The Frugal Mage - Chapter 18: System Suggestion

His 286 Gold Coins had turned into 283.

Still, Rayven knew that this was an important matter, too.

[ Basic Suggestion Redeemed. Please explain your concern. ]

“I want to know what Skill to purchase, considering my current stats…”

[ Analyzing Skill Store, User Status, and Known Combat Conditions…

[ Recommendation: For balanced future potential and versatility, prioritize spells with a tiered progression structure (e.g., I, II, III, etc).

These foundational spells may appear low-tier, but many advanced versions require the earlier tier to be unlocked and purchased first.

Examples in the current Skill Market.

Telekinesis I – Aside from getting a chance to purchase its Tier II version, it also enables control manipulation spells in later tiers. ]

[ Tier I spells do not become obsolete. Many upper-tier builds rely on earlier versions to be integrated or enhanced through modifiers. ]

[ Note: If you want to know the future spells you can get from Detect Mana Source I and Magic Missile I. You can purchase another Basic Suggestion’s convenience fee.

[ Note: A more tailored, combo-specific suggestion requires the “Combo Strategy” tier. ]

Rayven paused for a moment as he absorbed the information.

As he had expected, Common Spells weren’t that useless at all. Even in the future, they had some purpose.

“They’re not trash…” he murmured. “They’re the base layers for future high-tier Spells.”

He couldn’t deny the wisdom in that. There was no shame in buying a foundational spell—especially if it was required for powerful later ones.

Still, it left him wondering about combos, counters, situational use… But the message was clear: for deeper insights, he’d need to shell out more coins for the next tier suggestion.

“Of course, you’d charge for that,” Rayven sighed.

With that in mind, he scanned the list again, reconsidering his first choice.

He hovered on Telekinesis I.

It was tempting. After all, it was quite flashy, even practical in odd ways. This was probably the best spell to announce his status as a Mage.

However, his eyes landed on Detect Mana Source I.

The fact that it could scan the surroundings for nearby mana concentrations, hidden mages, or magical creatures within 30 meters was incredible.

He believed that was what he needed right now.

Not Flame Darts or Magic Missiles…

What he needed was a way to avoid getting ambushed. A way to detect threats. Especially after what happened with Vairen…

After all, he also considered that he had Miki, Nara, and Thyruz with him.

They could fight for him, and he needed to support them for now. He knew that a 30-meter radius was nothing to scoff at.

“Let’s go with this one.” He tapped it.

[ Skill Purchased: Detect Mana Source I]

[ Gold Coins Deducted: 188 ]

[ 75% Discount Voucher Applied ]

[ Detect Mana Source I (Common): Scans surroundings for nearby mana concentrations, hidden mages, magic creatures, and magic artifacts.

Radius: 30 meters.

Cooldown: 10 seconds

Cost per use: 1 Gold ]

Just like before, Rayven didn’t feel anything weird in his body after purchasing the spell. However, as he checked his Skill List, he confirmed that he had it already.

[ Skill List ]

> Mana Flick

> Appraisal I

> Detect Mana Source I

“Nice…” Rayven muttered as he confirmed that he had obtained a new spell or skill.

Then, as he had expected, this “first” achievement brought him a reward.

[ Achievement Unlocked: First Skill Purchase!

[ Congratulations, User Rayven! You have successfully purchased your first Skill in the Skill Market.

Reward: 50 Gold Coins. ]

[ Current Balance: 145 Gold ]

“50 gold coins, huh… I guess it’s not that bad.” Rayven muttered as he didn’t mind.

For now, he was quite satisfied as he understood the system’s pattern.

As he closed the interface, he noticed that Thyruz gave him a curious look across the fire while his staff leaned beside him. He also seemed to be reading the Manual that Ardania left behind.

Miki and Nara, meanwhile, were quietly resting. They would be taking turns on night watch.

***

The following day, the group set out again, continuing along the uneven road toward the next village.

Rayven quietly counted in his head.

Just three more villages to go… and then Hesa City.

It was the information he had gotten in Dollen Village.

The thought gave him energy.

When they finally reached the next village, Rayven expected Thyruz to split off here as originally planned.

But to his surprise, the tall mage halted beside him and gave him a thoughtful nod.

“I’ve changed my mind,” Thyruz said. “I’ll accompany you to Hesa City.”

Rayven blinked. “Really? Why?”

Thyruz gave a short chuckle.

“There’s more to learn from the road than from dusty tomes right now. And… I want to see where your path leads.”

As he said this, Thyruz glanced at the lively village.

He was indeed curious about Rayven’s secrets since, in the first place, he had no signs of being a mage at all.

Rayven wasn’t sure what to say to that, but he nodded, strangely reassured by Thyruz’s presence. Even though he was only an Enchanter and was not supposed to be a good fighter, he was still a Tier 3 Mage.

“Alright… Then, we will be quick here…” Rayven said as he had to restock their supplies in the village. After all, Rayven was the one feeding everyone.

Still, Rayven noticed Thyruz’s frown after looking at the village.

“Is there something off?” Rayven asked.

“I’m not sure… I just felt a killing intent from the village… or did I make a mistake?” Thyruz thought.

However, Rayven didn’t want to take a risk as he used his newly purchased skill, Detect Mana Source…

[ 1 Gold Coin deducted. Current Balance: 144 ]