Chapter 105: Special Lecture (3)
Rays words left them unable to respond, their minds struggling to accept the impossible phenomenon they had just witnessed. Like confused children, they were unable to fully comprehend the reality of what had just transpired.
Calculating the coordinates where magic occurs? Ray had asked. Determining the exact location of a magic manifestation just by sensing the trembling mana?
These were individuals who had been hailed as geniuses or prodigies in their own towns. Yet, even they couldnt replicate the technique Ray had just displayed. It was a skill beyond human capability.
The audience regarded Ray as if he were a monster. Not even a necromancer, considered the worst enemy of a mage, could instill such fear.
Negating all magic from any mage? Even high-level mages would be reduced to mere commoners in his presence. Their lifelong pursuit of magic rendered useless in his presence?
What could be more disheartening than that?
Ray smiled pleasantly and continued, The relationship between mana is complementary. Since mana makes up the atmosphere, all mages in the same area must utilize the same mana. Thus, it doesnt matter who casts the magic or what mana is used. The key is to continuously think about how to use the mana more efficiently than your opponent. A mages path is one of perpetual research.
He signaled Clarice with a glance. Understanding his intention to demonstrate Wind Cutter again, Clarice began chanting quietly, Wind Cutter! The blade of wind shot forth, but unexpectedly, Ray uttered, Light.
The simple 1st-circle magic, commonly known even among elderly traders, miraculously transformed Clarices Wind Cutter into a beautiful light. The room brightened, and Ray appeared almost haloed, further captivating the female students.
The professors and most of the students were stunned. Canceling a spell was one thing, but transforming it into another was astounding. If Ray had transformed the spell into another Wind Cutter, the opponent would have been defeated instantly. The fact that he chose a harmless Light spell for demonstration purposes was evident to all.
Clarice began to wonder if Ray was truly a Lord. Surpassing known magical theories, practical applications, and techniques Could it be that a Lord has emerged in this era?
Unaware of Clarices thoughts, Ray continued, Sometimes, the most absurd ideas can be helpful. Magic is about breaking the shackles of common sense. If you remain stagnant, trapped in conventional thinking, thats where your journey ends. Its meaningless to think like everyone else if everyone can think it.
The audience, heavy-hearted yet inspired, reflected on Rays words. Magic, after all, was an attempt by humans to break the bounds of common sense, to mimic the powers of gods. Though it was just an imitation, humans had always strived to explore the field of magic.
Listening to Ray, they realized they had been too textbook-focused. They hadnt experimented enough, clashed ideas, or tried to realize seemingly absurd concepts.
Along with Rays words, another statement of his echoed in their ears.
Isnt a mage by nature a seeker of truth? Giving up on your goals because youve lost the means is nothing but an underestimation of your own abilities.
.
.
Stung by each of his words, they found themselves unable to respond. A flicker of their childhood passion for magic seemed to rekindle slightly.
Observing the surrounding reactions, Ray awkwardly smiled and said, This lecture has deviated a bit from the topic. Ill end todays lecture here. If I were to give an assignment, it would be for anyone to pair up and successfully execute the Cancel technique I just demonstrated.
Yes!?
Students and professors alike were astounded by Rays words.
What is he saying now? Partnering up to successfully perform a Cancel technique!
Even if they had pre-arranged coordinates, aligning the timing was incredibly difficult. Wasnt it just a theoretical technique, impossible for humans to execute in the first place?This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com
It was like a swordsmanship academy professor asking students to execute an unbeatable sword technique as an assignment.
Just as they were about to protest this absurd task, Rays previous words came to mind, Giving up on your goals because youve lost the means is nothing but an underestimation of your own abilities.
Oh, right, Iriel was a saint.
Ray chuckled to himself and waved his hand dismissively.
Its nothing.
Then she shook her head.
Worries always show on the face.
In Rays case, it was evident in his actions, not just his expression.
Sitting half-slumped on the bench with his head hung low, it was as if he was saying, Im a man with a story.
It wasnt because she was special that she noticed.
Ray straightened up on the bench and waved his hand again.
Really, its nothing.
I mean, talking to you wont help!
Upon realizing what he was thinking, she didnt press further.
She looked at Ray, smiled gently, and said,
I understand. Ill take my leave now. Oh, and sitting on the bench like that for too long can strain your back. Please be careful.
As she turned to leave, still wearing a comforting smile, Ray impulsively grabbed her hand.
Ah.
His sudden grasp startled her.
But she wasnt the only one surprised. Ray himself was startled by his own action.
What surprised him even more was that she seemed to have a scent associated with medical training.
Mind your back bone? He had lived in this other world for nearly 16 years and had never heard such a phrase used.
People would warn to be careful with ones back if it was injured, but they never specified muscles, bones, or other detailed aspects.
Moreover, the familiar scent he recognized was similar to one he knew well.
This smell is definitely ethanol!
How there could be a scent similar to ethanol in this other world, he didnt know.
But there was no doubt that the smell of disinfectant was emanating from her.
He was certain that the woman in front of him was connected to the field of medicine.