Chapter 57: New Meditation Technique!
Leonard straightened, listening intently. "Please explain, Teacher."
Alfonso nodded. "Long ago, the meditation methods wizards used were far simpler than what we practice today. Their primary purpose was to strengthen mental power; nothing more. They were straightforward but inefficient. Wizards had to spend countless hours outside of meditation manually constructing the frameworks of their spells. It was a tedious, time-consuming process."
His voice grew sharper as he continued. "Eventually, wizards began to see this as a waste of time. Building spell frameworks from scratch was a skill, yes, but one that slowed their progress significantly. They needed a better way; a method that would integrate spell construction directly into their meditative practice."
Alfonso gestured toward Leonard. "The meditation method I gave you is one of those improved techniques. It doesn't just strengthen your mental power; it constructs the spell framework as you meditate. That's why the Earth Ring Technique feels different to you. It's not just a spell you learned, it's a spell you 'built' as part of yourself."
Leonard's eyes widened slightly as the realization sank in. "So… it's a more natural connection. A spell created through meditation becomes an extension of the caster."
Alfonso nodded. "Precisely. That's why mastering meditation methods is so vital to a wizard's progress. Each spell framework you construct through meditation strengthens that bond, making the spell more efficient and intuitive to use."
"At first," Alfonso began, his tone measured yet firm, "some wizards believed the new meditation method was a waste of time. Others argued that the spiritual power purified through it was unstable; fragile, even."
He leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on Leonard. "But as time went on, the academies conducted experiments. They found that wizard apprentices who used this new meditation method mastered several more key spells in their early development compared to those stuck with the old method. And," he added with a wry smile, "there was no negative impact on their mental strength. Once the results were undeniable, this new meditation method was adopted and widely promoted."
Leonard nodded slowly, absorbing his words. The logic seemed sound; if anything, it explained why his mastery of spells felt so fluid.
Alfonso's expression softened. "But there's more to it than that. The spells conceived through meditation are not only more efficient; they're far superior in terms of proficiency and control."
Leonard tilted his head slightly, his curiosity piqued. "I've noticed they feel easier to cast, but… how much of a difference does it really make?"
Alfonso chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Do you think magic is truly mastered the moment you construct the spell framework?"
Leonard hesitated. "Isn't it? Constructing the framework means I can cast it, right?"
"No," Alfonso said firmly, his tone sharp enough to cut through Leonard's assumption. "Constructing a spell framework only means you've learned 'how' to cast it. That's the bare minimum. Real mastery comes from what you do beyond that, your ability to shape the spell to your will."
he raised a single hand, his index finger glowing faintly.
Suddenly, a small 'ball of light' appeared at his fingertips. The warm glow illuminated the dim room, its radiance gentle yet steady.
"Now watch carefully," Alfonso said.
The light began to shift, growing brighter and brighter until it was nearly blinding. Then, slowly, it dimmed, shrinking back down to a faint glimmer. The changes were fluid, seamless, controlled with an elegance that left Leonard momentarily speechless.
"The ability to manipulate a spell's power, to fine-tune it to your needs, is the mark of a skilled wizard," Alfonso explained. "Sometimes, the power of a spell isn't defined by the spell itself but by how much mental energy you pour into it."
Leonard's eyes widened as the realization hit him. He had always thought spells were rigid constructs, static tools with fixed effects. But this demonstration shattered that belief.
Alfonso gave him a small nod of approval. "Your ability to grasp this already places you above many apprentices. And from what I can tell, your mental strength has reached the standard of a second-level wizard apprentice."
His words made Leonard blink in surprise.
"You're not far behind the aristocratic apprentices who've been exposed to wizardry since childhood," he added. "Your talent is promising, even by the standards of the Wizard Continent."
Leonard felt a flicker of pride at the compliment, but before he could speak, Alfonso continued.
"There is only half a month left before the fleet arrives at the port," he said. "Use that time to prepare yourself. When the time comes, board the ship and focus on surviving the journey."
Leonard frowned slightly, confused. "Half a month? But didn't they say the fleet wouldn't arrive for another month and a half? Why is it arriving early?"
Alfonso's lips curled into a mysterious smile. "Let's just say I have my sources. Trust me, you don't want to miss it."
Before Leonard could press further, Alfonso raised his hand, and the ring on his finger gleamed with a soft light. In an instant, a 'magic book' materialized in the air, floating gently in his palm.
"Since you've completed the Earth Ring Meditation, it's time you advanced further." Alfonso handed the book to him. "This is your next meditation method."
Leonard accepted the book with both hands, his eyes drawn to its ornate cover. The title glimmered faintly in golden script: "Hellfire Meditation Method."
Alfonso leaned back on the sofa, waving his hand dismissively. "Now go. I have work to do, and you have studying ahead of you."
---
Back at home, Leonard placed the book on his desk, staring at it with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The words on the cover gleamed in the flickering light of his oil lamp, almost as if they were alive.
When he finally opened it, he was taken aback. The first page wasn't words, it was a moving image.
Leonard's breath caught as the image came to life. A 'stone giant' wreathed in emerald-green flames loomed over a fiery wasteland. Its massive body radiated raw power, the flames licking hungrily at the scorched earth around it.
As Leonard watched, the image began to shift and distort, the fiery giant dissolving into an intricate 'star map'. Thousands of stars glittered against a black void, their light forming complex, interwoven patterns.
Leonard's head throbbed as he tried to take it all in. The sheer intricacy of the star map was overwhelming; each connection, each detail felt vast and incomprehensible.
"If this meditation method represents a spell framework," he muttered, rubbing his temples, "then what kind of spell is it? A first-level spell? Or something even more advanced?"
Curiosity compelled him to turn the page, but as he tried, the book refused to budge. It was as though the remaining pages were fused together, bound by an unseen force. Leonard frowned, tugging lightly, but no amount of effort could move them.
"I can't see the rest until I start the meditation..." he realized.
Closing the book, Leonard leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. The image of the burning giant and the endless star map lingered in his thoughts, filling him with equal parts excitement and trepidation.
"Hellfire Meditation," he murmured, staring at the closed book. "Let's see what secrets you're hiding."
Leonard sat cross-legged on the floor of his alchemy laboratory, the faint glow of candlelight flickering across his focused face. For half a month, he had poured himself into practicing the 'Hellfire Meditation Method', and the results had been... humbling.
The 'difficulty' of this new meditation method was on an entirely different level compared to the 'Earth Ring Meditation Method'. Where Earth Ring Meditation had felt like constructing a sturdy foundation, Hellfire Meditation was akin to navigating a labyrinth while blindfolded. Each step demanded precision, willpower, and relentless focus.
But after weeks of struggle, Leonard finally began to unravel its mysteries. The framework was becoming clearer, its rhythm natural. The once-insurmountable complexity was giving way to understanding.
One evening, Leonard turned to the back of the 'Hellfire Meditation book', eager to see what awaited him. As he read, his expression shifted from intrigue to bewilderment and then to a sharp, exasperated glare.
"Damn price!" he cursed, slamming the book shut. "Of course, Alfonso! Of course, you'd conveniently leave that part out!"
He now understood why his teacher, who was infamous for emphasizing the 'price of power', had said nothing about the costs of this meditation method. She had planned for him to discover it himself.
---
On one of the final pages of the book, Alfonso's handwriting appeared, elegant yet mocking:
"My dear disciple, Leonard,
By the time you're reading this, I trust you've mastered the Hellfire Meditation. Congratulations! And, if you haven't realized it yet, I've already left Bangor Port. I sincerely hope we'll meet again one day, perhaps under more 'hellish' circumstances."
Leonard's jaw clenched as he read further:
"Let me tell you a little secret about your new meditation method. The 'Hellfire Meditation' is a core method of the 'Abyss Wizard Academy'. Yes, the academy where I now work. Completing this meditation method will grant you extra points during their admissions process."
Leonard's brows furrowed, his curiosity piqued despite himself.
"The Abyss Wizard Academy was established in the 'Sixth Wizard Era', and it remains one of the most prestigious institutions on the continent. Our motto? ''Conquest, Invasion, and War.'' Quite inspiring, isn't it? The academy has extensive ties to the Abyss Plane, offering practical courses such as 'Joint Invasion Operations' a unique experience, I assure you."
Leonard groaned audibly, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"You might wonder if you're a good fit for such a prestigious academy. Let me assure you: I see potential in you that even you don't recognize. You have a soul built for conquest, Leonard, and the Abyss Wizard Academy thrives on nurturing such individuals."
The tone of the letter shifted slightly as Alfonso's words grew more playful:
"Of course, there are… certain ''risks'' to practicing Hellfire Meditation as an unaffiliated wizard. Many academies frown on non-students mastering their proprietary methods. Let's just say it could get… unpleasant for you if you don't enroll. But, of course, the choice is yours."
Leonard slammed the book shut again, his mind racing.
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