I always go for level 3 neatness and level 0 alchemy. However, it is important to note that a mage thrives on knowing what spells to use and what spells to level up.
For example, this is my usual set of spells:
1. Defensive spells.
Stone Skin
Healing
Magic Spring
God Armor
Slow
Target (it's defensive, really)
Time Back
2. Offensive spells.
Flaming Arrow
Poison Skull
Geyser
Death Star
3. Support spells.
Eviln
Resurrection
Haste
Calm Rage
Sacrifice
Trap
Phantom
4. Other not-so useful but nice to have spells:
Battle Cry
Dragon Arrows
Call Phoenix
Oil Mist
Awaken Dragon
Demon Portal or Nature Call (fresh corpses for eviln)
I rarely use more than what I put here, but I guess I will have to try out the new spells as well, so some crystals are bound to fall there as well.
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