Upon entering the guild headquarters of the Leon Kingdom, Luke saw a rather lively scene. Many refined young men and women were walking about, or sitting around a table discussing magic theory.
Magic theory was an important part of the Magician pathway. Players could simply open the corresponding book and after randomly skimming through the contents for an hour in-game, would gain the corresponding knowledge. This would allow them to use that particular spell, by invoking a shortened phrase in the runic language.
However, NPCs needed to fully comprehend the grasp the deeper meaning behind each spell. This could take anywhere from a few minutes, to a few years. However, once they had this knowledge, they could instacast the corresponding spells, spamming their enemies to oblivion.
Most of the people were adorned in various colored robes, with patterns on the sleeves.
Luke recognized them, since he too had followed the Magician pathway in the game.
A dotted white line meant an apprentice, corresponding to levels between 2 and 4. They were the lowest of the low, only useful in extremely low-tier spells and helping stronger mages. They were the interns of 'Ultimatum' and players within this segment received the most mundane quests with almost negligible rewards.
Next were the ones with a single silver line across their sleeves. This was an official Mage which corresponded to levels between 5 and 39. The could use a wide variety of low tier spells, create lower ranked artifacts, and a few mid-tier spells if they specialized in a particular spell. Such spells were also known as ultimate spells, known for their faster casting ability, increase effect, and decreased mana output. Players could learn such spells by completing certain quests.
From levels 40 onwards up to level 79, mages were known as grand mages having two silver lines on their sleeves, who can wield almost all mid-tier spells, and can even use some higher tier spells as ultimate spells if they spend enough time learning them. They could also create mid-tier artifacts with hints of spirituality in them.
Between levels 80 and 149, those of the magician pathway are called High-mages, with a golden leaf pattern embroidered on their sleeve, who can use high-tier spells like the back of their hands. They can also create semi-complete spiritual tools, with a certain amount of consciousness.
Above level 150 was the Archmage realm, who had the insignia of the archmage embroidered on their robe. It went on till level 300. Archmages could create complete spiritual tools with complete consciousness and living characteristics. This could be said to be the peak level of the known universe all the way till the 4th Version, where Dark Federation and Golden Civilization enter the fray.
Seeing this, Luke felt reminiscent of the early stages of the game, as he walked towards the counter, following standard procedure to register.
"Hi, I would like to register with the guild"
"Hmm? A new member?" The guild receptionist eyes Luke up for a while before continuing.
"You do know you need to pay a fee of 10 silver to register. You also need to reach the apprentice level within the first year of registering, or else you will be expelled and your deposit will not be refunded."
'Is she doubting my talent or my net worth?' Luke questioned inwardly as he nodded and said, "Yes"
"… Alright. Please give me your information."
"Name?"
"Lucas Ferland"
"Codename?"
Just as Luke was about to reply, the receptionist continued in a hushed voice.
"Your codename will be the name that will be shown to all guild members and outsiders. This is to protect your privacy. You can also chose to where a mask when you come to the guild next time onwards."
"Alright. Thank you. The Sage."
"Sorry?"
"My codename. I chose The Sage" Luke said with a satisfied expression. When he was in character creation, he wanted to choose TheSage, however, it was already taken, forcing him to take 'The_Sage_101'. Now that he had gone back in time, he could choose whatever he wanted.
"Alright. Age?"
"17"
"Pathway?"
"Why are you asking this? Isn't it obvious?"
"Well you might not be aware, but we have a lot of people from the Hunter and Priest pathway."
"I see. Magician Pathway."
"Alright, I will require you to deposit the fees now."
At this moment, a notification came to Luke's face
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Do you wish to join faction 'The Guild of Magic'?
<Y/N>
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"Alright"
Just as he said those words, and handed over the 10 silver coin deposit, a new window popped up alongside Luke's status page.
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You have joined faction 'The Guild of Magic'
Faction interface is now available
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Faction Interface: The Guild of Magic
Number of active members: 2,904,346
Current enemies: The Brotherhood of Blood
…
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In this faction Interface, a bunch of information popped up, and Luke simply scanned through it.
At this point in time, The guild receptionist named Susie gave Luke a bag containing a simple, hooded black robe, a white mask, a badge with the symbol of a mage staff and a wizard's hat, and a card containing Luke's current rank, achievements, and codename. This was an artifact created by a Grand Mage, and it could be update frequently with visits to the guild.
With this in hand, Luke asked, "Where is the library?"
This was the main reason he had come here. To gain the necessary knowledge and learn the required skills and spells. There should also be a hidden quest somewhere in the library, but it is restricted to levels 21 and above.
"Go straight, and then a left at the end of the corridor. Then proceed to climb up the stairs to the first level. That is the library for apprentices and below. It will be charged, 5 copper every hour."
Luke nodded and walked as he commented inwardly, "The Magician pathway is truly one that throws away money."