Chapter 5

"Radiant Glow" is indeed a formal初级 magic spell. It is an advanced version of the "Lighting Spell" in the apprentice-level magic, and the biggest difference between the two lies in the fact that formal初级 magic spells have at least three additional magic array structures compared to apprentice-level magic.

Take the apprentice-level "Fire Summoning Spell" and the common初级 "Fireball Spell" as examples. The "Fire Summoning Spell" merely mobilizes a bit of fire element, while the "Fireball Spell" has, in addition to this, an amplification array structure, a shaping array structure, and a projectile array structure. Therefore, when an apprentice advances to a初级 magician, the hardware requirement is that their mental strength must reach a certain level, and on the other hand, they must be familiar with and learn at least these three array structures, then solidify them in their mind and connect them reasonably. Thus, after reaching the mental strength threshold, it takes at least several months to master the first true初级 magic spell.

However, Alegri indeed became a formal magician, as he chose the very peculiar初级 magic spell "Radiant Glow." "Radiant Glow" also has three additional array structures based on "Lighting Spell," which are, respectively, an amplification array structure, an amplification array structure, and an amplification array structure. The amplification array structure is the simplest in terms of structure, with no exceptions.

"Isn't my method of advancement very smart? Your friends are too stupid." Alegri and Dios quickly walked through the forest, rapidly moving away from the location where the huge light was produced.

"If you knew the reason, you would understand who is truly smart." Dios looked at Alegri with a face full of frustration.

"Oh, tell me about it." Alegri casually picked up a pine cone.

"Magician Alegri, do you know that before a magician advances to the intermediate level, they can only solidify three irreplaceable spells in their mind..."

"Oh?" Alegri's movements suddenly froze.

"And for a newly advanced初级 magician like you, the number of solidifiable spells is one..."

"Oh..." Alegri's expression also froze.

"So, for about a year after you leave this stage, you will only have this powerful 'Radiant Glow' as your only solidified spell..."

"Damn! Why didn't you tell me earlier!" Alegri screamed, throwing the pine cone into the grass on the side.

"So, magic apprentices often prepare for a long time, until they have mastered a large number of array structures before advancing, so they can solidify a practical and complex spell as a means of self-preservation. You are really very smart... wait!"

"What?" Alegri, who was about to bash his head against a tree, asked listlessly.

Dios looked alertly at the spot where Alegri had thrown the pine cone, whispering, "There seems to be something over there."

******

"It looks quite big." "Why no reaction?" The two approached cautiously, whispering to each other.

Just as they were about to get close to the deep grass, they both stopped as if by mutual agreement, using eye signals to indicate that the other should go first.

After a long standoff, it was Dios who couldn't stand it anymore and finally gave in, signaling Alegri to cast a magic shield for him before reluctantly moving forward.

"What is it?" Seeing the skeleton bow its head and remain silent, Alegri became anxious.

"It's a guy who's about to die," Dios tried to suppress his excitement, smiling evilly, "or, my coat."

Alegri hurriedly walked over and found a severely injured person lying face down in the grass, their condition unknown. He had a tall and muscular build, slightly pointed ears, and long, dark gray hair tied in a ponytail, clearly a "good coat," which is why the skeleton was so excited.

"How do you plan to handle this?" Alegri asked curiously.

Dios didn't speak, examining the person like a butcher would examine prey, finally flipping him over with a strong effort.

"Wow, he's handsome." Alegri whistled, though the man's face was covered in blood, it couldn't hide his striking features.

"The meat is a bit loose, but it looks okay." The skeleton smiled in satisfaction, his focus entirely different, pulling a knife out from the ribs and mumbling as he gestured on the man's body.

"Don't..." The injured man, who had just woken up, saw the skeleton looking for a place to cut and turned green with fear, hurriedly trying to gather his strength to cry out, "I'll give you anything, just let me go, ah—"

"He's still alive..." Dios stood up uninterestedly, putting the knife back into the rib gap and standing up.

"Sir, let's talk this out. Whatever you want, just say it..." The injured man struggled to get up, pleading.

"He wants you." Alegri yawned, pointing at the skeleton.

The injured man's face immediately became a mix of emotions, finally twisting his handsome face and gritting his teeth, "Okay."

"What do you mean, 'okay'?" The skeleton sighed in disappointment, "I'm not interested in living people."

The injured man let out a long sigh of relief, looking at Alegri with a pleading expression. His intuition told him that this guy, who seemed to be a necromancer, was the one in charge. Otherwise, why would he be wandering around in the Whispering Forest with a skeleton?

"What's your name? What do you do?" Alegri asked casually, as this was the first person he had encountered since crossing over, and he naturally had many questions.

"My name is Irlor, and I'm a ranger, being pursued here." The man, calling himself Irlor, immediately answered.

"Oh?" The skeleton beside him interjected, "The only ones who can pursue someone in the Whispering Forest are the high elves who live here. High elves are not as extreme towards half-elves as low elves, so they have no reason to pursue you."

Irlor was taken aback, looking at the knowledgeable skeleton with surprise before explaining, "Sir, you are right. I am a half-elf ranger, and I was framed, which led to this situation."

The skeleton nodded and stood aside, silent. His mysterious demeanor made the half-elf very wary.

"So, you are homeless now?" Alegri continued, seeing the half-elf nod, "Then, shouldn't you show some gratitude to your savior?"

Not to kick someone when they're down and to show gratitude for saving one's life—aren't these the same thing... The half-elf's expression froze, stammering, "I was framed and am now penniless."

"Oh?" Alegri's thoughtful expression made the half-elf nervous, and his next words made him want to swear, "Why don't you sign a ten or eight-year indenture to repay our kindness?"

Damn, a man can be killed but not humiliated, the half-elf almost lashed out and fled, but looking at the skeleton ready to attack, he asked in a low voice, "Do I have any other options?"

"Yes," Alegri's response made him feel relieved, but his next words made him feel like he was falling into a pit, "You can also choose to sign a twenty-year indenture..."

"I'll choose the former..." Irlor drooped his long ears, saying bitterly.

This was the first meeting of the "Sorrow" trio.

******

When the half-elf ranger Irlor dropped a drop of blood into the central magic array on the blank scroll that Alegri had drawn, the mistake was already made. The skeleton then clattered over,

"Hey, buddy, if I'm not mistaken, you should be a mid-level ranger, right?"

"That's correct." Irlor was completely immersed in the sadness of being indentured, responding absentmindedly.

"If I remember correctly, a mid-level ranger should have no problem dealing with a dozen or so初级 professionals?"

"What are you trying to say?"

"Actually, dear half-elf, my current strength is only at the level of a初级 skeleton warrior."

"Oh, you did a good job pretending..." Irlor said helplessly, even if the skeleton wasn't much, the mysterious necromancer beside him wasn't someone he could easily deal with.

Following his gaze, the skeleton cackled, "As for our dear magician, he only just advanced to the初级 level half an hour ago."

"Damn, I'll kill you!" The half-elf was stunned for a moment, pulling out a short knife from his waist and screaming.

This was the first internal conflict of the "Sorrow" trio.

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