Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 109 A New Journey Begins
Drawing scrolls is nothing special, just a common skill that doesn't need much explanation. But the ability to perceive magic isn't about giving Zhang Yuan any special power; rather, it's a true reflection of the immense gains he's made during this period.

Originally, due to his rapid advancement, there were too many spells to learn, especially many of the level three spells that Zhang Yuan had long admired. However, even with his talent, he had to patiently spend a lot of time analyzing spell models, deciphering rune structures, guiding the infusion of magic nets, and other time-consuming tasks.

But the longer he stayed by Tyrande's side, the more he observed, and the more guidance he received, the more he felt that these originally complex spell models were becoming simpler and easier to understand in his eyes.

After he had finished imprinting all the selected spells into his mind, he realized that a new specialization had appeared on his character panel at some point.

However, these abundant gains, like the simple and fulfilling apprenticeship days that have passed, should be left to settle in one's memory. Now is the time to put these aside and set off lightly.

Reaching into his robes, he felt the exquisite texture of the gold foil, then placed his hand on his neck, touching the pendant of his necklace. A wide grin spread across his face.

As a high-ranking mage, Tyrantir wouldn't stoop to coveting his apprentice's paltry five hundred gold, no matter how unscrupulous he might be. In the mage's own words:
"Tuition? You actually believed that? Five hundred gold coins to become my mage apprentice? What a joke, you're not even worthy of being my servant. Now that you've learned your lesson and know what you really want, keep your own things safe and don't take up my storage space."

Although Tyrandeur is sharp-tongued, he's really just being stern on the surface.

When the research on the new spell was nearing completion a few weeks ago, and he proposed to temporarily suspend his studies and go out to gain experience, the archmage was impatient and told him to get lost.

But when I was packing my luggage and unpacking my bedding yesterday, Tyrandeur, whom I had called over, not only gave me the gold voucher and a small blue cloth bag, but also forcibly stuffed this necklace into my hand.

"Kid, your identity as a visitor from another world is still too sensitive. Put this necklace on for me, lest it fall into the hands of some ulterior motives because of your own stupidity, and my Highhold Fortress be thoroughly investigated as well."

The Grand Master did not object to his disciple's choice to go out and gain experience; on the contrary, he encouraged and supported him.

Studying and researching is important, but simply burying oneself in old books and working in isolation is not a sure path to success. A mage's power is never limited to magic itself. Without a broad mind, vision, and the wisdom accumulated through experience, one will likely end up with a magical infantile.

As for the potential dangers?
Tyrantir had confidence in his apprentice. Leaving aside his mage level and other abilities, his summoned creature alone was enough to give others a run for their money, not to mention the defensive items he had given him.

If even this can lead to ruin, then it can only be attributed to fate, or perhaps to one's own poor judgment of character.

After the Grand Master turned and left, Zhang Yuan lowered his head to examine the necklace.

Yes, the design is very simple, which perfectly matches the aesthetic of an old otaku. It's just a simple silver chain with a pendant attached.

The pendant's design resembles a gemstone grasped by a dragon's claw, its simplicity revealing a sharp, aggressive feel, and this gemstone...

Hiss~ Zhang Yuan couldn't help but gasp. This deep yet lively and bright turquoise color reminded people of a surging ocean, while periodically radiating a shimmering glow.

This is a rare treasure from the depths of the ocean, a precious gem nurtured by seabed mineral veins—the Bejuri gemstone.

Now that Zhang Yuan is no longer the clueless newbie he once was, how could he not understand the value of this necklace?
This Bejuri gem alone is worth at least 600 gold coins. Add to that the more precious processing and enchanting by an archmage, and the price will double or triple. 1800 gold coins is just the starting price.

Made by the teacher, this necklace has already been appraised; its details can be understood with just a reading spell.

"The Foolish Apprentice of Tyrandeur"

What a terrible name! Suppressing the urge to complain, I continued reading.

"This necklace was specially made by Archmage Tyrantir for his apprentice Chanem, so that this careless and reckless fellow would not be targeted by those with ill intentions."

+2 perception
Disguise: It can be actively disguised as an ordinary necklace.

Binding: This item can only be used by Charnem and cannot be removed once equipped.

Immune to enchantment spells of level 8 and below.
Immune to divination spells of level 8 and below

"

Damn it! Zhang Yuan looked at the necklace in his hand and slapped himself twice.

It hurts so much, it's not a dream. Looking at the necklace again, wow!
The previous valuation can be thrown in the trash. The other features of this necklace are fine, but these last two...

Zhang Yuan felt that his vocabulary was too limited to describe even a fraction of the excitement he felt at that moment.

Even though he wasn't very familiar with the magical item market in Faerûn, he was 100% certain that even if his entire fortune increased tenfold, he still couldn't afford this necklace. He decisively activated his disguise ability, stuffed the necklace between his collar, and pulled his collar up tightly.

Recalling how excited he was yesterday, like a fox who had just stolen a chicken, Zhang Yuan's smile returned to his face.

Then, as usual, she pulled up her collar, disregarding the sweltering summer heat, determined to cover her neck completely.

"Blingblom, I am a robot."

Summoning a clockwork goblin, Zhang Yuan, protected by this tiny robot, donned a bamboo hat he'd somehow acquired and carried a bamboo staff, leisurely making his way forward.

With light steps, he hummed a melodious tune, occasionally twirling his bamboo cane, displaying a carefree spirit that seemed to say, "With bamboo cane and straw sandals, I can ride a horse with ease."

The midday sun shone down, illuminating someone's cheerful figure, who looked as happy as a wise man.

He casually opened his attribute panel.
Owner: Zhang Yuan
Race: human

Identity: Auto Chess Messenger
Class: Blademaster (Level 5) / Mage (Level 6)
Age: 24
Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Strength: 19 (Hill Giant Strength Belt +3)

Agility: 14 (Acceleration Boots +1)

Constitution: 18
Intelligence: 18
Intelligence (Perception): 12 (Necklace +2)

Charisma: 11
Weapon Specialization: Longsword, Dual Weapons
Combat Specializations: Evasion, Rolling, Agile Attack, Dual-Weapon Combat, Dual-Weapon Mastery, Dual-Weapon Attack, Dual-Weapon Defense

Spellcasting Feats: Armored Spellcasting, Hand-Free Spellcasting, Magic Insight, Scroll Drawing, Spell Penetration, Spell Specialization: Conjuration, Spell Specialization: Evocation, Combat Spellcasting
Skills: Spirit Slash, Basic Alchemy

Spell slots: First Ring: 12 (doubled by the Ring of Sorcery), Second Ring: 5, Third Ring: 4
This is what I gained from my eight-month study journey after saying goodbye to my Flamefist teammates, bidding farewell to Ska, and leaving Baldur's Gate.

The significant progress in the field of arcane arts goes without saying, and even the level of the Blademaster warrior class has been raised by one.

At least 60% of the credit goes to the system. Zhang Yuan, who was engrossed in learning magic, has not neglected his martial arts skills for the past six months, but he has not focused on them either. He only does maintenance training once every two days to keep up his condition.

But Zhang Yuan was able to advance instead of retreat, thanks to the system which not only gave him enough talent but also kept his learning in a stable state, preventing him from forgetting or degenerating.

If this were any other soldier, let alone eight months, even if they relaxed for just one month, they would be lucky not to regress, let alone make progress.

The remaining 40% wasn't Zhang Yuan's own achievement, but rather the credit of Nancy, his cheap master.

A month and a half of intensive training, and six weeks of relentless, brutal training, undoubtedly benefited someone greatly. The effects weren't immediately apparent, but once these lessons were absorbed and digested, it was only natural that he would take another step forward.

Satisfied, he closed the panel, casually swung the bamboo staff in his hand in a circle, slammed it on the ground, and summoned his chess pieces again.

“I bring calamity.”

A crimson knight riding a warhorse encircled by flames appeared before Zhang Yuan, like a demon knight from hell descending to earth.

Chaos Knight, Tier 2 Piece, Race: Demon; Class: Knight.

Highhold is quite a distance from Belgost, and Zhang Yuan has no intention of walking all the way there.

Fortunately, the Nightmare Beast that Chaos Knight rides is quite strong and healthy, so having one more passenger probably won't have much of an impact.

only. . .

Sharing a bike with a man is really not a good experience.

Thank you zk2180 and Shuxian (-_-)~ for your monthly ticket support!

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(End of this chapter)