Enchantment Magic is Magic Too

The mage district sat right in the heart of the city.

Among the buildings there, one stood out above all.

LeBlanc's Magic Department Store.

It was a grand five-story structure.

The sign, crafted from mana crystals, emitted a mystical glow.

Magical light seeped through every window, and the entrance pulsed faintly, as if alive and breathing.

"Welcome to LeBlanc's Magic Department Store."

This was a big-city shop, alright—different in every way.

A clerk latched onto us the moment we entered, offering polite explanations.

"I'm looking for magic books. Do you have any?"

"Of course we do. First-class spellbooks are on the first floor, second-class on the second. Anything third-class or higher requires ID verification. Which class are you interested in...?"

The clerk's friendly explanation continued.

The first floor brimmed with basic spellbooks.

From attack spells to practical ones, it seemed like they had everything.

"For now, I'd like to see both first- and second-class books."

"Right this way."

The staircase to the second floor was a work of art in itself.

The mana-crystal banister seemed to ease the climber's fatigue.

Up on the second floor, rarer spellbooks caught my eye.

The covers alone looked luxurious—not your average fare.

The clerk quickly offered me a seat and fetched the spellbook list.

I scanned the list.

My eyes narrowed slightly.

Dizziness hit me.

What the hell are these prices...?

I couldn't curse in front of the clerk, but damn, it was tempting.

First-class spells ran about 30 gold each.

Second-class? Around 50 gold.

A second-class spellbook for 50 million won? Insane.

Expensive.

Ridiculously expensive.

I'd felt confident with my 200 gold stash.

But these prices melted that confidence in seconds.

No wonder mages worked under lords for support.

"Any spellbooks catch your eye...? If you have questions, I'd be happy to answer."

The clerk remained politely oblivious to my turmoil.

But separately, the list's spells didn't appeal.

They were all attack-focused.

"Do you have any enchantment spells?"

I asked the clerk.

Her face lit up instead.

"An expert in enchantments? Those mages are rare... We have plenty of stock since demand is low. I can offer them at half price."

She seemed intrigued by enchantment mages.

But more excited about clearing inventory.

"Half off? Can I see the list?"

Enchantment spells weren't popular.

Hard to learn, tricky to craft.

Lords preferred flashy, direct power—stuff that boosted territory strength immediately.

Should I be offended or thrilled...?

A bit absurd, but good news anyway.

Cheap enchantments when I needed them? Perfect.

Changed my math.

Half off second-class meant more books in budget.

Plenty of enchantment spells.

Some niche ones, others with same effects but different names.

I read carefully, picking what I needed.

More meticulously than ever.

I scrutinized each spell's effects.

Selected based on future magic synergies.

Combine Attribute Infusion and Precision Control and...

I calculated combinations in my head.

Especially the enchantments—they'd synergize well.

I also picked one attack and one defense spell.

Expensive as hell, but as a mage, having no proper attack spell felt wrong.

Plus, I wondered if I could enchant attack spells.

Normally no... but maybe for me?

Impossible by standard knowledge.

That's why attack, defense, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠and enchantment books were separate.

But my situation differed from other mages.

I'd have to experiment.

Defense spells needed no justification.

Especially with undead rampant lately.

"We'll go with this."

Total: 186 gold.

Almost wiped my funds, but worth the investment.

The clerk's reaction surprised me, though.

"S-Sir, really...? This many? And the attributes aren't unified—is that okay?"

Her eyes wavered.

Mages had main attributes.

Like combat mage Gaiyon specializing in fire.

My list? No such focus.

To others, it looked random.

And buying this many at once? Unheard of.

Mages spent years per spell.

One book every few years.

No wonder they were pricey.

So, mass-buying screamed lunatic to her.

She hid it well, though.

"Yes, please."

"A-Ah, yes. Understood. No refunds, please note that."

Her voice trembled.

Worried I'd cause a scene later.

I nodded.

Funds depleted, but holding the books warmed my heart.

Excited to craft with new spells.

"Theo-nim."

Lena whispered as I pondered.

Rare for her—I startled, but ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠guessed why.

"What's up?"

"Look over there. That man..."

"Who?"

Lena nodded subtly toward a guy.

Looked like an ordinary passerby.

"What's odd?"

"I've seen him since we entered the shop. Feels like he's tailing us..."

"Huh."

We'd spent ages picking books, and he was still lurking.

Alert spiked.

Maybe a thief disguised as a pedestrian targeting us.

Count's castle had crowds—and pickpockets.

Entered a magic shop, so we look loaded?

Infuriating.

I reflected on my carelessness.

This world wasn't safe.

Should've been cautious entering.

Can't just fire Sunogi on the street... tricky.

Couldn't cause a scene in the count's domain.

So, observe for now.

Blasting at suspects gets you arrested.

"Let's head back."

I took Lena's hand and turned.

Better to move.

Entered a nearby restaurant.

High-end vibe—nothing like Baron Sellevan's territory.

A different league of luxury.

Forgot the stalker for now.

If they moved, I'd handle it. No fear.

Better focus on Lena.

"Th-Theo-nim, isn't this place too pricey?"

Lena still dazed entering.

I smiled at her.

"You've worked hard lately. Treating ourselves here once won't hurt."

"But you just spent so much..."

"It's fine. You need to try food like this."

One of Lena's special traits: noble etiquette.

She wouldn't say it, but she craved this.

I'd ignored it amid ring-making and battles.

Time to spoil her when we could.

Honestly, I'm curious too.

Lena aside, I wanted it.

Sellevan's food was decent but lacking.

Missed hunter days' spicy, stimulating grub.

Lately, camping meals were just filler.

Craved a proper feast.

"Kuh, this is it!"

Classic course started with soup.

Crisp salad, tender meat, tangy dressing—perfect balance.

Main dish erased hunter nostalgia briefly.

"Delicious! Solid course, fancy dishware too?"

Lena's noble training shone.

She unconsciously noted taste, ambiance, noise, service.

"Glad it ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠suits you. Sorry for all the hardship. Should've brought you places like this more."

"N-No, Theo-nim! Just being by your side is..."

"Hm? Hold on?"

As Lena blushed and waved it off, a message appeared.

Totally unexpected.