Chapter 80: Extending An Offer
[The Runesmith class has bestowed you with the starting Skill: Sigil Library.]
[The Runesmith class has bestowed you with the starting Trait: Expansive Mind.]
Leonard was surprised when he saw that the Class granted only a single Trait. Until now, he had thought all Classes granted two, but it seemed he had been mistaken.
[Sigil Library - Level 1]
[Rank: Epic]
[Creates a blank canvas within your mind where you can store up to 10 sigils in your memory, ready to be incorporated into the formation of a rune.]
[Upgrade Sigil Library to the next level: 2,000 Evolution Points]
Leonard’s eyes nearly jumped out when he saw that he had gained an Epic Skill. Even better, it didn’t require Mana to function.
With it, he wouldn’t have to memorize the different sigils in order to create runes, as it granted him a special place within his own memory for that purpose.
[Expansive Mind - Level 1]
[Increases your understanding of sigils and their possible arrangement patterns, enhancing your ability to create runes by 500%.]
[Upgrade Expansive Mind to the next Level: 20,000 Evolution Points]
Eager to test the effect of his new Runesmith class his eyes fixed on the hovering sigil.
Leonard still felt an uncomfortable sensation in the back of his skull, as if it had been set on fire. However, the sensation was much weaker than before, allowing him to properly concentrate.
[Your grasp of the heat sigil has increased to 1%.]
The sigil’s lines, which had once been blurring and shifting as if they had a mind of their own, slowly began to settle, forming an understandable pattern he could follow.
Before Leonard could allow the revelation to escape his mind, he gripped the pen firmly and began to trace its design to the best of his ability.
[Your grasp of the Sigil of Heat has increased to 3%.]
The screams of pain throughout the lecture hall began to fade. Deep in the learning process, his consciousness discarded all irrelevant information besides the sigil in front of him and Cassandra, who floated next to it.
"To further explain, runes consist of different sigils which, when combined effectively, create the amazing effects you all crave to replicate." She said calmly.
"For example, if I combine the Sigil of Energy with the Sigil of Heat you are trying to copy, we would get the Rune of Light. Since it is composed of only two sigils, its only effect is to emit light. Nevertheless, I believe this simple example has been enough for you to grasp the bottomless potential of the subject."
’I see... So the Sigil Library would truly be invaluable for what’s to come. Otherwise, having to memorize so many sigils would be equivalent to learning an entirely new language from scratch. It makes sense why the Runesmith Class is considered so essential now.’ Leonard realized.
Interestingly enough, during the process, his body began to heat up as if he were in the middle of running a marathon. He began to pant and his limbs started to shake from exhaustion.
[Mana: 650/1,000]
’The rate at which my Mana is being depleted is absurd.’ Leonard thought, an excited smile spreading across his face.
His Accelerated Manaflow Trait hadn’t been able to completely replenish his mana pool after he had used a portion of it to learn the Fireball Skill. He knew that even at his peak condition, learning the Sigil of Heat on his first try would be out of the question.
Which meant he was on the right path. The larger the Mana requirement, the better the end result.
"Just look at him. He’s really in the zone!" William whispered, staring at Leonard in complete astonishment.
"I think it’s better to leave for now. At the moment, we’re just making fools of ourselves, and it would be better if we didn’t disturb him with our presence." Winston suggested.
The two exchanged nods and quietly left the lecture room.
[Your grasp of the Sigil of Heat has increased to 20%.]
Leonard was progressing smoothly, though the mental load he was under continued to increase.
"Scholar Leonard, you are progressing nicely."
A familiar voice echoed from his side, catching his attention.
He turned around, only to see Miranda idly sitting next to him with an innocent smile.
"What are you doing here?" He murmured, seeking answers.
She tilted her head to the side.
"Hmm? Oh, don’t worry. Most scholars have left by now, and those who remain are too focused on the assignment to pay us any attention."
Leonard blinked slowly.
"Not that! What are you doing in the academy?! How come you are now an assistant out of the blue?!"
"Ah, that..." Miranda put a hand over her lips and giggled.
"Did you think that I would leave your side for months? Especially after the recent attack by the Void Believers? Let’s just say I pulled some strings, and Headmistress Jennifer was more than delighted to employ me here, considering my past."
Leonard heaved a sigh. Even he had underestimated Miranda’s protectiveness and how far she was willing to go for him.
"What about your mana oversensitivity? Won’t it cause trouble, considering Mana is a primary subject of study in the academy?" He asked, concerned for her safety.
She smiled and ruffled his hair.
"Don’t worry. The different Skills and spells aren’t directed toward me, so I should be fine."
Although still not entirely convinced, he dropped the matter.
"So, now that you’re here, should I expect a helping hand whenever I’m in a pinch?" Leonard said, unsure how Miranda’s presence would change his academy life.
"Oh dear, no, no." She shook her head. "Quite the opposite. Whenever possible, I will be overly harsh on your mistakes, to the point that the other scholars will wonder if I’m doing it on purpose."
"..." He stared at her blankly.
"Don’t look at me like that. You know I’m doing it because I care for you, right? Diamonds are formed under pressure, after all, and I have faith that you’ll come out better for it in the end."
"Well then, teacher... please find it in yourself to show me mercy from time to time." Leonard chuckled softly, forgetting for a moment about the effects of learning the sigil.
"We’ll see about that..." Miranda replied with a faint smile before leaving so as not to bother him any longer.
The lesson continued, with Leonard still struggling to replicate the sigil.
[Your grasp of the Sigil of Heat has increased to 52%.]
[Mana: 0/1,000]
In the end, his mana ran out, and he barely managed to copy half of it after the entire period.
"These runes... really are no joke." He slumped back in his seat, tired but content.
"Everybody, the course is about to conclude. Let me see your progress." Cassandra announced, quickly checking on the progress of the scholars.
"There are a few who managed to replicate one-tenth of the sigil..." She exhaled deeply.
"I suppose it’s not that bad. There have been worse years than this. I will probably be forced to make a compromise and pick a few of them..."
Suddenly, Cassandra halted. Her eyes widened as she made her way toward a particular canvas, her spectacular figure catching a few glances along the way.
"I remember you." She said, stopping beside Leonard and scanning his canvas with interest. "Extraordinary... You have managed to replicate half of the sigil?"
"Yeah. To be honest, it was much harder than I thought." Leonard admitted.
Cassandra remained silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"Do you wish to become my apprentice?"
***
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