Chapter 279: Wisdom Enlightenment, Headmaster’s Trial Task
“…”
It really is called this name… Although I want to complain, clearly, I am not in a position to critique the naming level of the Great Spellbook.
Just as I was thinking this, Headmaster Mei Linde suddenly stuffed this Great Spellbook into my body.
“Hey! Wait!”
Faced with this action from the Headmaster, I couldn’t even try to stop her; she even thoughtfully placed it on my Spellbook Rack Spellbook.
“Curious why I am doing this, right?” At this moment, the Headmaster maintained her gentle smile, as if expecting me to ask, “Why?”
“Why?”
“I want to make a deal that isn’t a loss… or should I say… an investment.”
“Investment?” I subconsciously lowered my head. Using a Great Spellbook to invest in me? That doesn’t seem like a risk-free investment at all.
Moreover, I don’t have the ability to safeguard this thing.
Once this thing is exposed, I might… no, I will definitely be doomed, thinking about that unfortunate person from before who was gone in an instant. Even such a fleeting spiritual lock was unbearable for me; how can I safeguard this Great Spellbook?
“There are other conditions for this reason, we will talk about that later. Now, let’s do something more meaningful. Do you wish to grant wisdom enlightenment to this group of Fool Dreams? The birth of wisdom and the understanding of thought are defined as one of the many prerequisites of life.”
“I…”
Suddenly being addressed by the Headmaster like this, I didn’t know how I wanted to respond; in fact, I hoped to do this, after all, it seems I have the ability to do so now.
Initially, when I encountered them, I just thought they were cute and felt detached. I naturally blessed their efforts, but now such power is in my hands, my decision will determine whether their ridiculous efforts are meaningful.
“I, naturally, want to do it…”
“Is that so? But I heard hesitation in your answer. To put it simply, the Fool Dreams are currently in the most innocent and confused stage. If you grant them wisdom, they will listen to you. As for Fool Lake, all her memories are filled with her obsession with me. When I decided to no longer manage them and prepared to hand them over to you, this obsession will only become your burden.”
“Wait, Headmaster, are you going to give them to me?”
“That’s my plan; you can choose not to. The one-sided affection of the Fool Dreams is the beginning of many tragedies. I view them as materials, while they view me as a benefactor, which is very troublesome. Do you want to take over? After they become true life, whether you use them as a servant army or as believers to stabilize faith is a good future plan. At this stage, you can even make money off them.”
“This…”
Regarding the examples given by the Headmaster, they seemed distant from me. My main concern is whether I can take good care of them, and… I don’t know why I should take them in.
If my reason for taking them in is merely that the Headmaster would clear them out if I don’t want them, then there’s really no need. From the Headmaster’s attitude towards the Fool Dreams, if I say no, she might really clear them out.
“Hesitating still? I thought girls would love such adorable creatures. If you are willing, I can assist you in giving them new bodies, and we can even customize them.”
“Okay.” I shifted from my hesitant attitude and nodded in agreement.
Isn’t it just taking care of this group of little ones? Facing these cute little creatures every day will definitely improve my mood. Moreover, a bunch of little darlings who only know how to eat and drink can’t cost me much, and right now, my money is in units of Aoqin.
“Once you agree, you can’t go back, okay? Actually, you’re still making a profit. The Grand Wisdom Enlightenment Spell is derived from the Fool Dream, so they possess the value of becoming true life, which comes from their inherent extraordinary knowledge.”
“Mmhm.”
Now, I am nodding like crazy to whatever the Headmaster says. She is right; anyway, I can’t resist anything, so I might as well accept it all and talk slowly afterward.
“Well, it seems that whatever I say, you will just nod. Sigh… let’s talk about something you would care about? For instance… let’s discuss the conditions for the Great Wisdom Enlightenment Spellbook being given to you?”
“Really… giving it?”
The Headmaster’s words stunned me, and I felt a chill run down my spine. If before, when the Headmaster stuffed the spellbook into me, it was to let me decide whether to grant wisdom enlightenment to the Fool Dreams, that could naturally be taken back at any time. But now she is directly saying it’s a gift!
This is akin to a massive fortune dropping from the sky onto my head; how can I handle it?
But then there was fear because I cannot bear this “gift,” not even my counselor Teacher Ji can handle it!
I can barely keep my mouth shut about one instance of Extraordinary Knowledge; let alone the Great Spellbook created from it.
“Did you miss the word ‘condition’ that I mentioned? This indeed is an investment from me to you, but it is also a transaction between us, and it is a… trial task prepared for you.”
“During this period, I can liberate you from the scripts of the Main World. I learned from Teacher Ji that you don’t like scripts, right? How about it? Would you be willing to accept this trial task?” The Headmaster observed my expression while speaking, ultimately throwing out a condition I couldn’t refuse!
“I accept!”
In that moment, I didn’t hesitate at all. The promise given by the Headmaster, especially coming out of the script without worrying about being scripted, this temptation was undoubtedly the greatest.
It can be said that the Headmaster has firmly grasped my soft spot.
And now… the only thing to worry about is the so-called trial task from the Headmaster. I still don’t know what form it will take or what I will have to do.
“Now that sounds right. As a condition for this exchange, I will transfer the Grand Wisdom Enlightenment Spell to you, and in return, you need to provide me with a new instance of Extraordinary Knowledge, two instances of Original Spell Sequences. If you confirm your complete death in any way, this Great Spellbook must return to the Grand Library in the Witch World to the Original Witch.”
“Ah?”
Faced with the Headmaster’s series of requirements, I could only emit this soul-deep question.
“Is there a problem with the premise of this exchange?”
“Yes.”
I nodded, having too many questions!
I admit, exchanging an instance of Extraordinary Knowledge for a Great Spellbook is undoubtedly a good deal. But… what is the remaining one about?
Moreover, why did it mention the Grand Library in the Witch World? And the Original Witch?
It’s rather overwhelming to accept too many settings all at once.
“What about the Original Spell Sequence?” I asked after gathering my thoughts. “What is that?”
“You’ve hit the nail on the head. I thought you would ignore everything in pursuit of the Great Spellbook. The Original Spell Sequence is made up of three parts, and the simplest spell, magic itself, you know what that is. The sequence… do you understand the concepts of prototype spells and derived spells?”
“I do.” I nodded.
“Good, then it’s simple. Prototype Spell + Derived Spell, referred to as a complete spell sequence. The spell sequence also refers to prototype spells because with the prototype spell, theoretically, one can have all the derived spells of that sequence. However, theory is theory, and the difficulty of derived spells means that having a prototype spell sequence does not equal having all the derived spells. For the spell sequence I require, you only need to provide me with the prototype spell.”
“Mm, then… what about Original?” I nodded to indicate I understood some, then asked again.
“Original means the first, the initial, which is easy to understand. For example, Original Fireball Spell, the first fireball spell that was born and created. Its original first concept even surpasses the spell effect of the fireball itself.”
“This…” After briefly grasping this original concept, I did not find it easy.
“What’s wrong? Feeling pressured? It seems you understand the value of the original. Although theoretically, the number of types of spells is unlimited, life’s thinking has limits. Original spells are very precious, and in some ways, they are on par with Great Spells. Even if that spell’s effect is far from great, the name and concept of the original are enough to place it alongside the Great Spell.”
“How… how can I accomplish that?”
At this moment, I felt a twinge of regret, regretting my greed for this Great Spellbook. What good does obtaining it early do? I can’t safeguard it; it would be better not to have it…
“Don’t rush; we are only discussing the exchange at this stage, and it isn’t time for the trial phase yet. Can you guess why I entrusted the Fool Dream Clan to you?”
“Why?”
“The birth of a new race represents that this life is recognized by the Void. Any new race that is born in this world represents that this race has at least two original spell sequences, summoning… and transformation. Do you understand?”
“Y-yes… I understand…”
As the Headmaster stated this, I realized that with the Grand Wisdom Enlightenment Spell, she could easily turn the Fool Dream Clan into true life, obtaining those two original spells.
She could have done it herself but chose to have me do it instead, and along the way, she gave me this Great Spellbook.
Adding that instance of Extraordinary Knowledge, the Headmaster was essentially only recouping her costs, not considering the hundreds of years of depreciation costs.
And I, essentially, was making a profit without any investment, akin to receiving a blank check, getting a Great Spellbook for nothing.
Even if the investment fails, and the Great Spellbook returns to the Witch World without leakage, the Headmaster would still obtain an instance of Extraordinary Knowledge. With her capacity and the long lifespan of witches, obtaining another Great Spellbook would be no issue.
Is this what they call investment?
“Then… what is the significance of the Original Spell?” I continued to press for more information.
The value of this thing can’t just be… its rarity as a collection, right?
Thinking of some Fool Dreams turning into true life, what significance or value do the Fool Dream Summoning and Transformation spells have?
No matter how I look at it, they don’t seem to be worth as much as a Great Spellbook. Although I still don’t know what distinguishes a Great Spellbook from other similar spellbooks, perhaps it’s just more powerful.
“The Original itself is meaning; meaning is endowed by people. When people collectively understand its value, this concept gains significance. There are too many means in the outside world to utilize concepts, and precisely because you are unable to access that level, you cannot understand its value. Rather than understanding the concept of the original, you might as well ask me, what is the value of the Great Spellbook?”
“What is the value of the Great Spellbook?”
Since the Headmaster has brought this up, I still don’t understand. I felt that the following matters would be beyond my reach, so I might as well push the boat along and directly ask this question.
After all, I am also curious what distinguishes a Great Spellbook from an ordinary spellbook and why so many are drawn to seize it.
“Alright… at least I can explain this to you; you should find it understandable.” Mei Linde said with a sigh, rubbing her forehead. At least she deflected the topic, didn’t she?
Some things are best understood at the corresponding level; otherwise, it only increases troubles and adds mental burden.
“The significance represented by the Great Spellbook is manifold. I will not mention overly distant effects and benefits; instead, let’s focus on direct effects that you can intuitively feel and understand. The first point is that the Great Spellbook is more powerful than an ordinary spellbook, or that the effect it achieves is stronger.”
I nodded along, indicating I understood. If its power didn’t change, that would be a loss for its special title. Its power must be stronger than that of an ordinary spell.
“Secondly, the effects achieved by the Great Spellbook are notable. Note that this effect is not the same as the spell effects of typical magic. Do you understand the difference between spell effects and natural phenomena?”
“I understand.”
I nodded, as if the fireball from the Fireball Spell is a spell effect, while the presence of the fireball maintained by the caster’s magic power or extraordinary energy is a different matter. In contrast, a natural phenomenon-generated fireball can appear and vanish; it is not defined as a supernatural existence.
To explain it more clearly, it’s like the clones created by magic versus clones that are cultivated as another version of me; that’s the kind of difference.
“The effects of the Great Spellbook can also be referred to as spell effects, but their effects exist permanently. Their significance blurs the lines between spell effects and actual existence.”
“This…” Upon hearing what the Headmaster said, I reflected for a long time. I could understand this statement, but I was still contemplating the significance of this.
“Do you have any questions?” The Headmaster inquired when she saw my hesitant expression.
“This… the actual effect is… and permanent existence, does that mean eternal indestructibility?”
“Curious about the actual effects of the Great Spellbook? What a practical idea. Let me answer your question with an example, using the Million Divine Spell Black Hole Spell as an example.”
“The normal Black Hole Spell creates a black hole spell effect. Once the supply of energy is cut off, the spell effect will collapse. However, the Great Black Hole Spell creates a black hole that exists for a long time. Even if you do not maintain this spell, the black hole created by the Great Black Hole Spell will still exist. That is its significance.”
“It still exists? It really creates a black hole?” I inquired.
“No… that black hole is still a spell effect, which is why it merely blurs the boundaries between spell effects and actual existence rather than breaks them.”
“But… energy can’t just appear out of thin air, right?” At this moment, I was still very confused.
“Do you remember the Void Rifts when the Great Spellbook was born?”
“Oh! Is it… that the energy comes from the Void Rifts?!” I quickly responded.
“Not entirely correct. It can be said that at this stage, no theory supports such an absolute statement. It can only be said that the long-lasting existence of this spell effect is related to the Void Rifts. The Void Rifts are a very rare phenomenon in the Void and are also the foundation of the Great Spell’s existence. The moment the Great Spellbook takes shape, it artificially triggers the Void Rifts, which is largely related to Extraordinary Knowledge.”
As the Headmaster explained, it seemed that some secrets of the Great Spellbook were completely revealed. However, even as she described this information, she used a lot of uncertain terminology. This rigor reminded me of Teacher Ji.
Perhaps the Great Spellbook holds even more mysteries, but it is clear it needs more research.
“Returning to the topic of the permanent existence of spell effects, permanent existence is also a description. Under the condition of no external interference, it can exist permanently. Let’s define the energy source that maintains this existence as the Void Rifts. As long as the external consumption of this spell effect does not surpass the energy supply from the Void Rifts, then this spell effect will remain unbreakable indefinitely.”
“This is the greatness of the permanent effect of the Great Spellbook. You may seem to be resisting the spell effect, but in reality, you are fighting against the Void’s Void Rifts. You should still remember that unfortunate soul who was annihilated by the Void Rifts before the Grand Wisdom Enlightenment Spell was completed, right? To hardily resist the effects of the Great Spellbook is probably like that, just presenting the form of this spell effect instead of the Void Rifts.”
Upon hearing this, I instinctively swallowed hard and understood the might of the Great Spellbook.
Though… the Grand Wisdom Enlightenment Spell I have in hand at this moment doesn’t seem to have any harmful capabilities, but its effects… one can only imagine.
At this moment, Headmaster Mei Linde also did not continue speaking; she understood that she had said too much at once. For ordinary individuals, such information would require a considerable amount of time to digest and accept, and she could naturally wait.
After a period of mental organization, I slowly raised my head and looked at the Headmaster.
“What’s wrong? Are you ready to accept this trial I offer you? However, I must tell you one thing. Directly using the Grand Wisdom Enlightenment Spell on these Fool Dreams does not automatically turn them into true life. Wisdom is just one of the important prerequisites of life recognized by the Void, and this trial I give you has no set time limit. Even if you complete your studies or graduation in the Witch Academy, this trial still exists, and I will always be in the Main World waiting for you to submit your answer to this trial.”
“I… accept.” At this moment, I nodded heavily, accepting this challenging trial.
“Very well, let’s sign a Witch Contract as a witness for this trial. The binding force of the Witch Contract can ensure the fairness of both parties to the greatest extent.” Mei Linde said with a smile.
At this moment, only she understands that this seeming contract, which guarantees the interests of the other side, if viewed with a developmental perspective, is actually to guarantee her own interests from here on out.
This is Mei Linde’s chosen investment. From the moment she made this choice, she considered the other party on equal footing with herself in all things.
If one cannot acknowledge the level the other party might reach, then the so-called investment is just a joke. That isn’t investing; it’s charity.
