[Your understanding of magic has improved. You can control elements at a higher level and have mastered a new mage specialty—[Arcane Thinking]]
[You gain the mage specialty [Arcane Thought]!]
[Feat: Arcane Thought—Intelligence attribute is modified by 2 times, elemental affinity +100%, arcane sub-module unlocked]
Leo looked over the newly unlocked specialty on his panel, satisfaction tightening his fists. He rolled up Bobaka's Arcane Notes carefully, tucking them into his storage ring. Although he'd gained [Arcane Thinking], he'd only just acquired the basics. The legendary mage's arcane insights in these notes held immense value for improving his mastery.
And if he ever decided not to keep them, they'd make a treasure on the auction circuit—a prize countless mages would covet. After all, his past life running a gaming studio had taught him one rule: return assets to the vault if you're not using them.
Leo confirmed he'd left nothing behind, then casually took History of the Development of Magic in the Kingdom of Fes (Volume 7) and headed to the plush second-floor lounge, reserved for nobles and esteemed guests.
Sinking back into a soft fur sofa, the faint aroma of mint floating around him, he instructed the attentive waiter to replace his black coffee with hot cocoa. Though he kept his eyes on the book, his thoughts were far from its pages.
The [Arcane Thinking] specialty was a foundational step for his main mage progression, not only because of the 100% elemental affinity boost. Frankly, many mage specialties were incredibly powerful. In his last life, he'd acquired [Fire God], a specialty with a brutally simple effect: 50% increased fire spell damage.
What thrilled him about [Arcane Thinking], though, was the phrase, "arcane subsystem unlocked," setting a direct course toward the role of Arcanist.
Why pursue the Arcanist path? Simple. According to knowledge from the ancient Netheril Empire, over half the mages who had achieved legendary status also became Arcanists—a trend still considered true today. No player in his past life had reached Legend, yet the sheer power of Arcanists was undeniable.
Though weaker at early levels, Arcanists' strength grew as their exclusive arcane spells multiplied, making them a late-game force. They'd regularly ranked among the top three most-feared enemies by players in his old game's surveys.
Leo was genuinely surprised at how smoothly he'd unlocked [Arcane Thinking]. Using his noble status to sidestep the qualification exam had validated his idea. Skipping the entire preliminary quest chain to secure the final prize was an enormous advantage.
While he didn't know if those players from his past life would appear as expected, the treasures he remembered still lay scattered across the world, patiently waiting for someone to unearth them.
His thoughts drifted to legendary dreams: a mage controlling a floating city, commanding armies of dragons and golems, and conquering the stars. Leo smiled, savoring the vision, when a smooth, faintly mocking voice interrupted.
"Well, if it isn't our elusive Viscount Ainsworth, finally emerging from his studies. Come to breathe fresh air at last?"
Leo looked up, meeting the gaze of a slender young man, similarly aged, dressed in fine clothes. Golden tassels hung from his white suit, his short blond hair framing a pale face.
If this were one of Leo's novels, this character would play the loud-mouthed rival waiting to be humbled. Fortunately, Leo knew this young man well—his best friend, in fact, since childhood.
The memories flowed easily, allowing Leo to slip into a familiar exchange. Leaning back on the sofa, he didn't bother to stand. "And here I thought the 'Golden Rose Chamber of Commerce' would be keeping you busy, Mora Karl. What brings you out of your, uh, personal paradise?"
Mora waved off the attendant and slumped into the couch beside Leo, abandoning his refined act. "Been a while since I've seen you. When did you get this sarcastic?"
"I learned from you," Leo replied, smirking. "And since we're here—what's the occasion?"
"Who says I need a reason to visit?" Mora replied, twirling a gold coin bearing the image of Quentin Fes, the kingdom's first king.
"It's been ages. Should we get Bernie and catch up?" Mora offered.
"Isn't he tied up in the Academy's workshop?" Leo replied, setting down his book as he thought of their other friend.
Mora scoffed, flicking the coin between his fingers. "Studying, studying. That's all he does. If you ask me, it's a waste. You ought to live a little before you miss your chance."
The gold coin danced expertly on Mora's fingers as he spoke, his casual tone inviting. He'd always wanted Leo to join in his escapades.
"I'll be busy for a while. But if you've decided on something, let me know."
With that, Leo closed History of the Development of Magic in the Kingdom of Fes and left it on the table. Someone would replace it soon enough. He rose, ready to leave.
"Oh, come on, you're already heading out? Does our friendship mean so little?" Mora asked, feigning heartbreak.
Leo merely responded with a sardonic grin and a parting wave.
"Next week's my birthday party. Don't forget to show up," Mora added pointedly, fearing Leo would just toss his invitation in with the others and ignore it.
Leo gestured that he understood, adjusted his coat, and left. Mora watched him go, then, with a satisfied sigh, settled back into the couch, enjoying his rare moment of freedom.
At the library exit, the attendant bowed as Bender pulled up with the carriage, helping Leo inside.
"Anywhere else today, Master?" Bender asked from the door.
Leo paused, then nodded. "Yes, let's go to 16 Langai Street, West District."