The next day early in the morning.
The library was a quaint shop at the end of one of the streets, with two large windows allowing light to filter in. Inside, the warm morning sun illuminated small tables and chairs scattered about, creating an inviting atmosphere. The main desk, where a librarian sat, was the focal point. Behind her were rows of bookshelves, each crammed with books organized into various sections like cooking, history, and more. The smallest section, tucked into a corner at the bottom, was labeled "Magic."
The librarian had a serious look on her face but seemed kind. Her title, "Master Magician," floated above her head. She was engrossed in a book, her glasses perched on her nose, and her long black hair draped down her sides.
"Hello," I greeted her.
She closed her book and sighed, her exhaustion evident. "What do you need?" she asked, her tone weary.
I understood her fatigue. The event must be hard on the NPCs; they likely had to answer hundreds of questions about where we were and what was happening.
"I just want to read a book and learn magic," I replied.
Her demeanor changed instantly, as if a spark had been lit within her. "What do you want to know about magic?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with interest.
"Any explanation would be great."
She smiled at me before reopening her book and saying, "Magic doesn't exist," and then continued reading.
I was a little surprised but still eager to learn. "Could I have a book—any book—that could teach me how to use magic?" I asked.
She turned around, went to the small magic section, and after a moment of searching, handed me a book. "Move along," she said, even though there were no other people around.
I took a seat at one of the small tables and examined the book she had given me: "How to Form a Lightning Javelin."
"Can I learn this book, system?" I asked.
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You don't own this skill book. You can't auto-learn this skill.
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So I decided to skim through the book, focusing on the key points.
Mana forms the essence of our world, and mastering its manipulation is essential for any adventurer. This book guides beginner adventurers through the process of forming Rank 1: Lightning Javelin.
Flip
Mana responds to your command.
Mana is the energy that flows through every living being that can be shaped and molded according to the will of the mage.
Flip
Every mage has a Mana Circle within their body; this circle can be upgraded ten times, from rank 0 to 10. A mage can't learn magic more than one rank above what they already know. Most people who read this book are at rank 0.
The Mana Circle is the core of a mage's power, a mystical conduit that channels and amplifies their magical abilities.
Flip
Begin by forming mana in your hand. Condense it as tightly as possible into a teal construct.
Concentration is key. Feel the mana coalescing, a warm energy pulsing and growing denser with every breath you take.
Flip
The strength of the javelin depends on the amount of mana you invest in it, increasing its potential damage.
The more mana you pour into the javelin, the brighter and more formidable it becomes, crackling with untamed power.
Flip
Visualize the javelin as being made of lightning. Feel the spark, feel the electricity, and ignite your mana.Close your eyes and imagine the raw energy of a thunderstorm, the fierce bolts of lightning that split the sky. Channel that image into your mana, letting the electricity course through your construct.
I followed the book's instructions meticulously, first creating a ball of mana in my hand. The sensation was strange yet exhilarating—a warm, pulsating orb of energy that responded to my every thought. I then attempted to sculpt it into a lance or javelin. This step was particularly challenging; shaping mana required a blend of mental focus and physical precision.
The final step, visualizing the lightning enveloping the spear, was the most demanding. It took considerable effort to hold the image in my mind. At first, I only felt a slight electrical sensation running through my body before it dissipated.
On my second attempt, the mana quickly retreated back into my body, which I considered a failure. However, on my third try, I finally succeeded. I focused deeply on what lightning is—its speed, its brightness, its sheer power. As I did, I felt a tingling sensation spread from my hand. Suddenly, a small spark of lightning crackled into existence, encasing the mana javelin. The sight was awe-inspiring; the javelin buzzed with electric energy, humming with the potential for destruction.
===========================
Skill Unlocked: Mana Condensation
Skill Unlocked: Mana Javelin
Skill Unlocked: Lightning Creation
Skill Unlocked: Lightning Javelin
===========================
After reading the book, the librarian called me over, having observed my progress.
"Many of the high humans before you refused to read the book. When they realized they couldn't instantly learn the skills, they became angry—some even threatened me," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and sorrow.
"I'm sorry for testing you," she added, bowing slightly, waiting for my response.
"No need to bow," I said quickly.
She straightened up, letting her hands fall to her sides, and stood tall. "What would you like to know about magic?" she asked, her tone now more open and friendly.
"I think I've got a pretty good grasp from the book," I replied, handing it back to her. "Thank you."
"No, thank you," she smiled warmly and handed me another book titled "How to Learn R2 True Sight." "You can keep it," she said with a smile.
As I left the store, I saw her waving at me through the window. I looked at the book in my hands, its cover shimmering slightly in the sunlight, not paying attention to my surroundings as I walked away.
===========================
Would you like to learn True Sight?
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I replied, "Yes," and immediately gained the skill. The book evaporated into a swirl of light as the knowledge integrated into me.
True sight allows you to perceive things that would otherwise be hidden, such as names through skills like Lurk. Normally, it's acquired on Floor 2, but obtaining it early is a significant advantage. It also means I won't have to purchase the skill later on.
As I looked up from the book, a young man with a muscular build, slightly older than me, stormed toward me. His green hair and eyes contrasted sharply with his starting gear, which had been dyed a vibrant green. He glared at me, his frustration palpable.
"How did you do that?" he screamed, his voice filled with anger.
Without warning, he tried to push me against the wall. However, before his hands could make contact, a system notification flashed:
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System Notification: Safe Zone Violation
=================================
Cities are safe zones by default, preventing any harmful actions between players or starting PVP.
"What's wrong with you?" I said, glancing up at his name, which read "LV 2 Jester."
"Jester?" I chuckled, realizing he was a player rather than an NPC. Player names are typically white and include a level number, while NPCs have golden names.
"Just because you're in a safe zone doesn't mean you can act like that," I added, pushing him aside.
"When I went in there, I was kicked out for no reason, and now she's giving away books for free!" he fumed.
"It wasn't for no reason," I shot back. "You threatened her store."
"She cursed me!" he screamed, boiling with rage.
"Just purify it. I'm sure some city has the ability," I retorted.
"I've looked at every city around here and none of them do, but 23rd!" he snapped.
"Listen, Jester, that's not my problem," I said as I moved him aside and headed for the blacksmith.
When I arrived at the blacksmith's, even though it was early, he greeted me with a warm smile and a firm handshake—a stark contrast to our previous meeting. His friendliness was a welcome change.
The armor was a striking piece. The base was crafted from a dark, matte black fabric that clung to the skin like a second shadow, optimized for stealth and agility. Each segment of the outfit was meticulously designed to ensure quiet, fluid movement, ideal for sneaking through the night or executing acrobatic maneuvers.
What truly set this armor apart were the integrated slime cores. These cores were embedded throughout the armor and emitted a soft, ethereal glow. Positioned strategically along the forearms, shins, and chest, they created a mesmerizing, organic pattern that blended seamlessly with the dark fabric. The white pulsing of the slime cores was not just for aesthetics; it also indicated the armor's special properties.
================================================
Ninja's Core Armor Set
Meticulously crafted by a master blacksmith on Floor 1 in the 63rd city
When the full armor is equipped, the wearer gains immunity to the first magic type they are hit with.
Common Armor Set
+1 Magic Immunity
-10% Mana Usage
================================================
The other set of armor was similar in design but constructed from durable leather rather than the dark, matte fabric.After thanking the blacksmith for his craftsmanship and hospitality, I prepared to leave. As I equipped the leather armor, it conformed seamlessly to my body, adjusting perfectly to my movements. The fit was comfortable, and the armor felt like a second skin, providing both protection and flexibility.
Just as I was about to head out, the blacksmith called me back. He handed me two iron kunai with a friendly nod. "These were left behind by a previous high human," he explained. "I've kept them here, and they're yours now. Consider it a gift."
The kunai were solid and well-balanced, their metal gleaming in the morning light. He mentioned they were a part of the store's inventory that had been left unclaimed, and his gesture was appreciated.
=========================================
Two Iron Kunai
Made by a blacksmith on Floor 1 in the 63rd city
Common
==========================================
Slime armor is notoriously known as the weakest armor set in the game. Despite its benefit of providing immunity to the first magic type it encounters, it suffers from the lowest durability of any armor set available. This means it can only withstand a limited amount of damage before deteriorating.
In the beta, players often employ a strategy where they intentionally hit the armor themselves to imbue it with immunity to any magic type they prefer. This customization is done by placing the armor on an armor stand and using it in that manner. Given that it was later in the day and the Collector wouldn't be around, I decided to explore the surrounding cities to make the most of my time.
The surrounding cities were impressive and held their own unique qualities. While 63rd was the largest and most bustling, the other cities boasted amenities and features that 63rd lacked. Each city had its own character and charm.
As I traversed the desolate plains, where slimes, horses, and cows were the only signs of life, I stumbled upon the city Jester had mentioned—the 23rd.
The 23rd was situated near a river and had a reputation for being nearly deserted due to frequent monster attacks originating from the lake. During the beta, the few residents who remained had somber dialogue options, often speaking of their families being killed by these monsters.
Upon entering the city gate, I was greeted by an unexpected sight. The once desolate town had transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Banners in a spectrum of colors decorated the streets, and NPCs were gathered, sharing drinks and celebrating with a sense of camaraderie and joy. The lively atmosphere was a striking contrast to the bustling but orderly environment of 63rd.
Adding to the festive mood, many NPCs were adorned with red and white masks, each featuring unique patterns. The masks lent a mystical and somewhat eerie charm to the celebrations.
Curious about the sudden change in the city's dynamics, I approached one of the NPCs and asked about the events unfolding in the city.
"A few days ago our city was bought by a guild," the NPC said eagerly, a hint of pride in their voice.
I was surprised. Why would anyone purchase a city like this, especially given the ongoing costs and the city's history of destruction during the beta? It was a place players typically avoided.
"What guild bought this city?" I asked, trying to understand their decision.
"The guild is called... G2," the NPC replied after a brief pause.
I was puzzled. I hadn't heard of a guild named G2 during the beta, and their choice to buy this city was intriguing. I mulled over their decision for a moment, and the NPC must have noticed my curiosity.
"Why don't you enjoy the festivities?" they suggested, handing me a white mask with a red mark across the center.
I took the mask, appreciating its design, and put it in my inventory. The festive atmosphere of the city seemed to envelop me as I joined in the celebrations.
============================================
Party Mask
A rare item obtained in City 23rd, celebrating the city being bought by G2
==========================================
I put on the mask, noting that it had no special effects or debuffs, and began to explore the city. The 23rd was primarily a storage hub, featuring several large warehouses designed to house items and armor. With the recent purchase of the city, the new owners had the power to regulate who could enter and exit.
As I wandered through the town, the cheerful NPCs and festive atmosphere were a stark contrast to the somber mood of the beta. However, it was clear that this city was not without its issues. I decided to stay until nightfall to investigate the warehouses more thoroughly. As I walked through the city, I encountered several NPCs carrying boxes. It was clear that the guild who had purchased the city had displaced the existing NPCs.
"I can't believe we're out of a job just like that," one warehouse worker grumbled to a colleague. "This place was always busy, with shipments and trades. Now it's just empty warehouses and storage units."
"I know," replied the second worker, shaking their head. "We used to manage all the trades and supplies here. Now we're just being pushed out because some High Humans want to turn this city into their personal storage facility."
"This city was never perfect," the first worker continued, "but it had its role. Now that the guild's bought it for storage, we're left without any purpose."
"And the worst part is that we have to find new jobs elsewhere," the second worker added. "Who knows how long it will take to find work there or if we'll even get any."
G2's decision to repurpose the city had caused significant upheaval for the NPCs who had worked here. With no one left to defend the city, it seemed G2 had decided that controlling who could enter and exit would be sufficient for their needs. I realized I had arrived at an opportune moment. G2 likely had systems in place to restrict player access after a certain time .
Determined to uncover more about what the guild was storing, I decided to stay in the city overnight. Given its relatively small size, if G2 had been a larger guild, they might have had the resources to acquire a more substantial location quickly. Since only two days had passed since the acquisition, their inventory should still be relatively modest.
To ensure I could escape quickly if needed, I equipped MTR (Mana Teleport Runes) onto both of the kunai I had received from the blacksmith and placed one kunai just outside the city, ensuring I had a means of retreat if things took a turn for the worse.
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Guild [Crusaders] has successfully cleared Floor 1.
Skill Unlocked: Warp
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In under three days, humanity managed to clear Floor 1.