Chapter 4
Ron gazed at the vast ocean, his determined expression gradually morphing into one of greed and longing. "This ocean teems with formidable creatures. If only I could eliminate them, I could attain remarkable power."
In the world of magi, magical creatures abounded, and Ron possessed the capability to siphon strength from them. "It's not limited to magical creatures alone; perhaps I could grow stronger by eliminating humans as well."
Sigh
On the horizon, three colossal white ships approached, casting a massive shadow over the entire camp. It felt as though darkness itself had descended upon the land.
"Oh! Look!" "My God!" "How beautiful!" The others in the camp marveled at the abnormal spectacle, raising their heads in awe.
The three dirigibles continued their approach and slowly descended outside the camp. Thunderous roars filled the air as the pristine white dirigibles settled on the ground. Their doors swung open, and white-robed Magi disembarked, while a few elderly figures from the camp engaged in conversations with them.
"Alright! Gather your belongings and follow me. Do not wander off on your own!" a voice instructed.
Ron boarded the dirigible bound for the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. The journey began, and he mainly kept to himself, maintaining a considerable distance from the other acolytes. The voyage featured the conflict between Jayden and Kailweir, as well as an attack by magical creatures, which the Magi ultimately subdued.
...Six Months Later...
"We have arrived at the Abyssal Bone Moor! Attention to all acolytes of the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy! Please gather your belongings and exit the dirigible in an orderly fashion!" an announcement echoed through the cabins.
"We've finally arrived?" Ron packed his belongings and swiftly exited the confined space where he had spent the past month.
Finally, Ron had reached his destination, marking the beginning of his journey in the magical world. He followed Dorotto alongside the other students. Their group encountered a raven, which Ron later consumed, thanks to Dorotto.
"After I become an acolyte, I must claim the lives of these creatures to grow stronger before the Academy Wars begin," Ron contemplated.
Upon arriving at a vast graveyard, Dorotto spoke, "Welcome to your home of shadow and death – Abyssal Bone Forest. Our Abyssal Bone Forest Academy was established in the Gregorian Year 324, nearly a thousand years ago. Our founder is Merlin Falek Driwilc."
Dorotto guided them to an area for selecting mentors. Students were sorted one by one, and Ron chose to pay, avoiding undue attention. He selected Mentor Kroft from the Department of Potioneering, specializing in medicine, herbalism, and energy neutralization.
Subsequently, Ron followed a shadow slave through corridors, large halls, and a garden. The slave led him to an experimental lab and then vanished, leaving Ron outside.
A middle-aged man's voice emanated from the lab, "Ron, huh? Enter!"
Ron complied, finding a middle-aged man with white hair and a white robe embroidered with golden patterns.
"I'm Kroft. I've heard about you from the shadow slave. Are you willing to become my apprentice?" Kroft asked.
"I am willing," Ron replied eagerly.
"Good! Since these are the school's arrangements, I'll accept you as my disciple," Kroft declared. He then discussed the importance of initiation with Ron, who had prior knowledge.
Kroft continued, "Now, let us begin the rites. Don't be afraid; it's straightforward. Give me your hand."
Ron offered his hand, and Kroft initiated a series of ancient incantations, which Ron followed.
"Congratulations on becoming an acolyte!" Kroft congratulated Ron.
Ron examined his hands. The rites had seemingly altered his perception of the world, although he couldn't pinpoint the exact changes.
[Anomaly detected in Host's brainwaves!] the A.I. Chip reported.
"Have you received the meditation technique from the crystal ball? You should be able to absorb the information now," Kroft said.
"Tomorrow, arrive here at six in the morning," Kroft instructed. "You may leave now, but remember, do not wander."
"I'll comply, Mentor," Ron replied and left the experimental lab.
In his room, Ron prepared for further study, his stomach satiated. He activated the crystal ball, and his eyes clouded over.
[A data interface has been found. Begin transmission?] the A.I. Chip inquired.
"Commence," Ron ordered, and a searing pain flooded his mind.
The pain accompanied a deluge of images and words, the first being "Elementary Meditation Technique." This information inexplicably imprinted itself in Ron's mind.
After enduring the agony, Ron emerged feeling groggy. "A.I. Chip, defragment the data for the Elementary Meditation Technique."
After defragmentation, the information yielded no surprising insights. Ron then instructed the A.I. Chip to analyze the First Mind Rune. After a lengthy wait...
[First Mind Rune analysis completed. Begin transmission?] the A.I. Chip asked.
"Finally! Begin transmission!"