Having just advanced to apprentice level (Level 5), Punk eagerly began studying apprentice-level spells on his journey back to Konola City. However, he quickly realized that these spells weren't merely enhanced versions of apprentice-tier magic. In theory, their structure should have followed the same fundamental principles, but in reality, they were twice as complex, requiring a significantly greater capacity to channel magic. Even with the assistance of his system, the learning curve was far steeper than he had anticipated.
What troubled him even more was the scarcity of apprentice-level spells in his inherited knowledge. When he reviewed the spell exchange lists at the Wizard's Guild, the prices were exorbitant. He found himself silently grateful for the knowledge his parents had left behind—without it, acquiring spells would have been an arduous and costly endeavor.
Most traveling wizards (or "wild wizards") had to expend significant effort just to acquire even a single spell, which was why their arsenals were often painfully limited.
In contrast, wizards with proper inheritances had a massive advantage.
Those who studied under established mentors had access to spell libraries and could learn a variety of spells for free. More importantly, they could combine spells to enhance their effects, creating devastating synergies.
For example, merging Grease with Fireball could replicate the power of Detonation while consuming only a fraction of the mana.
Such strategic combinations were far beyond the reach of most traveling mages, who had to rely on common spells with minimal variation. Furthermore, academic wizards benefited from the protection and resources of their mentors, while wild wizards were left to struggle on their own.
Based on what he could recall, Punk suspected his parents had been relatively fortunate as traveling wizards, but even their knowledge became sparse beyond the apprentice level. Advancing to official rank would already stretch the limits of what they had passed down.
As for reaching legendary status?
There was no conceivable way.
Punk knew he needed a long-term plan. Though official-level magic was still far off, waiting until he reached that stage to worry about it would be too late.
Once he settled in Konola City, his priority would be finding an official mage willing to take on an apprentice.
"But that comes after I stabilize my footing," Punk muttered to himself.
His first objective was to trade his loot for an alchemy potion formula and establish his own alchemy workshop. While high-ranking professionals rarely concerned themselves with money, at his level, gold still held considerable influence.
Three Days Later
For Punk, time passed quickly when he was immersed in study. In what felt like mere moments, he could already see the distant silhouette of Konola City.
Only then did he realize he had been traveling across the wasteland for three days.
During that time, no creatures had dared to approach him. Even the most feral beasts instinctively recognized the oppressive presence of his apprentice-level soul and fled before they could get too close.
As a result, Punk's return to Konola was entirely uneventful.
Entering through the city's side gate, he was met with a stunned expression from the old guard stationed there. The man momentarily forgot to even ask for Punk's registration.
Warriors, even at the apprentice level, had excellent memory, and the old guard clearly recalled this hooded young mage from a week ago.
Back then, Punk had been a mere apprentice.
Yet now, after only seven days (or nine Faerûn days), he had returned as a trainee-level powerhouse.
Since when was leveling up this easy?
Punk, indifferent to the man's existential crisis, strode past him without a second glance.
However, what truly caught his attention was how much Konola City's atmosphere had changed in his absence.
The entire city had adopted a strange new aesthetic.
The walls of buildings facing the sunrise were painted with cheap green dyes. Though the artwork was crude—clearly the work of unskilled commoners—it was still recognizable as depictions of young wheat seedlings.
Specifically, Punk identified the crop as Ququ Wheat, a staple on the Faerûn plane, named for the distinctive curl of its stalks.
People walked the streets wearing crowns woven from leaves and broad-leafed grass.
Women, in particular, adorned theirs with small flowers.
Many had also donned green clothing, and the air was filled with lively conversation and laughter.
The city pulsed with an unusual vibrancy.
Punk had no immediate interest in investigating the cause.
He decided to first find a place to eat and then inquire casually.
As a mage, if he were to stop a random pedestrian in the middle of the street for questioning, they would likely panic and flee, or worse, start a commotion.
He would leave such "amiable" interactions to those in the kind-hearted faction.
As he walked, he passed by a familiar shop—the barbecue stall where he had previously purchased a meal.
Even now, he still remembered the juicy, tender steak and the perfectly balanced seasoning.
Without hesitation, he entered.
The shopkeeper, a burly, middle-aged man, was just about to greet his new customer when he recognized Punk.
"Oh! Master Mage, welcome back! Thank you for your continued patronage!" the man said enthusiastically.
Punk ignored the pleasantries and simply placed his order.
The shopkeeper, though slightly awkward, let out a hearty laugh and went to prepare the meal.
When the food arrived, Punk casually asked in a low voice:
"What's with the sudden changes in the city?"
The shopkeeper blinked in surprise before realization dawned on him.
"Ah! You must be an outsider! Right now, the entire Kingdom of Camos is celebrating the Green Festival!"