Chapter 51: Dungeon Practice
Chapter 51: Dungeon Practice
After that bout of intense sex with Carla—where I’d intended to take a quick break but ended up blowing the entire day—I realized something.
If I let my guard down for even a second, I’d find myself spending the whole day either pawing at her or teasing her just for fun.
That’s when it hit me.
Carla was definitely the kind of woman who could turn a man into a total deadbeat…
I couldn't let this continue.
I currently had a 20% growth buff that lasted for a month, thanks to the effects of the 'Talented Freshman' title being active. This was the time to train harder than ever, not waste my days playing around with Carla.
For that reason, I implemented a hardline policy: I set a daily quota, and if I didn't meet it, I wouldn't lay a single finger on her.
For some reason, Carla seemed even more fired up about this than I was.
Thanks to that, I was able to immerse myself in magic training every single day—attending classes at the Academy by day and receiving intensive private tutoring from Carla after hours.
Of course, I still immersed myself in Carla late at night.
I still couldn't beat Elisha, but as the number of low-grade spells I could cast increased day by day, my grades in the dueling classes improved as well.
As a result, several Class A students who were getting even more thoroughly thrashed by me began to direct their arrows of jealousy toward Elisha. Her reputation was worsening by the day.
Elisha herself didn't seem to care in the slightest, though; she only became more aggressive in her attempts to recruit me as her subordinate.
Just as Carla said, her behavior likely stemmed from the confidence that no one would dare oppose the future of the Sylvan Magic Tower itself.
Aside from that, I met with Fay periodically to engage in 'Alchemist Play,' sharing a few recipes I had memorized.
I didn't know the exact methods of creation, but I still remembered the ingredients.
Fay would figure out the combination methods on her own anyway.
Regardless, after living life to the fullest like that for a month...
I was finally able to keep up with the Academy's curriculum.
"Up until now, we have categorized Mana Cores based on their characteristics and discussed the corresponding methods of mana operation. We also concluded that regardless of how you handle mana, you must ultimately find your own unique style."
The professor for the Mana Manipulation subject, Ethan Bailiff, stood before the podium and reviewed the previous lesson's content.
This elderly professor, who carried himself like a dignified gentleman, didn't possess any legendary secret techniques, but the breadth and depth of his knowledge were extraordinary.
Back in the days of H&A, he was a 'Speedwagon' type character who provided various world-building details through his lectures.
"As I always say, this is important, so I will say it once more. Mana manipulation is the foundation and the alpha and omega of all magical acts. The more unique your manipulation method, the freer you are from the mana interference of others. The more efficient it is, the greater the power of your spells, and the more magic you can cast."
In the past, I wouldn't have understood a word of this and would have just memorized it all to ask Carla later... but not anymore.
I could more or less understand what he was talking about now.
It was actually quite a moving moment.
"However, finding that method is ultimately up to you. Even if you possess the same core, each individual's mana pattern and talent are different, so naturally, the method of operation must differ as well. Consequently, the way you utilize the core's abilities will change as well."
I possessed an ability others didn't: System Correction.
Even though we both had Lintblum Cores, my mana operation—which didn't need to worry about efficiency or stability—couldn't possibly be the same as Carla's.
Because of her high level, Carla could fire off low-grade spells even while moving, but fundamentally, she was a 'fixed turret' type of mage.
Because of that, she operated her mana in a way specialized for powerful, single strikes.
But I could cast spells at full power even while running or rolling around.
I had to find the operation method that best utilized this System Correction.
"Everyone looks like they're wondering why I keep repeating myself. To be honest, it's because this is the last time. Starting today, we won't just be doing theory; we'll be taking time to find your own mana operation methods through direct practice."
At the elderly gentleman's beaming smile, the atmosphere among the students—who had been looking a bit bored—shifted instantly. They began to look intrigued.
I suppose it doesn't matter what world you're in; people always prefer doing something hands-on over sitting at a desk.
Personally, I found studying magic fun because it didn't feel like studying; it felt like memorizing the hidden lore of H&A.
Ethan watched the classroom grow noisy for a moment before speaking in a low voice.
"Quiet."
He had clearly spoken softly, yet his voice rang out through the entire lecture hall.
He must have used some kind of Sound Amplification Magic.
Ethan looked around at the focused gazes with satisfaction and pulled several cups out of subspace.
"No need to rush; the practice starts today. First, everyone, place these cups on your desks."
Was it Telekinesis? With a flick of Ethan's hand, the cups flew through the air simultaneously and stopped right in front of the students.
Only after confirming that every student had placed their cup on their desk did Ethan continue.
"Now, from this point on, each of you will fill your cup with water using magic. Like this. 'Water'."
As Ethan demonstrated by placing a small orb of water created in mid-air into his cup, mana began to flare and incantations rose from all over the classroom.
I also filled my cup about two-thirds full with water created using the basic spell, Water.
Splash.
"The water created by the 'Water' spell is no different from ordinary water—it's even safe to drink. However, there is one decisive difference from real water. And that is..."
As he said that, Ethan brought his finger close to the surface of the water and slowly lifted it.
The water began to swirl and rotate, eventually surging upward following his finger like a miniature waterspout.
"It is sensitive to mana. That is because it is water created from mana."
Ethan held the transformed shape of the water high for a moment so everyone could see.
"Do you see this spiral? I did not twist it myself. I simply projected a moderate amount of mana with moderate intensity while lifting my finger. Does any student know what this means?"
At those words, several students raised their hands.
"Student Wilhelm raised his hand first. Give us the answer."
"Yes. If you didn't manually manipulate the shape of the water, Professor, then that form must have been created under the influence of your own mana pattern."
"Correct. Water that is already sensitive to mana will take on its most natural form when it encounters the mana that serves as its source—that is, the form closest to the caster's mana pattern—without any specific manipulation."
Therefore, he explained, a different person would produce a different shape.
"Mana patterns differ from person to person. There may be people with similar patterns, but no two are identical, which is why they are often used in investigations and tracking... well, we'll talk about that later. I've strayed too far from the lesson."
Ethan scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Unlike simply casting a spell, projecting an exact amount of mana with an exact intensity can be quite difficult. This requires pure mana manipulation skill."
Scattering the spiral of water, Ethan added with a serious expression.
"However, of all the methods I've tried, I've found this to be the best for discovering one's own mana pattern. Other books only teach rule-of-thumb methods like meditation and whatnot... tsk."
Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Ethan gulped down the water in his cup to dispose of it and continued.
"I'll go around and check on you one by one starting in ten minutes, so everyone, please begin. Oh, and feel free to ask questions at any time."
To skip to the conclusion: out of everyone in Class A, Elisha was the only one who succeeded in visualizing her mana pattern.
Most of the others seemed to have gotten the hang of it to some degree, though...
Perhaps because this wasn't a 'completed spell' and thus couldn't receive System Correction, I struggled quite a bit.
I'd have to ask Carla for help with this later, too.
Ethan's lecture ended with me having accomplished nothing but fumbling around.
The other subjects that followed weren't much different.
Since we had been faithful to theory for the past month, we were now beginning practical applications based on that knowledge one by one.
...Is it for real that as soon as I've built up enough basic knowledge to follow the lessons, there's even more to learn?
Still, I was growing steadily, so I had no complaints.
'Status Window.'
======================
Name: Yandel
Title: Talented Freshman
Basic Stats
* Strength: 12
* Endurance: 11
* Agility: 13
* Dexterity: 14
* Magic: 18
Traits
* Endless Mana (A)
* Element Affinity (B)
* Excellent Memory (B)
* Crude Weapon Technique (E)
* Lintblum Mana Core (C)
* Lower Mage (D+) -> (C)
* Sun God's Blessing (C)
====================
As the number of low-grade spells I mastered increased, the rank of my trait had risen by one level.
Since I had learned most of the low-grade spells I used frequently, it was only natural.
With this, I would be able to receive a bit more System Correction. Even if I struggled in the immediate lessons, my actual combat power had increased significantly.
Yes.
It was enough to get what I wanted from the upcoming Dungeon Practice.
...By the way, are we allowed to bring attendants into the dungeon?
I've been stuck to her for so long that it feels a bit awkward to be away from Carla now.