Chapter 376: Enhanced Wizardry Power

Chapter 376: Enhanced Wizardry Power

"This is your junior, Ren." Mogaro introduced succinctly.

Previously, in their conversation, they had agreed to keep Ren's identity as a swordbearer confidential for the time being.

Thus, Mogaro did not reveal Ren's status as a swordbearer, especially since the Electrum Rank Swordbearer was a rare and sensitive title.

"Ah, you're Ren?" The young girl covered her small mouth and exclaimed in surprise.

Her already large, beautiful eyes were now almost round with astonishment.

"Audrey, stop shouting. First, take Ren around to familiarize him with the process of making Fury Hammer Battle Puppets. If Ren has any questions, help him with them."

"By the way, take care of any trivial tasks for Ren in the Academy. In a few days, I'll increase your contribution points," Mogaro instructed.

"Ah? Oh! Alright." Audrey nodded quickly.

But in her heart, she mumbled, "Isn't he my junior? Why do I feel like I'm a nanny?"

At the same time, her bright eyes kept glancing at Ren, filled with curiosity.

Is this the genius wizard Ren from the Manstir Province that the mentor has mentioned countless times?

Apart from being a bit taller and stronger, there doesn't seem to be anything special about him.

Wait, no!

"Your, your strength..." When Audrey slightly perceived Ren's aura, she found herself unable to speak coherently.

"Indeed, Ren has already advanced to the Level 2 Liquidation Wizard stage," Mogaro nodded, confirming Audrey's suspicion.

"Mentor... he... my junior?" Audrey turned to her mentor in shock, pointing at Ren and herself with her pale, slender fingers.

She now has a Level 2 Liquidation Wizard as a junior?

No, isn't this even higher than the mentor's level?

Heavens!

Audrey felt her head buzzing.

Seeing Audrey's shocked expression, Mogaro rubbed his forehead, frowned, and said to Ren, "Ren, if your Level 2 Liquidation Wizard status is revealed, it will have a significant impact within the academy."

"We need to conceal it... with magic? Or a magical item?" Mogaro looked around and muttered to himself.

Soon, Mogaro's face lit up, and he took out a grayish-white wizard robe from a nearby wardrobe and handed it to Ren, saying:

"This is an advanced magical item, the 'Cloak of Concealment.' When you wear it, your apparent strength will be reduced by a major level, making you appear as a First Level Wizard, Early Stage. This will be less conspicuous."

"Alright, thank you, mentor." Ren gladly accepted it and bowed slightly in gratitude.

"By the way, Audrey, remember to keep this a secret. If it gets out, I'll hold you responsible first," Mogaro reminded his valued student.

"Don't worry, I will," Audrey nodded quickly.

"Alright, Ren, after you put on the Cloak of Concealment, follow Audrey to get familiar with the surroundings."

"Alright, Master Mogaro." Ren bowed slightly and replied.

Soon, Ren put on the Cloak of Concealment and discovered that the advanced magical item had a simple resizing function, making it fit perfectly without any discomfort.

This pleased him greatly.

Ren carefully examined the intricate engravings on the inside of the robe, knowing that the secret must lie in these engravings. However, with his basic knowledge of runecraft, he could not understand the content at all.

"Looks like I need to find a chance to study runecraft thoroughly in the future," Ren thought to himself.

As he pondered, Ren followed the lively Audrey out of Mogaro's room and into the corridor.

"This is everyone's office. As long as you are a formal wizard, you have your own office and laboratory. Apprentices share offices," Audrey pointed to the offices along the corridor and explained meticulously.

Her attitude was as if she were dealing with a distinguished person, not her junior.

There was no helping it; Ren's Level 2 Liquidation Wizard status had completely stunned her.

What about Paul Nixon?

What about a late-stage First Level Wizard?

In front of this Ren, no, her junior, they were all nothing!

Only now did Audrey understand why her mentor always talked about Ren.

If she had a student like this, talking about them wouldn't be enough; she would have to guard them every day!

"Hmm, Audrey, besides researching puppet-making, what else do you usually do in the academy?" Ren asked, slightly curious.

"Besides the assigned work and tasks, we also research and practice magic and teach new metal wizards. Of course, Mogaro mentor has already mentioned these trivial tasks, and I will take care of them, Lord Ren."

Audrey's lively eyes glanced at Ren carefully, and she used the generic term 'Lord' instead of calling him her junior, observing Ren's reaction.

Seeing that Ren's face showed no displeasure, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"By the way, although our Bimuxie Zhuangzhuang Academy is research-oriented, combat is ultimately unavoidable.

"Especially in the past year, we've had far more combat missions than usual, and the casualties have been greater than the total of the previous decade."

Audrey's expression turned solemn as if remembering something.

Rayn nodded and asked, "What about promotions within the Academy?"

"The first step is to become an official wizard," Audrey explained, "and at this point, students can choose to stay and..." She knew the answer to Rayn's question without needing to be told.

After listening to Audrey's enthusiastic introduction, it didn't take long for Rayn to get a general idea of the promotion system within the Academy.

If the Bimuxie Zhuangzhuang Academy were compared to a university, Audrey would be a lecturer, and the late-stage First Rank Wizards would be associate professors. As for mentors like Master Mogaro, they would be considered senior professors.

As for Second-Level Liquidation Wizards like herself, they were akin to promising young talents, capable of leading their fields.

Additionally, Audrey shared a 'little secret' with Rayn.

When a mentor has a Second-Level Liquidation Wizard under their wing, the Academy tends to allocate more resources to that mentor's group, encouraging the discovery and nurturing of exceptional talent.

No wonder Master Mogaro had such a delighted expression when Rayn arrived at the Academy.

"This is our Metal Production Hall," Audrey said as they walked along the corridor, reaching the front of a large hall.

"Since combat puppets generally have larger bodies and stronger combat power, we produce medium and larger battle puppets in this hall."

Audrey pointed to a hall in the distance, spanning at least thousands of square feet and supported by multiple circular pillars.

With Rayn's keen eyesight, he could see inside the hall.

The spacious workshop was filled with iron blocks, finished and semi-finished puppet components, and numerous wizard-robed personnel bustling about.

"Our Metal Puppet Production Hall feels like a large assembly factory from my previous life," Rayn thought to himself, finding it quite different from his impression of a wizard academy.

At that moment, a female voice echoed from within the Metal Production Hall.

"Ugh, if someone could finish this work for me, I'd marry them!" Alicia exclaimed, stretching her voluptuous body after engraving a puppet component.

Joseph stared at Alicia's beautiful and curvaceous figure, swallowing hard and mumbling, intending to say something.

The male Tier 3 Wizard apprentices skilled in engraving, their eyes gleaming as they admired the 'rose' of the Metal Department, also swallowed audibly.

"Joseph, you're not up for it, bean sprout," Alicia said, noticing Joseph's intention and giving him a sidelong glance.

"Cough," Alicia's words caused Joseph's face to turn red, and he nearly choked on his saliva.

Audrey led Rayn to the entrance of the production hall, immediately drawing the attention of everyone inside.

"This is our new arrival, Rayn, everyone!"

"Hmm? You're Rayn?" Joseph sized Rayn up.

Under the effect of the Cloak of Concealment, Rayn's aura, while impressive for a First Level Wizard, didn't overshadow his youthful appearance.

'A First Rank Wizard with a physique that surpasses my own strength,' Joseph thought to himself.

"Wow, you're tall and handsome! Finally, someone worthy of our Metal Department. Come over here, brother. I'll look out for you in the Academy."

Alicia's eyes lit up at the sight of Rayn's tall figure, and she smiled happily, waving at him.

Audrey covered her forehead with her hand, thinking to herself, "Alicia, you're something else."

Rayn, however, remained unfazed and smiled, "Thank you. I hope we can get along well."

"Rayn, this is the Fury Hammer Battle Puppet component we're currently working on," Audrey explained, pointing to the numerous parts laid out in the hall.

"Can you demonstrate the process?" Rayn asked, having examined the parts and finding most of them relatively straightforward.

For him, it would only take a second to shape them, followed by engraving the runes.

"Of course," Audrey said, stepping forward and touching a metal ingot. It began to deform slowly, and after about a minute, a hollow cylindrical component was complete.

Audrey wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead, satisfied with the result. It was a one-time formation, requiring no further processing.

"Rayn, if you master Metal Transformation, you can try direct deformation, just like I did," Audrey said with a hint of pride.

"Of course, if you're not familiar with it, you can start slowly."

"Brother? Since you arrived after us, you're our junior, right, Rayn?"

"Alicia approached with a playful smile.

'It's like this,' Ren replied with a slight grin.

'Ren, my dear junior, it's almost lunchtime. How about I treat you to a grand meal?'

'Thank you, but perhaps next time. I'd like to study the construction of the Fury Hammer Battle Puppet's components,' Ren politely declined with a smile.

'Oh, my! Is my junior so dedicated? If you master it, you can help me with my share, and of course, these Contribution Points will be credited to you,' Alicia winked at Ren.

'Of course,' Ren nodded, not refusing. This didn't conflict with his goal of earning Contribution Points for the Academy.

'By the way, do we need to make all these?'

'Yes, this portion is mine, and that's Alicia's. They are the left and right legs of the Fury Hammer Battle Puppet,' Audrey confirmed with a nod.

'Alright, I'll take these two standard components for research. Audrey, why don't you go for lunch first and bring me a meal later?'

'But, Lord Ren—'

'Just do as I say.'

'Yes, Lord Ren,' Audrey agreed, her mind reeling from the thought of Ren's capabilities.

Minutes later, in Ren's room.

After examining the standard components, Ren placed his hand on an iron ingot.

In the next instant, a cylindrical component identical to the Fury Hammer Battle Puppet's leg that Audrey had demonstrated transformed before their eyes.

The speed was astonishing, almost instantaneous.

In less than a second, a component that would take Audrey over half a minute was completed in a fraction of that time.

This was why Ren had asked Audrey to leave—his transformation speed was like a Ferrari 458 compared to Audrey's Metal Transformation, which was as slow as a crawling turtle.

The correct version is available at the 69 Book Bar! 6=9+Book_Bar.

Ren's eyes lit up as he calculated, 'One component for 10 Contribution Points, so 500 points means 50 components in just a minute.'

'Even with Engravings, I know the Basic Defensive Engraving, so at two minutes per engraving, I can finish 101 in just over an hour and a half.'

In practice, Ren's work was even faster than anticipated.

In about an hour, he completed components worth 500 Contribution Points.

As he became more familiar with the Basic Defensive Engraving, his speed increased from the estimated two minutes per engraving to just over a minute.

After finishing, Ren didn't rush out but instead chose to rest in his room.

Knock, knock, knock!'

'Come in!'

Audrey and Alicia entered, each carrying a meal and a cup of coffee for Ren.

Suddenly, they were struck with awe. The room was filled with components, leaving them speechless.

What had they just witnessed? Had Ren completed in a little over an hour what they had planned for nearly half a month?

'Hehe, Metal Transformation is one of my specialties, so it's naturally faster. Also, I happen to know the Basic Defensive Engraving,' Ren explained with a slight smile.

Alicia, usually concerned with her appearance, paid no mind to the coffee that had splashed on her as she eagerly rushed to examine the array of components.

'Oh my! Ren, you've actually finished them all!' Alicia exclaimed, finding each component almost identical to the standard ones.

Audrey, aware of Ren's Second-Level Liquidation Wizardry, found the sight less surprising but still awe-inspiring.

'Is the gap between a Second-Rank and First-Rank Wizard so significant?'

'It shouldn't be!' Audrey murmured to herself.

That afternoon, Ren obtained the long-awaited second level of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Technique.

Checking the wall clock, Ren realized it was already 5:00 pm.

After some thought, he bid farewell to Master Mogaro.

As Anna was still at the Bavaria Family Mansion, and he had achieved his goal of obtaining the second level of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Technique, Ren decided to leave early and dedicate the evening to studying it.

'Master, I'll take my leave now. I plan to study the meditation technique, so I may not come to the Academy for a couple of days,' Ren said.

'Ren, manage your time as you see fit,' Master Mogaro replied, his face beaming with satisfaction at his student.

The Bavaria Family carriage waited at the entrance of the Craig Winery.

After Ren boarded, the carriage swiftly departed, returning to the Bavaria Family Mansion.

Following dinner with Anna, Ren retired to the study, taking out the memory crystal that held the second level of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Technique.

Soon, a unique memory content appeared in his mind, and Ren began to carefully comprehend it.

'The second level of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Technique has a relatively high difficulty.'

'Upon mastering it, not only will it further refine one's mental power and promote its liquification, but it will also enhance the power of metal magic by approximately forty percent.'

At this revelation, Ren's eyes sparkled with excitement.

In just the first stage, it was only 20%, and the effect was already remarkable. Now, it's actually 40%!"

It should be known that for a First Rank Wizard, even with a Mental Power Fogging of over 90%, the enhancement of their magic's power is roughly 50% at most.

But the special effect of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Technique reaches 40%, which is indeed impressive!

Of course, this only applies to Metal Magic.

However, for Rayn, this effect is astonishing.

Don't forget that Rayn's Metal Affinity is exceptional!

"Let's take the First Level Metal Magic 'Metal Barrier' as an example. When I first entered the First Rank Wizard stage, my defense was around 40 degrees."

"But now, with a rough calculation, multiplying by a 1.5x Mental Power boost and then by the 1.4x 'Steel Heart' special effect, it directly reaches 84 degrees."

"Generally, the power of Second-Level Magic is around 60 to 100 degrees. If I successfully master the second level of 'Steel Heart', I can almost use First Level Magic with the power of Second-Level Magic."

Although a Second Level Liquidation Wizard casting First Level Magic will have a significant boost in power compared to a First Rank Wizard, it's usually just around 50 to 60 degrees, barely reaching the lower limit of Second-Level Magic's power.

But Rayn is different.

Once he masters the second level of 'Steel Heart', the power of the First Level Metal Magic he casts will directly reach the mainstream level of Second-Level Magic.

This is the explosive effect of combining exceptional Metal Affinity with an Advanced Meditation Technique tailored to his needs, creating a synergy greater than the sum of its parts!

Comparable to some top-tier Advanced Meditation Techniques that grant unique magic skills, this is truly an exceptional Advanced Meditation Technique.

"As expected, this Advanced Meditation Technique is especially suitable for those with high Metal Affinity. It's truly perfect for me."

Rayn's heart was filled with joy.

Calming himself, Rayn focused his mind and began to carefully practice according to the requirements of the second level.

Unlike the first level, which had only thirty-six Will Runes forming a three-dimensional pattern, the second level's three-dimensional pattern was more complex, naturally making it more challenging.

If one's Mental Power is insufficient, just looking at this three-dimensional pattern could make them dizzy and confused.

Rayn carefully counted, and the second level's three-dimensional pattern was actually composed of sixty Will Runes.

Nearly two-thirds more than the first level!

One can imagine how difficult it is to visualize this in their mind.

"Whew, this is tough!"

"I'm afraid even for a typical Second Level Liquidation Wizard, entering this stage would be extremely challenging." Rayn nodded to himself.

"However, my Mental Power is higher than most, so it should be faster."

Rayn glanced at his attribute panel, and his high Mental Power of 90 points gave him confidence.

"Of course, if I want to go even faster, I'll need to use the attribute points I've saved up."

Rayn immediately began to visualize the second level's three-dimensional structure in his mind.

An hour passed.

After twenty attempts, Rayn's 90 points of Mental Power proved their worth.

Currently, he could successfully visualize a pattern composed of 55 Will Runes, with only 5 remaining.

However, after so many attempts, Rayn felt a slight throbbing in his temples.

It was clear that practicing the Advanced Meditation Technique's second level consumed a significant amount of Mental Power, and his current progress was already nearing his limit.

Fortunately, Rayn had previously accumulated 12 attribute points in Manstir by practicing tailoring skills, saving them for crucial moments like breakthroughs or battles.

Without hesitation, Rayn added 1 point to his Mental Power.

Instantly, his Mental Power increased from 90 to 91 points, and at the same time, Rayn felt a refreshing clarity in his mind, as if a clear spring had washed away the fatigue in his consciousness sea.

With his peak state restored, Rayn once again began to carefully outline the complex three-dimensional pattern of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Technique in his mind.

Another hour passed.

The first Will Rune.

The thirtieth.

The fifty-eighth Will Rune!

"Not bad! Just a little more, only two left!"

Although Rayn felt a slight dizziness in his head again, at this moment, he was just one step away from success, and there was no reason to give up now!

So, Rayn once again added attribute points.

Half an hour later, Rayn's face lit up with joy, and he vigorously clenched his fist.

In his consciousness sea, the originally thin ring-shaped base of the crystal had nearly doubled in thickness.

The system prompt also followed:

[You have practiced the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Technique's second level, and your understanding has improved!]



[Your skill, Steel Heart Advanced Meditation Technique, has improved. Experience Points +3]



(End of Chapter)

Chapter end