The Frugal Mage

"This is incredible…" Rayven was definitely interested in knowing about the other Mage Paths. He believed that he would meet these mages someday.

'I wonder what path Cedric takes…' Rayven mused as he recalled how the man mixed elemental spells.

Rayven focused on the True Seeker's Path. It sounded awesome. There was no doubt that this Path would have detection spells and others.

As expected, the True Seeker's Path's Core Spells were Spells like Reveal, Mind Pierce, and Vision Beyond.

He had never heard of these spells but he could understand what they could do with just their names alone.

Then, as expected, the seeker's art was built on perception and unraveling disguises or stealth. Reveal stripped illusions and any form of falsehood, while Mind Pierce shattered mental defenses, and Vision Beyond allowed foresight into patterns unseen.

"Foresight? Isn't this too good?" Rayven mused as he read more information about it.

Together, they made a mage who could see truths others could not.

Still, just like the other Mage Paths, a problem would arise when True Seekers attempted to force destructive elements like fire or lightning into their set. Their minds often fractured, and they would be unable to differentiate clarity from chaos.

'Ahh… Are you telling me that selecting Spell alone can be harmful?' Rayven was stunned.

"That's… not exactly combat-focused. But dangerous in its own way."

Rayven didn't expect that he'd enjoy reading this manuscript. There were simply too many possibilities for a Mage.

It was unfortunate that large organizations or only those ancient Mage Families had access to certain Spell Rune Models.

Because of that, Rayven believed that most of these paths would probably be impossible to attain.

Still, Rayven wanted to learn more about this. Not just because of the mission, but because he was genuinely curious about the other paths.

The manuscript then detailed the Spirit Cultivation's Path.

Core Spells: Soul Resonance, Spirit Ward, Vital Transference.

This path strengthened both body, soul, and spirit. Soul Resonance amplified a mage's vitality, Spirit Ward shielded against corruption and curses, while Vital Transference allowed one to heal others or drain life energy for survival.

The three core spells formed a cycle of renewal and endurance…

'Spirit Cultivation… This looks impressive.' Rayven mused. Although this Path would probably not make him earn a lot of money, unlike his Mystic Explorer path, he still appreciates how this path would probably make him Immortal or some sort.

But just like before, this path had drawbacks. If mixed with spells of domination or darkness, the harmony collapsed. Many who failed had their own spirits eroded by imbalance.

Rayven's eyebrows lifted. "That would've been perfect for someone like Kael…" he thought, recalling the Healing Hand Talent wielder he had once read about.

The third was the Holy Spirit's Path.

Core Spells: Sacred Blessing, Purge Flame, Holy Sense.

The Holy Mage had an obvious advantage against Dark Mages with their set of Skills. Furthermore, they worked better with companions around them.

Sacred Blessing fortified allies, Purge Flame burned corruption, and Holy Sense unveiled wicked presences. The synergy was direct… Defense, cleansing, and awareness…

Rayven wasn't too interested in this since he'd probably get taken out if he tried to earn money using Sacred Blessing and other Holy Spells.

He was at least aware that certain Holy Mages were priests working in various churches, and they couldn't just sell their expertise so easily. He'd also get into trouble if he learned Holy Spells that were monopolized by the church.

He didn't want to get in trouble with the church, so Holy Spells was not in his options.

Anyway, he checked the Dark Dominion's Path next.

Core Spells: Shadow Grasp, Curse Mind, Soul Drain.

"Now… This sounds like a villain, Spells or something." Rayven muttered to himself as the Curse Mind and Soul Drain were definitely some sort of evil Spells.

He wouldn't be surprised if the Royal Family itself monopolized the Spell Rune Model of these two to ensure that it wouldn't be used by random mages.

Anyway, it was further explained that the dominion of darkness was not to create chaos but to control. Shadow Grasp bound enemies, Curse Mind weakened them, and Soul Drain harvested vitality to fuel the caster.

When used together, the mage would steadily erode their opponent's strength.

Once again, this Mage Path wouldn't make him earn anything. Well, he could probably use this to steal money, but other than that, he couldn't think of how it would help him earn a lot of gold.

If he also considered living as a bounty hunter or an assassin, this path might be a good option. However, it was too dangerous.

Still, the manuscript had a warning about choosing this path…

"Beware… the Dark Dominion does not merely harmonize with its caster. It claims them. Unless balanced by will, the practitioner ceases to command and becomes commanded."

Rayven shook his head as the author really wanted to be poetic or something. Nonetheless, he understood what it meant.

As he continued reading, he learned more about the various paths…

Paths like Arcane Master, Blood Forge, Grave Binders, and Nature's Envoy also exist…

Rayven exhaled slowly as he finished reading the manuscript…

"So many ways to shape power… each one with its own dangers."

The manuscript's final note seemed to be a warning from the long-dead author.

"A mage does not simply choose spells… they choose the fate of their soul. Harmony is not a leash. It is a key."

Rayven shut the book and felt satisfied…

He had come in searching for Spell Harmony, expecting some minor efficiency trick. Instead, he had uncovered a catalog of paths, dozens of them, each with rules, synergies, and dangers of learning them.

Now, he couldn't help but wonder whether his Mystic Explorer Path was truly enough… or whether he should carve a new one entirely, using his Coinbound System to cheat the rules these mages lived and died by.

Then, as he was thinking of this, the system finally recognized his achievement!

[ Mission Completed ]

[ Reward: 20% Discount Voucher (Skill Market) + 50 Gold Coins ]

"It's here…" Rayven muttered excitedly as the 20% discount was a big deal!