Chapter 60: Winter is Coming

To many, this spell seemed utterly useless—lacking any offensive capability or practicality. Even "Loren's Human Skin Diary" classified "Wind The Affinity" as a mere low-tier "apprentice spell." Yet Richard held a distinctly different perspective.

In his view, this spell possessed immense potential; its perceived "uselessness" stemmed merely from its foundational nature. Yet all technological advancements rest upon the bedrock of fundamental science. Without the pioneering British inventor Watt discovering the principles of steam power, there would be no foundational theories in thermodynamics, and thus no ensuing industrial revolution, internal combustion engines, electrical revolutions, or information revolutions—no modern progress that shapes our world today.

All of modernity can be traced back to a single Sunday afternoon in the eighteenth century when the young Watt, while at his grandmother's home, witnessed a kettle lid bouncing up and down as steam erupted from boiling water—his curiosity ignited.

The fundamental is paramount!

The same applies to magic; at least in Richard's mind, for he was studying spells through a scientific lens.

Mastering myriad spells was not his goal; Understanding the principles behind spells and the nature of the world was his true aim. If he grasped these core principles, mastering a single spell would surpass the sheer volume of a thousand spells learned indiscriminately!

After all… Knowledge is power.

Thus, over the two months that followed, aside from constructing a new mana core, Richard devoted most of his time to researching this novel, foundational wind spell.

Due to its feeble power, the spell's energy consumption was correspondingly low—merely a third that of an Explosion Fireball. Thus, if Richard wished, he could continuously release seventy-two of these spells in quick succession.

Of course, merely creating minor disturbances in airflow, even with seven hundred twenty such spells, would yield little impressive effect. However, through his research, Richard made significant transformations. Delving into the mechanism of action behind this spell, he innovated six distinct versions of it.

First Revision: Enhance the impact of air on the body. The winds would envelop the user like mechanized powered armor, significantly boosting speed. Perhaps one layer of "Wind The Affinity" wouldn't make one fly like the wind; however, stacking multiple layers could yield terrifying results. Continuing to add layers would even allow horizontal movement along walls and, at an extreme level, enable short periods of levitation.

Second Revision: Amplify the sensing capabilities of the body through air. As vision, hearing, and smell heightened with airflow, this would extend reach and precision immensely. At peak effectiveness, areas suffused with air would feel as if there were eyes everywhere. Anything exposed to the wind could not hide.

Third Revision: Increase cushioning effects when falling from great heights. By compressing air beneath the body to form air membranes, this would greatly enhance air resistance during free fall, thus reducing both speed and injury from impact. At its extreme, the air could become as thick as water. As commonly known, one does not die from falling into water; hence, regardless of height, one would drift down delicately as if a feather, unscathed.

Fourth Revision: Augment the ability of air to deflect incoming projectiles. This version is primarily defensive. The idea stems from the notion that sufficiently powerful winds could divert arrows from their path. Utilizing "Wind Affinity" to generate a rapidly flowing air shield around the user would effectively steer such arrows off course, protecting from distance attacks.

Fifth Revision: Enhance the air's ability to push objects. This adaptation branches off the previous one and also employs airflow for protection, focusing instead on the instantaneous effects of a powerful gust. Similar to shockwaves that can send objects flying, if air was allowed to spread like a shockwave, it could "push back" incoming foes several meters away, averting the dangers of close-quarters combat.

Sixth Revision: The final version increased the airtightness of air, wrapping the body in a compressed air membrane. This version manifested as a vast bubble surrounding the individual. While ineffective on land, underwater it offered a streamlined shape for swift movement, reducing water resistance and enhancing speed. Additionally, this "bubble" could store air, providing a means to remain concealed and submerged for extended periods—an invaluable asset for escape, pursuit, or assassination.

Six revisions, six functionalities; this was the culmination of Richard's two months of toil.

Upon completing this breakthrough, Richard perused the thick "Human Skin Diary," not surprised to find that equivalent spells were indeed recorded. They included: "Wind The Dexterous," which enhanced bodily speed; "Wind The Eyes," which amplified sensory perception; "Wind The Feather," to mitigate falling damage; "Wind The Oblique," to deflect arrows; and "Wind The Repulsion," the final one, which functioned to repel enemies.

The last revision was somewhat unique; having applications underwater, it straddled the line between wind spells and water spells, given a highbrow moniker: "Sea The Cloak."

In truth, were Richard to abandon his deep study of the basic spell "Wind The Affinity" to conserve time, he could feasibly learn all six mentioned spells. Yet, by studying it in depth, Richard gained a more profound understanding of the principles of magic, as well as… limitless possibilities for further modifications.

Who said transformations must be limited to six? If one wished, one could create sixty or six hundred! Mastering the foundational principles unlocked the key to infinite avenues of development.

As he gazed at the notations on the papyrus scroll, Richard smiled subtly. Then, he resumed writing, adding a small note.

Yes, it was a trivial matter, at least from his point of view, particularly when weighed against the importance of "researching the world's principles."

However, for his father, Baron Leo, this was monumental news!

The event transpired just days prior, when a lost hunter inadvertently stumbled upon a vein— a vein of gemstone mine!

Yes, gemstone mine!

The mere mention of this phrase could drive women to madness. If one appended the word "mine" after it, then not just women, but men would go wild!

What does a vein of gemstone mine represent? It signifies an endless source of gems, symbolizing unbounded wealth!