novelraw Chapter 251: Eve and Milan
Chapter 251: Eve and Milan
Research on magic arrays is considered a rather specialized school within the study of magic.
The essence of a magic array is, in fact, magic itself. However, it involves replicating the circuit structures that operate within the human body by using mana externally.
Naturally, the difficulty is higher compared to conventional spells. Every array corresponding to a spell encounters a variety of strange and peculiar problems during its construction.
After all, the conventional spell system was born based on the human body. Once removed from the body, certain elements inevitably change.
Simply copying the circuits is impossible for replicating an array, so related testing and adjustments are necessary.
Some can be completed through adjustments, while others remain impossible no matter what...
The utility of magic arrays is still significant, primarily reflected in their functional aspects.
For example, magic crystals that contain sealed spells are achieved by constructing the corresponding magic's array within them.
Although magic crystals themselves have mana-storage properties, they can only store mana.
To allow people who cannot use magic, or even those without mana, to cast spells, it must be achieved through "magic arrays."Including the "Mana Network" used by the Adventurers' Association, its origins also lie in research on magic arrays.
However, in terms of real-time combat, magic arrays generally hold little value compared to regular spells because they require a long time to construct.
Unless it's a battle at a fixed location, where arrays can be pre-deployed knowing the battlefield's location in advance, they can indeed achieve remarkable effects.
For instance, during the goblin siege at Silverstream City back then, if there had been a mage skilled in arrays within the city, they could have set up arrays beyond the front lines in advance, triggering them once the goblins entered the area.
This usage is essentially equivalent to an advanced type of magic trap.
Only the range and power are greater, control is more convenient, and there's no need to worry about subsequent cleanup.
Once the energy within the array is expended, it naturally dissipates.
Beyond these, magic arrays can also shine in many other peculiar and diverse applications.
For example, the one they are currently using.
Given the anti-human structure of the Boulder Mine, using engineering to create a connection between the upper and middle layers would undoubtedly be extremely complex and difficult. Even with the aid of magic, it would still be quite troublesome.
In comparison, a simple earth-element stacking-type magic array can directly solve the problem.
It truly is convenient and efficient.
The carriage sped along the array, and after a long downhill stretch, they finally returned to "ground level."
What lay before them was the middle layer of the Boulder Mine.
"It doesn't seem much different from the upper layer, does it?"
Lin Mo looked around.
"Indeed. Apart from the greater number and stronger power of the magical creatures, the overall shape and structure of the Boulder Mine's upper and middle layers are very similar... Of course, the mineral resources in the middle layer are much richer than in the upper layer."
Dirk, acting like a guide at the moment, explained matters about the mine to newcomers like Lin Mo.
"The middle layer's camp isn't far from here. It should take about 20 minutes to reach."
Checking the clock, the time was just past 5 PM. Tonight, they had ample time to rest and prepare for tomorrow's challenges.
As Dirk had said, the carriage moved forward, and in less than 20 minutes, they could see buildings quite similar to the camp they had stayed at the previous night.
These structures were simple yet sturdy, exuding a solemn feeling, much like the guards standing at the entrance.
"It seems there are other adventurers inside..."
Luke spotted people entering the camp from a distance. Judging by their attire, they didn't look much like the camp guards.
"That's normal. Weren't there many other adventurers at yesterday's camp too? After all, the Boulder Mine is one of the more popular adventure areas near Fargard City. It's normal for many adventurers to come here on missions."
Dirk wasn't surprised by this. "Everyone has their own tasks anyway. We just won't interfere with each other."
Even as he said that, he also looked curiously toward the camp entrance.
As the distance gradually closed, the voices of those people became clearer.
"Huh?"
Then, Dirk let out a sound of surprise.
"What's wrong?"
Lin Mo turned and asked.
The people before them looked very young, probably all in their early twenties.
They wore similarly styled clothes.
However, some had blue-and-white color schemes, some black-and-white, and others red-and-white.
"These should be students from the Royal National Academy."
Dirk explained. "The red-and-white ones are students from the Warrior Academy. Black-and-white are from the Assassin Academy. Blue-and-white are from the Magic Academy. Yellow-and-white are from the Knight Academy."
Hearing this, Lin Mo immediately became interested and looked at them curiously.
The Royal National Academy was undoubtedly the best professional academy in the Doria Kingdom.
For example, Flora, who had once taught him magic and helped him push open the door to spells, and her friend, that somewhat dull, seemingly a bit clumsy assassin Shaya, were both students of the Royal National Academy.
Of course, Flora had now become an instructor at the academy.
"What are these students here for?"
"Probably for training... or to complete some kind of research project?"
Dirk guessed.
"Training? Students come here for training?"
Lin Mo was rather surprised. After all, this was the Boulder Mine, a place with a relatively high danger rating, and they were in the middle layer at that.
Previously, hadn't Flora, including that killed Magic Academy student, gone to places like Roland Forest for training?
Without needing further questions, Dirk understood the reason for his confusion.
"It's like this... Students at the Royal National Academy are actually divided into two study periods. They typically enroll at age 16. The following eight years... no, the first five years from ages 15 to 19 are the first study period. The main goal during that period is to lay a solid foundation and become a formal Professional. Upon completing their studies and before officially becoming a Professional, they go to some remote areas for training. Completing the training means graduating successfully, and they can then choose to become adventurers on their own."
"However... among the academy's students, there are some exceptionally outstanding ones who can complete the first study period's curriculum a year or even a year and a half early and perform excellently in the training assessment. For these students with powerful talent, after a period of rest, they receive an invitation from the academy to continue with the second study period."
"The second study period also lasts five years. Compared to the first period, which focuses on building foundations, the learning in the second period is more free and emphasizes practical application."
"During these five years, students often frequently undertake training or complete project assessments. Since they are inherently talented children, coupled with instruction from famous teachers and various real combat experiences, after five years, these students often reach levels unimaginable to ordinary students."
"After five years, if they haven't reached Level 3, it's already considered somewhat of a failure. Most students who go through the second study period can smoothly reach Level 3, even Level 4 or 5. Some particularly exceptional ones can even reach higher levels."
"For example, Flora, hailed as the kingdom's once-in-a-century magic genius. Back when she completed the five years of the second study period, her level had already reached an astonishing Level 10, and not long after, she was promoted to Elite and stayed at the academy as an instructor."
"Another example is the current chief of both the Sword Academy and the Warrior Academy—Eve. She won't complete her second study period until next June, but her strength has already reached Level 9, and there's strong hope she'll reach Level 10 before graduation!"
"That impressive?"
Lin Mo was somewhat amazed.
Thinking back to the time in Silverstream City, Landon, in his early thirties, taking 14 or 15 years to become a Level 4 mage was already considered a minor genius.
And Flora, according to what Dirk just said, likely reached Level 10 in just 7 years!
"The gap between people is bigger than the gap between people and dogs..."
Dirk shook his head. "And inside the academy, they receive guidance from various famous teachers, plus some resource allocation from the kingdom. Outsiders can't compare."
That made sense.
However...
"How do you know so much about the Royal National Academy?"
Lin Mo asked curiously.
"Well..."
Dirk scratched his head. "Actually, I have a nephew studying in the Warrior Academy there, and he's already entered the second study period."
"Not bad!"
Lin Mo gave a thumbs up. According to what Dirk just said, those invited to enter the second study period were already considered remarkable geniuses.
"Uh..."
Dirk felt a bit awkward. If someone else praised his nephew, he might feel proud and happy, but from this person...
Although he himself probably didn't mean it that way at all, it really felt a bit like mockery.
Even Eve and Flora, compared to the person before him, were utterly insignificant.
Entering the camp, after presenting some proof related to their mission, the camp personnel quickly settled them in an open, spacious area.
Since adventurers often came to the Boulder Mine on missions, the relevant staff at the mine's camp were already accustomed to such matters.
After settling them, the staff even specially brought bedding, cooking utensils, and other daily necessities.
Of course, Lin Mo didn't need these things, but they could be useful for Dirk's group.
Coincidentally, those students from the Royal National Academy they had seen earlier were also assigned a spot not far from them.
These students were setting up tents, borrowing the camp's cooking utensils to start preparing a meal. They looked quite competent.
On Lin Mo's side, Sherfilia was responsible for tonight's dinner.
So Lin Mo was free, with nothing to do, and simply observed the students.
This should be an adventuring team composed of students from different academies. The total number was eight, which was a relatively large size.
Among them, three were from the Warrior Academy, two from the Knight Academy, one from the Assassin Academy, two from the Ranger Academy, and one from the Magic Academy.
Combined, these Professionals formed a reasonably structured team.
Being able to come to the middle layer of the Boulder Mine for training suggested these students' strength was quite high, likely ranking among the best in their respective academies.
The most eye-catching among them was the young woman with long golden hair.
However, slightly different from Finnie's light golden hair, this young woman's golden hair appeared darker in color. Her face was beautiful, with delicate features, but her expression was somewhat cold. Her demeanor felt like the aloof, indifferent type.
Her figure looked quite petite. By estimation, she might be five or six centimeters shorter than Finnie, forming a stark contrast with her outward demeanor.
Of course, compared to Sherfilia, she was still quite a bit taller, at least six or seven centimeters taller.
She wore a form-fitting black outfit suitable for movement, with short boots on her feet. Beside her lay a set of leather armor she had likely just taken off and the school uniform worn over the armor.
In addition, there was a thin sword gleaming with a cold light. The blade was very long;
just the blade portion was probably about 1.2 meters.
With such a long sword, could this girl really wield it effectively?
Overall, this configuration didn't seem like that of a strength-based warrior;
more likely, she was an agility-type warrior.
Seemingly sensing Lin Mo's gaze, the young woman suddenly looked up in this direction.
Her red eyes met Lin Mo's, holding for two or three seconds before looking away.
"What's wrong, Eve?"
A brown-haired young woman nearby inquired.
"Nothing..."
The golden-haired young woman, Eve, shook her head. "Probably no ill intent."
Hearing this puzzling statement, the brown-haired young woman looked up, following Eve's previous gaze, and understood what was going on.
"Probably adventurers here on a mission... But that person looks so young! He seems even younger than us!"
The brown-haired young woman was very surprised. After all, their team coming to the Boulder Mine for training was already pushing their limits.
And they were among the top performers in the second study period at the Royal National Academy, a team that could at least rank in the top three, representing virtually the pinnacle of genius in this kingdom.
This adventurer, who looked even younger than them, could also come to the Boulder Mine on a mission?
Had his strength really reached a level capable of handling the magical creatures in the middle layer of the Boulder Mine?
It was truly hard to believe.
"There are plenty of powerful experts in this world. It's not worth finding strange."
Compared to the girl beside her, Milun, Eve's reaction was very calm.
"That's true..."
Milun also showed an expression of deep agreement. "Our instructor, ever since returning from a trip outside, often mentions the genius she encountered during that outing. She claims his talent is even higher than hers. Then she uses that as a pretext to say our talent isn't as good and we're not working hard enough, scolding us thoroughly."
"Your instructor?"
Eve beside her was momentarily stunned. "Instructor Flora?"
Milun nodded.
"Talent higher than Instructor Flora?"
"That's probably just an exaggeration..."
Milun smiled and shook her head. "After all, Instructor Flora is hailed as the kingdom's once-in-a-century magic genius. She also won first place in last year's Hunting Competition, which allowed her to become an instructor at the kingdom's Magic Academy—the Saint Antonius Academy in one go."
"Having talent higher than hers... It's impossible to imagine."
In Milun's view, whether such a person even existed was questionable. It was likely that because Instructor Flora had been absent recently, they had slacked off a bit, so she made up a person to stimulate them to improve.
Eve didn't speak, but she also felt her companion's words made sense.
"By the way, the Hunting Competition will start again soon. Eve, can you reach Level 10 before then?"
"Not sure."
"If you can reach Level 10, I feel you have a great chance of winning first place this year too!"
"That kind of thing..."
"Don't worry, I'll help you!"
Milun patted her chest. "And everyone in the team will help together!"
Although the Hunting Competition had individual rankings, it didn't prohibit cooperation in the form of teams for hunting, only limiting the number to within ten people.
After all, human Professionals facing magical creatures of the same level basically find it very difficult to win alone. Usually, whether adventurers or academy students, they primarily fight cooperatively.
"Big Sis Eve, Milun, what are you talking about? Time to eat..."
Several students cooking nearby reminded them.
"Okay, coming right away."
Milun responded and pulled Eve along to eat.
Lin Mo had long since withdrawn his gaze. If he kept watching, the looks from someone beside him would start getting weird.
Sherfilia's cooking skills were, as always, flawless. Although the ingredients and conditions were limited, the dishes she ultimately prepared were quite good.
After finishing the meal, everyone returned to the carriage.
It wasn't time to sleep yet, but everyone had their own things to do.
Finnie held a church scripture, carefully reading through it.
Sherfilia also held a book of unknown content, reading very attentively.
Lin Mo sat cross-legged and entered meditation.
Ellie was secretly peeking at the underwear Lin Mo had just changed out of.
Ellie used to love adventuring, and she still did now.
It's just that nights during adventures, compared to rest times, seemed rather dull.
......
The night passed just like that. Lin Mo opened his eyes and rubbed his forehead.
His sleep quality recently had been rather poor.
Mainly because he kept having strange dreams.
Yesterday it was Sherfilia;
today it was Ellie.
However, his Constitution attribute was high enough now. The slight fatigue from not sleeping well wouldn't affect his daytime condition.
Lin Mo glanced at his status panel.
Now that he didn't need to strictly manage his mana, he had engaged in a long meditation session yesterday, something he hadn't done in a while.
[Primary Meditation Technique] proficiency +1
[Shared Cultivation] proficiency +1
Hmm... Huh?!
Lin Mo was suddenly stunned.
Wait, where did this [Shared Cultivation] come from?
Glancing at Ellie, who was stuffing a burger into her mouth, Lin Mo couldn't help but recall the dreams of the past two days.
"Tsk—!"
He seemed to understand what was going on.
However, looking at the increased proficiency, Lin Mo didn't bring the matter up.
He couldn't bring it up anyway.
How could he directly say in front of Finnie that someone was sneaking a taste at night?
At times like this, his best choice was to play dumb. He could only play dumb.
Getting up to pack and organize, the team from the Royal National Academy next to them had already set out on their adventure.
After having a simple breakfast, everyone also embarked on their adventure.
Today was the final task.
And the most special one.
The name of this task was [Crystallized Spider Nest Investigation], the only non-extermination type task.
Crystallized Spiders were magical creatures that mutated after long-term exposure to high-density magic crystal environments. These creatures didn't feed on magic crystals, so they weren't likely to damage the mining area.
Therefore, the task requirements didn't include extermination.
They only needed to investigate the Crystallized Spider nest, understand its scale, and try to bring back intact Crystallized Spider silk.
However, task requirements were one thing. How to proceed would depend on the situation. If they could wipe out these spiders in one go and get more rewards, that would naturally be even better.
The carriage traveled along the road. Everyone was vigilant of their surroundings, noticeably more serious and focused than yesterday.
Dirk observed the surroundings while reminding everyone, "The area we're heading to is Zone 6 of the Boulder Mine, the deepest region of the middle layer. The magical creatures there are mostly Level 7 and above, including quite a few Level 8, 9, and even 10 creatures. Besides the mission target, we might encounter other troublesome ones, so we must be careful!"
"What about magical creatures above Level 10... Is there a possibility they might appear?"
Lin Mo inquired.
"At least based on my many years of adventuring experience, I've never heard of a mid-level Lord Level magical creature appearing in the mine's middle layer. Of course, that's not absolute..."
"It's also possible that no witnesses successfully escaped."
"True."
Dirk nodded, then joked, "Even if there were, with you here, Brother Lin Mo, we don't need to be too afraid."
Lin Mo smiled in response.
"Turn left ahead, then go straight for about five kilometers. Turn right after that, and keep going forward. That's Zone 6."
Hahn looked at the map in his hand, confirming their direction was correct.
"We should encounter magical creatures soon."
Dirk reminded.
Lin Mo looked ahead and activated his Eagle Eye skill.
Sure enough, about two minutes later, the figure of a magical creature appeared in his vision.
Lin Mo drew his sword. Red light flickered along the blade.
[Blood Qi Blade]
A blood-red Sword Energy shot out swiftly, instantly severing the magical creature's head.
The carriage passed by the creature's corpse. Luke, quick-eyed, scooped up the head that had just flown into mid-air and retrieved a crystal from it.
[Blood Qi Blade] proficiency +25
They had just left the camp not long ago, and the encountered creature was already Level 4?
The danger level of the middle layer was indeed much higher than the upper layer...
But it didn't matter.
Lin Mo held the Frost Dragon Scale Sword, standing at the front of the carriage. The [Eagle Eye] skill remained active, allowing him to spot magical creatures from far away. Then, with a clean [Blood Qi Blade], he killed them.
Luke and Hahn were responsible for retrieving the loot. This way, the carriage didn't need to stop, and their travel speed increased significantly.