Chapter 4: Glittering Gold
[Your understanding of magic deepens, allowing you to control elements on a higher level. You have acquired a new Mage specialization: Arcane Mind]
[You have gained the Mage specialization: Arcane Mind!]
[Specialization: Arcane Mind—Intelligence attribute receives a 2x modifier, Elemental Affinity +100%, Arcane submodules unlocked]
Seeing the new Mage specialization appear on his panel, William clenched his fist in satisfaction and gave a triumphant swing. Carefully, he rolled up the [Bobaka's Arcane Notes] and placed them into his storage ring.
Even though he had already acquired the Arcane Mind specialization, the notes contained the legendary mage Bobaka's arcane research insights, which would still be immensely helpful for mastering his specialization.
At the very least, he could auction it off later. Such legendary insights would be highly coveted by advanced mages.
For someone who once owned a gaming studio, William knew that every grain counted towards the harvest.
After confirming he hadn't missed anything else, William casually carried the *History of Magical Development in the Fis Kingdom (Volume 7) and headed to the second floor's exclusive lounge, open only to nobles and select visitors.
Sinking into a plush fur sofa, with the light scent of peppermint oil in the air, William gestured for a nearby servant to replace the black coffee with hot cocoa. He flipped through the large history tome absentmindedly, his thoughts far from the text.
The Arcane Mind specialization was crucial for his primary profession as a mage, not just for the +100% Elemental Affinity.
To be honest, many mage specializations were powerful. For instance, the specialization [Flame God], which William had mastered in his previous life, directly increased fire spell damage by 50%.
The key was the phrase "unlock Arcane submodules." This effectively paved the way for William to become an Arcane Mage.
Why become an Arcane Mage?
Based on the ancient Netheril Magic Empire records, more than half of the mages who achieved legendary status also specialized as Arcane Mages.
This trend continues to be validated even now.
Although no player had reached the legendary tier in his previous life, the power of the Arcane Mage was well-known.
While it might be somewhat weak in the early stages, as more exclusive arcane spells were mastered, the Arcane Mage's unparalleled versatility and power made it a top contender in player polls for the most hated opponent.
William was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly he acquired the Arcane Mind specialization.
Utilizing his noble status to bypass the qualifications needed to enter the Royal Library proved that his strategy was viable.
He could use shortcuts to avoid the complex prerequisite quest chains and directly obtain the final treasures, giving him a tremendous advantage.
Although he wasn't sure if the players from his previous life would reappear, at least the treasures he remembered were still present in this world, waiting to be rediscovered.
The thought of this made William's heart race with excitement.
As William daydreamed about becoming a legendary mage, commanding a floating city, and leading armies of dragons and constructs across the starry expanse, a mocking voice snapped him back to reality.
"Well, well, if it isn't the famous Viscount Cain. Finally decided to take a break from your research and get some fresh air?"
The oily, irreverent tone disrupted William's fantasy. He looked up from the text about the Fis Kingdom's Royal Mage Corps' glorious victories.
Before him stood a slender young man of similar age, dressed in luxurious attire. His golden hair and gold-fringed white suit made him shine, though his pale complexion was notable.
In any novel from William's previous life, this character would undoubtedly be the one who jumps out to challenge the protagonist and get humiliated.
Unfortunately, William's memory clearly recalled this young man. Indeed, he was a young master, but not one who looked down on William or sought to educate him. Instead, he was one of William's two lifelong best friends.
The memories in his mind allowed William to naturally blend into his past social interactions.
Seeing this, William didn't even bother to get up. He remained slouched on the sofa and casually replied:
"Well, well, isn't it Mora Carl, the second young master of the illustrious Golden Vine Chamber of Commerce? What brings you out of your haven of pleasures today?"
Mora waved the attendant away and slumped onto the sofa next to William, shedding his previously polished demeanor and revealing a more laid-back side, responding:
"It's been a while. Since when did you learn to be so sarcastic?"
"Learned it from you. What brings you here? I've never seen you in a library before."
"Do I need a reason to visit a friend?"
Mora toyed with a gold coin, bearing the likeness of Quentin Fis, the first king of the Fis Kingdom.
"It's been a while. We should get together with Bernie sometime."
"Isn't he busy with his mentor at the academy's magic workshop?"
William put down his book and thought of their other best friend.
"Come on, he can't be researching all the time. Not everyone's like you, burying themselves in studies. You should get out more and enjoy life, or else it's a waste."
The gold coin spun deftly between Mora's fingers as he spoke casually, always trying to involve William in some venture.
"I'll be quite busy for a while. Just let me know when you've set a date."
With that, William closed History of Magical Development in the Fis Kingdom and placed it on a nearby table, knowing someone would return it. He got up, ready to leave.
"Leaving so soon? Has our friendship really soured that much?" Mora said with a theatrically hurt expression, not budging from his seat.
William didn't respond, simply offering a universal gesture of goodwill.
"I'm having a party next week for my birthday. Make sure you attend."
Mora made a point of mentioning it, worried that William might ignore the invitation among a pile of others as he usually did.
William waved to indicate he understood, straightened his clothes, and walked out of the lounge.
Mora didn't mind, sipping his coffee contentedly and stretching, enjoying his rare free time.
As William exited the Royal Library, an attendant escorted him out. Bend immediately brought the carriage around, opening the door and helping William in. Standing respectfully by the door, he asked:
"Young master, do you have any other destinations for today?"
William thought for a moment, squinting slightly, and replied:
"Take me to 16th Street, West District."