Chapter 77: Divergent Techniques, Magic Accumulation, and Understanding Magic Acquisition

Master Bellory gazed at Lyle, his slightly clouded eyes carrying a hint of anticipation.

From the earlier conversation between his disciple and Lyle, he could tell that the young man had a deep interest in scroll-making. That alone was enough to pique his interest.

To be able to use second-tier magic at this age meant that reaching third-tier magic was practically inevitable.

And even stepping into the realm of fourth-tier magic was a very real possibility.

Teachers always favored students with both talent and intelligence.

"Creating a magic scroll isn't just about crafting the parchment," Lyle said, seeking guidance. "The most crucial part should be how to infuse the magic into the scroll, right?"

"Precisely."

Master Bellory nodded, not one for unnecessary words. He picked up the parchment scroll crafted earlier by the middle-aged magician and spread it out on the table.

"A complete scroll-making process requires more than just creating a parchment capable of holding magic. It also involves enchanting the scroll."

Then, with a calm yet firm voice, he uttered:

"Magic Accumulation."

Swish!

The surface of the parchment immediately glowed with a soft blue light, shimmering like rippling water.

Next, Master Bellory raised a single finger, placing it at the center of the parchment. As he began infusing magic, he explained:

"The next step is to inject the magic spell, allowing the scroll to absorb the magic you wish to record. This requires precise control over your magical energy."

"In simple terms, you're essentially casting the spell as you normally would, but directing it into the scroll instead. The most critical skills here are stability and focus. A single mistake, and the scroll could explode in your face."

Despite his cautionary words, Bellory performed the process with effortless ease.

From the point where his finger touched the parchment, intricate magical patterns spread outward as if guided by an invisible hand, forming a structured and deliberate design.

Lyle observed the process closely. His eyes flickered to the floating system interface, but he ignored it for now, focusing on the scroll itself.

Casting magic into the scroll?

Wasn't magic simply released by consuming mana?

And yet...

Lyle scrutinized Bellory's movements.

This method was completely different from how magic scrolls were crafted in YGGDRASIL!

In the Great Tomb of Nazarick, there were NPCs specifically designed for auxiliary professions.

For instance, in the tenth floor's "Oldest Library," the head librarian, Titus, had a specialized production-class profession that allowed him to craft various scrolls and tomes.

Materials were similar to those in this world—scrolls of different tiers required corresponding parchment qualities.

For example, tenth-tier magic scrolls required dragon-hide parchment. Back in YGGDRASIL, members of Ainz's guild had once launched a full-scale hunt for dragons just to gather enough materials.

After Nazarick was transported to this new world, however, they lacked the resources for high-tier crafting. Ainz had to impose material restrictions, leading Mare and Titus to research the local scroll-making methods.

But Titus did not enchant the scrolls. Instead, he inscribed magic circuits onto them, consuming in-game currency (gold coins) to activate the spell matrix.

And that method failed completely.

The materials of this world simply couldn't withstand third-tier magic or higher.

The stark contrast between these two crafting methods...

One used gold coins to make scrolls—very much in line with a game system.

The other used enchantment to make scrolls—much more like traditional fantasy magic.

Lyle felt a strange sense of dissonance, but also a deep sense of awe.

From the era of the Six Gods to the present, across centuries of history, this world's inhabitants had undeniably carved out their own unique path.

As Lyle continued watching, the magical patterns on the scroll spread across its surface at an observable speed.

Then, a strange familiarity struck him.

Wait... this feels like...

Lyle leaned forward slightly, his eyes widening.

Isn't this the same as the "Mana Infusion" technique used by Magic Swordsmen?!

A realization clicked into place.

A moment later—

Flash!

A soft blue light pulsed, and the scroll automatically folded itself shut.

A fully completed second-tier magic scroll now lay before Lyle.

Master Bellory remained calm, exuding a composed confidence. Reaching over to the cluttered desk beside him, he picked up a piece of paper filled with intricate symbols.

"Try using this scroll."

He placed the paper before Lyle, his voice steady.

Lyle's eyes gleamed with curiosity. He picked up the freshly crafted scroll and squeezed it tightly.

Flash!

The scroll disintegrated into tiny glowing motes, its recorded magic activating.

Decipher Magic!

As Lyle's gaze swept across the symbols on the paper, a stream of information flowed into his mind.

Even though he still couldn't read the symbols themselves, he suddenly understood their meaning.

The paper contained a record of a specific date and time.

"The disciple at my counter mentioned that you were looking for a magic item to translate texts," Bellory remarked. "Such items don't exist here."

"But," he continued, his aged but steady voice carrying a weight of experience, "I happen to know magic that allows one to comprehend written language."

"If you become my apprentice, I will teach you both the art of scroll-making and this magic."

His eyes, surrounded by deep wrinkles, crinkled as he smiled.

Lyle glanced at his status panel, noting his newly acquired abilities:

[Magic Accumulation]

[Decipher Magic]

Then, he turned his attention back to Master Bellory, who watched him expectantly.

Bellory assumed Lyle was hesitating, so he decided to sweeten the deal.

"Albert intends to buy ten sheets of second-tier parchment from you for just a single silver coin," Bellory said, his voice tinged with disdain. "That price is too low. That boy is planning to use your paper to pass my examination."

He snorted.

Then, his expression softened as he addressed Lyle directly:

"You have a talent for making paper that rivals my own. With the seven hundred sheets you've already produced, you could create an enormous number of magic scrolls."

"You should know the value of a second-tier magic scroll. The profit margin isn't just several times—it's dozens of times what you'd make selling plain parchment!"

His voice grew more passionate.

"If you master the art of scroll-making, you could create a few magic scrolls and earn more than what others make in years—even a lifetime!"

"With your talent, I am confident that within five years, I can teach you how to craft third-tier magic scrolls."

"You will become the youngest fourth-tier scroll master in all of Re-Estize!"

Wealth.

Fame.

The temptations Bellory laid out were nearly impossible to refuse.

The room fell silent.

Then—

"I'm sorry."

Lyle smiled slightly, his voice firm.