NOVEL NEXT Chapter 136: Magic Lessons
The Farrell family library was quite spacious. It was a hall with dozens of shelves, stretching high into the ceiling.
With just a glance, Van could tell that they were all important books for Magic Studies.
Some Ancient Tomes had their spines embossed with gold-leaf titles, while some of them seemed normal. However, as he used his Ocularis Lens to record the titles of the books, he confirmed that most of them were indeed related to mana, spells, combat, history, and some advanced magic studies like crafting, formations, alchemy, elemental studies, and others.
At this time, Van just stood at attention by the door, his posture was perfectly still like an experienced guard…
However, even if that was the case, his Ocularis Lens was silently recording everything within the library.
At the center of the library, Lady Julia sat at a wooden desk while her legs were swinging impatiently beneath her chair.
Across from her, Renji—the battlemage—leaned against the desk, and his usual scowling face had softened slightly.
"Alright, brat," Renji grunted, tapping a thick textbook—Fundamentals of Mana Theory.
"Let's review what you should already know."
Julia rolled her eyes but obediently opened her notebook.
They started reviewing the Mana Breathing Cycles.
Renji placed a hand on his stomach, just below the ribs.
"Mana isn't just in the air—it's also in you. The first step is learning to draw it in, cycle it, mix it into your own mana, and store it. You're already aware of it, and you can do it every day… However, you can store mana even if you're not doing the correct Breathing Cycle… It sounds great, but it means that you might also have issues with the purity of Mana you're absorbing..."
Renji then demonstrated... Soon, he inhaled deeply—four seconds—holding for seven, then exhaling for eight. Just like that, the surrounding mana or the ambient mana was absorbed.
"Your turn."
Julia understood it and mimicked his breathing, but her rhythm was erratic. After three attempts, only a faint haze of mana was absorbed by her body…
"Try it again…" Renji said. "You're forcing it. Mana isn't a dog you can yank by the leash. It's a river. You don't fight the current—you have to guide it."
Van's Ocularis Lens, on the other hand, had noted something really important.
[ Julia's lung capacity is insufficient for optimal cycling. Suggestion: Adjust the ratio to 3-5-6 for her age. ]
However, Van just remained silent.
He simply listened as he knew his position very well. Even if he wanted to, perhaps control his 'master' for his future, it wasn't the right time just yet.
In any case, the lesson continued, and they soon started studying the Spellcasting Fundamentals…
'Is she remembering all of this?' Van mused. After all, it seemed quite difficult for a seven-year-old to study all of this.
He could only imagine that perhaps Magicians had higher intelligence, allowing them to easily learn Spells or Magic.
Anyway, Renji flipped open the textbook to a worn page.
"All spells follow the same structure: Intent, Incantation, Release."
He held up a finger for each point…
"Intent. It's to visualize the spell's effect clearly. Incantation is the set of words to shape the mana, and lastly, the Release of the spell that also controls the flow to avoid backlash."
Julia nodded as she knew this already.
"Most young magicians screw up the first step…" Renji said bluntly. "They think chanting louder makes the spell stronger. It doesn't. Precision does."
To demonstrate, he recited a Zero-Circle "Light" spell with three different intonations:
With a rushed spellcasting, the light sputtered and died.
An over-enunciated spellcasting made the light flare too brightly, nearly blinding Julia.
Then, the balanced spellcasting gave a steady glow emanating from his palm.
Van couldn't help but gently nod, seeing Renji's teaching method. It was certainly a lot better than the teachers in the Tower.
"See? Now you try." Renji said to Julia.
Julia frowned at this but she still complied. Her first two attempts failed. On the third, a dim light flickered weakly before fading.
Renji smirked. "At least you're not completely hopeless."
Of course, Van's Ocularis Lens, continued to provide suggestions even without being asked.
[ Julia's mental focus drifts after 8 seconds. Recommended training: Meditation exercises to extend the concentration span. ]
'Meditation, huh… I guess that's true…' Van thought as he silently listened to the Magic Class. The two continued with the same topic as Renji wasn't easily satisfied as well.
Nonetheless, the lesson didn't end there.
After this topic, they continued studying Spell Usage and Magician's Etiquette as well.
"Now, we'll study a bit of a real lesson. You're a Farrell. That means every spell you cast isn't just yours—it's also a statement of status."
He snapped his fingers, and a tiny Mana Bullet shot past Julia's ear, close enough to ruffle her hair. She was obviously shocked.
"Now…" Renji said coolly, "This is how many magicians fight. Reckless and wasteful."
Another snap. This time, the bullet he manifested curved mid-air, circling Julia a couple of times before dissolving.
"And that is how a noble of the Farrel Family uses their spells… There's control, elegance, and commands fear."
Julia was unable to reply and simply nodded.
Van's Ocularis Lens then gave another comment as it was able to analyze Renji's Spellcasting just now.
[ Spell manipulation indicates advanced mana control—at least beyond Two-Circle. Renji is possibly suppressing his true capability. ]
'Noted…' Van thought as he already expected this much from the Mage Guard that the Archmage assigned to protect the house.
After some time, as the class was about to end, Renji tossed Julia a small brass bell.
"Your assignment. Use Magic Hand to ring it without touching it. Once you can do that ten times in a row, we'll move on."
Julia groaned but set the bell on the desk. She was planning to practice immediately...
As for Van, he found this method quite interesting.
It seemed that Renji was actually watching Julia's training a while ago. This way, he was able to plan a perfect training or assignment.