The Frugal Mage

At this time, Rayven was ready to purchase at least one of the three skills recommended to him by the system to pursue the Mystic Explorer Path.

He could still recall the system's guidance after all.

[ Path Guidance: Based on Host's current spell set and survival history, the Mystic Explorer Path aligns best. ]

[ Three Spells Recommendation: Mist Shroud, Fade Step, Whisper Link ]

[ Advancement Requirement: Host may advance from Tier 1 to Tier 2 Mage upon securing a total of 10 spells…

It was further explained what he could get from advancing and that he could also change one of the three Spell recommendations, and his Mystic Explorer Path would still be followed.

Since he already had Gust Step, he thought of changing the Fade Step into a different one like Mana Thred or Fireball…

His mind calculated prices, possibilities, and the risk of being broke again. Just as he weighed the purchase, a crisp notification shimmered into view.

[ New Mission Generated! ]

Mission: The Principle of Harmony

Though you cannot sense or control mana, true power lies in understanding how spells resonate with one another. Within the Great Library of Hesa lies a forgotten manuscript on Spell Harmony, an ancient theory that explains how different spell structures interact, amplify, or cancel each other.

Most mages ignore it as "useless philosophy." To you, it is invaluable.

Objectives:

Visit the Great Library in Hesa.

Locate the manuscript or scroll on Spell Harmony.

Study and learn the essential principles.

Reward:

[ 20% Discount Voucher ( Any Skill Market Purchase ) ]

[ +50 Gold Coins ]

Duration: 5 days. ]

"Huh? What a random quest." Rayven muttered as he didn't expect this sudden mission being given to him.

As he read through the mission, he also felt confused.

Spell Harmony?

He had seen the term before… It was something that the System Guidance had already hinted to him. Thyruz also informed him about this…

According to him, most mages dismissed it, claiming that Spell Harmony was for the weak. For capable or talented mages, even if they learned random Spells, it would just always work if they know how or when to use them.

There should be no need to harmonize the limited number of Spells they could learn.

But for him, someone who used the system to bypass mana control, it might give him something more than just Spellcasting…

If he understood how spells worked together at their foundation, perhaps he wouldn't just be throwing out spells in exchange for gold. Perhaps, he could control the Spells to do more than just what they were described to do.

Rayven was still unsure why the system suddenly gave him this mission, but he decided to accept it.

It would give him a discount and some gold. Then, he'd also learn more about Spells. It was definitely not a bad thing.

***

Rayven dressed plainly the next morning, avoiding any hint that he was a mage…

He wore a simple gray tunic and boots, clothes that marked him as just another student or clerk wandering the city.

To anyone looking, he appeared ordinary. Exactly how he preferred it. He didn't even bring an escort with him today…

Since he was already a Silver Rank Adventurer, he was able to convince his uncle to stop being escorted already.

Anyway, the Great Library of Hesa sounded really grand, but it wasn't as big as he imagined.

It was only a three-story building, and it didn't have great architecture at all.

Nonetheless, it seemed really important as it was protected by many guards.

Inside, a long desk greeted him, manned by a young woman in neat robes.

Since she seemed to be writing some reports, she only glanced at him the moment he entered. She immediately knew that Rayven was a new customer.

"Access fee is five copper coins. First floor only."

Rayven was stunned after hearing. "Five coppers? Just to look at books? Surely there's some sort of scholar's discount, or--"

"No," the woman cut him off smoothly. "Unless you are a member, or part of the Mage Guild."

"Ahhh…"

Rayven wasn't a member or part of the Mage Guild at all.

Five coppers wasn't much, but the way she said first floor only told him the book he wanted wouldn't be anywhere near there. Still, he paid.

The first level was also quite huge now that he saw it.

There are rows upon rows of basic documents, histories, educational books, and others… But there wasn't anything related to magic at all. It was as expected.

It was definitely not common knowledge.

After all, the Magic Knowledge was tightly guarded by the large organizations and mage clans. Even Spell Models weren't easily found in this city.

With that in consideration, Rayven knew that the book he was looking for wouldn't be easy to find.

He skimmed shelves quickly, but it didn't take him long to realize the truth. Nothing here…

Then, he used his Spell to try once more.

"Detect Mana Source…"

[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. ]

[ Current Balance: 1789 Gold Coins ]

As expected, he didn't find any book emitting mana or something. He didn't even know if the book he was looking for could have it.

'There are so many books here… How am I supposed to find it?'

He returned to the desk and asked instead. Although the woman shouldn't know about this as well, he still tried.

"I'm searching for a manuscript or something related to Spell Harmony. It's not on the first floor, is it?"

The woman barely looked up. "I've never heard about Spell Harmony… There should be Spell guides on the first floor, though… If it's not there, you can try the Second level. Access fee is ten silver coins."

Rayven stiffened. "Ten… silver?" He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Look, I only need one text. I'll be quick. How about…"

"No."

"Not even a reduced rate? Half?"

"No."

He frowned, trying again. "If I borrow instead…"

The woman's sigh was long and weary, like she'd heard every excuse in the kingdom. "Sir, unless you are a member of the Library Group or a Mage Guild affiliate, there are no discounts."