Realizing the legends of the Shadow Seekers included both warriors and mages, Arlen decided to expand his path. If he wished to truly embrace his potential, he needed to learn magic. This meant humbling himself as a beginner once more, seeking out magical tutors in Rivenford.
He visited the town's mage guild—an austere stone tower humming with arcane energy. After explaining his interest and showing his Iron badge, he was allowed to observe basic lessons. Arlen found the process of drawing mana and shaping simple spells difficult at first, but his intelligence and determination fueled rapid progress. The System's guidance proved invaluable, highlighting mistakes and optimizing his practice.
He spent weeks learning the fundamentals: channeling mana, conjuring light, and manipulating small objects. By day, he balanced adventurer quests, by night, he poured over magical texts and practiced until exhaustion.
Finally, one quiet evening, the System displayed a new status update:
[Status Update]
Name: Arlen Drayke
Level: 4
Strength: 11
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 15
Endurance: 9
Mana: 24
[Unlocked Skills]
Basic Swordsmanship (Mastery: 97%)
Herbology (Progress: 35%)
Survival Instinct (Passive)
Basic Magic (Progress: 44%)
Mana Channeling (Passive)
[Experience: 72/350]
Arlen marveled at his growing magical ability. Though far from mastery, he could feel power stirring within. Now, as both a swordsman and a budding mage, Arlen stood at the threshold of a new world of possibilities, more determined than ever to uncover the mysteries of the Shadow Seekers and forge his own legend.