Chapter 4: Omen

The laboratory corridor stretched deep and dark, with an ambiance reminiscent of a hospital. Janhuashi led the way, seemingly accustomed to the surroundings. Penni often speculated that the middle-aged man had imbued his robe with spells for dim vision, but he himself lacked such prowess. With a flick of his hand, he uttered a faint syllable, and a luminous source floated above their heads.

Such proficiency, if witnessed by other apprentices, would likely leave them astonished to the point of dumbfoundedness.

The pursuit of magic is broadly divided into several facets: the study of magical principles, spellcasting, crafting, and more. Among these, spellcasting, as a vital conduit for a mage to manifest power, stands as a splendid and meticulous art.

How long would it take for a novice mage to guide a zero-level spell through the magical network to completion? It is not an insignificant figure.

Take, for instance, the Light spell. To complete its entire release, incorporating both verbal and gestural components, at the average level of a Ferren zero-level mage, it would take approximately fifty-seven seconds.

Do not be astonished. The reason Penni can release a spell in half a second is that he has already completed the guiding behavior for the first 56.5 seconds during his morning meditation and spell preparation.

It's akin to a firearm loaded with bullets. Mages prepare the spells in advance, so when they encounter enemies, they need only pull the trigger.

However, some mages fumble during the loading process and hesitate when firing, creating disparities compared to those who execute their actions with precision and grace, thereby forming a gap in proficiency.

For spellcasting is indeed a difficult art to master.

Take, for example, a spell that requires sixty seconds of guidance. It would be impractical to conduct the guidance during combat. Otherwise, enemies hundreds of meters away could rush in and strike him multiple times, rendering moot the notion of casting spells.

Hence, it is imperative to allocate much of the sixty seconds to the spell preparation process, effectively splitting a spell into two segments: preparation and casting.

The crux of the matter lies here: as a mage, how much time can you dedicate to spell preparation to ensure that the casting time is sufficiently short?

Because spell guidance is continuous, it cannot be interrupted arbitrarily. Breaking a spell into two segments is no simple task. Interruptions at any gesture or syllable must ensure that the spell maintains its quality when resumed, avoiding chaos or misfire. In the event of an accident, one's life may be at stake.

Generally, for a sixty-second spell, preparing the first thirty seconds in advance and leaving thirty seconds for casting is a feasible task for any novice. Because most spells prepared to this extent have not yet reached the effective period of connection with the magical network, they can dissipate at any time without significant consequences even if unsuccessful. The interruption point between preparation and release is also easy to identify.

However, extending the preparation period to forty seconds is not an easy task for some mages. By this point, the magical signal has accumulated in the spell slot linked to the soul and the magical network, ready to influence the network at any moment. If an error occurs, it may cause some damage to the soul link, potentially resulting in a downgrade for the mage.

Extending the preparation time to fifty seconds is something approximately one-third of mages cannot achieve. At this stage, the magical signal is eager to manifest effects in the material world through the magical network. Such spells are challenging to control, and the interruption point is even more elusive for mages lacking in casting talent.

At this level, which is the standard for qualified mage adventurers, ten seconds may not seem lengthy, yet it provides ample room to enhance possibilities for adventure and combat.

Extending the preparation time to fifty-five seconds and compressing the casting time to less than five seconds, such a mage is a naturally adept caster, achievable by only fewer than one-sixth of mages.

Let's not dwell on how challenging it is to master the interruption point between preparation and casting. Merely having the courage to place a heap of potential explosives at the end of the link between the soul and the magical network is worthy of admiration from many mages.

It is now apparent how remarkable apprentice Panni's casting skills are, at least in the mastery of the Luminescence spell.

Moreover, the technique of casting cannot be taught by mentors because of individual differences in constitution and variations in the state of connection to the magical network. For the same spell, there will be slight differences in the guiding process when cast by different individuals. As a rigorous discipline, even the slightest error or omission can lead to astonishing disasters! While communication among mages can deepen their research and understanding of the magical network, it is difficult to improve casting proficiency.

However, Professor Janhwasher clearly does not appreciate Panni's skills. His somber voice seems to directly penetrate Panni's ears from behind: "No matter how proficient you are, it's just a zero-level spell."

Panni raised his head in surprise. He sensed that today's dean seemed somewhat different. Having worked with this dean frequently, he wasn't too concerned about demonstrating such rapid casting techniques, but he had never received any feedback before. Today, however, he suddenly heard such a long string of words, which was quite unusual.

It's worth noting that this mentor is a typical taciturn individual who rarely speaks. Even when instructing Panni in laboratory tasks, his instructions typically take the form of: "Head!" "Esophagus, cut three inches" "Liver, chop finely." Thus, such a long speech directed at Panni is indeed rare.

Although surprised, Panni remained reticent. He knew he didn't have the qualifications yet. Therefore, he respectfully lightened his footsteps, indicating his readiness to listen to the elder's teachings.

However, today, Janhwasher seemed unusually talkative. He continued, occasionally stumbling due to his infrequent speech, but his pronunciation was very clear: "Today's experiment is crucial. If you can assist me, I may fulfill your wish."

Shall my aspirations be realized?Panni's heart palpitated twice, his desires?

Beyond escaping this haunted place, what else?

He harbored no doubt that this mentor saw with clarity, for their mutual acquaintance was deep, and he was well aware that Janhwasher seldom played tricks on people.

Now, he finally discerned the origin of last night's auspicious signs.

Yet, he felt no further elation, but rather grew calmer, understanding that if Janhwasher treated this matter with such gravity, it must be anything but straightforward.

He gazed upon the crimson-robed mage's departing figure, shifting his attention aimlessly in an attempt to relax, for overly taut nerves were not conducive to well-being.

Leng Janhwasher stood of middling stature, measuring approximately five feet seven inches in height. His hands were habitually adorned with a pair of dusky leather gloves, emitting waves of somber energy that permeated Panni's senses, likely linked to his mastery of necromancy. His spine was slender, and assuming a ghostly guise to intimidate others was effortless for him.

Furthermore, a more conspicuous trait, shared by all crimson-robed mages, was Janhwasher's bald pate. The intricate patterns inscribed upon the crown of his head symbolized the red-robed mage, delineated into eight distinct styles corresponding to the eight major schools of magic. These patterns harbored unique potency, resonating with the arcane emanations of the mind to augment a specific category of spells for the wearer of the crimson robe. However, the emanations also yielded certain side effects—such as intensifying interference with a mage's attunement to other types of spells, thus forming the prohibitionist sect specializing in crimson robes.

Ironically, these arcane patterns caused all hair above the neck of crimson-robed mages to naturally fall out and cease growing—facial hair and scalp alike—rendering them unmistakably bald, devoid of even a single eyebrow hair, presenting an appearance of remarkable peculiarity.

At the mere thought of eventually assuming such an appearance, Panni Sean shuddered involuntarily.

While the fervently ambitious Sael, draped in his crimson robe, cared little about his impending baldness in his relentless pursuit of magical prowess, Panni was never one to sacrifice everything for power. Otherwise, he wouldn't have hesitated to delve deeper into the intricate layers of the magical network for the sake of safety, instead of yearning solely to depart from this place.

"However, should you fail to meet my expectations, I shall find another means to fulfill your desire," uttered Leng Janhwasher, the third sentence he spoke to Panni that day, as Panni fell into a momentary reverie.

Panni's countenance remained unchanged, but his inner turmoil swiftly subsided, his resolve solidifying to execute this task with unparalleled excellence today, giving it his all.

He was determined not to linger any longer in this place.

Since his arrival at this secluded academy at the age of six, a full eight years had passed, during which he hadn't set foot outside the world beyond even once.

At times, he would sit by the banks of the Saelan Lake, gazing down at the fish swimming in its waters.

Occasionally, he would open the window of his chamber, peering beyond the not-so-high walls of the courtyard, gazing upward at the birds soaring in the sky.

Countless nights found him sneaking to the gap in the academy's low wall, only to ultimately hesitate and retreat.

During countless midnights, he would wrap his head in tattered blankets, silently weeping in the darkness.

He gazed up at freedom with boundless anguish, resenting his own timidity and fear, struggling and agonizing in this infernal place.

Finally, everything was coming to an end.

Panini Sean was certain of it.

However, as he drew closer to Professor Janhus's laboratory, Panini's keen senses detected something amiss. His complexion changed slightly, and his steps seemed to grow heavier.

As Professor Janhus swung open the laboratory door, the radiance of the Illumination Spell flooded in. Restraints of arcane binding held a marvelous figure captive upon the bed. Its chest rose and fell, indicating it was still alive. Beneath a mane of oak leaf-colored hair, amber eyes blinked curiously at the two figures in the doorway. The gaze, more of curiosity than fear, unsettled Panini Sean.

In an instant, Panini Sean's enthusiasm turned cold.

"Today, we conduct vivisection. I will prepare, and so should you," Janhus declared before turning and disappearing into the adjacent preparation chamber, leaving Panini standing there, as motionless as wood, with the captive figure on the bed.