Chapter 17: A Day of Learning
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1. Preparing for Study
The early sun cast long shadows across the ruins as Alex prepared for his day. His skeleton minions were already at work—one gathering wood while the other cleared rubble near the walls.
"This place is slowly starting to feel like something," Alex muttered, his makeshift iron spear resting beside him.
Lila sat nearby, sharpening her dagger. "What's the plan?"
"Today, I learn these," Alex said, holding up the Bone Spear, Ember Flare, and Ice Shard spell books. "If I can finish them, I'll have a lot more options in a fight."
"Good," Lila replied. "Because those skeletons are useful, but they're not going to cut it forever."
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2. Completing Bone Spear
Alex sat cross-legged near the fire, opening the Bone Spear spell book. The runes glowed faintly as he concentrated, their patterns etching themselves into his mind.
Time Passed: 3 Hours
As Alex closed the book, the system flickered in front of him:
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System Prompt:
Skill Learned: Bone Spear (Level 1)
Description: Summons a jagged spear of bone to strike an enemy.
Mana Cost: 12 Mana
Effect: A precise, single-target spell with moderate piercing damage.
+1 Intelligence
+1 Wisdom
+10 Max Mana
+1 Mana Regeneration
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Alex felt a surge of energy as his mana pool expanded, and his regeneration ticked slightly faster. "That's new," he muttered, glancing at his updated stats.
"Something wrong?" Lila asked.
"No, something right," Alex replied with a grin. "The system just boosted my mana pool and regen. Must be rewarding me for actually learning something."
He raised his hand, channeling Bone Spear for the first time. A sharp spike of bone erupted from the ground, gleaming in the sunlight before vanishing as Alex dismissed it.
"Looks effective," Lila said.
"Very," Alex replied. "On to the next one."
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3. Learning Ember Flare
The second book, Ember Flare, had a different feel entirely. Its runes seemed to shimmer like molten metal, the heat almost palpable as Alex read. The spell was straightforward, but controlling the flames would require precision.
Time Passed: 4 Hours
As Alex finished, the system screen appeared again:
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System Prompt:
Skill Learned: Ember Flare (Level 1)
Description: Releases a burst of flame around the caster, burning nearby enemies.
Mana Cost: 15 Mana
Effect: Short-range, low-damage crowd control.
+1 Intelligence
+1 Wisdom
+5 Max Mana
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Alex exhaled, feeling the lingering heat of the spell in his hands. "This one's going to be useful if we're ever surrounded."
He raised his hand, channeling the spell. Flames burst outward in a controlled surge, charring the ground in a wide circle around him.
"You're not setting the place on fire, are you?" Lila called from across the room.
"Not yet," Alex replied, laughing.
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4. Learning Ice Shard
The final book, Ice Shard, was the simplest of the three. Its runes were crisp and cool, the spell requiring precision and focus rather than raw power.
Time Passed: 3 Hours
As Alex closed the book, the familiar system notification appeared:
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System Prompt:
Skill Learned: Ice Shard (Level 1)
Description: Conjures a shard of ice to hurl at an enemy, dealing minor damage and briefly slowing movement.
Mana Cost: 10 Mana
Effect: A low-cost ranged spell with a slowing effect.
+1 Intelligence
+1 Wisdom
+5 Max Mana
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Alex flexed his hands, conjuring a shard of ice. The cold spike hovered above his palm before he launched it at a nearby rock, shattering it into pieces.
"Efficient," Alex said, satisfied.
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5. Reviewing the Progress
As the sun began to set, Alex opened his system screen to review his updated stats and skills:
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System Display: Alex
Class: Novice Necromancer
Attributes:
STR: 8
DEX: 10
CON: 12
INT: 19 (+3 from study)
WIS: 18 (+3 from study)
CHA: 9
HP: 60
MP: 120 (Net Mana Regen: +2 MP/10 Min)
Skills:
1. Raise Lesser Undead (Level 1): Summons a basic undead minion. (10 Mana, 2 MP/10 Min Maintenance)
2. Bone Spear (Level 1): Summons a jagged spear of bone to strike an enemy. (12 Mana)
3. Ember Flare (Level 1): Releases a burst of flame around the caster. (15 Mana)
4. Ice Shard (Level 1): Conjures a shard of ice to hurl at an enemy. (10 Mana)
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Alex leaned back, exhaustion tugging at his muscles but pride swelling in his chest. "That's all three. Finally."
Lila approached, raising an eyebrow. "So, how does it feel being an actual mage now?"
Alex grinned. "Like I can finally pull my weight. These spells will make a huge difference."
"Good," Lila said, her expression darkening. "Because something's out there."
In the distance, a faint howl echoed through the ruins, followed by the heavy crunch of footsteps. The skeletons standing guard stiffened, their glowing eyes turning toward the noise.
"Looks like your first real test is coming," Lila said, gripping her dagger.
Alex stood, gripping his spear. "Good. Let's see what I can do."