Sitting on the chair of the counter Austin was staring intently at the piece of paper given by Mark. He even closed the shop so no one can disturb him feeling excited about what Mark gave him. It was the most common spell known by all dead and alive mages Mana Blast. “I was stupid to expect some op spell and from Mark on top of that.” At least something is better than nothing. May be he was to unexperienced to learn better spells. With a positive mind set he got ready to try out his new spell.

Before that he had to create mana wall around his core not to upgrade his core rank but to cast spells easily. According to Mark apprentice mage and mages had to create a wall around there core first cause when casting spells core tends to create ripples in its surface which needs to be supressed to protect internal organs from getting harmed. It was a miracle in itself that Mark didn’t forget to give out such vital information.

It took around 30 minutes to create sturdy walls around the core that can suppress the ripples. He could have finished it around 5 minutes but he took time so the same wall can be used for his core upgrade later. He made a plane sphere with compressed mana then connected hexagons in its surface which was made from more compressed mana and reinforced the gap between hexagons by connecting them with thread like mana all around. He felt that it was strong and sturdy for core explosion and more than enough for casting spells so he started focusing in his spell casting.

From what he had read till now from books of library and books given by Mark mages had 3 major ways to cast a spell Weaving, chanting and silent cast. According to Austin in weaving mages draw beautiful circles with lots of deigns in air, chanting was little bit of drawing for the point from where spell activates while reading a poem with mana imbued voice and lastly silent cast was something mages are able to do if they achieve mastery over a spell or when they are high ranked. He has seen Mark doing silent cast in barrier spells and fire ball spell while fighting the cultist but that didn’t help him learn weaving nor chanting. The magic circle had appeared almost instantly in front of Mark’s hands.

The paper had 2 sections upper part contained gibberish words with a simple circle around a pentagram and 1 strange symbol inside. It didn’t seem like a cringe poem or song so Austin tried to memorize the casting method even if it was a headache. “ainz.. Ertamor. La novergsh. fk this shit!” he couldn’t figure out how to pronounce the words properly, remembering them was one headache and combining mana in his voice was another of his he headache.

‘3d sketch it is’ he practiced drawing the spell on paper multiple times and got ready to try it. The spell circle reminded him of dream catchers and mandala from his old world but with ruins and less designs. He drew but the time he could hold mana in shape was limited. Due to his regular mana exercise he can now hold mana in air for 5 seconds but it was definitely not enough to draw the spell circle perfectly. He tried multiple times with and without mana to gain the so called muscle memory forming beds of sweat in his forehead along with a headache increasing with each try. One hand not enough then use two he drew faster and faster the image was imprinted in his mind now he had to bring it out. when his mana was almost about to run dry he moved his fingers with precision like a paint brush on canvas finally completing his 3d sketch. ‘this is definitely not how mages cast spells... but it’s only thing I can do for now let’s just see if it works then I will think of a way to reduce casting time.’

But he didn’t have the luxury to enjoy his art the spell circle was about to disappear again so Austin hurriedly activated the spell only to regret doing it next second. The ball of mana formed slowly In front of the magic circle in his hands collecting mana in his body and from atmosphere around him. He still couldn’t believe he was the one doing it. He could feel how the spell worked if he tried he could also change the shape and density of spell when it forms. But the issue was he didn’t have a target to throw the mana ball at. Stupid mistake but what done is done he had to improvise. It seems he couldn’t manipulate spells after they are formed. He directed his hands towards the wall and to stop the mana blast from forming completely he cut of the link which supplied mana from his body to the spell. Which was another mistake the circle glowed and disappeared and the blue ball of mana swiftly hit the window and a part of wall Scattering all papers and books around the floor. Controlling magic projectile was another problem to be noted.

Part of window was gone with small pieces of wood scattered around. The wall looked fine but some part of the plaster was gone. Austin was looking at this mess from a corner after being blasted away from the spell as well. It was a good thing that the potion rack was safe. Austin herd Mark’s foot steps so he quickly wrote something in the paper and ran off grabbing some coins and the storage pouch.

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In a silent room Mark was delicately handling potions transferring the liquid in glass tubes but suddenly he felt tremor Below his feet. ‘ this kid can’t even stay quietly for few hours.’ This time the potion didn’t fall or spill out of his hands after experiencing it twice he had learned something as well. But he was surprised that Austin was able to pull it off. Technically he shouldn’t cause he didn’t know how to imbued mana with his voice nor the tricks to draw the spell circle. It was a small punishment for Austin for last night. Austin was supposed keep firing arrows in the dark but some how the arrow hit it’s target. ‘hmm I am curious how he pulled it of ... Shit my potions.’ Remembering the tremor he quickly walked down to check on his potions.

What greeted him was messed up room with papers and books all around the floor with pieces of wood and concrete. Chairs was blown away towards the corner and his potions were safe and sound, some people were peaking inside through the hole in the window he could picture what happened. He sighed with relief at least his potions were safe, he read the note on table.

‘I am very sorry boss I will go and buy some tools to repair what I have damaged so till then please take care of the shop. – Austin'

“ tsk.. you run very quickly kid. Well it was partially my fault so you will get light punishment this time.” He smiled and bowed apologetically for the commotion towards the people who were peeking through the hole with mixture of anger and curiosity. No one was hurt from splinters of window so them seem to be in control. It was his shop so it was his responsibility to take care for causing a blast in the peaceful city even if it was small. ‘ I guess my dear neighbours will notify the guards ... I will have to prepare some coins and apologies.’ Mark picked up a book and started cleaning the store himself.