Aaron took a deep breath, his body brimming with energy after the recent upgrades. He decided to head to the beach to test the power of the spells he had learned.

Without hesitation, he grabbed a torch and approached a guard patrolling the wooden wall.

"I'm going to the beach. I'll be back soon," he said.

Numba nodded respectfully. 

"Okay, Lord Aaron."

Aaron rushed toward the beach.

A few seconds later, he planted the torch into the sand. 

The beach was pitch black, the waves whispering in the dark.

He paused, then cast Light Ball.

A glowing orb emerged from his fingertip, hovering above him and illuminating a 10-meter radius.

He was stunned. The spell's power had doubled since reaching Level 21 Wizard.

Next, he tested Fireball.

It consumed 5 mana points, and a ball of fire quickly formed at his fingertip.

He discovered he could control its size:

- Smallest: 1 cm radius

- Largest: football-sized

- Mana cost: same regardless of size

He tested its effect on water:

- The small fireball sank into the sea and vanished.

- The large fireball exploded on contact with the surface.

- A baseball-sized fireball sank, then exploded three seconds later.

Aaron nodded thoughtfully.

"Smaller fireballs have better penetration.

Larger ones explode on impact."

He moved on to Holy Light Ball.

It cost 3 mana points, produced a golden orb that illuminated a 10-meter radius, then flashed brightly and vanished after three seconds.

Aaron scratched his head.

"Maybe it works better against undead…"

Next, he cast Light Body.

It consumed 10 mana points and could buff up to ten people for ten minutes.

The spell halved body weight, making movement easier.

He tested it by lifting a rock, the effect applied only to body weight, not external objects.

"Useful for escaping or chasing," he mused.

Then came Mage Hand.

It cost 10 mana points, and summoned a pair of mystical hands behind him.

He could control them like his own limbs.

They had a 20-meter range and lasted ten minutes.

He tested their strength, they could lift up to 30 kilograms easily. Heavier loads consumed additional mana.

Finally, he cast Shield.

It consumed 20 mana points, and a faint blue barrier enveloped him from head to toe.

He didn't know its exact strength, but it felt solid, enough to block arrows, at least.

The shield lasted 20 minutes, then faded into the air.

Aaron stood quietly, the waves lapping at the shore, his mind filled with new possibilities.

Aaron took a deep breath as he glanced at his Knight Level. Each level now required 100,000 experience points. 

If his calculations were correct, raising it from Level 31 to 41 would cost a staggering 5.5 million XP.

The realization hit him hard. As his strength increased, so did the cost of progress.

He knew he'd need to find a solution, a more efficient way to earn experience. But for now, he chose not to dwell on it.

He needed rest.

The next morning.

Elina had already visited the bathroom, a novel concept to her.

She had bathed and cleaned herself using a primitive soap made from ground clay and wood ash. Despite its simplicity, it worked surprisingly well, leaving her skin feeling clean and refreshed.

When she stepped outside, she found Kelly waiting with a basket full of fruit.

The girl explained how to eat some of the more unfamiliar varieties, like oranges and lychees.

Elina had tasted many exotic foods before, but the aroma of these fruits was irresistible.

She followed Kelly's instructions, biting into an orange segment and savoring its sweet and sour flavor. She was instantly hooked.

The apple was next, fresh, juicy, and perfectly sweet.

Then came the lychees. Their taste was sweet, floral, and unforgettable.

She looked at Kelly, eyes wide. "Where did you get these fruits?"

Kelly hesitated, a hint of envy in her expression. 

She hadn't eaten any yet, Lord Aaron had promised her share would come later. She secretly hoped he'd give her extra.

"Lord Aaron provided them. As for where they came from… I don't know."

Elina turned to Melina. "Distribute the fruits. And ask around, if anyone knows where these grow, inform me immediately."

Melina was momentarily stunned, but nodded. She tasted a lychee herself, and was just as amazed.

"Maybe they're from another kingdom," she guessed aloud.

A few minutes later, Elina said, "Kelly, take me to visit Lord Aaron."

"Okay, Miss Elina. Please follow me," Kelly replied promptly.

They walked through the camp, and soon Kelly pointed to a tent. "Lord Aaron is inside."

Inside the tent, Aaron was scratching his head.

He had completely forgotten to draw the runes last night 

after testing his spells and falling asleep.

Only now did he remember.

Just then, a sweet voice called from outside, "Lord Aaron, are you in there?"

Aaron sighed, stood up, and walked out of the tent.

He forced a smile. "Miss Elina, please come in."

Elina stepped inside and took in the scene.

There was a simple table with three chairs, a basket of fruits, two wooden plates, and glasses.

In the corner, a water barrel stood quietly.

Behind the table was a bed made from animal skin, and next to it, a few storage bags were tossed carelessly.

Her eye twitched.

Aaron gestured to a chair. "Miss Elina, please take a seat."

He sat down casually.

Elina was stunned by his behavior. She muttered to herself, "His etiquette is at level zero…How did he even become a baron?"

She shook off the thought and asked, "Lord Aaron, have you copied the runes?"

Aaron replied calmly, "Miss Elina, I forgot."

Her expression shifted, clearly displeased.

Seeing this, Aaron quickly added, "But don't worry. I have the original slate from the cave. I can give it to you in exchange for the dictionary."

Elina looked at him, puzzled. Then she nodded. "Okay."

Aaron pulled out the slate from his storage bag and handed it over.

Elina examined it. It was indeed the Light Spell slate, but it was identical to the one she had already learned.

She felt slightly cheated. But she had given her word.

So she took out a fat book and said, "Here, Lord Aaron."

Aaron accepted the book. As he flipped through the pages, his heart sank at the sight of the tiny, dense script.

It felt like he had been thrown back into school.

He closed the dictionary and asked, "Miss Elina, can you tell me more about wizards?"

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