n

n

n

n

n?Typically, for a pure-blooded advanced elf level 3 sculpting magus, the average time to master this technique is one week, with proficiency for combat application usually taking over fifteen days.

nFor humans, this duration extends to two to three times longer.

nYet, Howard managed to grasp a significant portion of it in just two days, achieving a mana recovery rate of about twenty percent.

nIf he continues at this pace, he might fully master the technique in just around five days, even faster than an advanced elf.

nAs a pure-blooded human, Howard had no inherent advantages in mana perception.

nGreg thought it sounded like boasting.

nHoward glanced around, then raised his hand to reveal his palm.

nA stream of mana burst forth, swirling into a dagger-shaped form.

nAfter a second, under Howard’s control, the dagger collapsed, part of the mana was recovered under control, but the majority of it still dissipated directly into the air.

n“The mana recovery rate is around twenty percent. Without extensive further practice, it’s unlikely that the recovery rate will improve much in the short term,” Howard said.

n“I can feel that precise mana perception is a threshold. I can’t master the dynamics of so many mana turbulences in such a short time.”

nWatching Howard’s progress, though slightly unpolished but shockingly fast…

nGreg’s eyes twitched slightly.

nMastering the circulation process within five days… 𝘪𝑎.𝘤𝑜𝑚

nGreg remembered it took him sixteen days to master this skill.

nThe speed was threefold, and although Greg had no guidance at the time, the difference in duration was still vast.

nIf Greg hadn’t been certain that Howard previously lacked this skill, he might have suspected Howard was toying with him.

nHowever, whether it was from practice or from their sparring sessions, Howard was completely a novice.

nDespite possessing the mana flux and mana capacity of a level 3 magus, he had hardly mastered any corresponding techniques.

nHoward’s performance was puzzling, seemingly incongruent with the abilities and talents he had displayed.

nMana flux and mana capacity set the lower limit of a magus’s combat power, while mastery of various techniques and understanding of mana define the upper limit.

nAs the terms suggest, mana flux refers to the amount of mana a magus can control within a unit of time, and mana capacity refers to the amount of mana a magus’s body can contain, essentially the upper limit of mana.

n“Pretty much, your progress is considered fast. It took me about the same time initially,” Greg touched his nose, thankful his thick beard hid his embarrassment, “But you could be faster. Moreover, mastery is just the foundation. If you can’t make this technique instinctual and apply it fluently in combat, it’s meaningless.”

n“Understood,” Howard nodded humbly.

nDespite being slightly concerned about Greg’s odd tone, he was aware that Greg’s advice was sound.

nIf the technique couldn’t become instinctual, it would instead be a distraction in combat, posing even greater danger.

nFully mastering this technique was also a major prerequisite for advancing to a level 2 magus in the New World.

nThe advancement of a magus is not solely based on mana flux and mana capacity but places greater emphasis on the magus’s own skills in controlling and understanding mana.

nAfter all, the magus community originated among researchers, and compared to individual combat power enhancement, the development of magic techniques was deemed more crucial.

nAn individual’s mana flux and mana capacity are ultimately finite, even for legendary species like dragons, whose mana flux and capacity do not exceed that of a first-class magic matrix.

nTherefore, the skills in mana manipulation and the understanding of mana are fundamental for a magus.

nAs the two talked and walked, the streets were mostly empty, so they made no particular effort to conceal their conversation.

nOtherwise, it would seem more suspicious.

nTheir attire as adventurers allowed them unimpeded passage.

nThough the majority of adventurers are also ordinary people, they are, after all, a profession accustomed to combat, and common folk generally try to avoid conflicts with adventurers. .

nUnluckily tangling with those adventurers who have mastered basic mana sensing or have started on the path of a magus could cost ordinary people dearly, including, but not limited to, their lives.

nWhile some aspects of this country may seem advanced, barbarism is equally ingrained.

n“Let’s stay in this area today,” Greg suggested, looking around to ensure no one was following or paying attention to them.

nThey were at a fork in the street, the kind of hidden path nestled between streets and buildings, typically frequented by locals of Lorinda.

nNot far from Harry’s building, if they positioned themselves on rooftops, they could watch the comings and goings of people inside.

nShould anyone leave, they could follow quietly, offering unseen protection.

nAs personnel lurking in the shadows, their primary mission is not protection but vigilance.

nDirect protection would be more effectively implemented in the open, where restricting the movements of those being protected can significantly reduce the likelihood of them encountering danger.

nHowever, operating from the shadows also has its necessary advantages, allowing those with malicious intent to reveal themselves.

nEliminating threats at their root is Antalya’s philosophy.

nShe prefers taking the initiative rather than passive protection.

nHoward and Greg serve as her sentinels.

nAs the largest bandit leader near Breeze City, Red Eye, with the strength of a level 3 magus, rarely makes direct appearances.

nCunning and deceitful, several of Breeze City’s defense force’s encirclement campaigns have ended in failure.

nA bounty for Red Eye still exists at the adventurer’s office in Breeze City.

nThe reward is three thousand gold coins.

nAmong bounties for criminals with official magus capabilities, this amount is quite substantial.

nFor a family of three, three hundred gold coins could suffice to start a decent small business.

nWhile not living in luxury, diligent work would at least ensure they live without want.

nFor instance, the value of Antalya’s tavern is around one thousand gold coins.

nOf course, one thousand gold coins is the asking price, but acquiring it without certain means would likely cost upwards of two thousand gold coins.

nThe saying goes that great rewards bring out brave deeds, yet to this day, Red Eye remains at liberty, even venturing into the realm of business.

nWhile part of this is due to the magi of Breeze City not taking action, it also highlights the danger Red Eye poses.

nWithout the addition of Howard and Ali, Antalya might have reconsidered the feasibility of hunting down Red Eye.

nBut there are no “ifs” in reality, and Antalya now sees Red Eye as her prey, having laid a trap to wait for him to walk into it.

nAlthough Red Eye rarely shows himself, it’s improbable that he wouldn’t be watching the transaction from the shadows.

nWhen the appointed time comes, he will undoubtedly be hiding somewhere in Lorinda, overseeing the transaction while directing his subordinates to handle any contingencies.

nFor anyone involved, Red Eye’s demands represent a substantial fortune.

nLorinda is unwilling to relinquish its interests, and Red Eye would not easily let slip a ripe opportunity.

nInevitably, conflict between the two will result in damage to one party, and whether it’s Red Eye or Lorinda that suffers, it wouldn’t be bad news for Antalya.

nHer role is to emerge at the right moment to slay Red Eye.

nAlthough the commission paid by Harry is not high, the bounty on Red Eye is far from negligible.

nThe three thousand gold coins in reward money are the real motivation behind Antalya’s decision to take on this assignment.

n“Greg, where do you think this Red Eye could be hiding?”

nOn the sloping rooftop, Howard and Greg were concealed in close proximity, surveying Harry’s small building in the distance.

n“We’ve already scoured Lorinda. If Red Eye were here, we should have noticed by now.”

n“I don’t know either. If I did, I wouldn’t be squatting here on watch,” Greg rubbed his slightly reddened nose, “If I knew where Red Eye was, I’d have gone and killed him by now. The slayer gets at least forty percent of the bounty. Think of how much ale that could buy.”

nAs he spoke, Greg seemed to envision a vast array of fine ales before him, his gaze shifting.

nShould one say it’s just like a dwarf, whose first thought upon earning money is to buy ale?

nHoward rubbed his temples, somewhat concerned about the wisdom of his decision to join this group.

n“I’ve decided.”

nGreg suddenly declared loudly.

n“Decided what now?”

nLooking at Greg, who seemed somewhat agitated, Howard asked with a hint of unease.

n“I’m going to be the slayer! I absolutely must be the one to kill him! Red Eye’s head will be mine!”

nWith determination, Greg nudged Howard’s waist, “Keep your eyes peeled and don’t miss any suspicious figures. Red Eye could be hiding among them.”

nNew novel chapters are published on .𝒎

n