Chapter 6 Advancement

Returning to his bedroom, Panni packed his belongings, securely locking the doors and windows. He tidied his desk and, as in his past life, sat cross-legged on the bed. Without any surprises, he would spend most of the day practicing for his advancement.

This was the intention of Dean Janhuashi. Clearly, regardless of what future the dean had arranged for Panni, he would not allow him to continue masquerading as a zero-level mage. Janhuashi had made this point abundantly clear.

Moreover, Panni had already realized that at fourteen, it was unlikely for the Red Robes to accept him as a formal apprentice beyond the age limit. Janhuashi probably had other plans for him.

Panni didn't know what exactly Janhuashi had in mind, but he sensed no ominous signs. It probably wouldn't be a bad thing.

However, considering the unfamiliarity of the outside world to him, he needed to have some skills to cope with it.

He opened several thick books containing information on various first-level spells, which he had copied from the library.

Learning magic was a complex process:

1,Determine the magic to be learned.

2,Identify the essence of the magic from various sources such as textbooks, others' spellbooks, etc.

3,Communicate with the magical network, weave and construct the spell based on its characteristics, and repeatedly experiment until the spell construction is successful. This process takes the longest time in learning magic and often requires a significant amount of time.

4,Record the process and results of weaving in the spellbook. The imprint of this spell will be left within the soul, signifying the completion of learning the spell.

Every mage has access to a different "area" of the magical network, so the number of spells that can be constructed on a single layer of the magical network is limited. This concept is called spell slots, which increase as the mage's study of the arcane deepens. However, each layer of the magical network has a limit to the number of spell slots. For Panni, the current limit is approximately six.

After casting spells from the personal soul to the spell slots on the magical network, both the soul and the magical network experience mutual fatigue. Every morning, the empty spell slots on the magical network automatically refresh, and mages can alleviate mental fatigue through rest and intervals.

Therefore, Fee Ren's mages can only cast a certain number of spells each day.

Having spent eight years in this academy dedicated to the basic education of Red Robe apprentices, Panni is well-versed in the fundamentals of arcane research. In fact, three years ago, he had already accessed the first layer of the magical network but had not explored it deeply. He knew that he had six zero-level spell slots, and based on his aptitude, he speculated that his actual magical learning ability had reached the peak of a first-level mage.

However, the results of his first in-depth exploration of the magical network surprised him greatly. He discovered that a part of his soul connected to the first layer of the magical network actually had four spell slots. A faint, film-like shadow appeared after the first layer of the magical network, indicating that Panni had the ability to access the second layer of the magical network.

However, this surprise was currently of no use to him because he didn't have any second-level spell data on hand. Otherwise, he could have attempted to advance rapidly. The immediate task was to quickly learn a few useful first-level spells. So, he focused his mind and opened his spellbook.

The next spell selection was the main event.

Zero-level and first-level magic, while relatively simple and not very powerful in effect, are the cornerstones of arcane research.

For example, zero-level spells, although sometimes dismissed as mere cantrips, are actually the most crucial process for a mage, as they lay the foundation for arcane studies. Most apprentice mages may spend several years in this phase, which is likely to far exceed the time spent by mages on the first layer of the magical network. In the early stages of magical research, this phase occupies the largest portion.

Moving from zero-level to first-level spells, while it may not take as long, is even more critical.

The zero-level magical network is merely a term, in reality, it is just a dispersed structure emanating from the magical network system. It is only on the first layer of the magical network that the true entity of the magical network exists.

When learning spells at this level, one must begin to pay attention to the selection of spell categories, which requires careful consideration. Spells are categorized based on their nature, with classical arcane studies dividing them into eight types. Some of these types conflict with each other and cannot be well integrated into the portion of the magical network linked to the mage's soul. When choosing spells, mages inevitably have to make choices. Although some confident mages with strong control abilities may attempt to be proficient in all types of magic, it is difficult for a generalist to go far unless favored by the goddess Mystara.

Therefore, most high-level mages specialize in specific types of magic. As extreme specialists, Red Robe mages have taken specialization to the extreme.

As for how to choose spells, it depends on which type of magic suits the caster best. For Panni Sean, there is no doubt that his category is the school of enchantment. His powerful soul allows him to produce stronger effects when casting enchantment spells, and his extraordinary perception enables him to summon spells more efficiently than others...

More importantly, the school of enchantment does not require high intelligence from the mage...

In fact, during the study of zero-level spells, Panni also found that casting spells in the curse department was indeed relatively easy, while those spells with complex structures, requiring exceptionally high intelligence to master, such as transmutation, illusion, and divination, proved to be extremely challenging for him.

Thus, his path of specialization was not difficult to determine. Schools that demanded higher intelligence, such as transmutation, illusion, and divination, were not suitable for him. Most appropriate were the curse and evocation disciplines. Although the mastery of protective spells was equally challenging for Panni's intellect, as it involved unraveling spells and defense, it was indispensable. Additionally, the necromancy and enchantment disciplines proved useful to Panni in many situations, and their learning requirements were not overly stringent, so they also needed to be considered appropriately.

As the first official study of a first-level spell, Panni decided to learn the "Mage Armor" spell from the curse department.

Due to the oppressive atmosphere in the academy, many apprentices preferred to study destructive spells, such as the minor magic missile series from the curse department.

However, Panni was well aware that most low-level spells had limited lethality. Relying on these spells to kill was less practical than obtaining some bows, crossbows, or firearms. Therefore, he decided to select spells with some auxiliary functions.

The combat effectiveness of low-level mages was extremely low. In battle, survival was the primary task. Donning mage armor was akin to wearing a sturdy piece of thick leather armor. If attacked by someone with average strength, it might withstand a few more blows. It would be difficult for anything other than a critical hit from a crossbow to be fatal.

The learning process unexpectedly went smoothly. According to common practice, the third step in learning magic involved repeated experimentation, consuming a large number of spells of the same level. Typically, it would take a considerable amount of time for an ordinary mage to complete the study of a spell. However, perhaps due to Panni's innate talent, he managed to succeed after just one attempt, creating an invisible barrier around his body that was barely perceptible to the naked eye.

Panni promptly recorded the experimental process in his spellbook.

This was a necessary step.

Even the simplest zero-level spell requires filling two full pages with incantations. Clearly, unless favored by Mistressla herself, an ordinary mage would not possess such remarkable memory.

Each individual possesses unique conditions, and the magical web is not inert; it undergoes frequent changes, much like the tides. Therefore, for a spell, the casting process will inevitably vary for different individuals at different times. Thus, an original record used for correction is of utmost importance. Moreover, while theoretically, mages can learn many spells, some are commonly used while others are not. Over time, these less frequently used spells may be forgotten, necessitating regular revision in the spellbook.

Hence, although a spellbook is not a magical artifact, it holds immense significance for a mage. Its destruction would indeed cause considerable trouble for the mage.

The second spell is from the protection discipline, known as "Endure Elemental Damage," capable of shielding the caster from harm in environments ranging from minus 45 to plus 60 degrees Celsius. Its resistance to heat is limited, but it excels in enduring cold temperatures and boasts long-lasting effects, making it extremely cost-effective.

Panni spent over seven hours cross-referencing vast amounts of data for spell identification. After conducting one experiment, wasting a spell slot, he realized that mastering the spell was still a distant goal. It became evident that spells from the protection discipline were indeed too challenging for him. Consequently, he decisively abandoned it, opting to study it leisurely in the future.

The third spell is from the curse discipline, called "Summon Mount."

While being able to withstand a few more blows proves of little utility, the desire to flee necessitates having long legs. Unfortunately, most first-level spells suitable for fleeing are found within the transmutation discipline. Regrettably, Panni does not have an affinity with transmutation. Hence, he must rely on summoning creatures for his escape.

Panni successfully channeled the spell, traversing the magical web, seemingly reaching another realm. He "saw" dozens of running animal figures, realizing that these were the creatures he could summon as mounts. His heart swelled with joy; indeed, his perception was remarkably potent. A common mage would likely not perceive with such clarity, yet Panni had the opportunity to select his mount.

Focusing his thoughts on the most robust-looking creature among them, he halted his gestures and incantations. Suddenly, a resounding crash echoed through the room, followed by the sound of a horse neighing. A majestic horse with a height of over five feet galloped within Panni's bedroom. Astonished by the astonishing effect of the spell, Panni was momentarily stunned. How could the horse endure being confined within such a small space? It reared up, nearly kicking Panni's head. Panic-stricken, Panni watched as the horse crashed into the wall, causing a cascade of collapsing floors and a chorus of screams echoed in his ears. Regaining his senses, Panni quickly dispelled the summoning, and with a flash of light, the horse vanished.

Gasping for breath, Panni couldn't believe the magnitude of the mishap. His bedroom was in shambles, and the air was thick with dust. "Unfortunate..." he muttered as he approached the collapsed wall. The academy wouldn't intervene in such matters; dormitory damage was commonplace for red-robed apprentices. If a student froze to death, the mentor would not intervene, but if the dormitory was damaged, one could simply loot for a replacement (if too many residences were destroyed, the academy would enact a terrain restoration spell once a year).

However, Panni would not stoop to such uncouth behavior. This meant he would be exposed to the cold wind tonight. Yet, considering it would only be for one night, Panni regained his composure and resolved to endure it.

Inspecting the wall's fracture, he suddenly noticed a huddled figure beneath. Recalling the earlier scream, he furrowed his brow. "What are you doing here?" he inquired sternly.

"Sorry..." came a timid voice.

Panni pursed his lips, deciding against offering any further undeserved mercy. Such indulgence would only hasten the child's demise in the days to come. With that, he fell silent and turned away.

From noon till night, the unexpected magical mishap left Panni feeling disgruntled. He lost his appetite and even the thought of dinner didn't appeal to him; sleep beckoned.

Returning to his bed, a thought struck him. "Ah, yes, I'll be leaving tomorrow."

"Oh," came the response.

After a moment passed, the child spoke softly, "Thank you."

Then, silence descended once more.