Chapter 563: Spell Slots and Ojia

At the same time, the Weave introduced the concept of "spell slots," meaning each person receives a number of slots for quick casting based on their rank; each use exhausts a slot, requiring rest until it recharges.

Luo De noticed Kali Site glancing at him.

This is common.

The elf lady often glanced at him, intentionally or not; sometimes, even when leaving, she would pause and look back from afar.

She always thought Luo De didn't know.

But Spider Sense had already seen everything.

But this time was different.

She paused, not scowling at him as she usually did.

Instead, she asked, puzzled: "Human, when did you link to the Weave?"

"Oh, maybe yesterday."

Luo De made up an answer.

He had linked to the Weave two months ago while helping Mistras rebuild her body, but had never paid it much attention since.

"Is that so."

Kali Site was confused but said nothing, mainly because she didn't want to show concern for someone in front of so many people.

She had only just linked to the Weave last night, which was why she now sensed him.

She stopped paying attention to him.

She continued: "The Weave treats everyone equally. For example, myself—a seventh-rank mage has sixteen spell slots: one for sixth-rank spells, two for fifth-rank, three each for fourth through second-rank, and four for first-rank."

"After linking to the Weave, check your slots. Note: before casting, you must prepare spell components and mana within the Weave."

"The number of spell slots for sixth-rank and higher spells is capped at one, even for ninth-rank mages."

"Moreover, these quick-cast spell slots cannot exceed your own rank; casting higher or equal-rank spells requires traditional incantation."

Luo De nodded upon hearing this.

He checked his spell slots in the Weave.

His progress had been too rapid recently, so he slightly suppressed his rank and stabilized and strengthened his Spiritual Art proficiency—he was currently at the peak of seventh rank.

Though he could enter eighth rank anytime.

Therefore,

his spell slots should be the same as Kali Site 's.

【Eighth-rank spell slots: 4】

【Seventh-rank spell slots: 4】

【Sixth-rank spell slots: 4】

【Fifth-rank】

Okay.

It wasn't as the elf lady described.

Luo De's spell slots were all fours—even including eighth-rank ones.

Poor little Kali.

The Weave was not impartial.

At least the "father" of the Magic Goddess received special treatment.

Not long after,

the process of linking to the Weave stalled.

Only those girls who were already mages succeeded.

It seemed the Weave still had some filtering.

But quick-cast spell slots greatly enhanced combat capability, so Lily and Kali Site planned to teach spellcasting to the girls who failed.

Try to get them all linked.

Luo De could do little else—feed the girls Spirit Seeds and pour 【World Dew】 into them.

In the afternoon,

Luo De was strolling near Coral Bay, enjoying the pleasures of being the gold patron.

Nick, the gray-furred dog-man captain from the Five Sufferers, reported that the half-wolf druid who had joined them in attacking Coral Bay had come to request a meeting with Luo De.

The Five Sufferers,

besides being good at fighting, had no other special skills.

And because their appearances were frightening, few people hired them.

Naturally, Luo De recruited them—they were now part of Coral Bay's garrison, like the Blizzard Mercenary Company.

"The half-wolf druid… Ojia."

"Master, you just killed that half-goat woman yesterday, and today she comes to you—this is no good omen."

Tally frowned.

This one refused to go plant trees and expand the forest today, insisting on sticking by his side.

Expansion couldn't be rushed anyway, and she was always slacking off—losing her wouldn't matter.

Luo De blinked: "How do you know that?"

He hadn't taken her to the underground prison.

The succubus pouted, feigning pity: "I asked that little slut… Master not letting me stay by your side already hurts me terribly—I can only gather more news about your whereabouts to ease my longing…"

"Fine. Starting today, you may follow me."

"Really?! Yay! Can I go back to my little hut to sleep now?!"

"No."

"Waaah…"

The two moved to the outskirts of Coral Bay.

Far off, they saw Ojia, in her form as a blue-white giant wolf, standing alone on a rock, gazing down.

Her fur blazed like fire, rising and swirling with the wind.

"Long time no see, Ojia."

Ojia lived deep in the forest and was always blunt, disliking small talk.

Her wolf mouth half-opened, speaking in human words: "You killed Ainala."

Luo De spread his hands.

"Yes. Her mindset—how to put it—"

"I understand. I know what kind of person she was."

"Hmm… she was your friend. Aren't you going to seek revenge?"

"Our bond wasn't deep—just a druidic friendship. Besides, Ainala had a fine appearance and figure. If you still killed her, perhaps she truly overstepped this time."

Luo De paused.

He laughed silently: "What kind of judgment is that?"

Tally leaned over, laughing: "Hahaha—she says you're lecherous! Wolf girl, you're right—Master is more lecherous than even a succubus~~"

Ojia took a half-step back, wary.

As if fearing the forest warden, who was even more lecherous than a succubus, might attack her.

"I came to warn you: Ainala is the illegitimate daughter of someone in the Campbell family. You'd better cover this up."

"Campbell family"

Luo De rubbed his chin.

Oh!

He remembered.

This was a very famous underworld family involved in assassinations, black-market smuggling, loan-sharking, money laundering, and human trafficking.

Their stronghold was Susar City, south of the Mirror Desert, a port city north of Longhu Lake.

He had also heard of this family from the land naga Eve.

Eve returned to the Mirror Desert half a month ago—she was said to be handling business with this family.

Fortunately, before she left, Luo De had immediately taken her to his little hut.

He kept her there for over a month, only letting her go after filling her to seventh rank.

"I've heard of them, but I also heard that after joining the Association of Balance, she severed ties with her family."

"Perhaps. But as a neighbor of the forest, I must still warn you."

Ojia paused, then added cautiously: "But don't misunderstand—I'm saying this as a neighbor and friend, not out of any other feelings."

"Friend, friend—I didn't think anything else. You're a giant wolf—I've never even seen your true form—how could I have other feelings?"

Luo De chuckled bitterly.

You hide your true form just to avoid me.

Ojia muttered inwardly.

She glanced at the five dog-men standing nearby as guards.

Her eyes held a touch of pity.

"Those five dog-men—their scars and the methods of injury resemble those used by the Campbell family in human trafficking. They may have escaped from one of their dens. You'd better pay attention to this."

"Thanks for the warning."

(End of chapter)