Volume 3: Chapter 25 - Reina's Magic Practice

(Reina's Perspective)

"Master, what lesson are you going to teach me today?"

I looked at Master Cecilia floating next to me and asked curiously.

For me, increasing my strength was of utmost importance.

Only with strength, only with strong enough strength could I attend the Saint Freya Academy and come in contact with high level Light Magic Magic that could heal my brother.

"Hm, today, we are going to Runic Art today. You have already learned the first level Runes, it's time to move to learning Second level Runes."

Master Cecilia showed a thoughtful look and smiled at me.

"Aside from that, you also need to hone your Martial Arts. Compared to the Ancient times, the Modern Era Mages are far too fragile. You must not have the common weakness of a Modern Mages."

"I understand."

"Then let's start your lesson.'

Master Cecilia raised her hand, and faint blue light gathered in front of her.

Soon, several complicated rune patterns appeared in the air. Compared to First Level Runes which I had learned before, these runes were clearly more complex.

"This is a Second Level Stabilization Rune."

"It is often used in potions, magic arrays, and weapon inscriptions. With it, unstable magic power can be temporarily calmed."

"To draw it, you need to..."

Under the guidance of Master, I began to attempt writing the Second Level Rune on a special Parchment Paper.

Master Cecilia could easily write the Second level Runes in air using Magic Power but i couldn't.

Before attempting to freely write Runes in air, it was necessary to master them completely.

Therefore, the usual path of a Runic Mage was to draw Runes on Paper to hone their proficiency then slowly move from Paper to free drawing in air using Magic Power.

Of course the paper and ink used in the process were not ordinary paper and ink. They were made from magic materials of the same grade as the Rune.

The current Parchment Paper I was using was made through special methods and could be considered a Magic Item.

It's raw Materials was a Second Order Tree called Moonlight Birch which I found while searching for herbs in the mountains.

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As for the ink, it was refined from the sap of the same tree and mixed with the blood of a Second Order Magic Beast.

Of course, these materials were all refined by Master Cecilia using materials found in the Mountains. Given the family's situation, I couldn't buy them at all.

I carefully picked up the Rune Pen and took a deep breath then following Master's explanation, I slowly drew the first stroke.

Unlike First Level Runes, the lines of the Second Level Stabilization Rune were much more intricate.

As I slowly drew the Rune Pattern, Magic Power slowly poured into the Runes from the Elemental Spirits in the air.

Unlike normal Magic Spells, Runes required minimal Magic Power from the user. Most of the Magic Power came from Natural Magic Power omnipresent in the air.

Soon, the final stroke was completed.

Buzz—

The Rune on the parchment suddenly emitted a faint blue glow.

Seeing this, my eyes lit up. However, before I could become happy—

Crack.

A tiny crack suddenly appeared in one corner of the Rune.

The next moment, the entire Rune collapsed into countless specks of blue light before disappearing without a trace.

"..."

"Little Reina, you were too anxious. The writing of the Rune itself was correct but you poured too much Magic Power into the Rune which completely disrupted it's structure and destroyed it."

After criticism, Master Cecilia smiled faintly and praised, "However, for your first attempt at a Second Level Rune, this result is already beyond my expectations."

"Many Runic Mages require dozens of attempts before they can even complete the basic framework."

"In terms of talent, your talent is even stronger than those Peerless Geniuses during my era."

"Hehe, Master overpraises me."

I blushed and couldn't help but rub my nose.

Master Cecilia smiled helplessly, "You little girl, praise is praise, there is no need to be modest."

"In my era, there were countless geniuses who claimed to be unparalleled. But among all of them, those who could complete the framework of a Second Level Rune on their very first attempt could be counted on one hand."

Hearing Master's words, I couldn't help but become curious, "Master, was your era really that prosperous?"

"Of course."

Master Cecilia's eyes revealed a trace of reminiscence, "That was the Era of Origin."

"The era when countless races coexisted and Divine Beings walked the earth, full of prosperity."

"Back then, Ninth Order was merely the qualification to stand among the strong."

"Only a Crowned One could be considered a powerhouse."

"As for those who were truly at the top, they are beyond what you can imagine at this moment. Even a Crowned One is nothing in front of them..."

Master Cecilia spoke, her eyes showing nostalgia as if she was reminiscing of that prosperous era.

Listening to her words, even though I had heard of it before, I couldn't help but gasp.

Compared to the most prosperous Era of Origin, the current Era of Peace was completely different.

In the Antasia Empire, even a Seventh Order Mage was enough to become a respected Grand Mage.

Eighth and Ninth Order powerhouse could easily become the pillar of an Empire.

As for a Crowned One... there hasn't been a single confirmed Crowned One appearing before the public in thousands of years. Most people don't even know that such a realm exists.

Looking at my shocked expression, Master Cecilia chuckled softly.

"Don't compare the present with the past."

"The Age of Origin was the beginning of our civilizations. Back then the Natural Magic Power between Heaven and Earth was many times richer than it is now."

"In that era, resources were abundant and opportunities were endless. It was only natural that powerhouses emerged one after another."

I nodded in understanding.

"Alright, the history lesson ends here." Master Cecilia lightly clapped her hands.

"Runic Arts are not something that can be mastered through talent alone."

"Draw it again but this time, don't be anxious and let your Magic Power naturally follow the flow of the Rune."

I looked at the fresh sheet of parchment before me and took a deep breath.

"Yes, Master."

Once again, I dipped the Rune Pen into the ink.

This time, I will definitely succeed.

...