Translator: CinderTL
"It seems... inscribing Trick Runes isn't as difficult as I thought."
Roland exhaled deeply as golden subtitles appeared before him. Seizing the moment, he activated his focus trait and began recalling the other Trick Runes Bronson had taught him.
Although Trick knowledge wasn't affected by the High Tower's restrictions, allowing Bronson to pass it on to Roland, the scholar hadn't been particularly enthusiastic about Tricks. This was because in his early years, the Magic Element hadn't yet revived, and he was more obsessed with studying ancient texts.
However, perhaps he had once fantasized about the glorious revival of the Magic Element, as he had recorded a few Trick Runes that piqued his interest.
These choices, however, completely exposed the scholar's true nature as a bookworm.
Mage Hand was for when he imagined himself too lazy to use his hands to retrieve books in the future.
Light was for continuing to read in dim environments.
Repair was for conveniently mending damaged ancient texts.
As for the final one, Flame Arrow?
That was simply to make starting campfires easier during outdoor camping trips.
Of these four tricks, only Flame Arrow seemed to offer any real benefit for improving one's strength.
Roland sighed softly, but quickly rallied.
At least he had now mastered the three tricks required to qualify as a Juggler, and the job requirements didn't specify the type of tricks needed.
From that perspective, everyday tricks like Mage Hand, Light, and Repair were actually more advantageous.
They were both discreet and safe to cast, perfect for helping him complete the requirement of casting a trick one hundred times.
With this in mind, Roland closed his eyes and sank back into the Consciousness Shoal.
Time slipped away unnoticed. When he opened his eyes again, dusk had fallen outside his window.
[Learned Skill: Mage Hand, Current Level: Lv.1]
[Learned Skill: Light, Current Level: Lv.1]
[Learned Skill: Repair, Current Level: Lv.1]
Roland nodded in satisfaction as he saw the three new tricks added to his skill bar.
However, he didn't rush to try them out.
After all, King Monen was currently in Far Ocean Port. Who knew if this transcendent professional of peak power might detect something amiss?
To be safe, Roland decided to leave the port early the next morning. He would find a secluded spot to thoroughly test his new trick before returning quietly.
Having made up his mind, Roland went downstairs for a hearty dinner. Afterward, he left the inn with practiced ease and headed toward the fish market.
After navigating several dark alleys, he spotted Jenny's fish stall in the distance.
Just as he was about to approach, a group of people cut in front of him, stopping at the stall.
They were cloaked in rough linen capes, their faces varied but all bearing a sinister expression. An aura of cold hostility emanated from them, clearly marking them as unsavory characters.
Roland frowned at the sight. He moved forward a few steps, stopping a short distance from the stall.
Though his relationship with Jenny was purely transactional, the generous fishmonger had consistently lowered the price of Devilfish over the past few weeks, allowing him to purchase a large quantity of ingredients for the Spirit Summoning Potion at the lowest possible cost.
He had never forgotten her kindness.
If she were to encounter trouble, he would certainly help, as long as his own life wasn't at risk.
Unexpectedly, before Roland could examine them closely, the group hurried away, carrying sacks overflowing with Devilfish.
"Are those the people Aunt Jenny mentioned earlier, the ones in white robes who've been buying up Devilfish in bulk?" Roland wondered, slowly approaching.
Before he could get close, Aunt Jenny waved enthusiastically, calling out, "Hey, Roland! Back for more Devilfish?"
"Yes, Aunt Jenny," Roland replied with a smile, then asked, "Did those people give you any trouble just now?"
"What? You underestimate your Aunt Jenny?" Hearing the concern in Roland's voice, her tone softened. She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "They were here to buy Devilfish too, but don't worry..."
She bent down and retrieved a bulging leather bag from under her stall. Untying the knot, she revealed a dozen live, wriggling Devilfish inside.
"I knew you'd be back, so I saved the best ones just for you!"
Seeing Aunt Jenny's genuine smile, Roland finally relaxed. After thanking her, he efficiently pulled out his coin purse, set aside some emergency funds, and handed the rest to her.
"Oh, Roland," Jenny said casually as she expertly counted the Devilfish. "I've been meaning to ask—what are you planning to do with so many of them?"
"Well..." Roland stammered, momentarily speechless.
It wasn't that the question was difficult to answer. In the Golden Valley Kingdom, and indeed across the entire continent of Feinn, potion-making was commonplace. However, the Spirit Summoning Potion he was concocting was somewhat special. Telling Aunt Jenny, who was so kind and helpful, might only cause her unnecessary trouble.
"Never mind," Jenny said with a hearty laugh, waving her hand dismissively. "If you don't want to say, don't. Who doesn't have a little secret?" She handed him the bag of fish she had prepared. "But... do you know those people who were here earlier?"
Roland's brow furrowed slightly. Aunt Jenny seemed unusually chatty today. Normally, she would just watch him with a cheerful smile, never asking so many questions.
"Am I overthinking this?"
He carefully examined the familiar fish vendor, confirming there was nothing amiss. Roland took the bag, shook his head with a smile, and replied, "No, I don't know them. If I did, I would have come with them to buy fish earlier."
"Of course I don't know them. If I did, I would have come with them to buy fish just now."
"That's true."
Jenny slapped her forehead and chuckled self-deprecatingly. "My memory must be failing me lately. I've been asking such nonsensical questions."
"Then you really need to rest properly."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Roland returned to the inn with his heavy bag of fish.
He processed the medicinal herbs and lit the crucible. With his extensive experience, he was making the Spirit Summoning Potion faster and faster. In just one night, he had finished a dozen bottles.
"Phew."
Looking at the six empty bottles on the wooden table, Roland exhaled deeply and rubbed his throbbing temples.
"It seems I shouldn't drink too much Spirit Summoning Potion in a short period. I'll save the rest for a few days later."
With that thought, Roland opened his Job Panel.
Seeing his mental attribute had increased from 3.4 to 4.8, he nodded in satisfaction.
"I definitely meet the attribute requirements to become a Juggler now. All I need to do is perform a hundred tricks."
After tidying up the table and carefully storing the remaining Spirit Summoning Potion, Roland collapsed onto the soft bed and quickly fell asleep.
The next morning, before the sun had fully risen, Roland opened his eyes.
After washing up, he gathered his belongings, grabbed Black Wind's reins, and hurried toward the Far Ocean Port's gates.
To his surprise, despite King Monen being in the port, the city gates were less guarded than usual. The guards not only skipped the usual thorough checks but even bypassed the routine passport inspections.
Though he found it odd, Roland didn't dwell on it.
Once outside the port, he mounted Black Wind and sprinted in the direction he had learned from the waiters that morning.
In less than half a day, he reached a secluded stretch of coastline.
Waves gently lapped against the rocks, and the salty sea breeze brushed his face.
The open view was vast, yet the area was deserted—the perfect place to practice his tricks.
After scanning the surroundings and confirming he was alone, Roland dismounted and slowly walked toward the shore.
Roland took the white skeletal remains from the package, held them in his left hand, took a deep breath, and extended his right hand forward.
As the Magic Element flowed through his body, he focused his spirit and slowly guided it deep into his brain.
In the next moment, the runes already etched within him seemed to ignite, transforming into a stream of scorching energy that surged down his arm.
In an instant, a crimson spark flared at Roland's fingertips.
But instead of erupting outward as expected, the crimson light at his fingertips began to coalesce, like iron filings drawn to a magnet.
Simultaneously, he felt as if he had activated the [Focus] trait, and his mental power began to drain rapidly.
Amidst the throbbing pain in his temples, Roland was astonished to discover that the leaping fire elements were now coiling around his fingertips like docile cubs, a stark contrast to the violent display Bronson had demonstrated.
As the flames continued to gather, a palm-sized, perfectly spherical fireball gradually formed above his fingertips.
"This feeling..."
Seeing this, Roland instinctively opened his palm.
The fireball suddenly shot forth, leaving a brilliant trail of flame in its wake, painting the entire sea crimson.
Boom!
Amidst the deafening explosion, a mushroom-shaped cloud of white mist erupted skyward.
The violent shockwave churned up waves several meters high, and salty seawater poured down like torrential rain.
Cool droplets of seawater dripped from his hair, but Roland remained oblivious.
He stood transfixed, staring at the gradually calming sea.
"This thing is a fire arrow?"
(End of the Chapter)
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