Chapter 157 - Soul Golem
"You may have noticed that I use the term 'Shooter Mage' instead of 'Archer Mage,'" the professor said as he walked around the room, observing our curious expressions. "There's a bit of a debate between academics and the military on the correct terminology. Traditionalist professors prefer 'Archer Mage' because they feel it represents mages who don't necessarily pursue military careers or combat training. Meanwhile, those with a military background, like myself, lean towards 'Shooter Mage,' which emphasizes the precision in ranged attacks."
He paused, giving us a small smile. "Ultimately, it's a matter of personal choice, and both terms are correct. So, feel free to use whichever one resonates with you."
He continued as he flipped the page, revealing an illustration on the board showing six gems, each glowing with different levels of intensity.
"The mana gem has six levels:
1 - Ember
2 - Flare
3 - Flame
4 - Blaze
5 - Star
6 - Sun"
He gestured to the board. "As you increase your attunement with your mana gem, it expands, making you more powerful. This expansion leads to a larger mana reserve, ease in casting spells, reduced mana consumption, accelerated recharge, and other perks. Star and Sun levels are reserved for true magical prodigies," he explained, his eyes alight with admiration.
He paused, casting a curious glance at the class. "Did you know that, naturally, High Elves awaken their mana gems at the Blaze level? This means they're a race naturally inclined toward magic."
Some students raised their hands, eager for more information. The professor pointed to one, who quickly asked, "What happens at the Sun level, Professor? The books are pretty vague about that."
The professor nodded, as if expecting this question. "Star and Sun levels are indeed reserved for those mages who intentionally pursue the pinnacle of power. Such mages are cataloged by the three kingdoms as magical powerhouses, each equivalent to an entire army. At the Sun level, there's something called 'Elemental Integration.' This is when the mage and their Mana Gem completely merge, becoming one. However, this level is only for legendary mages… officially, no one has reached it. Perhaps Inquisitors might, but they are mages whose identities remain unknown."
Whispers of surprise filled the room as the professor took a deep breath, ready to reveal the next point.
I had awakened to magic with a Flare level Mana Gem early on. Now, both Chloe and I are at the Blaze level. The difference isn't as stark as some might think. While the mana reserve increases, and more complex spells become possible, it's more of a practical requirement than a direct reward. Expanding one's Mana Gem is like learning to control the flow of a faucet: at first, you only turn it on and off, but over time, you learn to regulate the pressure precisely. True power comes from a profound understanding of your own Gem, allowing for subtle and efficient mana manipulation.
My cousin and I reached this level quickly, thanks to the greatest mana trainer ever known. When we were eight, Adrihna assessed us with that Special Eye of hers, mapping each of our mana channels and teaching us how to mold them for optimal Gem expansion. Her method is so effective that nobles from all realms vie for her services as a personal instructor. She has an unparalleled ability to train young nobles, and her reputation is well-earned.
"Now, let's talk about the most gifted mana category there is."
The students, gripped by a nearly tangible excitement, began taking notes feverishly, immersed in the fascinating perspectives of a world where magic and power intertwined so deeply.
"The last category is the rare and blessed Summoner Mage. These mages are naturally more powerful than others. They say it's rare enough for a commoner to have a child who is a mage, but having that child born with the Summoner category is even rarer."
My situation was a bit more complicated. My eyes belonged to the Summoner category, not me. So I didn't possess the mana reserve advantages that came with being a Summoner.
Summoners are incredibly rare, and no one really knows why they're so different from other mages. From what we know, there has to be at least one mage in the family tree to increase the chance of producing a Summoner. Even so, they're extremely hard to find, even rarer than Healer Mages. Maybe one in every 10,000 mages? I'm not sure.
Summoners, essentially, are an advanced version of Emitters. They have an even larger mana reserve and extraordinary magical affinity. They not only learn and create complex spells with ease but also have a unique distinction: their mana gem is alive, which grants them unparalleled magical power. The talent of a Summoner is so sought after that nobles line up to marry them, hoping to produce equally gifted heirs.
"A Summoner Mage is the peak of magical talent," the professor said, looking at the students. "They're exceedingly rare, blessed with a living mana. They can perform complex spells and possess a vast arsenal of techniques, like Golem spells. In nobility, there's a race to secure a Summoner heir due to their natural skill and unparalleled potential. Even if the heir doesn't inherit the Summoner category, there's a chance they'll be born with two mana categories. That's why these mages are coveted, whether for the military or romance," he added with a laugh at the end.
The professor paused, observing our reactions.
"However, these mages are exclusive to humans and elves," he continued. "Now, can anyone tell me why the kingdoms' armies pay handsomely to have Summoners in their forces?"
The students exchanged intrigued glances until Her Highness Alice stood up.
"Because of the Soul Golem," she declared.
She has authority to speak on this subject, after all, her family rules over the human kingdom… and she's also a Summoner.
"My family commands one of the most powerful armies in the realms, and we always seek out the most talented mages, especially Summoners, due to the Soul Golem."
The Soul Golem is what turns a Summoner Mage into a living weapon. This unique ability is considered by many to be a spell that should be forbidden. A single Soul Golem can change the course of a battle. Even Charles, the drunken king of my human kingdom, if he were a Summoner, would have the power to single-handedly destroy entire armies.
"Excellent answer, Alice," the professor remarked as she sat down. "You'll have a specific lesson on Summoner Mages and the Soul Golem with a specialized instructor. Now, let's move on to the spell-learning levels for each mana category," the professor concluded, returning to the lesson.