Chapter 77: First Entry into the Magic Net

Chapter 77: First Steps into the Arcane Web

May twentieth.

The Arcane Web Codex that Li Wei had exchanged for finally arrived in Maple City.

"Magister Li Wei, please sign for delivery."

He signed and received the wooden box containing the codex from a soldier.

"Thank you."

Back in his study, he opened the case. Inside lay the Arcane Web Codex—a book, yet only two pages thick.

The cover bore a moon ring circling the sun, studded with several stars—symbolizing the Circle Mage tradition. The back was covered in dense magical runes, now and then flickering with brief arcs of arcane light.

Li Wei channeled mana into the codex. The runes flared brilliantly. After a moment, the brilliance subsided, leaving behind only shimmering trails of iridescent magic dancing across the surface.

He opened the book. A strange pull emanated from it—not physical, but spiritual. He did not resist. His mind yielded, drawn entirely into the codex.

In an instant, the world around him dissolved into darkness.

Then, the codex in his hands glowed anew, emitting concentric rings of light that encircled his body—each like the moon ring and stars on the cover. He himself became the radiant sun at their center.

"Ten rings... What are these?"

Before he could ponder further, one by one, the rings dimmed and vanished.

At last, only the smallest remained—grayed, faint, as if on the verge of extinction.

It rotated slowly around him, bearing three dull orbs, equally lifeless, tracing silent paths along its circumference.

Reality returned. He sat once more in his study, cradling the codex.

On the left blank page, a large circle appeared, accompanied by three smaller ones—matching exactly the ring and orbs now hovering about him.

His fingertip brushed the parchment. A flood of information surged into his mind:

"Spell slots un unlocked!

Visit a Mage Association or Mage Tower to undergo initiation as a Circle Mage. Only then may spells be inscribed and changed."

Understanding dawned.

Because he was not a Circle Mage, the ring remained gray, its light feeble—incapable of holding any spell.

But Li Wei had no intention of becoming a Circle Mage. He dismissed the thought.

Turning to the right-hand blank page, he swiped his finger across it. A torrent of data poured into his consciousness.

"Upload previously unrecorded spell models or magical theories to the Arcane Web to earn rewards.

According to the Haiqinlun Formula, your cumulative usage time has reached 6 hours, 13 minutes, and 23 seconds. Reward: 1 Magic Coin.

Current Arcane Web Rank: 0 (0/10). Upon accumulating more than 10 Magic Coins, rank increases to Level 1, unlocking the Basic Arcane Vault. (Coins obtained through trade do not count toward accumulation.)

The Basic Arcane Vault contains all spell models and magical theories below third tier recorded in the history of the Arcane Web."

Words emerged upon the right page:

Arcane Web Rank: 0 (0/10)

Magic Coins: 0 (Remaining time until next coin: 6 hours, 12 minutes, 5 seconds)

"The following is free preview content from the Basic Arcane Vault—refreshed monthly:

- Improved Model for the Zero-tier Spell 'Minor Fireball'

- Practical Techniques for the Zero-tier Spell 'Ice Dart'

- Ultimate Combination: Grease Spell with Fire-based Spells!

- Simplification Scheme for Zero-tier Lightning Spell Models!

- Research on the Evolutionary History of Ancient Wood-elemental Magic

- Study on the Zero-tier Magical Beast 'Roarbeast' and Hypotheses on the Origins of Zero-tier Sound Magic

- Research on Rapid Escape from Zero-tier Illusion Spells—Proven Effective

- Creative Applications of Mage Hand

..."

Dozens of entries, scattered yet abundant.

Glancing through them, Li Wei found himself intrigued by many. Tapping one title, the text on the page vanished, replaced by new lines flowing forth like ink from a fountain.

As more words appeared, he felt both his mana and mental energy gradually draining.

The codex consumed mana to download information from the Arcane Web—and his spirit served as the conduit.

Mana was the codex’s power; spirit, the bandwidth of transmission.

Unaware, over two hours slipped away. His mana depleted, Li Wei set the codex down, heart still yearning.

Only a few hours shy of earning a single Magic Coin.

Magic Coins could purchase spell models, arcane knowledge, profound theories—all locked within the vault.

Though he gained no new spell model today, the free previews alone had broadened his horizons beyond measure.

Sound magic—he had never even heard of it.

Yet someone had already begun researching zero-tier sound spells, striving to fill the void.

Illusion magic? Also unknown to him.

Yet now he knew a method to counter zero-tier illusions—verified and effective.

Truly, a harvest most rich.

Liwei could hardly wait to unlock the rudimentary vault of the Magic Web, his heart brimming with anticipation for the countless treasures of knowledge hidden within.

To rapidly elevate one's status within the Magic Web, the sole path lay in uploading one's own research findings and newly fashioned spell matrices.

At this realization, a sudden shock jolted Liwei awake.

"Is this the true purpose of the Magic Web? Or rather, the ultimate design of the Goddess of Magic?"

"She is systematically harvesting the crystallized wisdom of every mage alive!"

"Forget it, what does that have to do with me? If the sky falls, the giants will hold it up."

"I am merely a fledgling first-tier mage. Instead of wasting my days pondering such lofty matters, I would be far better off finding ways to amass more magic coins to upgrade my standing in the Web."

Though he reasoned thus, Liwei understood perfectly well in his heart that any magical lore touching upon the core of his own power must never be uploaded to the Magic Web.

Otherwise, it might very well become a weapon wielded by an enemy against him in the future.

"There is no rush. I shall observe for a while longer; after all, time is the one thing I have in abundance right now."

Liwei set down the Codex of the Magic Web. As it lay upon the desk, a faint glimmer of arcane radiance swept across its cover, exuding an air of profound mystery.

He proceeded with his daily meditation.

In the afternoon, Jimmy arrived at the wizard tower seeking Liwei.

"Mr. Liwei, do you have some time today? The president and the director would like to invite you out for a meal, both to welcome you back and to wash away the dust of your journey."

Hearing this, Liwei pondered for a moment. He felt it was indeed time to step outside and catch a breath of fresh air.

Labor and leisure must be balanced.

Proper relaxation would only aid his cultivation.

"Very well, I have no engagements today."

"That is wonderful! The president and the others are already waiting for you at the Leff Gourmet Restaurant. Let us depart," Jimmy said gleefully.

"Give me a moment, I need to change my clothes."

Liwei returned to his chamber, changed into a fresh outfit, and donned his Cloak of Invisibility.

For safety's sake, he remained prepared for combat at a moment's notice.

Jimmy glanced at Liwei's attire, noting it seemed rather unsuited for a banquet, yet he chose to remain silent.

The two arrived at the Leff Gourmet Restaurant, and Jimmy led him directly toward the private rooms on the second floor.

"Right here. Please enter, Mr. Liwei."

Jimmy pushed the door open, gesturing for Liwei to precede him.

Liwei stepped inside.

Bang!

A ceremonial party popper erupted, sending a colorful shower of confetti drifting through the air.

"Happy birthday!"

Liwei froze in his tracks, staring at the few people gathered in the room, momentarily failing to register the situation.

He truly had never expected anyone to celebrate his birthday; he had not even remembered it himself.

On a previous occasion, when Guss had asked about his birthday, Liwei had casually tossed out a date, never imagining that Guss would actually commit it to memory.

Guss smiled and said, "Come in quickly, Liwei. Today is your birthday, and it serves as a celebration for your safe return as well."

From just outside the doorway, Jimmy called out, "Ah, haha! The cake is here!"

Snapping out of his daze, Liwei stepped further into the room and swept his gaze over the gathered faces.

"Thank you."

(End of Chapter)