"Navoli, you two go find Pisaster first. Have him make you two battle robes with the Morning Light Family emblem. For now, wear them over your armor as the guard's uniform. Once I'm done with my current tasks, I'll have proper uniforms made for you two."
Navoli accepted this arrangement. He had no choice but to accept. The Mage Tower was just starting, Gale had many things to attend to, and the guard's matters simply weren't a priority. Only after Sethonis and the three recruited Mages were settled could their turn come.
The mercenary squad members also understood this; as long as an arrangement was made, they could accept it, no matter how late. The Kaldorei had long lifespans; they could afford to wait.
"Meijia, Luden, Antalia, you can choose your own topics for research. However, I need you to set aside a certain amount of time each day for study, and I will assess your progress each month."
The three newly graduated Mages were still very humble. They all understood Gale well and knew the gap between themselves and Gale. They each chose a laboratory and arranged their bedrooms next to their respective labs.
Sethonis, seeing that everyone else had an assignment, quickly asked, "Gale, what about me?"
Gale organized his thoughts. "Sethonis, since I'm about to start a new research project, I need you to manage the Mage Tower."
Sethonis was a little disappointed but still chose to accept. "Alright!"
"Don't be disheartened," Gale comforted him. "Right now, the Mage Tower only has so few people, so the workload isn't actually that heavy. In your free time, I hope you can transcribe our academic research into books for other Mages to study."
"I've already had Pisaster order a batch of linen cloth. Following the method for making spellbooks described in my manuscript, categorize this knowledge and turn it all into spellbooks to fill the library."
Sethonis took the manuscript and immediately became engrossed in the method for creating spellbooks described within.
Nathalas Academy had also taught methods for making spellbooks, and Sethonis had only ever made spellbooks. However, spellbooks made using that method were decent for learning and training. Learning goes without saying; any book containing knowledge can be used for learning.
The training function was quite good. It utilized runes on the books to create a virtual space where monsters described in the book appeared, perfectly replicating their combat style. Gale and Sethonis had both trained in it, but the monsters in the training space were relatively rigid and differed somewhat from actual combat.
The spellbooks Gale created, besides for learning, could also be used as weapons. Basic attributes like amplifying spell power and accelerating casting speed were the lifelong pursuits of a Mage.
Excellent-grade spellbooks could better help one defeat opponents of similar strength. Epic-grade spellbooks, on the other hand, gave Mages the possibility of challenging those above their level.
Sethonis looked longingly at the Elemental Spell Codex. "Can I study this book too?"
Gale smiled and said, "Once Pisaster delivers the linen cloth, I'll make a copy for you."
Upon hearing this, Sethonis's face flushed with excitement. Although he didn't enjoy combat, he felt honored to possess an epic-grade spellbook that enhanced combat power!
In the afternoon, Pisaster delivered a batch of custom book-sized rune cloth, along with 10 rolls of linen cloth.
Gale, with Sethonis, duplicated an Elemental Spell Codex and explained the difficulties in making spellbooks. Sethonis expressed understanding; his talent in enchanting was stronger than Gale's, but he lacked Gale's constant diligence.
The long-lived Kaldorei were destined not to be a hardworking race. They might be diligent for a period, but after that period, there would always be a long fatigue phase. During this fatigue phase, the Kaldorei preferred to eat, drink, and play, which led to the rapid development of Kaldorei art.
With the entire populace engaging in art for thousands of years, it would be strange if its development were slow.
Having learned how to make spellbooks, Sethonis was like a child with a new toy, completely engrossed. Every day, he tirelessly categorized knowledge and spells, then planned which spellbook to write them into.
The library shelves grew increasingly full of books, so much so that Sethonis forgot his duties as housekeeper.
Fortunately, Antalia knew how to cook and took over the housekeeper's position. Although it wasted some of her time each day, Antalia didn't mind.
Because when she delivered meals, she could see Sethonis frantically making spellbooks.
Sethonis was so immersed in making spellbooks that he lost track of time. Sometimes, he wouldn't sleep during the day, and by the time he came to, it was already approaching evening. Then he would forgo catching up on sleep at night and continue making spellbooks.
After a month, Sethonis had made over a hundred spellbooks.
Antalia would visit the library every day. She found that every spellbook had the effect of amplifying spell power and accelerating casting speed, and some spellbooks even had other special effects. Casting spells with these spellbooks felt no different from holding an excellent-grade staff.
Reflecting on it, Antalia still felt it was miraculous.
Shelves full of excellent-grade spellbooks were simply challenging her understanding. However, as the books gradually filled the shelves, Antalia slowly got used to it.
Meijia and Luden, engrossed in their research, were stunned by the magical aura emanating from the shelves the first time they entered the library.
"This… is this the library inside the Sin'dorei Mage Tower?"
Having witnessed the powerful capabilities of the Mage Tower, both of them secretly resolved to stay. Then they plunged into the sea of books, frantically absorbing the knowledge within.
Clearly, the two had misunderstood. Even in Sin'dorei, a library with shelves full of excellent-grade spellbooks was unique to this one place.
After all, other Mages' spellbooks were mostly for learning. But Gale's spellbooks could all be used for combat.
Antalia didn't explain, content to watch her two colleagues' amusing reactions.
Sethonis also, for once, put down his work and appeared in the library.
"Gale will be here soon. Do you all have any results from this past month?"
It turned out today was the day Gale had set for the assessment.
The three exchanged glances, all a bit disheartened. This past month, Meijia and Luden had been working in isolation. And Antalia was completely immersed in these spellbooks, with no results to show.
"Tsk tsk—I should have just had you all make books with me. If you had helped, we might have filled all the shelves."
The three were shocked again. "Senior Sethonis, are you planning to fill the entire library with excellent-grade spellbooks?"
Before Sethonis could answer, a voice came from outside the door.
"Of course not! In the future, there will be epic-grade spellbooks."
Gale walked in, smiling as he asked, "How was it? Did you all gain anything this past month?"
Unfortunately, the three Mages were still stunned by Gale's previous words, completely missing his question.