Chapter 542 - 541: Metamagic Technique

Chapter 542: Chapter 541: Metamagic Technique

"The Abyss Magic Net and the Shadow Magic Net appeared in the Mortal World on a large scale around the same time. The Abyss Magic Net was created by the Drow and the Spider Queen. When it began to spread across the Mortal World, an unnatural darkness fell upon the Surface, and monsters from the Underground began to swarm it."

"Later, through the combined efforts of the City-States Alliance and many Adventurers, the core of the Abyss Magic Net deep Underground was destroyed, and the Spider Queen’s plot was foiled," Colin recounted, drawing on what he had read.

"I wish I’d been more like you when I was young, spending my free time reading instead of wasting it in taverns," Morel said wistfully. He then asked, "So, do you know why Deities like the Spider Queen and the Darkness Lady want to get their hands on the Shadow Magic Net?"

"Generally, a Deity’s Divine Power is linked to their divine portfolio. The more thoroughly the beliefs and laws they represent are enforced in the Mortal World, the stronger their Divine Power becomes."

"That’s why some Gods connected to the fundamental laws of the world are so powerful—like the Darkness Lady, the Moon Maiden, and the Magic Goddess. The Magic Net is the source of the Magic Goddess’s Power, and it’s also the medium through which Deities grant their followers Divine Arts."

"It’s only natural, then, that many Deities covet the Magic Goddess’s domain. Success would grant them immense Divine Power and even allow them to suppress the followers of rival Deities."

After finishing, Colin took a large gulp of coffee.

He didn’t really know much about the quality of coffee. After downing such a large mouthful, he felt a little more awake, but that was about it.

"Exactly right," Morel said, taking a sip of his coffee. "So, our research involves investigating the fundamental principles of the Shadow Magic Net, and by extension, watching for any new Magic Nets that might appear in the world. The birth of a new Magic Net always means new trouble is brewing."

"That’s true," Colin said. "Speaking of which, when are you going to teach me some Spells?"

"After I finish this coffee. It’s no good once it gets cold, unless you add ice," Morel said, casually adding a bit of milk to his cup.

Colin gave him a suspicious glance.

’Is this guy just trying to stall for time by talking so much...’

At long last, Morel finished his coffee.

The man snapped his fingers. A drawer in a table across the room slid open on its own, and a thick, pale gray book floated out, drifting slowly until it hovered in front of Colin.

"This is my Spellbook," Morel said, a hint of pride in his voice. "It contains most of the Low-tier Magic. While my expertise in any single Magic System might not match the other professors, there aren’t many in the entire Black Tower who have mastered more spells than I have—aside from the Master of the Black Tower, of course."

Colin took the Spellbook and began to flip through it, page by page.

The Spells recorded inside were far more numerous than the ones in Donkexes’s book. The collection spanned all eight major Magic Systems, appearing much more comprehensive than the repertoire of a Mage who specialized in just one.

Colin quickly selected a few practical-looking Tier One Spells.

Halfway through, he asked offhandedly, "By the way, have you mastered any Metamagic Techniques?"

"That’s practically a required course for High-tier Mages. Given your rate of progress, you should be able to cast Tier Five Magic soon, so it’s about the right time to learn... Alright, let me give you a quick demonstration." Morel set down his coffee cup.

He raised his right hand and began to chant the words of a Spell.

A wisp of red Magic Radiance coalesced between the fingers of his right hand. It then collapsed inward before suddenly erupting into a ball of orange-red flame.

Colin recognized the Spell instantly.

It was Flaming Arrow, the first Cantrip he had ever learned.

Then, with a slight flick of his fingers, the flame in Morel’s hand let out a soft WHOOSH and swelled a size larger.

Colin carefully observed the Spiritual Light emanating from the Spell.

After a few seconds, Morel gave a gentle wave, and the flame in his hand dissolved into a few dancing sparks before vanishing completely.

"That’s ’Empower Spell,’ a type of Metamagic Technique." Morel then asked, "Speaking of which, do you know why Mages can only cast up to Tier Nine Magic?"

"It’s a restriction set by the Magic Goddess. Legend has it that long ago, Mages could cast spells beyond Tier Nine, but their unrestrained Casting caused chaos, so the Goddess imposed a limit," Colin explained.

"Exactly. And that’s why Metamagic Casting techniques were developed."

Morel continued, "This technique allows a caster to enhance their spells—to magnify their power, add effects, extend their duration... things like that. However, it can only be used a limited number of times per day. But if you master effective Metamagic Techniques, you can enhance your spells without expending extra energy. The next step from there is to develop new spells tailored to your own style. Go one step further, and you’ll be pushing your Tier Nine Spell Slots to their absolute limit, developing ’Legendary Magic’ that surpasses standard Tier Nine Spells. Do that, and you’ll be a true Legendary Mage."

"That kind of future seems a little distant for me right now."

Morel held up an index finger. "Good answer. You didn’t express doubt about *whether* you could become a Legendary Mage. That’s excellent. Confidence is very important for a Mage."

"To be honest, my opinion of you has changed today. You really are a professional Mage," Colin said candidly.

"So what was your impression of me before? That I was some lazy-ass retiree just waiting to die?" Morel let out a few dry chuckles, then suddenly stopped. "Hey, you don’t actually think that, do you?"

Colin cleared his throat. "Why don’t we get back to learning Metamagic Casting?"

"In simple terms, it’s trial and error. Pick a Cantrip you’re most familiar with. When the Spell’s Spiritual Light appears, try to alter the nature of the Spell itself—magnify it, shrink it, stretch it... The feeling is somewhat similar to Rising Tier Spellcasting. You have learned that technique, I assume?"

Morel pointed to the middle of the room. "You can practice right on that stone platform. It’s warded with spells to protect you. If you get tired, head to the Meditation Platform in the corner. It’ll help you recover your energy quickly."

Colin didn’t hesitate, hopping directly onto the stone platform in the middle of the room.

He closed his eyes and began to sense the fine threads of the Magic Net around him.

Through his closed eyelids, Colin could see faint blue threads rippling beside him, with specks of pale gold light weaving and floating within the Magic Net.

Then, he chanted the words of the Flaming Arrow Spell.

As warmth bloomed between his fingers, Colin began to alter the Spell’s nature, just as Morel had instructed.

As time went on, beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead.