When Zelindo gave me the [], even with all of his words of restricted knowledge, I had assumed it to be nothing of importance. And at first, I actually believed it so, as the text was basically a retelling of one of the most basic, automatically-learned spells of any mana-possessing individual - Utility (or Utilitarian) magic.
Yet, the text still imprinted in my mind, and as I returned home, even before I started to [Record] everything that happened during this day, I was already sure it wasn't so. After all, some of the things explained went far above Sepyre's provided basic knowledge, even if I had to examine the text time after time, following the small breadcrumbs to understand that there wasn't just mastery and mana but also something called control.
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Page one: [Analyze]
The [Analyze] spell allows the caster to gain insight into the skills, stats, overall status, and titles of a target. When activated by speaking its name and expending one point of mana, the caster's level of mastery in the spell determines the depth and accuracy of the information revealed. The effectiveness of the spell is measured against the target's willpower, which acts as a defense.
A higher mastery level increases the caster's ability to penetrate the target's defenses and obtain more precise and detailed information.
It is important to note that the [Analyze] spell is limited to the caster's existing knowledge and understanding.
A lower mastery level may prevent the caster from sensing or comprehending certain aspects that are beyond their own knowledge or experience. For example, if the caster has a mastery level of 4 and attempts to analyze someone with a body stat of 14, but the caster has only reached a body stat of 10, the spell would display the caster's own level of 10 rather than the target's higher stat of 14.
Page two: [Mark]
The [Mark] spell allows the caster to leave an invisible magical mark on the target, enabling them to sense the target's location. When the spell is cast, the caster must utter the spell's name and expend one point of mana.
The range at which the [Mark] spell can effectively sense the location of the marked target depends on the caster's mastery level. A higher mastery level expands the range of detection, allowing the caster to track the target from a greater distance.
With fine mastery or exceptional control over magic, the [Mark] spell can create a mark that remains active even without being continuously fueled by mana. Once the mark is established, it can sustain itself within the range of the caster's magical influence. However, during this passive state, the mark doesn't provide active updates on the target's location.
To reactivate the mark and receive real-time updates on the target's location, the caster needs to be within the range of the mark and expend an additional point of mana. This mana replenishes the mark's power, allowing it to transmit the target's current location to the caster. The mark continues to function in this manner until it is deliberately dispelled by the caster.
If the caster moves outside the range of the mark, the mark becomes inactive, and no updates on the target's location can be received. Upon reentering the range, the mark is reactivated, requiring the caster to expend an additional point of mana for the mark to resume its tracking capabilities.
It is important to note that the [Mark] spell does not emit any signals or triggers on its own. Its primary purpose is to establish a means of sensing the location of the marked target.
Page three: [Record]
The [Record] spell allows the caster to create a record of words, actions, or thoughts, which is stored within the caster's memory. When casting the spell, the caster must utter the spell's name and expend one point of mana.
The [Record] spell is directly linked to the user's memory capacity, as it stores the information within their mind. It enables the caster to create a detailed record of events or thoughts, preserving them for future reference.
The spell can also be used to transfer the contents of the record onto paper, effectively transcribing the information. However, it's important to note that the spell relies on the caster's ability to remember the information fully for it to be successfully transcribed.
Once the information is recorded in the record, it becomes a part of the caster's memory and can be accessed mentally. The spell does not create a physical log that can be seen or touched by others unless the caster chooses to share the information.
The [Record] spell requires one point of mana to activate and does not have an ongoing mana cost. The duration of the recorded information remains within the caster's memory as long as they retain their memories.
However, it's essential to practice caution in maintaining the integrity of the recorded information, as the spell does not provide protection against memory loss or alteration.
Page four: [Life Sensing Spell] - Note; judging from the description this is the original name, but for me, I consider (and see it) it as [Life Radar].
The [Life Radar] spell allows the caster to sense the presence of living beings within a defined area. When casting the spell, the caster must utter the spell's name and expend one point of mana.
The range and effectiveness of the [Life Radar] spell are influenced by the caster's mastery level.
A higher mastery level expands the range at which the caster can detect living beings. The spell forms a mental representation of the area, displaying the locations of living beings as small dots. The size of the dots corresponds to the size of the living being, with larger dots representing larger creatures.
Additionally, the [Life Radar] spell provides height awareness, allowing the caster to perceive if a detected living being is above or below their current location. The dots representing living beings that are located above or below the caster's position emit a lesser glow, indicating their relative height.
The [Life Radar] spell requires one point of mana to activate and does not have an ongoing mana cost. It provides real-time information about the presence and locations of living beings within the designated area for a duration of a few breaths.
However, it does not provide any detailed information about the nature or identity of the detected beings.
Page five: [Low-Illusion]
The [Low-Illusion] spell allows the caster to create unanimated illusions of objects. When casting the spell, the caster must utter the spell's name and expend one point of mana.
The size and distance of the illusions created by the [Low-Illusion] spell are influenced by the caster's mastery level. A higher mastery level enables the creation of larger illusions that can be placed at greater distances from the caster. The illusions can be moved as a whole, but their form cannot be altered once they are conjured.
The durability of the illusions also increases with the caster's mastery level. Higher mastery levels result in more resilient illusions that are less likely to be disrupted or dispelled by external forces.
To maintain the illusions, the caster must continuously supply mana. The amount of mana required decreases with higher mastery levels, allowing the illusions to be sustained for longer periods of time.
It's worth mentioning that the [Low-Illusion] spell does not allow for alterations or modifications of the illusions' appearance or characteristics once they are created. The illusions remain fixed in their initial form, but they can be moved within the designated range determined by the caster's mastery level.
Page six: [Floating Board]
The [Floating Board] spell creates a square floating board that follows the caster. When casting the spell, the caster must utter the spell's name and expend one point of mana.
The size of the floating board and its lift capacity are influenced by the caster's mastery level. Even at the lowest mastery level, the spell can only lift objects as light as a small sack of grain.
As mastery increases, the board becomes capable of lifting larger and heavier objects.
To maintain the floating board's levitation, the caster needs to input mana into the spell.
The board can remain suspended in the air as long as the caster continues to supply it with mana. However, the amount of time between mana charges, or the time the board can remain active without additional mana input, is dependent on the caster's mastery level. Higher mastery levels allow for longer durations between charges.
The floating board hovers near the caster, following their movements. It can be used as a platform for transportation or as a convenient surface for various activities. However, it is important to note that the floating board lacks the weight and solidity to function as a protective shield against external forces.
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Page seven: [Light]
The [Light] spell conjures a small luminous orb that illuminates the surroundings. To cast the spell, the caster needs to utter its name, "Light," and expend one point of mana.
The intensity of the light emitted by the orb is influenced by the caster's mastery level. Higher mastery levels result in a brighter and more powerful illumination. The orb can cast a gentle glow or provide a radiant light source, depending on the caster's intentions and level of control over the spell.
By default, the orb remains in close proximity to the caster, floating at a fixed distance.
However, with higher mastery levels, it is rumored that the caster gains the ability to control the orb remotely, guiding its movements and extending its range beyond the caster's immediate vicinity. However, no concrete evidence or testimonies exist regarding such advanced control.
To sustain the illumination, the spell requires a continuous input of mana.
If the caster wishes to maintain the orb's glow for an extended period, they must infuse additional mana into the spell. The duration of the illumination without replenishing mana is affected by the caster's mastery level. Higher mastery levels allow for longer periods of sustained illumination.
The [Light] spell can be a valuable aid in low-light environments, providing illumination and enhancing visibility. It can serve as a convenient light source for various activities, exploration, or even as a magical lantern.
Page eight: [Clean]
The [Clean] spell enables the caster to separate dirt and impurities from any object, restoring its cleanliness and purity. When casting the spell, the caster utters the spell's name and expends one point of mana.
The primary purpose of the [Clean] spell is to purify and cleanse objects by removing dirt, stains, and impurities. This spell is not designed for use on living beings and is specifically focused on inanimate objects.
The [Clean] spell operates through a process of energy manipulation, where the caster harnesses magical energy to dissolve and separate the dirt and impurities from the target object. By channeling the spell's power, the caster effectively washes away the dirt, leaving the object clean and rejuvenated.
While the [Clean] spell can be applied to a wide range of items, it should be used with caution on certain objects, particularly those that have undergone significant alterations or are intended for consumption.
For example, using the spell on modified or prepared food items may not produce the desired effect and could potentially alter the taste, texture, or composition of the food. It is advisable to exercise discretion when considering the application of the [Clean] spell on items that have been cooked or otherwise processed.
The spell's effectiveness and speed are dependent on the caster's mastery level. With higher levels of mastery, the cleaning process becomes more efficient and rapid, with skilled casters capable of achieving almost instantaneous results.
Page ten: [Liquid Clean] - Note; judging from the description this is the original name, but for me, I consider (and see it) it as [Filter].
The [Filter] spell enables the caster to separate dirt and impurities from any liquid substance, purifying it by removing unwanted contaminants. To activate the spell, the caster utters its name and expends one point of mana.
The primary function of the [Filter] spell is to cleanse liquids by extracting impurities, such as dirt, sediment, and other unwanted particles. When the spell is cast, magical energy manipulates the liquid, causing the impurities to separate and settle, leaving behind a clearer and purer liquid.
However, it is important to exercise caution when using the [Filter] spell on compound substances, such as blood or other complex mixtures.
The spell operates based on its understanding of what constitutes impurities, and in the case of compound substances, it may prioritize separating the liquid into its base components, altering its composition.
For example, when filtering wine, the spell may extract and separate much of what composes the wine itself, altering its taste and character.
The effectiveness and speed of the [Filter] spell are influenced by the caster's mastery level.
Higher levels of mastery enhance the spell's efficiency, allowing for faster and more thorough purification. Skilled casters can achieve swift results, ensuring that the liquid is adequately filtered in a timely manner.
While the [Filter] spell can be employed on a variety of liquids, it is particularly effective for water and alcohol purification.
Water can be cleansed of impurities, making it safer for consumption, while alcohol can be clarified, removing unwanted substances that may affect its taste or quality.
It is important to note that the [Filter] spell permanently destroys and eliminates the unwanted additions within the liquid, making it impossible to reverse the process.
Page eleven: [Storage]
The [Storage] spell empowers the caster to create a separate dimensional space for the storage of inanimate objects. Upon activating the spell for the first time and expending one point of mana, the storage space is established. The initial size of the space is determined by the caster's level of mastery and subsequently grows as their mastery level increases. Remarkably, the space persists even if the spell is not actively used, serving as a hidden repository awaiting the caster's command.
Objects placed within the storage space enter a suspended state, immune to the ravages of time, decay, or external forces.
Retrieving stored items is a simple process: the caster mentally accesses the designated storage space and wills the desired object to return to their hand. For larger objects, physical contact is required, causing them to materialize immediately next to the caster upon retrieval.
The level of mastery in the [Storage] spell determines not only the size of the storage space but also the degree of control the caster possesses over the stored objects. While the known levels of mastery typically require physical contact for storage and retrieval, it is believed that higher levels of mastery may allow for more refined control and manipulation.
It is worth noting that while the highest known mastery level is 26, records indicate that a maximum level of 100 is attainable through diligent practice and study. However, no individual has been documented as having achieved mastery beyond level 26.
Furthermore, there are no official records of breaches into someone else's conjured storage space. Nonetheless, rumors persist of secret spells and specialized techniques that might enable such intrusion.
Page twelve: [Cutting Blade] - Note; judging from the description this is the original name, but for me, I consider (and see it) it as [Cut].
The [Cut] spell enables the caster to create a thin, controllable blade of mana. The size, durability, and strength of the blade are directly influenced by the caster's level of mastery in the spell. As mastery increases, so does the blade's effectiveness, allowing for larger, sturdier, and more powerful manifestations.
By default, the spell's blade is typically conjured in the hand of the caster, providing them with immediate control and precision. However, skilled mages have been known to conjure the blade on other body parts or even project it at a distance, demonstrating extraordinary control over mana manipulation.
While rumors circulate about the possibility of achieving mastery to the point where the blade can separate from the caster, no documented evidence exists of any individual accomplishing this feat. The notion remains enshrouded in mystery and speculation.
To activate the [Cut] spell, the caster utters its name and expends one point of mana. Once activated, the blade materializes in the desired location. Sustaining the blade's existence requires periodic infusion of mana. The frequency of mana replenishment and the duration of sustained activation vary based on the caster's level of mastery. Higher levels of mastery grant extended periods of blade activation, reducing the need for frequent mana replenishment.
It is important to note that the [Cut] spell excels at precise, controlled cutting and slicing, making it a versatile tool in various situations. However, the blade's primary function is as a magical construct rather than a physical object, limiting its ability to serve as a shield or withstand heavy impact.
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While Zelindo told me that the [Knowledge Orb] contained only up to ten pages of information, from what I managed to understand, it was just something generally known. After all, the illusion (or whatever it was) I examined actually talked about twelve pages; even if one seemingly was missing, it still ended up providing me with what seemed to be eleven pages of information.
Or maybe it wasn't Zelindo the one wrong but me, as the ten-page limit could refer to the amount of text, for example. Still, a limit there was, indeed. After all, judging from the numerals, page nine was directly missing, and if compared to my own - known - Utility-magic spells, there were not one but three lacking; [Signal], [Shaped Mana], and [Flint].
But anyway, the information that I at first assumed at something I already knew? It was actually not so. Even if the basic explanations went along with what I had learned, the extra fluff did allow me to understand that there was something else than just calling the name of the spells...