Volume 9 Chapter 2 The Temptation Of The Spellbook Again
The next morning, Al stopped by a shop on North 1st Street. It was the shop that sold that spellbook. This store had a good selection of official spellbooks, but the prices were quite high. Al knew that, but yesterday, after delivering the Alunite, he went to Lara's shop, and as usual, there were no new spellbooks in stock. He couldn't hold back his desire for new spells.
"Hello."
"Welcome!"
The usual clerk greeted Al. For some reason, today the service was more polite compared to when he had been coming in repeatedly asking for the 'Fly' spell. When Al honestly said he was here for a spellbook, the clerk smiled brightly.
"Thank you for always coming. Unfortunately, the 'Fly' spell hasn't arrived yet. Um, you were the one who bought the 'Carrier' spell last spring, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
Al thought it was quite a while ago, but the clerk remembered him well. As he was thinking that, the clerk smiled again.
"Actually, we've received many orders from people who saw you carrying items far exceeding the 30kg (�66lbs) mentioned in the spell descriptions around the South and West gates. Thanks to you. Really, thank you very much."
"Ahaha, that's great to hear. As my spell proficiency increases, I can carry more, right? I'm really grateful for the useful spells you introduced to me."
Seeing Al use spells made it clear how useful they are, so that's why they sell well. But he remember the clerk said this one was popular around here. So, was that just a sales pitch?
"Do you have any recommended spells today?"
"Well, for the classics, there's the 'Magic Shockwave' spell or the 'Magic Tornado' spell. Those are 25 gold coins each. Then there's the 'Dispel Magic' spell for 25 gold coins, and the 'Telepathy' and 'Telekinesis' spells for 20 gold coins. We also have discovery magic like 'Detect Invisible,' 'Detect Illusion,' and 'Detect Magic,' which are around 15 gold coins each."
Al was impressed by the variety of magic names at the shop, which is partnered with the magician's guild. However, since 'Sleep' and 'Paralysis' were not mentioned, they were likely out of stock. He felt uncertain about his finances. After receiving 10 gold coins from Cody for delivering Alunite and buying souvenirs, he had about 45 gold coins left. This amount would only allow him to buy one or two spells, and prices here were three times higher than at Lara's shop. He also needed to save for the 'Fly' spell. However, getting a new spell could improve his chances of survival, which was his top priority.
"Um, do you have any defensive spells?"
"Let me think..."
The clerk paused for a moment.
"To effectively defend against physical attacks, the 'Shield' spell costs 30 gold coins, while 'Magic Resist' spell, which increases resistance to magic, costs 25 gold coins. There are no other defensive spells in stock."
Al was deep in thought. The 'Shield' spell is effective not only against swords and arrows but also against spells like 'Magic Missile' and 'Magic Tornado,' reducing damage to some extent. If he learned it, he would feel much safer. Also, the 'Magic Resist' spell is effective against deadly spells like 'Sleep' and 'Paralysis.' He wanted both.
"Additionally, there are useful spells for the 1st tier that can reduce heat and cold, like the 'Thermos', which can even cook; the 'Packing' spell, which prevents damage to items; and the 'Retention' spell, which maintains the temperature and humidity of items. Normally, these would cost 10 gold coins, but as a thank you for spreading the 'Carrier' spell, I can offer them for 8 gold coins."
Al crossed his arms and scratched his head. He realized he couldn't buy everything he wanted. Among the options, he was most interested in the 'Shield' spell, as it would help him, Orson, and the others in the vanguard. He also considered needing some discovery spells but thought the 'Magic Sense' spell might be enough for that.
Additionally, he was curious about the temperature control spell, called 'Thermos'. While he didn't need to cook, it could help him cool down the meat he hunted, preventing it from spoiling. This was important because rivers weren't always nearby when hunting deer, and it would allow him to sell the meat for a better price.
"Well then, please give me the 'Shield' spell and the 'Thermos' spell."
Al couldn't hold back and said that. The clerk nodded repeatedly with a happy face.
"Thank you so much!!"
* * *
As Al carefully hugged the package containing 2 spellbooks and left the store, he saw Barbara in front of the Levy merchant guild. When she saw him, she looked surprised and waved.
"Al! There you are!"
"Yeah, I just got back yesterday."
Barbara is an adventurer hired by the Levy merchant guild. Normally, she would be in the back office and wouldn't come out in front of the store, so something must have happened.
"Perfect timing. Can you help me? For now, check if there's anything hiding around here."
He remembers that the Levy merchant guild has magic detection devices for security. This panic must mean something triggered them.
'Magic Sense.'
Al hurriedly put the spellbooks into his bag and used the spell to look around. A transparent, round ball-like object was floating in the air a few meters in front of the store.
"That's a 'Floating Eye.' Should we let it float? Or should we use 'Dispel Magic'?"
Al tried to avoid staring at the clear round ball. He discreetly covered his mouth while speaking to Barbara. The 'Floating Eye' spell prevents others from hearing conversations, so it was safe to talk this way. However, using the spell can be exhausting, depending on the caster's skill level. The person casting it is likely close by.
"Do you know where the caster is?"
Al shook his head. The 'Floating Eye' eye probably won't go out of its way to its caster. Once its purpose is done, it should just disappear. Now, it's a matter of whether to let them know that they're aware of the 'Floating Eye' or to intentionally ignore it...
"I'll use 'Dispel Magic.' But first, let's check if there's anything suspicious nearby. Can you look around too, Al?"
"Got it."
'Floating Eye.'
Al used his 'Floating Eye' to check the area around North 1st Street. This street is wide and has many large stores, with few narrow paths. If someone is hiding among the stores, it could be hard to find them. It's also challenging to keep an eye on everything while using the 'Floating Eye.'
As he scanned the street, he saw many well-dressed customers. However, he noticed two men in magician-like outfits standing still. One was leaning against a wall two streets away, and the other was hiding behind the Levy merchant guild. Each had two or three companions with them. He quickly informed Barbara about their locations and appearances.
"Got it. I'll have my subordinates keep an eye on them. Let me know when you're ready, and I'll signal you to deactivate the 'Floating Eye.'."
"Understood."
Barbara hurried off, looking busy. Al pretended to be casual while keeping an eye on the unknown 'Floating Eye' users, and he continued to stay alert with his own 'Floating Eye.'
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