Chapter 116: The Remembered Sacrifice

Bayen stole Anazir’s Dice, incurring the pursuit of the Merfolk Priesthood and the Half-Merfolk Priesthood.

Although he did not understand how to use Anazir’s Dice, relying on the dice’s miraculous instinct for self-preservation and danger warnings, Bayen escaped the layers of encirclement and joined Borg’s caravan, finally arriving at the Northern March.

Since obtaining this magical dice, he had devoted almost all his energy to researching and analyzing it. The complex three-dimensional rune structure within it was too profound and intricate for him to fully observe. He could only glimpse the rune structures at the periphery. Unfortunately, this brief glimpse was like looking at flowers through a fog—completely impossible to analyze.

Now that the Grimoire was updated and included auxiliary research functions, Bayen managed to replicate some Soul Runes from the dice and began attempting to degrade these runes himself.

He was certain that once the degradation was successful, he would gain a series of new techniques.

Meanwhile, in the underground magic laboratory of the fortress hospital, Sub-Level 1.

The mirror image Ace stood by the massive rune glass sphere, quietly observing Bayen. The Grimoire had recorded Bayen’s discoveries. With the data update, Ace, too, gained a massive harvest.

The Water Element Rune series, the associated spells, and the partial analysis of that miraculous dice were all incredibly significant gains. Bayen greatly valued the dice and had long stopped researching the Water Element Rune series. However, in Ace’s view, these runes held immense potential and were worthy of reverse-engineering into Soul Runes.

For instance, combining the Pressure Rune with the Density Rune might allow him to develop a high-pressure water cannon for high-speed cutting. If the incision could be precisely controlled and made thin enough, a single fine stream of water could easily kill an opponent.

This was the impact of the difference in knowledge structures. Bayen’s intelligence was not necessarily inferior to Ace’s; due to his age, he might even be wiser.

However, Bayen’s knowledge structure was too simple. Even with the correct research methods, he couldn’t conceive of the applications of the Lesser Pressure Rune, so he focused on developing the applications of the Lesser Density Rune.

The mirror image Ace did not prioritize researching the Lesser Pressure Rune. Instead, he studied the Lesser Nourishment Rune, which Bayen had overlooked. This was a very interesting rune.

Bayen discovered that a type of seahorse Monster could spit out an Enlightenment Bubble that restored the injured to health. He obtained this rune by dissecting the seahorse. This purely restorative rune was placed at the end of Bayen’s research queue.

Due to various reasons, Bayen never delved deeply into the application of this rune.

The mirror image Ace tested a simplified Spell Model combining the Water Element Rune and the Nourishment Rune.

He inflicted wounds on the skin of several Monsters, and then inflicted internal injuries on several others using the Daina Steel Fist Style. He then treated them with the spell. The effect was remarkable.

In about three or four applications, the Monsters were basically restored to health.

“The effect of this is much stronger than the healing incantations of Magical Trickery. Next, I will test its effect on the soul.”

The mirror image Ace said this, then cast the Lesser Spell Mental Shock on the Monsters. The Monsters, which had been lively moments ago, instantly became mentally listless, bleeding from their seven orifices, looking at Ace with fear.

The mirror image Ace’s expression was unchanged. He continued to cast the simple Water Element + Nourishment Spell Model. After about six applications, the Monsters recovered their health, though their eyes were still filled with fear.

He then repeated the process on plant-type Monsters, discovering that the Nourishment Rune not only restored damage but also accelerated vegetation growth.

“This Nourishment Rune has immense potential. It possesses a powerful effect for recovery and growth and can be applied to both the body and the soul. If supplemented with appropriate Casting Materials, such as purified soul powder, it might greatly accelerate the host body’s soul recovery.”

The mirror image Ace speculated. He immediately restructured the rune structure, adding Lesser Auxiliary Runes. After several adjustments, and about a day’s time, Ace easily developed a potent, seasoned Lesser Spell.

“I will call this spell Lesser Potent Nourishment.” The mirror image Ace said softly, playing with his fingers.

This was the quick result of combining advanced mathematical skills, experience, and the assistance of the Spirit of the Book. Sub-Level 1 housed nearly a thousand types of Lesser Runes and tens of thousands of their effective combinations. Among them, the mature Spell Models with better effects numbered almost a thousand.

The Grimoire’s mental imprint network deduction was somewhat mechanical and flawed. It couldn’t compare to a Wizard’s own unique creations, but its sheer quantity made it invaluable.

This was Ace’s confidence. The rapidly expanding Enchanted Wizard Apprentices quickly collected information on Monsters and runes, and the mental imprint network synthesized and deduced spells, creating this repository of nearly a thousand rich Lesser Spell Models.

These Lesser Spell Models were the solid foundation for the future Wizard organization. Their existence would ensure that every apprentice with sufficient talent and diligence could survive the fragile initial stages with complex and varied spells.

“Bayen’s arrival today filled the gap in the Water Element Rune series, making the entire Lesser Spell library even more comprehensive.”

“This immense harvest came at a severe cost. Over 600 Enchanted Wizard Apprentices, after quickly gathering information on Monsters and runes from parts of the Northern March and the Larr Mountains, were swiftly discovered and annihilated by the city-state.”

“Only a few dozen remain, desperately fighting a guerrilla war under Daina’s leadership in the vicinity of the Larr Mountains.”

“But your sacrifice is worth it. Without your contribution and sacrifice, the rise of the Wizard organization would be impossible. We will remember you and seek vengeance for you!”

He looked at the glass sphere covered with dense rune arrays. A series of images floated across it.

The Academic Wizard Apprentices in the fortress numbered less than a hundred. Their covenant was strict, and they suffered minimal losses. Through the learning and examination module, they had successfully mastered the basics of Logic and Elementary Mathematics. Some had even formed groups based on similar research interests (hobbies).

“Perhaps you have already deduced, like Bayen, who the Torch-Bearer is. Yes, I, Ace, am the torch, the light in the long night, the shared mentor of all Wizard Apprentices!”

“You, the tinder, will be tested along with the remaining Enchanted Wizard Apprentices. Only those who pass the trial will be qualified to join the true Wizard organization.”

“We will become one, traveling together on the path of exploring the truth of the supernatural world.”

The mirror image Ace opened his arms in front of the rune-covered glass sphere, passionately speaking every word.

As the emotional component of the Ace collective, the mirror image could never forget the scenes of the apprentices being massacred. One day, he would exact justice.

“I must be cautious at all times and avoid exposure. I need an emissary to help me guide everyone. Bayen might be an excellent choice. Now, I will first experiment on the host body with the Lesser Potent Nourishment spell, using the refined soul powder as Casting Material, to see the effect.”

The mirror image Ace turned and entered the mechanical magic lift, descending into the underground magic laboratory.