Chapter 1257: Ian's Guidance

Ian’s gaze was fixed intently on the boy Ah Mo’s index finger; that seemingly unscathed finger was, in his eyes, akin to the truth of the universe.

It contained mysteries that could expand his entire understanding of magic.

His gaze was as sharp as an eagle’s, capturing every subtle detail.

The choice and combination of magic runes, the exquisite adjustment of the engraving needle’s angle, the variations in magic power output, and the mystical ritual that permanently engraves magic power onto the essence of life.

This was not a simple enchantment or inscription, but a near-creator-level alchemy craft that perfectly fused external magic rules with internal life potential!

Ian could feel that with every rune inscribed, it not only left traces on the bones but also opened new pathways in the child’s magic circuits.

Reshaping its interaction with magic energy.

This idea of using the human body as a base material for alchemical transformation was bold, mad, yet contained unparalleled wisdom. Ian’s mind raced, and all the alchemy, demonology, and even human body transformation technique knowledge he had learned clashed and verified against this, sparking new inspiration.

He felt as if countless ideas were boiling inside him, itching to be tested immediately with some materials.

No one knew how much time had passed when the last stroke of the rune was perfectly finished, and all the magic runes on the finger bone instantly lit up, synchronously flashing thrice like a breath, then the glow completely subsided as if it had never appeared. But Ian could sense that the finger bone had completely transformed into a perfect magical artifact closely connected to the host’s life.

“Alright, it’s done.” Master Caleb exhaled a long breath, sweat beads covering his forehead, evidently, this process had also greatly taxed him.

He carefully rejoined the separated flesh, his fingertips emitting a gentle emerald light, softly tracing over the wound. The flesh healed at a speed visible to the naked eye, and in a moment, little Kamba’s index finger was restored to its original state, the skin smooth without even a scar as if the previous breathtaking engraving was just an illusion.

Then Caleb chanted a soothing spell again, lifting little Kamba’s sleep magic. The boy slowly awakened, blinking his big eyes, looked around in confusion, and instinctively moved his right-hand finger, seemingly feeling no abnormality. The flesh closed perfectly, the skin as smooth as before, leaving only an extremely thin, almost invisible red line. That small index finger was no longer an ordinary child’s finger.

It was a living magic array, a “magic wand” symbiotic with life.

“Alright, child.” Caleb’s voice carried a hint of fatigue but more of reassurance, “The initial ‘key’ has been forged for you. When you return, follow the meditation method I taught you, feel it with your heart, and call to it. Only when you successfully draw upon its power for the first time will you truly begin on our path.”

He then turned to the anxiously waiting couple, carefully instructing them on the necessary precautions, meditation methods, and taboos for the upcoming period.

“Remember,” the master sternly instructed the child’s parents, “for seven days, avoid water, do not bear weight, do not touch ironware. Every morning, apply ‘Moon Dew Grass’ juice to the wound until the red line disappears. If the child develops a fever or the finger turns black, bring him back immediately, otherwise…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but the weight in those unspoken words made the young couple’s faces turn pale as they nodded repeatedly. The couple listened intently as though hearing an oracle, and finally left the shop with the still somewhat dazed little Kamba, expressing their deepest gratitude. The heavy wooden door closed, sealing off the outside clamor. The quiet room left only Ian and this alchemy master, the flickering candlelight reflecting on the wall those silent magic rune artifacts.

To perform such an operation.

Indeed, he was a genuine master. The master-level alchemy craftsman wiped his sweat, drank a large gulp of water, and then turned to look at Ian. Despite his fatigue, his eyes were extraordinarily bright, and his attitude more humble than before, even tinged with the apprehension of a student awaiting his teacher’s feedback.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” Caleb said respectfully, “this is merely the most basic finger bone key engraving ritual, crude and simple, I wonder… I wonder if there are any points worthy of criticism or correction?”

“If I could receive Your Majesty’s guidance in any form, I would be immensely grateful.” His previous dignity and solemnity completely faded, replaced by a near-humble humility.

Having misunderstood Ian’s age, he addressed Ian as a senior, placing his hands together and bowing deeply, the single eye glimmering with sincere thirst for knowledge.

Of course.

Perhaps it wasn’t necessarily a misunderstanding.

After all.

On the path of magic, the adept comes first.

“Um…”

Ian was still immersed in the shock and inspiration of the previous operation. Upon hearing Caleb’s inquiry, he pondered for a moment. Although it was his first time witnessing such a unique alchemical technique, as a legendary mage and alchemy master, his vision and understanding remained, particularly his understanding of the essence of magic runes, which had already reached perfection.

“The master is too humble.” Ian slowly began, his tone serious rather than perfunctory, “The brilliance of the entire ritual far exceeded my expectations. Embedding magic runes directly onto the essence of life to construct a casting foundation, such an innovative idea is truly awe-inspiring.”