The classroom was silent.
Dozens of Wizard Seeds sat beside their desks as the High-Level Wizard Apprentice slowly swept his gaze across the classroom. His eyes passed over every face one by one, causing the atmosphere to become increasingly tense. Nobody knew why he had arrived so suddenly, nor did they understand why he was observing them so carefully.
After several moments of silence, the young man finally spoke.
"My name is Morvain. I am a High-Level Wizard Apprentice of the Elemental Branch. Today, I will be teaching you Basic Magic Theory."
The moment those words fell, most of the tension within the classroom immediately dissipated. Many Wizard Seeds visibly relaxed, and some even released quiet sighs of relief. A few, however, could not hide their disappointment. They had expected an official wizard to teach them rather than a Wizard Apprentice.
Ivan did not find this surprising.
The White Ring Saint Academy possessed countless official wizards, but that did not mean every lesson would be personally taught by them. Basic courses such as these contained foundational knowledge that every Wizard Apprentice needed to learn. Official wizards were often occupied with research projects, academy duties, plane expeditions, experiments, and countless other responsibilities. For someone at their level, teaching beginner classes would simply be a waste of valuable time.
Because of this, the academy frequently assigned teaching missions to outstanding Wizard Apprentices. High-Level Wizard Apprentices with exceptional academic achievements could earn resources, academy credits, and additional rewards by teaching newcomers while simultaneously improving their own understanding of fundamental theories.
However, the meditation course was different.
Meditation methods formed one of the absolute foundations of a wizard's path. Every future advancement, every increase in spiritual power, and every stage of growth depended upon a correct understanding of meditation. A single mistake during the learning process could affect an apprentice's future for years, or even permanently.
If a Wizard Apprentice misunderstood a crucial concept or learned an incorrect method due to the shortcomings of an unqualified instructor, their Soul Sea could develop flaws. Their future advancement might become significantly more difficult, and in severe cases, they could even suffer spiritual collapse during meditation and lose their lives.
That was precisely why Instructor Eleanor, a formal First-Level Wizard, personally taught the meditation course. Such knowledge was too important to be entrusted to ordinary instructors. The academy would never allow any mistake to occur at the very beginning of a wizard's journey.
Ivan naturally understood this principle.
Basic Magic Theory could be taught by an outstanding High-Level Wizard Apprentice because the information itself was public knowledge within the academy. Even if some details were omitted, students could later correct their understanding through books, instructors, and further study.
As the atmosphere gradually became noisy and conversations began spreading throughout the classroom, Morvain slowly raised a hand. Seeing this simple gesture, the entire classroom gradually fell silent.
"You may address me as Senior Morvain. If you have questions during class, raise your hand first, then speak."
As he spoke, faint blue light began spreading throughout the classroom. The Wizard Seeds immediately widened their eyes as countless tiny particles appeared in the air around them. Some glowed red, some blue, some white, and some black. Various colors drifted through the classroom like countless tiny stars. The sight was both beautiful and mysterious.
"These are free-floating magic particles."
Morvain's voice echoed clearly throughout the classroom as every pair of eyes focused on the floating lights.
"It can be said that these particles are the most fundamental pillars of magic theory. Without free-floating magic particles, magic itself would not exist. And if magic did not exist, the wizard civilization standing before you today would never have been born."
His gaze slowly swept across the classroom.
"Every spell you learn, every experiment you perform, every advancement you pursue, and nearly every achievement of wizard civilization can ultimately be traced back to these particles. They exist everywhere within the plane, surrounding us at every moment."
At that moment, a Wizard Seed seated near the center of the classroom hesitantly raised his hand. Morvain gave a slight nod.
"Speak."
The young Wizard Seed stood up nervously.
"Senior Morvain, where do these magic particles come from?"
A faint smile appeared on Morvain's face.
"Excellent question."
He looked across the classroom before continuing.
"The world you see around you is not isolated. Beyond our plane lies the Endless Void. Some ancient wizards refer to it as the Chaotic Expanse."
His voice gradually slowed, causing the classroom to become even quieter.
"The Endless Void contains terrifying amounts of chaotic energy. This energy fills the spaces between countless planes throughout existence."
The Wizard Seeds unconsciously became more attentive.
"Some call this energy Void Energy. Some call it Chaotic Energy. Regardless of the name, one fact remains unchanged."
"It cannot be absorbed by ordinary living beings."
Morvain's expression became serious.
"Even coming into contact with a small amount of raw Chaotic Void Energy can kill an ordinary person or drive them completely insane. This energy is violent, unstable, and destructive. Even official wizards would be torn apart if they were directly exposed to large quantities of raw Chaotic Void Energy without sufficient protection."
He paused briefly before adding another piece of information.
"Only Third-Level Wizards and above possess the qualifications to endure the harsh environment of the Endless Void and travel freely between planes."
Many Wizard Seeds unconsciously held their breath.
Fortunately, Morvain soon continued.
"Every plane possesses a Plane Barrier. This barrier surrounds and protects the entire plane. It shields the plane from invasions, external attacks, and most importantly, the endless chaotic energy of the void."
As he spoke, the floating particles above the classroom gradually transformed. An enormous translucent sphere appeared in the air. Outside the sphere flowed endless streams of violent black energy. Inside the sphere floated countless colorful particles.
"The Plane Barrier functions like an enormous filter. It absorbs portions of the incoming Chaotic Void Energy, strips away its chaotic and destructive properties, and transforms the remaining energy into stable free-floating particles."
The projection slowly rotated before everyone's eyes.
"This is the origin of magic within our world."
Ivan silently narrowed his eyes.
The entire process sounded remarkably similar to an enormous natural filtration system.
Meanwhile, Morvain continued.
"The free-floating particles within the environment possess various elemental properties such as fire, water, wind, earth, shadow, lightning, and many others. Different individuals possess different elemental affinities. When you meditate, your spiritual energy naturally attracts the particles most compatible with your affinity."
Morvain raised a finger.
Immediately, countless red particles gathered around his fingertip. The surrounding air became noticeably warmer.
"For example, a wizard with strong fire affinity will attract fire particles far more efficiently than other elements. However, absorption is merely the first step."
He gently clenched his fist.
The red particles immediately dissolved into streams of pale silver light.
"The particles entering your body are refined through meditation. Their elemental properties are filtered away. What remains is pure mana."
A wave of surprise spread throughout the classroom.
One Wizard Seed immediately raised his hand.
After receiving permission, he asked, "Senior, if mana loses its elemental properties, then why do affinities matter?"
Morvain smiled faintly.
"Another excellent question."
"Mana itself is neutral. However, affinity affects how efficiently your mind interacts with different spell models and different types of free-floating particles."
He lightly tapped the desk.
"A fire-affinity wizard can cast a water spell. Nothing prevents that. However, the mana conversion efficiency will decrease, the spell stability may weaken, and the spell's power may decline."
He raised a fingers.
"For example, an Intermediate Wizard Apprentice with strong fire affinity might create a fireball capable of engulfing a five-meter area. The same apprentice casting a water spell may only achieve half that range. In severe cases, the spell structure may collapse before completion."
The Wizard Seeds immediately understood.
Affinity did not determine what spells could be cast.
Affinity determined how efficiently those spells could be cast.
Morvain slowly looked around the classroom.
"Remember this carefully. A wizard's strength is not determined solely by mana reserves."
As he spoke, three glowing words appeared in the air.
Spiritual Energy.
Mana Control.
Spell Compatibility.
Before he could continue, another Wizard Seed raised his hand.
"Senior, if elemental particles can be absorbed directly, why refine them at all? Wouldn't directly using elemental particles be more efficient?"
Morvain nodded approvingly.
"A reasonable question."
"Direct absorption is indeed possible. In fact, during the early stages of wizard civilization, many ancient wizards directly absorbed unfiltered elemental particles."
His expression gradually became serious.
"However, that path carries extremely dangerous consequences."
The projection changed.
A transparent human figure appeared above the platform. Only red particles flowed into its body.
"Every wizard possesses limited affinities. Even exceptionally talented individuals usually possess only two or three elemental affinities. Throughout wizard civilization, individuals possessing four or more significant affinities are extremely rare."
The projection continued.
The human figure absorbed only fire particles. Its entire body gradually became red.
"If elemental particles are continuously absorbed without refinement, those elemental properties begin affecting the body itself."
"They slowly transform the wizard into an elemental lifeform."
The Wizard Seeds immediately became startled.
Morvain continued calmly, his voice steady and unhurried.
"A wizard who continuously absorbs fire particles without refining them may gradually become closer to a Fire Elemental. Their affinity for fire will increase, and the power of their fire spells may become significantly stronger. However, the drawbacks are enormous."
His expression became serious.
"They become increasingly dependent upon environments rich in fire elements. Their adaptability decreases, their ability to use other forms of magic becomes restricted, and in extreme cases, they may even lose their original biological form entirely."
The classroom became noticeably quieter.
"In ancient times, some wizard factions followed this path extensively. However, modern wizard civilization expands across countless planes. Every plane possesses different environments, different laws, and different elemental distributions. Some planes possess almost no magic at all."
His gaze slowly swept across the classroom.
"Under such circumstances, elemental transformation becomes a serious weakness during exploration and warfare."
Morvain paused briefly before continuing.
"Of course, exceptions exist. Within the Elemental Branch, some senior wizards construct specialized elemental cores using precious materials and the hearts of powerful elemental creatures. These cores allow them to maintain balance regardless of their surroundings and generate the elemental energy necessary for survival."
He shook his head slightly.
"However, this remains a highly specialized path. It is not considered mainstream."
The projection transformed once more.
This time, silvery-white mana flowed throughout the transparent body.
"When particles are refined into pure mana, the situation changes. Pure mana does not continuously transform your body into an elemental form. Instead, it gradually strengthens the body while remaining controllable and adaptable and You can also cast spells from many different elemental systems."
He pointed toward the flowing mana.
"Although affinity still affects efficiency, the future contains countless difficult situations where a single elemental system may not be enough. By refining particles into mana, your options remain open."
Morvain looked toward the Wizard Seeds.
"The future path of a wizard contains countless temptations. Greater power. Shortcuts. Specialized paths. Yet every choice carries consequences—and a price. A rational wizard considers not only present benefits, but also future limitations."
The classroom fell silent.
Many Wizard Seeds were clearly reflecting upon his words.
Morvain then pointed toward the three floating terms.
"As I said earlier, a wizard's strength is determined primarily by three factors."
"Spiritual Energy."
"Mana Control."
"Spell Compatibility."
His finger moved toward the first term.
"Spiritual Energy grows through meditation. It determines the size of your Soul Sea, your mana capacity, and your spiritual perception. More importantly, it serves as the foundation of all future advancement."
His finger shifted toward the second term.
"Mana Control is equally important. The greater your control, the fewer mistakes occur during spellcasting, research, experiments, alchemy, and countless other wizard activities. Poor mana control can destroy years of work in a single moment."
Several Wizard Seeds immediately became serious.
Finally, Morvain pointed toward the third term.
"Spell Compatibility."
"This is one of the most misunderstood concepts among beginners."
He waved his hand.
A simple spell model appeared above the platform.
"The deeper your understanding of a spell, the greater its compatibility with your personal system. As compatibility increases, mana consumption decreases, casting speed increases, stability improves, and spell power rises."
The spell model slowly rotated above the platform.
"Two wizards may use the exact same spell, possess similar mana reserves, and yet achieve completely different results simply because one understands the spell better."
After finishing his explanation, the floating particles gradually faded away.
The classroom slowly returned to normal.
Morvain looked toward everyone present.
Although Spiritual Energy, Mana Control, and Spell Compatibility were important foundations of a wizard's power, they were not the source of that power itself.
Morvain's gaze slowly swept across the classroom.
"Everything a wizard possesses is ultimately built upon knowledge."
"Without knowledge, there would be no meditation methods. No spell models. No alchemy. No rune studies. No wizard civilization."
His voice remained calm, yet every word carried unusual weight.
"Knowledge is the blade that allows a wizard to cut through ignorance."
"It is the foundation beneath every spell, every experiment, and every breakthrough."
"As long as knowledge continues to grow, a wizard can continue advancing."
"Without it, even the greatest power will eventually reach its limit."
The classroom became completely silent.
Many Wizard Seeds unconsciously straightened their backs.
For the first time, they felt the true essence of the wizard path.
Morvain looked at them before continuing.
"Therefore, remember this well."
"The road of a wizard begins with understanding the nature of magic."
"Only through understanding can one pursue truth."
"If you wield magic without understanding it, then you are merely a user of power."
"Not a seeker of truth."
After saying those words, Morvain turned and began walking toward the exit.
At that moment, Ivan slowly raised his hand.
Morvain stopped.
The entire classroom immediately became quiet again.
His gaze landed on Ivan.
"Yes?"
Ivan stood calmly.
"Senior Morvain, you mentioned that ordinary living beings cannot absorb the Chaotic Void Energy that fills the Endless Void. Is there another method of using or absorbing this energy?"
For the first time during the lesson, surprise appeared on Morvain's face.
He carefully observed Ivan for several seconds.
Then he slowly smiled.
"That is a very high-level question."
"Even many official wizards without sufficient background may not know the answer."
The classroom immediately became attentive.
Knowledge that even official wizards struggled to obtain was naturally valuable.
Fortunately for you, I happen to know a little."
Morvain folded his arms.
"Although ordinary lifeforms cannot absorb Chaotic Void Energy, the same does not apply to Fourth-Level Great Wizards."
The Wizard Seeds immediately became shocked.
To them, such existences were no different from gods.
Morvain's expression became respectful.
"A Fourth-Level Great Wizard can directly interact with Chaotic Void Energy. They can absorb it, refine it, and use it to strengthen themselves."
His voice carried genuine admiration.
"However, the exact methods are beyond my knowledge. Those secrets belong to the higher levels of wizard civilization."
He smiled slightly.
"For now, that knowledge is far beyond your current level. Focus on constructing your First Meditation Rune before thinking about Fourth-Level Great Wizards."
Several Wizard Seeds immediately laughed.
Even Ivan showed a faint smile.
The previously heavy atmosphere relaxed considerably.
Moments later, Morvain finally left the classroom.
As soon as he disappeared through the doorway, discussions erupted everywhere.
Some Wizard Seeds discussed Plane Barriers. Others debated elemental affinities. Several argued about elemental transformation paths, while many became fascinated by the existence of Fourth-Level Great Wizards.
The entire classroom became lively.
Meanwhile, Ivan quietly sat in his seat.
His thoughts were focused on only one thing.
Chaotic Void Energy.
After several moments, he silently issued a command within his mind.
"Nova."
"Search all collected information regarding Chaotic Void Energy. Attempt to identify information regarding how Great Wizards absorb and refine Chaotic Void Energy."
A gentle hum echoed inside his consciousness.
Nova immediately began processing information.
The enormous quantity of books copied from the library flowed through its databases at astonishing speed.
Several seconds later—
Ding.
Nova's voice sounded within his mind.
"Analysis complete."
"Master, there is no complete information regarding the absorption of Chaotic Void Energy. However, fragmented records were discovered."
Ivan remained silent.
Nova continued.
"After summarizing all available information, one conclusion possesses the highest probability."
"To advance from the Third Level to the Fourth Level, a wizard must comprehend a Law."
"According to various fragmented records, this Law appears to play a crucial role in allowing Great Wizards to interact with, refine, and absorb Chaotic Void Energy."
Ivan quietly fell into thought.
The answer was roughly what he had expected.
All information stored within Nova originated from the academy's public library area. Although the knowledge contained there formed the foundation of wizard civilization, it was ultimately apprentice-level knowledge.
There were fragmented records regarding official wizards, but they were few in number.
As for knowledge concerning Great Wizards—existences that even many official wizards struggled to understand—Ivan had never expected to find detailed information.
The fact that Nova had discovered even this much was already a pleasant surprise.
Furthermore, Fourth-Level Great Wizards were simply too distant from his current position.
The matter was temporarily placed aside.
Just as Ivan was about to stand, a faint vibration suddenly came from his desk.
At the same time, a soft notification sound echoed throughout the classroom.
Looking around, Ivan discovered that every Wizard Seed had received the same notification.
Moments later, dozens of translucent screens appeared throughout the classroom.
Ivan carefully examined the academy message.
"Notice to all Wizard Seeds of the 4,556th Batch."
"Beginning today, three foundational courses will be provided free of charge every week within the Academy District."
"Intermediate and advanced courses require payment through Magic Stones, Academy Points, approved resources, or other equivalent contributions."
"Students are encouraged to arrange their studies according to their individual circumstances."
After reading the notice, Ivan immediately understood.
Most Wizard Seeds originated from ordinary backgrounds. Although some came from wizard families or possessed powerful relatives, they represented only a small minority.
The majority arrived at the academy with extremely limited resources.
Because of this, the academy provided free foundational courses to ensure that every Wizard Seed could establish a proper foundation and avoid being hindered by insufficient knowledge at the very beginning of their journey.
Only after mastering the basics would they gradually begin investing their own resources into more advanced knowledge.
The moment everyone understood the meaning behind the notice, excitement immediately spread throughout the classroom.
Many Wizard Seeds revealed delighted expressions.
For newcomers with limited resources, free courses were undoubtedly welcoming news.
Seeing the excited atmosphere within the classroom, Ivan finally stood from his seat and began walking toward the classroom exit.
Olivia had also finished reading the academy notification. After putting away her academy badge, she quickly followed beside him.
The classroom remained lively. Many Wizard Seeds were still discussing today's lesson, while others were studying the newly released course schedule issued by the academy.
After leaving the classroom, the two stepped into the corridor outside.
Warm afternoon sunlight poured through the open archways of the teaching building, illuminating the stone pathways below.
Wizard Seeds continuously moved throughout the teaching district. Some were heading toward other classes, while others were returning to their dormitories or gathering with friends to discuss what they had learned.
Olivia quietly walked beside Ivan. After hesitating briefly, she gently reached out and grabbed the corner of his sleeve.
Ivan glanced at her but said nothing.
Olivia lowered her head slightly, pretending not to notice his gaze.
Neither of them spoke.
Yet the silence between them felt unusually comfortable.
Leaving the bustling teaching district behind, the two slowly walked toward the apprentice residential district together beneath the golden afternoon sun.