Mage Adam

Anne looked up and said, “As for the oversight requirements, Mayer should have already walked you through our expectations. But aside from that, I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Adam thought it over and replied, “I think the current permission system could be adjusted to work better with the personal chips. We could base access on a mage’s rank and contributions, giving them different levels of services. This approach would make management easier and help reduce the risk of instability from a sudden boost in power or a lack of challenges.”

“I also think apprentices should receive a common chip for free,” he added.

Anne raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Why would you suggest that? It would cut into your profits.”

Adam shook his head. “Once apprentices have these chips, they’ll have a better shot at becoming mages. Profits matter, but that’s not my main goal here. The common chip is simple to produce, and the quality of Flame it requires is basic, so the cost is low. Plus, this would help popularize the chips. When apprentices see the benefits and eventually become full mages, they’ll want the chips best suited to their needs. By then, they\'d be wealthier, and their spending will more than make up for the initial investment.”

It was like giving free basic education to everyone. A broader base would lead to more talent, and the insights from those talented minds would generate high-quality data. 

As the developer, Adam could use this data to keep refining his work. Also, offering free chips would spread his reputation even further.

In short, it was a long-term investment worth making.

Anne smiled. “I’m impressed. You’re suggesting exactly what the Mage Council aims to achieve. But this won’t be at your expense—the Towers will cover the costs.”

She felt a wave of satisfaction. She wanted to see the Mage World strengthen, filled with more mages who were committed to its future. This kind of forward thinking would reassure the Great Archmages that their revolution—their high-stakes gamble—had been worthwhile.

With more mages driven by this vision, the Mage World would stay strong on the edge of the Void, ready to face any threats and withstand any future trials.

…

After leaving the World’s Guardian, Adam met with Mayer once again. Mayer was in his room, enjoying a meal as he waited for Adam.

“Sit down, join me,” Mayer said casually, never one for formality.

Adam quickly accepted—an invitation from a Great Archmage was an honor any ordinary mage would remember for a lifetime.

The food on Mayer’s table was simpler than Adam had expected, far less elaborate than what even the Explorers had shared with him before.

“Try my cooking,” Mayer said with a grin. “Before I was a mage, back in the old days, I worked as a chef for nobles. I was quite popular back then.”

Adam tried the food, and to his surprise, it tasted quite good. As they ate, Mayer smiled at him and asked, “Feeling more at ease now?”

Adam set down his fork and knife, replying sincerely, “Thank you for welcoming me and for the support from all the Great Archmages.”

“I did what I should. Everything you have, you’ve earned. Real progress happens when different systems and perspectives come together. Isn’t that why we mages explore the Void? Like now—without you, we might never have thought of this approach.”

With that, Mayer finished his meal. Then he cleaned up, and said, “So, just enjoy being a mage. Live well, keep researching, and I’ll look forward to seeing what else you come up with.”

*****

Time flew by. With full recognition, Adam threw himself into his work with renewed passion. 

The personal chip project advanced quickly. The basic, common chip was ready, and they’d started stockpiling it for distribution. Early advertisements had also been launched, sparking major excitement among apprentices.

In a mage academy in the Fifth Tower’s territory, an apprentice named Tom was experiencing his 176th failure of the year.

Tom was, in every way, ordinary—ordinary family, average aptitude, modest intelligence. He’d barely passed the entrance exam to become an apprentice, and since then, he’d mostly gone unnoticed at the academy.

He dreamed of a breakthrough, of finally being noticed, of getting stronger. But despite all his hard work, his progress was minimal. 

Just now, he’d tried to master telekinesis meditation yet again, only to fail. He simply couldn’t picture how the symbols were supposed to fit together.

He was starting to feel hopeless. \'Can someone like me ever really become a mage?\'

“Tom, how’s it going today?” a friend who had just finished his own meditation asked.

“Alright, I guess. How about you?” asked Tom.

“I’m close to succeeding. Once I get the basic sequence down, I’ll be able to use the core algorithm and build it directly. I can’t wait—they say once it works, you can fly!” His friend was thrilled—flight was a dream for anyone bound to the ground.

Tom forced a bitter smile, wondering if he’d ever be able to master telekinesis. Maybe he’d have to settle for a simpler meditation method.

Seeing Tom’s expression, his friend hesitated and then said gently, “Tom, you’re not thinking of giving up, are you? Remember, telekinesis is the best approach for apprentices. Once you master it, flight is just the start. It helps in so many ways—you’ll save a lot on Energy Stones too.”

“I know, but I can’t picture the model, and I don’t understand the core algorithm,” Tom sighed.

His friend sat beside him, looking concerned. Not wanting to waste his friend’s time, Tom shrugged off his frustration and said, “It’s fine. I’m not giving up. I have to head to work anyway. See you later.”

He left the meditation room and went to the task area. His “work” was simple—since he couldn’t handle tasks that required mental power, he took on the heavy labor jobs other apprentices avoided, just to earn enough Energy Stones to survive.

Today, he expected more of the same. But as he approached the task board, he noticed a crowd gathered around a light screen, buzzing with excitement over something called a personal chip.

“They’re giving one to everyone, for free?”

“Yeah, some academies have already started distributing them. I heard they’re amazing, helping even ordinary apprentices make progress like geniuses!”

Tom’s heart raced, like he’d finally found a lifeline. He pushed his way to the front and read the words on the screen:

“Are you ready? Your cheat code is on the way!” — Mage Council Personal Chip Research Division

Translator’s Note: I really enjoy how the author narrows the focus onto a certain individual. This approach resonates more deeply, making the story feel more immersive.