The following is a collection of experimentation notes from the early experiments of the wandering mage. Known By many names, the wandering mage’s works are treasures of early magic theory, though few can prove their authenticity. In some texts the wandering mage refers to themselves in the third person, and recalls having lived many lives in many different names. As such, a prevailing theory claims the wandering mage as an immortal agent of Caais, the god of magic. Or perhaps Caais himself.

Experiment I - Spell Transcription

In my efforts to transcribe spells into one of the books father brought back to me, I’ve discovered several key factors. First, the paper quality in this region or perhaps this era is subpar at best. It’s not even truly paper or even papyrus, it appears to be a crude form of vellum. Durable, but difficult to work with. Secondly, if I write the spells with enough precision the resulting page can function as a spell scroll. It requires the spell form to be drawn, not just the chant, but a spell form without chant does indeed work.

This isn’t news to me, however the vellum material I’m working with is durable enough to actually survive the spell being cast. Perhaps the ambient mana of animal skin allows it to resist the feed back? Regardless, I am currently transcribing every spell form I can remember of low enough mana demand. My hope is to cast them all at least once.

Experiment V - Transcription of Partial Spells

I have at this point transcribed every first and second tier spell I can fully recall, regardless of their mana costs. Of the three books father has given me, the first is dedicated to my research notes, this current volume. The second and third I have dedicated to the actual experiments. The second volume is nearly filled, and with the remaining pages I plan to attempt to reverse engineer any spells I can’t fully recall.

Experiment IX - Transcription of spells from memory.

My first attempt to transcribe a partial spell was a resounding success, albeit a bit painful. Shortly after beginning, the familiar buzzing pain in the front of my mind returns. My focus falters, and the pain becomes almost unbearable. In that hazy moment of pain I’m not sure exactly where I am, and I have no memory of the time. However, when I regain consciousness, the page before me is completed flawlessly. I have been able to replicate this event three times now, and if not for the pain I would have continued. I believe these episodes, all linked by the pain in my head, bear some connection to my memories. My first life as Andras Gregori.

Experiment XII - Casting of spells unknown to the system.

Attempting to cast a spell that has yet to be invented does not go well. The mana backlash is incredible, though that seems to be a factor of the increased mana density of this age. Beyond that, the system itself has a form of backlash. A cacophony of pings and error messages as it attempts to reconcile itself nearly deafens me every time I make an attempt. The predominant error is “Unknown users'' which suggests a plural I don’t understand. The unknown aspect however is likely a result of my current system lock out, and will hopefully be rectified in coming weeks when my system fully unlocks.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Experiment XV - Lowering mana input for similar results

Since the system revolts every time I try to cast more technically advanced spells from my memory, I have elected to shift my focus to well tested and ancient spells. While less individually complex, there is potency in their simplicity. I believe in this era of increased mana density is when they will truly shine as well. Casting simple spells such as [Life Tap] or even [Spark] has proven extremely effective, and reducing the initial mana input has had no noticeable effect on potency. Without more detailed measuring apparati I can’t know for certain, but I believe the higher natural mana density is allowing spells to generate a snowball effect. Pulling ambient mana into their forms as they are cast and supplementing the wielder.

Experiment XX - Magical Combat at level 1.

Father and I have begun sparring practice as of late. Daniel is well past level 200 however, and should he sneeze with enough force he could remove me from existence. The horrors of low level life. However, due to his immense stats he is more than safe to receive a pummeling of my full fury. That is, when I can actually hit him. Even with a fraction of his agility, he moves at such a speed I can barely register his movement. He’s explained the concept of micro-feints and counter-feints to me dozens of times, and even still the speed required is impressive to a life-long mage.

That being said, even at level one my mana pool allows me to cast spells with near impunity, and as I acclimate more and more to the mana density of this time my regeneration is increasing as well. Currently I can support three concurrent minions if I construct them with maximum efficiency. The minions themselves, though, do nothing against Daniel.

If I focus instead on casting spells, I can support two spells of the second tier, and still regenerate enough mana to offset any casting of instantaneous spells. If I use first tier spells only I could likely double or triple those numbers, but I see little value in doing so.

Experiment XXV - Self reflection and the source of pain.

All my experiments in magic and combat have gone roughly as expected, and there’s little left to do in preparation for my upcoming birthday and system unlock. Yet, with several days worth of time on my hands, there is one matter that keeps plaguing me. The pressure, the buzzing, I don’t have a precise term for it even though I know exactly what I mean to describe.

When my emotions run too rampant, or when I try to focus intensely on my memories, this buzzing pain fills my mind. It happened when Leigh reacted poorly to Cain, when the system interfered with my skills, and again when I experimented with magic. The rate of occurrence is frightening.

I believe I know why it is happening, though I’m not sure I’d even confirm it. The Soul Transfer. When Andras Gregori’s soul found this vessel and the extremely high compatibility, it was hurled back through time. Aside from the slurry of paradox that spills into the world, what happened to the body's original soul?

I believe the soul that would have been Vincent Stesk without my interference, was somehow blended and subsumed. This would explain the hazy memories, as well as the pain occurring with proximity to Andras Gregori and his personality.

Who then, am I? It’s clear that I am not fully who I remember myself as in my first life, I am no longer only Andras Gregori. Yet, this version of me does not exist without him, so I am neither Vincent Stesk. I do not know if there is a third option, but in the foggy gray between is where I find myself regardless.