Chapter 11

"Artificial magic core," Lucas mumbled as he flipped through the pages of a journal, which detailed research on a mana refinement spell.

Numerous mages attempted to create a second magic core, believing that having two or more would enhance their power. However, they failed in their attempt to create it and only managed to create a bastardized version known as the mana refinement spell.

To elaborate, one must understand the concept of the magic core. The magic core was an organ. It was essential for mages, enabling them to wield magic. The magic core was believed to be sentient and served as a complex entity capable of refining and controlling mana. Despite a clear understanding of the magic core's intended function, nobody knew how to replicate it as good as the real one. All attempts fell short, and many researchers believed that the magic core consisted of a complex system designed to process and control mana to a high degree. As a result, they only succeeded in creating a Mana Refinement spell, which proved highly inefficient and very lacking in various aspects.

Poldansius attempted the same, dedicating significant time and resources to make this. Although it remained an incomplete version, it surpassed the publicized mana refinement spell. In fact, duplicating the simplified version of Poldansius' mana refinement spell would earn Lucas the approval needed to enroll into the academy.

But was that truly what he desired? Simply copying and claiming it as his own didn't sit well with him. While it might ensure a problem-free acceptance, it didn't align with his principles. His pride refused to allow him to simply replicate someone else's hard work and present it as his own.

Then what should he do? He would enhance the publicly known mana refinement spell by drawing inspiration from Poldansius' version. The publicly known version was simpler than Poldansius', and it wasn't that the complexity of Poldansius' spell was inherently better. In fact, Poldansius himself admitted that if he could simplify the spell, he would, but time constraints hindered him from doing so.

So Lucas first decided to thoroughly comprehend every aspect of the mana refinement spell research and then compare each to Poldansius'. Afterward, he would list the improvements and how to simplify them if possible.

"A tall order," he chuckled. However, the in-depth research on mana refinement spells could wait. He needed to finish the entire research about mana refinement spells first.

Five days had passed since he met his brother, Eric, at the academy. During this time, Lucas dedicated most of his days in the archive, and he had finished recording everything in the archive just a few hours ago. With some free time on his hands, Lucas decided to fully immerse himself in reading the research materials.

When lunchtime arrived, Lucas set aside his research and went back to the hotel room. There, his mother and sister were waiting for him.

"Have you finished everything?" his mother asked.

"At the moment, yes. I managed to complete what I needed. Now, shall we tour around the city? Who would like to be the guide?"

"Don't worry, Brother! I'll be your guide," Liliya proclaimed proudly, puffing her chest out smugly.

"Well then, little guide, where shall we go first?" Lucas played along, a smile creeping onto his face.

"Obviously, we shall go for lunch first! We need to eat and refill our energy!"

"And which restaurant should we go to?"

"Follow me!" Liliya exclaimed, taking the lead. 

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While Lucas spent his days in the archive, his mother and sister spent the whole day exploring the city. Consequently, they acquired more knowledge about the city than him, and Liliya couldn't resist but brag about her experiences.

"I suggest you go for this dessert, Brother," Liliya recommended, pointing her finger at the menu. The dessert of her choice was a chocolate cheese tart.

"It is delicious! A combination of dark and white chocolate! Then the cheese enhances the sweetness of the chocolate as you bite into the tart!" she gushed with enthusiasm.

"Well, if you say so, it must be delicious. What else?"

"Try this. Chocolate ice cream with a strawberry sandwich!" Liliya suggested. 

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After having lunch, they went to the market, which was divided into two sections. One was a regular market where common items could be found, while the other was a magical market dedicated solely to anything magical. They opted for the magical one.

"Do you want to buy something, Brother?" Liliya asked Lucas, who was looking at the various magical ingredients on display.

"Yes, I need to prepare to make potions and pills that will aid my cultivation," Lucas replied. Magical ingredients played a crucial role in the development of both mages and martial artists, allowing them to progress through tiers more quickly.

"Heee ... Brother can make them?"

"Most likely," he responded. While he only had theoretical knowledge, he hadn't practiced making them. However, he was confident he could handle it well.

Lucas turned to his mother and asked, "Mother, do we have a place for alchemy? And do you know how to make potions and pills?"

Their mother nodded. "Yes, we do. Although none of us at home are experts in alchemy, both I and Rosa can still teach and oversee your progress."

"I would like that."

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After acquiring the necessary ingredients, they proceeded to explore magical items. These items were imbued with magical properties, as the description had stated. For example, there was a necklace equipped with a protection spell that could be used three times before depleting its energy. However, there was another necklace featuring the same spell, but it could be recharged, albeit at a higher cost.

"What do you want to buy here?" his mother asked.

"Probably nothing. I'm just curious," he replied. He wasn't lying, he was genuinely intrigued to examine these magical items with his EoO.

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<Name: Ring of Protection< strong>

Type: Magical Item — Ring

Grade: B rank

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Description: A ring with a Tier 4 protection spell. It will create a translucent shield if the wearer gets attacked. It can be used five times.>

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<Name: Ring of Mana Regeneration.< strong>

Type: Magical Item — Ring

Grade: B rank

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Description: A ring that accelerates mana regeneration for the wearer. It remains active for 720 hours.>

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<Name: Bracelet of Quick Casting< strong>

Type: Magical Item — Bracelet

Grade: A rank

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Description: A bracelet that enhances the wearer's ability to cast magic quickly, extending to tier 4 magic spells. It lasts for 100 times usage.>

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Those three items were just examples among the many available, and the most valuable one among them was the Bracelet of Quick Casting. Its significance lay in the fact that the speed of casting determined the outcome of a battle between mages.

Lucas was curious about how this bracelet achieved faster casting. In this kingdom, the prevalent casting method was chanting. Through chanting, it would stimulate the visualization of the spell, guiding the mana to shape into the intended magic by traversing a magical diagram that materialized upon casting. 

Did that imply that someone who could speak quickly could cast the spell faster? No, because even if they chanted rapidly, would their mana react at the same speed as well? Then how did the bracelet cast quicker? He suspected it achieved this by expediting the pulling and processing of mana into magic while still maintaining stability.

"Hm? What's this?" Lucas inquired, pointing toward the pile of items situated at the edge of the shop. 

"Ah? They are failed or broken products. They are unrepairable," explained the shop owner.

Lucas observed them and widened his eyes upon spotting a particular item.

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<Name: Bracer of Six Arms (Deactivated)< strong>

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Type: Magical Item — Bracelet

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Grade: SSS rank

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Description: The Bracer of Six Arms is a magical item forged and once owned by Tier 7 Archmage Poldansius. However, the bracelet lacks the six stones that empower it fully. Without those stones, the Bracer's only abilities are to empower the wearer and track the stones' locations. However, only those who have read the secret of Poldansius and inherited his legacy can use it. It can store mana and is able to last up to 1 day due to a lack of maintenance.

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First Ability: Empower the wearer physically by doubling their physical attributes.

Second Ability: Tracks the stones' locations 

Third Ability: Locked

Fourth Ability: Locked

Fifth Ability: Locked

Sixth Ability: Locked

Seventh Ability: Locked

Eight Ability: Locked>

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