Chapter 79: Development

“Encyclopedia of Necromantic Magic: Level 1 Necromantic Magic”

[Poison Smoke]: Level 1 magic, toxin type. Releases a cloud of poisonous smoke to poison the enemy. The power depends on the type of toxin. The poisonous smoke must be collected and refined by the user. Upgrading increases the casting speed.

…

“Poison Smoke,” “Bone Fang,” and “Shadow Mist”… These three spells were generally considered the three basic spells of a Necromancer. Which one was learned first was often seen as the deciding factor for a Necromancer’s future development direction.

Do not misunderstand; the “development direction” mentioned here did not refer to the future direction in the field of magic. Whether a Necromancer specialized in various toxin spells or excelled in direct attacks, the large-scale summoning of undead creatures was the fundamental basis of their existence. Even a violent Necromancer with muscles comparable to a martial fighter would not be inferior to anyone in their mastery of the “Skeleton Sea.” For this reason, Necromancers were considered super-powerful entities at the campaign or even strategic level.

[The so-called “development direction” here was more of an assessment of personal character, a subconscious inclination…]

“Poison Smoke” was the basic spell of the toxin system. In Necromancy Magic, this branch was complex and precise. The sheer number of thousands of different poisons and the composite toxins derived from their combinations was enough to drive anyone who was not an absolute genius crazy. Therefore, generally, Necromancers believed that if a student chose “Poison Smoke” as their second spell after mastering “Summon Skeleton,” it indicated that the student had a meticulous mind and incredible patience. Such a person was well-suited for research work, and their future development direction could be a “scholar-type wizard,” exploring magic theory and researching new spells in a laboratory to contribute to the development of magic civilization.

“Bone Fang” was the basic spell of the attack system in Necromancy Magic. There was not much to say about this; anyone who chose to learn this spell first certainly had a strong bellicose streak hidden in their personality. People like this usually chose the path of a “battle mage.” Impulsiveness and a wild fighting spirit were their trademarks. This slightly contradicted the traditional image of a wizard, but it was precisely these people who used their courage to maintain the power and mystery of magic.

As for those who chose “Shadow Mist,” they were more unique. This spell was the only defensive spell among the general Level 1 Necromancy Magic. However, this did not mean that those who chose to learn this spell were selfish or afraid of death. In fact, it was generally believed that wizards who prioritized “Shadow Mist” tended to be old-fashioned, cautious, serious, and earnest. They might lack the sparks of genius inspiration, but they were steady, hardworking, meticulous, and patient. Their future development usually led to becoming magic consultants for the royal family, nobles, or large organizations, or taking positions in magic schools to engage in the basic promotion of “magic.”

—But to be honest, these so-called “inclination” studies actually had no substantial evidence. In essence, it was simply a kind of superstition, yet most Necromancers believed in it…

To tell the truth, Luo Yan actually admired Old Strom after hearing this. He had managed to find out even this kind of information. Because everyone hoped their disciples would make choices subconsciously without any influence, this matter was generally passed around only among Necromancers and rarely mentioned to outsiders. Even the wandering minstrels, who claimed to know everything, were not very clear about it.

Seeing Old Strom ask him in the traditional way of Necromancers with a serious expression, Luo Yan suddenly felt a bit touched. Even though the Strom Family still had some old connections in the Imperial Capital, finding out such small details proved how meticulous he was. He must have spent a lot of energy and time.

Unfortunately, although Old Strom had put in the effort, this matter was undoubtedly meaningless to Luo Yan. Not only did Luo Yan already know the inside story, but more importantly, he actually had more choices than an average person.

However, he was not so foolish as to brush off Old Strom’s kindness. Hearing this, he simply said respectfully: “Teacher, I haven’t decided yet. From my personal interest, both Poison Smoke and Shadow Mist are good choices. I wonder what you think?”

Of course he had to mention those two. Was he supposed to become a “battle mage” who rushed to the front lines? He must not forget that Luo Yan’s highest goal was to be an enviable “young master”!

“Poison Smoke and Shadow Mist?” Old Strom pondered for a moment upon hearing this, but he did not feel disappointed. This was just an individual’s inclination choice; there was no right or wrong.

After thinking for a while, Old Strom nodded and said: “It is better to be cautious. In any case, learning a spell takes a very long time. You can try to interpret these two spells separately to see which one resonates more easily with your mental frequency. There is no strongest magic, only the choice that suits you best… Although the old saying makes people feel tired of hearing it over and over, the truth within it is very profound.”

Luo Yan naturally agreed obediently and said seriously: “Teacher, I will be very careful. Please don’t worry!”

Old Strom nodded with satisfaction. He was truly satisfied with Luo Yan as a disciple. At the same time, as his understanding deepened, he grew to appreciate Luo Pei more. This Director was indeed very talented and possessed a decisive and commanding aura. Old Strom felt that this was probably not just because he came from the Luo Family of Flax City… The Luo Family could give a person a lot of useful “knowledge,” but a person’s character could not be changed by that.

Turning to take a thick collection of writings from the bookshelf, Old Strom said seriously: “Alright, today let us study Mr. Gerhaus’s ‘New Era Chronicles’…”

Luo Yan became even more serious. In this era, before the invention of modern printing technology, every book was a very precious existence to people.

Luo Yan did not know that at this moment, Old Strom had rarely let his mind wander. He was still thinking about things related to Luo Pei.

[…It is a pity that our Strom Family has declined. Otherwise, I could have helped him. For that man to stay in such a small village is truly a waste of talent…]