NOVPUB
Chapter 42: 009: Magic
Looking at the newly added two spell lists on the panel, Lynch felt delighted. It wouldn’t take long before he could master two new spells.
These two Dark Element spells had left a deep impression on him, especially the Dark Corrosion Impact. The intense pain of corrosion still lingered in his memory.
"Another spell from the Dark Element Magic System—seems I really have a fate with this domain."
Wizards in the Magic System are generally divided into three main systems: the Spell System, the Body Refining System, and the Spiritual System.
From these three systems, various magic classifications further branch out.
For example, spells from the Six Elements System; biological modification and bloodline fusion from the Refining System; curses, fate, and spiritual control from the Spiritual System.
The Dark Element is one of the Six Elements under the Spell System, with the remaining five being Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Light, commonly referred to as the Basic Elements.
From these six Basic Elements, various sub-elements can be derived—for instance, Water evolves into Ice, Wind evolves into Lightning, Fire combined with Earth results in Metal, and Water, Earth, and Light together produce Plant-based elements. Elemental changes are indeed endless.
The Shadow Touch Lynch learned earlier is derived from the Shadow Element, which originates from the Dark Element lineage. Now, adding these two spells, all three spells he has mastered so far are Dark Element spells.
"Focusing solely on one elemental type isn’t ideal; it’s necessary to explore other elements as well."
Wizards face no significant restrictions when learning elemental magic and can study multiple elements simultaneously. However, it’s best to avoid learning opposing elements—like studying Water Element spells if one has already mastered Fire Element spells.
This is because, during the learning of elemental spells, the wizard’s body undergoes elemental-influenced changes. A wizard specializing in Fire Element may find it difficult to grasp Ice Element, not to mention the risk of spiritual power disorder and potential unknown consequences.
Moreover, the elemental influence on the body can manifest in personality changes. Fire Element users may become prone to irritability, Ice Element users may develop extreme tendencies, while Dark Element users may slowly grow morose and lifeless.
Because of this, many wizards avoid focusing solely on one type of elemental magic. Consequently, two schools of thought on elemental spells emerged within the Wizard World.
One believes in mastering multiple elements, which can not only balance one’s body but also unlock elemental combinations for greater power.
The other faction firmly believes that true Elemental Wizards should focus solely on one element and reject all others, claiming this is the only way to achieve the absolute pinnacle of power.
Lynch wasn’t sure which philosophy was ultimately correct. However, as far as he was concerned, he preferred the former approach. If he were forced to learn only one spell, it would surely be quite boring.
[Dark Corrosion Impact Proficiency +2]
[Dark Whip Proficiency +3]
After completing a round of learning both Dark Element spells, Lynch picked up the Basic Netherworld Studies book and began reading.
Necromancy merges Spiritual knowledge with Dark Element studies, though strictly speaking, it relies even more heavily on Spiritual knowledge.
The book on Netherworld Studies before him mostly covered introductory foundational knowledge. Learning this would provide Lynch with a basic understanding of Necromancy.
Among the spells hoarded by Richard were several Necromancy spells, but those all required foundational knowledge of Netherworld Studies. To learn them, Lynch first needed to grind his proficiency in the subject.
[Basic Netherworld Studies Proficiency +3]
Watching the proficiency metrics slowly rise on the system list, a faint smile curved on Lynch’s lips. "Necromancy combined with Biological Transformation... I’m excited to see what kind of magical creations I can develop."
Aside from his thirst for Magic Knowledge, Lynch’s unique talents were another reason for studying Necromancy.
Biological Transformation and Necromancy are naturally synergistic. For instance, he could graft his Pea Shooter onto a Zombie’s body, transforming it into a mobile turret, or he could continuously modify certain undead to turn them into powerful Undead Creatures.
Even as Lynch casually mused about this, countless ideas flickered through his mind.
Perhaps, if luck favored him someday, he could excavate a set of giant dragon bones—or, using Biological Transformation, piece together a complete dragon skeleton. He could even attempt summoning a Bone Dragon.
Riding a massive pale Bone Dragon engulfed in blazing Soul Flames as it soared through the skies—just picturing it sent a thrill down his spine.
"Yawn—"
After finishing one unit of study, Lynch couldn’t help but let out a yawn. A deep exhaustion emanated from his Sea of Consciousness. Checking the panel, he found that his spiritual power had been nearly depleted through successive exertions.
Instead of attempting to recover it immediately, Lynch planned to catch some sleep.
"Better rest up to prepare for tomorrow’s gathering."
Just as Lynch had predicted earlier, the results of the apprentice examinations would be announced at the gathering tomorrow.
Following the announcement, the Tower would also publicly commend a few exceptional apprentices during the assembly.
Lynch had a strong hunch that one of those commendations would likely include his name. To avoid making a fool of himself, he figured it would be wise to rest up properly.
He tidied up the table briefly—
Though there wasn’t much to tidy, as the desk was already neat. The only item he placed back into the cabinet was a Magic Potion Bottle, containing a viscous black liquid resembling crude oil.
This liquid was none other than the revenge mark previously affixed to him.
After acquiring the Soul-Washing Water, Lynch successfully removed the mark from his body. Normally, this dirty water should have been discarded, after which it would gradually be absorbed by nature and completely vanish.
However, Lynch was intrigued by the magical mechanism of such marks, so he specifically refined the liquid to study at a later time.
Of course, when studying it, he would proceed with extreme caution and thorough protective measures. Otherwise, accidentally contaminating himself might lead to another 3,000 Magic Stone fiasco, a situation where even crying wouldn’t help.
After finishing all preparations, Lynch lay down on his rarely-used bed. Yet, instead of falling asleep immediately, he picked up a black leather-bound notebook to read.
This item was another piece of Richard’s legacy, but it wasn’t anything particularly valuable—it was...
[October 19th, Sunny.]
[Today, Barton the glutton ate an entire raw goat. What else does that pig know besides eating? If it weren’t for his family background, he wouldn’t even deserve to carry my shoes!]
Yes, Richard had a habit of keeping a diary.
On reflection, it wasn’t surprising. Judging by his personality, he was hardly a serious individual.
This little habit turned out to be quite helpful for Lynch, as it confirmed his earlier suspicion—Richard had indeed experienced a fortuitous encounter.
[March 20th, Stormy.]
[Damn it! The storm’s getting worse. Boarding this old three-masted ship was a grave mistake.]
[No, to be precise, I should never have trusted that second-hand treasure map!]
...
Meanwhile, at the Shadow Tower, within the Third Church.
Having just returned from a trip, Leonard stepped into his office and dusted off his coat, handing it to Graham, who carefully hung it on a nearby rack.
Leonard then handed Graham a Gem Box and instructed him with caution, "Lock this securely in the second shelf of my office cabinet."
Graham eyed the Gem Box in his hands. It was rectangular, approximately 20 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide, made of the highly precious Dragon Scale Gem, with flame patterns etched on its surface.
The Dragon Scale Gem excelled at insulating against high temperatures, yet Graham still felt it radiating a faint warmth.
Curious, he asked, "Master, what’s inside this box?"
Leonard replied, "The Warrior Feather."
"What!"
Graham’s eyes widened in shock, and the other apprentices in the office quickly gathered around.
"The Warrior Feather? Impossible! Is it real?"
"Master, which apprentice is so fortunate to have earned the Judges’ approval?"
The Warrior Feather required a unanimous vote from all seven Judges before being granted, a fact widely known within the Shadow Tower. 𝑛𝘰𝑣𝑝𝑢𝑏.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Since the feather had already been issued, there was no need for secrecy. Leonard casually explained, "It’s for the apprentice who killed the Black Wizard last time. The Witch Master personally reviewed the nomination. I’ll present it to him at tomorrow’s gathering."
The office suddenly fell silent.
The apprentices, as if under the influence of some Spiritual System magic, collectively turned their gazes toward Graham.
As for Graham, his complexion turned pale as paper.
His legs trembled violently...
