Mark, while looking at the clock-like device on the table, listened to Solinae’s explanation about the mana-detecting instrument.

“As you can see, this device has four numbers indicated by the mark on its face. When an expectant mage puts their hands on the board, the arrow will go up first to zero indicating they have the mana to memorize cantrips. Once the arrow goes to one, they can now memorize level one spells and so on. This device can detect mana up to level three and once a mage reached that point, they would be able to memorize level three spells. This is one of our most prized possessions since mage guilds in cities would only allow their member to use something like it.”

“Do you think this device will work on me? My magic system is different from yours.”

“We can only check,” Solinae said while looking at Mark, expecting him to put his hands on the device’s board.

Mark studied the device carefully and then put his hands on the board. The device arrows immediately shot up to its maximum which was level three.

Mark wondered about the level of spells or wizards in this world. The only comparison that he could make was that the spells that he received when he turned level one were level one or circle one mage of this world and the spells that he received when he turned level five were the second circle. The spells that he got next were level ten, then level thirty, then sixty then now level ninety but based on that conjecture he was already a Sixth Circle mage. That could be it but he doubted that it was as simple as that.

“I expected that. Actually, we all expected that you’d be higher than that since you’re able to summon huge things like your home and devices. You can also fly and summon forest entities that could only be summoned by high-level druids,” Solinae said.

“Do you know where can I find out what actual level of wizard circle I have reached?”

“The only place that I can think of was the mage guild in a wizard city but they will know your level. I suggest that you don’t find out for now since it’s not a priority.”

Mark then felt the cart moving signaling that the caravan began traveling to their next destination.

“Are you comfortable continuing while the cart is moving?”

“Yes, I feel fine.”

“Okay let’s continue. Normally a mage apprentice will begin memorizing at least three cantrips. The process of memorizing and casting cantrips will increase the mage’s level of mana and after a while, the teacher or master will test the student’s mana again to see if they have reached the next level but normally the student will instinctively know that they have reached the next level and will inform their teacher then the teacher will graduate the student to the next level and provide the next set of spells which was level one spells. Then at least five level one spells are usually needed for a student to memorize and practice which of course will take time, how long is dependent on the talent of the student before they move up. In a mage school, it usually takes two years before a very young student can go from zero to level one then another two years from one to two. Moving up from level two to level three is complicated because some only took two years, and others never moved up. I know of someone who only took three months before he was able to level up from level two to level three. He is a legendary wizard now.”

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Solinae paused a bit and offered Mark tea which he declined.

“We don’t know the record of the shortest time a person could go up and normally that history of a mage is a guarded secret because it indicates his or her prowess.”

“I see. What about my situation?”

“We sisters talked about it and we thought of letting you go through the standard process which would probably take a short time since you’re already an accomplished mage. The first thing that we will need to ask you to do is memorize and cast at least three cantrips then we will move up to level one. Of course, you will need to buy the spells from us,” Solinae smiled.

“Of course. Do you have spells available? Maybe we should have stopped in the wizard’s emporium first in Argent to purchase spell books,” Mark said worriedly.

“You don’t have to worry about that part since we sisters have an extensive collection of books in our storage space. We do have a storage space but it’s different from the ring that we purchased from you since that ring can be used by anyone which is really impressive. Even a beggar in the street can use it!”

Solinae then gave Mark a paper with the list of cantrips that they had on hand.

“You can choose three cantrips from there to memorize and we’ll let you have a copy of the books.”

Mark peruse the list and the spell description. He found three spells that he was interested in.

“I would like to learn Prestidigitation, Minor Illusion, and On/Off cantrips.”

Mark wondered why spells were similar to the spells in the games available on Earth. He remembered the spell Prestidigitation and when he played Dungeon and Dragons with his friends, he imagined having that spell available and now it would be.

“Interesting. We sisters almost had a bet on what type of spells you would choose but we didn’t agree since we all expected you to focus on utility spells and we guessed it right.”

“I have a lot of attack, summons, and some defense spells so you’re probably right that I would choose spells related to illusion, transmutation, and techno-magic but I will also get all types of spells just to compare them with what I have. ‘

Solinae went to the bookshelf beside the table took three books and gave them to Mark.

“Here are the spells you chose. Study them and when you’re able to cast them without any issues, we will move to the level-one spells.”

“I thought the first lesson would take hours and here it only took several minutes.”

Solinae laughed when she heard Mark.

“This is not a normal situation and you’re already a powerful wizard. We’re here to guide you on how to use our magic.”

“Thank you for these books. I’ll pay you now. How much do I owe you?”

“Oh, I was just kidding when I told you that you will need to pay for them. Honestly, with what you have done and what you have given us we owe you a lot. We will probably ask you to pay for the level three spells but cantrips and spells up to level two will be free.”

“Thanks. I’ll go ahead and go back to my cart and begin studying these spells there. Thank you again.”

“The next lesson will be after you memorize and can cast one cantrip so we can check if we have to guide you.”

Mark nodded and said his goodbye to Solinae. He went outside the cart and said his goodbyes to Mentorra and Eilintraee and he walked to his cart. The caravan was moving slowly enough that he was able to catch up to his cart by moving fast.