Chapter 440: The Path of Advancement (2)

“To advance to an Upper Level Mage, your Magic Power must undergo a qualitative transformation,” Adrian said.

“Qualitative transformation?” Zelir’s brows furrowed slightly at the completely new term.

He had never heard of it before.

“Yes, a qualitative transformation.”

Adrian began to explain earnestly.

“The enhancements a Middle Level Mage gains from Meditation are no longer just quantitative. Their Magic Power itself also begins to change.”

“As your Magic Power increases, its fundamental nature will gradually change, giving rise to various special properties.”

“Once enough of these special properties have accumulated and the qualitative transformation is complete, you can break through to the rank of Upper Level Mage.”

“Can you be more specific?” Zelir’s interest was piqued.

“Hmm… Let me put it this way. You know that Mage Levels are divided into Apprentice, Junior, Middle Level, Upper Level, and Reclassification, right?”

“I do,” Zelir nodded.

“Well, in that hierarchy, the Apprentice, Junior, and even Middle Levels are all really about building a foundation.”

Adrian had spent over a decade engrossed in Meditation and training at the Mage’s Guild, so he was well-versed in this kind of theoretical knowledge.

“Things start to change once you reach Middle Level Mage… The Middle Level is divided into three stages: Enlightenment, Ascension, and Harmony.”

“Each time your Magic Power advances to one of these stages, it undergoes a metamorphosis.”

“After this metamorphosis, the Magic Power develops unique properties.”

“The most common, for example, is developing a greater affinity for a certain Element, like the Fire Element or Water Element…”

“Basically, the power of your Magic for that corresponding Element will increase, and you’ll be able to learn spells of that type more easily.”

“Other unique properties might increase the destructive power of your Magic Power, making it easier to tear through an enemy’s defenses.”

“Beyond that, there are all sorts of strange properties.”

“Some might make your Magic Power more persuasive to the Spirit, others might make it more agile, more resilient, or better at affecting the human body… Really, the possibilities are endless and bizarre.”

“I see…” Zelir nodded.

‘It seems everyone’s path really is different.’

“And one more thing: what special properties your Magic Power gains after its metamorphosis, and how strong those properties are… that’s all completely unpredictable.”

Adrian shrugged.

“It’s all down to talent.”

“For example, say two Mages reach the Enlightenment stage, and both of their Magic Powers develop a Fire Element affinity.”

“But the first Mage’s Fire Element affinity only increases their power by 10%, while the second Mage’s increases their power by 20%.”

“The difference becomes pretty obvious right away, doesn’t it?”

“It does,” Zelir agreed with a nod.

“And that’s just at the Enlightenment stage.”

Adrian continued.

“During the subsequent Ascension and Harmony stages, your Magic Power will metamorphose again. It happens three times in total.”

“When these three properties are stacked together, the power gap between a talented Mage and a less talented one becomes immense.”

“So talent really does decide everything…” Zelir couldn’t help but agree.

“Yeah.”

This was something Adrian felt deeply.

“After you’ve completed the three stages—Enlightenment, Ascension, and Harmony—your Magic Power will undergo its final qualitative transformation.”

“At that point, you’ll be able to break through to become an Upper Level Mage.”

“You could say that a Middle Level Mage’s goal is to find their own path.”

“An Upper Level Mage’s goal, then, is to constantly push the limits of their unique path, ultimately achieving Reclassification!”

“So that’s how it is…” Zelir murmured.

Adrian’s explanation had cleared up a lot for him.

‘Thinking about it, the three minor stages within the Middle Level…’

‘Enlightenment, Ascension, and Harmony.’

‘They must correspond to the three thresholds for the Spirit and Intelligence Attributes.’

‘When you hit a threshold, your Magic Power metamorphoses and grants you a property.’

‘The combination of these three properties basically determines a Mage’s future path.’

‘For instance, a Mage who develops an affinity for Fire Magic would definitely focus their research on that and wouldn’t dabble in other schools of magic.’

‘A bit like Instructor Lena.’

“So, does that mean we’re considered Middle Level Mages at the Enlightenment stage now?” Zelir asked.

“Not really…”

Adrian scratched his messy, long brown hair.

“I only advanced to Middle Level Mage a little over a year ago. Since I’ve been out adventuring, I haven’t had much time for Meditation, so my strength has stagnated.”

“And you, Zelir, just advanced as well.”

“So we’re just the most ordinary of Middle Level Mages… I’m guessing Rolin is as well, otherwise she wouldn’t have been overwhelmed by that Flaming Dragon Snake.

“We have to keep up our Meditation and training… You have to reach the Enlightenment stage to experience the first metamorphosis of your Magic Power.”

“Oh…”

‘So I’m still just an ordinary Middle Level Mage.’

“Anyway, I think your chances of becoming an Upper Level Mage are very high…”

Adrian said, “Oh, no, I should say you’ll *definitely* become an Upper Level Mage. As for Reclassification… that will depend on your own talent.”

“Adrian, do you know Heart Sleep?” Zelir asked.

“No… You do?”

“I do.”

“Talking to people like you really is a blow to one’s self-confidence…”

Adrian seemed to deflate for a moment, but he quickly perked back up.

“But no matter! Once this expedition is over and I’m back in Wind Rudder City, I’m going to learn Heart Sleep too!”

As they were talking, Lily returned to the front desk, carrying another bag of Gold Coins.

“Mr. Adrian… this is your party’s payment. A total of 396 gold and 52 silver coins.”

“Alright.”

Adrian took the bag of coins.

But since he didn’t have a Storage Pouch, he had no choice but to cradle it in his arms.

As he left, he muttered, “Big cities are so much more convenient… at least they have Crystal Cards.”

…

Pushing open the shop’s heavy oak door, the TING-A-LING of a wind chime echoed through the air.

After collecting his payment, with over a thousand Gold Coins now tucked away in his Storage Pouch, Zelir felt a powerful urge to spend.

As he slowly paced in front of the Redwood Display Cabinet, gazing at the Magic Potions inside,

Shopkeeper Mary stood at the counter, her chin propped on one hand, watching him intently.

“Shopkeeper Mary, could you please not stare at your customers like that?”

Zelir’s calm voice rang out. “It’s making me rather uncomfortable.”

“My apologies… It’s just that you seem quite special compared to other Mages.”

A faint smile touched Mary’s lips as she came out from behind the counter. “Allow me to give you a tour.”

As she drew near, a light, rose-like fragrance wafted past Zelir’s nose.

One had to admit, Shopkeeper Mary was excellent at managing her image.

She was wearing a well-tailored red dress that perfectly accentuated her voluptuous figure.

Between her glamorous looks and the subtle perfume, she was an eye-catching presence even without a Charm-enhancing Bracelet.

“So, Mage Zelir, what can I help you find today?”

“Do you have any enhancement Magic Potions suitable for a Middle Level Mage?”

Zelir asked. “The Overclocking Potion isn’t very effective for me anymore.”

“Of course. Come with me.”

Shopkeeper Mary opened a display cabinet to the side of the shop and took out a bottle of clear, pale blue Magic Potion.

“This is a Raging Potion.”

“It uses a more concentrated essence of Calm Blue Algae, mixed with powdered Moonstone and Night Flower. Its Magic Power enhancing effect is exceptional.”

Zelir picked up the potion and held it up to the light.

‘Hmm…’

‘Although its consistency isn’t as thick as the vibrant red Overclocking Potion, its color is more uniform and clear.’

Starlike motes of light rose and fell within, quietly dissipating.

“How much?” Zelir asked.

“Eighty Gold Coins.”

Mary smiled. “Mage Zelir, you know me. For you, I only quote the rock-bottom price.”

‘Eighty Gold Coins…’

Though Zelir’s expression remained impassive, he was sighing inwardly.

‘Anything related to Magic is absurdly expensive.’

‘A single gulp of this is worth more than Gray’s Cloud Steel Sword plus an extra Ten Gold Coins.’