"So you're saying that magic scrolls, wands, staves, and such are essentially tangible representations of 'spells as wealth'?
Spellcasters use their knowledge and labor to transform natural resources into convenient tools for casting...
Yet ironically, these very tools strip away their rarity and value...
Are you all fools?"
After a moment of shock, Olinda couldn't help but sneer.
The two apprentice mages exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.
Roy interjected, "The multiverse is vast. Without progress, we'll inevitably be invaded sooner or later.
In comparison, we Wizards are more self-serving, and our systems remain relatively primitive—free from the ailments of civilization. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage.
We should view it dialectically, not in absolutes."
After a brief discussion, the group learned that the two apprentice mages specialized in Evocation and Abjuration at the Wizard Tower.
These were mainstream disciplines related to spellcasting tools, offering techniques to craft magic scrolls like the Fireball Spell and Shield Spell.
However, even if they were willing to contribute, the lack of a well-developed magic system would make production costs prohibitively high.
"To craft scrolls, we need specially treated parchment, rare woods, magical ink...
In Achini La, these can be bought directly from shops, and scroll designs or improvements can be implemented quickly...
But here, everything has to be handmade, driving costs sky-high..."
Apprentice Mage Bowen cautiously pointed out.
Erlant also advised Roy, "Truth be told, the mages have captured apprentices—even full-fledged Wizards—before.
But when faced with Wizardry-side mystical rituals and symbolic objects, they're equally stumped.
I suggest you just dip your toes in. Don't get too carried away."
Roy nodded.
His goal was merely to broaden his horizons and understand the outside world, not to delve deeply into the Arcane Domain.
After the discussion, however, Roy asked Andov and Olinda to stay behind.
"Andov, you should try to engage more with those two apprentice mages. Learn what you can.
The Wizard's Eye... the Wizard's Eye in our Wizard World is actually an imitation of theirs!
The same goes for various acidic solutions and magic potions...
All worth studying.
Olinda, you could also try mastering the Fireball Spell.
These might not significantly aid your advancement, but they're still beneficial."
Both Andov and Olinda agreed.
They were on the cusp of reaching the Elite Apprentice stage—all they needed was a breakthrough.
So even if the benefits were minor, it was worth attempting.
...
With various tasks settled, Roy turned his attention back to Edwin's Spatial Ring.
He was beginning to grasp the essentials, allowing him to attempt more technical methods to unlock the Space Grids.
Of course, he still relied heavily on the knowledge of Aether stones granted by [Inspiration].
The deeper he delved, the more he realized the vast, intricate system behind it.
So far, he had wasted dozens of Space Grids without successfully retrieving a single item.
However, just as Roy thought he was about to sink into this bottomless pit with no way out, whether it was due to the [Luck Blessing] taking effect or some other reason, he actually managed to successfully open one of the space grids.
Inside was an entire crate, neatly stacked with 36 unopened "Magic Missiles"—clearly wartime supplies.
This was a good start!
Greatly encouraged, Roy proceeded to open several more grids.
After breaking through multiple ones, he opened another.
This time, luck wasn't on his side.
"Just some miscellaneous junk!"
Roy took only a glance before looking away.
Spare clothes, shoes, and socks belonging to the male mage held no interest for him.
"Never mind, this won't make much progress for now. Better focus on studying the Animated Body first!"
After a while, Roy stretched and pondered.
"Engraving Wizardry into the soul isn't just about faster and more convenient spellcasting.
Its true benefit likely lies in the continuous, deepening influence it exerts on mental energy.
It can, to some extent, alter the essence of my soul and the nature of my mental strength, passively transforming it into Animation Wizardry.
This can already be considered a permanent energy attribute, akin to 'Spell-like Abilities,' 'Special Abilities,' or 'Psychic Powers.'"
With a thought, Roy fixed his gaze on a rope in the room.
Soon, it began moving on its own, like a small snake.
This wasn't telekinesis—he wasn't shaking it with mental strength. Instead, he had infused it with Wizardry Energy, achieving the same effect as casting a spell.
This was, in fact, the 1st-circle spell [Animated Rope]!
Next, Roy experimented with other applications.
For instance, pouring it into a Magical Potion.
"Alright, minions, time to get to work.
I need to brew an Activation Potion!"
At Roy's command, the various Magical Alchemy Tools in the Alchemy Room sprang into action.
"Quick, quick! Lord Roy has given the order!"
They busily lit the furnace, boiled water, and prepared solvents, completing all the preliminary preparations in no time.
Following his usual procedure, Roy attempted to channel the energy of [Animation Art] into the mixture.
The originally clear solvent immediately turned into a milky-white, gelatinous liquid that seemed to writhe on its own.
This was the so-called Activation Potion, which mimicked the effects of casting Animation Wizardry.
Roy treated it like lye water for dough and incorporated it into the preparation of Flesh Fossils.
As a result, the large lump of Flesh Fossil formed much faster, and when activated with [Animation Art], its performance was even more impressive.
A short while later, Roy squeezed the sculpted hand—shaped like a plaster statue—and was surprised to feel a texture akin to silicone.
He nodded in satisfaction. "The quality is indeed better when prepared this way."
Just then, Roy suddenly recalled a passage in the Wizard Codex about cellular activity.
"This spell-like ability, resembling a mental power, might also be applicable to bodily self-recovery…
Let's test it!"
Roy temporarily removed the arm protection of his Silver Battle Armor, revealing his fair, delicate young hand. He steeled himself, made a cut, and began the experiment.
As a result, with the same mental focus, the cell activity greatly increased, and within moments, it healed itself at an astonishing speed.
Roy pondered for a moment, then adjusted his body to a state resembling a "dough man." Steeling his heart, he twisted and tore off his left middle finger!
A short while later, he reattached the finger, and sure enough, it was as good as new!
(End of chapter)