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Training-Addicted Mage In A Progression Fantasy-Chapter 67: Mana Stones
Chapter 67: Mana Stones
Leon’s concerns didn’t linger for long.After all, there were various ways to earn money.
There’s just the matter of time investment.
He could sell his accumulated Essence, or the Golems he had crafted.The Artifacts he had collected were another option to put up for sale.As for Scrolls, the Artifact Rewards had been limited, and with his frequent usage, there weren’t enough to raise substantial funds.
After careful consideration, Leon decided to consult Leisia.Her guidance would likely prove valuable.Arpina had also suggested seeking Leisia’s help if needed.
When he arrived at her quarters, he found her already engaged in conversation.
Leon instinctively halted his steps and held his breath.
“Lady Leisia.”
The speaker was an unfamiliar young man.
“I’ve harbored feelings for you since my days as a General Disciple. While this confession may burden you, I need you to know my true feelings.”“I appreciate your sincerity, but I cannot reciprocate those feelings.”
Leisia’s voice carried an unusual coldness and firmness.
“I can be patient.”“Please don’t wait for me.”
Despite the desperation in the man’s voice, Leisia’s response grew even colder.
Leon waited for their exchange to conclude, but his body tensed as he caught fragments of their conversation.
Did I pick the worst possible moment?
The timing was indeed unfortunate.
While desperation painted the man’s features, Leisia’s expression was more severe than Leon had ever seen.Though her voice typically carried warmth, her facial features naturally held a certain coldness.
With her usual warmth completely absent, the combination of her cold demeanor and sharp tone made her seem like an entirely different person.
Still, the man persisted.
“I mean every word. I’ll wait at Azure Lake until your coming-of-age ceremony concludes.”
Having said his piece, he quickly departed without awaiting her response.
Leisia watched him leave and released a deep sigh.
Her gaze then shifted to Leon.Her expression softened immediately.
“Leon? What brings you here?”
She asked, clearly surprised by his presence.
Fortunately, it seemed he wouldn’t be caught in any awkward aftermath.Leon cleared his throat uncomfortably before speaking.
“I’m in need of Mana Stones, so I’m exploring ways to sell various items, and I came seeking advice.”
A playful smile crossed Leisia’s lips.
“My, my... So Leon hasn’t come to confess. How disappointing.”“Excuse me?”“Just teasing, just teasing.”
Leisia burst into genuine laughter.
“If you compile a list of items you wish to sell, I can spread word among other Disciples.”
This wasn’t quite what Leon had in mind.He knew that rumors of someone possessing large quantities of Essence and high-Grade Artifacts would inevitably lead to complications.This explained his hesitation to openly sell items in the marketplace.
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“You’re wary about selling many items by yourself, aren’t you?”“There’s much I’m still uncertain about.”“Disciples can trade among themselves, or you could wait for the Trading Company’s monthly visit if the timing works. They rarely buy in bulk during regular periods though. Otherwise, you might need to venture to the Free City?”“...I see.”
Disappointment colored Leon’s voice.
Leisia, who had been contemplating alongside Leon, spoke up after some thought.
“You’re aware that Personal Disciples receive monthly Mana Stones, right?”“Yes.”“And that’s insufficient, I take it. Hmm... Perhaps you should consider taking on a mission?”“A mission?”
When Leon questioned this, Leisia nodded.
“Personal Disciples often undertake missions when they need Mana Stones. Some even maintain regular assignments.”“So even Personal Disciples engage in such activities.”“Training all day can be quite demanding, you know. It’s efficient, earning Mana Stones while staying productive.”“...”
Though Leon found it odd that a Mage would struggle with daylong Training, he nodded regardless.
“I’ve been wanting to earn some Mana Stones myself, shall we take on a mission together?”
Her enthusiasm suggested the mission wouldn’t be simple.Even if it were, he wasn’t inclined to accept readily.
“I should probably understand the mission details and potential earnings first.”“...Fair enough.”
Leon began mental calculations.
It would be wise to accumulate a substantial amount of Mana Stones while he could.
He also needed them to purchase Herbs, now that he possessed both D-Grade and C-Grade Elixir formulas.
The A-Grade Artifact repair for the Silver Broom will require even more Mana Stones.
However, he wouldn’t pursue it if the mission proved too challenging, time-consuming, or poorly compensated.
A mission completable within a month would be ideal. Then I could sell during the Trading Company’s visit. If that’s not feasible, the Free City becomes necessary.
Leisia escorted Leon to meet Arpina.
“A mission?”
Arpina regarded Leon with surprise.
“It seems you’ve encountered a Training obstacle.”“Indeed.”
Arpina nodded, speaking as if she understood Leon’s nature.His behavioral patterns weren’t difficult to grasp.He typically focused intensely on Training with specific goals in mind.
“A suitable mission for you...”
Just as Arpina began speaking, Leisia interjected.
“Master, I’d like to undertake the same mission.”“You as well, Leisia?”
Arpina’s eyebrows rose slightly.She glanced between her two Disciples, then muttered while resting her chin on her hand.
“Romance between Disciples is...”
She caught herself mid-sentence and quickly shook her head.
“I shouldn’t speak of such things. ...The first option that comes to mind is the Security mission at the Valley of Souls. You’d simply maintain the Magic Circle preventing Beast crossings, allowing for Training during duty. Though the compensation is modest. Given your inquiry, you likely require substantial Mana Stones...”
Arpina contemplated briefly before speaking decisively.
“If you’d do me a personal favor, I could arrange for additional Mana Stones.”“Master, are you offering from your personal reserves?”
Leisia asked, clearly surprised.
“Leon, your request suggests you need a considerable amount, correct?”
Leon nodded.Arpina chuckled as if confirming her suspicions.
“When my Disciple needs Mana Stones, I must dig into my personal funds. Naturally, they won’t come freely.”
She continued casually.
“Assist with my research. One month’s help will earn you all the Mana Stones you desire.”“Hmm... My needs might be quite substantial.”“I possess plenty of Mana Stones, you know?”
Leon hadn’t meant to undervalue Arpina’s offer.Yet he couldn’t expect to cover both an A-Grade Artifact repair and materials for D-Grade and C-Grade Elixirs through a single research project.
Then, an idea struck him.
“I’ll accept both missions.”“Both?”“I’ll assist with your research, Arpina, and handle the Security duty at the Valley of Souls.”
The Security duty had immediately struck Leon as an ideal opportunity.
I can simply station a Golem as guard.
His strategy was straightforward.He would help with Arpina’s research to obtain Mana Stones, purchase minerals, and gradually sell his items during Security duty to acquire the remaining Stones needed.
But Arpina didn’t immediately agree.Was something concerning her?
However, her next words caught him off guard.
“Master.”“Yes?”“Address me as Master, not Arpina.”
Her voice carried clear anticipation.Leon was momentarily surprised but quickly composed himself.
“Ahem... Yes, Master.”“Excellent.”
Arpina’s expression brightened considerably at the title.As if a long-awaited moment had finally arrived.
“Now I can properly introduce you as my Disciple.”“...”
Arpina continued, speaking as if suddenly remembering something.
“Oh, and Glios has noticed you’re concealing your Realm. But I’ve handled the explanation well.”“...I understand.”
He had suspected that Bima’s Bracelet, being a B+-Grade Artifact, might not fool a Mage in the Advanced Insight Realm.
In worse circumstances, Leon might have had to depart Asteria.Though not impossible, evading a Mage in the Advanced Insight Realm would prove challenging.
But Arpina’s explanation had apparently sufficed.Leon sighed with relief and offered a slight bow.Glios must have accepted it readily, given his trust in Arpina.
“It seems Glios holds high expectations for you?”“Expectations... What sort of expectations?”“Are you aware our School once belonged to the Arcanum? Though perhaps you’re unfamiliar with the Arcanum?”“I know of it.”
He had learned from Torin, the mapmaker.Arcanum referred to the 20 Schools led by Transcendence Mages.
“You seem to have learned much during your journey here.”
Arpina nodded and continued.
“The sole criterion for Arcanum membership is the presence or absence of a Transcendence Mage.”“...Are you suggesting he expects me to achieve Transcendence?”“It’s Glios’s aspiration. Until now, those expectations rested with Calderic. That hasn’t changed, of course. You’ve simply been added to the possibility.”
Leon regarded Arpina silently.
Complex emotions swirled in his eyes.
The expectation of becoming a Transcendence Mage.Was it a blessing, or would it prove a weighty burden?