Chapter 187: Quasi-Spell
Ace did not continue explaining. A general understanding of the journal and thesis knowledge-sharing system was sufficient for the apprentices. It would be a while before they could actually publish magic theses.
He looked at the apprentices and the desolate clearing around them, saying:
“Regarding Social Practice Points and Combat Practice Points, the sixth page of the Grimoire will be updated in three days with corresponding methods for earning points. Apprentices can choose the method that suits them then.
Now, I announce the punishment for those who failed. You will each be deducted 10 Social Practice Points. There will be another assessment next week. I hope those who didn’t pass will continue to work hard.
Right now, there is a good opportunity to earn Social Practice Points. This barren clearing is our Elementary Magic School. We will build the school ourselves.
Three days from now, the sixth page of the Grimoire will be updated with point missions related to the construction of the school. Please do what you can according to your ability. Dismissed. Teachers, please stay.”
While Ace was explaining the key points of future teaching to Bayen and the others, Ancestar dragged Arno toward Ace’s residence.
Arno, being dragged forward by the arm, asked in confusion:
“Melancholy Uncle, where are we going? Ollie told me to go find her.”
Ancestar flipped his golden long hair, glanced at the foolish Arno, sighed, and said:
“To Lord Torch-Bearer’s residence. It’s one thing that we can’t use spells after developing Heart Force; at most, our combat style is simpler, which doesn’t affect much.
But if we can’t meditate, we can’t improve our strength. We cannot work behind closed doors. We must consult Lord Torch-Bearer.”
Arno nodded blankly. Following Ancestar to the side of Ace’s residence, he mimicked Ancestar’s posture, standing aside with a solemn and somewhat respectful expression.
About half an hour later, Ace and “Sharp” returned to the residence together. Seeing the two waiting, he exchanged a glance with the mirror image, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned.
Just when I was getting sleepy, someone sends a pillow. It seems the opportunity to solve the willpower problem has arrived, Ace and the mirror image thought simultaneously.
“Ancestar, Arno, come in.”
Following Ace’s voice, the four of them entered Ace’s residence one after another.
Ancestar glanced at the interior of Ace’s residence. There were no luxurious decorations, only simple furniture, cleaned spotless.
Although Lord Torch-Bearer is young, he does not indulge in pleasure. With such a style, he will surely be a good leader worthy of my loyalty, Ancestar thought.
He pulled the somewhat dazed Arno to kneel on one knee, performed a Knight’s fist salute to Ace, and said: “Respected Lord Torch-Bearer, Lifetime Archon of the High Tower Territory, Knight Ancestar and Knight Arno offer you our loyalty. You are our Master.”
Ace looked quietly at Ancestar, his gaze somewhat profound. As time passed slowly, invisible pressure began to appear.
A drop of cold sweat appeared on Ancestar’s cheek. He also felt his action was a bit abrupt and couldn’t help but force himself to explain:
“Before becoming a Wizard Apprentice, I was a Knight of the Thought-Flow school. I am now both a Wizard Apprentice and a Knight. A Knight must have a Master worthy of loyalty, otherwise, he is a wandering Knight with no home.”
Ace stared at Ancestar for a while longer. Ancestar’s eyes were clear, and Arno’s eyes were blank. The serious Ace suddenly laughed loudly and said:
“Since you choose to pledge loyalty to me, I gladly accept. I hope you will uphold the Knight’s spirit in the future, follow your Master’s will, and guard the High Tower well!
If there is nothing else, you may withdraw.”
Ancestar stood up, somewhat dazed. Arno had already gotten up and started walking out, but Ancestar grabbed him back. He bowed to Ace and said:
“Respected Lord Torch-Bearer, I have some questions about Magic I wish to ask you!”
Thus, Ancestar explained how he infused his creed into his Inherent Mana, cultivated Heart Force, and subsequently became unable to use spells or meditate.
After listening, Ace said to them amiably:
“According to your description, the creed and Inherent Mana reacted miraculously, generating a different supernatural power. I need to observe this inherent supernatural power, which might be different from Inherent Mana. Please demonstrate the use of Heart Force individually.”
Hearing this, the two immediately began to activate their Heart Force. Ace activated the Soul Spells Mana Sensitivity and Insight Perception, observing carefully.
When their Heart Force activated, the white light of their hearts began to burn hot. Heart Force, carrying the distinct color of personal will, gushed from their hearts, quickly spreading throughout their bodies.
Their physical constitution was rapidly reinforced as the Heart Force spread, the reinforcement effect far exceeding that of Inherent Mana.
Heart Force could be projected externally. Depending on the Knight’s will, it could form powerful offensive or defensive force. Moreover, this unique supernatural power, carrying the intense color of personal will, naturally blocked external mental influences.
It could be said that the existence of Heart Force greatly strengthened the Knights’ will and implemented their will.
Of course, this reinforcement was not without cost.
Under Ace’s direction, the two attempted to gather naturally existing Mana and use the Lesser Spell Magic Missile.
Their mental power was similarly contaminated by Heart Force. The power of the creed’s will intersected, making their mental resistance and resilience stronger, but simultaneously preventing this mental power from effectively connecting with naturally existing Mana.
Ace frowned and observed for a while, then said to the two:
“Do not try to mobilize Siphoned Mana anymore. Try constructing the Spell Model and then directly injecting your Heart Force into the Spell Model.”
Listening to Ace, Ancestar and Arno attempted to inject their Heart Force into the Spell Model. Surprisingly, they successfully created Magic Missiles. No, calling them Magic Missiles was inappropriate; they should be called Compassion Missiles and Courage Missiles.
The two missiles seemed to possess different attribute powers. The Compassion Missile carried a chill, while the Courage Missile carried a scorching flammability.
Ace had them try other spells and found that they could not use many types of spells, which seemed incompatible with the nature of their Heart Force. He continued to observe for a while and said to the two:
“In your situation, you can only use Heart Force as a substitute for Mana in the future, and use spells compatible with the nature of your own Heart Force. It is no longer appropriate to call this ‘Magic,’ as the frequency and range of spells you can use are too limited. Since it has similarities and differences with Magic, let’s call it Quasi-Spell.
Many problems, if they cannot be solved in the original way, might as well be solved by changing the approach and adapting.”
Worthy of Lord Torch-Bearer. I just couldn’t adapt my thinking. That is probably why I am Ancestar and the Lord is the Torch-Bearer, Ancestar thought admiringly.
After successfully resolving the spell usage problem, Ancestar naturally had no objection to Ace’s naming. After trying to activate the meditation Spell Model with Heart Force several times, he said to Ace:
“Lord Torch-Bearer, we are almost unable to meditate successfully. Although the Spell Model can be activated, we seem unable to perceive the Mana existing in nature. We seem to be separated from it, and unable to absorb and convert it.”
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