Translator: CinderTL After Teacher Marvin’s explanation, Zellier’s understanding of magic’s underlying structure became much clearer.
The ability to manipulate mana could be broken down into several sub-domains: Mana utilization efficiency Mana flow speed Mana manipulation techniques All these factors were directly linked to the intelligence attribute.
It was only after increasing his intelligence that Zellier had been able to optimize the formula structure of his fireball spell.
Upon exiting the Chamber of Tranquility, Zellier and Bev collected their Mage’s Guild badges and monthly stipends from the old mage at the front desk.
Unlike the Adventurer’s Association, even the lowest-ranked magic apprentice badges were crafted from high-quality materials.
Each badge was a small, circular white plaque with a jade-like texture.
Bev happily pinned hers to her chest, paying little attention to the guild-issued stipend.
Zellier, however, carefully stowed both the money and the badge away.
One gold coin was enough to cover two months’ rent.
Thinking about it, the Mage’s Guild was truly wealthy and generous.
Even the Blackstone Town branch alone must have dozens of magic apprentices.
The light subsidy alone cost the guild hundreds of gold coins annually.
And that was just for apprentice mages.
The subsidies for higher-ranked mages must be even greater.
If you factored in all the mages across the Kingdom of Ser, the total expenditure would be astronomical…
How much money does the Mage’s Guild actually have?
Zellier couldn’t help but shake his head in awe.
Teacher Marvin must have offered this assistance because of Zellier’s humble origins and limited savings.
In just three months, the light subsidy would amount to three gold coins.
Combined with other income, buying two decent-quality magic scrolls shouldn’t be a problem.
Although Zellier had already absorbed Bev’s magic and no longer needed scrolls, he still appreciated the gesture.
He’s a good senior.
With the Mage’s Assessment completed, Zellier had accomplished his main task for the day.
However, one thing still lingered in his mind: The magic wand.
Just as warriors wield swords, shields, and armor, a mage’s best companion was undoubtedly a magic wand.
It could shorten casting times, amplify spell power, and perhaps even grant special effects.
Now that he had some spare coins, Zellier saw no reason not to acquire one for himself.
“Miss Bev, do you know where I can buy a magic wand?
I’d like to take a look,” Zellier asked.
“They sell them at the guild’s trading post.
Hmm…
since I’m free right now, I’ll take you there myself.” After leaving the General Affairs Office, Bev led Zellier deeper into the guild’s grounds.
Under the clear blue sky and the shade of towering trees, Bev’s mood was buoyant after passing her test, and her steps were light and brisk.
“You mentioned you’re an adventurer.
Have you ever encountered any dangerous situations during your missions?” Bev asked curiously.
“Yes, we ran into a mist demon while hunting wild wolves,” Zellier replied.
“A mist demon?” “It’s a particularly terrifying demonic beast.
Its body is pieced together from the corpses of its prey, and it’s incredibly strong.
It’s also covered in a unique energy barrier that can deflect most physical attacks.” Zellier gestured twice.
“Fortunately, it was just a juvenile, not fully developed.
My teammates and I managed to defeat it together.” “Wow…” Bev’s eyebrows lifted slightly in amazement.
“You were really lucky.” “Yeah, if it had been a fully grown one, I definitely would have died,” Zellier said, a shiver of lingering fear running through him as he recalled the scene.
“No, I wasn’t talking about that,” Bev replied.
“I meant you’re incredibly lucky to have such a great team.” “What do you mean?” Zellier asked, confused.
“Don’t you know?
According to the Adventurer’s Association’s statistics, mages have the highest mortality rate in battles where low-level teams encounter powerful enemies,” Bev explained.
“Uh…
is that really a thing?” Zellier asked, surprised.
“Absolutely.
Facing a strong enemy means a life-or-death struggle, and casualties are highly likely.
Everyone’s just in it for the money; no one wants to risk their life.
So the safest option is always to run.” Bev ticked off the reasons on her fingers.
“But how can a mage’s physical abilities compare to those of warriors, rangers, or assassins?
Once the team scatters, the mage is always the last one left behind.” “And demonic beasts have incredibly sharp instincts.
They’ll always prioritize attacking the mage, who poses the greatest threat.
Think about it: if the captain had chosen to flee when we encountered the mist demon, would you have survived?” “Hmm…
I guess not,” Zellier admitted, scratching his head.
At that moment, Gray had wanted to flee, but Marcus swiftly stepped forward, stabilizing morale and leading the charge from the front.
Otherwise, if the squad had routed…
the situation might have unfolded exactly as Bev described.
Zellier would have been the first to die.
“And in a way, mages can also become prey…” Bev continued.
“Did you know that over a decade ago, a truly heinous incident occurred?
An elementalist and a holy healer were killed while on a mission.” “Though the captain claimed they died in battle against demonic beasts, the truth was eventually uncovered: their own squad members had ambushed and murdered them, driven by greed for the treasures the mages carried.” “An elementalist and a holy healer murdered?!
That’s…
that’s too…” Zellier was so shocked he could barely speak.
After mages break through to the high-tier level, they can choose a specialization.
Elementalist and holy healer are two such specialized classes.
These high-tier experts represent the elite forces of the Mage’s Guild.
“Pretty terrifying, right?” Bev wrinkled her nose.
“That’s just the reality.
No matter how powerful a mage’s magic is, their physical bodies remain those of ordinary humans.
If ambushed by high-level warriors, they have almost no chance of survival.” “After the incident, the Mage’s Guild was furious and nearly clashed head-on with the Adventurer’s Association.
It was only the King’s intervention that prevented a full-blown conflict.” “Ever since then, relations between the two organizations have been strained.
It took many years for things to gradually improve.
But the lingering effects of that incident still persist today—at least, far fewer mages accept missions from the Adventurer’s Association now.” “To address this, the Mage’s Guild established a special commission office.
If you need to recruit mages, you can post missions directly through this office.” “However, if a mage dies on a mission, the guild will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure they weren’t killed by their own teammates.
It’s a kind of safeguard, I suppose.” “That does sound reassuring,” Zellier nodded.
If I die on a mission, the Mage’s Guild will come after you?
That sounds pretty satisfying.
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