Chapter 25: Rose Ruby

"This Ogham Tree Rune can be adjusted slightly. That way, my control over the Mandala Vine will become even more flexible." Inside the cabin of the Wizard Ship, Locke fine-tuned the four-dimensional structure of the [Vine Hand] spell model composed of sixteen Ogham Tree Runes.

The standard spell model for Vine Hand was a universal template, suitable for everyone. However, every wizard's soul and mana possessed unique characteristics, so minor adjustments to the rune structure were necessary during use to ensure the spell model aligned more closely with the caster.

Of course, this required the wizard apprentice to have a certain level of understanding and proficiency with the spell, as well as sufficient foundational knowledge of magic theory.

After experiencing the sudden ambush by the Black Wizards, Locke had gained new insights into his spells. He spent an entire day in his cabin modifying his spell model accordingly.

Once he finished adjusting the sixteen-rune structure, Locke immediately tested it in his room by channeling his mana.

After the test, he retrieved the small hourglass placed on his wooden barrel desk and remarked, "The response time of my modified Vine Hand has improved from 0.2 seconds to 0.1 seconds."

A blink typically takes between 0.1 to 0.4 seconds, and an ordinary person's reaction time to sudden events is at least 0.5 seconds.

With the response time of Vine Hand halved, it meant faster casting and higher precision in fine control.

Locke glanced at the three Cyan Jade gold rings on his left hand. "But the trade-off is that the mana cost for casting Vine Hand has increased slightly."

This was precisely why wizard apprentices needed to tailor their spell models to suit themselves best.

Most wizard apprentices would abandon such modifications if it meant sacrificing mana efficiency for reaction speed.

But Locke, who possessed an abundance of Cyan Jade, didn't need to worry much about this.

For him, maximizing the potency of his spells was the most logical approach.

"The mana stored in the Cyan Jade has been completely depleted. Now I need to replenish it," Locke muttered.

This would take time.

Since his mana regeneration required a certain period, he couldn't afford to exhaust his reserves entirely. Each time, he could only infuse half his mana into the Cyan Jade, wait for it to recover, and then repeat the process.

At the same time, Locke retrieved the Cyan Jade hidden within the mechanisms of his gold rings and noticed cracks forming inside the once-flawless gemstones.

This indicated that Cyan Jade had a limited number of uses—roughly two to three times—before it would shatter completely and become worthless.

Locke slid the three Cyan Jade pieces back into their respective gold ring compartments.

Then, he reached forward into the empty air, and the Synthetic Cube spun in place, emitting a golden radiance. A smooth, black-red gemstone materialized in Locke's palm.

"The formula—two fourth-tier rubies plus one fourth-tier black onyx—was a success."

Locke examined the orb's description—

[The Rose Ruby, said to be a rare gem found only in the deepest veins of gemstone deposits, possesses the ability to invigorate spiritual energy. Wearing this gem regularly can double the rate of spiritual energy growth.]

As Locke held the gem in his hand, he could feel his spiritual energy being infused with renewed vitality.

He could even sense, albeit slowly, that his spiritual energy—which had long ceased growing—was now increasing at a very gradual yet unmistakable pace.

Locke raised the Rose Ruby and noticed a peculiar gaseous substance swirling within it when held aloft. This substance seeped subtly through his skin, merging with his spiritual energy. The rose-colored, mist-like filaments then enhanced his spiritual power.

However, this phenomenon was only visible under intense scrutiny.

"Ever since becoming a third-class wizard apprentice, without further training methods, my spiritual energy has barely grown," Locke mused. "But with the Rose Ruby, it's increasing again."

"If I had access to advanced training methods, I estimate my spiritual energy growth would accelerate, surpassing even the rate of those with third-class Wizard Talent."

Excitement gleamed in Locke's eyes.

His greatest concern had always been his Wizard Talent—it had taken him over two years to reach third-class wizard apprentice status. Meanwhile, those with higher innate talent could achieve the same in just three months.

But now, if he could synthesize a large quantity of Rose Rubies, his spiritual energy could grow rapidly.

In the future, his cultivation speed might not lag far behind those with superior Wizard Talent. After all, amassing resources was also a viable path.

Locke studied the Rose Ruby, pondering, "But why does my spiritual energy grow so swiftly when it interacts with this hidden substance within the gem? What exactly is this special material?"

"Never mind. There's no one to ask right now. I'll figure it out eventually."

He tucked the Rose Ruby into a pre-made gold ring and slipped it onto the ring finger of his right hand.

Then, Locke replaced the now-depleted Deep Blue Gem in the gold ring on his left hand with five fresh ones. This exhausted his remaining stock.

He would need to wait until disembarking from the Wizard Ship to replenish his gem supply at the market and gather materials for synthesizing more Rose Rubies, Cyan Jades, and Deep Blue Gems.

A knock sounded from the cabin below deck, followed by Raun's voice outside the door.

"Locke, come out quickly!"

"The Wizard Mentors have come to our level. It looks like they're finally assigning us to our respective wizard academies."

"I hope I can stay at Verdantia University. The wizards from the Wizard Council in Schleswig Continent told me Verdantia is one of the best comprehensive wizard academies in the southeastern region."

"Many great wizards have emerged from Verdantia University."

Locke opened the door to find Raun brimming with excitement. The corridor was eerily silent, with many wizard apprentices already stepping out of their rooms and lining up in the hallway.

Meanwhile, at the wooden staircase leading to the upper deck, stood over twenty Wizard Mentors dressed in various styles of wizard robes.

Among them was none other than Mentor Jarvis from the Four Seasons Garden.

Locke, with idle curiosity, quietly asked Raun, "Raun, which is better—the Four Seasons Garden or Verdantia University?"

The wizards from Raun's continent seemed stronger than those from the Corfu Continent, so Raun knew much more than Locke did.

Raun actually took the time to think carefully before replying in a voice only the two of them could hear, "They're roughly on par, but the Four Seasons Garden specializes in Life Magic, while Verdantia University is a comprehensive magic university."

"So there's quite a difference between them."

"However, the Four Seasons Garden is out of our league. They only target Wizard Seedlings with the highest affinity for Wood Element Particles or those who excel in Herbology and Potionology."

"Verdantia University might still accept some Wizard Seedlings with average talent because they have some very niche magic disciplines with fewer students."

"So they might consider taking in Seedlings with mediocre talent to study those less popular magic fields, just to maintain Verdantia University's legacy in those areas."

Raun lowered his voice further and said to Locke, "For example, the elder wizards recommended that I aim for Verdantia University's [Energy School Light Magic Sub-Direction] and [Life Magic Herbology Sub-Direction]."

"The Light Magic Sub-Direction at Verdantia University is fairly average, but they usually prioritize Wizard Seedlings with Level 4 Wizard Talent or above, so that's just my ideal option."

"Unless I get really lucky, there's no way I'd normally have a chance to get in."

"My main focus is their Herbology Sub-Direction."

"The Herbology Sub-Direction at Verdantia University is even less competitive. Wizard Seedlings with Level 3 Wizard Talent might have a shot if they're lucky."

"Locke, didn't you mention that before boarding the ship, you assisted your teacher in brewing a potion? That counts as a significant achievement."

Raun added with a hint of envy, "So, you might actually have a chance to be selected for Verdantia University's Herbology Sub-Direction too."

He whispered, "The wizards from both our continents were sent by Verdantia University, so we're already prioritized for admission there."

"Verdantia University has first-pick rights over both of us. Unless they reject us, no other wizard organizations within the White Wizard Association can choose us over them."

"That's our advantage."

"After all, Verdantia University is one of the most prestigious academies in the southeastern region."

Raun added, "Of course, this only applies to us natives from the mortal world. I've heard the standards for locals from the Wizard World entering academies are different. Their situation is much more complicated."

"Some Wizard Seedlings in regions under Verdantia University's jurisdiction only need Level 2 or 3 Wizard Talent to be directly taken in for training by the university."

"Those local Wizard Seedlings are considered insiders by Verdantia University."

In the corridor, Locke grew curious. "So which magic discipline is Verdantia University strongest in?"

Raun smiled and whispered, "I happen to know this."

"I knew you'd be interested. Unfortunately, we can only watch from the sidelines. Those are the truly popular magic categories that require at least Level 6 Wizard Talent to enter."

"Even their local Wizard Seedlings face the same requirements—no exceptions."

"Verdantia University has two strongest disciplines: the Lightning Magic sub-direction of the Shaping School, and the Metamorphosis sub-direction of the Transformation School."

"Besides these two flagship magic categories, there are several other powerful ones, including the Potionology Sub-Direction."

Raun lowered his voice, "Locke, the professors are coming. We should stay quiet now."

"Good luck—I hope you get assigned to a satisfactory college."

(End of Chapter)