The testing zone, being the largest area in the entire academy, was mostly closed off to the public.
The restricted areas were part of the fee-based testing grounds, equipped with complete defensive measures and testing facilities. The open area, on the other hand, allowed apprentices to test their spells for free, but using a target came at a cost.
Edwyn arrived at the venue rental hall of the testing zone, hoping to select a suitable location to test the power of his modified Lesser Fireball spell.
The rental hall was built in Roman-esque style, featuring a massive vaulted ceiling, thick stone walls, and flying buttresses on the exterior. Inside, many counters were staffed by apprentices in charge of the rentals.
To more accurately test the power of this original version of the fireball spell, Edwyn selected a testing room that cost one Mana Stone per hour and came with dual-power testing targets for both physical and elemental damage.
After paying, the apprentice behind the counter handed him a crystal card.
"Please proceed to Zone 3, Room Type Four."
Following a small path inside the testing area, Edwyn quickly found his assigned room. There was a slot on the door. When he inserted the crystal card, the door opened automatically.
"Pretty modern," he remarked.
The inside of the testing room was spacious, about the size of a basketball court.
As soon as he entered, Edwyn saw two humanoid dummies positioned at the far end. These targets were crafted by Mages. The black one on the left could withstand up to 50 energy levels of elemental damage, while the white one on the right was rated for up to 50 levels of physical damage.
There was also a white stone pedestal in the room, with two crystal spheres placed atop it, each corresponding to one of the targets.
Once Edwyn attacked a target with a spell, the damage data would be automatically transmitted to the crystal spheres.
"That's convenient," Edwyn muttered. Although the Magus World had taken a different path due to the use of magic, human instincts were the same, everyone sought convenience.
Approaching the pedestal, Edwyn focused his thoughts, and the magic within him gathered in his hand, forming a red fireball the size of a palm. With a casual flick, the fireball shot forward like a meteor and hit the target.
Boom!
[Elemental Damage: Fire]
[Damage Level: 20]
Edwyn was fairly satisfied with the numbers displayed in the crystal sphere. This lesser fireball had consumed about one-quarter of his Mana, approximately 50 points, but managed to achieve a power level of 20. Although this was weaker than the version of the Lesser Fireball from the modified spell staff, it was already far more powerful than a Magic Missile that consumed the same amount of energy.
"No wonder some Mages say cantrips are a waste of mana. The way real spells utilize magic is terrifying."
Next, Edwyn tested the power of the lesser fireball from his staff.
Boom!
[Elemental Damage: Fire]
[Damage Level: 49]
Seeing the spell staff's results, Edwyn couldn't help but marvel. Knowledge truly was power. Even though it was still a lesser fireball spell, the modified version by a Mage more than doubled the damage output.
"Let's try Ice Spike next."
Pointing his finger at the target, an ice spike shot out and pierced it.
[Elemental Damage: Ice]
[Damage Level: 0.1]
[Warning: Do not test physical attacks on elemental targets]
Looking at the warning, Edwyn grinned. Just as he expected.
Ice Spike only had the guise of an elemental spell, it actually relied on kinetic damage.
Edwyn shifted his aim and fired another Ice Spike at the physical target.
[Damage Type: Piercing]
[Damage Level: 5]
"Piercing damage?" Edwyn's thoughts raced. He walked up to the physical target and struck it with a greatsword.
When he returned to the pedestal, the crystal sphere now displayed the damage type as slashing.
"I didn't expect Mages to classify physical damage so precisely. No wonder they're a civilization capable of planetary conquests."
Not wanting to waste anything, Edwyn went on to test the normal version of his Wind Crow Slash against the physical target. It registered as 5 power level slashing damage. Then, he activated his bloodline enhancement and tested again, getting a reading of 6.
"A one-level increase, not bad," Edwyn mused. His current bloodline formula prioritized defense in the first stage, with little focus on offense. As a result, activating his bloodline didn't significantly boost his strength.
This would change in the second stage.
But the arcane beast required for the second stage didn't exist within the academy's territory. He would have to spend a hefty amount at the Mage market to buy it.
However, Edwyn wasn't in a hurry to begin the second stage of his bloodline alchemy. First, he didn't need to go on missions at the moment, he spent most of his time inside the academy, so boosting his combat power wasn't urgent. Second, he was far more interested in Joron's knowledge.
Joron's legacy wasn't just theoretical. It included blueprints for magical equipment, alchemical formulas, and even advanced meditation techniques. Once mastered, these were worth mountains of Mana Stones.
Leaving the testing room, Edwyn stepped out into the bright sunshine.
He shielded his eyes and considered gathering another batch of ingredients to make more Focus Potions.
He had many expenses now, and the Focus Potion had a strong market demand. The harder he worked, the more he earned.
But just as he stepped outside, he heard the sound of flapping wings above. Looking up, he saw an owl descending right in front of him. Upon closer inspection, Edwyn recognized it as the messenger owl used by Chayle.
"Edwyn, come to the Central Black Tower," the owl suddenly spoke.
So it really was from Chayle.
"Understood, Senior. I'm heading over now," Edwyn replied.
With that, the owl flapped its wings and flew toward the tower.
"Strange… why would Chayle suddenly call me to the Black Tower?" Edwyn rubbed his chin, a little puzzled.
Arriving at the 56th floor of the Central Black Tower, Edwyn knocked on the door.
Knock knock knock.
"You're finally here, Edwyn," Chayle said as he opened the door and welcomed Edwyn inside.
There was someone else in the room. The man appeared unremarkable at first glance, but the moment Edwyn entered, his hair stood on end.
Extremely dangerous.
Edwyn mentally labeled him.
"Erik, this is Edwyn, the new apprentice taken in by my mentor," Chayle introduced.
Erik stood up and extended his right hand with a warm smile.
"Master Edwyn, you were hard to find."
As their hands met, Edwyn immediately sensed the overwhelming life force inside Erik.
That wasn't a human's vitality, it was more like an arcane beast wearing human skin.
"I'm not very sociable. Sorry for the trouble," Edwyn replied.
"That won't do," Erik said, clapping Edwyn on the shoulder like an older brother. "We're all Mages of the same academy. Once we're on the planar battlefield, we'll be fighting shoulder to shoulder."
"If you're not sociable, you're going to suffer out there."
Edwyn's mind raced. He had a vague guess, this must be an invitation to some party or salon. So he nodded in agreement, "You're right, Erik. But I just got to the academy and don't really know anyone. Even if I wanted to socialize, I have no way in."
Hearing this, Erik glanced at Chayle and smoothly pulled a fine invitation sealed with red wax from his sleeve.
"No worries. I'm holding a little apprentice gathering tonight. Edwyn, how about honoring me with your presence?"