With the lesson back on track, Lucian put aside his musings.
"Mentor Lucian, I think I understand the Gilles Vortex now!" Carrie raised her hand excitedly, head held high with a hint of newfound confidence.
Lucian glanced over, pausing in his explanation. "You seemed pretty lost on that topic earlier," he commented, watching her carefully.
Carrie's initial bravado wilted under his gaze. "Well… I figured it out while getting water," she said in a small voice. As she explained her realization, Lucian gained insight into how the system's teaching hints worked: they didn't directly implant knowledge but created situations that would nudge the student to an epiphany through a relatable experience. Lucian couldn't help but be impressed—this was indeed a "Master Teacher System" worthy of the name.
Professional, to say the least.
Curious, he decided to try the system's other hint. "And what about the application of the Moss Triangle?"
Carrie's confidence faded, replaced by an expression that looked close to panic.
Lucian maintained a calm, reassuring smile. "Don't worry about getting it wrong. Just try explaining what you understand so far."
Carrie took a deep breath, glancing at Lucian with an uncertain smile. Then, she began explaining her interpretation, haltingly at first but slowly gaining clarity as she spoke. Her understanding, initially tangled, gradually sorted itself out as she went on.
"I… I think I get it now!" Carrie's eyes widened as her explanation pieced the concept together in her mind. She looked up at Lucian with a mixture of awe and admiration, certain he'd known she would figure it out this way.
[Your student Carrie holds you in reverence. Reverence Points +1]
Lucian's smile widened as he watched her progress bar tick up by another 1.74%.
"Good, there's no need to continue. You've understood this part well enough," he said with a nod of approval.
"Alright, that's enough for today." Lucian glanced out the window where stars dotted the night sky. He noted Carrie's drooping eyelids and slight sway from fatigue, but overall, he was pleased with her progress. Her grasp of the meditation technique was now at 23.47%, and at this rate, she would likely complete it within the next day or two, ready for the next phase of learning.
"Thank you, Mentor Lucian." Carrie rubbed her temples, clearly exhausted, but with a look of satisfaction and fulfilment.
"Be sure to come by tomorrow morning. Let's aim to finish up the meditation technique then," Lucian encouraged.
"Yes, Mentor." Carrie glanced down, embarrassed, anticipating another day of struggle but also looking forward to it. "I'll head back now."
"Review everything when you're back, and rest well," Lucian reminded her, watching her leave. Once alone, he sat back, pondering his next steps.
Although he genuinely enjoyed teaching Carrie, he hadn't forgotten his initial purpose for taking on a student: to strengthen himself.
"With this new meditation technique, I should be able to reach the rank of a full-fledged wizard with a bit more time. But unfortunately, a good meditation method won't help much with my current predicament." He frowned. To certain ambitious wizard apprentices, he was now like a vulnerable, valuable prize—a fact that left some circling him with predatory intent.
Norian was only the first to show his hand. Lucian knew more would follow.
If he didn't display enough strength to deter their ambitions, he'd soon find himself facing far worse.
Lucian's eyes sharpened. He needed to project an image of strength—and if necessary, he would need to "make an example" to warn others off.
The key to breaking this stalemate, he considered, lies in bolstering my battle capabilities through the system's rewards. By teaching Carrie combat spells, he could, in return, gain access to more powerful upgraded versions that would directly enhance his combat prowess.
But this meant he first had to cover a range of prerequisite knowledge with her—anatomy, energy control, and other basic subjects. She'd need these foundations before she could learn even the simplest spells.
It was like building a vocabulary before learning a language: without the basics, progress would be slow and fragmented.
Yet, given his time constraints, Lucian knew he couldn't afford such a drawn-out approach. How can I increase her learning speed? He rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought. If I took the standard approach and had Carrie attend public classes, it'd take her at least three months to learn the fundamentals.
Suddenly, his eyes brightened. I'm a transmigrator, after all! I survived the gruelling university entrance exams in the Dragon Kingdom (China)!
If there was one thing he knew, it was how to absorb complex knowledge quickly and efficiently.
Lucian's lips curved into a wry smile. It's time for Carrie to experience the wonders of test-oriented education.