The conversation between the two continued.
"So, do you know anything about the relationship between the size of a magic circle and the runes that compose it?"
In Grand World Online, the size of magic circles and their constituent runes could be freely adjusted, but through countless experiments and studies by players, knowledge of the optimal size combinations had become widespread. Wanting to compare this knowledge with the understanding of this new world, Gravel posed the question to Diara.
"Yes. As far as I know, there is an optimal size." Diara replied.
"The larger the circle, the greater its power, but the mana efficiency decreases. Also, higher-tier runes like Dil (2) are more efficient than Mon (1). However, there are times when the best magic for a situation outweighs optimal efficiency, so I wouldn't say my knowledge is absolute truth."
"Haha! I see. I also believe there's an optimal approach depending on the situation." Gravel said, laughing heartily.
Gravel's mood lifted as the knowledge he had pieced together in his mind began to organize itself clearly. The two continued their conversation late into the night, sharing insights about magic from their respective worlds.
They discussed how, for mana channeling efficiency, magic circles are often implemented close to the caster, and how the farther the circle, the slower the mana flow and the lower the transmission rate. They also touched on using this principle to cast magic remotely, the existence of magic circles in shapes other than circles, and the concept of complex rune patterns. During this exchange, Gravel asked Diara another question.
"So, Diara, what level of magical power can you wield?"
"Uh… me?"
Diara hesitated, caught off guard by the question.
"The highest tier of my magic proficiency…"
"(Oh? Did I ask something rude?) I'm sorry. Was that an impolite question?" Gravel quickly apologized.
"No, no, it's not that." Diara reassured him.
"The highest tier of magic I can use is Theta (4) fire magic."
"(Theta… so, level 4?) That's an impressive level of mastery." Gravel remarked.
"(Most casters I met in Froikton were using level 1 or 2 magic, so being able to use level 4 magic either means Diara is above average or the casters in Froikton are generally less skilled…)"
"It's thanks to a great mentor and the support of my temple colleagues." Diara said humbly.
"And it's only fire magic that I can use at Theta (4)."
"(Specializing in fire magic?) So, does that mean you're specialized in fire-based magic, or is there another meaning? If it's a difficult question, you don't have to answer." Gravel added cautiously.
Gravel had only shown Diara level 1 or 2 decoding and healing magic, so he assumed Diara saw him as someone with a keen interest in magic and knowledge of unique runes. This allowed Gravel to ask questions freely without hesitation.
"Well…"
Diara began thoughtfully.
"Some people are born with a natural affinity for certain elemental attributes. In my case, I was born with an affinity for fire. When someone with such an innate attribute learns magic, especially when they channel their mana into a magic circle aligned with their attribute, the mana takes on that attribute, allowing them to cast magic more quickly and efficiently. There are clear advantages when the magic circle and mana attribute align. So, you could say I'm specialized in fire magic. Was my explanation too complicated? I've never taught anyone before, so I'm sorry if it was unclear…"
"Haha, no, it was easy to understand."
Gravel reassured her.
"I'm more used to learning than teaching myself. So, can mana take on an attribute through acquired means as well?"
"Yes." Diara nodded.
"Even without an innate attribute, mana is heavily influenced by the mind. If someone has a strong preference or desire, their mana can subtly take on an attribute. This, in turn, increases the efficiency and power of the magic they favor, leading them to use that attribute more often. Over time, their affinity for that attribute grows stronger. So, while some, like me, are born with an attribute, most people develop a stronger affinity for one attribute through repeated use."
"(Hmm… The concept of innate attributes is new to me, but the reasoning and principles behind specialization are similar to Grand World…) I see. I'm learning a lot from you, Diara," Gravel said sincerely. "Shall we call it a night here? We have a schedule tomorrow, and the journey to Ves-Dinas is long, so we'll have plenty of opportunities like this."
"Yes. A moment's achievement is less important than the steady accumulation of effort over time," Diara agreed.
"Then, I'll see you tomorrow."
Gravel bid her farewell and stepped out of the tent. The central campfire at the campsite still burned brightly, and the occasional hoot of an owl echoed in the night.
"Phew… I learned a lot today," Gravel muttered to himself, reflecting on his conversation with Diara. "I think I saw a portable writing set in a small bag at some shop in Froikton's market… Should I have bought it?"
*****
The next day began leisurely after sunrise. A wainwright, who had set out early from Froikton, arrived at the campsite. The repairman and his assistants greeted the soldiers and began unloading a large wagon wheel from their cart.
After several hours of work, hammering and chiseling to fit the new wheel, the wainwright announced, "It's done!"
The soldiers sprang into action, packing up the tents, gathering miscellaneous items scattered around the campsite, and, with great effort, moving a massive statue onto the wagon. They built a dirt ramp to the wagon's cargo hold, allowing them to slide the statue inside with difficulty.
Afterward, the wainwright lent one of his horses to the group, and the two wagons set off for Froikton. The wagon carrying the statue was parked in a corner of the commercial district. Nearby, Reave, a soldier, and Diara were talking.
"It'd be tough to travel with just one horse." Diara said.
"Kein, one of the soldiers, knows how to handle horses. He said he'd go find another one while we gather supplies."
"So, you'll set out as soon as the supplies are ready?" Reave asked.
"We'll need to camp along the way to Nordford." Diara replied.
"Are all the other soldiers really okay with this?"
"Yes! Thanks to Gravel's magic, everyone's in top condition, not a scratch on them." Reave assured her.
"That's a relief. If we can reach Nordford, we can follow the Diure River to Valla-Glas."
Reave tilted his head, scratching it in confusion. "Hmm… But why go north to Nordford to get to Valla-Glas? You could head straight east from Froikton."
"Yes, the eastern route is faster." Diara admitted.
"But that path takes us through the House Raller's territory. Given that the Raller is under the House Kavil , it feels too risky to pass through their lands."
"I see. That makes sense." Reave nodded.
"I'll go help with the preparations then."
Reave quickened his pace, heading toward the opposite side of the street where the wagon was parked.
Side Story: Fahrtu's Writing Tools
Gravel and Iris stepped into a shop, pushing open the door beneath a worn sign adorned with an image of a quill and ink bottle.
"Welcome to Fahrtu's shop!" a bright, slightly nasal male voice called out, responding to the sound of the door without revealing its owner.
Inside, shelves lined the walls, filled with an assortment of inks in various shapes and sizes, arranged chaotically. On the opposite side, other shelves displayed quills of different sizes and colors, as well as pens carved from wood or crafted from intricately decorated horn.
"Do you have portable writing tools?" Gravel asked.
"You must be a traveler, eh?" the shopkeeper said, emerging before Gravel and Iris. His hair was slicked back with oil, and his graying beard framed his face. He wore a thick leather apron, stained with ink and stuffed with a pocket of rolled-up scrap paper.
"Yes. I think I saw a small bag with a pen and ink for sale before." Gravel said.
"Oh! That one? I might have some in stock. Give me a moment."
The shopkeeper disappeared briefly to the back of the shop, returning with five dusty shoulder bags. "Here we go. Pick a bag from these. One of them has extra pouches for ink, but that'll cost you five more silver coins."
Fahrtu spread the bags on a round table in the corner of the shop, then began rummaging through the shelves, humming to himself.
"Where's that portable ink? Where, oh where, is the ink~?"
After a while, Fahrtu returned to the table, pulling several ink bottles from his apron's pockets before heading to another shelf.
"Oh, you must be bored waiting. Here, take this paper and try out the inks with this pen. You can wash the pen in that water bottle on the table." he said, handing Gravel a sheet of paper and a short quill with a white feather.
"Thank you. I'll take a look." Gravel replied.
"Sunlight and humidity are bad for ink, you know." Fahrtu added, placing a larger lantern on the table to explain the dim interior.
Gravel sat at the table, unfolded the paper, and dipped the quill into a round ink bottle, drawing a line.
'Dark black, he noted. Let's try another color.'
He rinsed the quill in the water bottle, opened another ink bottle, and drew another line.
'Black again?'
He tried a third bottle.
'This too?'
"Fahrtu, these ink bottles…" Gravel called out, unable to see the shopkeeper.
"Yes, customer! Found a color you like?" Fahrtu replied, rummaging through a wooden box on the floor elsewhere in the shop.
"Well… yes, but… all the inks you gave me are black." Gravel said.
"Hmm? Yes, so which black do you like best?" Fahrtu asked.
'Wait, are they all different blacks?'
Gravel examined the tiny labels on the ink bottle lids: Dragon's Heart Black, Raven's Feather, Charred Wood Ash, Onyx…
Realizing Fahrtu hadn't mistakenly given him only black inks, Gravel said.
"Oh! Yes, among them, I like Raven's Feather the most."
"Ho ho! Raven's Feather, excellent choice. Once it dries, it has a purple sheen, a beautiful color. It really shines like a raven's feather wet with water."
Fahrtu said, approaching with a tray laden with dozens of ink bottles.
"Here are the blues… and these are the greens. Oh, and since you're looking for something portable, a horn pen with an ink pouch might be better than a quill. You don't need to dip it in ink as often."
Fahrtu spread a long cloth on the table and laid out several pens carved from horn.
"Look at this one, customer. It's from Tiltihi's workshop in Ixtarn. A bit pricey, but worth every coin."
"Haha, I see. I'll take your recommended pen and the Raven's Feather black ink." Gravel decided.
"Great! So, this bag, the Tiltihi workshop pen, and the Raven's Feather black ink~" Fahrtu said, sliding the pen, ink, and bag to one side of the table with a wide, toothy grin.
"Customer, may I have a moment of your time?" Fahrtu asked, pulling a cloth from his apron to wipe an ink bottle.
"You're going to love the pen and ink you're buying today. This isn't just a salesman's pitch—trust me. Every moment of your journey, you'll write brilliant words with this pen, or if you're an artist, you'll draw beautiful pictures. But one day, you'll think to yourself, 'Should I have bought more inks at Fahrtu's shop in Froikton?' 'That red ink called Firebird's Feather looked so vibrant.' 'The pens all had different writing feels—maybe I should've gotten a few spares.' "
"What do you say, customer? To prevent that day of regret, how about letting Fahrtu recommend some stunning inks and a revolutionary pen that'll go down in history? Let me grab a bigger bag to show you."
Fahrtu's eyes sparkled as he finished his lengthy pitch, staring at Gravel expectantly.
Afterward, Gravel spent time with Fahrtu, testing the colors of over 50 inks and trying 30 pens. In the end, he purchased three pens and eight ink bottles, packed them into a small leather bag, and made it back just in time for the departure of the wagon carrying Diara's statue.
Side Story: Fahrtu's Writing Tools - End