The Frugal Mage

As soon as he did this, the Coinbound System seemed to start analyzing everything about him…

There was some sort of loading process before another notification from the system appeared.

[ Personalized Guidance Initialized… ]

[ Analyzing Host: Rayven ]

[ Common to Uncommon Spell Base Detected ]

[ Current Path Potential: High Versatility, Low Specialization ]

The words made Rayven curious, but he waited for it to finish loading…

[ Recommendation: You are advised to select one of the following Primary Spell Paths for advancement. ]

'Alright… What do you have for me here…' He mused.

Just like that, the system showed another window showing three branching paths…

[ Arcane Manipulator Path: Focus on control-type spells: mana shaping, telekinesis, and domain construction. Ideal for battlefield versatility and support. ]

[ Elemental Battlemage Path: Specialize in elemental offense and defense. High destructive potential. Risk: higher mana cost, requires elemental attunement. ]

[ Mystic Explorer Path: Detection, appraisal, sensory, and mobility spells. Excels in survival, information gathering, and dungeon exploration. Low direct combat potential but extremely adaptable. ]

Rayven's heartbeat quickened after seeing the three possible paths he could take.

They all seemed incredible.

The Arcane Manipulator Path was definitely an ideal battlefield support, as the system noted. He also liked the possibility of getting domain-like abilities.

As for the Elemental Battlemage Path, he knew that he would become an explosive mage with this path. He didn't really mind casting Fireballs all the time to deal with his target.

On the other hand, the Mystic Explorer Path seemed quite good if he wanted to earn money…

Indeed, with the pen and newspaper business that he was planning, information gathering would be one of his best sources of income if he wanted to continue obtaining gold.

He knew that many people would pay a lot of money for information.

Still, he wasn't really sure if this would be the best long-term path for him.

Thankfully, the system wasn't done yet.

[ 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 ]

[ Suggested Progression: Prioritize unlocking a stronger Detection Ability to qualify for Tier 2 advancement. ]

[ Advancement Requirement: Host may advance from Tier 1 to Tier 2 Mage upon securing a total of 10 spells to activate Physical Augmentations Feature and paying a tax.

Current tally: 7 spells. Remaining requirement: 3 additional spells. ]

[ Remarks:

-One of the three remaining Spell Recommendations can be ignored, and the Host will remain in the Mystic Explorer Path.

-Without Physical Augmentation, Host will encounter a bottleneck at the Tier 1 threshold.

-Upon reaching a total of 10 spells, Spell Removal Feature will unlock. Host may permanently delete any learned spell from the system. Warning: Deleted spells will not refund coins. All invested costs are lost forever. ]

"Whoa~ This is awesome…"

Rayven muttered after carefully reading everything.

The Physical Augmentation and Spell Removal Features would definitely help him a lot. As expected, his Coinbound System was more than just a tool to cast Spells. There may be a lot more features than he imagined. Perhaps, he could only unlock them once he advanced from his current Tier.

'It's a pity that there's no refund, but that's fine… I can get better spells with that.' Rayven mused.

Finally, he looked at the last note in the message.

[ Note: Physical Augmentation Feature will introduce permanent enhancements, but each upgrade requires both spell milestones and coin investment. Prioritize obtaining a stable revenue stream before attempting repeated enhancements. ]

'Well… Thanks for the reminder.'

After feeling satisfied with the 300 gold coins he had just paid, Rayven leaned against his chair and closed his eyes…

This was beyond valuable.

It wasn't just a simple piece of information. It was a map for his advancement. He obtained what Spell to get and was even made aware of how to advance to a Tier 2 Mage.

'So… Mystic Explorer, huh? I hope I get some bonus reward from the system if I follow this path.'

Anyway, this Mystic Explorer path made sense. His spells already leaned in that direction. The detection, appraisal, and movement. Even Stone Skin was more survival-oriented than purely offensive.

For the first time, Rayven felt like he wasn't walking blind in the world of magic.

Rayven then checked his system and confirmed that he only had 234 gold coins left. The cost was steep, but the value… immeasurable.

He then deposited the newly earned 7 gold coins and pushed his balance to 241 gold.

Then, he opened his Skill Market menu.

[ Skill Market – Current Listings ]

Spark (Common) – 500 Gold

Quick Mend (Common) – 500 Gold

Toughen Skin (Common) – 600 Gold

Gust Step (Common) – 650 Gold

Magic Missile I (Uncommon) – 800 Gold

Flame Dart (Uncommon) – 850 Gold

Earthen Grasp (Uncommon) – 900 Gold

The Gust Step was already greyed out, as he already had it. Furthermore, the 10% discount was also removed.

After a moment of hesitation, Rayven finally used his Refresh Token!

[ Refresh Token has been used. ]

[ Skill Market Refreshed ]

Mana Thread (Common) – 500 Gold

Stone Shot (Common) – 550 Gold

Minor Barrier (Common) – 650 Gold

Fireball (Uncommon) – 850 Gold

Mist Shroud (Uncommon) – 900 Gold

Fade Step (Uncommon) – 950 Gold

Whisper Link (Uncommon) – 1,000 Gold

"It's here… All three recommended spells. As expected…' Rayven mused as he looked at it. It was definitely not a coincidence.

It was queued there after the system made a recommendation for him. It was probably part of the 300 gold coins he spent on that feature.

In any case, Rayven checked the Whisper Link first since it was the most expensive…

[ Whisper Link (Uncommon): Establishes a private telepathic link between the caster and one target within range. Communication is silent and uninterrupted by distance, but ends if either party loses consciousness.

Range: 150 meters

Duration: 3 minutes

Cost per use: 1 Gold

Type: Utility / Communication ]

'As expected, it's telepathy… This is perfect.' Rayven muttered.

He was happy to get this Spell, but of course, he would feel even better if he obtained Silent Casting or something similar someday…