In an instant, ripples of light blue water radiated outward from Eric, expanding in all directions. Wherever the water waves hit, the grass swayed violently, and even the large trees trembled!
"What incredible power!" Eric's eyes widened, his chest shaking violently, and his heart seemed like it was about to jump out of his chest.
He couldn't believe it—he had actually used such a powerful Magic!
And mastering it marked a clear milestone.
He had become a Low-level Magic Master!
In this world, everyone begins their magical training in their final year of high school.
As long as one can become a Low-level Magic Master or a Low-level Physical Cultivation Practitioner within the year, they may not be able to attend the top-tier schools. But it is good enough to meet the standards for many Advanced-level universities!
[Skill: Magic Master (Not yet entered)]
[Progress: (10/100)]
[Description: Magic beginner, a novice with a lot to learn]
Before Eric, a new integrated skill appeared: Magic Master.
Its progress was capped at 100, and based on Eric's understanding, it was similar to a proficiency level. Once it's maxed out, he would reach the next tier.
"I've already mastered three Magic skills, but on this panel, I'm still considered a beginner? At our school, this would already make me a genius…" Eric muttered to himself.
But now, he understood how to use this ability. Simply put—it was through diligence.
"As long as I work hard enough, continuously repeating something, won't I one day become the most powerful Magic Master in Black City?" Eric's eyes glinted with hope.
Standing up straight, he silently recited the three Magic skills he had just learned.
Water Sphere Technique!
This time, the release was slow, still somewhat clumsy, but much better than the first attempt.
At the same time, after casting the spell, Eric immediately felt a wave of exhaustion.
Casting Magic consumes magical energy!
The amount of magical energy varies from person to person. Some are born with more, but with enough training, it can be increased over time—just like muscles in the human body.
That's how powerful Magic Masters are made.
In this regard, Physical Cultivation Practitioners and Magic training are not so different after all.
Next, Eric released Water Shield and then Ripples of Water, cycling through the three Magics. Immediately, the feeling of fatigue intensified.
"Sure enough, Ripples of Water is the most exhausting. No wonder it's a C-level Magic." Eric placed one hand over his chest, gasping for breath.
After this round, almost all of Eric's magical energy had been exhausted, and he couldn't even cast a single Water Sphere Technique anymore.
[Skill: Magic Master (Not yet entered)]
[Progress: (70/100)]
Although Eric really wanted to continue practicing, he had no choice but to stop and rest. After all, as a Low-level Magic Master, using so many Magic skills in one night was already quite an achievement.
"It looks like I can't rush things. I should go to sleep first." Eric thought, propping up his tired body and heading back to his bed.
That night, he slept deeply and sweetly, thinking that the next day, he would be able to go to the Magic Guild and apply to become a certified Low-level Magic Master!
This crit panel ability was perfect for someone like him, a grind enthusiast.
One day, he would make that bitch, Vivian, kneel before him and admit that his Magic could crush hers!
...…
The next day, as soon as Eric woke up, he heard a rapid knocking on his door.
He opened the door, and a man who looked like a thug, someone not to be messed with, stood in the doorway.
Behind the man, a black sedan was parked on the road, and a few sinister-looking thugs in the back seat were watching him through the windows.
"Eric, have you thought about the last matter? You can't train without money." the man said with a crooked grin.
The man was well-built, with clearly defined muscles.
His name was Buck, Eric's landlord. He owned several houses in the neighborhood and was a notorious bully. He also ran a loan shark business. Anyone who didn't repay would have their hands or feet broken.
Eric's eyes narrowed with caution. Buck had been trying to get him to take a loan.
In reality, Eric was indeed short on money due to his obsession with training, but he knew better than to fall into this trap. He had always refused resolutely.
"Thanks, but I really don't need it." Eric replied, as he had before.
Buck, however, was easygoing and smiled back. "Alright. But Eric, your high school exams are coming up, right? As an Intermediate-level Physical Cultivation Practitioner, I can tell you that you're in the most critical period for training. It's worth investing money to lay a solid foundation."
Eric knew that Buck was right.
Training was incredibly expensive. Whether it was basic weapons and equipment, skill books, or supplements and potions. If someone like Eric hired a personal tutor, it would cost a fortune.
"The thing about men is, you have to be willing to invest in yourself. If you put money into building a strong foundation and become powerful, you'll easily make a lot of money later. Paying back the debt will be nothing." Buck said with a sly look in his eyes, his tone full of provocation.
He pulled a cigarette out of his pocket, lit it, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled a ring of smoke. "Eric, if you change your mind, feel free to come find me."
Eric pretended to listen. But inside, he remained unmoved.
He might have a poor talent for training, but he wasn't a fool. Even with the ability to trigger ten-times crits, he didn't need to borrow money. Even without the crit ability, he would never be tempted by such high-interest loans.
It sounded appealing, but if he fell into that trap, it would be a never-ending nightmare!
Just as Buck was about to leave, he suddenly noticed something and his face darkened.
"Eric, why is there such a big hole in the wall of your house?"
Eric's heart skipped a beat.
He had just remembered that while practicing the Water Sphere Technique yesterday, he had accidentally punched a hole in the wall. Turning around, he saw the large hole clearly, visible from the outside.
Eric didn't have parents, and he had already spent a lot of money on training. He'd also been swindled out of a large sum by Vivian. Right now, he could barely cover basic expenses like rent.
Now that the wall was damaged, with Buck's temperament, he was sure to demand an outrageous fee.
As expected, Buck's attitude completely changed.
"Eric, this house isn't cheap. You'll need to pay me for the repairs, or I won't be able to rent it out to anyone else."
What do you mean "not cheap"? This was an old, worthless house!
But Eric had no choice but to concede. "How much do you want?"
Buck replied, "Eight thousand dollars."
Even though Eric had mentally prepared for this, he was still shocked. His eyes widened.
Buck didn't give him a chance to negotiate, his voice laced with threat. "I'll give you one week, Eric."
"Eight thousand dollars? That's just...." Eric couldn't help but voice his disbelief. This was outright robbery.
Buck glared at him, his smile cold. "If you don't have the money, you might want to consider selling your parents' Magic tome."
Hearing this, Eric's face changed instantly. He finally understood Buck's true intentions.
After Buck finished speaking, he turned and walked back to his black sedan.
In the backseat, several of Buck's thugs asked, "Boss, why didn't you just take it from him directly?"
Buck was an Intermediate-level Physical Cultivation Practitioner, someone no one in the entire street could mess with. He could easily lift a car with one hand, which was also why he became the leader of the local gang.
He snorted disdainfully. "Idiot. He's still a high school student. Even though he has no Superhuman talent, federal law states that taking advantage of students from Superhuman schools will result in severe punishment."
Buck had always been interested in the Magic tome that Eric's family had passed down. After observing Eric, he discovered that the boy was extremely studious but lacked any real talent. So, he had tried several times to pitch high-interest loans to him.
In the end, Eric would never become a powerful practitioner. When he couldn't repay the debt, the Magic tome would naturally end up in Buck's hands.
"I didn't expect this kid to be so stubborn. The high-interest loans didn't work on him. I had planned to intensify the pressure during his final exams to pull him in. But now, it seems that's unnecessary." Buck said with a cold, calculating smile.
"He's broken my wall, and he can't afford to pay. Soon enough, he'll be at my mercy!" Buck added.
Although the law prevented Buck from outright taking Eric's belongings, the power imbalance and his reputation gave him an obvious advantage. The fact that Eric had damaged the wall gave him the perfect justification to pressure him.
Buck's demands were excessive, but he wasn't worried. He was confident the kid wouldn't dare refuse.
That Magic tome would be his, no matter what.
Meanwhile, Eric watched as Buck's car disappeared down the road, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. "So, without power, you're just at the mercy of others..."