Reyn sat in one of the cabins on the second level of the yacht.
A mirror hung on the wall. He activated his Soul Eye, stood before the mirror, and began carefully examining his condition.
The World Tree in his soul had grown by a third, the trunk thicker, the single branch longer, and the runes on the leaves sharper.
The biggest change was in the overall structure of the soul: another layer had appeared outside. Just like he usually saw in other superhumans—each layer represented one professional level.
Now he had two layers, meaning he was a second-level superhuman and could fuse a new demonic soul.
Slightly closing his eyes, he unfolded his phone's interface before him.
In the center of the interface, around a small red flower with eight petals, was a green circle. This circle, like a clock face, was divided into a hundred small divisions, and now they all glowed, indicating full energy charge.
Unlike before, a second circle had appeared outside the first!
Two circles, with the small red flower in the center, formed concentric rings. They were nearly identical; the second circle also divided into a hundred divisions, only its overall diameter was slightly larger, and accordingly, the divisions bigger.
At the moment, three divisions glowed on the second circle, meaning three percent charge.
Reyn understood immediately.
After Soul Ascension, the capacity of his "battery" had increased. It hadn't just doubled—judging by the three charged divisions, the second circle's capacity was about twenty percent more than the first!
In total, the maximum charge had more than doubled, plus another twenty percent.
Reyn estimated: that elementalist's soul had given him nearly sixty percent charge. It not only filled his "battery" to the brim but left three percent after leveling up!
Previously, he had compared: a first-level superhuman's soul gave about one division; second-level, like the vampire, three divisions; third-level—around five.
And this elementalist—one soul worth twenty vampires.
The fourth-level female shooter's soul gave much less—just twenty-five percent charge, indicating a huge power gap between her and the elementalist.
Comparing them, Reyn concluded that a mid-level superhuman's soul could give him twenty-five to sixty percent charge. Of course, now as a second-level mage, he needed to factor in the coefficient, so twenty to fifty percent.
"Too bad that fifth-level Shadow Warrior escaped."
"If I could have finished him too, with his strength, he would have given at least forty divisions of charge!"
Reyn felt a slight regret, but these were fleeting thoughts. Having reached second level, he first needed to think about fusing a new demonic soul.
"Battle mage is still a mage. I'm already second level, and if I don't learn a single spell, it'll be too sad."
"Can't rely only on close combat forever."
"Once back, must find a suitable demonic soul and master spells."
Reyn firmly decided to become a true spellcaster.
He didn't know exactly which spells he wanted yet, only having a general idea.
A battle mage couldn't have too many spells overall. They should be few but honed, ideally with as broad an application as possible, without special restrictions.
In the world of Ellunes, there were countless spells—perhaps only the Goddess of Magic knew their exact number.
Each spell was an application of energy.
Energies varied by nature. The most common were elemental: earth, water, fire, wind, and their variations or combinations like ice, mist, electricity, stone, gas, etc., forming this colorful material world.
Each element had an affinity degree, and mastering one made one an elementalist.
Besides elemental energies, there were energies of Mystery, Mind, Nature, Holy Light, Shadow, Life, and Death.
Spells controlling Mystery energy were called arcane. Arcane energy came from time and space, omnipresent and the most wondrous and mysterious.
Arcanists of the School of Magical Seals specialized in arcane magic.
Mind energy came from the spiritual consciousness of every living being. In Ellunes, there was a plane of pure mental energy called the Astral Plane.
Mind spells could affect one's own and others' spiritual consciousness, intervene in the material world, and communicate with the Astral Plane.
Holy Light power was wielded only by followers of the Sun God, like Sun Knights and priests. Shadow spells were very rare, considered mainly by Dark Mages. Nature power was innate to many powerful beings and sentient races; humans rarely touched it. Life power was the domain of deities, granted to followers as divine spells. Death spells were outright forbidden, the province of many evil gods.
Usually, battle mages chose between elemental, arcane, and mental spells.
But they weren't limited to one type.
Unlike the School of Magical Seals, battle mages didn't need affinity accounting or specialization. They used whatever spell was useful, freely combining them at will.
Besides division by energy type, all spells were also classified as offensive, defensive, and auxiliary by effect.
Reyn didn't need defensive spells yet.
His "Steel Body" was tougher than any shield and had some magic resistance. Defensive spells wouldn't be needed soon.
What he lacked now were offensive spells.
Given his mainly close-combat style, he definitely couldn't retreat to range like ordinary mages and cast calmly. So he needed spells with short cast times and quick effects.
Instant casts best.
Only then could he combine them with his strengths and maximize potential.
Additionally, auxiliary spells like "Giant Strength Art" or "Speed Boost" were good choices, boosting his own power or compensating for speed lack.
Initial-level mages, first to third, could only master first- and second-circle spells.
Reyn seemed to have many choices, but after filtering suitable ones, not so many remained.
Moreover, battle mages mastered spells via demonic soul fusion, requiring soul compatibility consideration, not as simple as for School of Magical Seals mages.
"Once back in Longsand, still have to check the Demonic Souls Market; maybe find something suitable."
Reyn sighed inwardly.
Actually, he liked visiting the Demonic Souls Market. With Soul Eye, it could be a source of wealth. Frequent visits would surely yield valuables.
Unfortunately, since acquiring the Gold Devouring Ant, he hadn't gone back.
It gathered many superhumans, crowded and bustling, with plenty of Loh followers hiding among them. The magic swordsman Wilt, whom he fought before, might be secretly watching for him.
"If careful, nothing should happen."
Reyn was still pondering how to try his luck at the Demonic Souls Market when the cabin door opened, and Viola entered with several items in hand.
Seeing Reyn standing and seriously examining himself in the mirror, she couldn't hold back laughter:
"Reyn, I know you're very handsome, but not to the point of such narcissism! Don't worry; once back, I'll find a priest for treatment, guaranteed no scars."
"I'm not... that's not it..."
Reyn blushed in embarrassment. Now he couldn't justify himself with a hundred tongues.
Viola teased him a few more times. Reyn, resigned, silently endured the mockery, gave up explanations, and glumly said:
"Sigh, no need."
She placed several items from the elementalist on the table and said:
"This time you got quite rich."
"You appraised them already?" Reyn perked up immediately and sat down quickly.
"Mm-hm," Viola nodded slightly and pointed to the magical dagger. "I already mentioned this dagger; around eight hundred gold. This enchanted robe isn't bad either; it has 'underwater breathing' and 'thermoregulation' effects. Though it doesn't boost power, the effects are useful; should sell for five hundred gold shields."
"Enchanted robe only five hundred gold?" Reyn was somewhat stunned.
"And that's me generously appraising high," Viola explained. "'Underwater breathing' isn't needed often, plus the same effect from a potion costing just a few gold. 'Thermoregulation' is even simpler—just protects from cold and heat, adds comfort, but little use in battle."
"Alright, I get it."
Reyn looked at the luxurious robe and thought it was more beautiful than useful.
Viola finally took the silver ring and, smiling, said:
"The real value is this enchanted ring. It speeds up spellcasting, reduces spiritual power consumption, and serves as a spiritual power reservoir. Normally, pour spiritual power into it; when needed, use the stored—enough for three third-circle spells."
"So powerful..." Reyn examined the ring closely and blurted: "How much is it worth?"
"Probably three to four thousand gold. Enchanted rings that speed casting are always in demand," Viola roughly estimated.
Reyn excitedly rubbed his hands. He hadn't expected this unassuming ring to be so valuable.
Ring, dagger, robe—together over five thousand gold.
He previously thought this sixth-level mage's gear modest, but now it seemed quite good.
Of course, five thousand gold paled against the wealth of a major "landlady" like Viola.
In the previous battle, Viola spent at least three thousand gold worth of resources, burying the elementalist in money.
Reyn had put in plenty of effort too, so no guilty conscience, and he said:
"These three items go to you. Sell them, and we'll split the gold shields half."
"I don't need them," Viola approached and sat beside him, quietly saying: "These are your trophies, earned at risk of life; all yours. I don't need them."
Reyn wanted to insist, but Viola leaned in and kissed him, silencing him.
Only after several minutes did they part.
Reyn licked his lips and, looking at the blushing half-elf, smirked:
"Alright, since you insist so sincerely, I'll take them."
Viola gave him a meaningful look but then pressed against him again and thoughtfully said:
"Equipment value is one thing, but haven't you wondered about that elementalist's origin?"
"I don't know him; how would I know his origin?" Reyn was puzzled.
"You fake mage should read more," Viola teased and patiently explained: "That elementalist was clearly from Modu, specifically the floating city Weizelan."