The Scholar’s Progress and the Spirit’s Gamble

As dusk settled over the mage tower, Ethan opened his eyes and stretched, feeling the weariness of the day. The soft, golden light of the setting sun filtered through the cracks and gaps in the tower's broken walls.

Ethan had spent the better part of the day immersed in his studies and the practical applications of his newfound knowledge. His thoughts wandered to the modest meal he had set aside—some bread and a portion of water. It was a simple feast, but it would suffice for now.

Gazing at his scant food supplies, Ethan realized with a touch of concern that his provisions would likely be depleted by tomorrow. His focus had been so consumed by his studies that he had almost lost track of the practical needs of survival.

In addition to his review of the "Elementary Element Meditation," Ethan had devoted significant time to studying the "Spirit Experiment Manual."

The combination of his talents—Academic Research and Primary Enlightenment—had dramatically accelerated his learning progress. The difference was striking. Where yesterday had been about rote memorization, today was about genuine understanding.

Ethan likened it to the difference between mechanically reciting the multiplication table and truly grasping its principles.

Despite his progress, Ethan found himself somewhat frustrated. The "Elementary Element Meditation" provided a good foundation but was limited in scope.

It lacked the magic skills or advanced techniques he had hoped for, restricting its usefulness to the basics of meditation. It took him only an hour to master it completely.

The bulk of his day had been spent deciphering the "Spirit Experiment Manual." This book turned out to be an in-depth study of spirits, detailing both their transformation and subsequent magical experiments.

Ethan was particularly struck by the historical accounts of garden elves and their transformation into spirits through magical experiments.

The manual detailed a process with a 70% success rate for transforming a garden elf into a spirit loyal to its master.

This success rate was theoretical; practical application would require hands-on experience. Additionally, the manual included various magical experiments conducted on spirits, many of which ended in failure.

However, successful experiments yielded significant improvements in magical physique, intelligence, and loyalty—traits that could be crucial for strengthening his own spirit troops.

By the end of the day, Ethan had gained a solid understanding of these principles. He realized that he could enhance his spirit monsters' abilities significantly through the magical transformations described in the manual.

With his current knowledge and experience, he estimated his success rate for transformation at around 50%, which could improve to 80% with more practice.

As Ethan contemplated his findings, a spirit approached him, its voice tinged with respectful urgency:

"Master, the expedition team is back.

"The realization that dusk had arrived came as a surprise. Ethan had been so absorbed in his studies that he had lost track of time. He had taken a brief nap and meditated for fifteen minutes to restore his energy but had not managed to increase his magic power during that session.

With a sense of anticipation, Ethan rose from his seat and made his way to the first floor of the mage tower, where the spirits had returned.

The tower, still in disrepair, was a functional base of operations for his spirits. The six returning spirits bore a variety of items, a testament to their successful expedition.

"Great master, we discovered two treasures," one of the spirits reported. "We also found a magic scroll, a bag of wheat seeds, a bag of grape seeds, and three bags of corn seeds."

Ethan examined the items with keen interest. Among the treasures were a blue headband and a piece of standard armor. Both were classified as primary treasures, and their attributes were intriguing.

**Azure Blue Headband**

Level: Beginner

Attributes:

Knowledge +1

Magic value +10

**Standard Armor**

Level: Beginner

Attributes:

Defense +2

The blue headband, resembling a simple blue ribbon, offered a boost to knowledge and magic value. The standard armor, more substantial and likely carried by three spirits, provided a defensive boost.

Ethan's initial excitement at the discovery of these items was tempered by a sense of disbelief. How had the spirits managed to find such valuable items? The answer dawned on him: his luck stat, previously thought to be inconsequential, might have played a significant role in their success.

When he had been leading the expedition, luck had played a part, but with the spirits acting independently, their luck had been fully utilized.

"The hidden potential of these spirits is remarkable," Ethan mused. "No wonder they are so valuable."

Among the additional findings was a magic scroll labeled "Magic Eye." This scroll contained level 1 magic:

**Magic Scroll: Magic Eye**

Magic Level: 1

Effect:Vision +1 within 10 minutes

This scroll was particularly promising. Although Ethan had no prior knowledge of the "Magic Eye" skill, it seemed to offer a temporary enhancement to his vision. He was eager to see if he could learn from the scroll or if it was a one-time use item.

Ethan addressed his spirits with clear instructions:

"Excellent work. Plant the corn seeds while it's still dusk. If you need water, go to the river and fetch some. Use the standard armor as a container for water. Seal one end and transport the water back."

Ethan then took the standard armor and used it to gather water. The armor, while not ideal, served as a makeshift container and even as a cooking pot if necessary.

Ethan's attention then turned to a spirit that was severely injured, with only 1 HP remaining. He knew the spirit's injury was too severe for natural recovery and that they lacked the means to heal it effectively.

Ethan decided to offer the spirit a chance to recover, though it came with a risk.

"You are severely injured," Ethan said to the spirit. "You cannot heal on your own, and we lack proper treatment. I can attempt to cure you, but there is a 50% chance it will fail, leading to your death. Are you willing to take that risk?"

The spirit's eyes flickered with a mix of hope and resignation. Despite the danger, it responded:

"Yes, master. Even death is preferable to wasting food on me."

"Very well," Ethan replied. "First, you need to eat and regain strength. Here, have some bread, water, and a few pieces of bacon."

Ethan provided the injured spirit with the food he had set aside. He hoped that by fortifying the spirit with nutrients, he could increase its chances of survival and recovery.

As night fell, Ethan prepared for the next steps. The day's achievements had provided him with new resources and insights, and he was eager to put his knowledge into practice.

The coming days would be crucial for testing the theoretical knowledge he had gained and for applying it to enhance his spirits' abilities.

With the spirits working on their tasks and the injured spirit receiving nourishment, Ethan turned his attention back to his studies and preparations. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but with each step, he was more prepared to face them.

The mage tower, though still in disrepair, was beginning to transform into a base of operations from which he could build and strengthen his domain.