The head of the Angolo rhinoceros contained a magic crystal, which was the source of magical power. The flesh and blood of the head carried purer energy, and the effects of consuming it should be even better than those of the ribs. However, during Charlie's second attempt, the effects were not as pronounced as the first time, with only slight increases in strength and physique. This indeed confirmed a point: the effectiveness of dietary supplements is best during the first consumption. It seemed he would need to experiment with more new recipes to continue enhancing his attributes.
Leon, on the other hand, felt an incredible effect; his body was heating up. With his excellent physique, his performance was not as lacking as Qianjue's. By the end, he almost single-handedly finished off the remaining bull's head. He left the scene feeling pleasantly tipsy and satisfied.
Erin had once again fallen into a sleep state. After two bouts of nourishment, her physical condition had improved significantly, and her complexion was looking increasingly rosy.
After helping Erin to bed, Charlie found himself with some free time. Anthony had locked himself in the laboratory, engrossed in his research, paying little attention to the outside world, and he was unwilling to be disturbed by apprentices.
Charlie felt a bit helpless. After more than a month in the Arcane Circle, aside from learning about Stargazing Meditation from Master Narl, he hadn't attended any classes that made him feel he had gained substantial knowledge. He was beginning to feel as though he was in a magical sanctuary but had nothing to learn.
Did everything have to rely on self-study?!
In his boredom, Charlie browsed the magical messages in his apprentice badge and found that Master Narl had a class titled "Magic and Art" today. Intrigued, he decided to attend.
It was a medium-sized elective course consisting of 12 sessions, with over 20 apprentices enrolled. Unfortunately, this lesson was the second in the series, and Charlie had already missed the first class.
When he arrived at Master Narl's classroom, the lesson was already underway. Charlie stood at the door, and upon seeing him, Master Narl nodded in acknowledgment.
As all eyes were on him, Charlie quietly entered and took a seat at the back of the classroom. He received a drawing board and a magical feather pen from an assistant.
"Wow! This student is late, and Master Narl didn't scold him? Isn't the teacher supposed to hate tardiness the most?!" a girl whispered.
"Yeah! Is it because he's a golden badge apprentice?"
"Don't talk nonsense, Master Narl isn't that kind of person. I saw a crystal badge apprentice get scolded for being late last time."
"Wait. I didn't see him in the first class!"
"That's Mr. Charlie; didn't you know?" Someone finally figured it out.
"Oh! So this is Mr. Charlie! No wonder he looks so calm! So composed!"
"Hehe! I think he's a bit handsome!" the girl said with a smile.
"Mr. Charlie's golden badge was recommended by Master Narl, so their relationship must be good! I suspect they might even be distant relatives!"
"What? Mr. Charlie and Master Narl are related…"
It must be said that teenagers at this age are easily distracted, love gossiping, and the rumors spread like wildfire, instantly morphing into something sensational.
"Silence!" Master Narl tapped the desk, finally bringing the classroom to order.
He began to speak passionately from the podium: "The study of magical arrays is the essence of modern magic. The sages found that the secrets of magic are all hidden within these intricate and profound diagrams. Mr. Faraday deciphered the principles of low-level magic, which is why we have the elemental magic we know today.
Many high-level spells remain shrouded in mystery. After you enter your second year, you will begin to explore this knowledge.
The applications of magical arrays are vast—magical scrolls, equipment enchantments, equipment appraisals, magical rune carving, magical jewelry, forging, and so on. Every specialty will be involved in some way.
So, what connection does this have to art? As first-year students, what can you do about it?"
Master Narl scanned the apprentices, who all lowered their heads, except for Charlie, who sat at the back, lost in thought.
Master Narl smiled warmly and asked, "Charlie, do you have anything to say?"
Is this really an opportunity to be highlighted?
Charlie paused for a moment and replied, "As apprentices, we certainly hope to build a solid foundation in our first year to accumulate knowledge for mastering the study of magical arrays. As for how to build that foundation, it's up to the teacher to enlighten us."
Phew~!
"Such flattery!" someone mocked in a pinched voice.
His words were so impeccable that they drew a wave of laughter from the other students.
"Charlie's awareness is higher than yours," Master Narl praised, casually waving his hand and conjuring several red and blue magical patterns in the air. As he moved his fingers, they continuously evolved, shifting into various shapes, breathtakingly beautiful.
"Finding beauty in monotonous lines, seeking rhythm in asymmetrical patterns, deriving art from magic—these are the topics we will discuss in this class..."
"It sounds beautiful, but I want to know what its significance is? Or rather, what benefits it brings? Can it enhance any specific abilities?" an apprentice interrupted Master Narl's presentation.
A blatant utilitarian, yet he voiced the sentiments of many apprentices.
"Your thinking is too utilitarian," Master Narl sighed. "But I can't blame you. Attending class costs points, and if there are no benefits, who would be willing to spend precious points?
I can't tell you exactly what this will bring you. Art is inherently abstract; its benefits are often a feeling, an understanding.
What I can tell you is what I will teach you. In these 12 sessions, for the first 8 classes, I will teach you sketching. The foundation of magical array studies is lines, simple and tedious. If your hand can steadily control these lines and present them, then you have taken the first step in the study of magical arrays, laying the groundwork for drawing diagrams with your mental energy in the future.
Sketching is also an essential skill for rune carving, scroll drawing, and enchanting; it is a highly valuable technique.
The last 4 classes will be a bit obscure, and many may find them hard to understand. I will teach you to find beauty in the lines, to think, to perceive—that's an artistic way of understanding. Perhaps it's not necessarily correct, as the sages have not found the right path either. We are still exploring, and we will attempt to present our perspectives to you; that is our insight, which may ignite inspiration in some talented individuals present.
When you reach the level of high-level mages, you'll find that the most important aspects of magic aren't just knowing a few spells! It's not about how much magic power you've accumulated! Nor is it about how many spell models you've mastered!
Rather, it's about your vision, your worldview, and your way of thinking—your magical philosophy. It determines your potential.
Magic knows no age limit; the younger you are, the stronger your creativity. Your thoughts are not bound, and perhaps among you will arise the next discoverer of something comparable to 'elemental magic'!"
Master Narl's heartfelt words left the classroom in silence, with many students wearing confused expressions, seeming to understand yet not fully grasping the message.
Charlie felt particularly enlightened; he realized these were the master's sincere words. The wisdom from his past life told him that magical philosophy might not provide a guaranteed path to success, but it would teach Charlie how to think, offering a lofty framework for thought. When he reached the level of a high mage, exploring unknown magic would often rely on this thinking ability.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Charlie clapped loudly, his applause somewhat solitary and strange. After a brief moment of hesitation, the other students awoke and joined in with a round of applause.
Within the applause, there was a mixture of confusion, and some even quietly cursed Charlie for being a sycophant.
Master Narl's eyes glistened slightly, and he discreetly wiped away a tear. It was gratifying to feel understood; he could sense that Charlie truly comprehended his words.
"Alright, enough of the preamble. Let's start the second sketching lesson. Today I will teach you a brand-new pattern. This spell is very interesting; it's a sixth-tier area fear spell, belonging to the shadow category. If you depict its magical array in a purplish-red color, you will find it incredibly beautiful, like a flower blooming on the banks of the River Styx..."
In the context of Earth, sketching has become a well-structured artistic technique with profound understanding and research into form, structure, characteristics, rhythm, and charm.
Charlie was curious about the level it developed to on the Vagrant continent and what kind of chemical reactions would occur when combined with magic. He finally rediscovered that long-lost feeling of eagerness to learn.
A master is indeed a master; his thoughts possess a certain height, and the course is very meaningful. Charlie hadn't felt that every cell was yearning for nourishment in a long time, and it was exhilarating!
...
Before long, the class rushed by amidst a flurry of practice, leaving six draft papers on Charlie's desk.
After the apprentices left the classroom, Narl approached Charlie with a smile. "I heard you and Tony's apprentice accomplished something big! You managed to escape from the Naga's clutches—impressive!"
Charlie smiled sheepishly, "So the teacher knows too! It was indeed quite perilous; we almost didn't make it back. Fortunately, that Naga lady didn't attack us."
"Naga lady?"
Narl couldn't help but ask.
"Her name is Anita."
"That woman?!" Narl furrowed his brows, looking at him in surprise. "To escape from her grasp is truly no small feat! But it must have been due to the treaty?"
"What treaty?" Charlie asked, confused.
"The Gentleman's Agreement, established between the nine Archmagi and the sea tribes. If their powerful individuals encounter advanced apprentices from the opposing side, they are not allowed to act personally! Otherwise, it could provoke a full-scale war!"
Charlie queried, "Aren't the Naga usually at the bottom of the sea? Do they really worry about apprentices getting into trouble? Would an Archmage really go to the ocean floor?"
Narl laughed, "That's where you're misinformed. A significant rite of passage for the Naga clan is adventuring on the continent. They will disguise themselves as they travel across the continent to gain strength and push their limits; they certainly have that need!
In fact, there are several Naga apprentices right here in the Arcane Circle, but you probably haven't noticed them!"
This was an interesting piece of news; Charlie had no idea that there were members of the Naga clan in the Arcane Circle.
No wonder the Naga didn't take action personally—if it were Fabio acting, it wouldn't have mattered to them.