Carl concealed the true situation.
He had indeed lost consciousness, but only for a brief period.
Before the raging fire could consu everything, he had regained consciousness, casually searched Miles’s body, and obtained this Gemstone Ring from the corpse.
As a noble, he had the privilege of not being searched, so it had remained hidden on his person and undiscovered.
But this could not escape the perception of an Advanced Wizard Apprentice.
"A Demonized Item."
Adolf took the ring. Gently caressing the gemstone, a look of regret appeared in his eyes. "It’s been enhanced with the Zero-Circle Magic, Banshee’s Howl, capable of deterring beings below the Knight level, and even sowhat effective against Knights themselves. Unfortunately, it’s sowhat damaged and might not be usable many more tis."
Compared to when Carl had initially obtained it, the azure gem was much duller and had several cracks on its surface.
Utilizing a Demonized Item to perform witchcraft would consu its durability.
"For this Demonized Item, I can offer two Magic Stones, or..." Adolf began, "exchange it for a Zero-Circle Magic."
"I choose witchcraft," Carl replied imdiately.
"A wise choice." Adolf nodded. He took out a piece of parchnt and pointed to it. "You can choose one from here."
Carl bowed his head to look at the parchnt.
It listed six types of witchcraft: Arcane Missile, Lesser Mage’s Hand, Lesser Spell Force Field, Poisoning Spell, Dazing Spell, and a Paralysis Spell.
Only their nas were given.
"Tutor," Carl began, frowning. "Could you introduce these types of witchcraft?"
Based solely on the nas, he could only guess their purposes, unsure of their mastery difficulty, specific power, or effects. And so of the witchcraft nas were not easy to guess.
"Carl." Adolf gently shook his head. "This is your first lesson: in the world of Wizards, all knowledge cos at a price. Including introductions to witchcraft."
Clearly, he was not planning to provide explanations without compensation.
"This..." Carl knitted his brows. After pondering for a mont, he said, "When I fought Miles, an invisible force protected him. I want to learn that witchcraft."
At that ti, Miles had perford three types of witchcraft. One was applying a sharp halo to his blade, which could easily cut through flesh. The second was an invisible force field capable of distorting attacks and affecting others. The third was a ntal attack perford using a Demonized weapon.
Compared to the other two, Carl was more interested in mastering the second, as that type of witchcraft could save his life; surviving danger was key.
"You are very astute." Adolf highly appreciated Carl’s response. "That witchcraft is called Lesser Spell Force Field. It’s the best value among these six Zero-Circle Magics, and you can learn corresponding advanced witchcraft later."
"Tim!"
"Tutor," Tim stepped forward.
"Take him to get the witchcraft book," Adolf commanded. Then, turning to Carl, he added, "By the witness of the Nine Rings Tower, any witchcraft learned from cannot be taught to others without my permission, until my life ends."
Although he didn’t ntion the consequences of teaching the witchcraft to others without authorization, they would likely be unpleasant.
"Yes," the two responded in unison.
As they left the side hall, Tim led the way, comnting, "Once you’re familiar, you’ll find that the Tutor is actually easy to talk to. Don’t think he’s too harsh."
"Not at all," Carl shook his head. "I think this is quite good."
If a stranger were overly friendly, he would instead be suspicious of their intentions. Adolf handled things transactionally, which was beyond reproach.
"That’s good then." Tim nodded and stopped in front of a wall where a painting hung, depicting an elegantly dressed, dignified woman.
"Jina," he spoke to the portrait, "please open the door."
"Tim, it’s been so days." As Carl watched in astonishnt, the woman in the painting animated her eyes and waved at him. "Young man, you’re new!"
"This... this..." Carl’s eyes went wide as he stamred, "The painting is talking?"
"Ignorant," the woman in the painting rolled her eyes and said. "I am a magic servant, created by a real Wizard’s spell-casting, and I am Adolf’s heirloom. It seems you’ve just touched the surface of the Wizard world."
"Yes," Tim nodded. "Carl is a student recently taken on by the Tutor. I’m here to help him pick up so books."
"Alright then!" The woman in the painting shrugged and, with a slight wave of her hand toward the side, the wall itself moved aside, revealing an opulent study that could rival a library.
Witnessing such a scene for the first ti, Carl stood there stunned, walking forward as if pulled by strings.
"General Introduction to Force Field Knowledge, Arcane Principles, Universal Rules for Wizards, and also Deep Sea ditation thod." Tim pulled books one by one from the shelf and stacked them in Carl’s arms. "Wizards seek knowledge, truth. Each Wizard has a study—soday you will have one too."
"Hmm!" Carl grunted, looking at the books in his hands, each as thick as a large dictionary, his face bitter. "I don’t have to learn all of these, do I?"
How long would that take?
"You may not master them, but you must know them," Tim said seriously. "Neither ditation thods nor witchcraft tolerate any carelessness. Otherwise, it might not just be your own life at stake."
"Don’t find it too troubleso. Later you can learn speed writing to help with your studies and save ti. But rember, rembering is one thing, and understanding is another; there is a big difference between the two."
"Then..." Carl frowned. "Generally speaking, how long does it take to learn a witchcraft spell?"
"That varies from person to person." Tim paused, tapping his walking stick before replying, "So people might learn a Zero-Circle Magic in a few months, while others might take several years. So might never master one in their lifeti."
"Like ... The first spell I learned was Arcane Missile, which took a full half year. The second one went much faster with experience."
"Ah!" Carl stared in disbelief.
He had not anticipated it taking so long; it appeared learning witchcraft was much more complex than mastering swordsmanship.
"You needn’t rush learning witchcraft now," Tim said. "First, learn the ditation thod. Once you have a basic grasp of it and your spiritual power is stable, then you’ll be qualified to learn witchcraft."
"Let’s go!"
"Tim... Senior Brother Tim," Carl said, hurrying to keep up. "How long will it take to get started with the ditation thod?"
"Talent varies, so the ti needed varies as well," Tim explained casually. Unlike his Tutor Adolf, who always brought up money, Tim seed to consider this common knowledge for any Wizard Apprentice. "For a first-tier talent, it takes at most half a month to get started; for a second-tier, at least two to three months. My talent is third-tier, and back then, it took a year to get started with the ditation thod."
Carl fell silent. Although Tim hadn’t specified how long it would take for a fourth-tier talent, it was clear it would take even longer than for a third-tier. His expression turned extrely unpleasant.
"Don’t worry," Tim reassured, seeing his troubled look. "I was very young when I learned the ditation thod, hardly understanding anything. Adults have stronger comprehension abilities, so it should presumably take less ti. Maybe you could master the ditation thod in a few months. Besides, talent only matters at the Wizard Apprentice level; once you beco an Official Wizard, it no longer matters."
Though he said so, he was rely trying to be comforting and didn’t actually think Carl had a chance of becoming an Official Wizard. Fourth-tier talent... Only slightly better than the fifth-tier, which was barely enough to beco a Wizard Apprentice. His potential was really too low!
Carl kept quiet.
On the way back, he carried a stack of books, his mind unsettled, a multitude of thoughts swirling.
The strange Wizard’s Book! Mysterious Wizards! Miraculous witchcraft! Talking paintings!
It was like suddenly stepping into a wondrous world, scene after scene of unprecedented sights unfolding before his eyes.
No matter what, I possess a talent for becoming a Wizard that surpasses many others. I might as well try to practice the ditation thod for now.
Carl was not discouraged.
Though his talent wasn’t great, he had a Golden Finger, after all.
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