratman attempted to evade my dark ball by stepping aside. But it was futile! Thanks to diligently studying the introductory book, I have mastered [Magic Control. It was a technique that allowed me to manipulate my own magic power. Consequently, I could exert a certain level of control over the magic even after casting it.
“Whoa?!”
My dark ball magic attack swiftly pursued the Lesser Ratman and directly struck its face. Its health… ugh, it’s just barely above half. Well, that’s alright. I can consider it as another opportunity for further testing.
“Magic Ball!”
“Zii!”
The attack known as the Magic Ball was a basic magic technique implemented from the [Non-Elemental Magic] skill. It struck the enemy’s head as intended, but it appeared that the Lesser Ratman still retained approximately ten percent of its health. Evidently, its power was inferior to that of the Dark Ball.
This outcome was anticipated. As outlined in the guide book, “Fundamentals of Magic,” [Non-Elemental Magic] excels in the efficient consumption of magic power and swift activation. Despite lacking specific attributes, it consistently delivers an impact against any foe. However, it fell short in terms of raw power compared to elemental magic. This is something you can truly grasp through actual practice.
“Dark Ball”
“Jyuaa…”
And thus, the second Dark Ball successfully accomplishes its task. It was quite effective. With my ambush skill, I should be capable of swiftly dispatching two Lesser Rat Men.
――――――――――
Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Dark Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Non-Elemental Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Ambush] skill has increased.
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Oh, a level up? My skills are progressing well. Well, it seems that leveling up was relatively easy until level 10, so it couldn’t be considered fast by any means.
Let’s continue hunting at this pace until my magic power is reduced by half. Then I’ll return to the laboratory and study magic until my magic power is restored. This rotation should work well for a while.
Huh? Speaking of which, even though my magic level has increased, my staff mastery level did not. Is that because it already increased during the first battle? Could it be that actually attacking with the staff yields more experience points for the [Staff Mastery] level…? Well, that’s hard to believe…
Anyway, it was about time to use some SP. After all, my plan was to become proficient in magic across all attributes. As Lady Yifa mentioned, I couldn’t learn the light attribute due to my weakness skill, but I should be able to learn the other attributes without any problem. With four basic attributes and 4 SP remaining, it worked out perfectly….
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You have acquired [Earth Magic].
You have acquired [Water Magic].
You have acquired [Fire Magic].
You have acquired [Wind Magic].
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Alright, that should do it. Now, shall we resume hunting? Let’s try to use my abilities evenly and increase my skill levels accordingly. As a villain specializing in magic, it is imperative that I possess knowledge of magic surpassing even that of the wise sage on the protagonist’s side. I mustn’t fall short in terms of magic expertise.
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Name: Isam
Race: Skeleton Lv1 up!
Job: Apprentice mage Lv1 up!
Remaining SP (skill points): 100
Skills:
- [Staff mastery] Lv1
- [Magic Control] Lv1 new!
- [Earth Magic] Lv0 new!
- [Water Magic] Lv0 new!
- [Fire Magic] Lv0 new!
- [Wind magic] Lv0 new!
- [Dark Magic] Lv1 up!
- [Magic] Lv1 new!
- [Archeology] Lv5 up!
- [Linguistics] Lv3 up!
- [Alchemy] Lv0
- [Appraisal] Lv3 up!
- [Night Vision] Lv-
- [Stealth] Lv2 new!
- [Sneak] Lv1 new!
- [Ambush] Lv1 new!
- [Status Resistance] Lv-
- [Light Weakness] Lv10
- [Physical Attack Weakness] Lv10
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TN : I have no idea why he says I have 4 SP remaining even though he has 100 more, maybe he meant to not spend those 100, or he may mean he has four other than the 100 he gained through discovering the laboratory.
Dark Ball and Magic Ball are spelled in English in the raws, so I had no leeway to translate them to any other terms.
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