I Have a Task Log

Chapter 313: Chapter 312: Advancement in Magic

Colin agreed, but he still felt a little daunted deep down.

Armor Technique, Casting, Swordsmanship, studying... and now, he had to learn Forging as well.

It just went to show that if you wanted to learn, there was always something new to master.

As he thought this, Colin casually stuffed the Armor into his Dimension Bag and said to Donkexes, "I feel like my Casting Ability has improved recently. How about we try a Tier Three Magic?"

"Tier Three? Are you sure?"

Donkexes tilted his head back to look at him, rolling his eyes as far down as they would go to create the illusion of looking down on Colin.

’Is he trying to show his doubt?’ Colin, nearly laughing at the Dwarf’s expression, said, "Let’s just give it a try. I want to learn Counterspell."

He had already made up his mind.

Since Warlocks couldn’t actively choose their Magic, he had to do his best to complement Ale. Now that she had learned the Fireball Technique, it was best for him to learn some support Magic. That way, the team would be better equipped to handle any trouble they encountered on missions.

Once he learned Counterspell, he wouldn’t be completely helpless when facing other Casters.

"Alright, give it a shot then."

Donkexes took the Spellbook from his waist, quickly flipped to the page describing Counterspell, and handed it to him.

After Colin took the book, Donkexes began to explain the spell’s model using the diagrams in the Spellbook, since the text was written in Dwarven, which Colin couldn’t read.

He spent more than five hours explaining just the principles and various theories behind the Magic.

"Alright, that’s about everything," Donkexes said, then walked over to a table in the corner of the training room, picked up a mug, and turned the tap on a barrel to pour himself a full glass of beer.

Colin looked down at his own Spellbook.

He had already copied down all the magical formulas and other information. By now, he had a grasp of the Magic’s principle: Counterspell worked by disrupting the Magic Net while an opponent was Casting, forcing their Magic to fail.

A moment later, Colin snapped his Spellbook shut.

He stood up and said to Donkexes, "Alright, let’s give it a try today."

"I’ll cast Blade Ward first, then. You give it a try."

After speaking, Donkexes began Casting while sipping his beer. He deliberately drew out the Casting motions to make it easier for Colin to seize the opportunity.

Colin quietly sensed the changes in the surrounding Magic Net.

When the moment was right, he thrust his hand out and pointed at Donkexes.

Donkexes had already demonstrated it for him once, and thanks to his Street Spy Specialty, Colin’s movements were almost identical to the Dwarf’s.

HUM!

’Did it work?’ Colin thought, hearing the humming sound in his ears.

But in the next moment, the Magic Radiance indicating a successful spell flickered to life around Donkexes.

"Okay, I could feel a slight interference." Donkexes held up an index finger for emphasis. "Listen, you have to be sharp when casting Counterspell in a real fight. Many Mages can compress their Casting time down to just a few seconds. If you miss your chance then, you’ll pay for it with your life."

Colin nodded silently.

"I will say this, though—your imitation of the movements was excellent. If things ever go south, you could probably earn a living at the vaudeville theater," Donkexes added with a chuckle.

"That’s enough for today."

Colin looked at Kase, who was sitting nearby, and gestured for him to come over.

The Half-Orc had already gone through a few rounds of training and was now waiting for him to have dinner together.

The two of them returned to the Black Heart Tavern for dinner.

With Ale and Orelia gone, Colin felt as if he had been transported back a few months to the days when he and Kase were just "waiting to die."

Of course, they were much stronger now than they had been back then.

After agreeing on a time to meet the next day, the two went their separate ways.

「A night passed.」

After washing up, Colin saw that Ale still wasn’t back, so he simply wrote a note and slipped it under her door, leaving a message for her.

He made his way toward the slums outside the city, buying a small keg of beer along the way.

Colin was wearing the same suit of Armor as before.

From a distance, he spotted Kase, who was laden with bags big and small. Since they hadn’t seen Bob for the past two days, they couldn’t hitch a ride with his caravan.

The moment they met, they turned in silent agreement and started walking toward the Golden Plain.

"Should we buy a Bighoof?" Kase asked out of the blue as they walked.

"What? Buy a horse?"

Colin looked down and thought for a moment.

A packhorse wasn’t too expensive; you could get one for around fifty gold coins. A riding horse was about twenty-five gold coins more than that. These prices were for relatively high-quality horses; you could get a lame or otherwise handicapped one for much cheaper.

As for well-bred warhorses, those were frighteningly expensive, and they had no need for one.

Bringing a horse along was indeed a good option.

On plains or in the hills, a horse could carry their gear, which would definitely be useful for a long journey.

The problem was, it would be a hassle if they had to enter an Underground City or other difficult terrain. Besides, a packhorse had no fighting ability, and it would be a real shame if it got killed.

After a moment, Colin spoke up, "We could consider it if we go on a long trip in the future."

"Anyway, we’re experts at taking care of ponies now, Colin my friend," Kase said, quite pleased with himself. "That Bighoof and I are the best of friends."

"Nonsense. I secretly give it extra treats all the time. It likes me better," Colin retorted, not to be outdone.

"Who says I don’t give the Bighoof treats? You didn’t even bother to give him a name."

The two of them chatted and bickered the entire way.

It took them about two days to reach the outskirts of the Golden Plain. The journey was uneventful, as peaceful as a stroll in the country.

By now, the spring planting was nearly complete. Since they had missed the optimal window, many Priests and Druids were in the fields Casting Magic to minimize future losses to the harvest.

This area was even more heavily guarded than the trade route to Flint Village; they would occasionally see soldiers patrolling the main road.

Colin and Kase relaxed as well.

They continued at a slow pace for two more days before the familiar sight of Dragon’s Fang Castle came into view.

Halfway down a small path, they ran into a group of old veterans armed with Short Spears. The men spotted them from a distance and jogged over.

"Hey! Isn’t that Colin and Kase?" "What brings you two here?"

Several of the old soldiers ran up with smiles to greet them.

Colin said, "We came to see Old John."

"Then your timing is unlucky. Old John died three days ago."

"Dead?" Colin’s brow furrowed.

Seeing the grim look on his face, one of the old soldiers quickly added with a smile, "Don’t look so down, Colin. Old John passed without any pain, and a Cultivator was there to pray for him. It was a very fortunate end."

"Old John had been doing much better since you two left last time. You know how he was... a bit unstable sometimes. We were all worried he’d sneak off north one day to throw his life away fighting the Orcs," another veteran chimed in, and the others all murmured in agreement.

Standing beside them, Kase nodded thoughtfully, then clapped a hand on Colin’s shoulder in a gesture of comfort.

Colin asked, "Can we go see his grave?"