Around three hours have pa.s.sed since the elf began studying the book, and he was able to at least grasp the most basic of comprehension about the elven tongue.

"Fire means Ignus, Rafas means Origin, Mona means Return, Manib means Hand, Arcane means Arcan…" The elf continues to utter additional words as he practices by writing the a.s.sociated alphabetical symbols at a blank sheet of paper with a quill. While doing so, he cross-referenced it with the book of Elharis to check if what he did is correct.

And to his pleasant surprise, the elf is remarkably doing quite well in his progress, as he was able to achieve more than what he expected.

It is because of his High Intelligence of 52 that he is more effective in his studies.

Gray was able to write around forty words with reasonable accuracy in his period of study. Sure, it was not perfect, but one can see the clear presence of progression in it.

The Elharis guide also contains information about the fundamentals of magic spells. They are based on chants and phrases of the elven tongue while channeling the strict amount of Mana, as stated in the spell's System description. While most spells can be chanted either vocally or mentally, some require strict vocal activation to unleash it.

Reciting or thinking about the words is merely not enough in casting the spell, though.

Every spell requires a full understanding of the elven words as the Mage incorporates himself deeply with the meaning. Some spells even demand additional procedures.

Such are the necessary steps in the art of spell casting. Because of this, the Mage must possess a clear state of mind at all times.

Gray could only wonder how the Arcanists of the Annihilation Discipline are capable of such a feat. They are consumed with Arcane madness in battle most of the time, thus disrupting the state of their mind.

While memorizing the exact symbols of the elven words is optional since announcing the words is enough in spell casting, it is still a valuable knowledge to be acquired. The drawing of a Magic Circle mostly makes use of the symbols. Not to mention, other applications like the writing of Runes.

Another factor to be considered is the Mage's Ability points as they are required to spend a certain amount to 'learn' a spell.

The System is quite involved in such aspects as it carries out the balancing issues of Magic as a whole.

No one is capable of casting a spell that they didn't technically 'learn' despite knowing the words behind it.

Inventing a new spell is possible. But it is only possible by the use of a dedicated Spellcraft station. The mentioned workstation is only very few in numbers, located only in secured locations like the Arkanos University. This is to prevent misuse and the potentials of dangers that a.s.sociate with it.

In short, there are still game-like mechanics that limit the learning of Magic itself, and up to this day, no one exactly knows as to why such a mechanism exists.

Tier 1 spells that are granted by the System are the exemption from this rule as Mage scholars hypothesize that it is the System itself who performs the procedures for the caster who is still on their beginning stages, thus allowing an easier version of spell casting.

Gray also wonders if his u003cArcane Physiqueu003e and the spells a.s.sociated with it are also part of the rule since it was already in the System when it was granted by Agveyr in the form of memories of the G.o.d's friend, and he was not able to test it out.

'Alright, let's try u003cBarrier skinu003e' Gray stood up from his seat as he attempts to cast a harmless spell.

Suddenly, an influx of memory invaded his mind as he saw a vision of an elf wearing a complex set of green armor and is shrouded in a thin violet light on the outline of his body.

After the vision, a set of symbols forcefully makes itself known as it a.s.similated within his mind as well.

'Obis, Pella' Gray mentally chanted the respective elven words while channeling the required Mana as the same light also shrouds the outline of his body.

'Woah, it works!!' Gray's eyes were filled with awe as he stares at the remarkable effects of the spell taking place. 'Huh, so this is the memory of the elven friend that Agveyr is talking about. It seems that a portion of the memories only resurfaced when casting the spell, thus allowing me to gain knowledge about it. Hopefully, more memories will come by in the future to teach me more about this particular branch of Magic.'

After his endeavors in his self-study, Gray decided to take a short break as he sat down once more and leaned against the chair in a relaxing posture.

'By Sylvia's f.u.c.king name, it's been a long time since I studied this hard. The last time I remembered was back when I was at college.' The elf clutches his head. Then his thoughts take a significant turn as he thought about his cat-folk friend.

'I wonder what Isamu is up to?'

***

After Bren explained to Isamu about the tasks that the cat-folk will be performing for the next month and a half, the former also gave a tour to the latter around the vicinity of the town's farm. Bren also further lectures the cat-folk about the basic idea of farming and its importance in the economy.

"Here at this farm, we are devoted exclusively to the agricultural processes of producing food and other crops; which we take a small portion from the harvest for personal consumption while the rest is to be sold to Chadena's marketplace and various trading enterprises who rely solely on our crops as their raw materials in producing their respective finished products," Bren explains how the farming trade works, showing clear pride on his line of work. "As such, it is mostly thanks to our efforts that the people's belly is filled and the reason for the beer constantly flowing for the drunken patrons' revelry at the Fighter's Retreat, haha!"

"Beer, huh," Isamu comments as his eyes wander all over the area. "I don't see any Brewery around here."

"Heh, where do you think the raw materials in producing the beer came from, lad?" Bren simply smirks. "We also cultivate barley seeds around here, a source of fermentable material for beer and certain distilled beverages."

"I see." Isamu nods as he acknowledges the information imparted to him. He then took the time to observe the farmers working around the fields as every one of them are witnessed to be working dedicatedly with sweat and dirt all over their clothing.

'Hmm, I'll be working like that as well.' Isamu thought with a serious expression. 'It makes me wonder at why some people at the higher echelons of society, mostly the n.o.bles, have low opinions about them when they are one of the reasons that keep our society running. The farmers should be treated more fairly for their efforts.'

[+4 GOOD]

"Now that everything has been settled, you'll be starting tomorrow," Bren said. "So, where are you staying, by the way?"

"At the guild barracks since I'm a member," Isamu responds.

"Well, that won't do." Bren shook his head in disapproval. "We are required at all times to wake up early at dawn. With your living quarters at a significant distance away, it'll only prove to be a nuisance. How about you stay with me for the time being, for convenience's sake."

"Would I not be intruding?" Isamu asks with concern.

"No worries, lad." Bren smiles. "After all, I'm merely an old man who is alone at his house. The rest of my family have moved on with their lives and took their trade elsewhere in Flocaster."

"Oh," Isamu said with a sad tone. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Ah, don't be." Bren retains his high spirits. "I'm happy with my life here at the farm. I've got a sufficient amount of food to fill me up every day, a humble abode with a nice bed to sleep, and, most importantly, an honest and fulfilling work. Not to mention, I have my fellow farmers and friends as we support each other in our daily endeavors. What more do I have to ask?"

"Perhaps none," Isamu answers with a smile. "It's as clear as daylight at how content you are in your life."

Bren nodded approvingly in reply. Then he gestures Isamu. "Alright, now if you'll please follow me, I'll show you where you'll be staying."

Isamu nods as well in return as he complies with the old farmer's request.

***

Bren's home, like every other farmer's house in the surrounding farmlands, is a simple small residence made out of wood.

Suffice to say, the living conditions are satisfactory, to the standards of the common-folk that is, as Isamu was able to settle inside without any issues whatsoever despite how plain and dull the interior of the house is.

Nighttime came rather quick as dinner was served with some simple bread, leaks, and stew, something that the cat-folk is not exactly accustomed to, since the food inside the town, where most people are of the middle or high-cla.s.s, is a little bit sophisticated, consisting mostly of meat, a normal staple in the cat-folk's everyday diet.

After all, food is a strong indicator of social cla.s.s at this current era, where the rich feast themselves in the well elaborate meals while the common-folk and most of the middle-cla.s.s simply adhere to the diet of simple consumables that are readily available consisting of cereals such as rye, oats or barley with vegetables and whatever source of protein like the occasional meat from small animals.

The Warriors of the Guild belongs to the middle-cla.s.s of society due to the considerable income that they receive from their contracts and other benefits from the guild.

Such is one of the realities that the people of this world currently live in: A clear distinction in the social hierarchy.

"You folks must really work hard every single day huh,"

Isamu said as he initiates the conversation while they are both on the dining table.

"Of course," Bren answered with pride in his every tone. "The town depend on us for the production of the crops and livestock to provide the people with the sustenance needed in their daily lives. Farming is a fulfilling profession, something that we are greatly proud of. It may not be much in the eyes of others but its honest work. I'm sure you'll understand once you'll start working in the fields tomorrow."

"I suppose," Isamu comments in response.

"Well, would you look at the time," Bren said as he looks at the dark skies outside from the window. "Perhaps we should be hitting the sack in a short while. After all, we have to wake up early for the start of our work."

"Very well." Isamu nods in agreement.

Bren then pointed Isamu to the room where the latter will be staying for the rest of the month.

"You will be sleeping at my son's former room over there," Bren instructs the cat-folk. "If you need anything, then I'm merely a few steps away."

"Will do." Isamu bows down in appreciation. "I thank you, Elder Bren."

"No problem, lad." Bren smiles in acknowledgment.

After dinner and cleaning the dishes, the night came to its fateful end as the two occupants of the house retire to their respective quarters.