Chapter 42: The Arcane Secrets of Runes
"Your level is quite impressive,"
Old Cohen's expression remained unchanged.
"You truly possess a remarkable talent for Spellcraft."
"Now that you've become a Spellcaster, I should have taken you to learn a couple of spells."
"However, those conventional extraordinary spells are unable to fully leverage your potent extraordinary talent."
"Would you be interested in learning unconventional spells?"
A surge of joy washed over Gu Nie.
"Yes," he replied promptly.
Spellcasters draw upon the Source Energy within their Source Pools.
They use spells as a conduit for power, employing them in offensive and defensive combat.
The emphasis is on swift, decisive combat, with many attack methods being tangible and visible.
Conventional Spellcaster spells fall into this category.
Gu Nie's Rocket Blast, Lightning Arc, and Ring Bombardment were all conventional spells.
Visible, tangible, with detailed Spellcraft principles and calculable trajectories.
Unconventional spells, on the other hand, are often those with higher casting difficulty, strong concealment, powerful and peculiar effects, and a greater number of spell syllables.
In fact, the specific arcane meanings of certain syllables in some spells remain elusive to this day.
These unconventional spells often catch opponents off guard.
When Gu Nie first encountered descriptions of these unconventional extraordinary spells in various books, he yearned to learn them.
These were the ultimate tools for silently eliminating foes without repercussions, the trump cards for turning the tide in crucial moments.
Now that the opportunity to learn them presented itself, Gu Nie wouldn't miss it for the world. It would be a disservice to himself otherwise.
"I'll send you a message in a few days," Old Cohen stated calmly.
Even for him, acquiring these unconventional spells would require some time.
As the flames in the fireplace gradually intensified,
The chill dissipated, and warmth enveloped the entire room.
With slightly furrowed brows, Viya turned to Gu Nie. "May I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"What is your Spellcaster profession?"
The red firelight illuminated Gu Nie's face.
He didn't conceal it, but spoke softly.
"Blood Spellcaster!"
...
The persistent overcast weather showed no signs of abating, instead intensifying with each passing day.
Sugh Extraordinary Academy.
Oloff Tower, sixth floor.
Not far from Gu Nie, Yulair's seat remained empty.
Yulair hadn't attended class for several days.
In his seat, Gu Nie gazed out the glass window.
Beyond the ruins of Sugh City, over the Otto Mountains in the north, the dark clouds grew increasingly dense.
Usually, in the late autumn and early winter, the sky was often gloomy.
However, this kind of thick, oppressive cloud cover was quite rare.
"Within the Spellcaster system, besides the mainstream Elementalists, Pact Masters, and Spellcasters, there are also some rarer 'Naturalists' who wield the power of nature."
"These unique Naturalists, through ritual spells, can manipulate the weather, creating extraordinary natural phenomena, such as strong winds, torrential rain, and heavy snow."
"From the conversations between Cohen and Viya, I can sense that quite a few extraordinary individuals have recently arrived in Sugh City. It seems a storm is brewing within the city."
"And I... need to quickly advance to Extraordinary Rank 1."
"Cough... cough..." A coughing sound suddenly broke the silence.
Gu Nie quickly turned his head.
He saw Professor Oloff, clad in a spellcaster robe and grey wizard's hat, glancing subtly in his direction.
Caught daydreaming.
Sure enough, as soon as the break between classes arrived,
Professor Oloff announced, "Gu Nie, come to my office."
Gu Nie: "..."
A few minutes later.
Oloff Tower's top floor, Professor Oloff's office.
The cold, overcast weather made the three red man-eating flowers on the windowsill nearly retract into the soil.
Observing Gu Nie, Professor Oloff scrutinized him carefully, his doubts deepening.
Since returning from the Extraordinary Wilderness internship,
He had noticed that Gu Nie emanated a thick aura of blood.
It almost made him think the young man was a Bloodkin, a Blood Demon, or even some kind of bloodthirsty creature.
Later, he learned from other students that they had made some gains during their adventure.
"Gu Nie must have obtained an extraordinary profession," was Oloff's initial deduction.
But in the following days, he noticed that the young man's vitality was rapidly diminishing.
No... not diminishing.
It was concealment!
More accurately, it was suppression, but a far more sophisticated technique, as if he had directly severed his own path to perceiving Gu Nie.
Even today, despite possessing exceptionally unique insight and deductive abilities,
He found that Gu Nie was nothing more than an ordinary Spellcraft Apprentice.
Unremarkable, without any unusual features.
Keep in mind, he was a powerful Spellcaster on the verge of reaching Rank 5.
He possessed profound knowledge of Spellcraft, having even reached the level of modifying basic extraordinary spells. His Spellcraft academic papers numbered over thirty.
Despite all this, Gu Nie had managed to conceal himself right in front of him.
Now, he could no longer probe Gu Nie's mind. Even using the Memory Hall's logical causality to deduce, he would only arrive at the wildly inaccurate conclusion that "the other party is very ordinary."
"How's your recent training going?" Oloff inquired gently.
"Progressing quite rapidly. The Cyberna Source Pool is quite powerful."
Gu Nie was telling the truth.
The Cyberna Source Pool, a mid-level extraordinary tome, was indeed exceptionally effective.
However, his cheat system was even more potent.
Not only had he successfully opened the Cyberna Source Pool, but its capacity was already quite substantial.
It could now hold over thirty units of Source Energy.
The Source Pool's capacity, combined with Gu Nie's own capacity, had brought his Source Energy reserves close to the entry-level capacity of a Rank 2 Spellcaster.
"Source Pool? Already opened?" Oloff was startled.
"This fellow obtained his extraordinary profession less than half a month ago!"
"And he's already opened a Source Pool?"
"You must understand that many talented students, using easier-to-master basic Source Pool tomes, still take three to five months to barely open one."
"If they use a more difficult mid-level extraordinary Source Pool, the time would double."
"Gu Nie's extraordinary talent... is truly astonishing."
"Very good," Professor Oloff nodded slightly.
In his decades of teaching, Gu Nie was undoubtedly the most gifted student he had ever encountered.
"Have you finished studying the entire set of books on the fundamental principles of Spellcraft?"
"Yes, I have," Gu Nie nodded.
The system's automated learning was one factor.
Another was that Gu Nie, after being battered by the harsh realities of 21st-century society,
Understood the importance of knowledge profoundly.
And as a Spellcaster, a practitioner of knowledge,
Diligent study and the expansion of knowledge and learning became necessary actions.
At the same time, due to the constant tempering of his soul from the system's automated learning of damaged extraordinary tomes, his memory, comprehension, understanding, and assimilation abilities had increased severalfold.
The scholastically challenged individual of his past life, while not a genius, had now reached a "scholar" level of academic ability.
Gu Nie did not disappoint his own aptitude for learning.
While others were meditating and practicing spells,
Gu Nie dedicated that time to studying Spellcraft and Alchemy.
Currently, while his Spellcraft knowledge base wasn't yet fully developed, he had mastered all the foundational theories.
"Hmm, in a few days, I'll give you a comprehensive Spellcraft knowledge exam."
"If you can achieve a score of 90 or above, I will introduce you to 'In-Depth Rune Analysis'."
"In-Depth Rune Analysis?"
Gu Nie's heart skipped a beat.
In-Depth Rune Analysis.
This was the path to understanding the fundamental essence of spells.
Gu Nie's current studies focused on Spellcraft.
And the entire field of "Spellcraft" could be considered the superficial manifestation of "Rune Arcane."
In-Depth Rune Analysis doesn't dwell on the surface.
Instead, it delves directly into the deepest arcane secrets of "Runes."
And once one achieves mastery in Rune Arcane,
They can easily reverse-engineer the fundamental framework and details of the Lanemi language to create new spells.
Yes, create entirely new and powerful spells.
This is the true power of Rune Analysis.
However, simply studying Spellcraft, at best, broadens one's knowledge of all Spellcraft disciplines.
But in reality, one is only learning what others have created.
Deeply analyzing Runes and understanding Rune Arcane allows one to create spells themselves.
Of course, in-depth study of Rune Analysis grants Spellcasters a deeper understanding and comprehension of the world.
In the eyes of many academic Spellcasters, the importance of this deeper understanding of the world, truth, and essence far surpasses the creation of spells through Runes.
For Gu Nie,
Understanding the fundamental essence of the world.
Creating powerful spell incantations.
Both were equally important.
Creating powerful spells unique to himself was one of his long-held dreams.
"Are you reluctant?" Oloff narrowed his eyes, observing Gu Nie's dazed expression.
"Thank you, Professor. I will study diligently," Gu Nie snapped out of his reverie and replied with a delighted tone.
"Hmm, first pass this Spellcraft knowledge exam."
"Yes!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 43: The Transaction
The weather remained oppressively gloomy.
At five o'clock, just after school ended, the sky had already grown completely dark.
Despite the dreary weather, Gu Nie's mood was considerably brighter today.
Professor Oloff's willingness to introduce him to "Rune Analysis" was a rare opportunity.
If he hadn't demonstrated exceptional extraordinary talent, he likely wouldn't have earned such a privilege.
"Rune Analysis study, and then creating new spells," Gu Nie mused.
"It will be a long learning process."
"For several years, perhaps even a decade or more, I will be a dedicated scholar."
"Only when I have a sufficiently deep foundation in Extraordinary Studies and Rune Studies will I be able to create new extraordinary spells."
As Gu Nie reached the entrance of Old Stone Street,
A black carriage blocked his path.
The carriage door opened, revealing Viya in her spellcaster robe.
After a quick scan of the surroundings, Viya swiftly instructed, "Get in."
Gu Nie didn't hesitate, climbing into the carriage.
As soon as he sat down, Gu Nie noticed that besides himself and Viya, the relatively cramped carriage held another individual: a middle-aged noble man in a brown top hat and dark blue robe.
The man was of average build, with a kind yet authoritative face. He wore a pocket watch, grey-white gloves, and carried a black bamboo cane.
This was a standard aristocratic attire.
When Gu Nie saw the silver pocket watch on the man's chest, his heart stirred.
"This is my uncle, Baron Dylan, a nobleman with a hereditary title and land holdings," Viya introduced after Gu Nie settled in.
"Land holdings, hereditary title," Gu Nie couldn't help but take a closer look at this seemingly ordinary middle-aged man.
Viya added, "And once his twenty-year tenure as Sugh City's guardian ends, his promotion to Earl is practically guaranteed."
"Hehe... it's not as exaggerated as you make it sound. It's all thanks to the family's influence," Baron Dylan chuckled.
"This... should be the future Alchemy Master my niece has spoken so highly of, Master Gu Nie, is it not?"
"Greetings, Baron Dylan," Gu Nie rose slightly to bow.
"This boastful introduction is a bit too blatant, isn't it?" Gu Nie thought to himself as he sat down, glancing at Viya.
However, Viya seemed to have spotted something interesting through the carriage window's curtain slits, completely ignoring the situation inside.
After a moment of contemplation,
Baron Dylan spoke softly, "I understand from my niece, Viya, that Master Gu Nie possesses extraordinary proficiency in the creation of high-level rare potions."
With that statement, Gu Nie understood his intentions.
By flaunting his land holdings, hereditary title, and future Earldom,
He was showcasing his wealth and status, aiming to gain an upper hand in their collaboration.
Gu Nie, of course, wouldn't let himself be outdone.
"High-level rare potions are not my ultimate pursuit. My true ambition lies in Rune Potions," Gu Nie declared with a tone of sincerity and rhythm.
"These are potent potions that can directly enhance our physical bodies, souls, and Source Energy."
"More importantly, the extraordinary properties embedded within Rune Potions can revolutionize the current state of extraordinary professions, which are generally weak in nature."
"Furthermore, through the latest Alchemy theories and tomes from the White Tower of Dragonyu Mountain, combined with my own understanding of Alchemy, I've gained new insights into the handling of the extraordinary properties of herbs."
"Perhaps, in the near future, I will be able to create a batch of Rune Potions."
Gu Nie's words caused even Viya, who was "focused" on the window, to turn her attention to him.
Baron Dylan was slightly taken aback, glancing at Viya. "This seems different from what we discussed earlier! Wasn't he supposed to be humble?"
"Master Gu Nie's talent and expertise in Alchemy are undeniable. He is undoubtedly destined for great things in the future,"
Baron Dylan composed himself and cautiously probed, "Master Gu Nie, as you know, high-level rare potions possess exceptionally potent extraordinary medicinal properties."
"Long-term consumption can help enhance certain aspects of our being, such as the soul and the body's agility."
"I wonder if Master Gu Nie is capable of creating potions of this nature?"
"Do you have the corresponding potion formula?" Gu Nie asked.
"Yes," Baron Dylan replied readily.
"Then there's no problem," Gu Nie had the confidence to say so.
Baron Dylan's eyelids flickered slightly.
"The creation of those potions is extremely difficult. I've sought out three high-level Alchemists, and even their success rate was extremely low," Baron Dylan said with a hint of caution.
"Low-success-rate creation is simply a waste of materials,"
Gu Nie remained unfazed.
"For high-level rare potions, a low success rate for high-level Alchemists isn't surprising."
Gu Nie gently rubbed his fingers, speaking softly, "My words are meaningless unless proven."
"Baron Dylan, you can deliver the formula and materials to me tomorrow or the day after, and you can see the results for yourself."
Baron Dylan glanced at Viya, who nodded slightly.
"No problem," Baron Dylan nodded.
"If Master Gu Nie truly can create these types of high-level rare potions with a relatively high success rate,"
"Then the demand for them will be substantial."
"Substantial demand?" Gu Nie's heart stirred at those words.
High demand meant a large supply of extraordinary herbs.
This, in turn, would create considerable room for manipulation, and the potential for profit would be significant.
In the field of Alchemy,
Basic Potion prices: 20 to 100 copper coins.
Many basic Alchemists could create basic potions.
And there were numerous Alchemy apprentices assisting with herb processing and basic potion preparation.
In some places, the beginnings of steam-powered potion creation were emerging. Gu Nie faintly sensed the scent of potion industrialization.
This resulted in basic potions having little profit margin.
For a 20-copper-coin basic potion, earning one or two copper coins was already considered decent.
Compared to basic potions,
Mid-level potions had a much more attractive profit margin.
Because mid-level potions were scarce, yet the demand was considerable.
Major powers desperately needed these mid-level potions.
Mid-level potion prices ranged from 2 silver dragons (200 copper coins) to 5 silver dragons (500 copper coins).
Top-tier refined mid-level potions, at 500 copper coins, were already half a gold pound.
The profit margin was substantial. Sometimes, it could reach 50%.
Even for the less profitable ones, it was still around 20%.
As for high-level potions,
The prices were in a different league.
High-level potion prices: 2 to 5 gold pounds.
In market terms, that's 2000 to 5000 copper coins. This was equivalent to two or three months' income for many working-class individuals.
Fortunately, extraordinary individuals weren't ordinary people.
Many extraordinary individuals carried three to five high-level potions on their person.
In crucial moments, these high-level potions could be lifesavers.
And due to the rarity of high-level potions, the profit margins were exceptionally high.
The average was over 100%.
This was why high-level Alchemists were so sought after.
Any power that possessed an Alchemist would treat them as a core asset.
After all, they were a golden goose capable of laying golden eggs.
And even rarer than high-level potions, high-level rare potions, which could enhance certain attributes with long-term use,
Were extremely rare potions that many high-level Alchemists couldn't create.
Only expert-level Alchemists could consistently produce them.
And expert-level Alchemists were incredibly rare.
They were primarily found within powerful entities like the Yulan Empire, the Yulan Extraordinary Association, and the White Tower of Dragonyu Mountain.
This illustrates the scarcity of high-level rare potions.
And these powers themselves had a massive demand for these potions.
Therefore, these rare potions were essentially monopolized at the source.
Free extraordinary individuals who weren't affiliated with major extraordinary powers, if they wanted to obtain high-level rare potions, not only needed money but also luck.
Compared to the 2 to 5 gold pound price of ordinary high-level potions,
High-level rare potions cost a staggering 10 to 20 gold pounds.
It might seem like only a four to fivefold increase compared to high-level potions.
But high-level rare potions needed to be consumed over a long period to show results.
For example, if one consumed one bottle a day, that would be a monthly expenditure of 300 to 600 gold pounds.
Over the long term, this kind of expenditure was beyond the reach of most extraordinary individuals.
Gu Nie's gaze briefly lingered on Baron Dylan.
"Sugh City is located on the border of the Extraordinary Wilderness."
"Baron Dylan is a manager of the Sugh City branch of the Extraordinary Association. He likely has access to a vast amount of resources."
"If this transaction goes through, I can make a fortune through potion creation."
Gu Nie pondered silently.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 44: Tome Buff
After discussing the matter of high-level rare potions,
Baron Dylan didn't beat around the bush, getting straight to the point.
"Master Gu Nie, are you in need of high-level soul-related extraordinary tomes?"
"Yes," Gu Nie didn't hide it. After all, that was the primary purpose of his visit.
"Then... can Master Gu Nie withstand the murmuring whispers during cultivation?"
"What do you mean?" Gu Nie looked at him intently.
Baron Dylan adjusted his posture slightly and explained, "Master Gu Nie, during our recent expedition to the mysterious lands, the Yulan Association's extraordinary explorers unearthed a batch of ancient tomes, and among them, there are indeed tomes related to soul cultivation."
"These tomes are vast and profound, and quite peculiar."
"Some of our extraordinary individuals, after receiving a portion of the inheritance from these tomes, discovered that they experienced inexplicable murmuring whispers during cultivation."
"And as the cultivation time increases, these whispers become stronger, even leading to subtle forms of suggestion."
"Some of our Spellcasters have attempted long-term cultivation and testing, and they found that these subtle psychological suggestions interfere with their state of immersion during cultivation."
"If they forcefully maintain their cultivation state, it puts a strain on their souls."
Baron Dylan's words put Gu Nie on high alert.
"Murmuring whispers? Psychological suggestions during prolonged cultivation?"
Gu Nie furrowed his brows and asked in a low voice, "Have these tomes been tainted by some kind of aberrant power?"
"Apparently so," Baron Dylan nodded.
"Only when faced with the invasion of terrifying forces do those alien beings flee quickly, allowing these extraordinary tomes to be preserved."
"If they had ample time to retreat, they wouldn't leave behind valuable items,"
"That makes sense," Gu Nie nodded slightly.
"What kind of power has tainted them?"
"We don't know," Baron Dylan shook his head.
"If they were sent to the Yulan Association's headquarters, perhaps we could figure it out. But here, few individuals have much knowledge of these mysterious forces."
"If they're sent to the Yulan Association headquarters, I won't get a share," Gu Nie muttered under his breath.
After a moment of consideration, Gu Nie cautiously inquired, "Can you elaborate on the specific effects of these mysterious whispers and psychological suggestions during cultivation?"
After organizing his thoughts, Baron Dylan resumed speaking.
"It's a dreamlike murmuring sound that you can barely hear, constantly ringing in your ears. However, you can never recall the specific content of the whispers, or perhaps the whispers themselves aren't meant to convey any content, but are simply a natural, unconscious sound. Regardless, the murmuring whispers are impossible to remember or describe."
"Unmemorable? Indescribable?" Gu Nie's eyes narrowed.
"Yes!"
Gu Nie gently rubbed his fingers.
"It seems the powerful being that tainted these tomes is no ordinary entity!"
"But then again, a powerful being capable of tainting sealed, extraordinary tomes with extraordinary properties wouldn't be simple."
"What about the specific effects during cultivation?" Gu Nie asked again.
"Let's take a Rank 3 Spellcaster as an example," Baron Dylan continued.
"During the first two hours of cultivation, the whispers have virtually no impact, as if they don't exist,"
"Within three to four hours, the faint murmuring whispers begin to appear."
"Around five to six hours, the whispers start to affect the Spellcaster's cultivation state."
"Around seven to eight hours, the impact intensifies further."
"When cultivation continues for ten hours, the whispers significantly interfere with cultivation, making it difficult to focus."
"When cultivation exceeds twelve hours, subtle psychological suggestions begin to emerge."
"These psychological suggestions gradually strengthen over time."
"The Rank 3 Spellcaster, after cultivating for eighteen hours, had their cultivation immersion broken by these psychological suggestions."
"They were forced to exit their cultivation state."
"And for different individuals, the types of suggestions vary with each cultivation session."
"Including self-harm, showering, eating, indulging in desires, obsessive-compulsive disorder, cleanliness obsessions, social withdrawal, and so on. Various emotions can be triggered."
"Mild whispers dissipate after stopping cultivation for about half an hour."
"Severe whispers require an hour."
"And when psychological suggestions appear, it takes at least two hours for them to resolve on their own."
"Of course, if someone provides psychological guidance, the process can be accelerated."
After listening to Baron Dylan's explanation, Gu Nie nodded slightly.
Although the whispers had an impact, as long as they were handled properly, they weren't a major issue.
"In other words, if one uses these soul tomes for cultivation, they need to divide their cultivation sessions into shorter periods."
"Each cultivation session can last from one to two hours to five to six hours. This ensures that one is not disturbed by the whispers."
"Yes," Baron Dylan nodded.
"Dividing cultivation sessions is the most effective way to deal with these tainted tomes."
"Of course, if you have some magical items that can suppress or eliminate these effects, that would be ideal."
"Suppress? Eliminate?" Gu Nie's mind was calm and composed.
"Why would I do that?"
"These powerful extraordinary tomes with negative buffs are, for me, simply... perfect."
When he first heard that these high-level soul tomes had negative effects, Gu Nie almost laughed out loud.
Why did Gu Nie's soul possess the strength of an ordinary Rank 2 or 3 Spellcaster even at the Spellcraft Apprentice stage?
Wasn't it because he had been automatically cultivating the Ring Bombardment, an extraordinary tome with negative effects on the soul?
Now, these tainted tomes.
With negative effects during cultivation that gradually intensify over time.
For Gu Nie, this was a perfect way to accelerate his cultivation!
Negative effects, in the system's eyes, did not exist.
The more negative the effect, the more the system would convert it into soul tempering to enhance the soul's strength and capacity.
Although he thought this way,
On the surface, Gu Nie's expression was grave and hesitant.
"Although there are some negative effects, these are still high-level extraordinary tomes. Overall, they're worth a try."
"After all, risk and reward are always proportionate."
"Perhaps these murmuring whispers can also temper my soul, making it even stronger," Gu Nie said.
"Indeed, frequently experiencing these negative tempering effects can enhance one's soul's adaptability,"
Baron Dylan echoed with a smile.
Soon, the carriage left Sugh City, heading deeper into the forest along a narrow cobblestone road.
Looking out the window, the sky had already grown completely dark, the night pitch black, with no visibility.
Even after leaving Sugh City and traveling for ten minutes, the carriage didn't stop.
"Is the Sugh City branch of the Extraordinary Association located so far out?" Gu Nie couldn't help but ask.
"The location is relatively remote,"
"After all, the Extraordinary Association branch needs to seal and study certain threatening sealed objects."
"In the city center, if these objects with life activity, or even those with intelligence, were to lose control, the threat would be immense."
"Sealed objects."
Gu Nie's brow furrowed slightly.
(End of Chapter)