Chapter 21: The Triangle Induction Method

“However—” Moro’s tone shifted, a flicker of unknown sharpness flashing in his eyes.

“Before I teach you meditation methods, I must first tell you two truths regarding the universal laws of the wizarding world.”

“First, whether White Wizard or Black Wizard, all adhere to the principle of equivalent exchange. White Wizards follow this rule far more strictly than Black Wizards.”

“Second, for a wizard, anything can be priced. Only knowledge is priceless. Unless there is an extremely intimate relationship, if you wish to obtain knowledge from a wizard, you must pay a corresponding price.”

At this, Moro looked toward Angell.

“I can teach meditation methods to Irene and Allen free of charge because they are my kin, but you cannot. To obtain a meditation method, a price must be paid. And currently, you possess nothing that I desire.”

Angell’s expression remained unchanged as he nodded in understanding. When he was very young, Jon had taught him a principle: there is no such thing as someone being good to you without reason. Throughout their journey, Moro had been very good to him, even giving him a valuable magic rune scroll for the sake of a promise that might never be fulfilled. Although Angell did not show it on the surface, he had actually felt quite uneasy about this continuous, near-gratuitous giving. It wasn't until Moro spoke these words today that Angell finally breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Anxious expression appeared on Irene's face; she wanted to say something, but was stopped by Moro's stern gaze.

“Although I cannot teach you meditation methods now, once you reach the academy and receive a mentor, they will naturally pass a meditation method down to you. If your talent is good and you become a true disciple of a certain Great Wizard, the quality of the meditation method you receive will be even better.” Seeing that Angell seemed inclined to leave, Moro added, “There is no need to rush away. I called you all here for a reason.”

“I cannot teach you meditation methods, but you can learn in advance about the significance of meditation for a wizard.” Without further ado, Moro spoke directly to the group: “Watch closely.”

Moro closed his eyes, performing some unknown action. After two or three seconds, the wanted poster on the table slowly levitated into the air. Then, under Moro's command, the poster fluttered flexibly in the air—sometimes curling, sometimes folding, sometimes circling, and sometimes fluttering down like a falling leaf. The eyes of the three children lit up; even though they had grown accustomed to Moro's extraordinary powers over the past few days, they still appeared incredibly excited.

Only after the wanted poster slowly descended did Moro open his eyes.

“I did not release any magic just now, yet this parchment can still defy gravity and be controlled by me. Do you know why?” After asking, Moro tapped his forehead. “Oops, how foolish of me! You haven't had any contact with wizards at all; how could I ask you such a question!”

Moro turned serious. “I will say it directly: this is the power brought by meditation, which wizards generally refer to as mental strength.”

“The level of your mental strength dictates the efficiency of mana guidance.”

“Mana is a unique form of power generated when the body communicates with the world. Generally speaking, mental strength must be higher than 10 points to guide the flow of mana back into oneself. The higher the mental strength value, the higher the efficiency of mana guidance will naturally be.”

“Meditation methods exist specifically to improve the efficiency of mana guidance.”

“Regarding mental strength—although it serves as the medium for guiding mana for the vast majority of wizards, it actually has other uses. It can even affect the material world; for instance, this parchment moved purely through mental command. However, you must remember that mental strength is an extremely unstable force. The purpose of meditation methods is to construct a model to stabilize mental strength.” Moro sighed. “Among the special branches of the Three Great Architectures, there are spells that combine mental strength and mana. However, such spells require an extremely profound accumulation of knowledge. Unless you have reached the level of a formal wizard, do not even dream of using them.”

Moro explained some precautions regarding meditation methods in detail before handing a thin booklet to Allen.

“This is the academy's basic meditation method, the Triangular Guidance Method. Allen, take this back, memorize it, and then give it to Irene.” After instructing the more dazed Allen, Moro looked at Irene, whose eyes were darting around.

“You must remember: the Triangular Guidance Method must never be passed on privately. Once you two siblings have memorized it, burn it immediately. If I discover you teaching it to others in private, not only will that person die, but you will both face capital punishment.”

Moro's warning caused Irene to freeze. To mention death so readily—at this moment, Irene caught a brief glimpse into the cruelty of the wizarding world.

“Alright, you may each ask me one question. Once you have your answers, you may all go back. In the coming days, I intend to research a new spell topic. Unless it concerns life and death, do not disturb me.” The latter half of Moro's words was clearly directed at the Allen siblings. As for Angell, Moro felt he had already done more than enough.

Although Irene and Allen usually looked forward to becoming wizards, their age and knowledge were too limited. The questions they raised lacked much substance. One question from Irene even caused Moro's face to darken; she asked about talent, a topic Moro had already covered a few days ago. The fact that he didn't slap her for asking again was already an act of mercy.

The question Allen asked was about the difference between "White Wizards" and "Black Wizards."

This kind of common knowledge would naturally be understood once they reached the academy. Asking Moro now was a waste of an opportunity.

Although Moro felt the question was too ordinary, it was better than Irene's. Thus, he spoke a bit more: “White Wizards and Black Wizards sound like they have a distinction between good and evil, haha, but in essence, there is no difference at all. 'Black' or 'White' are merely definitions used by wizard apprentices. For formal wizards, there is no concept of black or white; it is merely a difference in behavioral style.”

“The 'White' wizards spoken of by apprentices have a gentler style. As for 'Black' wizards, they act more violently and cruelly. However, this is not absolute. If a White Wizard is in a bad mood and you pass in front of him, you might still be blasted into ash. Black and white only refer to the choices two types of wizards make in their normal states. Generally speaking, there is no difference. Once you advance to a formal wizard, you could be a Black Wizard one second and a White Wizard the next without any issue.”

“While wizards are not divided by black or white, wizard organizations do differ. For example, our White Coral Floating Island Academy is generally a relatively gentle wizard organization. Without necessity, wizards will not massacre apprentices; they might even occasionally step in to help if they see an apprentice in danger—though, of course, compensation must be given to the wizard afterward. In the Prosperous Continent, there are other wizard organizations that advocate for a 'survival of the fittest' environment. In the eyes of those wizards, apprentices are sometimes merely biological materials.”

“Therefore, being able to enter the White Coral Floating Island Academy is a great stroke of luck.”

After answering Allen's question, Moro turned his gaze toward Angell.

Angell stood up stiffly, bowed, and then asked the doubt in his heart: “My question is, what is the principle behind the release of a spell?”

“That is a good question.” Moro looked at Angell with approval. “To answer this using my current knowledge system might not be authoritative. But I can tell you how the rules of spellcasting appear in my eyes. You can use it as a reference after hearing it.”

“For a wizard, mana is the energy used to release a spell, but the most important thing is not mana, but the knowledge used to construct that spell. It can be said that knowledge is everything to a wizard. Exploring the source, seeking the answers to all things, and pursuing truth—all knowledge can be transformed into immortal miracles through mana.”

“For example, in low-level cantrips, there is a 'Dog Nose' spell. Releasing this spell can briefly enhance a person's sense of smell to that of a dog. To release this spell, one needs not only mana but also an understanding of the structure of a dog's nose and the corresponding olfactory knowledge, and one must even perform micro-modifications on their own nasal cavity beforehand.”

“Therefore, for a wizard, the most important things are the accumulation of knowledge and the insight to create anything.”

I contacted the contract editor today. If nothing goes wrong, the contract should be sent over today.

(End of Chapter)