"Dead again, huh..."
Alaric was actually starting to get used to this outcome.
He even felt that surviving a whole four and a half years in this simulation was a major breakthrough.
This magical world was just too dangerous. It was only thanks to him lying low near Baker Town all these years that he'd survived at all.
Even so, a measly twenty crystals had nearly cost him his life. If the system hadn't appeared, he'd probably be a pile of dry bones by now.
Alaric shook his head, pushing aside these chaotic thoughts and waiting for the simulation's final summary.
[Simulation Complete]
[Evaluation: Despite the damage to your mana core, you still persevered in your search for hope. Your tenacity is commendable.]
[Based on the simulation, you may choose one of the following rewards:]
[1. View a first-person recording of the simulated life.]
[2. The rank of a Level 9 Magic Apprentice.]
[3. The Codex of the Restoration School]
Compared to before, there was a new option.
Alaric's eyes lit up as he looked at the third choice. In the simulation, this magic codex had made him ecstatic.
The depth of its contents and the level of its power were clearly leagues above the crude primer he was currently studying.
If he could switch to practicing this codex, his future would be much brighter.
The only downside was that it wouldn't immediately raise his rank. The power gap between Level 7 and Level 9 was still considerable.
As Alaric wrestled with the decision, he glanced at the first option again.
Should I watch the replay? What if I can memorize the contents of the Codex of the Restoration School from the video? And... the recording also has the footage of me fighting the demon in the temple. Maybe I can find its weakness...
He mulled it over for a moment before dismissing the thought.
The system wouldn't leave such an obvious loophole for him. It would be pretty awkward if he watched the whole thing only to find the codex's text was obscured by a magical mist.
The only parts of the simulation worth re-watching were the codex and the temple, and there was no guarantee he'd learn anything useful.
The first option was too much of a gamble.
Finally, Alaric's gaze settled on the last two options.
Should he take the rank and follow the safe, established path to the Sunfire Knights?
Or should he choose the Codex and use his remaining crystals for one last gamble of a simulation?
With his past experience, he was extremely confident he could train back up to Level 9 in the next simulation.
The only question now was whether the codex had some prerequisite he couldn't meet.
After a moment of conflict, Alaric gritted his teeth. "I choose 3!"
Trading a simulation attempt for a high-level magic codex was a win no matter how you looked at it.
Even if he couldn't practice it himself, he could sell it for a fortune later.
As he made his choice, an ethereal tome materialized in his consciousness.
As its pages turned, the contents of the Codex of the Restoration School were branded into his mind.
A moment later, the illusory book faded, but the knowledge remained, etched into his memory.
He savored the new knowledge for a moment, his expression growing complicated.
The codex did indeed have a prerequisite.
To practice the Codex of the Restoration School, one needed an affinity for the Wood element.
Wood affinity wasn't particularly rare, but of all the elements, it was one Alaric didn't have. His was a muddled bloodline—containing traces of more than five different weak magical lineages, each one almost nonexistent.
Alaric's body held faint traces of over a dozen bloodlines, including Water, Wind, Ice, Lightning, and Stars. It sounded impressive, but the strength of each was pathetic.
His Wind affinity was barely at the entry level; the rest were negligible.
Worse, his mixed bloodline was incomplete, lacking even the four basic elements.
When it came to refining external mana into usable energy, his efficiency was appallingly low.
Without mana crystals to supplement him, his talent was so poor he couldn't even absorb free-floating mana from the air.
It was why he'd been stuck at the market for over a decade.
And now, the codex required a Wood affinity. Without it, converting his mana into pure life energy would be incredibly difficult.
Fortunately, there was a workaround.
According to the codex, a mage without the proper bloodline could use an external catalyst to begin—a magical material that naturally contained immense life energy.
Once initiated, the codex itself would generate life energy within his body.
As this energy nourished him, it would, in turn, create a powerful affinity for the Wood element from within.
With persistent practice, this new bloodline would grow stronger.
This meant a mage's innate talent was not set in stone.
Alaric's heart pounded with excitement as he read this.
Methods to alter one's innate bloodline were exceedingly rare and high-level. This codex was infinitely superior to his Beginner's Guide to Wind Whispering.
The only problem now was where to find a magical material brimming with life energy.
Such items were not only rare but also outrageously expensive. At his current level, he could search for years and find nothing.
Luckily, he still had the system.
Alaric took out his remaining crystals and continued to recharge. When his Points reached 64 again, he only had a dozen or so crystals left.
With a flicker of anticipation, Alaric began the next simulation.
[Day 1: You leave the temple without hesitation and flee south.]
[Day 3: After wandering for a few days, you decide to settle in the town of Millian.]
[Day 11: You use up the potion and break through to Level 8.
You once again wander the market, hoping for a 'chance encounter' with Feren.
After an entire afternoon of being ignored, you change tactics. You take out the herbs you looted and set up a stall.]
[Day 16: While patrolling the market, Feren notices your unique aura and strikes up a conversation.]
[...]
[Month 2: You've successfully obtained Feren's recommendation and arrived at the Sunfire Knights' domain.
As you're about to go register, you spot a pitiful-looking figure by a stream. You recognize her in an instant: the succubus, Liliana.
Trailing behind her is a young mage, clearly much weaker than you. Seeing them about to engage in their depraved act, you fly into a rage.
"VILE DEMON, BEGONE!" you roar, charging forward.
Before Liliana can even react, a single mana blade slices her head from her shoulders.
The young man beside her is sprayed with scalding demonic blood.
He stares at you, his face a mask of confusion and rage.]