Staring at the scattered crystal shards on the ground, Charles' mouth turned into a large O. All the preliminary arrangements had led to this moment, which was beyond his wildest expectations.
Hudson, standing on the sidelines, was also helpless. Just as he began to channel his spiritual power, the magic crystal was instantly drained, leaving him no opportunity to control it.
The only gain was that the compass in his mind became a bit solid, but this change was so subtle that one would overlook it without careful observation.
"Uncle Charles, could it be that the crystal wasn't preserved well, and the magic power within it was completely drained, leaving only a mere shred that was quickly absorbed by me?"
Hudson attempted to argue defensively.
With limited means, even a magic crystal could cost dozens of gold coins. Given the chance for a free handout, he intended to seize it.
Slightly perplexed, Knight Charles nodded his head. Though far-fetched, it seemed to be the most reasonable explanation.
There had never been a report of a magic talent test draining a crystal. Normally, one magic crystal could provide enough energy to replenish a junior magician's power three times.
For it to be drained in an instant, it was as if a Saint of Law was present. But of course, this was impossible. There hadn't been a sight of a Saint of Law for thousands of years.
It was difficult for Charles to understand, considering the magic crystal was in pristine condition just moments ago and didn't show any signs of nearing exhaustion. Suddenly, it was gone.
Could the Wizard's Association have something to do with this?
However, why would those obsessed researchers pull such a pointless prank?
Charles sighed helplessly as he mentally retraced the origin of the magic crystal and found no traces of foul play.
This was simply a matter of bad luck, with no room for further investigation. Even if a big shot from the Wizard's Association was behind this prank, he would have to just roll with the punches.
The loss of wealth deepened the financial strain on Charles, who was already struggling. Glancing at Hudson's puzzled face, he said unwillingly:
"I only have one attribute-less magic crystal left. I can't test you again. But judging from what just happened, it seems you do have a cultivation talent for magic.
You should get your talent tested at the Wizard's Association when you have the chance!
I've also got some basic doctrine of meditation and spells here. If you want, I can give you a copy, but there will be a charge.
The Wizard's Association sets the price at a hundred gold coins. But considering my relationship with your father, I can give you a 20% discount."
Uncertainly, Hudson seemed to perceive a touch of nervousness from Charles when the latter was talking about the price.
Whether Charles was setting him up or not, Hudson didn't know. However, to acquire magic crystals and magic cores legitimately, he would willingly fall into the pit, whether it was a trap or not.
"Thank you, Uncle Charles. It would be great if you could also sell me some magic cores and crystals, especially if they are of different attributes."
Hudson feigned excitement as he responded.
Being given the chance to become a magician was truly a joyous occasion for a young boy. Determined to feign his innocence all the way to reach his goal, Hudson decided.
Perhaps impressed by Hudson's firm determination, or perhaps trying to patch the hole in his finances, Charles slowly stated, "Very well!
But Hudson, you need to think it through. Both magic crystals and magic cores are not cheap, and I don't have much of top-quality stuff."
Finishing his warning, Charles opened a chest and took out his prized possessions. He told Hudson:
"I won't rip you off. We'll go by the market prices. A First Order Magic Core is 50 gold coins, a Second-order Magic Core is 150 gold coins, a low-level Magic Crystal is 20 gold coins, an Intermediate Magic Crystal is 50 gold coins. For ones with special attributes, you have to pay extra.
As for the high-end ones, I don't have those. As a beginner, you also wouldn't need them. You can find a way to get them once you've become a mage."
In his words, a hint of envy could be discerned. Being a magic enthusiast, not having Magic Talent was Charles' biggest regret.
This so-called "regret" seemed ludicrous to outsiders. A talented knight couldn't be content with his status and insisted on pursuing the tricky path of becoming a magician, which was rather absurd.
As many people saw it, if Charles hadn't fallen into the pit of magic research, he could have become a Silver Knight by now, and possibly even a Golden Knight.
Without any hesitation, Hudson promptly selected twelve low-level magic crystals, along with a First Order Magic Core.
As for the rest, no matter how appealing they seemed to him, his limited budget stood in the way. He could only pick the ones with the best value for money.
An Intermediate Magic Crystal contained about double the magic power of a low-level one, almost equivalent to the power in a First Order Magic Core. Yet the price was 250% higher, mainly because the magical power it contained is more refined.
To a normal magician, the purer the magical power in a crystal core, the easier it is to extract. Whether for constructing magic formations or creating magic crystal cannons, one needs to consider the extraction of magical power.
However, Hudson was different. His golden finger wasn't picky; it would absorb any magical power it recognized, regardless of its purity.
If there were more than twelve low-level magic crystals available, he would purchase even more. As for the Magic Core, he bought it out of pure curiosity.
In contrast to the previous time, when he unknowingly absorbed a Magic Core, Hudson planned to study it thoroughly this time.
As someone who had crossed over from a technologically advanced society, he understood that Magic Crystals were merely energy-containing minerals, similar to coal or petroleum but with more exotic functionalities.
But Magic Cores were a different matter. They grew within magical beasts, possessing immense power by pure natural processes, free from any additives.
The fact of their existence was reasonable itself. If it exceeded his knowledge, it merely proved his understanding was incomplete.
"The Doctrine of Meditation and basic spells for 80 gold coins, twelve low-level magic crystals for 240 gold coins, plus a First Order Magic Core for 50 gold coins, totaling to 370 gold coins.
Hudson, think it over. This is not a small amount. Once the transaction is completed, I will not refund."
Charles reminded him solemnly.
As someone who had been through this, he knew all too well about the charm of magic. Fearful that Hudson would impulsively use the money dedicated to this campaign, he reminded him.
But as an outsider, he couldn't blurt it out directly. After all, nobles prized their honor. Pointing it out directly would be questioning Hudson's affordability or even his integrity.
Looking at the scene before him, Hudson could only lament inwardly. All things considered, he was still too young. If he were a few years older, using this money wouldn't attract attention.
"Rest assured, Uncle Charles. I know what I'm doing. I won't gamble with the thousand-year reputation of the Koslow Clan."
As he spoke, Hudson opened the already prepared box of gold coins, counted the right amount, and handed it over.
...