[Veilstrider Duchy, Duskere City, Duke Eldric's Mansion]
In the middle of a spacious training room, Ian sat on a futon, concentrating deeply. Although the room was called a training room, apart from the ample space, good air, and tranquility, there was nothing noteworthy. It was truly desolate.
However, Ian wasn't one to complain and focused intensely as he constructed a zero-ring spell model: Feather Fall.
This was the last zero-ring spell he was learning as a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice since his ntal capacity was already as compact as it could get.
As he slowly guided his ntal power to form the structure, the spell ca into existence. With all his previous practice, he was now truly proficient.
"Hah... finally..."
Ian exhaled heavily while rubbing his forehead, as quite a bit of ntal power had been consud this ti.
"Tch... I really thought learning spells was easy?"
He mumbled in annoyance, recalling how he overestimated himself 20 days ago thinking that learning spell model was easy. Well, it might also be because of the way the System constructed the first-ring spell model in his mind quite fast.
Yes, it had been 20 days since he started practicing the zero-ring spell model he had separated in his bedroom.
At first, he thought it would be easy to learn since it was only a basic spell model. But while thinking about that, he seriously forgot where he was.
This was the barren continent of Gravethrone, where mana was scarce. He couldn't find treasures with mana here; where could he possibly find ones that could restore his ntal power?
That was a serious miscalculation in his ti.
When he first constructed the zero-ring spell model 'Fireball Seed' in his mind, his ntal power was so drained that he slept the entire day like a baby. It even alard his parents.
After realizing he could do nothing to replenish his depleting ntal power than to let it restore normally, he learned his lesson and began to practice spells while taking breaks.
He even moved to this training ground and asked others not to disturb him during practice. Still, it took him nearly 20 days to learn a total of eight zero-ring spell models.
In a way, it was still impressive.
'Fireball Seed, Frost Snap, Ice Shard, Magic Missile, Tidal Push, Aqua Barrier, Mage Shield, and Feather Fall.'
Ian looked into his consciousness at the scattered complex structures and counted them one by one.
'I think this is enough.'
He could feel he was at his absolute limit. Learning eight zero-ring spells as a Second-Class Wizard Apprentice was already praiseworthy, not to ntion he still had the first-ring spell model, Inferno Blast, in his mind.
As far as he knew, normal First-Class Wizard Apprentices could only learn two zero-ring spell models—one for attack and one for defense—while Second-Class Apprentices could increase that number by four more, depending on their ntal capacity.
So, he was at least at the forefront.
"Fireball Seed!"
"Swoosh!"
Ian silently chanted the spell while using a little mana from his body.
A small fiery red fireball that looked like a seed appeared in his hand. Although it was small, Ian could feel the intense heat it radiated, and he knew he could direct it with his ntal power as he wished.
'Sigh! How I wish I could train with all my spells to my heart's content.'
Ian couldn't help but sigh as he hurriedly dispelled the fireball. Due to the lack of mana in this barren place, he had a hard ti using the spells he had just learned.
He even had to shalessly ask his father for a bit of honey to increase his mana reserve.
Now he understood why Ron and Ethos were so thrifty with their spells and avoided unnecessary combat.
'Looking at this, Bloodline spells and skills are much better, aren't they?'
Ian thought for a mont but then dismissed the idea. Although it seed like using those skills cost nothing, as Lyra demonstrated earlier, they actually taxed the body.
Moreover, without supplents afterward, the situation could beco as bad as a wizard without mana—or even worse.
'But the Ignisia Tower should have enough mana. Learning these spells ahead of ti isn't a bad decision.'
Ian thought of the place that was set to open in ten days. Ron had already inford him that everything was ready, and the news had spread across the continent.
Aside from the forbidden zones, only Ignisia Tower still held mana, as it was used to train new seedlings.
As far as Ian knew, Ignisia Tower had been established long before this place beca mana-less. It still contained treasures and mana reserves that could help soone beco a wizard apprentice in this barren land. There was no need to risk entering the Ashen Sanctum like he had.
Once the quota was decided, candidates from across the continent would flock to Ignisia Tower to be tested for wizard qualifications.
Those with the qualifications would receive a basic ditation thod, essential knowledge, and entry to the tower, where they could access mana and treasures.
Those without the qualifications would be sent back, wasting the quota. But that was the nature of the test. Over the years, the Calvora Continent had paid less attention to this place as ti eroded their past connections.
Ignisia Tower was also dwindling in resources due to continuous consumption and no replenishnt.
It was easy to see their intentions by sending only one First-Ring Wizard like Ron for the test. Although Ron seed powerful, he was actually an old man, just like Ethos—only slightly better because of unequal resource distribution.
"It's ti to leave."
Ian quickly sifted through his mories, organized his thoughts, and prepared to leave the training room.
These weeks of learning spell models had been hectic. Although he didn't coop himself up entirely, the cycle of resting, practicing, and repeating had been monotonous. Moreover, after learning the spells, he couldn't even test them properly.
Ian truly understood what it felt like to be stifled. The only comfort during this ti had been Lyra, who stayed behind with him instead of leaving with her parents.
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