Two months passed quickly.
"Sir! I want to purchase the crystal ball with the magic spell formulas!"
Leylin stood in front of Kroft, his voice steady but eager.
"Oh! You want to begin learning rank 0 spells?" Kroft sipped his steaming tea, his sharp eyes assessing Leylin.
"I have nearly finished constructing my mind runes, and there's only one more step needed before I advance to a level 2 acolyte. I wish to make some preparations for this beforehand!"
Kroft raised an eyebrow. "So soon? Your progress is equal to a fifth-grade talent. Being able to progress in both Potioneering and meditation, I am very gratified!" His gaze briefly flickered to Bicky, who stood nearby, her face slightly downcast. Unlike Leylin, she had yet to reach level 2, and her Potioneering talent was average at best.
"The academy price for the introduction to magic spell models is 30 magic crystals, but I will give it to you for 10." Kroft smiled lightly. "Although I could give you this information for free, I want you to understand that only effort leads to true results."
Leylin nodded, retrieving 10 black magic crystals from his waist pouch and placing them on the table. Their dark luster reflected the dim light.
"Very well! This is the crystal ball containing the introduction to magic spell models. You may study it, but remember—only practice after your promotion!"
Kroft handed over a fist-sized crystal ball. Golden symbols rippled inside, swirling in intricate patterns. Leylin took it carefully and pocketed it.
That night, deep within his dormitory, Leylin sat cross-legged on his bed, the crystal ball held in his palms.
"Magi have named the spells that acolytes can cast 'rank 0 spells' to distinguish them from the spells of full-fledged Magi."
Leylin focused as the information flowed into his mind.
"Whether level 2 or level 3, acolytes can only use rank 0 spells. However, true Magi can cast them without injury—this is a sign of their power."
"The principle of spell models is to construct a structure in one's mind using spiritual force. This model acts as a catalyst, attracting external energy particles and transforming them into a spell!"
Leylin clenched his fists.
"Constructing a spell model is difficult. Failure damages spiritual force, requiring weeks to recover. Even fifth-grade acolytes struggle. However, I can minimize my failures using the A.I. Chip!"
The night passed in intense contemplation.
By dawn, Leylin opened his eyes, his gaze sharp.
"I have finally advanced to level 2 acolyte! My energy particle capacity has increased several times over!"
[Beep! Spiritual force can now be quantified. Proceed with conversion?]
The A.I. Chip's mechanical voice echoed in his mind.
[The Host's spiritual force has increased, affecting the A.I. Chip. Processing speed enhanced!]
A virtual screen materialized before Leylin, displaying his updated stats.
[Leylin Farlier, Level 2 Acolyte]
Strength: 2.9
Agility: 3.1
Vitality: 3.0
Spiritual Force: 4.1
Status: Healthy
Leylin studied the figures. "Finally, my spiritual force is numerically represented. My other stats have mostly stagnated since I devoured the direwolf. It becomes harder to progress as ones attributes grow stronger."
He exhaled. "Radiation absorption has limits as well. I need alternative means for further enhancement."
Later that day, Leylin arrived at the district between the Academic Area and the Trading Post—a place where higher-tier goods were sold. The air was thick with an oppressive atmosphere, and the service here was notoriously unfriendly.
At a counter, a grave-looking old woman sat behind a glass case, her expression cold, her gaze hollow. The aura of a level 3 acolyte radiated from her.
Leylin bowed slightly. "Excuse me!"
Her voice was sharp and frigid. "What do you want?"
Leylin maintained a polite smile. "I'd like to browse the basic spell models."
The old woman barely looked at him before throwing a large, dusty tome onto the counter.
Leylin opened it. Rows of spell descriptions greeted him.
[Secondary Energy Fireball] – Summons a formidable fireball.
Prerequisite courses: Foundations of Negative Energy, Construction of Spell Models.
[Shadow Sphere] – Constructs a sphere of pure shadow energy for covert use.
Prerequisite courses: Necromancy Studies, Transfiguration.
[Acidic Aqua Shot] – Creates an acidic projectile with immense corrosive properties.
Prerequisite courses: Foundations of Negative Energy, Psychology.
[Umbra's Hand] – Forms a shadowy appendage to strike foes unseen.
Prerequisite courses: Shadow Studies, Basic Evocation.
Leylin's said, "I'll take Acidic Aqua Shot, Shadow Sphere and Umbra's Hand."
"Thirty magic crystals."
Leylin handed over the crystals, receiving three thick parchment books in return. The first bore the title Umbra's Hand in the Byron language.
With a final glance at the old woman, he turned and left. He had no desire to linger in that suffocating atmosphere.
...
In the dim candlelit glow of his room, Leylin observed the swirling liquid in his cauldron. The potion shimmered between a deep blue and a poisonous green, unstable and volatile. His fingers twitched as he carefully dropped in a pinch of Dark Serpent Powder.
Fsshh! The mixture settled, turning into a thick, dark red solution.
[Grade 1 Shadow Cloak Potion successfully synthesized.]
Leylin nodded, bottling the liquid into reinforced crystal vials. Shadow Cloak Potions were rare, capable of masking one's presence for a short period—a perfect asset for a dangerous mission.
He stored the vials in a small compartment of his enchanted pouch, taking note of his growing inventory.
Healing Potions: 6
Energy Recovery Potions: 4
Shadow Cloak Potions: 2
Toxic Mist Potions: 3
'Still not enough,' he thought. He needed more insurance before venturing outside the academy.
He plans to partake in the upcoming mission with Kaliweir's team, which was a necessary step. They were ambitious, striving toward Level 2 Acolytes.
For now, his priority remained mastering Umbra's Hand.
---
One Week Later
Leylin sat cross-legged on the stone floor of his dormitory, eyes closed, breathing steady. The A.I. Chip's monotonous voice echoed in his mind.
[Spell Model Analysis: 100% Complete.]
A faint smile tugged at Leylin's lips. 'Finally.'
He extended his right hand, fingers curling as he focused his Will. The surrounding light dimmed as wisps of black energy coiled around his palm, forming a spectral hand of pure darkness.
Umbra's Hand!
The shadowy appendage moved fluidly, its edges flickering like mist, yet Leylin could feel its power. It was an extension of his Will, capable of grasping, striking, or even crushing an enemy's throat from a distance.
He clenched his fist. The hand compressed, dissipating into the air.
[Spell successfully cast. Mana consumption: 2 units.]
The A.I. Chip provided detailed feedback on efficiency, stability, and areas for improvement, but Leylin was already satisfied. With this spell, his combat prowess increased significantly.
'Now, I just need to refine my execution and prepare for the mission.'
Few Months Later
Kaliweir's team had finally broken through to Level 2 Acolytes. Their progress had been slower than expected, but it didn't matter—Leylin had used this time wisely. His potion reserves were stocked, his spell mastery had improved, and most importantly, he had finalized his plans for leaving the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.
The battle between academies was approaching, and Kroft would surely arrange a way out for him. But Leylin didn't plan on waiting. The upcoming mission with Kaliweir's team was the perfect stepping stone.
'They think I'm following them for experience… but in reality, they are my way to maximize my benefits.'
His Soulbound Devourer ability was already eager to feast. The academy missions are unpredictable and dangerous in these turbulent times, Leylin doesn't want to fall in a vicious trap hence he decided to follow Kaliweir and his team since he is well aware of their encounters and struggles, it was his chance to increase his strength before leaving the academy for a while.
Leylin stood, adjusting his robes, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows across the stone walls. His preparations were complete.