As the Q&A session wrapped up, Charlotte wasted no time transitioning into the main lesson of the day. She introduced a powerful Tier 8 magic spell called Overgrowth, a plant-based spell designed to overwhelm and restrict opponents by covering the battlefield with thick and thin branches. These branches sprouted rapidly from the ground, weaving together to trap and immobilize the target.
"Now," she began, her voice steady and instructive, "Overgrowth may seem simple in concept, but mastering it requires precision. It is, after all, derived from a Rank 3 spell known as Vine Snare—a weaker but fundamental version of this magic. When you progress to higher-tier magic, you'll find that many powerful spells have their origins in simpler forms."
She gestured toward the blackboard, where she had already begun illustrating the spell structure, breaking it down into its component runes and formations. Her voice carried over the class as students hurried to take notes in their spellbooks. For a mage, the practice of carefully documenting spell structures and learning new spells was essential, as spellbooks served not just as study tools but as a record of a mage's journey.
"Remember," she said, "when a mage passes away, their spellbooks can turn into grimoires, especially if they were powerful mages. These grimoires often contain the essence of their spellcasting prowess, making them coveted artifacts. High-level mages will sometimes record their original spells in them, passing on their legacy."
Charlotte continued her explanation about grimoires, delving deeper into the subject as the class eagerly took notes.
"When a mage stores spells in a spellbook, the book acts as a simple record at first," she began. "But as the mage continues to grow in power, knowledge, and experience, their spellbook can gradually transform into something much more valuable—a grimoire."
Diluc listened intently, his quill hovering over his notes, ready to absorb every word.
"A grimoire isn't just a book anymore," Charlotte said, her voice softening as if she were speaking of something sacred. "It gains consciousness and its own spirit over time. This transformation happens due to the bond the mage forms with their spellbook—through their mana, their attachment, and the immense knowledge they pour into it. Essentially, the book becomes an extension of the mage, growing alongside them."
The students murmured quietly, clearly intrigued. Grimoires were legendary artifacts in magical history, often passed down from one generation of mages to the next, containing spells and knowledge that had been perfected over lifetimes. Many had heard stories of grimoires that held unique personalities, reflecting the temperaments of their original owners.
"The bond between a mage and their grimoire is powerful," Charlotte continued. "It's not just about recording spells; it's about the understanding the mage has with the magic they wield. The more intimate their connection with the spells, the deeper the bond, and the more likely their spellbook will turn into a grimoire. Over time, a grimoire becomes a partner to its owner, sharing not just knowledge, but also offering insight and even assisting in spellcasting."
Diluc couldn't help but imagine the possibilities of having his own grimoire one day. A companion that could aid him in battle, anticipate his needs, and possibly even grow alongside his ambitions. The idea of a sentient spellbook, one that could hold the knowledge of countless powerful spells, stirred something inside him.
Charlotte's voice drew him back to reality. "But be warned," she added, "a grimoire shares a close bond with its owner. If that bond is severed, the grimoire may fall dormant or, worse, become hostile toward anyone who tries to use it. Only those the grimoire deems worthy will be able to unlock its full potential."
As the students processed this new information, Charlotte moved on to the practical aspects of the lesson. "Now, let's focus on mastering Overgrowth. Practice the spell, and remember to pay attention to the energy flow. The more you refine your control, the better chance you'll have at eventually creating spells worthy of recording in a grimoire of your own."
Diluc's heart raced with excitement. The thought of creating a grimoire someday fueled his desire to improve, and with the challenge of mastering the Overgrowth spell ahead of him, he was determined to take another step closer to that goal.
Diluc couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as he took notes. The complexity of the spell, the way the different runes interacted to manipulate the environment, and the potential of Overgrowth—it all felt like unlocking new possibilities. He knew that mastering magic wasn't solely dependent on his attributes, though they influenced the efficiency of learning. Having Void, Lightning, and Darkness as his natural affinities would give him an edge in certain spells, but it didn't mean he couldn't use others. He understood that with enough practice, even spells outside his affinities could be used effectively.
"Magic attributes only determine how quickly you learn something," Diluc reminded himself. "It doesn't limit what I can do."
As the class continued, Charlotte demonstrated how to weave the spell together, showing them the intricacies of forming the branches, controlling their thickness, and determining how tightly they would bind an opponent.
"Each of you has the potential to customize the spell, based on your affinity or personal touch," she said, "but first, let's focus on getting the basics right. Once you've learned to execute it properly, then you can work on improving it."
Finally, when the theoretical portion ended, Charlotte gave the class some time to practice. The air around them buzzed with the sound of students focusing their mana, attempting to summon branches from the ground as they tried to get a handle on the spell's requirements.