Chapter 646 - 541: The Possibility of Constructing a New Magic, The Nightmare’s Message

Chapter 646: Chapter 541: The Possibility of Constructing a New Magic, The Nightmare’s Message

"This isn’t about forcibly fusing or colliding Elements. That would require dealing with extremely complex issues of Energy conflict and balance. Instead, it’s about taking stable Elemental Energy and using it as an ’Additional Attribute’ or ’Energy Coating’ to wrap or infuse your existing attacks."

"The core difficulty lies in the Caster needing sufficiently strong Spiritual Control Power. They have to be able to extract and shape the Energy in an instant and perfectly synchronize it with their physical movements."

"This is much safer and more practical than building an entirely new composite Energy model from scratch. Of course, it will still take a great deal of practice to find the most stable Energy output pattern, the lowest Magic Power consumption rate, and the ideal moment to trigger it."

Hearing this profound yet simple explanation from Ellis, Roland, who had been frowning slightly at the vastness of the theory, felt his eyes suddenly light up.

This was undoubtedly a very feasible shortcut.

Putting his Space-Time Attribute aside for now, he had a clear affinity for the Fire Element and the precise control granted by his Spiritual Power of over eighty points.

’Theoretically, performing the action of ’imbuing Combat Skills with Flame Energy’ seems...’

’...to have no insurmountable obstacles.’

’As for which Combat Skills to use...’

"Hey! You two! Done whispering over there? Dinner’s ready!"

A coarse shout interrupted Roland’s thoughts.

Roland and Ellis rose at the call and walked over to the crackling campfire.

Simple food had been heated: hard flatbread, a mushy root vegetable paste, and dried meat scorched black at the edges. The combination gave off a mixed aroma.

Ellis looked at the crude dinner, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. He didn’t say anything, however, simply picking up his portion and asking a question.

"Holland, you left camp for a bit. What were you up to?"

Holland was taking a huge bite of dried meat. He answered indistinctly,

"Obviously. We’re heading to that godsforsaken Broken Star Sea, aren’t we? It’s no walk in the park! I went up the road a ways and talked to a few fellas who looked like they were headed north, too. Figured I’d see what’s what."

He swallowed the food in his mouth, his gaze sweeping over the scattered figures on the road nearby—people dressed as Adventurers and Mercenaries, either making camp or hurrying along.

"Doesn’t hurt to listen around. At least we’ll know if the road ahead is getting rough, or if there are any new rumors."

Ellis struggled to chew the tough jerky. After a difficult swallow, he couldn’t help but complain in a low voice.

"Holland, next time you’re handling the food... perhaps you could be a bit more... delicate. This jerky is like chewing on charcoal."

Holland grinned, unconcerned.

"You should be glad there’s anything to eat at all, you picky Master Mage! We’re in the middle of nowhere. What do you expect, a grand banquet?"

Listening to the two of them bicker, and feeling the coarse, tough texture of the meat in his mouth—like it was mixed with gravel—Roland forced the food down and silently made a decision.

He had never been picky about food; as long as it filled his stomach and provided the necessary Energy, it was good enough.

’But Holland’s cooking...’

’...really tested the limits of what’s edible.’

’Looks like it would be best if I took over the cooking duties for the party from now on.’

Coincidentally, his [Chef] Profession, which he’d acquired through his Professional Panel, seemed unrelated to adventuring. However, the various Extra Benefits it triggered through Professional Resonance with his other combat Professions could still provide significant support during their journey.

’By cooking myself, I can guarantee the quality of the food and maintain these beneficial buffs. It’s killing two birds with one stone.’

With this in mind, Roland set aside the rest of his food, turned to Holland, and asked in an even tone.

"So, Holland, did you hear anything worth noting while you were out? About the Broken Star Sea, or the conditions along the road."

Holland was scraping the last of the paste into his mouth. At Roland’s question, he immediately perked up.

He wiped his mouth, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his coarse voice, a mysterious expression—a mix of excitement and caution—on his face.

"Heh, now you’re asking the right questions!"

He glanced left and right as if to make sure no one was eavesdropping, even though there was no one but the three of them and the whistling wind on the plains.

"I actually did hear an interesting rumor. And... it’s about the Broken Star Sea, where we’re headed. It’s causing quite a stir."

Holland’s voice dropped even lower, and his eyes held the sharp glint of a Hunter who has spotted dangerous prey.

"Over the past half-month, some kind of wicked ’thing’ has appeared in the Broken Star Sea. It’s not your usual sea monster, nor is it any known creature from the Otherworld..."

He paused, as if choosing his words carefully, and finally uttered a name that sent a chill down the spine.

"...A ’Nightmare.’"