This was a new spellbook titled Foundational Teachings of Fire Elements.
Having acquired an abundance of magic stones, but with no news of the high-powered microscope these days and still unable to decide on a course regarding the parasitic worm, Grimm, unwilling to waste precious time, resigned himself to studying elemental sorcery.
In the world of sorcerers, every practitioner, no matter how specialized their focus, is bound to study the basics of elemental magic. The reason is simple: during a sorcerer apprentice's early training, the first instance of solidifying an elemental magic array within the soul through mental energy significantly boosts spiritual power. This is an irresistible temptation for any apprentice.
After carefully reading Foundational Teachings of Fire Elements twice, Grimm set the book down gently and fell into contemplation.
"This so-called elemental magic array... could it be the most basic application of leverage in sorcery? Simplified to this extent, it's become almost an art form."
An elemental magic array consists of two foundational components: runes and the magic array itself.
Regarding runes, orthodox sorcerer texts document 26 standard symbols. By combining these symbols in various ways, one can channel magical power to communicate with the natural forces of the infinite world. Of course, this communication is a crude one, as the expenditure of magical power is disproportionate to the energy drawn. Beyond the standard 26 runes, certain rare symbols can be found in nature or created in laboratories. These special runes channel unique energy properties or entirely new energy types invented by sorcerers. For instance, the "Soulfire" used by that Dila sorcerer aboard the Sea Wheel.
As for magic arrays, they utilize countless runes arranged into patterns or structures comprehensible to sorcerers, which can then be permanently etched into their souls through spiritual solidification. While magic arrays can vary infinitely based on individual interpretations, one immutable core remains: a six-pointed star enclosed within a large circle. This design, refined over generations of ancient sorcerers, represents the ultimate and most fundamental leverage of sorcery to influence the world's rules.
Future sorcerers seeking to improve upon the magic array inevitably work from this foundation, adding layers to refine the structure of elemental sorcery. For instance, during Grimm's first elemental class, the "beautiful" sorceress teacher transformed a simple fireball into a fiery bird.
Rubbing his temples, Grimm pulled out a blank sheet of paper and a quill.
To permanently solidify an elemental magic array within the soul, one must first master the skill of inscribing all 26 symbols mentally. This requires persistent effort. The time needed varies based on one's affinity for elements, but even those with the lowest affinity can achieve this within a year.
Grimm, however, had no intention of taking that long.
Channeling his mental energy into the quill, he began repeatedly inscribing the symbols, refining his technique with each iteration.
Three days later, Grimm stared in astonishment at his progress.
"Could I be a natural at elemental sorcery? To master the symbols in just three days!"
Ten days later, after enduring a bout of inexplicable pain, Grimm appeared slightly haggard but was elated deep within.
"Not even half a month, and I've permanently solidified the fire element magic array within my soul. I must have a natural talent for this!"
Taking a deep breath, Grimm chanted an incantation, causing the crystal ball to float quietly before him. He examined his status.
"Spiritual Power: 18. Magic Power: 126–137. As expected, my spiritual power has increased by five points!" Magic power naturally improves with continued meditation once spiritual power advances.
Satisfied, Grimm decided to test his newfound strength. With a whispered incantation, the crystal ball flared brilliantly before dimming again.
"Let's see the full strength of my fireball spell."
Considering the standard ratio of magical power to energy output, ten units of magic correspond to one unit of standard energy. Even if Grimm used all his magic, it would yield only 12–13 units of energy. During combat, sorcerers can generally channel only a quarter of their magic power instantaneously unless given extended preparation time. This ratio diminishes as a sorcerer's overall magical capacity increases.
Channeling magic into his soul's elemental array, a small, familiar warmth blossomed. With a faint pop, a fireball the size of a fist ignited at his fingertips.
"Hmm... still smaller than that sorceress's version."
With a flick of his finger, the fireball shot toward the crystal ball. The ensuing wave of heat filled the air, and Grimm summoned the ball back into his hand.
"Twenty-one units? I used roughly forty points of magic for a single attack, increasing the energy output fivefold. Not bad!"
To contextualize, a newborn can be fatally harmed by one unit of energy, an ordinary adult by three units, and a trained knight by five to ten units. Even the so-called legendary knights would suffer severe injuries from a 21-unit attack—provided they failed to dodge. Many legendary knights ultimately pledge loyalty to powerful sorcerers, undergoing body modifications to surpass their natural limits.
Grimm couldn't be more pleased. From this moment onward, he wielded a power far beyond the reach of ordinary people. The simplest offensive spell granted an apprentice the ability to kill a legendary knight—proof of why sorcerers reign supreme in this world.
His confidence bolstered, Grimm knew his odds of surviving the trial a year from now had improved.
Despite the surge in spiritual power, solidifying the elemental array had left Grimm's mind exhausted. Inevitably, he drifted into a deep sleep.
After an indeterminate time, a sharp chime stirred his soul. Grimm awoke to the sight of his crystal ball, signaling a summons. The familiar voice of Valro, a fellow apprentice from the seventh floor of Black Isotta Tower, called out.
"Hey, Grimm! Come over. My teacher just left. Oh, and bring some rodin fish!"
In an instant, Grimm sat up, his drowsiness evaporating. Could this finally mean access to the advanced microscope? Brimming with excitement, he packed his experimental materials, including the containers holding dissected mouse limbs and the malformed frog infected by parasitic snails.
The grotesque frog had grown three additional legs since Grimm amputated one for preservation—a deformity induced by the parasites to make the frog easier prey for their next host, the crane.
Without hesitation, Grimm grabbed the frog and its severed leg before leaving his quarters. After purchasing some rodin fish on his way out, he climbed to the seventh floor.
Valro greeted him with a sly grin.
"You're lucky. My teacher is out on business."
Together, they ascended higher into the tower, passing two enormous mechanical constructs. Since Valro vouched for him, Grimm was allowed through without issue.
It was Grimm's first time venturing above the seventh floor, and his curiosity was palpable. Unfortunately, the corridors were desolate, dampening his excitement.
"Stop gawking. The eighth floor and above are where official sorcerers reside. Wandering around could get you thrown off the tower," Valro warned.
Grimm nodded cautiously, following Valro without a word. The climb was arduous, and by the time they reached their destination, Grimm was drenched in sweat and breathless.
"You really should study bloodline sorcery. Your physical stamina is pathetic," Valro remarked, shaking his head as he opened a door heavily laden with magical wards.
Inside, Grimm's attention was drawn to an unexpected sight: a black cat lounging lazily on a sofa. The cat's sharp voice addressed Valro.
"So, this is your client?"
With a grin, Valro placed a small bag of rodin fish before the cat.
"That's him. Five magic stones each, as agreed. Here's your fish."
Grimm rolled his eyes inwardly. I gave you twenty stones, you scoundrel.
The cat stretched leisurely before grabbing the bag and leaping onto an enormous aquarium filled with predatory fish. Tipping the fish into the tank, the cat watched with evident glee as the creatures devoured their meal.
"Grow big and strong, my beauties," it purred contentedly.
Grimm couldn't shake a feeling of unease at the peculiar scene.
Finally, the cat addressed Valro.
"Alright, take the kid. I won't tell the old man. Just don't touch anything besides the microscope."
Valro chuckled.
"Relax. He'd have to be suicidal to try."