Chapter 8: Methods to Earn Experience and Arcane Dust

Unaware of Rivers' scheming, Sean focused on the carriage ride. A system prompt glowed in his mind:[Understanding of the world increased through interaction with natives. Experience +1. Current Level: 10 1/100.]Conversing with Henry grants EXP! Sean accessed the hologram, eager to study the newly revealed mechanics:[Experience Acquisition Methods:]Train in douqi, magic, or faith energy (note: faith training risks system exposure).Found a sect to harvest faith energy (fastest method).Defeat enemies.Deepen world knowledge via travel, reading, or interaction.[Arcane Dust Acquisition Methods:]Convert douqi, magic, or faith energy.Absorb high-energy materials like magic cores and magic crystals(yields most Dust).…Sean frowned. Purchasing magic crystals would drain his funds, but founding a sect in Yorn—dominated by the Holy Light Church's intolerant monotheism—risked conflict. Defeating enemies was impossible without strength. Thus, reading and learning seemed safest."Henry, where in Yorn can I find books on regional customs?"Surprised, Henry replied, "Yorn Magic Academy has the largest library, but it's 1.5 hours west by carriage.""Why so far?"Henry blinked. "common knowledge: cities cluster near rivers for water. Magic academies settle where magic essence is dense—like the Magic Crystal Vein west of the noble district.""What about within the city?""Count Rivers' castle holds ancestral texts. Alternatively, the Magic Guild in the noble district.""Magic Guild it is." Sean decided against bothering Rivers."Shall I redirect the driver?" Henry began rising."No. Return to quarters. You handle your tasks—I'll visit the Guild alone. Collect me at noon."…Back at the residence, Sean introduced Henry to staff, then retreated to his room. Time to summon the Wisps.[Wisp]Rarity: CommonIdentity: NoneRace: ElfLevel: 0 (Apprentice)Class: NoneAttack: NoneDefense: WeakAbilities:Nature's Bond: Accelerates plant growth in a radius.Explode: Self-destructs for massive damage (damage scales with simultaneous explosions).…Perfect for agriculture. Sean recalled Warcraft's lore—how Wisps at Hyjal had sacrificed themselves to kill Archimonde. These Wisps retained that explosive potential.The Wisps floated around him, chittering silently. "Be patient. I'll free you in the fief." They nodded, consenting to dismissal.Before summoning Windsor, a knock interrupted."Enter!"The same servant from earlier bowed. "Lord Sean, Count Rivers' steward awaits in the parlor."Sean froze. Already seen? He checked his attire—still the outfit he'd worn to the castle. No time loop. What does William want now?"Lead the way."