Chapter 175: Methods to Improve Learning Efficiency
After flying out on my broom, I felt a sense of relief. It seemed like today I was exceptionally unlucky, encountering the last person I wanted to meet.
Not long ago, I was thinking about how to help Hong Chanyi solve her ex-girlfriend problem, and now it was my turn to handle my own ex-girlfriend issue. What a stroke of bad luck.
It would be better to leave this place of turmoil as soon as possible. I didn’t even want to go back to the dormitory and headed straight to the laboratory instead. I had even ordered lunch delivery there.
However, it was clear that some matters couldn’t simply be avoided.
For instance, the morning competition was no longer the main topic of discussion at the academy. Instead, it was the Elemental Sprites from the Aphhemia Academy, who arrived first at the Witch Academy.
Many seniors seemed to be continuously commenting excitedly about those beautiful sprites with golden hair and pointy ears.
In fact, if you flipped through posts, it was quite rare to find any gossip about the handsome male sprites.
This sufficiently illustrated certain issues.
However, many first-year students still had a strong affinity for those male sprites. The seniors merely remarked that there were too few witches, lacking an understanding of girls’ beauty.
Meanwhile, our Class 14 group chat was filled with various photos of those sprites.
Initially, I thought those sprites came to the arena to watch the competition, but it turned out that was just a part of it. The newly arrived sprites at the Witch Academy seemed to be experiencing its culture, surrounded by many seniors. There were even one or two teachers leading them.
Moreover, there were more photos circulating in the viewing area of the arena, particularly featuring me and Yao Beijuan.
It was obvious that these were taken by a skilled newspaper club member or at least by some well-meaning bystander.
After all, it seemed quite a story that a student from Aphhemia Academy arrived at the Witch Academy specifically to meet someone.
People in the class group kept mentioning me.
And many gossipers directly messaged me, wanting to inquire about the situation, making it impossible for me to pretend I didn’t see. In the end, I just brushed them off with a familiar face excuse, but they were clearly dissatisfied with my evasive response. However, I couldn’t disclose any more information.
It was best to temporarily set that matter aside and handle it coolly, allowing them to speculate. Even if they made up some outrageous little story on the spot, I wouldn’t respond at all.
I would reappear after the situation calmed down.
Returning to the laboratory, I felt as relaxed as if I had returned home. Looking at the spacious classroom and touching the damned Earth Vein Operating System, oh, and check out this spellbook structure specimen that I had messed up. It all felt so familiar.
There was also the temporary solidification spell zone for experimenting with spell effects that Teacher Ji had set up for me.
Without hesitation, I cast an Elemental Sprite’s protection spell.
Of course, this spell was controlled, meaning it wouldn’t have the exaggerated effects it would in an actual competition.
I realized I didn’t quite understand this spell well enough. If I had to compare, when I was studying the Fireball Spell, I felt like I was exploring with an old phone, while this Elemental Sprite spellbook felt like a high-end computer where I had to consider many things. If I continued trying with the previous mindset, I might run into serious trouble, especially with structural changes.
It was like building an old phone, which could work no matter how you make it, but a computer is very precise, where changing one aspect requires careful confirmation of everything else.
Didn’t I previously ask Teacher Ji about that beneficial characteristic?
Even though Teacher Ji had explained it clearly, I still instinctively felt a bit confused. I felt like I was falling behind my own progress.
It felt like I was walking ahead alone, but the heaviest burden was myself.
It was okay… this situation probably wouldn’t last too long. Tomorrow, the final ten contestants would be revealed, followed by the announcement of the rewards for the finalists. By then, I might have a chance to obtain that spellbook which could improve my learning efficiency.
But I couldn’t put all my hopes in that; I should have other means too.
For example, I could look for related materials in the library. The extraordinary world surely has more than just spellbooks; there must be other methods.
Just as I thought about this, Teacher Ji came out of her office and approached me. It was evident that she had come over out of curiosity upon seeing me here instead of at the arena.
“What’s this? Even during this short lunch break, you’re so diligent in studying the spellbook? Aren’t you going to interact a bit with that little sprite?”
“Uh… Teacher Ji, please stop teasing me,” I said, rubbing my forehead.
“Teasing? The other party just arrived at the Witch Academy and quickly sought you out, so there’s definitely something going on. Many in the academy are speculating about your relationship,” she replied.
“Um…”
I didn’t respond to Teacher Ji’s repeated mention of the subject; she really had a knack for stirring the pot.
“Alright, I won’t joke around anymore.”
Teacher Ji realized she might have gone overboard, had a rough estimate in her mind, and decided to drop the topic. However, sensing the lingering aura of fortune, she felt relieved.
Teacher Ji clearly understood why the students from Aphhemia Academy came so quickly and couldn’t help but speculate about what had happened upon arrival.
However, it seemed that the other party hadn’t gained this easily accessible strand of fortune, and as for Tan Han, Teacher Lina was keeping an eye on her. At this stage, it would be tough for them to act.
Just a moment ago, she had also learned from Teacher Lina about the wager proposed by Tan Han.
This indicated that many things were developing in a favorable direction.
Teacher Ji looked at the Fire Elemental Sprite beside me and asked, “Are you planning to work on that spellbook again?”
“Hmm? Yes,” I quickly shifted focus at the mention of the spellbook. “Teacher, I have an idea: can spellbooks include nested spellbooks or parts of spell structures or ceremonies?”
“Of course, a spellbook can handle anything you want since it’s not an inconvenient item. As long as you have the skill, you can achieve even more incredible things,” Teacher Ji was surprised after hearing my idea.
Then, she firmly continued, “What do you mean by more incredible things?”
“Uh, I’m curious,” I asked, sensing she meant something else.
“Think for yourself, let your thoughts flow freely, and don’t limit yourself,” Teacher Ji gave no hints.
“Then, can I have this elemental sprite release spells?” I pointed at the Elemental Sprite beside me.
“Naturally, but don’t forget what I said about needing that skill. Don’t get too immersed in useless modifications; most attempts made that way are often a waste of time. Focus on refining your own skills and learning to summarize and apply what you learn instead of just pursuing your own path.”
“Sure…” I nodded reluctantly, but I only understood part of it, still grasping at straws.
“It seems you still don’t get it. Let me give you examples of some geniuses. Do you think modifying spellbooks is impressive?”
“It should be pretty impressive, right?” I said carefully, considering that such skills were probably unrivaled among my peers.
“You can’t just focus on this world. Do you remember what I told you about the Void outside this world? It’s a vast space. For geniuses, modifying spellbooks is just a daily routine. They grow through their battles, and each fight sparks new ideas. They directly modify, derive, and apply their spellbooks based on the circumstances of each battle. That’s the hallmark of a genius.”
“Simultaneously during combat? How is that possible?” I frowned, wondering how anyone could quickly find a new and correct direction for modifications.
Even I only tried to summarize shortcomings and explore directions after combat.
How could one act in the fleeting moment of a fight?
“Don’t declare something impossible at every turn. You must learn to acknowledge others’ excellence! But I believe you shouldn’t need reminding of that, right?”
“I understand, I was just curious how they manage to do it,” I said, lowering my head in contemplation. Such feats of genius likely stemmed from talent; only then could they accomplish things like that.
Is this the gap between lives?
“I’m glad to hear that you think this way. My intention wasn’t to discourage you but rather to hope you maintain a humble mindset on your path forward.” Teacher Ji was teaching me, yet she didn’t mention that her examples came from witches who hadn’t become Truth Witches yet.
Anyway, she was sure Little Han didn’t understand the Void, so wouldn’t the outside matters still be according to her?
“I understand,” I nodded and said, “Teacher, I have another question.”
“Go ahead,” Teacher Ji replied.
“Apart from spellbooks, are there other means to improve learning efficiency or assist in memory?”
“Of course there are. It seems you’re not that dull. I thought you’d just be waiting for the top ten rewards,” Teacher Ji smiled.
“Really!” I immediately asked with excitement, intending to ask but not expecting this result.
“What are they? Can I get them?”
“Don’t rush; there are many things that can assist with learning, such as potions and magical elixirs. There are categories for memory enhancement and increasing brain activity. However, every potion has its side effects, especially with extraordinary potions; the side effects could be even greater.”
“Additionally, there are alchemical items and extraordinary items. This depends on the specific information and effects of these items. Alchemical items are artificially crafted, so their effects may not be great and have many limitations. Extraordinary items have unpredictable effects; despite potentially having powerful uses, you must still pay an equivalent cost to use them.”
“This… it sounds like I’ll be overspending myself. What’s with all these side effects and limitations?” I listened to Teacher Ji, feeling my mouth twitch slightly, thinking it seemed less reliable than the spellbook…
“It’s not considered overspending. To put it in the words of wizards, it’s simply equivalent exchange. If you obtain what you want, and the cost is bearable for you, then it’s a perfect transaction. So, what? Do you want to give it a try?”
“I genuinely want to try.”
I nodded, feeling overwhelmed by the runes and the materials; I was likely the impatient type as well.
“Then you can definitely give it a try. I remember you’re not lacking money now. The resources allocated by the academy are considerable, and that currency, in certain respects, holds value comparable to magic sources and spellbooks. It’s also a form of compensation for you.”
“Those potions start with a minimum threshold of Secret Silver. For alchemical items and extraordinary items, even renting them requires a lot of Secret Silver. Purchasing thresholds start at Aoqin and many are even in the form of barter. You seem to be unaware of Aoqin’s purchasing power, huh? You should learn more about this common knowledge but don’t waste your money, understand?”
“Got it.”
I nodded helplessly, feeling as if I was receiving a lecture from a frugal mother.
I had learned about Aoqin before, and I had a rough idea of their value and purchasing power.
“However, where should I go to buy these things?” I asked again.
“For potions, I recommend going to the Witch Plaza. Many alchemical shops in the academy should be avoided unless the owner is an alchemist themselves. Even if you’re not buying memory-enhancing or learning efficiency potions, just getting potions for energizing your mind is also good and can effectively deal with excessive mental fatigue.”
“As for alchemical items and extraordinary items with similar effects, those could be hard to come by. Some auction sites in the academy might have them, but they will certainly be priced highly.”
“The academy even has auction houses?” I asked in surprise. But thinking about it, if the Witch Academy had commercial complexes like the Witch Plaza, then auction houses wouldn’t be too far-fetched.
It’s normal for the extraordinary world to have auction houses. If it were a novel, the protagonist would surely find great deals and unexpected opportunities or make enemies to remember.
But if it’s in the form of an auction…
It seemed I was out of luck; potions appeared to be the more reliable option, at least easier to obtain.
In truth, I was a bit afraid of the side effects of those potions, but the invigorating potion mentioned by Teacher Ji seemed good. Surely, it wouldn’t have severe side effects, right?
If even that had serious side effects, then that potion might not even have a market.
“Of course, the academy does have such places, and there are quite a few. Most of these auction sites are organized by various clubs, and many auction houses use an invitation-only system. After all, you need asset proof to auction items, and it’s not just money; Aoqin, Secret Silver, and Red Copper are also considered assets since this is high-end extraordinary world’s auction, different from the outside.”
“I see…”
I suddenly felt like a country bumpkin. I had never attended such an invitation-only auction, let alone a regular auction. It seemed I had a lot more to learn.
“Well, I think you don’t need to worry about the invitation system. With your current fame, strength, and potential in the academy, it’s likely that those clubs will seek to befriend you first. When you have free time, check your mailbox at the villa. You might just receive invitations from them,” Teacher Ji said with a smile.
“Is that so…”
I continued to repeat that phrase. I hardly used the mailbox. The last time I checked, it was for my magic wand, and now it seems that mailbox in front of the villa isn’t just a decorative item; I thought it was merely a design element of the villa.
