Lynn was completely focused, simultaneously emptying the air around the red phosphorus as much as possible while utilizing the principle of accelerating molecular movement to increase the temperature.
After about ten seconds, wisps of white mist scattered into the air, gathered under the constraints of magic, and quickly cooled, solidifying into a semi-transparent yellow powder.
This was white phosphorus.
Lynn was well aware of the terror this substance held and dared not touch it with his hands. Throughout the process, he held his Mage's Hand spell, carefully placing the collected white phosphorus into a bag meant for storing magical materials, which had an excellent isolation effect to prevent spontaneous combustion.
Completing this intricate procedure was quite a challenge for Lynn, who was still an apprentice wizard. If it weren't for the significant improvement in his control over magic due to the fusion of his spirit during the crossing, this attempt might have ended in failure.
Fortunately, everything went as he had planned.
Lynn secured the storage bag and remembered the horrifying scene of white phosphorus igniting the earth from his memories, sending a shiver down his spine.
He hoped he wouldn't need to use it.
As a modern-day person who had grown up in a time of peace, Lynn held great reverence for life. However, in this world where human life was as fragile as a blade of grass, he understood that, for self-preservation, he might have to make difficult choices.
"071." Lynn silently called out in his mind after completing all the tasks. Since the shutdown of his smart brain (AI) five days ago, this has become his daily routine.
Clearly, this time, too, there was no response.
If it weren't for the slow drain of magic within his body, which was used to supply energy to the smart brain, Lynn would have suspected that 071 had disappeared completely.
The smart brain was his essential tool for survival in this unfamiliar world. Just connecting to the neural network, it significantly enhanced his cognitive abilities, allowing him to overcome many crises.
Not to mention that, in that special state, he could convert magic into elements, releasing magic without having to prepare materials in advance.
Thinking of his mentor, Kora, using the Tier 2 spell, "Multiple Icy Blades," Lynn had a hunch. Being able to convert magic into elements was likely the key difference between an apprentice wizard and a full-fledged wizard.
He was sure that Karl, as an apprentice, couldn't achieve this. There were no related memories in his brain. Most likely, it was the fusion of his spirit after the crossing, combined with the help of the smart brain, that briefly broke through this limitation.
Lynn meditated, and the extraordinary elemental world once again unfolded before his "eyes."
However, his attention was now focused on the peculiar rune floating in his mind.
Inside the peculiar rune were countless tiny dots and lines arranged in a highly unique way, appearing intricate and aesthetically pleasing.
Lynn tentatively touched it with his spiritual power, and the rune instantly lit up.
Immediately, Lynn felt his magical energy decrease by one-tenth. When he opened his eyes, a rhombus-shaped [Icy Blade] appeared in his palm.
"This seems to be... a spell slot?" Lynn stroked his chin and quickly recalled the spell slots mentioned in the book [Elemental Analysis.]
(TL/n - spell slot can also be called memory slot)
This was also an ability possessed only by full-fledged wizards, significantly increasing casting speed.
Overall, the process of constructing spell slots felt somewhat like programming in a past life. You set various parameters in advance, and when needed, you press the confirm button to immediately produce the desired outcome.
So, the arrangement of this rune probably meant:
one part oxygen (O) + two parts hydrogen (H2) + reduced molecular movement (reduce temperature) + special configuration (atom arrangement) = [Icy Blade]
Hmm, it had to be said, this was quite scientific.
Lynn curiously attempted a few other spells, but unexpectedly, no new spell slots formed.
After some thought, Lynn quickly guessed the reason. To construct the corresponding spell slots, he probably needed to cast a Tier 1 spell without the use of casting materials.
With that in mind, Lynn temporarily abandoned his plan to continue solidifying spell slots. Without the aid of his smart brain, he still had quite a gap between him and the full-fledged wizards.
Lynn glanced outside and realized it was time to meet the other wizard apprentices.
Today was Monday, the agreed-upon last day.
The Drunken Spirit Tavern was located in the most bustling part of Ur Town.
If it weren't for following the secret mark all the way here, Lynn couldn't have imagined that Jenny would choose this place for their meeting.
And seventeen coppers for a single glass of ancient Roan wine? Wasn't that a bit steep?
Lynn muttered to himself inwardly, but as soon as he pushed the door open, his brow furrowed involuntarily.
The interior of the Drunken Spirit Tavern, a gathering place for lower-class folks, was quite lively. The warmth of the roaring hearth dispelled the night's chill, and the cramped space of less than a hundred square meters was packed to the brim. The wooden floor was covered in wine stains and vomit, and the overpowering stench nearly overwhelmed Lynn.
At the long table near the entrance, a drunken halfling spotted Lynn as soon as he entered. Seeing his young age and unfamiliar face, he boisterously shouted, "Kid, care to join us for a drink?"
Lynn turned his head, examining the drunken halfling with a curious gaze.
Halflings were a unique species on this continent. Their name didn't come from having half a body but from their diminutive stature, roughly half the height of an average adult. They resembled dwarves from fantasy tales in Lynn's previous world.
However, Lynn didn't know much about the physical structure and genetic makeup of these halflings or how they differed from humans.
Lynn's instincts as a data storage clerk were itching.
Under Lynn's scrutinizing gaze, the inebriated halfling shivered uncontrollably, as if a cold breeze had traveled from the soles of his feet to his head.
Five years ago, in the Nordland, the halfling had once met the infamous decapitator, Luke. He was a ruthless thug who took delight in dismembering people into pieces.
The gaze of Lynn resembled that of Luke at the time as if he were a cadaver awaiting dissection.