Volume 6 Chapter 4 Spell Learning Part II
It was quite a while after sunset when Leda went to report to Eric that Al had returned. He had just finished his meal a little while ago and was organizing letters in his study, but he stopped writing on the parchment and asked her.
"Was Al working on learning spells this late?"
"Yes, he got caught up in deciphering symbols he had never seen before, and before he knew it, it was this late."
Eric put down the pen he was holding and tilted his head.
"It's been almost ten hours since he started this morning. Did he really spend that much time on one symbol?"
Eric felt that it usually took about 2 hours to decipher a new symbol. Of course, some symbols were harder than others, and it wouldn't be strange for a magician's apprentice to take a bit longer. However, ten hours felt off.
"I thought the same and asked him, but he said there were 8 new symbols, so it took that long."
Leda's words made Eric's eyes widen in surprise. Deciphering symbols required a lot of concentration. If he was re-reading a symbol he had already deciphered for casting a spell, that would be one thing, but deciphering a new one was usually just one or 2 a day.
The idea that he could decipher 8 symbols in a row without taking a break was hard to believe.
"Wait a minute. You said there were 8 symbols he saw for the first time, right? So, the others were known symbols... is that what you're saying? In other words, Al deciphered the spellbook of the 3rd Tier ''Floating Eye'' in just one day?"
Eric wanted to ask Al about it, but according to Leda, he had already gone home, mumbling that he was hungry.
"Did he really decipher it? I've been studying for 2 months, and I still haven't finished deciphering..."
Leda bit her lower lip as she murmured. She had been steadily deciphering one or 2 symbols every day without taking a single day off. Of course, she hadn't spent as much time on it as Al, since she was also working as an apprentice. However, if he managed to decipher it in just one day, the difference was painful for her.
"If we say it's a difference in handling known symbols, that might be true, but I didn't expect such a big gap. Should we go check out the room where Al was learning spells?"
The two nodded and headed to the room where Al had been learning spells. Inside the room, illuminated by the 'Light' spell, they found a spellbook painted in translucent green, with red letters floating all over it.
"The letters are floating? Is this... an 'Illusion' spell?"
Eric confirmed it with the 'Illusion' Detection spell. It was definitely an 'Illusion' used by Al. He understood that Al used the 'Illusion' spell instead of writing it on cloth, and he was impressed by that method, but he also had questions. Unlike writing on cloth, the 'Illusion' spell has a time limit. From what he knew, it would last at most one day, and even with a high level of skill, maybe 2 days. Did he plan to finish deciphering it in those 2 days?
"He was actively memorizing the known symbols first. He probably used the 'Illusion' spell to cover them up and made it more efficient in his own way. The problem is how much misunderstanding of the symbols might happen because of that, and whether he can successfully activate the spell. Did he say anything about options?"
"Yes, it seems that options might include visibility, display size, and the movement speed and appearance location of the 'Floating Eye' itself."
The 'Floating Eye' spell creates a small transparent sphere, about 2 cm (� 0.8 in) wide, that appears in the caster's palm. At the same time, a 20 cm (� 7.9 in) square window pops up in the upper right corner of their view, which only the caster can see. The sphere moves through the air at the speed of a person walking, controlled by the caster's thoughts. The window shows information from the sphere, letting the caster see their surroundings as well as distant places.
Leda learned from Al that there is a special window that others cannot see. This window can change size depending on different options. It�s similar to looking through a crystal ball, which can also change the area you can see. The sphere�s movement speed depends on how quickly you move it, and it can go as fast as running. You can also see things from any location within your view, not just from your palm.
"I see. Did you ask which symbol specifically?"
"Yes, of course."
"Have you already decoded it?"
"Yes, I've decoded all of them."
Eric thinks deeply. Maybe it would have been better if he hadn't decoded them. Still, Leda hasn't succeeded in activating the spell yet. It might be okay if he can decode it again before that...
"Let's give it a try. Leda, please reconsider the decoding of that symbol based on what Al pointed out."
"Okay."
Leda looked a bit teary-eyed. Seeing that, Eric smiled lightly.
"Leda, don't worry. The reason it's taking time is that I'm asking you to decode it again without thinking about the known symbols. If this method works, I will need to change my understanding and apologize to all of you. I realize I've been suggesting a less effective approach..."
At Eric's words, Leda quickly shook her head. She probably felt that an apology was out of the question.
"That said, I still haven't figured everything out. I might take longer to start using it because I misunderstood the reading. I�m worried I won�t use it correctly later. I�d like to hear more from Al. Did he say he would come back tomorrow?
Leda nodded.
"It's already late. Let's talk again tomorrow."
* * *
The next evening, Al was lying on the floor of the room provided for spell learning at Eric's house, sprawled out on his back and looking exhausted.
He had been trying to activate the spell since morning, but he still hadn't succeeded. However, since the 'Floating Eye' spell was a 3rd Tier spell, it was normal for him not to succeed in just one day. He felt like he was getting close, though, and he had a strong sense that he was almost there.
"Hello. Sorry to intrude."
Eric and Leda entered the room.
"From the looks of it, you haven't succeeded yet."
Al quickly sat up.
"Yes, not yet. But I think I'm getting closer..."
"You've been reading for 10 hours yesterday and trying to activate the spell for 8 hours today. I'm impressed that you have such stamina."
When Eric said that, Al felt a bit shy and scratched his head. To Al, it didn't feel like a big deal since he was just getting into it and felt like he was making progress, but to Eric and Leda, it seemed unbelievable that he could keep trying to cast spells for 8 hours without getting bored.
"I have work again tomorrow, so I don't know when I can come next. I wanted to activate it today if possible, but it seems a bit impossible."
Eric shook his head at Al's words and smiled lightly.
"You're making progress at this speed. Just don't push yourself too hard. Sometimes, casting spells requires a change in thinking. It might be good to wrap things up early once in a while."
Al nodded slightly at Eric's words. Indeed, this time, with Glee's help, he had been deciphering at more than double his usual speed. He might be getting tired. Thinking about that suddenly made him feel hungry.
"Yeah, let's call it a day for now and check the spellbook for any damage. I think it should be fine, but..."
Eric nodded. Al looked at the spellbook with a hint of reluctance before waving his hand lightly. At that signal, the 'Illusion' covering the surface of the spellbook vanished all at once. Seeing this, Leda began to tidy up the untouched glue and cloth nearby.
"Can I ask how long you can maintain the 'Illusion' spell, Al?"
Asking about the duration is the same as asking about skill level. Eric's voice was also a bit hesitant.
"About 3 days. The 'Illusion' spell is something my grandpa was good at, so he taught me a lot, and the more I think about it, the more I can do... it's a really interesting spell."
Eric recalled the dragon 'Illusion' he had seen 20 years ago during the New Year celebration in the capital. He remembered hearing that the magician was skilled in 'Illusion' spells. The dragon was part of a legendary story about a battle with the neighboring country, Tempest. It had tricked the enemy and caused chaos among their knights. This amazing sight was made possible by a magician who served Margrave Rain. Eric was deeply impressed by the giant dragon soaring in the sky.
"Did your grandpa serve the Margrave back in the day, Al?"
When Eric talked about the dragon, Al tilted his head and said it might be his grandfather, but he wasn't sure. By the time Al was born, his grandfather had already retired and was living in Channing Village. However, before that, he had been a magician in the Margrave's knights.
"I'll ask my dad next time. Grandpa has passed away, but Dad might know if he did something like that."
"Yeah, if you get the chance, please do. I'm sure he was involved in some way. I'd love to hear any stories he might have."
Eric murmured thoughtfully.
"Mr. Eric, could you tell me about the precautions when using the 'Floating Eye' spell? I guess it's not allowed in the Margrave's mansion, right?"
"Of course."
Eric's face tightened, and he nodded. The transparent 'Floating Eye' created by the spell can only be sent a limited distance from the caster, depending on their skill level. However, if used near the castle, it can freely peek inside.
"Of course, the Margrave's lord's mansion and other important places often have magic tools set up for security, so you'll be found quickly. They can even identify who used it, so please be careful not to use it out of curiosity."
According to Eric, there are magic tools with effects like 'Detect Invisible,' 'Detect Illusion',' and 'Detect Magic,' which are installed in key locations like the Margrave's castle. The transparent 'Floating Eye' created by the spell seems to react to both 'Detect Invisible' and 'Detect Magic.'
Of course, the locations of these tools are not made public, but if discovered, information that can identify the caster is also recorded, which could lead to being chased by the guards.
"Is there one here too?"
Al said as he looked around.
"These are very expensive, so there aren't many of them, but there is one in this mansion. The location is, of course, a secret."
Eric smiled as he said that. Since the magician is supposed to be earning a lot, it must be true that it's very expensive.
"What about the city gates?"
"If it were me, I wouldn't set it up because I'm scared the magic tool itself would get stolen. It wouldn't be worth it unless it's a place that can handle that kind of situation."
What he means is that the magic tool can only detect, not disable. If there aren't any magicians who can disable it nearby, then there's no point in setting up that magic tool. There probably aren't many magicians in the Margrave's territory who can use the 'Detect Invisible' spell.
"I understand. Thank you. I'll be careful when using it."
Al heard some good information. He feel like he can now somewhat figure out the right places to use the 'Conceal' spell. Al secretly thought that and couldn't help but smile.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)