Carl concealed the true situation.
He had indeed lost consciousness, but only for a brief period.
Before the raging fire could consume everything, he had regained consciousness, casually searched Miles's body, and obtained this Gemstone Ring from the corpse.
As a noble, he had the privilege of not being searched, so it had remained hidden on his person and undiscovered.
But this could not escape the perception of an Advanced Wizard Apprentice.
"A Demonized Item."
Adolf took the ring. Gently caressing the gemstone, a look of regret appeared in his eyes. "It's been enhanced with the Zero-Circle Magic, Banshee's Howl, capable of deterring beings below the Knight level, and even somewhat effective against Knights themselves. Unfortunately, it's somewhat damaged and might not be usable many more times."
Compared to when Carl had initially obtained it, the azure gem was much duller and had several cracks on its surface.
Utilizing a Demonized Item to perform witchcraft would consume its durability.
"For this Demonized Item, I can offer two Magic Stones, or..." Adolf began, "exchange it for a Zero-Circle Magic."
"I choose witchcraft," Carl replied immediately.
"A wise choice." Adolf nodded. He took out a piece of parchment and pointed to it. "You can choose one from here."
Carl bowed his head to look at the parchment.
It listed six types of witchcraft: Arcane Missile, Lesser Mage's Hand, Lesser Spell Force Field, Poisoning Spell, Dazing Spell, and a Paralysis Spell.
Only their names were given.
"Tutor," Carl began, frowning. "Could you introduce these types of witchcraft?"
Based solely on the names, he could only guess their purposes, unsure of their mastery difficulty, specific power, or effects. And some of the witchcraft names were not easy to guess.
"Carl." Adolf gently shook his head. "This is your first lesson: in the world of Wizards, all knowledge comes at a price. Including introductions to witchcraft."
Clearly, he was not planning to provide explanations without compensation.
"This..." Carl knitted his brows. After pondering for a moment, he said, "When I fought Miles, an invisible force protected him. I want to learn that witchcraft."
At that time, Miles had performed three types of witchcraft. One was applying a sharp halo to his blade, which could easily cut through flesh. The second was an invisible force field capable of distorting attacks and affecting others. The third was a mental attack performed using a Demonized weapon.
Compared to the other two, Carl was more interested in mastering the second, as that type of witchcraft could save his life; surviving danger was key.
"You are very astute." Adolf highly appreciated Carl's response. "That witchcraft is called Lesser Spell Force Field. It's the best value among these six Zero-Circle Magics, and you can learn corresponding advanced witchcraft later."
"Tim!"
"Tutor," Tim stepped forward.
"Take him to get the witchcraft book," Adolf commanded. Then, turning to Carl, he added, "By the witness of the Nine Rings Tower, any witchcraft learned from me cannot be taught to others without my permission, until my life ends."
Although he didn't mention the consequences of teaching the witchcraft to others without authorization, they would likely be unpleasant.
"Yes," the two responded in unison.
As they left the side hall, Tim led the way, commenting, "Once you're familiar, you'll find that the Tutor is actually easy to talk to. Don't think he's too harsh."
"Not at all," Carl shook his head. "I think this is quite good."
If a stranger were overly friendly, he would instead be suspicious of their intentions. Adolf handled things transactionally, which was beyond reproach.
"That's good then." Tim nodded and stopped in front of a wall where a painting hung, depicting an elegantly dressed, dignified woman.
"Jina," he spoke to the portrait, "please open the door."
"Tim, it's been some days." As Carl watched in astonishment, the woman in the painting animated her eyes and waved at him. "Young man, you're new!"
"This... this..." Carl's eyes went wide as he stammered, "The painting is talking?"
"Ignorant," the woman in the painting rolled her eyes and said. "I am a magic servant, created by a real Wizard's spell-casting, and I am Adolf's heirloom. It seems you've just touched the surface of the Wizard world."
"Yes," Tim nodded. "Carl is a student recently taken on by the Tutor. I'm here to help him pick up some books."
"Alright then!" The woman in the painting shrugged and, with a slight wave of her hand toward the side, the wall itself moved aside, revealing an opulent study that could rival a library.
Witnessing such a scene for the first time, Carl stood there stunned, walking forward as if pulled by strings.
"General Introduction to Force Field Knowledge, Arcane Principles, Universal Rules for Wizards, and also Deep Sea Meditation Method." Tim pulled books one by one from the shelf and stacked them in Carl's arms. "Wizards seek knowledge, truth. Each Wizard has a study—someday you will have one too."
"Hmm!" Carl grunted, looking at the books in his hands, each as thick as a large dictionary, his face bitter. "I don't have to learn all of these, do I?"
How long would that take?
"You may not master them, but you must know them," Tim said seriously. "Neither Meditation Methods nor witchcraft tolerate any carelessness. Otherwise, it might not just be your own life at stake."
"Don't find it too troublesome. Later you can learn speed writing to help with your studies and save time. But remember, remembering is one thing, and understanding is another; there is a big difference between the two."
"Then..." Carl frowned. "Generally speaking, how long does it take to learn a witchcraft spell?"
"That varies from person to person." Tim paused, tapping his walking stick before replying, "Some people might learn a Zero-Circle Magic in a few months, while others might take several years. Some might never master one in their lifetime."
"Like me... The first spell I learned was Arcane Missile, which took me a full half year. The second one went much faster with experience."
"Ah!" Carl stared in disbelief.
He had not anticipated it taking so long; it appeared learning witchcraft was much more complex than mastering swordsmanship.
"You needn't rush learning witchcraft now," Tim said. "First, learn the Meditation Method. Once you have a basic grasp of it and your spiritual power is stable, then you'll be qualified to learn witchcraft."
"Let's go!"
"Tim... Senior Brother Tim," Carl said, hurrying to keep up. "How long will it take to get started with the Meditation Method?"
"Talent varies, so the time needed varies as well," Tim explained casually. Unlike his Tutor Adolf, who always brought up money, Tim seemed to consider this common knowledge for any Wizard Apprentice. "For a first-tier talent, it takes at most half a month to get started; for a second-tier, at least two to three months. My talent is third-tier, and back then, it took me a year to get started with the Meditation Method."
Carl fell silent. Although Tim hadn't specified how long it would take for a fourth-tier talent, it was clear it would take even longer than for a third-tier. His expression turned extremely unpleasant.
"Don't worry," Tim reassured, seeing his troubled look. "I was very young when I learned the Meditation Method, hardly understanding anything. Adults have stronger comprehension abilities, so it should presumably take less time. Maybe you could master the Meditation Method in a few months. Besides, talent only matters at the Wizard Apprentice level; once you become an Official Wizard, it no longer matters."
Though he said so, he was merely trying to be comforting and didn't actually think Carl had a chance of becoming an Official Wizard. Fourth-tier talent... Only slightly better than the fifth-tier, which was barely enough to become a Wizard Apprentice. His potential was really too low!
Carl kept quiet.
On the way back, he carried a stack of books, his mind unsettled, a multitude of thoughts swirling.
The strange Wizard's Book! Mysterious Wizards! Miraculous witchcraft! Talking paintings!
It was like suddenly stepping into a wondrous world, scene after scene of unprecedented sights unfolding before his eyes.
No matter what, I possess a talent for becoming a Wizard that surpasses many others. I might as well try to practice the Meditation Method for now.
Carl was not discouraged.
Though his talent wasn't great, he had a Golden Finger, after all.