"When a person is born, the position of the sun determines their zodiac sign. For ordinary people, their sign has little significance unless they consult a Wordcaster for divination. However, for a sorcerer, the zodiac is crucial. Sorcerer apprentices perform secretive rituals during their zodiac month to learn a specific spell of their sign. This zodiac sign is known as their Awakening Sign, and their future abilities are closely tied to the first spell they acquire.
The spells of a single zodiac sign are not particularly powerful, which is why sorcerer apprentices pose little threat. Some can light candles, others can brew poisons, some cause fevers and chills, while a few can scatter a blinding white powder."
Rudolph’s Awakening Sign was Scorpio, and the first spell he learned was "Venom." Indeed, sorcerer apprentices were quite weak in battle. In a way, it was almost laughable—his strongest sorcery technique so far was poisoning werewolves with his own blood.
"The Aries Month marks the beginning of the year. Ptolemy, the most fearsome Aries sorcerer, was also said to be the very first sorcerer. He instigated five major sorcerer uprisings throughout history. During these revolts, sorcerers ran rampant, openly hunting other apostles and forging them into artifacts. It was a savage era.
With every rebellion, the sorcerers grew stronger by crafting more artifacts, which in turn made them more relentless in their hunts. During the fifth uprising, it was said that Ptolemy perished at the hands of several powerful figures. Later, rumors surfaced that he had actually escaped and was hiding somewhere. Just thinking about it is terrifying—if Ptolemy were still alive, I doubt the kings of this world would be able to sleep at night.
But I digress… Ptolemy divided the twelve zodiac signs into four elements:
- Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
- Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
- Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
- Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Each sign has one or more spells associated with it. Based on the number of spells learned, first-level sorcerers are classified as either Single-Star Sorcerers or Double-Star Sorcerers.
When a first-level sorcerer masters all three spells of a single element, they become a Single-Element Sorcerer, which qualifies them for promotion to the second level.
Second-level sorcerers begin learning the three spells of a second elemental group and are classified as Single-Star, Double-Star, or Triple-Star Sorcerers. Upon mastering six zodiac spells, they become Dual-Element Sorcerers, an incredibly fearsome rank. The ability to combine spells from two different elements makes their sorcery unpredictable and nearly impossible to counter.
A fourth-level sorcerer who has mastered all twelve zodiac spells… Oh, heavens above, noble ancestors! Before a Four-Element Sorcerer, wielding the powers of twelve different spells, all apostles are nothing more than raw materials for artifacts. There is no escape.
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As for sorcerers beyond the fourth level, I have heard many conflicting accounts. I have no idea what their true nature might be."
The book provided no further details about sorcerers beyond this point, as the subject was clearly beyond the author’s knowledge.
Rudolph finally understood his current standing—he was a First-Level Single-Star Sorcerer. Having awakened as a Scorpio Sorcerer, he needed to learn the spells of all three Water Signs during his first level. He had already mastered the spells of Scorpio and Pisces, leaving only Cancer. However, the Cancer month was still three months away—it was now only April. He would have to wait until July before he could perform the necessary ritual to commune with the constellation’s power.
Although the book’s description was vague, it was invaluable to someone like Rudolph, who had no mentor to guide him. At the very least, it provided him with a sense of direction.
He returned the book to its place and walked back to the window.
By now, people were leaving the castle courtyard, carrying their belongings on their backs. At the entrance, the castle steward distributed silver shields to each departing family. Their figures were steeped in sorrow—tears fell, and every step was heavy with grief.
Jennifer entered the study. Like Rudolph, she stood by the window.
"I have given the families of the fallen cavalrymen enough compensation to support them, and I have sent them on their way. The castle needs new cavalry. A new cavalry squad must be formed."
The castle had no room for idlers; its strength had to be restored as soon as possible.
Jennifer turned to look at Rudolph. She found it remarkable how calm he remained in the castle despite everything that had happened.
"Officer Rudolph, would you be interested in becoming the Captain of the Cavalry here at the castle?"
This was the real reason she had kept him here. Just as Chief Inspector Claude valued Rudolph’s abilities, so too did the apostles require capable ordinary men as subordinates. With Rudolph’s experience in combatting apostles, he would be a rare and valuable asset.
However, Rudolph shook his head.
"Honorable Lady, though it may sound foolish, I have a dream. It may seem impractical for now, but I still wish to try. Your offer is generous, but I want to save up money and see if I can become an Alchemist’s Assistant.
Chief Inspector Claude is my idol. I dream of becoming a great alchemist like him one day."
Jennifer remained expressionless at his rejection but simply asked, "May I ask how much you have saved so far?"
Although she did not mean to, the question was somewhat humiliating.
Rudolph awkwardly raised his hand. "Exactly five silver shields! And my dream… is about 500 gold shields away."
Jennifer couldn’t help but pity him—what a miserable man.
"Officer Rudolph, my steward tells me that in the past few months, you have made quite a name for yourself in Leman Town. You frequent bathhouses and taverns, both of which are expensive habits.
Come work for me. A Cavalry Captain’s salary is generous."
"Would that position allow me to become a Knight’s Squire?"
Jennifer was momentarily taken aback before shaking her head. She found the question a little ridiculous.
"To become a Knight, one must possess the bloodline of the Twelve Round Table Knights. My family carries the blood of Sir Lamorak, one of the three strongest knights among them.
As for you… Rudolph, I believe you would make an excellent Cavalry Captain."
"Apologies. I may only be a patrol officer, but I have a dream of becoming an Apostle!"
Rudolph continued, "Farewell, Lady Jennifer. I wish you luck."
With that, Rudolph bid Jennifer goodbye and prepared to leave.
Ivonna had long since finished her tea and followed him out.
Jennifer remained by the window, watching as Rudolph and Ivonna departed. She felt a deep sense of regret—she had truly wanted such an experienced cavalry captain.