Chapter 11: Arcanum (2/2)

“Maybe your mental power is strong enough to study that arcanum.” Emery still hesitated to tell Claire to go search for that arcanum. It was dangerous to study Arcanum, because if your mental power was not strong enough, there would only be two outcomes: die slowly or die quickly!

“Teacher, what is it?” Claire became interested.

“Well, you know that all magic has forms. It doesn’t matter if it’s a magician or warrior, all their attacks are tangible. For magic, the longer the chant the more powerful the spell. At those times a warrior is needed to protect the magician. Of course, the Dou Qi of warriors also has forms.” Emery cleared his throat and said seriously, “But there is a kind of attack that is invisible and very hard to detect and defend against.”

“Really?” Claire was even more interested.

“That’s right,” Emery nodded, then added seriously, “But the learning risk is also higher.”

“Teacher, what is it?” Claire urged.

Emery didn’t speak, but looked around, took out a magic wand and waved it lightly in the air. A light blue circle rippled out and covered the entire room. Claire knew that this magic hood blocked all magic so no one could eavesdrop.

After finishing all these, Emery put away his wand and said in a low tone, “Mental Assault.”

Claire was dumbfounded. Mental Assault!

“Attacking a person’s mind directly has no tangible form and no way to detect beforehand.” Emery was very solemn. “Of course, it doesn’t affect those who are truly powerful, but to a normal person it is very effective.”

“In the worst cases, it can directly turn someone into a vegetable, and in best cases, the user would be conversely swallowed by magic and seriously injured,” Emery explained. “Of course, this kind of Arcanum is looked down by many people because they can’t grasp, use, or defend against this magic. So…”

“I understand, teacher.” A cold smile emerged from Claire’s lips. “Humans are always afraid of uncontrollable, foreign things. They then try to destroy them with all their might.1”

This time Emery was dumbfounded. Such a philosophical thought came from this young girl who was only thirteen!

“Teacher, how would I be able to learn such an Arcanum? Tell me please!” Claire’s eyes were filled with excitement and challenge.

“Okay.” Emery nodded. He didn’t think of Claire as a child now anymore, but as an adult. “I once had a friend who learned the Arcanum, but unfortunately, he didn’t comprehend the essence. So… ” Emery’s expression became heavy.

“Sorry, teacher, for reminding you of such a heartbreaking matter,” Claire guiltily apologized.

“No, Claire. I had urged him not to do so, but he didn’t listen.” Emery organized his emotions and continued on, “He hid the Arcanum in his secret chamber where he lives in seclusion, wishing I would go get it some day. But for me, I never want to touch it.”

Claire didn’t speak, listening intently.

“I will give you a map of his secluded retreat, it’s right in the middle of Gale Gorge. Use the summer break to go develop your skills there. Real life combat always overrules theories. The magical Beasts at the mouth of Gale Gorge are all pretty low level, and you have Jean as a companion, so I’m sure you’ll be fine. But remember, do not go deep into Gale Gorge. This, you must promise me, and only then will I give you the map.” Emery spoke to Claire in a solemn tone.

Claire felt very touched. She knew Emery had said this because he was worried for her.

Only after Claire nodded and solemnly promised to Emery did he pull out a map from his bosom and give it to Claire.

“You must be careful. When you come across a dangerous situation that you are unable to cope with, get Jean to shield you and immediately use the Space Teleportation Scroll, okay?” Emery warned again. Although he wouldn’t admit Claire was his disciple, he still treated her as if she were his only disciple.

“Teacher, don’t worry. I will definitely safely return,” Claire replied while smiling.

“Good.” Emery smiled and nodded.

When Claire suggested to use the summer break to go to Gale Gorge to train, Duke Gordan was extremely happy. The Hill family never had a pampered child! Only Katherine was really worried. Duke Gordan had to spend a lot of effort comforting her in order to make her concede. Claire’s two older brothers weren’t at home yet. One was still in his ligeance, and the other was in the imperial palace acting as the captain of the Griffin Squad. Her father was getting rid of problems at the frontier.

Without any ceremony, Duke Gordan gave Claire enough money and sent her and Jean off riding their horses, keeping everything low key.

So, on this refreshing morning, the two left on their horses. Nobody would believe that just outside the city gates, Claire would meet a person that would influence her greatly for the rest of her life.

1. [Quote by H.P. Lovecraft: The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown, especially of something that can cause serious injuries. Added by our hardworking Kiyoshi!!]