10 My comprehension is still too shallow

Soon, the two got along and laughed as though they were long lost buddies. With their knowledge as 4th and 5th-Rank Mages, they naturally have plenty things in common.

They also delved into problems regarding magic and helped each other in solving it.

"Hypothetically, if I were to become a Mage and an Essence Practitioner at the same time, what do you think will happen?" Claude suddenly raised his question.

According to his knowledge, it is indeed possible to become a both at the same time. However, it is all theoretical knowledge that haven't been applied yet.

He doesn't know the dangers. Therefore, asking this old man who had lived longer and have experience more things than him is a wise choice.

The teacup in Gragas' hands trembled slightly as he stared wide-eyed at Claude, "Do you... plan to become a Dual Practitioner?"

He had heard of people wanting to become Dual Practitioners. In fact, he had even seen one doing it in action. However, the result wasn't as expected, as that person self-combusted due to an error he made during the process.

Claude sipped the last bit of tea in his cup and nodded.

"Are you crazy!? Do you know the dangers of becoming a Dual Practitioner!? One mistake during the process will take your life!" Gragas suddenly stood up from his chair and scolded.

Soon he managed to calm himself dow and explained, "You should already know that, when unpurified mana comes in contact with purified essence, it will bring destructive effects to the user's body. Purifying the Mana also won't work as it will turn into Essence once it reaches a certain threshold."

Hearing this, Claude simply nodded.

Those were also his thoughts when he first wanted to try to become a Dual Practitioner.

"To circumvent that," Gragas continued, "You need to purify the mana to a certain degree where it's purified to an extent where it can co-exist with Essence, but at the same time, its purity shouldn't reach the point where it will turn into Essence. In other words, unless you can manipulate mana to utmost perfection, you shouldn't try this. "

Claude frowned upon hearing this.

Is there really no way?

Do I need to copy from higher ranked mages?

But where can I find a Mage more higher rank than Gragas in this small kingdom?

"Look," Gragas sighed, "I'm not condoning your actions, but if you're so eager in becoming a Dual Practitioner, you will need this book."

He grabbed an old looking book lying in the corner and blew away the dust. Written on the book were the words: Advanced Mana Manipulation.

The moment Claude's eyes landed on the book, a series of text appeared in front of him.

[Name: Advance Mana Mapulation]

[Grade: Arcane]

[Copy?]

Claude was instantly startled.

I thought I can't copy objects!?

Although he was startled, he still clicked copy. He simply made a conclusion that, in order for an item to be copied, it needs to pass a certain rank.

In an instant, knowledge regarding Advance Mana Manipulation poured into his mind. Previously, he has a certain control of mana due to his Intermediate Magic knowledge.

However, now, he felt that he could control even the very construct of mana. Of course, that's only an exaggeration.

Taking the book, he skimmed through it and passed it back to Gragas.

"Do you not want it?" Gragas frowned, "You know, I found this book inside a High Mage's tomb while I was in an expedition. Although the formulas inside are difficult to understand, but given your knowledge, you can still take a few things out of this."

"High Mage?" Claude suddenly asked with a puzzled look.

"Huh? Aren't you a 4th-Rank Mage? How do you not know the Mage ranks?" Gragas stared at Claude with a dumbfounded expression, but still, he explained, "Mage ranks are divided into: Mage, High Mage, Great Mage, and Arcane Mage. Although there are ranks far beyond Arcane Mage, you don't delve into that yet."

"Oh."

"About the book..." Gragas reminded once more. After all, he was very worried about his new-found friend.

"Oh, that. I already finished reading it." Claude shook his hand and replied nonchalantly.

"Finished?" Gragas thought he was hearing things.

You already finished reading it by simply skimming through the book?

Who are you fooling?

Knowing that it's better to show than to tell, Claude clenched his fist and manipulated his mana towards it. His mana surged towards his fist, creating a halo effect which made his fist glow a blue hue.

"This is..." At this moment, Gragas' eyes went wide as he stared at Claude's glowing fist. He tried rubbing his eyes but the scene in front of him didn't change. "This is... Mana Materialization? No, it shouldn't be. It's still too transparent."

"It is indeed Mana Materialization." Claude explained. But then he shook his head and clicked his tongue, "However, my comprehension of the Advance Mana Manipulation is still too shallow. That's why it looks transparent. If I take another half a day to comprehend it, I should be able to do Mana Materialization."

Gragas almost spurted blood.

One should know that, a couple years ago, he also tried reading the book. It's just that, even after a few months, he didn't understand anything at all!

But this brat had already comprehended nearly half of it by just skimming through the book! More importantly, he's already half a step away from attaining Mana Materialization!

And he dares say that his comprehension is too shallow!

If your comprehension is too shallow, then what about mine!?

But that's not all. He suddenly heard Claude's voice ring in his ears.

"It's not really that hard to understand. Unless you're a brain dead person, virtually anyone with a good understanding of magic can learn this."

Puff!

A mouthful of blood spurted out of Gragas' mouth.

Okay, okay! Stop pretending already!

I surrender! You're the greatest genius!

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