Chapter 96

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Chapter 096: Is This the First Spell You’ve Learned?

"Welcome to Duncan’s Tailor Shop, what can I do for you? Oh… it’s you, I remember you."

Just as Jesse entered the tailor shop, he hadn’t yet adjusted to the darkness indoors from the bright sunlight outside when he heard the boss shouting loudly.

The shop owner looked over, saying, "You’re the assistant who wanted to buy that robe from here last time, right? Has your boss made a decision?"

"My boss has ordered a garment from Dalaran already," Jesse said. "It’s expected to arrive before The Feast of Winter Veil next month, I’m sorry, Mr. Duncan."

"That’s how business goes, that garment has been sitting here for almost a year anyway, I don’t mind it staying a bit longer," the boss said helplessly. "So, what brings you here this time?"

"I wanted to show you something," Jesse took out a scale from his pocket and placed it on the table, saying, "Can you tell what this is, sir?"

The boss put on his glasses, took a closer look, and said, "It’s a Naga scale, young man, did you find it?"

Jesse didn’t respond immediately, feeling puzzled why Ursula didn’t immediately say he found the scale, yet the boss of the tailor shop could tell. Could it be that tailors know more about these materials than Alchemists?

"Okay."

"This kind of scales is not very valuable," the boss said. "We don’t accept them here. Maybe you can go to the Dwarven District and ask there. Armorers there like this kind of Naga scales. They are colorful and can decorate key parts of armor. And you can also use these scales to create a story about Naga armor to trick those who don’t know much. However, in the Mage Quarter… it’s better to be honest. Those mages sometimes see things clearer than we do. Deceiving others is a game we small vendors often lose."

It’s strange, all Naga scales, why such a big difference between Ursula’s and here?

Jesse asked, "Why? I’ve heard Naga scales have magical effects, can enhance frost magic and water magic… Is it a lie?"

"It’s true," the boss said. "But it’s not about these scales. These kind of scales… are quite easy to find. People who often walk by the sea, even if they’ve never seen a Naga in their lifetime, can occasionally come across these scales. Because they’re pretty and unique, they stand out on the coast, making them easy to spot among shells and often picked up by people. So, some armorers even purchase them near the docks."

"The scales that truly possess magical power are the chest scales of the Naga, the larger ones that cover their backs, necks, and chests. It is said that these scales change very slowly, and they are very, very rare to come by. When we talk about Naga scales, that’s what we mean."

"I’ve never seen a Naga anyway, don’t know if what those scholars say is right or not. I just know that for making armor, only those scales can be used. These scales are basically useless except for decoration." Jesse felt a bit downcast, he knew almost nothing about this, all the scales were mixed together, how could he separate them now?

At noon, he ran to the library to find records about Naga scales. Luckily, there were quite a few records and pictures about this. He roughly noted down the characteristics and shapes of scales from different parts, drew them on a piece of paper, planning to take it home to distinguish between ordinary scales and expensive ones that could be sold.

After finishing the drawing, he realized that he was running out of paper at home. Saenor had almost filled all the papers with words, but he currently had no extra money to buy anything.

In a few days, it’s payday for him as an assistant – his first pay of 10 silver coins. With it, he could buy more paper and ink.

As for those scales, he’ll sell them if there’s a market, if not, he’ll wait. He’s not in a hurry.

After having free snacks at the Wizard’s Sanctum for lunch, he squatted in the garden outside the Sanctum to talk to Malin about the Gnoll alchemy lab. He needs to report this to the Wizard’s Sanctum, whether the young king wants help or not.

Soon, Malin came out from The Blue Recluse and spotted Jesse from afar.

"Master Malin," Jesse stood up, "I have something important to tell you."

Malin walked over holding a long loaf of bread, asking, "You’re back from Westfall?"

"Yes," Jesse said, "I found the Gnoll’s Alchemy Room, and I have enough evidence to prove they are making poison in there."

The old mage frowned, asking, "What evidence?"

Jesse explained, "They had Deathweed among the herbs they collected. Could they be planning something harmful to Moonbrook or Sentinel Hill?"

"It’s possible." Malin said, "I will send a letter to the mage at the royal palace this afternoon. But I think the king may send someone to confirm. If there are any updates, I will let you know."

Jesse asked, "Master, could there be other forces pushing the Gnolls closer to Stormwind?"

Malin replied, "We have been investigating the Orc situation recently, and we have indeed overlooked the west. But now that you mention it, there are rumors of Gnoll disturbances and victims all across the border. However, Jesse, the Wizard’s Sanctum is currently not responsible for Gnoll affairs. Even at Stonewatch Keep, our focus is on providing magical support to the garrison, not dealing with Gnoll troubles."

"So, this is not my main task, it’s hard for me to answer you. But if we do come across any poisonous experiments, then we will have to take responsibility. However, first focus on improving your magical skills. Jesse, you just became an apprentice, perhaps you are worrying too much?"

Malin is right, until you reach a certain level of strength and are recognized by others, nobody will let you get involved even if you know about these things.

"Oh, by the way." Malin took out a ring from her pocket, "Give me back your apprentice ring, take this one instead. Remember to visit Master Andromath to choose your classes within a week. He is on the top floor of the Wizard’s Sanctum. If you start your classes, it might be after The Feast of Winter Veil, so prepare in advance and don’t go to class knowing nothing."

—— Apprentice’s Ring.

Jesse looked at the runes on the ring, with his name’s initials capitalized, feeling that the joy of becoming an apprentice was gone.

"By the way, Jesse, your Light Spell…" Malin hugged herself, "Have you made any progress these days?"

No matter what, let’s first improve ourselves.

Jesse took a step back, raised his finger, and silently said "Liusa!".

At this moment, he had some experience in focusing his concentration. The Light Spell was successfully concentrated, and the brilliant Arcane light hovered like a light bulb at his fingertips.

The Arcane light was quite bright, attracting many students in the garden to look over. However, Malin did not look at the Arcane light, but stared at Jesse’s eyes and lips.

A minute had passed, but Malin did not call a stop. Jesse could feel that he didn’t feel very tired from summoning such an Arcane light, and it seemed like he intended to test how long he could sustain it.

Two minutes had passed… two minutes and thirty seconds had passed, and Jesse seemed to feel the consumption of his magical power.

At that moment, Malin suddenly snapped his fingers – snap!

Jesse looked at the old mage, and the Light Spell in his hand flickered for a moment but did not extinguish.

"Alright, Jesse," Malin said. "You can let it disperse now!"

Jesse held his hand tightly, and the bright light of the Arcane Spell dissipated. He even felt a bit stiff in the fingers of his right hand, as he had focused too much on casting this Light Spell.

Jesse took a deep breath and asked, "How did I do, Master?"

Malin looked into Jesse’s eyes and asked back, "Is the Light Spell the first spell you have learned?"