Chapter 18 - New Magic Tome

Alaric had now reached the mana level of a three-star mage, though it didn't feel official just yet.

The book Ruby had given him had been an incredible asset. Packed with foundational material—spells, techniques, magical theory—it guided him from the basics onward. But its strongest spell was only two stars. Without a three-star spell to anchor his breakthrough, he was technically stuck.

The mana was there. The power was building. But he needed that next-level spell.

Only one person on the island could help with that.

Vergo.

For the past month, Alaric had worked at Vergo's shop. The job was quiet, predictable, and strangely peaceful. Customers drifted in and out sporadically, giving Alaric long stretches of time to take a nap (his way of increasing his mana and reading at the same time), reflect, and train.

It was during those training sessions that Alaric discovered something important—his strongest elemental affinity was Earth.

His Sloth's Wisdom passive helped him absorb spell pages fast, but casting and controlling those spells still required hands-on practice. And in that practice, Earth magic responded best. Not just basic movement or manipulation—it was plant magic that came alive beneath his fingertips.

That surprised him.

Plant-based Earth spells could do almost anything—attack, bind enemies, heal wounds, reinforce defenses. They were flexible and beautifully chaotic. The wildness of it suited him more than expected.

Lightning came in second. It wasn't as fluid as Earth, but it was fast, sharp, and potent. The only problem? Ruby's book barely covered it.

That pushed him to think bigger.

To improve, he needed elemental spellbooks with greater depth. Ruby's tome was foundational, an intro to all elements. But it wasn't enough now.

The problem?

Island life had limits.

There were no academies here. No spell libraries or wandering scholars. If Alaric wanted to go beyond three stars—if he wanted to reach power that truly mattered—he'd have to leave eventually.

When? He didn't know.

But after his latest sleep boosted his mana past the threshold, he knew it was time to speak with Vergo again. He waited at the shop with buzzing anticipation.

The moment Vergo stepped inside, his gaze sharpened. He could sense something had changed.

"Wait a minute," Vergo said. "Kid, don't tell me you're already a three-star mage."

Alaric nodded. "Yes and no. I've got the mana now, but I still need a proper spell. Do you have one for me? Also… I want to leave this island."

He didn't hold back. Vergo was the only person who could push him forward right now.

The old man scratched his chin, thinking. "Well, I've got good news and bad news. Good news—yes, I do have a three-star spell. Bad news—you're stuck here."

"What do you mean 'stuck'? Ruby's sister left. You helped her. Didn't you?"

"I did," Vergo admitted. "But it's not a free pass. Travel off this island is seasonal. You'll have to wait six months."

"Six months? Are you joking?"

"I wish I was. But I'm serious. Right now the ocean's crawling with high-tier magical beasts—breeding season, migration patterns, all that mess. Boats don't sail during this time."

Alaric frowned. "How strong are we talking?"

"Equivalent to a twenty-star mage," Vergo said flatly.

Alaric paused. That kind of power wasn't just overwhelming—it was impossible to challenge.

"Yeah… alright. Waiting it is."

He didn't love the answer, but he understood it. The world was full of things he wasn't ready for yet. These monsters? Definitely one of them.

But at least there was something else to look forward to.

Ruby, who was supposed to begin her training next month, was starting early. She arrived at the shop, glowing with excitement.

"My tutor comes tomorrow!" she announced. "Isn't it exciting? Want to join us? We can study together."

Alaric smiled faintly. Ruby was always thoughtful—worried he'd lose access to the book when her lessons began. But Sloth's Wisdom changed that outcome. He had already read the entire book because of it, so there was nothing for Ruby to worry about. Of course, she had no idea about that.

"I'll think about it," he replied. "Good luck."

"Thanks!"

She waved and headed home.

Vergo stepped out from the back room, shaking his head. "A tutor? Ha. I wonder what kind of power we're dealing with there…"

Then he clapped his hands together. "Anyway. Let me go fetch your three-star spell. Mind the shop while I'm gone."

Alaric nodded. "Do you have anything for Earth or Lightning?"

"Those are your affinities?"

"Yes. Earth's my strongest, Lightning second."

Vergo furrowed his brow. "Rare combo. Lightning especially. I've got Earth spells—but not Lightning ones."

Alaric didn't mind. Earth was his natural element. Fire and Water felt clumsy in comparison.

That day was long.

Vergo didn't return until late afternoon, after the shop had closed. Alaric had cleaned everything, restocked the shelves, and waited.

Finally, the door creaked open.

Vergo stepped inside holding a thick book—wrapped in green leather, polished and worn with age.

"This is the one," Vergo said. "Three-star Earth spells. Even some four-stars. Took me forever to find it."

Alaric flipped it open. Dense pages. Fine ink. Complex symbols.

And then—there it was.

His first true three-star spell.

He couldn't stop grinning.

"Happy?" Vergo asked, amused.

"Extremely. Thank you."

"No problem, kid. I haven't used it in years anyway. See you tomorrow."

He left. Alaric stood alone in the shop, breathing deeply.

It was finally time.

One thing was clear: these higher-tier spells weren't easy. Just one spell stretched across twenty-five pages. Learning it would take time, even for someone like him.

But he didn't care.

That book was his gateway.

Right after Vergo left, Alaric went to his room to sleep. He didn't want to wait until nightfall.

The more he slept, the more pages he would read and master. So he prepared his bed, placed the new book beside him, and drifted off.

The next morning, Alaric woke up with a few extra points in mana and nearly had a three-star spell completed.

He only needed one more long nap to finish it—but the shop was about to open, so he had no choice but to get up.

Alaric opened the shop and started work, already thinking about the nap waiting for him after his shift.