Chapter 675
Spellcasting Without Magic
Chapter 675 Spellcasting Without Magic
Gaode's brain is working at lightning speed.
There are still four months until the start of the Unparalleled Magic Tournament, which translates to twenty-six months in the Desolate Soul Realm.
Such a long period of time instantly swept away his anxiety and helplessness.
Moreover, even if he ultimately fails to decipher the soul runes left by Mordekaiser, he still has a backup plan:
Astral Teleportation!
Yes, astral energy is not subject to magic restrictions.
In other words, this desolate and barren soul domain could never trap him.
However, Gaode will definitely not use astral teleportation unless absolutely necessary.
Firstly, the astral teleportation only allows him to pass through.
In other words, it definitely cannot carry fluorescence.
Using this tactic, we'll have to leave Liu Ying here to die.
This is one reason.
An even more important reason is that once Astral Teleportation is used in the Desolate Soul Realm, the anchor point of Astral Teleportation will be locked in the Desolate Soul Realm, which is equivalent to rendering Astral Teleportation useless.
He will never be able to freely travel between the North and the Golden Flower Dynasty via astral teleportation again, and will only be able to go back and forth between the North and this magic-free prison—what is the point of him coming to this magic-free plane?
Therefore, the method Mordecai used to escape the Desolate Soul Domain was the only optimal solution.
It allows one to leave with Liu Ying, preserve one's astral teleportation ability, and take the opportunity to study advanced soul runes—a win-win situation.
After the initial joy, Gao De suddenly remembered something else.
"How old are you this year?" he asked Liu Ying.
The Unparalleled Fighting Tournament has a strict rule.
Participating monks must be under twenty years old.
He is very young, only seventeen years old. Even if twenty-six months have passed, he will only be a little over nineteen, which is more than enough to meet the requirements.
But Liu Ying is a different story... Although he knew she was definitely very young, he had never asked her exact age.
If she is already nineteen years old, she will be over twenty in twenty-six months, and then she will definitely not be able to participate in this French fighting competition.
She is the ace of the Plantagenet dynasty.
Liu Ying was taken aback by his sudden question, her eyes filled with doubt, but she answered truthfully, "Eighteen years old."
Eighteen years old!
Gao De felt much more at ease knowing that the man was only a year older than him.
If they can successfully leave within 24 months, they can overcome the age limit and both of them can participate in the French Fighting Tournament.
With the timeline that had been weighing on his mind finally settled, Gao De felt much more relaxed.
Immediately, an overwhelming feeling of fatigue washed over me.
Since being banished to the desolate and barren Soul Realm, he has never truly relaxed.
Constantly on guard against attacks from the withered soul servants, protecting the safety of the firefly, searching for clues and breaking through the predicament, the mental state remains highly tense.
Traveling and fighting continuously drained their strength, and the torment of lack of water and food, coupled with the fact that Liu Ying had to have her blood drained twice.
Even though he was a mage with a physique superior to that of ordinary people, he was already nearing his limit.
At this moment, my mind relaxed, and all the fatigue that had been forcibly suppressed burst forth instantly.
I need to get some sleep to recharge.
Since I can't understand the ancient characters on the wall or do anything before I adapt to the magic, I might as well rest and conserve my energy.
However, in stark contrast to Gaode's exhaustion, Liuying, despite also being physically exhausted, remained in high spirits.
Those beautiful blue eyes showed no sign of weariness, but rather a hint of curiosity as they examined the runes around them.
This indicates that Liu Ying is at least a fourth-ring mage.
The Fourth Ring Road is a significant watershed on the path of a Buddhist monk.
Once a mage reaches this level, their brain will be highly developed, forming a special state of dual-zone rotation:
Most physiological activities only require the use of a small portion of the brain, while the other portion can enter a deep rest.
And so on and on.
The simultaneous operation of both zones is only necessary when facing high-intensity combat or complex operations.
This unique brain structure allows mages at the fourth ring level and above to break through human physiological limits, maintaining abundant energy for extended periods without needing sleep.
This allows mages to break through human physiological limits and no longer need rest.
"I'm going to take a nap, I'm so tired." Gao De rubbed his sore eyes, which were already bloodshot, and his voice was thick with nasal tone.
Liu Ying nodded.
Gao De looked around and finally his gaze fell on a relatively clean spot in the corner of the stone tower.
The dust there was thinner than elsewhere, and there was a protruding black stone nearby with a relatively flat surface, which could be used as a backrest.
He walked over and gently swept the dust off the ground with his foot, trying to create a flat area.
After doing all this, Gao De could no longer hold on. He leaned against the black stone, closed his eyes, and let himself drift into sleep.
Gaode was awakened by a slight gust of air.
That was the lingering echo of the withered wind outside the stone tower, seeping in through the cracks in the stone door.
He slowly opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was the runes on the stone wall that were shimmering with light.
The soul runes, though intricate in their hazy appearance, did not evoke a sense of oppression.
Gaode moved his finger.
I felt that all the fatigue in my body had vanished without a trace.
The previously tense muscles became relaxed and strong, and the mind became incredibly clear. The confusion caused by anxiety and fatigue completely disappeared, and the energy was abundant.
Sufficient sleep is indeed the best restorative agent.
He sat up, bracing himself against the cold black stone floor, and turned to meet a pair of eyes as clear as sapphires.
Liu Ying sat quietly beside him, keeping a distance of about two fingers. Her long golden hair fell over her shoulders, making her face appear even whiter.
Her gaze was fixed intently on Gao De's face.
It was as if they were observing a novel treasure, or as if they simply had nothing else to do but stare at it.
Upon noticing that he had woken up, Liu Ying's eyes instantly lit up.
"Are you thirsty?" Gao De asked.
"I'm not that thirsty." Liu Ying thought about it seriously for a moment, then shook her head.
That means I'm a little thirsty.
Gao De couldn't help but smile. Just as he was about to say something more, a strong sense of hunger suddenly surged up like a tide, instantly taking over his senses.
My throat was so dry it felt like it was on fire, and every swallow was accompanied by a slight stinging pain, even worse than when I was dehydrated before.
My stomach felt empty, as if countless tiny hands were scratching at it. I was starving, which made me dizzy and lightheaded, and my limbs felt weak.
Previously, due to high levels of mental stress and exhaustion, these physiological needs were forcibly suppressed. Now, with abundant energy, the hunger and thirst have erupted completely, becoming so intense that it is almost unbearable.
Especially thirst, it feels like there's a fire burning in my throat, and I desperately need liquid to extinguish it.
If the fireflies can drink his blood, does he want to turn around and drink the fireflies' blood in return?
Feeling his body's terrible condition, Gao De couldn't help but frown.
He subconsciously focused his mind and paid attention to the adaptive situation.
[After prolonged exposure to the persistent corrosive effects of the Soul-Destroying Toxin, your soul instinctively begins to condense, compress, and strengthen itself to resist this relentless erosion. Your soul's solidity increases by 67.9%, and your soul healing ability increases by 73.5%.]
[With external magic completely severed, your internal mana has fallen into a state of stagnation. Your body has activated its emergency adaptation mechanism, beginning to attempt to find new ways to circulate mana on its own. Your internal mana circulation ability has increased by 63.1%. Your body is gradually accepting the state without magic, and the stress response caused by magic withdrawal will gradually lessen. Your adaptation to the state without magic has increased by 78.9%.]
Even while he was asleep, [Adaptive] never stopped adapting.
And he clearly slept for quite a while.
As a result, compared to before going to sleep, the progress of adapting to magic-free mode has made a huge leap.
Such a big improvement
With a thought, Gao De immediately tried to mobilize his magic power once again.
This time, the magic power in the pool, which had been stagnant like ice, began to ripple.
Although still weak, it is no longer completely uncontrollable; instead, it can slowly flow along the main magical energy channels, transmitting a wisp of magical power.
After assessing the situation, Gao De concluded that this amount of magical power was sufficient to allow him to cast a spell.
He had anticipated the first spell he would cast in this magic-free plane.
[Water Creation Technique+]
It must be this life-saving spell.
Moreover, it must be [Water Creation Technique+].
After the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow skill points were allocated, this original 0-ring spell was given a special effect: the first time it is cast each day, a liquid will be randomly generated.
The guaranteed option is "honey water".
In fact, the probability of this guaranteed outcome is as high as 99%.
After leaving the Duchy of Sien, he was so busy with various matters that he neither persisted in nor had the means to have a daily session. However, he would still have a session whenever he had free time.
The result was that almost all of them were honey water.
There were a few minor changes, but they were just some other drinks, nothing surprising.
But for the two who were short of water and food at that moment, the honey water that Gaode had always disliked was a lifesaver and the biggest surprise.
It not only quenches thirst, but the natural sugars it contains can also quickly replenish energy and relieve hunger, killing two birds with one stone.
However, there is still a practical problem to solve: containers.
The desolate and barren Soul Realm was filled with withered bones and ashes; not even a complete stone bowl could be found, let alone a container to hold water.
After a moment's thought, Gao De reached for the black leather bag hanging at his waist.
That was the bag he used to carry his personal belongings. It was made of excellent material and was waterproof, so he didn't have to worry about the items inside getting wet even in a downpour. It came in handy right now.
Thinking this, Gao De immediately hooked his fingertips on the knot of the leather bag, gently pulled it open, and then took out the contents one by one.
Among the items were a broken watch face he had previously obtained by gambling on antiques in the City of Glory, several magic fire gun bullets, and the most numerous were the badges of the magic academy he had acquired during his nationwide tour of battles.
After quickly emptying the bag and confirming that there were no remaining items inside, Gaode opened the empty bag, shook it with the opening facing down, and ensured that it was dry and clean.
Having done all this, he no longer hesitated. He took a deep breath, focused his mind, and mobilized the faint magical power that had just been revived within his body.
The next instant, a faint fluctuation of magical power emanated from his fingertips.
Immediately afterwards, a humid mist rose in the air.
A thick, amber-colored liquid appeared out of nowhere and slowly flowed out of his palm.
The sweet aroma of honey instantly filled the air, carrying the pure fragrance of natural nectar, refreshing and invigorating, instantly filling every corner of the stone tower.
"It's honey water!" Gao De was overjoyed and quickly brought the open leather bag to his palm, letting the amber liquid slowly flow into the bag.
The liquid was thick and smooth, with a slight viscosity, and made a soft gurgling sound as it fell into the leather bag.
The bag quickly swelled up, reaching its maximum capacity.
Although the effects of the [Water Creation+] spell had not yet ended and the remaining honey water was still being generated, there was no other container to hold it, so God had no choice but to terminate the spell with a thought.
The magical energy emanating from his palm dissipated, and the moisture in the air gradually dissipated, leaving only a lingering, sweet fragrance.
Gao De picked up the leather bag and shook it; it felt heavy and reassuring.
Unable to suppress the dryness in his throat any longer, Gao De tilted his head back slightly and took a big gulp.
The sweet honey water glides down your throat, with just the right amount of sweetness and smoothness, without being cloying at all. Its coolness is accompanied by a rich floral honey aroma, instantly soothing your burning throat.
Natural sugars are quickly absorbed by the body.
A warm current slid down my esophagus into my stomach, and my previously empty stomach felt a faint warmth, relieving most of my hunger.
“It’s honey water. Here, have a sip.” Gao De turned his head and whispered to Liu Ying, handing her the heavy leather bag.
Liu Ying took the heavy leather bag with both hands, and without minding that Gao De had just drunk from it, she took small sips from the bag.
"You're amazing." Then, she looked up at Gao De and said with utmost seriousness.
Her praise was straightforward and pure.
Because Liu Ying genuinely believes that Gaode is truly remarkable.
He possesses blood that can heal injuries and detoxify, along with exceptional swordsmanship and excellent physical fitness.
It can protect itself from being harmed by the withered soul servants, and now it can even cast spells in the unmagic plane, although they are just rather insignificant little spells.
Aside from the fact that some people like to hold hands too much, which Liu Ying doesn't quite understand, everything else about Gaode is absolutely positive in Liu Ying's eyes.
Well, actually, liking to hold hands is a positive thing for her.
“My ability is special. Even in the desolate and barren Soul Domain, the sealed magic power within me can slowly loosen. Once my magic power recovers a bit more, I will be able to understand those ancient characters,” Gao De explained softly.
"At that time, perhaps we will be able to find a way to leave this place."
Liu Ying nodded vigorously, her voice firm: "Okay."
As for now
With plenty of energy and the survival issue temporarily resolved, casting [Language Proficiency] to read ancient texts will require waiting for further recovery of mana.
There was nothing to do for a while.
Since that's the case, let's continue holding hands.
Liu Ying put down the water bag and then handed it back to Gao De.
Gao De took the water bag and put it aside. Then, without any preamble or reason, he took Liu Ying's hand in a completely natural and unfazed manner.
This time, he didn't even bother with the so-called superficial formalities.
Just like that, directly take the other person's hand.
Because he always felt that Liu Ying should have noticed his deliberate touching when they held hands several times before, but she didn't seem to mind at all.
He who eats another's food is bound to do so.
She had just drunk her own water, so she should be treating herself very well at that moment.
So Gaode immediately decided to take advantage of this opportunity to test whether it was true.
(End of this chapter)