The Dark Mage Of The Magus World-Chapter 121 - 122: Optimization

The spell Shadow Nook wasn’t just useful for stealth—it was also a lifesaving escape tool. With a single incantation, one could vanish into the darkness. As long as he moved beyond an enemy’s mana perception radius, he would be nearly impossible to track.

But Hutson wasn’t done yet.

He reached for two more spell tomes:

Dark Binding – A control-type spell under the dark energy domain. It restricted an enemy’s movements, though its effectiveness depended on the opponent’s strength.Dark Energy Surge – A burst-enhancing spell that absorbed vast amounts of dark energy particles from the surroundings, temporarily amplifying the caster’s raw power.

By the time he completed his purchases, he had acquired a total of fourteen spells, spending a staggering fifty-seven magic stones in the process.

But there was one more thing he needed.

He approached the counter once more and purchased twenty vials of Bloodhorn Bull’s blood, spending an additional four magic stones. Each vial contained enough blood for ten uses, ensuring he had ample supply for future battles.

As Hutson stepped forward to pay, the apprentice at the counter froze, eyes widening in disbelief.

It wasn’t the fact that Hutson could afford to spend sixty-one magic stones in a single purchase—it was the sheer number of spells he was buying.

Could he even learn them all?

Most apprentices struggled to master even a single new spell over the course of months. Yet here he was, buying them in bulk as if collecting trinkets.

But Hutson paid no mind to the apprentice’s reaction.

His path was set. His goal was clear.

The moment Moonlight Grove issued its next round of assignments, he had to be fully prepared for battle—ready to adapt to any scenario.

Now that he had advanced to a third-tier apprentice, it was only natural that he expanded his spell repertoire. Besides, anyone paying attention would know that he was Larry’s student. That affiliation alone would spare him many unnecessary complications.

The moment Hutson returned home, he wasted no time.

"AI chip, record all newly acquired spells."

A soft chime resonated in his mind as AI chip’s system came to life.

"Recording in progress..."

Minutes later, the process was complete. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Hutson picked up the tome for Hand of Fatigue.

"AI chip, begin constructing the spell model for Hand of Fatigue."

"Task logged. Execution commencing. Estimated time: eight minutes. Estimated mana consumption: 2%."

Hutson’s eyes narrowed. Eight minutes?

That was faster than before.

As his mental power grew, the efficiency of spell construction had dramatically improved. 1% of his mana today was far more potent than it had been in the past.

His advancement to third-tier apprentice had greatly enhanced AI chip’s analytical and computational abilities.

Even more importantly, he had previously recorded every book on the second floor of the library into AI chip’s system. This influx of knowledge had significantly boosted processing speed and efficiency.

Inside his mind, AI chip meticulously constructed the Hand of Fatigue spell model—executing each step with unparalleled precision.

Sure, Hutson could have done it manually, but even with his growing skill, he could never match AI chip’s speed or accuracy.

Eight minutes later.

"Hand of Fatigue spell model completed."

Hutson extended his right hand, murmuring two arcane syllables.

Dark energy coalesced around his palm, swirling invisible yet potent. At a glance, his hand looked unchanged—but the moment it touched a target, fatigue would sink into their bones, draining their strength and will.

With a mere thought, he dispersed the spell, then immediately began constructing the models for Mana Armor and Swift Stride.

Twenty minutes passed.

Hutson tested Swift Stride, feeling the rush of power surge through his body.

+4 Agility.

It doubled the boost of Blessing of the Wind Elves, though the effect only lasted one second.

Still, in combat, one second could mean the difference between life and death.

That afternoon, Hutson methodically constructed the remaining spell models, completing them all within mere hours.

Even full-fledged sorcerers would have found this feat impossible.

Each of these spells would typically take months—sometimes years—for an apprentice to master. Yet AI chip had completely erased the learning curve, transforming what was once an arduous process into a mere formality.

But mastery was one thing. Understanding precise numerical effects was another.

Hutson needed data.

Reaching into his satchel, he withdrew a glass vial of Bloodhorn Bull’s blood—its deep crimson hue shimmering ominously in the dim light.

Uncorking it, he poured a small drop into his palm.

Then, he invoked the spell.

A low, guttural incantation rolled from his lips, ancient syllables binding magic to flesh. As he channeled his mana into the blood, it sank into his skin, vanishing beneath the surface as though consumed by his body.

Then came the change.

A surge of power ignited within him.

Warmth spread from his left palm, rippling outward, flowing through his veins like liquid fire. His muscles tightened, expanded—his body thrumming with raw, untamed force.

"AI chip, scan my body."

"Hutson Merlin: Strength 8.0 (+2.8), Agility 7.1 (+1.7), Constitution 8.8 (+3.4), Mental Power 16.3, Mana Reserve 72%."

The numbers confirmed it—a tremendous physical boost.

And the duration?

"AI chip, estimate how long this effect will last."

"Estimated duration: forty-seven minutes."

Hutson smirked.

Forty-seven minutes.

More than enough time to turn the tide of battle.

Still riding the high of his enhanced strength, Hutson moved onto the next experiment.

His lips curled into a knowing smile as he uttered his next incantation.

"Blessing of the Mountain Elves."

A spectral glow enveloped him, forming into the translucent figure of an elven spirit—its form ethereal, its presence ancient.

The spirit hovered above him, eyes closed, arms crossed over its chest, its form untouched by garments, its body exuding an aura of primal power.

The blessing had begun.

And Hutson was ready to wield its might.

The path of power was one of constant refinement.

With each spell mastered, with every enhancement optimized, Hutson took another step toward becoming an unparalleled force in the world of sorcery.

And he was only getting started.

As the green spirit descended, it melded seamlessly into Hutson’s body.

For a fleeting moment, it felt as though his very essence was merging with an ancient force. A gentle warmth welled up from deep within his core, spreading through his veins like a rising tide—strengthening, expanding, awakening something primal within him.

A notification surfaced in his mind, brought forth by AI chip’s analysis:

Hutson Merlin:

Strength: 8.0 (+2.8) (+2.3)

Agility: 7.1 (+1.7) (+1.2)

Constitution: 8.8 (+3.4) (+3.5)

Mental Power: 16.3

Mana Reserve: 52%

The combined effects of Bloodhorn Bull’s Wrath and Blessing of the Mountain Elves had pushed his physical attributes to monstrous levels.

Hutson clenched his fists, feeling the raw power coursing through his limbs like a storm barely held in check.

With this level of strength, most third-tier sorcerer apprentices wouldn’t survive a direct blow from him. If they allowed him to get close—they were done for.

But strength alone wasn’t his only weapon.

On top of these terrifying enhancements, he had also mastered multiple shield spells.

In battle, he could layer himself with eight or nine defensive spells, stack multiple augmentations, and then charge straight into enemy ranks like an unstoppable force of destruction.

For an ordinary apprentice sorcerer, breaking through even one high-level shield would be difficult. But Hutson?

With this wall of barriers and enhancements, even non-apprentice sorcerers would struggle to halt his advance.

Yet, there was one major problem.

The mana cost.

"AI chip, calculate the total mana consumption for all shield spells and augmentation spells combined."

A moment later, AI chip’s answer echoed in his mind:

"Estimated mana consumption: 98%."

Hutson’s expression darkened.

Ninety-eight percent.

That was practically everything.

No sane sorcerer apprentice would adopt this kind of reckless battle strategy. Leaving himself with only 2% mana in a real fight? The risk was astronomical.

But then again... they didn’t have AI chip.

Most sorcerers lacked the time, resources, or ability to master this many spells in the first place. Their battle strategies were built around their limited arsenals.

Hutson was different.

Yet, even he wasn’t satisfied with this level of mana consumption.

Even with his formation array storing an extra 50% mana reserve, the sheer drain was still too extreme.

"Optimization is necessary."

Hutson would not accept inefficiency.

"AI chip, begin optimization. Focus on reducing mana consumption for Mana Armor, Bloodhorn Bull’s Wrath... all relevant spells."

"Task logged. Commencing execution..."

AI chip’s computational abilities surged into action, its intricate algorithms recalibrating the structural efficiency of each spell, searching for ways to reduce waste, streamline mana flow, and maintain maximum effectiveness with minimal drain.

The hours crept by.

The city outside lay shrouded in the stillness of the midnight hour, but within the confines of Hutson’s mind, AI chip worked relentlessly.

Until finally—

"Optimization complete. New estimated mana consumption: 67%."

Hutson exhaled slowly, satisfaction flickering in his gaze.

From 98% down to 67%.

A staggering 31% reduction—in just a few hours.

A feat that would have been impossible for ordinary sorcerers, who spent years refining spell efficiency through endless practice.

But Hutson?

With AI chip’s power, he had done it overnight.

And now, his unrelenting march toward mastery continued.