Chapter 543 - 542: The Completion of the Armor

Chapter 543: Chapter 542: The Completion of the Armor

The sensation was like kneading a water balloon wrapped in rice paper. Colin had to shape it—rolling it into a sphere, then flattening it—all without tearing the paper. A single moment of carelessness would lead to failure.

At that moment, his concentration stretched to its limit, Colin’s palm trembled, and the Flaming Arrow in his hand burst apart with a BANG.

He opened his eyes as a cold, needle-like pain pierced his mind. It felt as if he had been hit by a Spiritual Attack from a creature that wielded Spiritual Energy.

Colin sighed and said, "I guess I failed."

"Since you failed, go to the Meditation Platform and recover your energy. While you’re there, modify the Magic Model in your Spellbook. The way each person performs Metamagic Techniques is different, so I can’t help you there."

Morel, somehow holding another cup of coffee in his hand, continued, "Also, a Mage’s Metamagic Techniques are determined by talent, just like the Magic Warlocks learn. So right now, I have no idea what you’ll end up with—of course, it’s also possible you’ll get nothing at all. After all, talent isn’t exactly common."

Colin dutifully made his way to the corner of the room.

There was a small platform there, covered with a plush blanket and with a wooden table set before it. He sat on the stone platform, closed his eyes, relaxing his mind and reflecting on the Casting process.

Colin placed his Spellbook on the tabletop and started writing notes on the Flaming Arrow page.

’This feels a lot like practicing any other magic.’ he thought.

Colin sighed to himself. ’This is definitely going to take a long time to learn, just like any other magic.’

***

「Two weeks later.」

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK...

Colin, having just washed his face in the washroom, shook his head and called out, "Coming!"

After getting dressed, he opened the door to find Ale standing there with his complimentary breakfast.

She blinked. "Breakfast service is ending soon, and it looks like you haven’t eaten yet."

"You’re right, I haven’t." Colin scratched at the hair on his forehead.

"And you’ve also been coming back really late recently," Ale said, a hint of worry in her voice. "I thought regular humans needed a consistent sleep schedule."

"I’ve been busy studying at the Black Tower. Metamagic Casting techniques are a real pain, but I’ve also learned a few low-tier spells." Colin took the plate from her. "Do you want to come in and sit for a while?"

"Sure."

Before Colin could even move aside, Ale slipped past him into the room and made herself at home in a chair by the fireplace.

Plate in hand, Colin sat down as well.

He began cutting up the fried egg on his plate with a small knife and asked, "How have Kase and the others been?"

Ale swung her legs from her chair, counting on her fingers as she spoke. "Kase found a Ranger from the Five-Stringed to be his teacher. The Ranger is from the North and is an expert with both the Giant Axe and Bow and Arrow. He’s also mastered the Frenzy skill.

Dorn’s teacher is a Mantis-man. What’s interesting is that this Mantis-man can’t speak; he can only communicate by wiggling the feelers on his head or by using Mind Communication. He doesn’t even need to sleep! As for Orelia, she’s being taught by an old Priest. He’s probably a friend of Edwin’s."

"Sounds like they’re in good hands." Colin began slicing the bacon on his plate, placing each piece on top of the chunks of fried egg before eating them together.

’Before this, Kase relied on his tribemates for training, Orelia mostly trained with the Dwarves, and Dorn was probably self-taught. They were all basically learning on their own, which is how it is for most Adventurers. Finding a professional instructor costs Gold Coins, and most people don’t have the inclination anyway. Now that they have professional guidance, their progress will definitely be much faster.’

"So, what about you? What have you been up to?" Colin asked as he ate his bacon and drank his goat’s milk.

"I’ve been organizing the data I found on the Ancient Empire. Remember that map Asvir gave you? I’ve found the locations of lots of other ruins too. Here, let me show you..." Without another word, Ale jumped up and headed for the door.

Colin, still eating, didn’t have a chance to stop her. He could only quietly take out the map he’d received from Morel.

Just then, Ale bustled back in, clutching a rolled-up parchment.

She unrolled the parchment to show him.

It appeared to be a world map, rendered in incredible detail and covered in dense script in the Common Language. From the calligraphy, he could tell it was likely drawn by Elves.

Numerous locations were marked in red ink, accompanied by various annotations.

"This map summarizes my research on Ancient Empire ruins since we met. All the locations marked here are potential ruin sites. Of course, I also secretly contacted my family to help me confirm them," Ale said, her voice filled with excitement.

Colin unfolded the map Morel had given him as well.

The markings were similar to Ale’s, but each map also showed a few unique locations.

"This is a huge help. If you don’t mind, could I show this map to Morel and the others?" Colin asked.

A small smile played on Ale’s lips. "I made this map for you. You can take it to them whenever you like."

Colin carefully put the map away and finished off the last of his goat’s milk.

"Oh, right, I have some important news for you," Ale said. "Donkexes said your armor is ready. He wants you to head over as soon as you can to see if it needs any adjustments."

"That’s great!"

At the mention of this, Colin’s spirits lifted instantly.

’That Half-plate Armor took so much time, material, and Gold Coins; it’s impossible not to be excited. The only question now is how well Donkexes and the others managed to incorporate those dragon bones.’

"Are you heading over after breakfast?" Ale asked, blinking. "I’ll come with you."

"Let’s go together, then." Colin got up, donned his old set of Armor, and led Ale toward the Dwarf Sewer.

Colin walked with a sense of urgency, and before long, they arrived at Donkexes’s herb shop.

Donkexes was there, standing behind his counter and fiddling with some herbs, just as he always was.

He glanced at Colin at the entrance and gave a knowing smile. "There you are, Colin. You’re a hard man to find."

"I’ve been studying Magic over at the Black Tower," Colin said, then continued eagerly, "You said my Armor was almost finished, right? I’m here for a fitting."

"Relax, the Armor will be yours soon enough."

With that, Donkexes hopped off the low stool behind his counter and led the way toward Langgrin’s blacksmith workshop.