Chapter 45: A Month of Trial, No Fees
Chapter 45: A Month of Trial, No Fees
When it came to learning a secondary magic, the first thing that came to Rod’s mind was Levy’s Caster Magic.
Levy, who specialized in Caster Magic, loved studying various scripts. Could mastering multiple languages enhance this magic? Would the Chinese language he knew have any notable power?
There was only one way to find out.
Recently, Levy had also felt that there wasn’t much more she could teach Rod about general knowledge.
When Rod mentioned his interest in learning Caster Magic, Levy immediately thumped her chest and promised to teach him, offering a month of trial lessons for free.
Naturally, the first step in learning magic was to start with the basics.
Levy’s fingertips shimmered with golden magical energy. With a gentle wrist movement, she formed the word in mid-air:
“Caster Magic: FIRE!”
The golden magical energy turned red as soon as the word was complete, transforming into burning flames that danced through the air with Levy’s arm movements.
Rod picked up a piece of broken wood from the corner of the yard and tossed it into the flames, which immediately ignited the wood.
However, as the shape of the word ‘FIRE’ began to break apart, Levy found it increasingly difficult to control the flames.
After a while, the flames dissipated, leaving behind a charred piece of wood that continued to smolder on the ground.
“Caster Magic: WATER!”
Levy waved her hand again, writing the word for water, which extinguished the burning wood.
“Caster Magic allows us to manipulate elements or other forces that we are not normally adept at, by using magical words. In a sense, these words are temporary magical tools we create. Once you master this, you can treat them as a type of held magic.”
“Is that how it works?”
Rod was at a loss for words. He had intended to learn a skill-based magic, but Levy’s explanation made it sound more like a hybrid of held magic.
“Even with the same magic, everyone’s experience can be different. That’s just my perspective,” Levy said. “In any case, let’s start with the basics. Try to write the words using your magical energy.”
“...Alright,” Rod nodded, deciding to give it a try since he was already there.
Levy explained in detail how to distribute magical energy and how to make it linger in the air as it was released from his fingers.
Rod listened carefully, taking notes and practicing, asking questions whenever he was unsure.
Training was never something to be taken lightly.
While Rod and Levy were getting along well in the backyard, two pairs of eyes were watching them from the sidelines.
Jet and Droy were peering through the doorframe of the guild’s back room, each sticking out a head to spy.
Jet grumbled, “That Rod is so sneaky! Using the excuse of learning magic to get close to Levy!”
Droy replied, “But... it seems like Levy was the one who approached him about learning the script.”
“Regardless, if this keeps up, we have to do something to show Levy our feelings.”
Droy thought for a moment. “Challenge Rod and prove we’re stronger?”
“Already been done, and in front of Levy too,” Jet sighed. “How many wild monsters can you beat?”
Droy patted the seed pouch on his body. “As long as he doesn’t use the stone beetles...”
Jet reminded him, “Rod recently got a strange bird. With a single flap of its wings, it releases a flurry of feather-like blades.”
Droy hesitated. “As long as he doesn’t use that bird...”
Jet continued, “He also has a wolf that can sneak up behind you and knock you down.”
“Then, as long as he doesn’t use that wolf...”
Jet sighed. “Maybe we should just have Rod tie his hands and feet for the fight.”
Droy himself felt this was a bit much. “What can I do? Who becomes this strong after just over a month of training?”
“Since there’s no other way, we’ll have to do it!” Jet turned and walked away.
“Hey, Jett, what are you up to?”
“Just a bit of preparation, I’ll be right back!” Jett used the Quick Move spell and vanished from Troy’s sight in an instant.
Levy pointed at the text Rod had just written, which was about to crumble at the slightest touch. “Here, the magic distribution isn’t even. Try to control the output speed a bit more.”
“Got it.” Rod followed her advice. The text magic required a bit more finesse.
Even if you wanted to create miracles with brute force, it had to be a consistent and steady application of power. Bursting out with uncontrolled magic wouldn’t work.
After practicing for a while, Levy suggested that Rod take a break and review his previous mistakes before trying again.
Just then, Jett burst into the backyard like a gust of wind, standing in front of Levy with his hands behind his back and a serious expression.
Levy asked, puzzled, “Jett? What’s going on?”
Jett replied earnestly, “Levy, I have something important to tell you.”
Rod silently backed away, trying to make himself less noticeable. He sensed some drama was about to unfold.
Levy seemed to realize something and asked, “What is it? You’re suddenly so serious.”
Jett pulled out a bouquet of red roses from behind his back, bent down, and presented the flowers to Levy.
“I like you. Will you go out with me?” Jett blurted out the words in one breath, then closed his eyes and held his breath, waiting for Levy’s response with a fatalistic air.
Levy showed a slight look of surprise. She hesitated for a moment, then took a step back, her hands twisting together behind her back, and didn’t take the flowers.
“I’m sorry, Jett, I don’t have those feelings for you. Thank you for your affection.”
Rod was surprised to see how decisive the usually gentle Levy could be in such a situation. From the moment Jett spoke to the moment Levy refused, only two seconds had passed.
“Of course… that’s how it is…” Jett struggled to speak, and when he straightened up, a forced smile was on his face.
“I’m sorry for causing you trouble.” Jett switched to holding the bouquet in one hand. “Consider this as an apology or a gift between friends.”
Levy still didn’t reach out, only shaking her head with a smile.
Jett withdrew his hand and managed a weak laugh. “You’re right, that wouldn’t be appropriate. I have something else to do.”
Jett turned and left, leaving behind a somewhat graceful back view.
Troy, who had been secretly observing, was stunned by Jett’s actions.
He was first angry that Jett had made his move, then nervously awaited Levy’s response, and finally felt a pang of sympathy for Jett when he was rejected.
Yet, amidst the sympathy, there was a sliver of joy—‘Maybe I have a chance now.’
This sliver of joy made Troy feel incredibly guilty. They had been best friends since childhood, and the right thing to do now was to be by Jett’s side.
“Jett, you…” When Troy finally found the dejected Jett, he found himself unable to speak.
He could easily imagine how devastated Jett must be. At a time like this, any words would be futile.
To his surprise, Jett patted Troy on the shoulder. “It’s okay. I expected this outcome. But you, Troy, keep going.”
“What are you talking about…”
“If you succeed, I’ll be happy for you both.” Jett said, “We’re still the best of friends.”
“Jett…”
Disclaimer: Many of the magical elements in this story, such as Levy’s explanation of text magic, are not based on official sources. They are the author’s own additions.
So, please don’t try practicing any magic without a certified mage’s supervision.
(Just in case, if you’re a genius who manages to master it, remember to come teach me. Thanks!)
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
