Translator: CinderTL
"Basic Mana Induction? When did I ever learn this skill?"
Roland stared at the skill evolution notification in his vision, a flicker of confusion crossing his mind.
But as he recalled the unprecedented error messages that had just plagued his Job Panel, a realization dawned on him.
Judging by the name, Basic Mana Induction must refer to the fundamental method of drawing mana elements from the air. This, along with "opening the sea of consciousness" and "engraving runes," forms one of the three essential requirements to become a true spellcaster.
Before this, I never possessed a systematic method for mana absorption. I could only rely on the Dragonbone trait for a primitive and inefficient form of energy absorption.
The reason I was able to absorb mana on such a large scale just now was entirely due to the Heart of the Spellweaver's own functions, not my own innate ability. Therefore, when the Job Panel detected this result without finding a corresponding cause, it must have fallen into a logic error and kept reporting errors—
"Then, after the Panel forcibly processed and adapted to this anomaly, perhaps by leveraging its connection to the Heart of the Spellweaver, it misjudged that I had already mastered Basic Mana Induction. And, due to the core's exceptional performance, it even directly evolved into the more advanced Arcane Siphon?"
Drawing this conclusion, a flicker of astonishment crossed Roland's eyes.
"Doesn't this mean that I've now bypassed the long and arduous basic training of traditional spellcasters, and in some inexplicable way, truly mastered the means to efficiently draw magic elements from the air?"
"Heh! This is truly—an unexpected surprise!"
He couldn't help but shake his head and laugh, marveling at the strange coincidence.
However, just as he relaxed his mind, immersed in this unexpected joy, another change occurred.
Roland clearly felt the warm and majestic energy flow transmitted from all over the armor rapidly recede and vanish like an ebbing tide.
In the blink of an eye, the majestic, streamlined armor with its shimmering blue glow, which covered his entire body, abruptly faded, disassembled, and shrank back.
Finally, it transformed back into that simple, unadorned bracelet, resting quietly on his wrist.
The surging sense of power and mana that had filled the surroundings vanished in an instant. The sudden void left Roland momentarily stunned.
Is this—energy depletion?
Startled, Roland immediately focused his mind and carefully inspected both the bracelet on his wrist and his own physical condition.
After a moment, he slowly let out a breath of relief.
The situation was better than he had initially feared.
The energy was indeed completely drained, but the Heart of the Spellweaver, the source of that energy, showed no signs of damage. Its internal structure remained stable, and it was spontaneously drawing in the magic elements drifting in the air at a relatively slow but steady pace.
It was like a slumbering giant beast slowly recovering its strength.
He could see now that as long as he waited long enough for the Heart of the Spellweaver to fully recharge, he could once again activate that powerful armor.
Combining this with his previous experience, Roland quickly analyzed the cause of the sudden energy depletion.
It was precisely because he had pushed the Heart of the Spellweaver into a high-load operation mode to test its limits, frantically drawing mana and channeling it directly into himself. This had caused the instantaneous energy output to far exceed the core's own natural recovery rate.
"So that means—"
A flash of understanding crossed Roland's eyes.
"Once the armor is activated, it continuously drains the energy pre-stored in the Heart of the Spellweaver. If I only maintain its basic form and engage in low-intensity activities, the energy consumption might balance with the core's natural mana absorption, allowing it to be sustained for a long time."
"But if I forcibly overclock it to draw mana like I did just now, the instantaneous energy drain will far exceed the replenishment rate. The balance will be broken, the Heart of the Spellweaver's stored energy will be rapidly depleted, and some kind of protection mechanism will be triggered, forcing the armor to deactivate and enter a dormant state until the core re-accumulates enough energy."
Despite realizing the energy limitations of this powerful armor, Roland felt no disappointment.
On the contrary, he was extremely satisfied.
The terrifying strength and agility buffs it had already demonstrated—increasing his attributes by a percentage—combined with its near-instantaneous energy shield, were enough to place it alongside Dragon Breath as a crucial trump card for desperate situations.
In ordinary battles, the armor's inherent, exceptional protection was already sufficient. To unleash its full, limit-breaking potential would be a waste of its power, an overkill that would cost more than it was worth.
Setting aside his thoughts on the armor for a moment, Roland turned his attention to the new skill he had unexpectedly acquired.
[Arcane Siphon]
[Arcane Siphon: You have successfully mastered the high-dimensional energy conduction mode derived from the Heart of the Spellweaver, constructing a unique and highly efficient mana circulation channel within your body.]
[You can actively guide and drastically increase the efficiency and speed at which you absorb neutral mana elements from the surrounding environment. It is as if you have opened an invisible vortex in a sea of energy. This process is nearly instinctive, requiring no complex spells or rituals to assist.]
[The absorbed mana will undergo preliminary purification before flowing directly into your life energy circulation. It can be used to rapidly restore stamina, heal minor injuries, replenish other expenditures, or provide immediate energy support for certain special equipment and spells.]
[The efficiency of this skill is positively correlated with the energy state and mana concentration of the current environment. When in a high-mana environment, the absorption speed will be significantly enhanced.]
Roland's eyes shone with irrepressible excitement as he carefully read the skill description of Arcane Siphon in his mind.
"No incantations or rituals required, a near-instinctive guidance—efficiently siphoning and directly replenishing consumption—"
He poured over the key information, his heart racing with anticipation.
This was more than just a skill; it was a gateway to a whole new realm.
From this moment on, he had truly broken free from the dragonbone's primitive and inefficient method of siphoning. He had stepped onto the path of orthodox spellcasters, systematically utilizing mana to strengthen himself.
With this thought, Roland wasted no more time and attempted to actively channel Arcane Siphon.
There were no chants, no complex gestures—only a single turn of his will.
In an instant, he clearly "felt" his body become the center of an invisible vortex.
The mana elements drifting peacefully in the surrounding air, as if drawn by an unseen force field, converged upon him with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
The sensation was somewhat similar to the passive infusion he had experienced from the Heart of the Spellweaver, yet it was fundamentally different.
At this moment, he was the master, the guide.
The mana flowed into his body with unparalleled smoothness, as natural as breathing.
The instant this drawn mana entered him, it underwent some invisible "filtration" and "purification," becoming exceptionally docile and pure, almost instantly integrating into his entire being.
An indescribable sense of comfort spread throughout his body.
The slight fatigue from the armor's overload rapidly dissipated under the nourishment of the pure mana, and his spirit was invigorated, becoming exceptionally clear.
So this is—the feeling of truly siphoning mana?
Roland slowly opened his eyes, his face brimming with irrepressible joy.
Compared to the previous experience of relying on the dragonbone—a mere trickle that required effort to convert—this Arcane Siphon was a surging river.
With a thought, he tried to guide this newly born, completely controlled mana to his fingertips.
A small, weak but stable orange-red flame sprang up with a poof.
This was a basic trick he had long since mastered, but casting it now felt exceptionally effortless. The flame's stability and energy also far exceeded anything he had achieved before.
"Haha, excellent!"
Roland couldn't help but voice his admiration.
This unexpectedly acquired skill was, in some ways, no less valuable than that powerful armor. It completed a crucial link in his power system.
Just as Roland was still savoring the new sensations brought by Arcane Siphon, immersed in the joy of his power system being made whole, the familiar golden subtitles appeared in his field of vision as if on cue.
Detected host has acquired skill: Arcane Siphon. Available advanced class: Arcane Disciple
[Requirements: Strength 8, Agility 8, Spirit 30, Lv.3 Arcane Siphon, Arcane Knowledge, Basic Magic Theory, 5/5 low-circle spells at max level, independently create and complete 0/1 full construction of a spell model (ring-tier and specific effects unrestricted), successfully perform 0/1 Arcane Enlightenment (this ritual is not for gaining power, but is a symbolic "knocking on the Gate of Arcane," announcing your formal embarkation on this path. Different methods of resonance will affect the subsequent development of the class)]
"Another advanced class?"
Gazing at the words flowing with golden light in his vision, Roland couldn't help but feel a trace of daze, feeling that the experiences of the past few days were somewhat dreamlike.
Before coming to the Aetheron Continent, he had braved countless perils and meticulously planned, yet only succeeded in acquiring two advanced classes: Enchanter and Apprentice Knight.
However, in the short time since stepping onto this Lost Land, he had not only unlocked the paths to two advanced classes—Berserker and the Arcane Disciple now before him—but even a transcendent profession: Construct Artisan.
Not to mention, he now held an entire bookshelf of powerful class manuals, whose names alone suggested their ranks were bound to be high.
It was as if these transcendent paths, so rare and coveted in the outside world that people would fight tooth and nail for them, had become somewhat—
commonplace?
This expedition felt less like an adventure and more like he was "wholesaling" classes.
But—Arcane Disciple, huh?
Roland stared at the golden text.
It sounds like this must be a key class on the path to becoming a spellcaster—
He took a long breath, steadied his mind, and suppressed the chaotic thoughts swirling in his head before carefully examining the specific requirements before him.
"The attribute requirements go without saying; I've already far exceeded them. I've also met the requirements for max-level Basic Magic Theory and mastery of five max-level low-circle spells. All that's left is—"
Roland stroked his chin, analyzing the remaining unmet conditions one by one.
"Raising Arcane Siphon to Lv.3 shouldn't be too difficult. It's just a matter of diligent practice and familiarity—a little time and effort, and I'll have it. As for Arcane Knowledge, if I spend some time thoroughly studying those relevant tomes I brought out of the Imperial Academy Library, reaching max level shouldn't be a problem either. But—"
His gaze halted on the final two requirements, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Independently innovate and complete the full construction of a spell model—"
Though the requirements stated there were no restrictions on the ring-tier or specific effects, this "creation from nothing" was fundamentally different from learning and casting fixed spells.
It demanded a deeper understanding of the essence of magic, an insight into the underlying logic of energy flow.
On this front, Roland was completely clueless, not even knowing where to begin.
And—
"This Arcane Enlightenment—what the hell is that?"
(End of the Chapter)
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