The number displayed on the crystal column in the meditation chamber...
It’s not a precise measurement, like assigning a constant value, such as 1 for casting a 0-level spell, then incrementing it with each level.
It’s actually a rough average. For each tier, from mage levels 1-2, 3-4, and so forth, the estimated upper and lower limits of mental strength are divided into roughly 100 parts, serving as a guide for mages’ advancement.
In other words, a mental strength reading around 33-35 on the red tier signifies preparation for advancing from level 1 to level 2; around 100, one can prepare for the third level. Some meditation techniques, with exceptionally abundant accumulations, may suppress to around 110 or even 120 before moving into higher levels.
—Garrett’s previous test result was 65, which nearly meant that he had completed half of the progression from level 2 to level 3, an impressive rate considering he had only been a level 2 mage for a month or two.
No sign of advancement yet?!
Apart from Garrett’s substantial accumulation and immense potential, Master Decar, observing the real-time number, had to face a stark reality: Garrett, my student, seems to have hit a leveling barrier at level 2.
...Plans had to be revised.
In terms of defense, spells like Mage Armor, Arrow Deflection, and Energy Resistance offered comprehensive protection;
For offense, spells like Acid Arrow, Fireball, Lightning Shield, and Ice Fall allowed for robust attacks and defensive countermeasures;
For control, spells like Fog Cloud, Web, and Trap Creation were invaluable, while for escape, Invisibility, Minor Illusion, and Mirror Image combined could easily facilitate evasion;
And if all else failed, spells like Bull’s Strength, Bear’s Endurance, and Cat’s Grace could bolster one’s physical capabilities for direct confrontation. In short, placing Garrett in the vicinity of Nevis City would provide him with enough space for independent activity—he might not win every fight, but at least he could escape smoothly.
However, now, despite his mental strength surpassing the advancement threshold, he still wasn’t leveling up?
"Let him complete all the 0-level and 1-level spells first. Memorize the descriptions of common spells from levels 2 to 5. —Until he learns them all, until he memorizes them all, he’s not allowed to leave the Mage Tower!"
Learn them all, and it might take three months, six months even? He wouldn’t believe Garrett couldn’t advance in six months!
...Yet Garrett wasn’t advancing.
What’s the rush? After reaching level 2, the meditation core hadn’t even been fully constructed yet. When an apprentice mage advanced to level 1, they built all the bones with their mental strength; advancing from level 1 to level 2 naturally required attaching muscles to the bones.
The average male body had around 640 muscles, more than three times the number of bones, requiring extensive work, and it wasn’t completed so quickly.
Moreover, they had to differentiate between skeletal (voluntary) muscles, smooth (involuntary) muscles, and cardiac muscles, layer by layer, from superficial to deep. Each muscle had to be divided into numerous bundles, with muscle fascia and tendons, and provisions had to be made for blood vessels and nerves...
Muscles weren’t fully formed.
Graduation from the training camp.
Garrett had mastered all 0-level and 1-level spells, passed Master Kairel’s assessment with flying colors. Regarding the meditation core, he had finished constructing all the skeletal muscles and was progressing towards smooth muscles. In the meditation chamber, the astonishing number 169 appeared on the mental strength testing crystal...
Yet, no signs of advancement...
"So, can I go to the infirmary now? I’ve really learned everything I can!"
Master Kairel looked helplessly at Garrett, almost wishing he could bury him under a few thousand more books. However, years of experience made him understand: if an apprentice mage didn’t advance after changing meditation techniques, it might be due to insufficient consolidation; if three months later, there was still no advancement, it was likely... he was stuck.
Encountering a leveling bottleneck, what mages needed wasn’t just diligent study but also experience, exposure, and opportunity. Generally, the Magic Council encouraged them to go out, travel, explore, adventure, and even battle—
As they ventured, some got injured, became lazy, or lost themselves; some were killed halfway through, while many mages found their opportunities and proudly ascended another step.
But could this kid be let out? Ah? Could he be let out?!
Master Kairel took a deep breath, exhaled deeply, then inhaled deeply again. Finally, he threw a stack of documents in front of Garrett:
"Mages supported by the Council must complete certain tasks each year. As you’re already a level 4 mage, equivalent to an intermediate mage, you naturally have to fulfill your responsibilities—
Due to last year’s war, the demand for magical materials has greatly increased, but production has consistently lagged behind demand. Especially for our dwarven friends, their ability to smelt mithril has always been a bottleneck. In response, the Council has issued a research task. Take these documents and go see how to increase mithril production tomorrow!"
Garrett: "Wait a minute, I’m a mage, a healer! I don’t know anything about smelting mithril!"
I’m a doctor! I’m specialized in clinical medicine, not metallurgy or materials!
Why am I being sent to the dwarves! My expertise doesn’t match!
"Don’t know? You’ll still go! Come back when you’ve completed the task! Or come back when you’ve advanced to level 3!"
Master Kairel left with a wave of his robe.
That’s perfect, because not knowing will let you focus on leveling up!
Was it easy to find such a task?!
A level 2 squishy little mage, at the 4th circle of Arcanist level. Exploration tasks, combat tasks were too risky, and production tasks, like scribing scrolls or brewing potions, were really underutilizing his talents.
The most suitable task was a research task, but such tasks were usually initiated and executed by the mage towers themselves, and recruiting outside assistance was rare, only a small amount released each year...
And it had to be within the vicinity of Nevis City, right under their noses!
And it had to provide him with enough novelty and experience!
And it had to be doable for a low-level mage!
Forget it, short of manpower, sweet tongue. Enjoyed the free training so far, now that a task has dropped, let’s get to work.
Besides, he hadn’t seen dwarves yet! A new intelligent race! In large quantities!
Get the paper ready, get the pen ready, and the badge of the Glorious Church of Radiance—oh no, Linde’s badge of Radiance, get it ready. Seize the opportunity, draw more anatomical diagrams!