Rhys pondered for a moment, concluding that his past-life speculation was likely correct.
These aristocratic families and top-tier Guild Charters must have known about the uniqueness of The Epoch of Endings from the very beginning. That was why they poured vast resources, the bulk of their fortunes, into the game without hesitation.
Under this deluge of resources, a massive chasm naturally formed between the nobility and common players.
This was a class divide deliberately engineered.
Ava's words solidified his suspicion. At the very least, House James definitely knew The Epoch of Endings was extraordinary, hence their aggressive acquisition of Chronocoin.
Rhys offered his thanks once more and departed the market.
He understood clearly: Ava's goodwill wasn't directed at him, Rhys, but at "Abysswalker."
Ranked number one on the leaderboard – that was a position every major family would seek to court. The moment "Abysswalker" ceased to hold that top spot, the kindness from these powerful houses would vanish instantly.
It was an undeniable truth: when you are strong, good people seem to surround you everywhere.
"So… I still need to grow stronger," Rhys murmured to himself, a familiar blaze of ambition reigniting in his eyes. "Stronger than everyone else."
He turned and headed towards the West District of the town. Most functional buildings were concentrated there, making it the most player-populated area. Rhys's destination lay precisely within this district.
The Mage Tower – an essential structure for any aspiring Archmage.
The Mage Tower in Riverwood appeared dilapidated and neglected. The reason was simple: the Archmage who built it had departed long ago. His descendants lacked a worthy successor, barely managing to keep the tower standing, let alone maintaining it properly.
Yet, despite its state, it remained one of the few places players could learn spells in the early game. The spells here were low-tier, but for Rhys at this stage, they were more than sufficient.
"Outlander, you have come." A Mage clad in a faded teal robe watched Rhys enter. "Do you seek to unravel the mysteries of magic today?"
In a remote border town like Riverwood, a Mage was a rare and coveted figure. If not for the players – the Outlanders – the Mage Tower might see business only once a year, if that.
The influx of Outlanders had improved things slightly, but not significantly. The game had just launched. Besides the wealthy families and anomalies like Rhys, how many could afford the steep cost of learning spells?
The thick layer of dust coating the Mage Tower told Rhys everything: he was the first visitor seeking magical knowledge.
But decorum had to be maintained. Rhys showed no impatience, simply stating respectfully, "I seek your guidance, honored elder."
Rhys's attitude visibly pleased the young Mage.
Ordinary folk saw him only as someone who tarnished the great Mage's name. But who truly understood the reality of this forgotten, god-forsaken corner? Though Fiends roamed the lands, how many here could actually afford the price of arcane instruction?
Even the young Mage himself, if not for the legacy of the great Archmage, could never have reached his current standing.
It was harsh, but it was reality.
In Riverwood, while the young Mage held a position of apparent respect, he was acutely aware of the whispers behind his back. This knowledge caused him deep distress.
Now, this Outlander – one of those prophesied by the Deity to descend amidst calamity and save the world – was sincerely offering him respect. How could this not warm the young Mage's heart?
He cleared his throat, adopting a feigned solemnity. "To cultivate the arcane arts, the currency of time is indispensable. Seeing your sincerity, I shall grant you a discount. I will charge only eighty percent. This is to sustain my master's Mage Tower. I hope you understand."
Hearing this, a flicker of instinctive delight crossed Rhys's mind. Decades of experience in his past life screamed a clear truth: NPCs possessed their own preferences and emotions. Finding the right leverage could save significant cost.
Yet, in this moment, Rhys chose not to accept the young Mage's kindness.
With solemn conviction, Rhys spoke firmly: "The mysteries of magic are profound beyond measure. To learn its secrets, what is a small amount of Chronocoin? Forget the discount. Consider the full price a personal contribution from me to sustain this Mage Tower."
The discount wasn't necessary, but the credit had to be claimed. The extra payment couldn't be seen as foolish extravagance; it had to be framed as Rhys's deep reverence for magic itself and this very tower.
Tears welled up in the young Mage's eyes.
He gazed at Rhys, seeing an echo of his younger self from years past – consumed by a yearning for the arcane path, willing to cross mountains just to reach Riverwood in pursuit of magical secrets.
This Outlander... understands me!
Only one so devoted to the Art deserved that thing...
"I have perceived the depth of your commitment," the young Mage declared, his voice thick with emotion. "Naturally, I cannot tarnish such dedication with mere coin. Your quest for understanding will surely forge you into a formidable Mage. May Mystra guide your path."
As the words fell, the young Mage turned. He retrieved several skill books from the desk behind him, laying them out before Rhys.
"That said," he continued, "I cannot allow a true seeker of the Art to depart disheartened. These texts contain the Arcane Legacy Spells of the great Archmage. Peruse them. See if any resonate. Should questions arise, my guidance is always available."
Rhys's gaze instantly locked onto the array of spellbooks. A faint, satisfied smile touched his lips.
The Mage Tower of Riverwood, indeed, like every novice village's Mage Tower, guarded its own signature spells. These were arcane secrets unobtainable after leaving the starting region – arguably the rarest tier of magic available.
The trigger condition for each novice village's hidden signature spell differed. For the Mage Tower in Riverwood, one had to demonstrate a genuine passion and relentless pursuit of magic in the presence of the young Mage. This was precisely why Rhys had refused the discount.
A small discount couldn't possibly offset the loss of missing a signature spell. Chronocoin could always be earned back, but if a hidden signature spell was missed? That was truly a case of "miss the shop, and you'll never find it again."
Rhys's gaze swept across the displayed spellbooks. Alongside foundational spells like Fireball and Hailstorm, there were obscure ones he hadn't encountered before. Suppressing his rising excitement, he continued scanning. Then, his eyes locked onto a crimson-bound tome. A gleam of triumph sparked in Rhys's eyes.
This was it!
Rhys reached for the scarlet skill book. Before he could even open it, the young Mage sighed, his expression complex.
"Your affinity with the Art is undeniable," he said, a touch of melancholy in his voice. "This spell... it was my master's own creation. That you chose it at first sight speaks of a profound connection to this tower."
"Therefore," he declared, resolve firming, "consider this tome a gift. Take it. Study it with your whole heart."
[Skill Book: Immolation]
[Effect: Upon learning, acquire the skill Immolation]
[Skill: Immolation (Rare)]
[Cost: 100 MP]
[Cooldown: 3 min]
[Effect: Upon activation, enter the Immolation state. During Immolation, all fire spells are amplified. Your fire spells gain Cooldown Reduction, Damage Amplification, and can be empowered by channeling additional Mana.]
[Affixes: None.]
Rare-grade spell, Immolation!
This was one of Rhys's primary objectives for visiting the Mage Tower. This ability was the coveted damage amplifier every fire Mage dreamed of. Even at Rare grade, it was a spell powerful enough to last until the endgame.
The Damage Amplification and Cooldown Reduction, while valuable, were not unique – many buffing spells offered similar effects. The rarest, most precious aspect of Immolation was its ability to channel additional Mana to empower fire spells during the Immolation state.
This meant the damage potential of fire spells could far exceed their original design limits.
For example: A fire spell costing 10 MP, if fueled by 100 MP, could achieve effects far surpassing a Fireball. If a Fireball could be amplified so drastically, what about other spells? What about spells that were already immensely powerful?
Transcending the inherent limitations of spellcraft – this was Immolation's true, invaluable treasure.
Rhys chose to learn the spell immediately. Suppressing the urge to instantly test Immolation, he reached into his pocket. He placed 300 Chronocoin onto the table – his entire fortune. This sum combined the 70 coins from the Slime loot orbs, the 50 from the Withered Colossus Tree, and the 180 just earned from the sale.
"This is everything I possess," Rhys stated solemnly, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "Please accept it as repayment for the Master's profound kindness!"