Aozaki Aoko Case File

Aside from the attribute and spell slot bonuses with her level increase, Aoko also gained two additional daily spell preparation slots. This expands her daily spell pool, giving her more options for handling various situations—a definite cause for celebration.

In terms of feats, since she gained a level in the Archmage class, she acquired an additional metamagic feat. She subconsciously selected this feat before disconnecting from the magic network. After careful consideration, she realized that her second metamagic feat was Spell Empowerment. This feat allows her to increase the damage of any spell with variable power by half when using Spell Empowerment, though it requires a spell slot two levels higher than usual.

For example, if her Fireball spell originally requires a 3rd-level spell slot to deal 10 points of damage, after applying Spell Empowerment, she can cast it with a 5th-level spell slot to unleash a Fireball with 15 points of damage. Combined with the Heightened Spellcasting feat she previously obtained, she can now empower Fireball, then use heightened casting with a 6th-level spell slot, creating a "super Fireball" that deals even more damage and has a wider area than the empowered version. Despite these enhancements, the spell remains fundamentally a Fireball.

However, such metamagic techniques come with a trade-off. If the empowered attack fails to eliminate her enemies, the increased resource cost may pose a significant endurance issue in prolonged battles.

With her new level in the Archmage class, Aoko also gained a unique ability. Since her Archmage level is only 1, she receives just one ability from this class: School Specialization. This ability enables Aoko, as an Archmage, to forgo further study in necromancy spells, enhancing her learning capabilities and speed in other magic schools. As Aoko didn't select a specialized or opposed school before becoming an Archmage, necromancy is her only opposed school—an ideal starting condition.

Beyond these quantifiable abilities, Aoko senses that her body has undergone some indescribable changes. After careful examination, she couldn't pinpoint the specifics. She wonders if these changes reflect an increase in one of her base attributes other than intelligence, which she can quantify from her daily spell preparation and class level. Could it be that her perception or constitution has strengthened? Or perhaps her strength?

With such questions in mind, Aoko began her daily spell preparation routine.

[Cut Scene]

About twenty minutes later, Aoko stepped out of her room and entered the living room on the first floor of the Kuonji residence. She immediately noticed Alice sitting on the sofa, sipping tea and casting a rather resentful gaze in her direction.

"Did I do something to upset Alice?"

Aoko wondered, quickly searching her memory for any secrets that might have been exposed. Their awkward silence lingered until Aoko caught a barely audible sound from Alice's direction—a faint "gurgle."

"I'll go prepare breakfast right now!"

Realizing why her friend looked so put out, Aoko hurried to the kitchen, donned an apron, and started making breakfast.

After checking the fridge, she decided on a simple yet satisfying menu to avoid further delaying her hungry friend. About half an hour later, a delicious breakfast spread was ready: coffee, toasted sandwiches (fried eggs, lettuce, ham, mayonnaise, and American cheese), hash browns, and half a pot of milk. Though calorie-dense, this was hardly a concern for two mages with high energy demands.

Aoko took off her apron and wheeled the breakfast cart into the dining room, where Alice sat in her usual spot. Alice wordlessly closed her book and looked out the window, still visibly sulking.

Smiling slightly, Aoko wasn't fazed by Alice's minor temper. Compared to when they first met, Alice had become much gentler toward her; gone was the prickly, distant girl of the past. Of course, achieving this change hadn't come easily. Aoko had employed her culinary skills and a constant stream of delicious meals to win over her often lonely, takeout-dependent friend. Thinking back on those days, she mused about how far they'd come.

Lost in thought, Aoko set the fragrant breakfast on the table, pouring coffee for both herself and Alice. Sugar and milk were placed nearby for Alice to adjust to her taste. They began eating in a comfortable silence, sharing an unspoken understanding.

"Today's breakfast is a bit plain…"

Alice thought, a hint of dissatisfaction in her mind. Still, since both had stayed up late the previous night, a simpler breakfast was understandable—plus, she was quite hungry.

"It's delicious, so I'll forgive Aoko," Alice decided as she took small bites of the hash browns.

Aoko's eating style was always hearty—not lacking in manners but rather showing a perfect balance of speed and grace, like an efficient professional. Watching her eat was oddly satisfying, and Alice found herself sneaking glances as Aoko tackled her sandwich, making her hunger grow.

Aoko seems a bit different today…? Alice pondered. Is there something unusual about her?

Akoi's every move seemed more elegant and captivating than usual. Though her appearance hadn't changed, Alice's thoughts darkened as she considered an incorrect conclusion: since Aoko appeared fine, could the problem be with herself?

With this unsettling idea, Alice furrowed her brow, lost in serious self-reflection.