Chapter Fifty-Seven: An Intimate Conversation

Anna spent much time today studying Divine Berry Magic, but its principles diverged from her usual research, leaving her lost and frustrated. In this world, a mage must first master the fundamental runes corresponding to any new spell. There are countless basic runes for magic, and mastering them all demands immense time and effort. Normally, learning only the foundational runes specific to a spell suffices; spells of the same type and element often share many repeating runes, which makes learning easier.

Once one masters the basic runes, the next step is arranging them in two-dimensional patterns, then constructing them in three dimensions. Some persistent spells and powerful mages even reach the fourth dimension: synchronizing rune arrangements at different temporal points to sustain spellcasting and control effects.

To truly learn a spell requires considerable time, but Anna, being a spell slot mage, only needs to study a simplified model to release the magic through the web's spell slots. The price she must pay is this: after casting, she must meditate and memorize the model anew to store it in a spell slot; otherwise, even with ample mental energy, she cannot cast the magic.

Spell slots function like small programs: the mage inputs simple commands, and the program outputs complex results. In fact, spell slot mages often fully learn a few practical spells, so even without spell slots, they can still cast those magics. Yet, with spell slots as convenient tools, most mages become highly dependent on the magic web and neglect thorough study.

The Truth Association's mages are different. They oppose these simplified models; although this limits the number of spells they master, their understanding of magic’s essence is far deeper. Most new spells in recent centuries have originated from the Truth Association. Many advancements in alchemy and magical equipment are also credited to them; over eighty percent of magical item patents and formulas are in their hands.

"These runes are drawn incorrectly; this one should start from the inside, and that one must be drawn from right to left..." Regardless of the spell, mastering basic runes is essential. Chu Yun’s understanding of Divine Berry Magic came from his wanderer mage profession; he not only comprehended the entire model but also benefited from the blueprint assistance unique to gamers during spellcasting.

For someone who fully understands the spell model, simplifying it into a spell slot version poses no difficulty, and he had more than enough ability to teach Anna. Still, Anna harbored deep doubts about Chu Yun’s instruction. "But the notes in the library aren’t drawn this way."

"Every spell's model is unique. Different rune drawing methods affect the spell array. I can’t speak for others, but these particular runes in Divine Berry Magic must be done like this."

Anna admired Chu Yun’s confidence. She tried building the runes in his style; at first it felt awkward, but arranging the array became much easier. The subsequent discussion was much simpler. With Chu Yun’s guidance, Anna reviewed all the runes required for Divine Berry Magic. Of course, this was only the beginning; mastering the spell would require much more practice and time. Most content Anna could learn from books, consulting Chu Yun only when she encountered obstacles.

After finishing the runes, night had already fallen, but Anna paid no heed and continued her task in Chu Yun’s room. As an exchange for his tutoring, Anna began sharing secrets unknown to ordinary folk.

"Chu Yun, what kind of information do you want to know?" Anna’s tone carried a hint of respect; she felt his guidance surpassed even her own teacher’s help.

Chu Yun thought for a moment before answering, "Tell me about the Falling Stars event. Rumor has it the meteors that night were actually fragments of divine essence?"

Anna nodded, "You’ve probably seen the Earthwalker Weekly’s report. Most people now believe that’s the case."

"I’ve looked up some books and consulted several senior guild members about this."

"When mortals grow strong enough to touch the world’s fundamental laws, they have a chance to ignite the divine flame. Only by igniting it can faith be converted into divine power, gradually developing and condensing a divine essence."

"If one first obtains fragments of divine essence and then forms a complete essence, some power can be wielded, but without the divine flame, faith cannot be absorbed and transformed into divine power. Without divine power, the true strength of the essence cannot be realized, though it’s possible some fragments contain usable divine power themselves."

"Divine essence fragments needn’t be absorbed. In ancient civilizations, some gods used fragments they couldn’t absorb to devise a powerful divine equipment called the Eye of God."

"The magical items we use today are actually simplified versions of the Eye of God, except the Eye uses divine power as its energy source, while magical items use crystal charging."

"Some essence fragments, for various reasons, spontaneously evolve into legendary items known as Relics. Anyone can wield these, and they grant great power without need for charging."

After Anna finished, Chu Yun asked, "What happens if a mortal directly absorbs a fragment of divine essence?"

Anna shook her head, "That’s hard to say. Gods usually abandon their mortal forms, concentrating all their power in their essence. So the fragments often carry intense divine consciousness."

"If the consciousness in a fragment is too strong, the absorber may be influenced or even have their own mind suppressed and erased, their body becoming a tool for the god. The saints and holy children in religions are sometimes prepared for such circumstances."

"Usually, the will within fragments isn’t so potent. Gods focus most of their consciousness on the more intact fragments. Ordinary pieces won’t possess someone outright, but can subtly affect those with weak willpower."

Chu Yun felt fortunate; when he absorbed a fragment in the Mirror World, he never encountered any issues.

Anna continued sharing all her knowledge with Chu Yun, broadening his understanding and deepening his interest in divine essence fragments.

Both were mages, full of energy, so their conversation lasted until the sun rose. During the night, Chu Yun even demonstrated Divine Berry Magic, offering it as a midnight snack.

At dawn, Anna hurriedly left Chu Yun’s room; after all, they were a young man and woman alone together, and being seen would be hard to explain.

Through Anna, Chu Yun gained valuable information about divine essence fragments and insights about magical item pricing, all of which would be useful for tonight’s auction.