So each spell in the game (be it weapon spells or magic spells) seem to have 3 ranks, and each rank has 3 sub-options you can train the spell in for things like reducing the mana cost, enhancing the radius, etc. However, when you upgrade from the 1st rank of the spell into the 2nd rank, you seem to keep the original 1st rank as a unique spell, and start a brand new rank of that spell that you can then hotkey separately from the 1st rank. I guess I am a little confused by this element. If I replace my rank 1 fire arrow with my rank 2, am I starting over completely with this new rank of the spell, or do the sub-options that I chose in the 1st rank apply cumulatively to the 2nd rank as well? I suppose if one gets enough crystals to flesh out every skill to the max it's less of an issue, but if not it seems terribly wasteful to bother fleshing out the sub-options of each spell rank. So far the game has been pretty generous with the crystals but I am wondering if I should diversify my spells vs. maxxing out each rank completely...

Your second rank spell might take a little more mana at first, but the payoff of the more powerful spell makes it worth it. As noted, you'll be able to spend crystals to make the level 2 spells even more effective.

Thank you for the reply, since (the Steam version anyway) didn't have a manual I wasn't sure. Not that the game really needs a manual except for a couple minor questions like this .