Chapter 104: Simple and Easy-to-Understand Arcane Magic (Part 3)

Chapter 104: Simple and Easy-to-Understand Arcane Magic (Part 3)

"So, have you made your decision?"

Rex frowned slightly as he looked at Alex.

"Specializing in Conjuration and supplementing with Divination, Abjuration, and Evocation?"

"Yes," Alex nodded. This was the result of careful consideration.

Conjuration had to be his specialization. Given that he would likely summon various soulstones in the future, having the identity of a conjuration mage would naturally make everything easier to explain. As for Divination, Alex intended to pair it with his time manipulation abilities. Based on his understanding, some Divination spells could achieve effects similar to time control. This would essentially give him a double advantage, making him fearless in most situations.

Abjuration and Evocation were the next logical choices. Alex lacked strong defensive spells and ranged attack methods, so these two schools would cover those gaps. Although Illusion and Enchantment—the fun schools where you could "play around" with people's minds—were tempting, Alex ultimately decided that survival was more important.

Given his circumstances, there was no shortage of women in his life, so there was no need to rely on such tricks to attract anyone. Besides, he was a paladin.

A paladin studying magic that manipulates others' wills and thoughts? That would only bring disgrace to the Holy Temple.

This was another key factor in Alex's decision-making. He wasn't just an unknown novice; he was a paladin of the Temple—a grand knight, no less. Although a grand knight studying magic at the White Tower was already newsworthy, choosing schools like Necromancy, Enchantment, or Illusion would only raise eyebrows, making people question whether the Temple condoned such practices. Worse, it would lower his standing with figures like Stone, doing more harm than good.

With all that in mind, Alex decided to forgo those three schools. As for Transmutation… while it was powerful, its usefulness didn't compare to the other four, so he abandoned it as well.

"Indeed, specializing in Conjuration suits you perfectly. I heard that the little girl by your side is also a summon, right? Perhaps summoning runs in your blood," Rex said, rummaging through a drawer before tossing a few books towards Alex.

"Here, these are the basics of Abjuration, Conjuration, and Evocation. Read them yourself. If you don't understand something, come ask me. As for Divination, come directly to me."

"Come to you?"

"Yes," Rex folded his arms across his chest and stared at Alex with wide eyes.

"I'm a Divination instructor. Don't believe me?"

"......."

To be honest, I really don't.

Alex silently stared at Rex's muscular frame, speechless.

"May I ask… why did you choose Divination?" Alex ventured.

"Isn't it obvious?" Rex scoffed at Alex's question.

"Of course, it's for fighting! You see, if I can predict when someone's about to attack, I can strike first and knock them down. Isn't that the key to winning? I see potential in you, kid. Keep at it!"

You make a very good point.

Alex gathered the books and retreated in silence.

A muscle-bound Divination instructor… well, that completely shattered the image of a robed, mystical seer in Alex's mind.

Returning to his room, Alex greeted Ikaros and then dove back into studying magic.

This time, it was real magic.

Compared to the simple cantrips he had learned before—mostly useful for lighting candles and chilling meat—the spells he was now studying were the real deal, the kind used by established mages.

First on his list was the most basic and essential spell for a Conjuration mage:

Summon Otherworldly Creatures.

The spell wasn't difficult. After all, Rex had only given Alex elementary-level material. There was no way he'd be summoning a fire demon anytime soon. However, after some study, Alex finally understood the underlying principles of Conjuration magic.

In essence, Conjuration magic is like using soul power to post a message on a multiverse forum. When the post is seen, otherworldly creatures interested in the task respond and get summoned to the caster's side.

Of course, in return, the summoner must meet their demands. According to the "textbook," the requests of these creatures vary widely. For good-aligned beings, they might wish to protect more lives, combat evil, or simply explore other worlds. For evil creatures, their interests might lie more in revenge, killing, and destruction.

The strength of the summoned creature depends on the caster's own power. Since Alex was just starting out, he could only post in the beginner's section, attracting the weakest beings. As Alex advances on this path, his "permissions" will increase, allowing him to post in higher-level sections.

For example, second-tier sections, third-tier sections, or even sections like Heaven, Hell, or the Otherworld…

Moreover, if Alex becomes powerful enough, he could even pin or highlight his "posts" to catch the attention of stronger entities.

Of course, such attention comes with a price.

Speaking of which…

As Alex read through this, a thought suddenly struck him.

What about the summoned creatures in the Map of Myriad Dimensions?

"Ikaros."

"Yes, Master? Do you need something?"

Upon hearing Alex's voice, Ikaros, who had been engrossed in reading Knight's Revenge, curiously raised her head and looked at him.

"Why were you summoned here?"

"Huh? Master, did I do something wrong?"

Ikaros' expression became nervous at Alex's question. She hurriedly put down her book and stood up, anxiously asking. Seeing her anxious demeanor, Alex waved his hand.

"No, you misunderstood. I've been studying the summoning magic of this world, and I suddenly remembered—you were also summoned by me, right? So I was wondering... how exactly did that happen?"

"Oh…"

Hearing that Alex wasn't displeased with her, Ikaros let out a sigh of relief. She closed her eyes, thinking for a while before responding.

"Actually, I don't fully understand either…"

"Oh?"

"I only remember that I was in Synapse, and then… something happened, and I was summoned by you to this world. But I don't really know what happened. All I know is that you're my master, and you summoned me…"

"And you… don't feel any resentment?"

"Not at all, Master!"

At this, Ikaros shook her head vigorously.

"I actually like it here. To be honest, I was worried at first, but now I think this world isn't bad. At least, compared to the one I came from…"

Ikaros trailed off, not finishing her sentence, and Alex didn't press her further. From the complexity in her tone, it was clear that the world she came from wasn't all that pleasant.

At least not for her.

"Sorry, it seems I made you recall unpleasant memories."

"It's alright, Master," Ikaros replied, raising her head and offering a smile.

"You're very kind, Master. I never felt this way in Synapse. We artificial angels were nothing more than weapons created for a purpose. Everyone there was just…"

She paused, then added, "Never mind."

"I see."

Alex nodded, noticing her expression. He didn't pursue the topic further. If Ikaros didn't want to talk about it, he wasn't going to pry.

For now, the most important task for Alex was to continue researching and mastering these spells.

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