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Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Earth Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Water Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Fire Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Wind Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Sneak] skill has increased.
The level of [Ambush] skill has increased.
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I returned. Oh boy, it was indeed fun to be able to use all the different elemental magic types. Each had its own strengths and weaknesses, so considering those while using them was, I must say, the essence of being a mage.
Incidentally, I had nothing but gratitude for the Lesser Ratman. He served as a target for testing each element and contributed to understanding their performance. Well, it doesn’t change the fact that I would keep hunting them.
Oh, speaking of hunting, I obtained something that seemed like a rare drop. And it was this.
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Magic Stone – Quality: Scrap, Rarity: C
A stone generated within a monster’s body.
It absorbs and accumulates the surrounding magic power.
The absorption efficiency is proportional to the quality, and the maximum magic power capacity is proportional to the rarity.
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This stone appeared to serve as a peculiar kind of battery. With its low quality and rarity, it could be perceived as nothing more than a worthless rock. Nevertheless, discarding it was not part of my plans; it might prove useful at a later time.
Moreover, my improved proficiency in the [Appraisal] skill granted me the ability to obtain additional information about low-rarity items, which proved advantageous. Considering the unlikelihood of stumbling upon high-rarity items anytime soon.
This would suffice for evaluating the outcome of my hunting endeavors.
While my magic power required time to replenish, I could occupy myself with reading and indulge in the pleasure it brought. There remained a handful of introductory books at my disposal. Well then… let’s go with this “Beginner’s Guide to Summoning”
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You have acquired the [Summoning Magic] skill through your past actions and experiences.
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I see, I understood. It appears that the [Summoning Magic] in FSW had some peculiar specifications.
Firstly, the beings summoned through [Summoning Magic] were referred to as Summoned Beasts. Since Summoned Beasts weren’t counted as a member of a party, one could summon as many as they desired. However, while summoning them, the caster’s maximum magic power would be restricted. To be more specific, the amount of magic used for summoning would be deducted from the caster’s maximum magic power.
Secondly, the strength of the Summoned Beasts depended on both the level of [Summoning Magic] and the amount of magic expended during the summoning process. It seemed that scrimping on magic would only result in summoning weaklings. Well, that was only natural.
Thirdly, the types of Summoned Beasts were determined not by the increase in the level of [Summoning Magic], but by the actual beasts and monsters encountered by the caster. Furthermore, there were even some creatures among the monsters that couldn’t be summoned, so one could only hope to come across creatures compatible with [Summoning Magic].
Fourthly, regarding how to level up [Summoning Magic], there were three methods. The first was to use [Summoning Magic] itself, the second was to maintain the summoned state without recalling the Summoned Beasts, and the third was to achieve victory in battle while having the Summoned Beasts in the field. It all boiled down to mastering the skill of [Summoning Magic].
And one thing that should not be misunderstood was that [Summoning Magic] was simply a technique to summon servants. The Summoned Beasts were equipped with basic AI that only followed simple commands and did not grow or develop. If one desired to have creatures and monsters as companions, they needed to be trained and commanded through the [Taming] ability skill. The beasts seemed to be equipped with a pseudo-personality AI and; hence in that case, once they became obedient, they would grow together by fighting and deepening their bonds with the caster.
In my case, the Summoned Beasts would best serve as defensive walls. Utilizing [Appraisal], I would assess my enemy’s elements and deploy the Summoned Beast with corresponding traits to engage them, while I bombard them from the rear with my magic attacks. This strategy appeared promising. Now, I wonder what kind of creatures I could summon.
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Summonable creatures: Skeleton Monster.
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To my surprise, it seemed that my ability was limited to summoning creatures of the same race as me. Well, besides encountering the lesser Ratman I hadn’t come across any other monsters, so it couldn’t be helped. Now, let’s try summoning it right away. Yes, and while we’re at it, let’s also experiment with imbuing it with a specific element.
“Summon Skeleton – Dark Element”
Following the chant as described in the guidebook, I felt my magic power drain from my body. And before me, a dark-hued, moving skeleton materialized.
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[Dark Magic] level increased.
[Summoning Magic] Level increased.
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I succeeded. The magic power consumed was only a small fraction of my limit, so the monster wouldn’t be particularly strong. Nonetheless, I decided to bring it along for the next hunt.
More importantly, I wondered if imbuing it with a magic element would also enhance the level of that element’s skill. This was a significant discovery. I contemplated actively engaging in elemental imbuing.
Hmm, using magic had once again depleted my magic power. Perhaps I could use this opportunity to recover while reading another book. What should I choose next? Should I continue with the topic of element imbuing, such as “Understanding the art of Enchantments” or maybe explore something like “Creating and Utilizing Convenient Magic Tools”? or… This was a dilemma.
Alright, since I’ve already acquired a new skill, I should focus on experimenting with it during the next hunt. So, I’ll go with “Creating and Utilizing Convenient Magic Tools.” By the way, couldn’t they have come up with a better title for this DIY guidebook-like name? It’s a trivial matter, though.
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Phew, finally finished with the book. Magic tools were quite the fascinating instruments. These tools harness the magic power stored in magic stones to activate skills. With these tools and magic stones, one can perform magic attacks even without possessing magic skills themselves. Although it was not mentioned in this book, I was sure that there were some tools that could be used in combat, like the ones that were coveted by warriors.
However, as I continued reading, I discovered that creating these tools requires the essential skills of “Magic Circle” and “Craftsmanship.” The process involves channeling the magic power of the magic stone through the inscribed magic circle, which serves as the engine, if you will, with the magic stone as the fuel.
Fortunately, I chose to read this section first, as it provided valuable insights. Thanks to the book, I devised a particular training method. Once I return from my hunt, I’ll waste no time in putting it into practice. Now, it’s time to embark on the hunt alongside my summoned beasts!
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Race level increased. Gained 1 SP.
Job level increased. Gained 1 SP.
The level of [Staff Mastery] skill has increased.
The level of [Magic Control] skill has increased.
The level of [Dark Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Summoning Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Appraisal] skill has increased.
The level of [Stealth] skill has increased.
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Alright, alright. The growth of my skills was going well. If there was one problem, it was that my level in Summoning Magic was low, resulting in my summoned beast having limited skills.
My skeleton-summoned beast possessed five skills: [Night Vision], [Status Resistance], [Light Weakness], [Physical Attack Weakness], and [Dark Magic]. It was just a speculation, but perhaps what had been mentioned in the “Beginner’s Guide to Summoning” about “strengthening based on the level of Summoning Magic” meant “being able to have more skills based on the level of Summoning Magic.” I would test this theory when I return to my base.
However, what caught my attention was the absence of [Stealth] and [Sneak] skills in my summoned beast. This made it more difficult for my [Ambush] tactics to succeed! Who could have predicted that the downside of increasing my personnel would reveal itself here…! Due to this, before I embarked on the hunt had assumed that dealing with two Lesser Ratmen would be more manageable. Yet, now, there were actually more precarious situations than when I was alone.
It was frustrating, but I would have to endure until my level in Summoning Magic increased. Until then, I would continue the battle with my burdensome minions. This time, I planned to retreat once my magic power reached approximately half of its maximum number.
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The level of [Earth Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Water Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Fire Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Wind Magic] skill has increased.
The level of [Non-Elemental Magic] skill has increased.
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Oh, that was close! I never expected to be ambushed by three Lesser Ratmen! Well, they must have been foolish to launch a surprise attack while screaming, so Instead of doing bonus damage after a successful ambush, I actually managed to counterattack and fight normally.
Obtaining the second magic stone was a stroke of luck, but my summoned beast was quite exhausted. It would be better to recall it and summon a fresh one before heading out for the next hunt. Why didn’t I recall it now? It’s because I needed experience points for my Summoning Magic, so there was no other choice. My own level takes precedence above all else!
Now, before I continue reading some books, let’s test the training idea I came up with earlier. The item I needed was this “Magic Lamp” that was placed on the desk of the hideout’s personal room. Here are the results of the [Appraisal]:
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Magic Lamp – Quality: Inferior, Rarity: C
A type of magic tool.
It emits light of the light element by setting a magic stone.
The strength of the light varies depending on the quality of the set magic stone.
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At first, I thought the lamp was unnecessary since I had [Night Vision]. I was convinced that I would never require a lamp for either reading or combating in the sewers.
However, my perspective shifted when I realized the significance of this particular lamp. It was the fact that this lamp emitted light of the light element. Perhaps, just maybe, it would provide me with a faint light element damage.
If that were the case, I could gradually overcome my weakness while reading. It would bring the day when I could use light element magic much closer.
“Let’s see, I’ll put the magic stone here… Alright. ‘Activate.’”
Without delay, I inserted the magic stone I obtained from the Lesser Ratmen into the lamp and activated it. Then, a dim light generated by magic began to illuminate the room, resembling the glow of fireflies.
Whoa, it’s sending a tingling sensation across my skin, or rather, the surface of my bones. Skin? Never mind that. This is a great success. The health bar displayed in the corner of my vision continuously fluctuated between decreasing and replenishing. Moreover, to my delight, it appears that my current rate of health recovery exceeds the damage caused by the light. With this, I should be able to evade any foolish sudden death while I was engrossed in my reading.
The light element training plan seemed sufficient for the moment. As for melee attacks… I couldn’t think of any. Since I’m a rear guard, I guess its fine to give up once I take a physical hit.
Now, what should I read next? Should I go with “Understanding the Art of Enchantments” that I hesitated over earlier, or perhaps “Magic Circle Studies”? Both options were hard to pass up.
Alright, let’s go with both. In any case, I would just take my time and delve into them slowly, enduring until my Weakness to the light element is alleviated. After all, reading itself was no ordeal for me.
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You have acquired the [Enchantement] skill through your past actions and experiences.
You have acquired the [Magic Circle] skill through your past actions and experiences.
You have acquired the [Pharmacology] skill through your past actions and experiences.
The level of [Light Weakness] skill has decreased.
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I never expected it would take three books for the weakness to decrease by a level… but let’s consider it a good thing since my skills have increased. Now, let’s take a look at the acquired skills.
“Enchantment” was a skill that enhanced various things. It not only improved physical abilities and resistance to elements but was also necessary to bestow special effects on weapons and armor. If you wanted to wield a sword imbued with the fire element, for example, this skill was essential.
Similarly, just like [Summoning Magic] if you wanted to bestow some kind of element, you had to possess that element. However, when it came to crafting equipment, it seemed that one could manage somehow by skillfully utilizing the [magic circle] skill mentioned later on.
The [Magic Circle] essentially strengthened all kinds of magic. By drawing or engraving a magic circle on an object, it became possible to create magic tools and equipment with [Enchantment] but that was just one aspect of its effects. It would have been no exaggeration to say it was a combat-oriented skill.
To be more specific, deploying a magic circle could increase the casting speed of magic skills or, conversely, slow the duration of activation. Furthermore, it allowed for the simultaneous activation of multiple skills.
However, there was an issue on my end as well. When deploying the magic circle, it consumed an excessive amount of magic power. The increased magic power consumption indicated a decrease in the ability to sustain prolonged battles. While it could be mitigated by raising the level of the skill, leveling it up was bound to be a challenging task.
Furthermore, just like others in its category, I could only draw magic circles for the acquired skills. For instance, anyone with sufficient magic power could manage to draw a fireball magic circle, but only those capable of using the fireball attack could actually draw the fireball magic circle.
It seemed that both the [Enchantment] and [Magic Circle] skills would be of little use in combat unless one specialized in magic. Though they would likely be essential for production-related professions. As for me? I had no issues since I focused on magic specialization.
In any case, I had been logged in for quite a while. It was time to take a break. Oh, that’s right. I recalled reading on the official website that if I logged out anywhere other than on the bed or inside a tent, my avatar would remain in that location until I logged back in. The same should apply within this base. I decided to leave my avatar as it was. After all, I wanted to gain as much experience as possible for the [Light Weakness] skill.
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Name: Isam
Race: Skeleton Lv4 up!
Job: Apprentice mage Lv4 up!
Remaining SP (Skill Points): 104
Skills:
- [Staff Mastery] Lv3 up!
- [Magic Control] Lv3 up!
- [Earth Magic] Lv2 up!
- [Water Magic] Lv2 up!
- [Fire Magic] Lv2 up!
- [Wind Magic] Lv2 up!
- [Dark Magic] Lv3 up!
- [Non-Elemental Magic] Lv2 up!
- [Summoning Magic] Lv2 new!
- [Enchantment] Lv0 new!
- [Magic Circle] Lv0 new!
- [Archaeology] Lv5
- [Linguistics] Lv3
- [Pharmacology]
- [Alchemy] Lv0
- [Appraisal] Lv4 up!
- [Night Vision] Lv-
- [Stealth] Lv3 up!
- [Sneak] Lv2 up!
- [Ambush] Lv2 up!
- [Status Resistance] Lv-
- [Light Weakness] Lv9 down!
- [Physical Attack Weakness] Lv10
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