When thinking about learning an additional type of magic, the first thing that came to Rhodes' mind was Levy's Solid Script Magic. Levy, who used Solid Script Magic, loved studying different languages. Would mastering multiple languages increase the power of such magic?
Would the Chinese language he knew be powerful?
He'd only find out by trying.
Coincidentally, Levy had recently felt that there wasn't much left to teach Rhodes about common knowledge of the world.
Hearing that he wanted to learn Solid Script, Levy immediately patted her chest and promised to teach him everything she knew, offering him a one-month trial without any fee.
The basics of magic naturally started with the simplest characters.
Golden magical light shimmered at the tip of Levy's finger as her wrist moved gently, forming words in mid-air:
"Solid Script: FIRE!"
As soon as the word was completed, the golden magical light turned red, transforming into flames, dancing in the air as Levy waved her arm.
Rhodes picked up a broken piece of wood from the corner of the yard and threw it into the flames, which immediately ignited.
However, as the word "FIRE" was gradually destroyed, controlling the flames became increasingly difficult for Levy.
After holding it for a while, the flames extinguished, leaving behind a piece of charcoal that continued to burn on the ground.
"Solid Script: WATER!"
Levy waved her hand again, writing the word for water, which doused the burning charcoal.
"Solid Script Magic uses words written with magic to manipulate elements or other forces that the caster isn't naturally adept at controlling.
In a sense, the words themselves are temporary magical artifacts we create. Once this step is complete, you can use them like Holder-type magic."
"Is that so?" Rhodes didn't quite know what to say. He had initially wanted to learn an ability-type magic, but Levy's explanation meant it was halfway like a Holder-type.
"Even with the same kind of magic, everyone experiences it differently. That's just my perspective," Levy said. "Anyway, let's start with the basics—writing the words with magic."
"…Alright." Rhodes nodded. Since he was already here, he might as well give it a try.
Levy explained in detail how to distribute magic power and how to make the magic released from his fingers remain in the air for a short while.
Rhodes listened, memorized, and tried it out, asking questions whenever he didn't understand.
Anything related to training had to be taken seriously.
While the two of them were enjoying a productive lesson in the backyard, there were also two pairs of eyes watching them.
Jet and Droy were clinging to the frame of the guild's backdoor, each poking their head out to spy.
Jet said indignantly, "Damn, that Rhodes is too sly, using the excuse of learning magic to cling to Levy!"
Droy said, "But… it was Levy who approached him to teach language first."
"Whatever, if this goes on, we might have to… We need to do something to make Levy understand our feelings."
Droy thought for a moment. "How about challenging Rhodes to prove we're stronger than him?"
"We've already lost to him—right in front of Levy." Jet sighed. "Can you defeat any of his monsters?"
Droy patted the pouch of seeds strapped to him. "As long as he doesn't use the Stone Beetles…"
Jet reminded him, "Rhodes recently got a kind of monster bird. When it flaps its wings, feathers fly everywhere like knives."
Droy hesitated. "Then, as long as he doesn't use those birds…"
Jet continued, "He also has a type of wolf that sneaks up behind you and knocks you over."
"Then… as long as he doesn't use those wolves…"
Jet sighed again. "Might as well ask Rhodes to tie his hands and feet and let you beat him up."
Droy himself found it excessive. "What can I do? Who gets this strong after just over a month of training?"
"If there's really no other way, then we'll just have to do that!" Jet turned and left.
"Hey, Jet, what are you doing?"
"I'm just going to get something ready; I'll be right back!" Jet activated his Speed magic, quickly disappearing from Droy's view.
Levy pointed at the word Rhodes had just written, which collapsed at the slightest touch. "Here, your magic power isn't distributed evenly. Try controlling the output speed a bit better."
"Got it." Rhodes followed her instructions. This magic was a bit more technical.
Even if one wanted to force it with power, it had to be consistent "force," and just pushing magic out haphazardly wouldn't work.
After some practice, Levy suggested that Rhodes take a break and thoroughly review all his previous mistakes before trying again.
Just then, Jet stormed into the backyard like a gust of wind, standing with his hands behind his back in front of Levy, his expression serious.
Levy looked puzzled. "Jet? What's wrong?"
Jet said earnestly, "Levy, I have something important to say to you."
Oh boy. Rhodes silently stepped back, trying to minimize his presence—he felt like there was something worth watching here.
Levy seemed to realize something and asked along with Jet's line, "What is it? Why so serious all of a sudden?"
Jet pulled a bouquet of red roses from behind his back, bowing and extending the flowers toward Levy.
"I like you. Please go out with me!" Jet blurted out the entire confession in one breath, then closed his eyes and held his breath, waiting for Levy's answer like a person leaving it all up to fate.
Levy looked a bit surprised, hesitated only briefly, then took a step back, clasping her small hands behind her, without accepting the flowers.
"I'm sorry, Jet. I don't have that kind of feeling for you, but thank you for liking me."
Rhodes was surprised to see that despite Levy's usually gentle personality, she was decisive in this situation.
From the moment Jet finished speaking to when Levy rejected him, it took just two seconds.
"So… that's how it is…" Jet struggled to speak. By the time he stood up straight, a stiff smile had appeared on his face.
"Sorry for troubling you." Jet held the bouquet in one hand. "Consider this as an apology or a gift between friends."
Levy still didn't reach out, only smiled and shook her head.
Jet pulled his hand back, forcing a smile. "Right, it's not appropriate. Well… I have something else to do."
Jet turned and left, leaving behind a relatively carefree-looking back.
Droy, who had been watching secretly, was stunned by Jet's actions.
First, he was furious at Jet for stealing the chance, then he was anxious while waiting for Levy's response, and finally, he felt bad for Jet when he got rejected.
Of course, among the pain was a slight thrill of "now I have a chance."
This tiny bit of joy made Droy feel very guilty. They had been best friends since childhood, and right now, he should be by Jet's side.
"Jet, you…" When Droy found the dejected Jet, he couldn't even find words to say.
He could completely imagine how upset Jet must be now, and at a time like this, anything he said would be pointless, right?
Unexpectedly, Jet turned around and patted Droy's shoulder. "It's fine. I was prepared for this outcome. But you, Droy, you go for it."
"What are you talking about…"
"If you succeed, I'll bless you both." Jet said, "We're still best friends."
"Jet…"
Disclaimer: Many of the settings about magic in this chapter are not based on official lore. For example, Levy's explanation of Solid Script Magic is the author's addition.
Therefore, do not practice magic without the supervision of a qualified mage.