Chapter 651
Joining the Cult of Fireball
Chapter 651 Joining the Cult of Fireball
After receiving the good news, Gaode made a token inquiry about the branch's operations.
I learned that although the branch had only been open for a short time, it had already gained some local fame thanks to its unique types of magical materials, membership system, and tree seed acquisition service.
Many people know that this foreign magical plant material store has unique sources of goods, fair prices, and is willing to buy magical plant seeds at high prices, so its reputation has been established.
Unfortunately, despite its fame, its performance was not as ideal as expected.
Morrisonshire is, after all, a county of fire, and most of its local mages and artisans specialize in fire-related fields.
The demand for ice elemental magical materials transported from the North is extremely low. Even though ice-type magical materials are rare in this area, it is difficult to open up the market.
Fortunately, Eli had anticipated this and set the core business of the Molten City branch as the sale of magical materials from the Blue Flame Islands from the very beginning.
Based on market feedback, the company has further reduced the proportion of ice-type magical materials displayed and stocked in the North, and instead increased the procurement of fire-type auxiliary magical materials.
Although the business is not booming, it is growing steadily and is sufficient to keep the branch running.
After listening to the report, Gaode nodded in satisfaction and then turned and left the branch.
Next, all you need to do is rest well at the hotel for one night and recharge your energy before setting off to challenge the Morrison Gym tomorrow.
Upon returning to his lodgings, Gao De didn't waste any time. He immediately sat cross-legged on the bed, closed his eyes, calmed his mind, and continued to work on the unfinished model of the [Fireball] spell.
For mages, the increase in the complexity of spell models is never a linear leap, but rather a geometric increase that accompanies the increase in spell ring number.
The spell model at the trick level can be built by mobilizing no more than ten spell stars, with a structure as simple as a child's building blocks.
The demand for stars in a first-circle spell has risen to less than fifty. The connection between the elements is slightly complicated, but there are still clues to follow.
Second-circle spells require 250 stars to precisely mesh and coordinate, significantly reducing the margin for error.
When it comes to third-ring spells, the demand for star points directly reaches the threshold of thousands, and may even exceed a thousand.
【Fireball】As the representative damage spell of the third-circle mage, the spell model is not as complicated as you might imagine. It has a total of 999 stars, which is just before the 1,000 mark.
This slight leeway in terms of construction difficulty is one of the important reasons why it became so popular among mages in the third ring.
Even if something is powerful, if the barrier to mastering it is too high, it will ultimately be difficult for it to become popular.
The construction of such a complex system of interconnected planets is an extreme test of a mage's concentration and precision in controlling planets.
Fortunately, a mage's lifespan and mental strength will increase in tandem with their advancement in power.
While higher-level spells are more difficult to master, the actual time and effort required do not increase proportionally to the complexity of the model.
Otherwise, third-circle spells would become a lifelong constraint for the vast majority of mages.
Even so, given Gaode's almost superhuman capabilities, it would normally take more than half a month of repeated attempts, debugging, and exploration to successfully build a three-ring spell model.
Of course, this is just a general average.
If you're lucky, or if your mental energy and the stars are perfectly in sync during a particular attempt, you might be able to complete the construction in one or two days.
Previously, on the airship that brought him to Morrison County, God had already made dozens of intermittent attempts.
His closest he ever came was when he built up 789 stars, just over 200 stars away from completing the spell model, and he was only one step away from success.
As originally planned, Gao De thought he would only be able to fully complete the model construction of [Fireball] and truly master this third-circle spell after completing the challenge of Morrison's Gym and boarding the airship to the next Gym.
Unexpected events always happen unexpectedly, whether for better or worse.
This time, Gaode simply adopted a casual attitude of resting if the attempt failed, without deliberately tensing up or demanding excessive accuracy.
Yet, in this relaxed state, the process of constructing spell models was surprisingly smooth.
The resonance between spiritual power and magical stars was exceptionally strong. The nine hundred and ninety-nine stars were as if they were being pulled by invisible threads, precisely connecting and interlocking, with their interconnections flowing without any obstruction.
From the connection of the 100th star, to the linkage of the 500th star, and then to the closed loop of the 999th star.
The entire process was as smooth as water flowing into a channel, and the complete construction of the [Fireball] spell model was completed in one go.
The energy fluctuations within the spell star sea suddenly stabilized, and a subtle yet clear mental resonance feedback came from the depths of his mind—the feedback after the spell model was successfully constructed.
Gao De was stunned for several breaths before he realized that he had succeeded.
In the instant he came to his senses, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and joy and excitement welled up in his heart.
With a flick of his right hand, a transparent crystal bottle appeared in his palm.
Open the bottle.
Inside the bottle, a drop of viscous liquid, as deep as a starry sea, was slowly flowing, its luster restrained yet concealing immense magical energy.
This is the essence of the Zhuor spell that he had been reserving for the [Fireball] spell since the second ring. It is an extremely rare spell amplification treasure.
Now that the spell model is complete, it is finally time to activate this essence.
According to Sarah, this drop of Orb of Spell Essence can reduce the mana cost of a third-circle spell to 30% of its original cost, while increasing casting speed by 20%.
Without the slightest hesitation, Gao De tilted his head back and swallowed the entire drop of viscous essence.
The essence, upon entering the throat, did not slide down smoothly like ordinary liquids, but instead lingered in the throat as if it were alive.
The stagnant essence suddenly dissolved in the next second, transforming into countless tiny, warm energy threads that seeped into the bloodstream.
Then, they followed the magical energy channels within their bodies, rushing straight to the sea of magical stars located at their heads.
The Spell Starry Sea is the core area where mages store spell models and mobilize spell stars to construct spell models.
On ordinary days, it is like the Milky Way, with countless constellations and stars floating in it, quiet and profound.
As the energy of the Zhuor essence surged in, a faint silver-blue halo suddenly lit up the sea of stars.
Gao De controlled these energy threads to surge towards the newly constructed [Fireball] spell model.
The 999 stars were enveloped and nourished by the essence of energy, and the originally slightly stiff connections between the stars became increasingly smooth.
The star itself became increasingly luminous, as if it had been injected with extra vitality, shimmering with stable and powerful energy fluctuations.
Gao De could clearly sense that his connection with the [Fireball] spell model had become incredibly strong, and it was becoming increasingly smooth to use.
The spell model itself is like a sophisticated machine made up of planetesimals and magical veins, and mana is the current that drives this machine.
In the past, when activating a model, mana had to be gradually applied to every point where the planets connected.
During this process, the mana will inevitably be lost due to friction and resistance of the model.
The model also requires a short buffer period to start.
At this moment, the resistance of the internal planetary linkage of the [Fireball] model, which has been soaked in the essence of Zhuoer, has been greatly reduced.
The magic power will flow through the entire model instantly, like an unobstructed electric current, without any loss.
The buffer time for model startup has also been greatly reduced, enabling energy conversion and release to be completed in the shortest possible time. Gad stared intently at the transformed [Fireball] model within the sea of spells, a thought struck him, and his attention quietly shifted to the original interface of "Wind Spirit Moon Shadow".
On the interface, the "Origin" section clearly shows that there are still four points of Origin remaining in the Third Ring.
This is all thanks to the Phoenix Hunters.
Although third-tier ley line creatures are not easy to capture, they still managed to gather four precious third-ring origin points for Gaode.
Then let's add fuel to the fire. Gao De's gaze narrowed slightly, and he silently chanted "add more" in his mind.
The Fireball spell model, originally composed of 999 spell stars, began to take root and sprout, extending new magical branches, and the number of stars steadily increased.
The final number of spell stars was 1093.
The added stars did not change the core structure of the model, but rather created an additional auxiliary network.
A surge of magical information flooded into Gao De's consciousness like a tidal wave:
[Fireball+] (Evocation, Third Ring):
A bright flash of light shoots from your fingertips toward a point you specify within casting range, then roars and bursts into flames.
Every creature within a 20-foot radius spherical area around the target point will suffer fire damage.
The burst of flames will spread around the corner and ignite any unattended or uncarried flammable objects in the area.
Additional: The flames from Fireball can temporarily erode magical protection. Certain defensive spells, such as energy damage (fire) on the target, will be greatly weakened.
"Spell penetration," Gao De thought to himself.
Now I really have to join the Fireball Cult.
The Fireball spell, already a benchmark for damage, was further enhanced by the Essence of the Orchid, increasing its casting speed and reducing its mana consumption.
Now, with the blessing of Wind Spirit Moon Shadow, it also has an additional effect equivalent to "spell penetration".
This can almost be called the most substantial buff, without changing the mechanics, simply increasing damage.
Seeing that [Fireball+] had received two consecutive major buffs, Gao De couldn't suppress the urge to test its power.
However, he was currently in an inn in Molten Core, surrounded by houses and workshops, with nowhere to use his skills.
No problem, though. Tomorrow's Gym Challenge is a good opportunity to test your skills against the Gym Leader in the Magic Fight.
I've heard that the mages of Morrison County are very skilled in fire elemental magic?
A playful smile appeared on Gaode's lips.
Morrison Museum is located on the edge of Molten City, near the largest geothermal area in Morrison County, and the air around it is filled with a faint smell of sulfur.
From the outside, this art museum appears to be a giant circular building that is partially buried underground.
The entire structure is made of dark black basalt and calcined hematite, with layers of flame patterns and spell arrays carved on the walls.
At the top stands a ten-foot-tall fire crystal totem pole, its body shimmering with a faint golden-red fire elemental aura.
From a distance, the entire building resembles a giant forging furnace inverted on top of geothermal energy, heavy yet exuding a fiery elemental aura.
Gao De walked calmly toward the main entrance of the art museum.
On either side of the main entrance of the academy, there stood two guards dressed in heavy fire-patterned iron armor.
Just as Gao De was a few steps away from the main entrance of the art gallery, the guard on the left, who was in the lead, suddenly narrowed his eyes, coughed lightly, and reminded his companion.
Instantly, the other three guards all fixed their gazes on Gao De, their eyes revealing a hint of tension and a touch of awe.
"I'm here to take on the challenge at the art gallery," Gao De stated his purpose.
As soon as he finished speaking, a younger guard on the right composed himself, stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke with obvious respect, not daring to be negligent in the slightest: "May I ask if you are the Venerable Master Gaode of Bailuo County?"
Gaode nodded.
The lead guard immediately lowered his guard.
He quickly stepped aside to make way, his tone clearly respectful: "Venerable Master Gaode, please follow me. The steward specifically instructed that if you arrive, there is no need to announce your arrival; you will be led directly to the Molten Heart Arena!"
As if afraid that Gao De might not understand, he quickly added, speaking at a slightly faster pace but clearly, "The Heart of Molten Core is our academy's exclusive arena for magical combat in the third level, and it is also the highest-level arena in the academy. The steward anticipated that you would come and had it prepared in advance."
Gao De's heart stirred slightly, and he raised an eyebrow, but his face remained calm as he simply nodded slightly: "Lead the way."
"Yes, yes! Please follow me!" The leading guard quickly agreed, made a very standard gesture of invitation, and bowed to lead the way.
He walked a little faster than usual, but deliberately made his steps lighter, his feet landing almost silently, as if afraid that his footsteps would offend the rising young mage behind him.
The other three guards also stopped, bowed and made way, their eyes fixed on Gao De's back, full of awe.
After Gaode passed by, they secretly breathed a sigh of relief, exchanged a glance, and both saw shock in each other's eyes.
Following the guard into the museum, you are greeted by a spacious front hall with flame patterns carved on the walls and smooth volcanic rock flooring.
The air was filled with a rich yet gentle fire elemental energy, which was distinctly different from the sulfurous smell outside the building and appeared exceptionally pure.
In the lobby, there were many staff members and sorcerers from the magic hall. When the guard led Gao De in, they subconsciously glanced over.
After seeing Gao De's extremely young face, they all fell silent.
Then they began to whisper among themselves, their eyes fixed intently on Gao De, filled with disbelief and curiosity: "That must be Master Gao De from Bailuo County? He looks so young, yet he's already at the third ring level?"
"That's right! I heard that when he swept through the Avalon Magic Hall, the three guardian mages couldn't even last a few moves!"
"My God, he actually came to Morrison! This is going to be a good show!" The whispers were kept very low, but they still managed to reach Gao De's ears.
Gao De seemed not to hear, his steps remained calm, his gaze sweeping lightly across the front hall, his eyes showing no ripples.
The guards dared not delay for a moment, leading Gao De through the front hall and into a corridor paved with hematite tiles, bringing Gao De to the fighting arena in Molten Core.
The scene of the French fighting was very large, and the ground was paved with special metal materials.
Most notably, the underground of the fighting arena is directly connected to the fire veins below.
A faint fire elemental energy slowly seeped from the ground, permeating the entire fighting arena.
As Gao De stepped into the magic arena, a steady voice came from the side, gentle yet revealing the composure of a mage: "This must be Gao De, the mage of the Sea Sentinel?"
Looking in the direction of the sound, a middle-aged monk dressed in a dark red robe slowly approached. He had a calm expression and a short beard.
The guard quickly introduced him to Gao De: "This is the guardian of our academy, Master Fein."
Gao De nodded slightly and replied, "Yes, that's me."
Finn raised his hand to signal the guards to step back, his gaze falling on Gao De. He scrutinized him carefully for a moment before speaking again: "I have long admired your name. The news of your advancement to the third ring and your sweeping victory over the Avalon Magic Hall a few days ago has already spread throughout several counties of the dynasty."
“We received the news as soon as you boarded the airship and have been waiting for your arrival.”
(End of this chapter)