Chapter Thirty-Five: Elemental Tremor

“Claus.”

“Hugh has some doubts about his magical cultivation, and he hopes I can help him find an outstanding mentor. So I recommended you. From today onward, during our stay on Purgatory Island, you will be responsible for instructing Hugh in magic.”

The princess’s eyes widened: “Are you refusing my command?”

“No, Your Highness, but the issue is that he simply isn’t qualified to learn magic. As you know, magic requires talent, and a lowly servant could never possess the aptitude needed. Besides, a few days of instruction wouldn’t benefit him in any substantial way.”

Gale stepped forward: “Master Claus, let me clarify—I am now a formal apprentice alchemist, no longer a servant.”

“An alchemist is an alchemist precisely because they lack the ability to learn magic.” Claus was blunt with Gale.

“Yes, master, you’re right. Still, it’s not that I insist on learning magic, but I do have some questions regarding magical cultivation. I think I need an expert to answer them, so I asked Her Highness to find the wisest and most generous master for guidance. Her Highness recommended you.”

Claus’s expression softened considerably at the praise of being “the wisest and most generous”: “So you’re just seeking some guidance?”

“Yes, master.”

“Very well, if that’s the case, I can teach you a little.”

“Thank you, master. I must accompany Her Highness during the day as her guide. May I consult you in the evening?”

“No problem.”

“Then… I look forward to nightfall.”

Gale withdrew with a smile.

No one knew why Gale had suddenly developed an interest in magic again, but after his encounter with the soul projection left behind by the Troll God, he realized he had inadvertently discovered a great secret.

Electra was not merely an alchemist; he was also a mage—a powerful one, a true mage in every sense, not a half-baked practitioner like most alchemists.

He had seen with his own eyes how Electra used magic—not any other means—to halt the meteor’s descent, and at that moment, there was no fluctuation of magical patterns on his body, meaning he relied entirely on his own power.

It was an astonishing secret, and Gale felt he might be drawing closer to the master alchemist.

For countless years, people had wondered what made this alchemist so brilliant, how he created one formidable invention after another. No one ever found an answer.

If it were merely a matter of intelligence, there was no reason why the wisdom of countless alchemists over centuries should be outmatched by one man.

Now, Gale saw a new path.

Electra was not just an alchemist!

If others learned such a truth, they might simply regard Electra as a supreme genius, someone who achieved mastery not only in alchemy but also in his own cultivation—worthy of worship. But Gale thought differently: he believed this was perhaps the true secret behind Electra’s accomplishments in alchemy.

At that moment, he recalled the Blood Orchid.

Indeed, if you want a plant to thrive, you must create the environment best suited for its growth.

If you wish to achieve the heights of a master alchemist, the simplest yet most foolish approach is to emulate him in every possible way. Only then might you discover the source of his power.

Though Gale did not know how Electra’s magical achievements affected his alchemy, nor which branch of magic he excelled in, it was certain that this was one way to unlock the door to Electra’s wisdom.

Unlike others, Gale never believed in innate talent or bloodline. From Lancelot, he had learned one thing—diligence is the most important gift.

His meditation in the jungle had not made him aware of any magical talent, but it had given him confidence that he could do what others could. With no reason to give up, he asked Avril for help.

Avril agreed almost immediately.

For her, it was a trivial matter.

When night fell, Gale arrived at Claus’s room.

“Master Claus, I am truly grateful for the guidance you are about to offer.”

“There’s no need for thanks. If not for Her Highness, I wouldn’t teach you anything. Besides, I don’t think you can learn much in such a short time.”

Gale smiled: “I will do my best.”

“So, what do you want to know?”

“Master Claus, I’ve heard that when elemental resonance reaches a certain degree, it produces an effect called elemental oscillation. Is that correct?”

“Indeed.” Claus nodded. “Elemental resonance is a phenomenon in magic that indicates the degree of harmony between a mage and magical elements, representing a mage’s potential for advancement in that particular branch. Elemental oscillation, however, is an advanced manifestation of resonance. When the resonance between a person and the elements reaches a certain level, all elements will resonate in the same rhythm and amplitude, responding to the mage’s summons like the boiling effect of water—that’s the oscillation. It’s a high degree of harmony. If resonance is merely establishing a connection, oscillation is efficient command. The breadth of resonance determines the scope of a mage’s spell influence; possessing oscillation means your magic power increases several times.”

Gale understood.

“Master, does every mage achieve elemental oscillation?”

“Of course not. Everyone with magical talent can resonate with elements, but those who can trigger oscillation are extremely rare.”

Gale’s surprise grew.

Earlier, when he used elemental sensing on the soul orb of the Troll God and attempted to establish resonance, he never imagined he could achieve much. Yet, at that moment, he felt an unprecedented harmony with the soul energy within the orb.

After returning, he consulted research records about the Troll God. Others had tried to resonate with it before. Though Heinz failed, others had made similar attempts, but none had ever glimpsed the final world within the Troll God’s soul energy.

So why was he able to see it? Based on the circumstances, Gale realized he might have inadvertently triggered elemental oscillation. He knew little about oscillation, so he was eager to ask Claus.

But Claus’s answer surprised him.

Could he possess the talent of a mage—and not just any mage, but one with the rare ability for elemental oscillation?

He recalled the day in the jungle when, during meditation, the wind element vibrated on a large scale, dispersing the mist and revealing sunlight. At the time, he thought it just a form of resonance, but now it seemed more complex.

If so, what about Electra? Could he also possess oscillation, or did he use some other method?

Suppressing his doubts, Gale asked respectfully, “Thank you for your guidance, Master Claus. May I ask if you have researched the soul?”

Claus frowned. “I haven’t studied soul magic much, since it’s a forbidden branch like necromancy. But for alchemists, it’s not really taboo; I can share what little I know. As far as I understand, the soul is also a form of magical energy.”

“The soul is a form of magical energy?”

“That’s right. Magical elements are everywhere. You alchemists believe they are the basic constituents of this world, don’t you? If so, then it’s not strange for the soul to be made of magical elements.”

“I see.” Gale understood. He’d always wondered why souls existed on the Windring Continent, since in his former world, souls did not exist. But now it seemed obvious—it was a matter of different material composition. On Windring, the so-called soul was simply the elemental carrier of human will. Just as the body is composed of basic substances, so too is the soul. Magical elements possess extraordinary abilities—they can become objects, carry will, and even materialize it.

No wonder he could resonate and even oscillate with the soul energy in the orb, because those souls were themselves a form of magical element, just like wind or earth elements.

With this realization, Gale’s mind brightened. Could the creation of flesh golems be related to elemental oscillation and soul magic?

Flesh golems required soul energy precisely to establish elemental resonance. A light flashed in his mind—a door to success was opening in his heart.

He buried his delight deep within, continuing to ask Claus questions.

As Claus answered each one, Gale’s understanding of magic deepened.

He discovered that magic was actually a path of self-development built upon the magical plane, following fundamental material laws and the principles governing the universe. Once this was clear, traversing his future path would become much easier.

Claus was surprised.

Every mage is, in essence, a scholar. Their understanding of magic determines how they wield magical power. Mere strength cannot make one truly powerful—a mage needs ample knowledge as well.

One’s questions reveal their potential for learning magic. Though Claus had never tested Gale, the boy’s inquiries were always precise—often touching on issues even advanced mages might not grasp.

Such insight was unrelated to the strength of his abilities; it depended on his capacity to understand magic. It’s often said that mastery of magical knowledge is a mage’s second gift, and it’s true. Now, it seemed this young man had an extraordinary talent for understanding magic.

He wondered about Gale’s elemental sensitivity and how strong his resonance could be.

Claus felt the urge to test him.

“Hugh Gleir, you said you’ve been meditating for nearly half a year. Can you already establish resonance with the elements?”

“Yes, master.”

“Then meditate now—I’ll observe your harmony with the elements.”

“Here?” Gale hesitated.

“Yes, right here. Try to establish resonance with the earth element first.”

Gale nodded and began meditating.

Claus was disappointed to find that Gale’s resonance with the earth element barely extended across half the room. In other words, his affinity for earth was essentially nonexistent.

Claus shook his head regretfully. As an earth mage himself, Claus could spread his earth spells across the entire castle, and at full strength, could reduce it to rubble.

He next tested Gale’s affinity with the fire element; the results were equally unimpressive.

Claus shook his head again: “Enough, there’s no need to try further. Just tell me—can you sense any element within a radius of twenty meters?”

“Is being able to sense an element within twenty meters considered having talent for that branch?” Gale asked.

“Not exactly. Each branch differs, but you can regard it that way for now.”

Gale thought for a moment, then lowered his head: “I’m sorry, master, but I don’t think I can resonate with any element to that extent.”

“What a pity. Your understanding of magic is strong, you’re intelligent, but your talent prevents you from forming sufficient perception with the elements. You’re not material for becoming a mage, though you’re certainly suited to be an alchemist.”

“That’s my regret, master,” Gale replied calmly.

“In that case, you should go—you’re wasting my time here.”

“Yes, master. But I still hope you can teach me some knowledge about spell usage and related magic.”

Claus looked at Gale oddly, thought for a moment, and casually grabbed a few books from his side.

“I don’t have much time to teach you these things. This book contains readings and applications of spells, and the others record the spells of wind, fire, water, earth, space, light, and darkness. Magic books are not mysterious or untouchable; you may read them freely and need not return them. But Gleir, I must tell you: even if you master the use of these spells and their corresponding magic, your low elemental sensitivity means you’ll never wield their true power. Perhaps they’ll be of some use in alchemy, which is your purpose, isn’t it?”

“Yes, master. I only wish to serve the castle and the Empire better—nothing more.”

“Then… work hard.”

Back in his room, Gale put away the other books and eagerly opened the one detailing wind magic.

The book Claus had given him encompassed all the most important and core spells a wind mage should master.

It was only now that Gale truly began to immerse himself in the sea of magic.

Contrary to his expectations, the mastery of magic required not just memorizing countless spells but also a thorough grasp of fundamentals. Even with enough magical power, one needed proficiency in basic spells before advancing to higher ones. Even wind spells were divided into many branches.

As a wind apprentice, he could learn four basic spells: Spirit of Wind, Wind Blade Strike, Elemental Condensation, and Air Shield.

These four simple spells should not be underestimated—they represent four entirely different developmental paths.

Spirit of Wind is the most basic support spell, making the body agile and light; Wind Blade Strike is the fundamental wind attack spell. Elemental Condensation is used by wind mages to enhance meditation and increase magical power, while Air Shield is the wind branch’s protective spell.

Among them, Spirit of Wind advances into Swift Wind, Wind Body, Wind Wings, and Flight.

Wind Blade Strike is the foundation of offensive wind spells. Air Shield is the basis for defensive spells; after becoming a novice mage, one can master the Wind Vortex defense, which includes counterattacking abilities.

Upon reaching the initial mage level, one can learn Wind Lark—the prototype of wind summoning spells.

Thus, even among wind mages, each has their own strengths. People choose a branch for primary study and eventually develop their own style of magic usage. Some study all branches, but that requires much greater effort and sacrifice.

That’s why mages usually specialize in one branch—they master spells in their main branch, and rarely delve into others.

For apprentices, learning all the basic spells is not difficult, as they are the lowest level and easy to grasp. What limits them is meditation and the accumulation of magical energy. However, after advancing, each spell requires long practice to gradually comprehend.

Moreover, using these spells is not suited to ordinary human language—the effect is too poor. They must be cast with special incantations.

These magical incantations use thirty special vowels, combining in various ways to form a vast language system. The spell booklet alone contains over a thousand recorded phrases.

It is a complex and profound foreign language.

Such a vast and intricate discipline, full of endless mysteries, drew Gale in almost immediately, leaving him unable to extricate himself.

He finally understood why alchemists were so devoted to their craft, and only then could he appreciate the immense pleasure that mastering those spells brought to a person.