Staring at the evaluation displayed on the screen, Leilin began comparing the pros and cons of the two spells.
"Acid Splash has more power, but it's easy for enemies to dodge — it requires constant fine-tuning with spiritual power. Shadow Hand is a little weaker, but it's much more covert — perfect for ambushes!"
"Both of these spells are ones I carefully picked out. Not only do they match my Dark System elemental affinity, but they also don't require any casting materials. Most convenient!"
Leilin's eyes suddenly lit up. "Chip, can you optimize the spell models for these two spells?"
"Ding! Affirmative. This optimization will consume 19 points of spiritual power. Proceed?"
"Absolutely not! I don't want to drain my spiritual power dry! Why does it cost so much?" Leilin's expression darkened.
"Optimizing Acid Splash requires 9 points of spiritual power, supplemented by advanced knowledge: Farl's Spell Compendium, Missile Principles…"
"Optimizing Shadow Hand requires 10 points of spiritual power, supplemented by advanced knowledge: Detailed Principles of Evocation Spells, Shadow Energy Analysis…"
"Fine, I guess there's no hope for that anytime soon."
Leilin dismissed the screen. "Besides, a single spell costs two points of spiritual power — there's no way I can sustain several at once right now."
"Chip, pull up my current status and generate a detailed profile!"
"Leilin Farell — Second-Rank Apprentice. Strength: 2.2. Agility: 2.4. Constitution: 2.7. Spirit: 0.1 (4.1). Mana: 0 (4) (mana is determined by spiritual power synchronization). Condition: Healthy.
Skills: Cross Sword Technique, Potion Crafting.
Spells: Acid Splash — Zero-level spell. Cast time: 3 seconds. Range: 7 meters. Cost: 2 points of spiritual power, 2 points of mana. Power: 5 degrees.
Shadow Hand — Zero-level spell. Cast time: 4 seconds. Range: 10 meters. Cost: 2 points of spiritual power, 2 points of mana. Power: 4 degrees."
At Leilin's command, a three-dimensional holographic figure materialized before him, displaying all of his stats in detail.
"Much clearer this way! The last two spells burned through all my spiritual power and mana — no wonder I've been feeling a bit dizzy." Leilin rubbed his throbbing temples.
"With these spiritual power and mana limits, learning any more spells isn't realistic. The only option left is to prepare more potions. If I had just one magical item, my strength would increase noticeably…"
……
Academy, Mission District.
An assortment of apprentices had gathered here, most of them grim-faced, their robes stained with blood and bearing the marks of recent combat.
Every so a few grey-robed apprentices with powerful magical auras passing by, carrying the corpses of massive monsters on their shoulders, drawing envious stares from the crowd.
At the very center of the Mission District stood a massive black stone wall, its surface covered with densely packed mission listings.
Green fluorescent text glowed against the dark rock face, giving the whole thing an eerie appearance.
Among the many postings, some were written in blood-red lettering, instilling a sense of dread. These were the most dangerous missions, but they also offered the most generous rewards.
In an inconspicuous corner of the plaza, several figures stood quietly, as though waiting for someone.
"Leilin still hasn't shown up?"
Lannuo stood with his arms crossed, looking bored.
"It's not time yet — what's the rush? He agreed to come, so he will." Kreweir sat nearby, polishing a black machete. Its smooth, curved blade still bore dark reddish stains.
"Leilin? You mean that potion apprentice Leilin?" A green-haired girl perked up with interest.
"I heard his talent in Potionology is second only to Merlin's, and he can already brew Stamina Potions to sell. So why would he bother joining our team?"
"He's from the same place we are. Of course he'd team up with us for missions!" Lannuo grinned.
"You'd better introduce us properly then. If I could get close to a potion apprentice, I wouldn't have to go out risking my life ever again!" A red-haired girl laughed flirtatiously, her figure generous and curvaceous.
Lannuo's eyes drifted involuntarily to her prominent chest and he suddenly felt his mouth go dry.
"Sorry! I'm late!"
Leilin wore a leather cuirass with his grey robe bundled on the outside, making him look a bit bulky. A Cross Sword hung at his waist, a Crossbow was strapped to his back, and he carried a large black bundle.
"We only just arrived ourselves!" Kreweir sheathed his machete and flashed a smile.
"Just the five of us?" Leilin looked around. The only ones he recognized were Kreweir and Lannuo — there was no sign of Beilu and the others.
"Beilu and the others are still only Third-Rank in aptitude and haven't advanced to Second-Rank Apprentice yet. With only one point of spell resistance, the outside world is too dangerous for them. This is our first outing since the last failure — I don't want any more casualties."
Kreweir explained.
Leilin nodded in understanding. Although he himself was also Third-Rank in aptitude, with the Chip's help his talent was essentially on par with Fourth-Rank, far surpassing the others when it came to learning spells and other matters.