Chapter 245: Prototype Spells and Derivative Spells
I originally thought I would spend more time with Sister Bai, but she had her own matters to attend to, and I received a few greetings from Teacher Ji as well.
So, in the end, I had no choice but to part ways with Sister Bai. After all, it was her final year of formal study at the academy. Even though she said she wasn’t in a hurry and that she could continue at the academy after graduation, it was evident that she cared a lot about it.
As for the topic… I really don’t know what it’s about.
But compared to that, I was more curious about what Teacher Ji wanted when she called for me. Could it be that rewards were going to be distributed so soon?
That seemed a bit too fast.
“You’re here, great. Just take a seat,” Teacher Ji said casually when she saw me enter through the door.
“Um, Teacher Ji, did you call me over for something?” I asked.
“Of course, it’s about further details regarding the exchange competition. It was inconvenient to talk about it at the arena, but now it’s more appropriate,” Teacher Ji explained as she opened a barrier spell. Normally, when Teacher Ji takes this action, it’s highly likely related to the so-called fortune script.
“Before we get into the main topic, let’s chat a bit about other matters. During the exchange competition, I noticed you had developed some new techniques in using the spellbook. That totally exceeded what the spellbook could typically accomplish. What are your thoughts on these techniques?”
“Thoughts… thoughts?”
I asked in confusion, not knowing why Teacher Ji was asking me this. Surely, this wouldn’t be something to record for credentials, would it?
“Just say whatever comes to mind. I see you haven’t explored this systematically; I’m just curious how you would describe this ability, what are your thoughts, and what do you plan to do next?”
“Uh… I was thinking of modifying the spellbook to achieve more effects, making it applicable in various environments. After all, while my spellbook looks vast, it’s complex, and many instances don’t yield significant results…”
“Go on, it’s fine. Just think of me as a listener. Share your journey in accomplishing these techniques. I must say you’ve accomplished something remarkable, but I need to guide you in the right direction and understanding, so I need to know your thoughts first.”
“Well… in that case, I’ll be straightforward. The techniques I have mastered are all modifications targeted at basic spellbooks. There are three in total. The first one I named ‘Floating’… it’s that kind of spell effect that follows the released spell; the second is ‘Resonance,’ relying on the spellbook to resonate with pure elements, corresponding to material aspects; the third is ‘Focal Point,’ a method of compressing energy spells into a single point for concentrated release, used for armor-breaking, initially targeting dwarven sacred shields.”
“Do you refer to these three techniques as universal techniques for foundational energy manipulation spells?” Teacher Ji confirmed.
“Yes, theoretically they should be applicable. I just haven’t had the chance to try them all out yet… These techniques can even be combined together.”
“I see the Floating and Focal Point techniques. Very creative ideas,” Teacher Ji commented positively. “Do you have anything else to add?”
“Um… I found that the Resonance technique works remarkably well in the Rain of Fire spell; I want to know, does the higher the consumption of a spellbook lead to a higher ceiling, allowing for more techniques like mine to be utilized?”
“It seems I underestimated you. Have you already researched the Rain of Fire spell? Your studies seem quite advanced, but I need to correct you on one point: strictly speaking, it’s not the consumption that determines the ceiling, but the level of the spellbook. Typically, people link spellbook levels with consumption limits, but that only applies to some.”
At this point, Teacher Ji shook her head and continued.
“When the Witch Academy was established, spellbooks were not categorized into basic, medium, or excessive consumption. These distinctions were made for convenience by the early students to differentiate the value of spellbooks, and it has persisted. While convenient and easy to understand, and generally applicable, we have temporarily accepted this since students aren’t extraordinary, nor do they possess the level of Spirit Vision that you have. The true strength of a spellbook is determined by its internal structure and runes, and they can’t distinguish them very well.
“You must have noticed that some spellbooks have low consumption but are extremely practical, while others have high consumption yet can only achieve very ordinary tasks.”
“Yes, that’s true,” I nodded.
For example, Illusionary Clones and the Teleportation Summoning Spell are indeed impressive, but techniques like Flesh Healing and the Elemental Sprite’s protection are mediocre despite their high consumption. Perhaps such high consumption spells can be deemed special, but in essence, they only provide a limited effect, while the consumption is quite substantial.
“It would be best if you understand this: if you want to know the specific classification of spellbook levels, you need to master Rune Literature first, as it’s only through this understanding that you can comprehend how the hierarchy of spellbooks composed of ritual runes is divided.”
“Anything else? If not, then the next part is my teaching lecture.”
“Um… nothing for now.”
I shook my head, saying that I actually had many trivial questions, but none were urgent. I hadn’t realized I could get confused until specific situations arose, but since Teacher Ji was teaching me, it must be new knowledge I hadn’t encountered before. Thus, that should be the focus. Knowing this new area of knowledge might enable me to learn independently, right?
Of course, it might also lead to even more questions.
“Alright then.” Teacher Ji shook her head and continued.
“Regarding that topic we just discussed, the techniques you have mastered—be it modifications or others—at this point, I need to supplement a concept for you: prototype spells and derivative spells. The vast majority of spells in the world can be classified into these two categories. It’s quite simple, right?”
“Yes, indeed,” I nodded.
“These two types of spells further evolved into prototype spellbooks and derivative spellbooks.”
“This is easy to understand. A prototype spellbook is constructed using prototype spells, while the definition of prototype spells is somewhat chaotic, meaning there hasn’t been a stable conclusion. Still, it generally refers to the initial spells created, like the Fireball Spell.”
“And derivative spells are those that derive from prototype spells. They are offspring of prototype spells but come from them and stand independently. For example, your floating technique for the Fireball Spell can be called the Floating Fireball Spell, which is a derivative of the Fireball Spell. That’s why I said the technique you mastered has already transcended the boundaries of the original spellbook. If you had truly mastered the True Editing technique, you could directly create a powerful independent derivative spell distinct from the Fireball Spell.”
“I see…” Teacher Ji made it sound simple and easy to understand, and I was able to grasp the concept. However, I then remembered something else. “So, the spells I modified previously could also be made into derivative spells, right?”
“That idea isn’t quite right. The modifications you made previously were just minor tweaks. Things like improving magic power conversion efficiency for the Fireball Spell or multiple Fireball Spells are techniques. This leads us to another concept: Extended Spells. Extended spells originate from prototype spells but do not stand independently, so they fall within the category of prototype spells.”
“So extended spells are also prototype spells, right? They just express the prototype spells differently.” After realizing this, I spoke up.
“Exactly! For example, Fireball Spell, Fire Blade Spell, and Explosive Flame Spell all belong to the same category of prototype spells. I recall you have the Fireball Spell and Explosive Flame Spell, right? Even though they’ve been made into two different spellbooks with distinct consumption levels, they are still prototype spells. That’s why I said the definition of prototype spells is somewhat ambiguous; just understand it like that,” Teacher Ji explained patiently.
“So, the techniques I stumbled upon accidentally are akin to touching on the effects of spell derivation? It’s just that I haven’t mastered the ability of true editing, preventing me from distinguishing those derivative spells, correct?”
“That’s the idea.” Teacher Ji nodded. “Also, I need to mention something. You should have more than these three techniques; you are also trying to explore a fourth technique, right?”
“Eh? You noticed that?” I scratched my head and asked with a smile.
“You threw away the spellbook because you wanted to explore that technique under those circumstances, right? Generally, students might not pick up on it, but the teachers are observant. Have you had any thoughts on that extended spell?”
“Uh… no, not yet. I have no leads, but I feel it involves runes… some things can’t be rushed.”
“Indeed, it can’t be rushed. It’s not just about runes. Let me ask you this: are you planning on attempting to derive the fourth type in a domain context? The inspiration comes from the Rain of Fire spell?”
“Eh? You can tell that too?” I was surprised.
“Of course! Your thought process is clearly reflected in your actions. I must warn you in advance: the concept of a domain is not something that can be approached at a non-extraordinary level. In other words, your inspiration regarding the Rain of Fire, that’s not a true domain. If you only try to replicate it, you’ll merely be imitating, which could obstruct you when you step into the extraordinary later on.”
“Ah? Is it that serious?”
I was shocked by Teacher Ji’s words, but I was also astonished to learn that the Rain of Fire spell isn’t a true domain?
Then… the concept of a domain might be more advanced than I imagined. After all, if raining fire is a domain, then creating countless fireballs to rain down wouldn’t it also count as a domain?
“Things are even more serious than you anticipated. In any case, set aside your exploration of domains for now. If you’re merely exploring methods similar to domains or derivatives, I have no objections because the existence of the Rain of Fire spell proves the feasibility of derivative domains. The Rain of Fire spell is also a derivative spell, inspired by the concept of flames raining down.”
It’s precisely because domain spells lie somewhere between true domains and non-domains that they have significant reference and exploration value for advancing to actual domains. Thus, the value of domain-type spells is exceptionally high; that’s why Lina previously mentioned that this isn’t a toy for new students.
However, Teacher Ji did not intend to reveal this to Xiao Han, believing Xiao Han didn’t need such revelations as she had already reached that level and could discover those things herself.
Furthermore, saying it now would only mean revealing her own efforts. Other than adding pressure, it would serve no purpose, so she preferred to keep quiet.
“Oh… I understand.”
I nodded, hoping not to overthink things but to continue the exploration, effectively receiving a warning while also taking responsibility for the consequences.
“Good to understand. Now we’re getting to the main topic. You know what this means, right?”
“Um… script? Fortune?”
I looked at the fortune entwined around me; I seemed to have accidentally given away a bit to that little catgirl, while Yao Beijuan had solidly blocked any further from me, and Achir seemed to have acquired his independently, though the means of acquisition weren’t clear…
“Exactly! This exchange competition is a contest that gathers, condenses, and contends for fortune. I’ve mentioned this to you before.”
“Yes.”
“You’ve stepped into this whirlpool, but your performance has been outstanding!”
“Yes, I promised you, Teacher, that I would go all out.” I nodded.
Although throughout this process, I had indeed softened and spared many, such as those cute catgirls and that one elf, and many chances for slaughter had been passed over.
But overall, I still aligned with the logic of going all out.
“You remember! That’s right! You really are impressive. In this exchange competition, every academy has new students, and the powers they wield won’t be very strong. Massacres and overwhelming situations are inevitable, and I am very satisfied with your performance,” Teacher Ji said with a smile.
This wasn’t merely satisfaction; it was downright witch-like. If viewed from the perspective of the Void, when Xiao Han steps into it, influences from the Void would indeed suffer, and the reputation of witches might even leap to a new level.
“Then… do you know what the consequences of being number one are?”
“Um… I don’t know… wait? First? Wasn’t I second?”
“Tan Han was deeply impacted after you left and didn’t earn any more points. You could see in the livestream that she was still in second place.”
“Deeply… impacted? Wait, ah?” I looked at Teacher Ji in disbelief, thinking: Could Tan Han also be the type to be deeply impacted? Or did my words not reach Tan Han, leading her to become dispirited?
It couldn’t be!
After all, she is the Child of Fortune, the script’s protagonist. Even if she’s no longer the only one, she shouldn’t fall to such a level, right?
“I’m just joking. That strike of yours completely defeated Tan Han. She felt unworthy to be the first, so you are indeed the first. Do you understand?”
“Uh… that Tan Han…”
“I don’t care what you think. At this moment, they’re likely still holding a tea party, perhaps it’s even ended. But the exchange competition hasn’t concluded yet. So, once everything is finished, you’ll be the true first. Do you know what that means?”
“What?” I asked instinctively.
“Let me ask you again, what is the purpose of this exchange competition?”
“To contend for fortune,” I replied, but quickly realized, “Wait, fortune won’t be counted on me, right?”
“Correct! Fortune will be counted on the first place! Not just for individuals but also for the academy! Those academies were afraid of only a personal leaderboard where Tan Han would be far ahead, which is why they set up an academy leaderboard to distribute fortune. Even if Tan Han were to monopolize the top spot, the academy leaderboard could still divert some fortune away.”
“But both personal and academy first places belong to the Witch Academy, right?” I interjected.
“That’s right! The first academy in the leaderboard is the Witch Academy, and that portion of the fortune will be counted for the Witch Academy under our workings. The issue now is that the personal fortune will be counted on you. You are a specific individual and cannot transfer that fortune to someone else. Do you get it? And most importantly, you are not a Child of Fortune yet. Without a Fortune Seed to carry the power of fortune, you will become the center of contention for all the Children of Fortune! You’ve gotten yourself into big trouble! Xiao Han~”
“This… I… huh?” At that moment, I was bewildered by the situation. Was I backstabbed by Tan Han and then faced with trouble?
Indeed, being around Tan Han seemed to bring constant trouble!
“But it’s alright; you’re officially a member of the Witch Academy. Be grateful; other academies wouldn’t dare do anything to you. So just like that, you’ve transformed from a massive disaster into something that everyone wants to compete for! Do you understand?”
“I don’t understand.” I looked at Teacher Ji blankly.
“If you don’t understand, it’s fine. But right now, you are merely a vessel carrying fortune. You should be aware that your fortune has been divided before, right? That catgirl and your little ex-girlfriend, but you were quite heartless; she didn’t manage to take it and you pulled it back.”
“Um… Teacher, you all know about it…” I felt a bit embarrassed and scratched my head.
“Of course, but that’s not your fault. In any case, you need to know that while your own fortune cannot operate like the academies’ fortune attributed to a specific person, it can still be taken away. Do you understand?”
“I understand.”
“Since you understand, then you should know what to do next, right?”
“Um… what to do?” I stared at Teacher Ji blankly, my eyes reflecting a clear kind of foolishness to her.
“Simply decide whether to continue bearing this great trouble or shake it off. Fortune can be unbearable for ordinary people. While it may bring plenty of benefits, it also comes with corresponding or even greater costs.”
“So how do I relinquish it?” I asked.
“There are many methods: lose, compromise, give up, or fail… But all these need a certain format, much like a confrontation or an exchange competition. You can view this behavior as a kind of ritual required for the transfer of fortune.”
“Uh… hold a confrontation competition? That sounds like a hassle!”
“Don’t limit yourself to that. But the scale must be large, the visibility high, and the participation must be extensive. Once these conditions are met, as long as you fail, all will be in vain, and the goal will be achieved: the fortune taken away, and the format of the match has no restrictions.”
“No restrictions?” I asked in confusion.
“To give an absurd example, the Witch Academy can help you hold a Rock-Paper-Scissors exchange competition in your name. The heat will be high, the hype sufficient, and many academies will participate, broadening the influence, many Children of Fortune participating. Even if they gather subconsciously for the fortune or through teachers encouraging them to join, even such an absurd format like a guessing game could work. Do you realize how ridiculous this is?”
“Ah?”
