The Frugal Mage

Rayven knew that it was possible to have the same limitation as normal mages since even the System's Skill Market was only selling him Common or Uncommon spells.

It probably meant that his body could only use that level of Spell... He wasn't sure.

Still, even if his guess was wrong, he must be smart about his seven spells.

At this time, Rayven already possessed Mana Flick, Appraisal, Detect Mana Source I, Telekinesis I, and Mana Pulse I.

That was already five.

If the same rules applied to him, that left two slots remaining.

'Right… I should have a thousand gold left. Let's see…' Rayven wanted to check his Coinbound System, but suddenly, he was notified by the system about the reward for the purchase.

[ You have received 2x Market Refresh Tokens! ]

"Ohhh… This isn't bad." Rayve muttered to himself.

After all, the Market rarely changed its inventory unless it bought something. It may even take a day or two for it to be refreshed.

Now, with these refresh tokens, he could reroll his options entirely.

[ Available Skills ]

Telekinesis I (Common) – 500 Gold ( Not Available )

Quick Mend (Common) – 500 Gold

Toughen Skin (Common) – 600 Gold

Mana Pulse I (Common) – 750 Gold ( Not Available )

Magic Missile I (Uncommon) – 800 Gold

Flame Dart (Uncommon) – 850 Gold

Stone Skin (Uncommon) – 900 Gold

"Should I refresh?" Rayven muttered to himself as he looked at the five available skills.

They were certainly decent. He liked the Stone Skin for defense, Quick Mend if he doesn't have potions or bandages, and Flame Dart just because it's a fire… After all, who wouldn't want to throw a fireball or something?

"Ugh… This is too difficult…"

With his 1,000 gold coins, he could purchase another uncommon skill. It seemed like a waste to just refresh it now.

It's not like he'd get some rare or unique Spells anyway.

He was sure that he'd just get another Common and Uncommon Spells.

Rayven considered for a moment.

"What if the Coinbound System is different? What if it doesn't bind me by their rules?"

It was a risk. He wanted Stone Skin or maybe Flame Dart, but he couldn't be reckless. He needed to choose carefully, plan for both the duel and the future.

His fingers drummed on the desk as he weighed his options.

However, he soon recalled his grandfather's advice… Patience was better than impulse.

"Hooo~" Rayven exhaled slowly.

"I'll hold off," he murmured under his breath.

"First, secure my victory with what I already have. Then… I'll know if the System binds me like other mages or not."

Of course, if needed, he could also consider purchasing a new skill mid-battle.

The thought comforted him slightly, though doubt still lingered at the back of his mind.

With his choices made, Rayven closed the system interface before he finally left the Auction Hall…

***

Outside the Auction Hall, Calder was waiting near the steps, scanning the street to pass the time.

Suddenly, the young swordsman straightened as soon as Rayven appeared.

"Young master. Everything went well inside?" Calder asked. He knew what Rayven did inside, and he was very curious about what happened.

Rayven gave a small nod. "Yes. Nothing troublesome."

Calder didn't pry further. It was enough to know that it went well and Rayven seemed to be satisfied.

Of course, he also didn't want to appear too nosy about the young master.

Since it was still quite early, Rayven decided against returning straight to the estate.

"Let's take a detour. I want to walk through the marketplace," Rayven said.

"As you wish." Calder fell into step beside him and dutifully worked as a guard. Although he was used to his work as a convoy or caravan guard, he also had experience working as a bodyguard.

He was confident that he could protect Rayven even in the busy market.

In any case, Rayven deliberately headed toward the sections he hadn't visited with Thyruz the day before.

***

Just like his previous visit, the market was filled with the bustle of vendors selling spices, fabrics, trinkets, and charms as they called for attention. To the untrained eye, it was just clutter and noise. But for Rayven, it was all information, allowing him to find a good place to search for possible hidden treasure…

He believed that it should be most likely from the peddlers selling random trinkets, antique shops, and maybe even the black market, if that place exists.

He scanned each stall carefully, hoping for his unusual instinct to get triggered.

He looked for some oddities, jewelry with faded runes, tools too finely crafted for the prices they were sold at, or items that seemed out of place among the wares.

Well, he knew that hidden treasures are rarely wrapped in gold or silk… more often, they're disguised as junk.

Rayven's fingers itched, but he knew better than to cast Appraisal on every odd thing that caught his eye. Each use was costly.

"Ahh…"

Rayven's steps slowed when he noticed an antique shop at the corner of the street.

He exchanged a glance with Calder. The swordsman scanned the alley, then gave a nod. "I'll watch the entrance."

Without anymore hesitation, Rayven pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The air that greeted was as expected. It smelled like old wood, but it was not pungent.

Shelves were stacked with chipped statues, tarnished candlesticks, cracked masks, and old scrolls bound in leather straps. It was the kind of place most people would dismiss as full of junk.

But not Rayven.

The moment he entered, something deep inside him stirred.

His unnatural instinct—the same one that had never failed him before—prickled at the back of his neck. He slowed his breathing and let his eyes sweep across the shop.

That was when he saw it.

On the counter near the back, partly hidden under a frayed cloth, was a slab of stone. It looked ordinary at first glance…

Yet to Rayven, it felt wrong in a way that meant right. The pull was undeniable.

The shopkeeper noticed Rayven's gaze… He realized that the young man was looking at the slab, but he remained silent.

He hesitated only briefly before speaking in a very soft voice…

"Appraisal…"

[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. Current Balance: 999 ]