บท 39: CH39
Five days later.
[Starry Sky Meditation Technique upgrade and optimization complete.]
Helag closed his eyes and began to meditate.
After the upgrade, the three and a half stars in his mind, which were previously scattered, were now connected.
Deep Blue added an auxiliary background, and Helag understood. It resembled the thousand matrix diagrams he had decrypted for the pocket watch, though with fewer points.
The three existing stars were positioned at several magic points on the first diagram. Helag calculated that the diagram had seven more magic points.
The three stars formed a continuous line, creating a corner of the matrix diagram.
During meditation, Helag noticed a faint connection between the three stars, significantly increasing his meditation speed.
The fourth star, which he had estimated would take a month to solidify, could now be completed within a week at this pace.
In addition to faster meditation, his magic flow also accelerated.
"Partial Petrification," Helag's right hand turned grayish-white.
"Deep Blue, how long did this spell take?"
[This Partial Petrification spell took 0.86 seconds.]
Helag pondered, "0.86 seconds, previously it took 1.3 seconds. That's a significant improvement."
A 0.5-second reduction was a substantial enhancement, crucial in combat situations.
"Completing the first matrix diagram should bring further changes."
Helag decided to enroll in more courses to provide Deep Blue with ample data and information.
Deep Blue's powerful data analysis capabilities meant that with enough input, it could achieve many things.
During the meditation upgrade period, Helag took the time to write another letter to Lilian.
Due to the rune stone restrictions in Moonlight Woodland, they still had to communicate via letters.
***
Five days later.
[Fundamentals of Spell Model Construction data recorded, spell model construction speed increased by 20%.]
[Herbology database updated, new potion material effects and uses added, new standard potion brewing procedures, new wolfsbane potion formula, and dittany healing potion formula added…]
In five days, Helag completed the Fundamentals of Spell Model Construction and Introduction to Herbology courses.
Meanwhile, he successfully meditated on the fourth star of the Starry Sky Meditation Technique.
[
Helag Merlin:
Strength 2.2,
Agility 2.0,
Constitution 3.0,
Spirit 6.9,
Magic 100%."
]
After this successful meditation, his other physical attributes also saw slight improvements.
"Two more stars to reach a second-class apprentice," Helag calculated.
Once his mental power reached the required level, he could attempt to break through to a second-class apprentice.
"Next… learning two spells." Currently, Helag only had Partial Petrification, lacking both offensive and defensive spells.
Level 0 spells typically had dedicated spell model books, like Partial Petrification.
Helag could buy them from official wizards or other wizard apprentices.
He thought of the bespectacled Leo and opened his rune stone to send a message: "Do you have any Level 0 spell models?"
After a while, Leo replied, "Yes, what type do you need?"
"One offensive and one defensive."
"I have Ice Spike, Small Fireball, Corrosive Arrow for offense, and Ice Shield for defense."
Leo then projected some diagrams, showing the spell models and brief descriptions.
"Ice Spike: High magic consumption, fast speed, strong attack, with freezing effect, less effective in hot areas."
"Small Fireball: High magic consumption, moderate speed, strong attack, with explosion and burning effects, cannot be cast underwater."
"Corrosive Arrow: Moderate magic consumption, very fast speed, strong attack, with corrosive effect."
"Ice Shield: High magic consumption, less effective against fire-based spells."
Helag skimmed through and asked, "How much?"
"Each costs two magic stones or three hundred gold coins."
"So expensive?" Helag hadn't expected Level 0 spells to be so pricey.
Leo replied, "That's the standard price. Compared to potion materials, Level 0 spell models are quite cheap. The prices are transparent; you can easily verify them."
"New apprentices usually can't afford Level 0 spells right away. They typically do tasks to earn magic stones before learning them."
"For tasks, prioritize those rewarding magic stones. Gold coin tasks are easier but slower."
Helag visited the tavern and searched for Level 0 spells, confirming the prices.
He messaged Leo, "I'll take Corrosive Arrow, paying in gold coins."
"Okay, I'll bring it over. Where do you live?"
"Room 443."
Ten minutes later, Leo arrived with a thick book and a pile of notes.
He also lived in the Northern Forest, not far away.
"Here's the Corrosive Arrow spell model. These notes are my previous calculations, for reference."
Leo's notes were filled with dense parameters and formulas, meticulously organized.
"Here's three hundred gold coins. Count them," Helag said, feeling a pang as his coin pouch lightened significantly.
Lilian probably hadn't expected Helag to burn through gold coins so quickly.
Leo adjusted his glasses and used magic to make the coins jump into his pocket one by one.
"Transaction complete. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'm available to help when I'm not busy. Corrosive Arrow can be tricky," Leo said, preparing to leave after counting the coins.
"Thanks a lot," Helag said, seeing Leo to the door.
Closing the door, Helag remarked, "Didn't expect after-sales service. Leo has a researcher vibe."
Leo's attire, apart from the robe provided by the Woodland, was simple coarse cloth. His hurried demeanor suggested he was engrossed in spell research.
Helag guessed Leo's life was likely frugal, hence his flea market stall.
The wizarding profession was indeed costly. Helag now had just over two hundred gold coins and one magic stone, enough for another Level 0 spell.
No suitable defensive spells were available; Ice Shield seemed too limited, and many knew Small Fireball, making it less advantageous.
Among the offensive spells, he ruled out Small Fireball since his ring already had it, though it cast slower.
Ice Spike wasn't ideal for prolonged combat due to high magic consumption, given his limited mental power and magic.
Thus, he chose Corrosive Arrow for its versatility.
Though he didn't need Leo's notes, as Deep Blue could handle all calculations and spell model construction, he still read them thoroughly, appreciating Leo's meticulous logic.
"Deep Blue, start recording Corrosive Arrow data and begin constructing the spell model."
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