As skill points were consumed:
[Skill Points: 45 → 44]
A new entry appeared in Minori's professional skills list:
Skill: Scroll Making
Consumption: 1–3 low-level scrolls / 5 MP (magic cost doubles every 3 levels)
Description: By using the appropriate materials, allows the creation of blank magic scrolls matching the corresponding level. Higher levels require greater material quality and increased magic consumption.
Minori's eyes glimmered faintly.
Unexpected.
He had acquired the scroll-crafting technique so easily.
Although this version of "Scroll Making" clearly had been adapted for the New World—allowing for greater flexibility—the disadvantages of requiring more materials and mana were, for Minori, insignificant.
It was no different from how "Pharmacist" skills in YGGDRASIL operated:Without access to rare herbs, creating high-grade potions was impossible.
However, with his newly enhanced Papermaking Technique—which could now generate superior materials using only skill points and magic power—Minori could supply himself indefinitely.
Mana cost was a minor inconvenience, not a serious limitation.
Minori glanced casually at the two magicians standing nearby, then at the table laden with materials.
He pointed toward a newly prepared scroll and asked flatly:
"This should be a second-tier magic scroll?"
The middle-aged magician across from him nodded quickly.
"Indeed," he replied, after stealing a glance at Master Belori standing silently nearby.Seeing that the elder mage made no move to stop him, the man continued, explaining eagerly:
"Ordinary sheepskin can only withstand the inscription of first-tier magic.To craft second-tier scrolls, one must use both specially treated sheepskin and paper made through second-tier 'Papermaking'."
Minori's gaze sharpened slightly.
He shifted his attention to a nearby basin filled with a faintly glowing golden liquid.
"What's that?" he asked, tone flat.
It was not enough to simply have the techniques for creating magic scrolls.Without mastery over the infusion and stabilization of magic energy, the scroll would fail—or worse, explode during casting.
Minori had no interest in apprenticing under a mere third-tier caster.If there was knowledge to be gleaned, he intended to take all he could.
The middle-aged magician hesitated, glancing at Master Belori again.But the old master was occupied inspecting the scrolls, ignoring their conversation.
Relieved, the magician answered:
"It's a magical stabilizing solution.It prevents the scroll from collapsing due to unstable mana."
His voice grew softer, even respectful.
Originally, he had assumed this black-haired youth was here simply due to some political connection.But now, realizing Minori's sharpness, he began to understand:
He might be someone the master had personally taken notice of.
The magician continued, tone almost deferential:
"Learning second-tier 'Papermaking' is extremely difficult.Due to differences in magical affinity and personal control, the amount of magic imbued into each sheet of paper can vary greatly."
"If the variance is too large, the scroll becomes unstable—and dangerous."
"Thus, we must treat the paper with this solution to compensate for the imperfections."
At this point, he even took the chance to flatter:
"Only Master Belori can craft perfect second-tier paper without needing such solutions."
Hearing this, Minori internally sneered, though his expression remained impassive.
Ridiculous.
When he had earlier seen Belori examining the second-tier paper Minori had produced, the old man had praised it highly, claiming it was excellent even among his disciples.
But now—
It was clear that praise was less about encouragement and more about saving face.
In truth, Minori's own "Papermaking" skill, bolstered by his player-class efficiency, was likely superior—or at least equal—to Belori's.
And that, of course, was thanks to the advantages of being from YGGDRASIL.Not native talent.
His suspicions were confirmed a moment later.
While the middle-aged magician was still fawning over him, Master Belori suddenly spoke, voice cold:
"How many blank scrolls have you completed today?"
The magician stiffened.
"T-Two, Master."
Belori's gaze narrowed.
"Only two?"His tone grew harsher."Then clearly, you have ample free time. Clean this entire hall."
The man paled visibly."But—!"
Belori's wrinkled face showed no mercy."Shall I repeat myself?"
"Y-yes, Master!" the magician stammered, retreating hurriedly.
After the bumbling assistant disappeared, Belori turned his gaze back to Minori.
Without explaining further, he simply said:
"That concludes the basic demonstration of scroll making."
He then turned and walked toward the rear of the workshop.
Surprisingly, his steps had quickened slightly.
Minori followed, saying nothing.
They entered a second chamber, dimly lit and heavily crowded with objects.
"Cramped" hardly did it justice.
Though the room measured roughly a hundred square meters, nearly a third of the floor space was consumed by towering shelves crammed with tomes, scrolls, and parchment.
On the far wall hung a massive, ancient map.
Its central feature—the sprawling, rugged Angelisia Mountain Range—split the territory into two great realms.
Minori immediately recognized it.
A map of the Re-Estize Kingdom and Baharuth Empire.
Elsewhere, artifacts were scattered about the room:fragments of stone monoliths, broken architectural components, tattered animal skins—even the complete pelt of an adult evil hound.
It was no wonder Belori had shown no concern earlier when Minori had summoned a minor evil dog.
This man had clearly seen far stranger things.
Belori gestured toward a battered wooden chair.
"I know you must have many questions."His voice was less severe now, touched with weariness.
"Sit. We will speak openly."
Minori didn't hesitate.He took his seat without deference.
Seeing this, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Belori's mouth.
"Good. Those with true talent should never grovel before mediocrity."