Combat spell scrolls were popular emergency consumables, delivering rapid bursts of magic in those moments when Thanatos, the God of Death, fixed his gaze upon an adventurer. Each spell scroll was strong enough to kill a goblin, maybe two if the caster was lucky. Still, their high cost made them impractical for everyday use. Spending 6 silvers on a consumable to dispatch a goblin, for which the Guild would pay only 3, wasn’t cost-effective.
Goblins were a relentless plague on the Kingdom. They bred like vermin, and if not regularly culled, they’d form hordes which would raid farms and caravans. The Adventurers Guild had a standing quest offering 3 silvers for the right ear of each goblin. Many new adventuring parties honed their skills with these low-level tasks before progressing to more lucrative challenges like dungeon runs.
Jack had everything he needed in his room to create dozens of unimbued scrolls. Who can I sell them to? In his spare time, he could produce several a day, but he lacked a trustworthy buyer. I can’t be seen selling scrolls that can only be made by Apprentice Scribes.
The [Inscribe Spell] skill became available at level 25 when the class upgraded from novice to Apprentice Scribe. There was no way for a sixteen-year-old to have the [Inscribe Spell] skill.
The materials to create an unimbued spell scroll cost around 10 coppers each. If he put a couple of hours into creating a couple each night, he’d earn almost 13 silvers profit a week.
As he finished his soup, he worked out how long it would take to buy a basic bow. I should be able to get a starter bow and arrows for around 50 silvers. I only need to sell a little over a dozen scrolls. For around twenty-five hours of work, he’d earn enough to buy the weapon he needed.
“Thanks for the soup, Mom.” He gave his mother a hug. “I’m feeling much better already.”
His mother hugged him back and grunted.
Jack headed towards his room. “I’m going to practice my new scribe skills.”
His mom waved him off and went back to cooking.
Jack sat straight-backed at his desk, intent on crafting an ice-magic spell scroll. Rolling up his sleeves, he picked up his scribe pen and appreciated its balanced weight and fine craftsmanship.
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“I’m so glad I was resurrected with my scribe skills,” he murmured, taking a deep breath of the ink’s familiar aroma. A satisfied smile crossed his face as he added, “I’d have been so miserable with only the archer class.”
Placing his pen to the scroll, Jack activated his [Inscribe Spell] skill. The pen glided over the parchment, crafting elegant calligraphy with every stroke. Each letter seemed to spring to life as he arranged the words on the scroll to form the basis of the [Frost Breath] spell it would hold.
I call upon the frozen wastes of Tartarus, in the land where a dragon’s breath freezes all, unleash thy frozen fury. Frost Breath.
As he was close to completing the first spell scroll, he took a moment to admire the beautiful penmanship, paying particular attention to the intricate runes surrounding the spell text. When empowered, those runes would hold the mage’s magic. They had to be inscribed perfectly, or the spell would fail.
“This feels so good.” Like before, when using the [Draughtsmanship] skill, his right hand felt amazing. Tears of joy formed; he wiped them away so they wouldn’t drip onto the ink and ruin his incomplete work.
Then a realisation hit him, and a deep sorrow welled within as he acknowledged that this perfect moment could’ve been his everyday experience if it weren’t for the Baron. If Greaves hadn’t murdered his family, he might have been happy and content with a fulfilling life.
“Keep it together,” he told himself, “I’ve got work to do, and the sooner the work is finished, the sooner he pays for what he did.” With a deep, steadying breath, he resumed inscribing the [Frost Breath] spell onto the scroll.
Once complete and imbued with the magic of an Apprentice Mage skilled in [Frost Breath], the scroll would be ready to use. A spell scroll was activated by touching the scroll with the intent for it to activate and saying the spell’s name; in this case, [Frost Breath]. Spell scrolls had a built-in rune-encoded safety feature to prevent accidental activation.
For three uninterrupted hours, Jack worked with a joyful intensity as he crafted unimbued spell scrolls. “I can’t believe I’m so fast using [Inscribe Spell] now.” The thrill of his newfound speed compelled him to rush off to tell his mother the good news. In his previous life, he’d never inscribed a spell this fast, and the prospect of sharing his success with his family filled him with pride. I wish I could tell them.
During those few hours, he produced four unimbued spell scrolls. Two with the essence of ice magic and two with the fiery spark of fire magic.
“That should be plenty to test the waters,” he concluded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
He took a moment to examine the [Fireball] spell scroll he’d completed. He ran his finger across the beautiful calligraphy and read the words. “By the heart of the ever-roaring forge, I summon blazing wrath, ignite thy soul’s fury! Fireball!”
Jack had always loved how poetic the spell scrolls were.
It had taken him only forty-five minutes to craft each scroll. Glancing at his aether-powered wall clock, he calculated. If I push through the night and I can find a buyer, I’d have enough for a bow and arrows by tomorrow. He didn’t plan to work through the night, but the thought made him smile. I’ll check if any merch…
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the front door open and the unmistakable sounds of his father returning from the Royal Library.
Featured Novel!
Portal/IsekaiProgressionCultivation1st Person POV
Follow Ben Crawford as he discovers the mysteries of runic magic and dives into cultivation on his journey in a Multiverse that isn't ready for him. Trained by Monster Hunters, guided by powerful allies, and driven by a world filled with ancient power, Ben rises to face both magic and monsters in this Epic Progression Fantasy.
Humanity was never meant to be part of this story. To survive what's coming, Ben must forge a new path: one that could make him the first Paladin in a world that needs one.
What to expect
- Vast Multiverse
- Fast Progression
- Custom Cultivation System
- Faction Politics
- Comedy & Found Family
- Animal Antics
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Book 2 Now posting!