CH40

[Corrosive Arrow data recorded.]

[Corrosive Arrow spell model analyzed.]

[Corrosive Arrow spell model construction plan completed.]

After waiting a few minutes, Deep Blue had processed all the information related to Corrosive Arrow and was ready to construct the spell model.

"Deep Blue, begin constructing the Corrosive Arrow spell model."

[Task logged.

Estimated time remaining: twenty minutes.

Estimated magic consumption: 17%.]

"Twenty minutes? The parameters and formulas for Corrosive Arrow are nearly double those of Partial Petrification, yet it takes five minutes less to construct. That spell model class was definitely worth it," Helag analyzed.

In Helag's mind, Deep Blue precisely controlled his mental power to construct the Corrosive Arrow spell model, calculating each step's parameters and formulas at lightning speed.

Twenty minutes later.

[Corrosive Arrow spell model construction complete.]

[Remaining magic: 83%.]

Helag took a piece of firewood from beside the fireplace and placed it in the middle of the living room, then stepped a few meters away.

He controlled his magic, channeling it into the Corrosive Arrow spell model in his mind.

A black arrow with green energy formed quickly in front of him. Deep Blue's statistics showed it took only 0.12 seconds to cast.

Helag directed the Corrosive Arrow to shoot at the firewood, splitting it in two. From the cross-section, black corrosive energy spread, covering the wood in seconds, producing a sizzling sound.

A pungent smell filled the air as Helag observed the firewood bubbling on the surface. The corrosive energy was potent, penetrating deep into the wood and quickly turning it into hollow, rotten pieces.

"Not bad," Helag said, satisfied with the Corrosive Arrow's effect.

If the Corrosive Arrow hit a person, it would be excruciatingly difficult to deal with.

[Remaining magic: 77%]

Helag calculated, "Casting Corrosive Arrow consumes 6% of my magic."

This spell didn't have the direct lethality of Fireball or Ice Spike but excelled in sustained combat and high tolerance for error.

"I can miss many shots, but you only need to be hit once to be at a severe disadvantage."

"But likewise, I have no defensive measures against others' spells," Helag frowned, recognizing this as a critical issue to address quickly.

He opened his rune stone and messaged Leo: "Do you have any defensive spells other than Ice Shield?"

After a moment, Leo replied, "I only have Ice Shield for now. You could post a task to purchase one or ask official wizards you know. They usually have more options."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

***

Helag decided to ask Larry. If that didn't work, he'd have to post a task to buy a defensive spell, though he was low on funds.

"Mr. Larry, do you have any Level 0 defensive spell models for sale?" Helag asked directly.

There was no response for half a day. Helag wasn't in a hurry, so he poured himself a cup of coffee and continued reading the Corrosive Arrow book.

After a while, Larry finally replied.

"I have Ice Shield, Mana Shield, and Dark Energy Shield."

"Ice Shield is strong against physical attacks but weak against many spells."

"Mana Shield provides some defense against both physical and magical attacks but requires continuous magic consumption."

"Dark Energy Shield is very strong against both physical and magical attacks but is vulnerable to light-based spells, which are rare."

Helag pondered for a moment and asked for Larry's opinion, "Mr. Larry, do you have any recommendations?"

"Considering your situation, I recommend Mana Shield or Dark Energy Shield. However, Dark Energy Shield is more advanced and difficult for a beginner like you. So, Mana Shield would be better," Larry replied.

"Thank you, Mr. Larry. I'll go with… Dark Energy Shield. How much is it?"

"Three magic stones."

"I only have one magic stone and two hundred gold coins. Can I owe you one stone?" Helag asked, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Alright, come to my house tomorrow. It's at Building 5, Zone C (Sivirian letter) in the town," Larry agreed to the credit.

"Thank you, Mr. Larry!" Helag was genuinely grateful. Larry seemed unapproachable but was kind to wizard apprentices.

By market standards, Larry was taking a loss, not to mention the debt.

***

The next morning, Helag went to the town and found Building 5 in Zone C as directed.

He looked up at the seven-story building, marveling at the wizard's lifestyle.

Such a large building belonged solely to Larry.

There was a doorbell at the entrance, which Helag gently pressed.

The door opened shortly after, but no one was visible.

"Down here," a voice called.

Helag looked down to see a green-skinned goblin in tattered clothes.

"Are you Mr. Helag? I'll take you upstairs," the goblin said, leading the way.

"Thank you," Helag replied, curious about the humanoid creature.

The goblin muttered, "You're the first wizard to thank me."

"…" Helag was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond.

Larry's staircase spiraled upward. Inside, the space extended to at least ten floors, far more than the seven visible from outside.

The goblin led Helag to the fourth floor, which looked like a laboratory filled with plants in petri dishes and various specimens in jars.

Shelves held potions of different colors, none of which Helag could identify with his limited knowledge.

"Helag, you're here. Gami, you can go now," Larry said, holding a test tube of yellow liquid.

"Yes, master," the goblin bowed and shuffled away.

Helag watched him leave curiously. Larry explained, "He's a house elf, quite common. But Gami is old and has forgotten some elf magic. Now, he's mostly just for cleaning."

The room was crowded, with plants extending their branches, leaving little space to stand.

TL/n -  

Am I the only one getting Harry Potter vibe here?