Chapter 4: Gilded Radiance

[Your understanding of magic has improved, 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 double modifier, elemental affinity +100%, unlocks arcane submodules.]

Gazing at the newly refreshed mage specialization on the panel, Lis clenched his fist with satisfaction and waved it through the air. Then, he carefully rolled up the Arcane Notes of Bobaka and placed it into his storage ring.

Though he had already acquired the Arcane Mind specialization and its abilities, the notes contained the legendary mage Bobaka’s arcane research insights, which would greatly aid him in mastering and advancing his specialization.

At worst, he could auction it off after use—this was the treasured knowledge of a legendary mage, coveted by many high-level sorcerers!

For Lis, who once owned a game studio, securing every last benefit was a fundamental professional principle.

After confirming he hadn’t missed anything, Lis casually picked up the seventh volume of The History of Magic Development in the Kingdom of Fith, and made his way to the upper floor’s east side, to a high-class lounge that was only open to nobles and other visitors of certain status.

Reclining lazily on a soft fur sofa, the faint, refreshing scent of mint wafted through the air. Lis had the attentive attendant replace his brewed black coffee with hot cocoa. He flipped through the hefty historical tome without much focus, his thoughts long gone from the words before him.

The Arcane Mind specialization was a crucial step for his primary mage profession, but the key wasn’t the elemental affinity doubling.

Frankly, many mage specializations were powerful. For example, Lis’s previous life had the specialization Flame God, which was brutally strong, directly boosting fire spell damage by 50%.

The real importance lay in the phrase: [Unlock Arcane Subsystem]. This essentially paved Lis’s path to ascend as an Arcanist.

Why aspire to become an Arcanist?

No need to mention others; according to the historical records of the Nethereal Magic Empire, among the mages who achieved legendary breakthroughs throughout history...

More than half also held the Arcanist specialization!

This conclusion has persisted to the present day, continually being validated.

Although no player in his previous life had reached legendary status yet, the power of the full-time Arcanist was well known.

They might start off somewhat weak, but as they advanced and mastered more exclusive arcane arts, Arcanists stood out for their unparalleled, well-rounded strength—consistently ranking among the top three most dreaded opponents in player polls.

Still, Lis was pleasantly surprised to obtain the Arcane Mind specialization so smoothly.

His noble status had allowed him to bypass the rigorous qualifications needed to enter the royal library, proving his approach was effective.

He could shortcut around the complicated prerequisite quest chains to seize the ultimate treasure opportunities directly—an immense advantage.

Though he was unsure if the other players from his past life would appear as expected, the treasured relics he remembered were indeed still present in this world, quietly awaiting the moment to emerge into the light.

This thought only kindled Lis’s enthusiasm further.

While Lis daydreamed of becoming a legendary mage, commanding a floating city, leading dragon and construct golem legions to conquer the boundless star seas—

“Yo, isn’t this our famous Viscount Cain? Finally decided to leave your study for some fresh air?”

A slick, slightly cynical voice interrupted him, pulling his gaze from the text describing the royal mage corps’ glorious achievements.

Before him stood a slender young man, about his age, dressed in a dazzling white suit with golden tassels. His short blond hair shimmered like spun gold, though his complexion was somewhat pale.

If this were a novel from Lis’s previous life, this scene would be the perfect setup for a rich heir who struts out to show off and put the protagonist in his place.

Unfortunately, Lis’s memories were clear: this heir was indeed a rich heir, but not one who disliked him or intended to teach him a lesson. Rather, he was one of only two lifelong close friends Lis had.

The memories naturally immersed Lis in the social role from his past life.

Seeing this, Lis didn’t bother to stand, still lounging on the sofa, casually replying:

“Well, well, if it isn’t Mora Karl, second young master of the famous Golden Rose Trading Guild. What’s this? Finally leaving your cozy den today?”

Mora waved his attendant away, then suddenly deflated as he slumped down on the sofa beside Lis, looking like a different person from before.

“Been a while. Since when did you learn to be sarcastic?”

“Picked it up from you. Got something to say? I haven’t seen you in the library before.”

“Can’t I come see you if there’s no business?”

Mora toyed with a gold coin, bearing the portrait of Quentin Fith, the first king of the Kingdom of Fith.

“Long time no see. When you’re free, let’s get Bernie together for a reunion.”

“Isn’t he at the Academy’s magic workshop, studying with his teacher now?”

Lis put down the book and thought about his other close friend.

“Hey, you can’t study all the time. Unlike you, who’s always buried in research, I say it’s better to get out and enjoy life a bit—or what’s the point of living this lifetime?”

Mora flipped the coin nimbly between his fingers, speaking casually. He had always wanted to rope Lis into some business venture.

“I’ll be busy lately. If you decide on something, just tell me directly.”

Lis closed the volume of The History of Magic Development in the Kingdom of Fith and set it on the nearby table, knowing someone would return it to its place. He then stood up, ready to leave.

“Leaving right after meeting—how rude. Has our friendship soured?”

Mora wore a mock mournful expression but didn’t move an inch.

Lis said nothing, offering a universally recognized friendly gesture instead.

“Next week’s my birthday party. Don’t forget to come.”

Mora reminded him, fearing Lis would once again toss the invitation on the table without a glance.

Lis waved a hand to show he understood, tidied his attire, and left the lounge.

Mora didn’t mind, sipping his coffee with pleasure and rubbing his back to pass the rare free moment.

Escorted respectfully by the attendant, Lis exited the royal library. Seeing this, Bender immediately drove the carriage over, opened the door, and helped Lis in, then respectfully asked outside the carriage door:

“Young master, will you be going anywhere else afterward?”

Lis thought for a moment, narrowing his eyes:

“Go to No. 16, Langai Street, West District.”