The notes were recorded in a diary-like format, with Aita's reflections and insights into spellcasting. Although Merlin had mastered over a thousand Mortan vocabulary words, understanding some parts of the notes remained challenging. The difficulty lay in the specialized terminology around spells and spellcasters, making some sections harder to interpret. However, Merlin read through most of the general content with ease.
Soon, Merlin found the part he was most interested in—the section on becoming a spellcaster.
"To become a spellcaster, the foundation lies in mental strength! Only those with powerful mental energy can simulate a spell model in their mind, imprinting it in their consciousness as the source of magical power!"
Merlin repeated this line to himself, trying to absorb its meaning. Though he wasn't entirely sure what a "spell model" was, he understood the essential point: mental strength is the key to becoming a spellcaster.
Perhaps Aita had sensed Merlin's unusually strong mental power, which explained why he had entrusted him with this ring containing the spell notes. Merlin's mental strength was likely exceptional due to his experience of living two lives.
With the reassurance that he had the potential to become a spellcaster, Merlin continued reading eagerly, hoping to find specific steps on how to get started.
On the third page, Merlin came across another line: "Mental strength is the foundation of a spellcaster, and the structure of the spell model determines how powerful a spellcaster can become."
The term "spell model" appeared frequently throughout the notes, yet Merlin found no further explanation on what it actually was.
Merlin now understood the general path to becoming a spellcaster: first, he needed extraordinary mental strength; next, he had to construct a spell model, imprinting it in his mind. By mentally replicating this spell model, he would theoretically gain the ability to cast spells.
The spell notes were composed of several volumes. In the first volume, Merlin found only Aita's personal insights and reflections from practicing spells, but no foundational spell models.
Merlin then turned to the second volume, and immediately found a complex diagram. Beneath it was Aita's commentary:
"The spell model for the zero-level spell, Fireball. This model has been refined multiple times for stability. While its power may not match other Fireball models, it excels in stability. Using this model, novice spellcasters need not worry as much about the risk of mental collapse during model construction."
This intricate diagram was the spell model Merlin was searching for—a zero-level Fireball model.
Besides this stable version, there were also more powerful Fireball models, but Aita had left notes cautioning that these models posed a risk of collapse due to their unstable structures, which could lead to severe injury or even death.
Merlin realized that the most important thing for a spellcaster was to choose a spell model suited to their abilities.
He moved past the Fireball model and found another model for a spell called Whirlwind, which was also a zero-level spell.
There were only two zero-level spells detailed in Aita's notes. Merlin felt a hint of disappointment. Only two basic spells, and zero-level ones at that.
However, as he read further into the requirements for becoming a spellcaster, Merlin began to appreciate the difficulty of even these basic spells.
The Fireball model, while a zero-level spell, was so complex that Merlin could barely comprehend it. Its intricate design was akin to advanced mathematical models from his previous life.
Constructing such a model in the mind, using mental power to imprint it without any error, was indeed a tremendous challenge—a challenge that demanded exceptional mental strength.
Furthermore, spellcasters had to choose carefully among different model types, balancing stability and power. For Fireball, Aita had developed no fewer than ten different models, each complex in design. Merlin felt mentally exhausted just from examining them.
The second spell, Whirlwind, was similarly complex. Aita's notes spanned thirty pages, all dedicated to these two spells and their model variations.
Merlin sat back in his chair, placing the spell notes on his desk and massaging his temples as he pondered which model to use.
"Between the two, Fireball is more powerful than Whirlwind and also Aita's signature spell. For my first spell, Fireball should be the one to choose."
Typically, spellcasters required at least three zero-level spells to achieve a stable mental structure. However, since Merlin was just beginning, he likely had enough mental strength to support only one model.
With the spell chosen, Merlin now faced the daunting task of picking one among the many variations Aita had devised for Fireball. There were thirteen different models, each with unique features like stability or explosive power.
Reading further into Aita's notes, Merlin discovered that the best models were those that had been personally customized to match a spellcaster's needs.
Though the general structure of Fireball remained the same, adjustments could enhance power or increase stability, depending on the caster's preference. Spellcasters often made such modifications to suit their own requirements.
Merlin felt overwhelmed. As a beginner, he lacked the experience to modify Aita's models. Each of the ten models had likely taken Aita years of calculations, experimentation, and refinement.
"If only I had Matrix," Merlin sighed. Matrix was a quantum computing system from his past life. With its computational power, it could perform complex calculations and generate perfect models to meet specific requirements.
Just as he was lamenting, he thought he heard a faint voice saying, "Would you like to activate Matrix?"
Startled, Merlin thought he had imagined it, the strain of studying the complex models having conjured the familiar voice in his mind.
As he returned to considering which model to choose, the voice echoed again, this time clearly: "Would you like to activate Matrix?"
This time, the sound was unmistakable, resonating in his mind. Merlin felt a surge of excitement, barely daring to believe it.
"Could Matrix have followed me here?" Bewildered yet hopeful, he gave the command, "Activate Matrix!"
As he waited with bated breath, he felt a glimmer of hope and anticipation fill his heart.