Learning about elements

I continues to hunt more monsters, careful not to pick ones that were in a pack or seem to be over my abilities. Moreover, I also pays attention to my mana limit which I regularly recover by resting. While resting, I also takes my time to read some of the magic books I brought with me.

As a mage, there are several ways to learn new spells, learning existing ones from book or experimenting. Learning from book is obviously easier and yields faster result but experimenting supposedly yields better reward in long term. Still, for a beginner like I am, learning basic magics from book is better... for now.

As I put the newly learned magics into practice, I notice that some of them seem more effective against certain monsters, even if they are of the same type. For example, a "Fire bolt" is less effective to blue or red slimes but especially effective against yellow or green ones. On the other side, "Ice bolt" is effective against red ones but not against blue ones. "Magic bolt" on the other hand, were not particularly strong or weak against any of them.

A few of the books also mention that it is possible to imbue certain weapons with magic but it was a high level skill and requires the help of a good alchemist and blacksmith. All in all, it was rarely done.

While I am engrossed by the book in my hand, I notices a shadow of a person blocking the sunlight peers over me. I looks up from the book and notices a dark-red haired man in front on me. His metal armor and a long sword on his hips identifies him as a swordsman.

I gives the man a questioning look as I speaks, "Umm... can I help you?" The man ruffles his spiky hair as he speaks to me, "Oh... umm... sorry to disturb you but...." he clears his throat once to compose himself before continuing, "My name is Edward... as you can see, I'm a swordsman... I... I mean, my party and I noticed that you seem to be hunting alone and... umm... we're in need of a magic user support in order to hunt stronger monsters..."

I looks at the human straight in the eyes which seems to cause him to be nervous as he gulps once as he mutters under his breath. My elongated ears catches the words yet I make no attempt to speak as I waits for him to continue. Finally, he speaks again, "It's... umm... if you don't mind... would you join our group?"

Finally he speaks his intent, I continues to look at him straight in the eyes as I tries to determine his true intent. I am by no means an expert mind-reader but I heard before that a person with hidden intent will be intimidated if you looks at him straight in the eyes. After a while, I finally speaks, "What monster are you planning to hunt anyway?"

I haven't given him a positive answer but the man seems relieved enough on the fact that I shows an interest in his offer. With a much clearer voice than before, he speaks again, "We're planning to hunt the night wolves. Apparently, a pack of them has made the plain not far from here as their habitat and they has been harassing the people making their way from this town and the next, there has been no human fatalities but it is still a matter of concern. There's a reward for their extermination and their pelts supposedly fetch quite a price in the market. We wouldn't mind sharing it with you if you join us."