Chapter 119: Nourishment Magic Array

“Perhaps I should learn the Enchanted Martial Arts: Daina Steel Fist Style? After all, this Lesser Enemy Preemption spell is much more practical for close combat. Furthermore, this Enchanted Martial Art almost definitively points to Ace as the Torch-Bearer. So, when exactly can I finally meet you?”

Meanwhile, the mirror image Ace, utilizing the deduction abilities of the Spirit of the Book and the Sub-Level 1 Grimoire (mental imprint network), finally succeeded in reverse-engineering the Soul Runes of the Water Element series.

This was the power of rule-like abilities. If Ace had relied solely on his Grimoire, reverse-engineering the Soul Runes would have been impossible.

Although the Spirit of the Book lacks powerful combat abilities, every one of its functions is a gift from the world—a construct of the fundamental rules. Had Ace not had such a close relationship with its genesis and controlled its host body, the Dictionary, it would have been impossible to utilize it so perfectly.

The mirror image Ace, standing in Sub-Level 1, peered at Bayen, saying, “We should certainly meet. Provided you survive this current period. Also, the Academic Wizard Apprentices I released into the wild. They have studied Logic and Elementary Mathematics for so long, they must already have their suspicions.”

“The covenant constrains them from revealing any information to non-contractors. This achieves the ideal state I envisioned. As long as I appear before them in person, I can formalize our relationship. I will be hidden from the eyes of non-Wizards, but revealed among the Wizards. I am the Torch-Bearer. I am the torch in the long night.”

“However, not every Wizard Apprentice is qualified to travel alongside me. Life will present many difficulties. This crisis is a trial given to you by fate. I hope you pass the test of this trial successfully.”

The mirror image Ace spoke with a gentle smile to the rune glass sphere, a cold glint flashing briefly in his eyes.

He then met with the host body, who was reading the former civilization books in the meditation room.

The host body Ace had just read a secret history scroll, which stated that Medira, the Goddess of Hope, had a relationship with the Great Emperor Augustin and was deeply involved in the Great Emperor’s eventual rebellion against the gods.

He paused his reading as the mirror image arrived.

Without a word, the two Aces, being one, worked together to arrange the Soul Rune-level Nourishment Magic Array using the materials converted from powerful low-level Monsters.

Although the mirror image Ace had reached the mental power threshold to open the Soul Sanctuary, he had not actually opened it. Replicating Soul Spells in the air was too difficult. Therefore, directly arranging the Soul Rune-level Nourishment Magic Array was the optimal choice.

One by one, the Soul Runes were formed on the floor of the meditation room, replicated using powerful low-level Monster materials and mental power. As the complex rune structure gradually formed, the magical patterns began to connect, and the Nourishment Magic Array was slowly completed.

“I have Mana Stones here, converted from powerful low-level Monster materials. They should be placed in the appropriate positions in the Magic Array to serve as backup Mana power sources. After all, relying solely on the production and storage room on the bottom level will likely not be enough to supply the peak Mana required.” The host body Ace reminded the mirror image.

Subsequently, the host body Ace sat in the exact center of the Magic Array, meditating calmly. The mirror image Ace used his own mental power and Mana to activate the Nourishment Magic Array.

Mana and mental power instantly “ignited” the magical patterns. Accompanied by the bright light of the magical patterns, the entire Magic Array was lit up sequentially. Mana flowed from the bottom-level Mana storage room, and the prepared Mana Stones provided peak Mana. Whoosh!

Accompanied by the sound of spring water splashing, a dense fog rose throughout the meditation room. The fog, carrying a powerful nourishing quality, surged toward the host body Ace in the center of the Magic Array, repairing his damaged soul and Soul Sanctuary.

“Success!” The mirror image Ace silently declared. He closed the door to the meditation room and quietly departed.

….

Bayen activated Lesser Mana Sensitivity and wandered the streets and alleys of the fortress.

His test results showed that when he activated the Lesser Mana Fluctuation Concealment spell, the white light in the field of vision of his Lesser Mana Sensitivity was indeed greatly diminished, but upon careful observation, a faint, flickering white light could still be discerned.

“This means that even if an apprentice activates the Lesser Mana Fluctuation Concealment spell, if I am close enough, I can still discover their identity. If the apprentice happens to deactivate the spell, I will spot them instantly!”

Holding this deduction, Bayen carefully observed the streets. He suddenly discovered a few types of light he had never seen before.

They were not gray, white, red, or gold, but a faint black, with a trace of blood-red upon closer inspection.

Bayen’s curiosity was immediately piqued. However, he quickly controlled his curiosity. From the experience of being chased by the Merfolk, he had learned a vital lesson for survival: do not be overly curious.

He quietly recorded the characteristics and color of these individuals, observing the direction they were moving. He even used the imperfect Spell Model of the Lesser Super Vision Guidance Missile, activating the Super Vision guidance effect, and observed that the individuals ultimately headed toward a wealthy person’s residence.

Bayen did not continue following. He believed he lacked the strength to get involved in so much trouble. He merely put a large question mark in his mind.

“Undoubtedly, this is a form of supernatural entity. I have never seen it before. Could it be the dark worshipers who are plaguing the Northern Marches? If it is, the fortress is no longer safe! I must quickly contact the apprentices in the fortress, and even if I cannot find Ace, I must initiate an evacuation.”

“Of course, if I can find Ace, and if he is indeed the Torch-Bearer, perhaps with his strength, we might acquire a new type of experimental material.”

Bayen had extensive experience being pursued. He instantly realized that the seemingly peaceful fortress might soon become a den of danger.

Just then, Bayen encountered a group of familiar faces: Borg’s caravan.

He paid them no mind, preparing to pass them as an ordinary pedestrian. But when he casually glanced at Donna, his eyes suddenly froze.

“You slacker, why are you staring at me?”

Donna felt Bayen’s gaze. She looked toward him, seeing a shabbily dressed middle-aged man staring blankly at her. She asked with annoyance.

The people from the caravan also surrounded them.

Bayen recovered and said hastily, “I have never seen such a beautiful girl as you in the Northern Marches. I was completely stunned. I apologize.”

Donna’s anger immediately dissipated after hearing Bayen’s flattery. She waved her hand, allowing the others to let Bayen go.

“I can’t believe a random fortress slacker was completely taken by my beauty. I must tell Betty about this. I wonder where Mr. Ancestar went? I really wish I could see the strong and gentle knight again.”

Donna murmured softly. As the caravan people dispersed, only Bayen remained, his expression still somewhat dazed.