The sudden system notification caught Dean Bruce off guard, causing him to pause in his tracks for a moment.
After taking a closer look, he remembered that he had indeed taught magic to the Jones siblings some time ago.
[Phew, that wasn't easy. I thought Lina might never grasp the spell. Who would've thought she'd figure it out now?] Dean Bruce mused. [Herbert learned his first spell so quickly, but the second one took him forever.]
Just as Dean Bruce was shaking his head and preparing to check his rewards, another system notification chimed in his ear.
Ding!
"System Notification: Congratulations to the host for successfully teaching Herbert Jones the spell The Light of Dawn. You have received ten times the power and understanding of The Light of Dawn, and 50 Supreme Mage Points!"
"System Notification: Since The Light of Dawn is classified as a high-level spell, you have been awarded an additional 100 Supreme Mage Points!"
"..."
Seeing the notification, Dean Bruce couldn't help but twitch slightly at the corner of his mouth. Is Herbert Jones trying to prove something to me after hearing what I said?
Unfortunately, since The Light of Dawn was judged as a high-level spell rather than an ultra-high-level one, the rewards weren't as substantial.
Still, the combined rewards from both Lina and Herbert were enough to replenish the Supreme Mage Points Dean Bruce had spent on the last lottery, pushing him past 1,000 points once again.
[I'd better start saving from now on. I'll likely need 2,000 Supreme Mage Points to unlock a new feature!] Dean Bruce decided.
As he made his way toward the main courtyard, Dean Bruce reflected on the effects of the two newly comprehended spells.
The Light of Dawn was a fairly complex spell with several effects, though not powerful enough to be classified as an ultra-high-level spell.
Its first effect was to enhance the caster's physical body. The second effect encased the caster in a flow of water that absorbed damage. The third effect converted that absorbed damage into searing light, which would then counterattack nearby enemies.
Lastly, before dawn, the spell could release a burst of darkness, dealing a significant amount of damage.
It was a well-rounded offensive and defensive spell, but it didn't have the same versatility as The Compassion of Heaven and Earth, and it couldn't be cast in certain environments.
As for Soul Decision, the spell had a far more mysterious and eerie effect.
Much like The Interrogation of the Soul, it allowed the caster to directly influence the target's soul.
Once the spell was cast, it would trap the target in a specific illusion tailored to their soul and thoughts. If the target could pass the trial, they would escape the illusion. However, if they failed and became lost in the illusion, their physical body would remain frozen in place, vulnerable to Dean Bruce's attacks.
[Phew, I'll need to start using more unique incantations to avoid repetitive magic effects, Dean Bruce thought to himself. I've got too many support spells now—time to focus on acquiring some different elements or more aggressive attack spells.]
Having decided on his next steps, Dean Bruce quickly made his way to the main courtyard, where he spotted a well-sealed chest.
Opening it, he found a pile of gold coins and three rings resting on top.
With a simple thought, he focused on the first ring. In an instant, a thick, bloody scent filled the air. Inside the ring's storage space were countless beast corpses, fresh and still bleeding. Some of the beasts' hearts and heads glowed faintly, containing crystal cores.
"!!!"
After reviewing the entire set's effects, Dean Bruce wasted no time and immediately equipped the gear.
Even without a direct boost to his core stats, he knew that his combat power had just skyrocketed.
The triggered effects alone could significantly alter the outcome of any battle.
As for his previous magical equipment, Dean Bruce didn't discard it. He planned to sell it at a later time—even at a discount, it would still fetch a decent price.
With everything checked and organized, Dean Bruce didn't delay any further. He made his way to the room that Hakenny had prepared for him.
After scanning his surroundings and ensuring there were no magical fluctuations nearby, Dean Bruce finally relaxed. He lay down on the bed and fell into a restful sleep.
The past few days had been exhausting, with constant travel and battles. Now that he had the opportunity, he was determined to recharge and prepare himself for the upcoming visit to Saint Laurent Advanced Magic Academy.
The night passed uneventfully.
The next morning, when Dean Bruce awoke, daylight was already streaming through the windows.
After putting on his magic robe, Dean Bruce stepped outside, where two female servants were already approaching, carrying steaming washbasins.
He didn't refuse their assistance. After all, he had been in this world long enough to know better than to decline such privileges.
Once everything was in order, Dean Bruce skipped breakfast and headed straight for the estate's exit.
As soon as he stepped outside, he noticed Nemesis Bruce sitting cross-legged by the wall a short distance away, meditating. Her lips moved as she murmured something, clearly deep in her trance.
Passersby were visibly taken aback by the sight. They couldn't help but stare at Nemesis Bruce, whispering amongst themselves.
Even Dean Bruce was a bit surprised by her determination, but he didn't say anything.
After all, the incantation he had given her was more of a bluff than a genuine spell. Until she fully grasped it, there wouldn't be any real impact on her mind.
This approach may seem strange, but who knows? Maybe it'll work, he thought.
Just like in those old video games—the weirder the strategy, the faster you win!
Turning to the gatekeepers, Dean Bruce instructed, "Keep an eye on Nemesis. If anything happens to her, all of you will be punished."
"Understood," they replied hastily.
Without further delay, Dean Bruce headed towards the Magic Guild.
He remembered that the Guildmaster had something important to discuss with him, and if he timed it right, he could probably score a decent meal at the guild's headquarters. After all, the food there was bound to be top-tier.
As soon as Dean Bruce left, a faint glow began to shimmer around Nemesis Bruce. Her lips moved more fluidly, and she recited the incantation with increasing ease, her rhythm becoming smoother.