Chapter 23: The Dilapidated Village
The elite giant is mostly dead, slain by the "Matthieu Powerful Acid Arrow."
Even though Matthew Ser had never learned or memorized this spell, he still managed to cast it successfully.
Moreover, he successfully hit the elite giant's head, dealing a total of 8 damage, exactly enough to deplete its remaining health.
"Ding, elite aberrant giant killed, 2000 experience points gained, skill points x2, 231 destiny coins obtained."
"What? Destiny coins?"
"So, had I not taken down this elite giant beforehand, at least dozens of people would have died at its hands..."
"Or perhaps, the little girl who was saved, her future achievements are not simple? At least, her potential seems to be that way..."
With thoughts swirling in his mind, Matthew's actions did not falter; he waved over Steward Ralph and whispered in his ear:
"Send someone to check the body, see if there's anything we can salvage, and remember to be careful."
"Bring potions, treat the little girl and others in the village, and arrange for night patrols."
Then, Matthew walked back to the carriage, having just braced himself, now the "backlash" came!
Surge after surge of mana continuously flowed into his body, bringing waves of energy flush and intense pain.
"This is... a gift from the mana network!"
Under Matthew's incredulous gaze, his mana limit soared from 260 points to 280 points, then it stopped increasing.
Also, Matthew felt an unknown will, silently looking his way, then stealthily disappearing.
Only then did Matthew remember that the real Matthieu Powerful Acid Arrow spell had not yet been created by the arcanist Matthieu!
That moment was about 8 years in the future.
This means, in the memory of the mana network, this is a brand new, unprecedented spell.
Moreover, the mana network's assessment of it was very high, allowing Matthew to gain the maximum mana increase possible for creating a second-tier spell!
This result did not surprise Matthew, as "Matthieu Powerful Acid Arrow" is remarkably damaging and effective, destined to be listed among the most cost-effective second-tier spells in the future.
Almost all casters will learn this second-tier spell in the future, earning the highest evaluations, naturally.
Moreover, Matthew could distinctly feel that the gift from the mana network was not just an increase in mana limit.
His understanding and construction of this type of model had also significantly progressed.
"If that's the case, my mind still remembers many spells that haven't been invented yet..."
Matthew felt an inexplicable urge, but he suddenly awoke, a cold sweat on his back, restraining this improper greed.
"Occasionally creating a spell can be seen as personal talent and flair."
"But continuously creating many complex, exquisite, and practical spells would definitely make one seem monstrous!"
"Even the former scenario would encounter many inexplicable dangers, such as an assassination at age 6, or the recent assassination attempt..."
"If it were the latter, it might attract the attention of some terrifying beings..."
Without sufficient ability to protect himself, Matthew didn't think he could keep his secrets under the scrutiny of these terrifying beings.
Once they knew about his memories, it would be a disastrous consequence...
Suppressing the restlessness inside, Matthew continued to strengthen his mental fortitude, preventing himself from getting carried away while also becoming vigilant:
"Being passive like this isn't a solution, going it alone always comes at a cost..."
Thinking this, Matthew turned to look at Yaya, who was sound asleep, noticing that the caravan had already entered Bay Village.
A wave of tiredness and sleepiness hit him; after setting up several warning spells, Matthew slowly closed his eyes, starting his first meditation in this world.
Many detailed memories and images surfaced in his mind, which Matthew accepted, absorbed, and integrated.
However, the wash of these memory images didn't shake Matthew in the slightest; he merely absorbed these memories as knowledge, without being influenced.
Unconsciously, Matthew felt his consciousness as if entering a vast river, floating up and down with the waves.
This sensation was addicting, until he heard Yaya's urgent call by his ear:
"Daddy... come back..."
Suddenly awakened, Matthew felt his consciousness rapidly retract, his thoughts becoming clear and sharp again, gradually mastering his consciousness.
Then, he saw in his mind, a face drawn with simple lines, depicting his own face.
Interestingly, when Matthew looked deeper, he could see that the lines composing the painting were actually spell models.
"Good heavens, is this the essence of meditation?"
"Carving spell models into the soul, bit by bit reshaping and transforming the soul's form?"
"This is Light Magic, it has 8 mana nodes, three of which have been optimized—is this what LV3 looks like?"
"Indeed, Sleep Magic has 10 mana nodes, with five already shining bright. If I can optimize and remodel the sixth, does that mean I can elevate it to LV6?"
"This is..."
The unprecedented scene of meditation amused Matthew greatly, but he soon felt fatigue and immediately realized:
The limit of meditation time had been reached, both soul and body could no longer support it.
Matthew then truly fell asleep, ending his first day in this world!
March 2nd, 129.
Thick clouds blocked the sunlight.
A coolness slowly crept in.
A drizzle blew for about half an hour, gradually subsiding, disappearing into the distant wilderness.
A row of round wooden stakes enclosed the entire Bay Village, marked with gnawing and claw marks.
The village had a wooden gate on each side, with several soldiers taking turns on guard duty, which was not there before.
Four muddy roads spread from the gates to the center of the village.
Most of the houses in Bay Village were wooden, with low eaves dotted with iron hooks, currently hanging with several gray-white cod.
Every household took advantage of the break in the rain to bring out their fishing gear, carefully mending and patching.
The twice-yearly cod fishing trip to the sea was about to begin.
This was almost the only source of income for the villagers of Bay Village, aside from farming.
Taking advantage of this communal time, many people were chattering non-stop, discussing household matters or the yield of the fields.
Of course, there was no lack of mention of the caravan that had arrived last night, and the new lord.
Especially those villagers who had witnessed it the previous night were now vividly describing it, giving an immersive feeling.
Of course, that was an exaggeration.
The truth is, they often exaggerated even more...