Multi-Layer 14: Single-Layer vs.
Multi-Layer Translator: CinderTL A blazing fireball materialized before Zellier and shot forth with explosive force!
Thanks to modifications to redundant structures, Zellier’s casting speed had improved slightly compared to his performance in Graywood Forest.
The casting time had been compressed from approximately five seconds to just over four, without any loss in power.
Bang!
The fireball slammed into the crystal pillar, sending sparks flying.
“Hmm…” Marvin raised an eyebrow slightly.
A promising talent.
Bev’s three spells had taken an average of six seconds to cast, while Zellier had unleashed the fireball spell in just over four seconds.
This difference of just over a second shouldn’t be underestimated; it could take a caster a year to achieve such refinement.
Clearly, Zellier’s mana control was superior to Bev’s.
“Not bad.
Continue,” Marvin said, gesturing with his chin.
“Uh…” Hearing this, Zellier scratched his head awkwardly.
“I’m sorry, Teacher Marvin, but I only know this one spell.” “Only this one?” Marvin frowned.
“Yes.” No choice.
The original owner of this body came from a truly impoverished family.
The money he had used to buy the tattered fireball spell scroll had taken him years of odd jobs to save up.
As for other spells, they were simply beyond his reach.
“Your fireball spell is quite good, fully meeting the standards for a magic apprentice,” Teacher Marvin said, stroking his chin.
“However, according to the guild’s evaluation rules, even with satisfactory mana and spellcasting proficiency, you must also master three second-tier spells with single-layer formula structures to become a formal magic apprentice.” Based on their formula structures, spells are divided into two main categories: single-layer formula structure spells and multi-layer formula structure spells.
A single-layer formula structure can be visualized as a two-dimensional plane.
All circuits are inscribed on this plane, making it the most fundamental spell configuration.
For a significant period in history, mages on the Candia Continent exclusively used single-layer formula structure spells.
Yet, as time flowed onward, exceptional individuals inevitably emerged.
Through relentless exploration and development of formula structures, multi-layer formula structure spells were invented, boasting greater power and broader applications.
Compared to the two-dimensional plane of single-layer formula structure magic, multi-layer formula structure magic formed three-dimensional constructs by intersecting multiple planes.
With this greater spatial complexity, the difficulty of mastering such magic increased exponentially.
Based on the complexity of their circuits, both types of magic were further classified into nine tiers, ranging from first-tier to ninth-tier.
Spells like the fireball spell, wind blade spell, water ball spell, and illumination spell were all second-tier single-layer formula structure magic.
Bev wore a look of regret.
During the recent evaluation, she had already realized that Zellier’s magical skill far surpassed her own.
His limited repertoire of only one spell was likely due to his family’s circumstances.
Want to learn new magic?
It was simple: just buy magic scrolls inscribed with the formula structures.
A high-quality second-tier single-layer formula structure magic scroll typically cost around five gold coins—nearly a year’s income for an average commoner family.
The original owner had managed to acquire a fireball spell scroll from a wandering bard for only forty silver coins because it was in such dilapidated condition.
The spiritual imprint left on the scroll was extremely faint, which explained why the original owner had taken so long to decipher the formula structure, resulting in very low efficiency.
“I understand,” Zellier said.
“I’ll work hard to master the other two new magics and then come back for another evaluation.” Though he hadn’t passed, he wasn’t discouraged.
After all, he had already learned three new magics from Bev.
Once he finished analyzing them, becoming a formal magic apprentice would be just a matter of time.
“Wait a moment,” Marvin suddenly called out to Zellier.
“I’d like to ask you a few questions…
They’re rather personal, of course, so you can choose not to answer.” “What questions?” “What does your family do?
Are they merchants, or…?” Marvin asked.
“I come from a small village on the border of the Kingdom of Ser,” Zellier replied truthfully.
“My parents were farmers, but they’ve passed away.
I’m an adventurer now, making a living by taking on commissions.” “I see…” Marvin lowered his head, seemingly deep in thought.
After a moment, he spoke.
“Very well, I can advance you to the magic apprentice rank early.
But you must promise me that within three months, you will return for your second Mage’s Assessment.
By then, I expect you to have mastered three new spells.” Zellier was taken aback.
“Ah…?” What does this mean?
“Stop daydreaming and thank Teacher Marvin!
He’s looking out for you,” Bev nudged Zellier with her elbow.
“Becoming a magic apprentice means you’ll get a guild stipend—one gold coin every month!” There’s such a thing?
Zellier finally snapped out of his daze and quickly thanked Marvin.
“Thank you for your consideration, Teacher Marvin!
I won’t let you down.” “The path of a mage is long and arduous, fraught with hardship.
I don’t want to see your talent go to waste,” Marvin encouraged.
“Remember our agreement: return for your second assessment within three months.” “Yes, sir.” Zellier suddenly recalled the requirement for unlocking his second talent skill: becoming a low-tier mage.
This was the perfect opportunity to clarify the requirements.
“Teacher Marvin, could you also explain the criteria for passing the low-tier mage assessment?” “Already aiming for low-tier mage status as a mere magic apprentice?” Marvin chuckled.
“Ambitious little fellow…
At a minimum, you must master ten second-tier single-layer formula structure spells, with casting times compressed to under three seconds.” “In addition, you’ll need to master one third-tier single-layer formula structure spell, casting it in under five seconds.
That’s the standard for a low-tier mage.” “As for learning magic, I won’t belabor the point.
Gather magic scrolls and gradually comprehend them yourself.
Compressing casting times, however, requires years of dedicated practice.” Marvin adjusted his glasses.
“Remember, formula structures aren’t fixed.
As your mana manipulation skills improve, you’ll naturally be able to optimize existing structures, thereby accelerating casting speeds.” “It’s like straightening a winding, circuitous path into a straight line, right?” Zellier asked, recalling his earlier insight.
“An apt analogy,” Marvin nodded.
“Original formula structures are often complex—a convoluted mess, as you put it.
You could easily get lost in them.” “Only by honing your mana manipulation skills can you gradually refine these structures, making them more streamlined.
Ultimately, you’ll reach the pinnacle of single-spell mastery: instant casting.” “I see…” Zellier nodded slightly.
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