Wei'en packed up the items on the table and brought out the leftover black bread to fill his stomach.
The Gonzalez language he had spent the entire afternoon learning wasn't just for show. Now was the time to test the fruits of his labor!
There were four parchment scrolls in total: *Basic Theory of Magic and Detailed Explanation of Level-Zero Magic*, *Introduction to Magic Potions—Basic Theory of Potioneering*, *Material Science (Apprentice Edition)*, and *Magic Potion Formulas (Apprentice Edition)*.
According to the descriptions on the exchange list, *Basic Theory of Magic and Detailed Explanation of Level-Zero Magic* introduced the foundational theories of Magic, as well as four Level-Zero Magics of the Ghost Soul School.
The other three scrolls were all related to Magic Potions: one focused on foundational theoretical research, one covered common basic materials used in potion-making, and the final scroll recorded five basic Magic Potion formulas.
Wei'en first took out the scroll titled *Basic Theory of Magic and Detailed Explanation of Level-Zero Magic* to study.
Although his Spirit level was sufficient, the advice from the apprentice management office wasn't without merit. Mastering Magic Potions wouldn't happen overnight, and his most pressing priority was to enhance his strength.
Especially now that he had passed the Secret Investigation Department's interview and become an Investigator, the chances of him directly facing danger had undoubtedly spiked. Coupled with what Lisi had said earlier today about the high mortality rate for a newcomer's first case...
Taking everything into consideration, Wei'en decided to learn a few Magics for self-defense first, which would somewhat boost his combat power.
He then unrolled the parchment.
In a stroke of good luck amid all his recent misfortunes, there were no unexpected shenanigans this time. Well, it might also have had something to do with him wrapping his hands in Spiritual Power before opening it.
Reading the Gonzalez text on the parchment felt just like reading the Common tongue to Wei'en; there were absolutely no barriers.
"Regarding Magic, every Wizard School has its own unique interpretation.
"The universal explanation is that Magic is fundamentally based on Spiritual Power. It stimulates Magic Runes to channel 'World Power,' forming an energy attack.
"As for 'World Power,' each school also perceives it differently.
"The Blood Spirit School believes that 'World Power' is like water, comparing the body to a pool. The amount of energy generated depends on the size of one's own pool.
"Wizards of the Mechanical School believe that 'World Power' is mechanical knowledge. The more knowledge one accumulates, the more powerful the machinery they can build, and thus the stronger they become.
"The Spiritual Mystery School posits that 'World Power' refers to the foundational laws of this world. The stronger a Wizard's mastery over these laws, the more 'World Power' they can invoke.
"As for the Shadow School... their theories are far too bizarre, so it's best left unmentioned.
"And compared to the others, our Ghost Soul School's theory of Magic is the most unique of all!"
Reading this, Wei'en's red eyes grew noticeably brighter.
"All Magic in the Ghost Soul School is based on the Soul-Devouring Technique—or more accurately, the 'Origin Sub-entity' derived from this technique!"
He wondered, "Origin Sub-entity?"
He looked up at the two Xiaoxis. Was that what they were called? Noticing their confused expressions, Wei'en curled his lips. "What are you looking at? Keep up your Meditation, and don't even think about slacking off."
He gave off a strong Zhou Bapi vibe...
Hearing this, the Xiaoxis exchanged a glance and began swallowing with even greater effort.
"'Origin Sub-entities' are the magical foundation of the Ghost Soul School. However, limited by the strength of their Origin, most Ghost Mages in our school will only possess a single Origin Sub-entity in their entire lifetime..."
Wei'en couldn't help but shudder. Was this the secret of the Origin? Could people with a powerful Origin possess multiple Origin Sub-entities? Since his current Origin strength was 4, didn't that mean he could have four Sub-entities?
"Of course, there are some exceptionally gifted Wizards who are born with a powerful Origin and possess multiple 'Sub-entities.' This makes them the cream of the crop among Ghost Mages, even existing as legends across the entire continent.
"The Ghost Soul School was founded on the 'Origin Sub-entity,' and it is through the 'Origin Sub-entity' that we have made a name for ourselves across all continents. So, how does one use an 'Origin Sub-entity' to cast Magic?
"It is actually quite simple: by reinforcing a single 'Origin Sub-entity'!"
Wei'en thought, "Reinforcement? How do I reinforce it?"
Suppressing his doubts, he continued reading.
"Our school calls this a 'Magic System.' It is a cohesive magical framework centered around the 'Origin Sub-entity,' combined with theories from the Spiritual Mystery School, the Blood Spirit School, and the Mechanical School.
"Here, we must mention how our school internally categorizes these 'Magic Systems.'
"Based on the different Rune Brandings inscribed on the 'Origin Sub-entity,' they can be roughly divided into three directions. First is the Undead Magic system, which involves carving an Undead Summoning Brand onto the 'Origin Sub-entity.'
"Second is the universal Magic system, which covers elemental, physical modification, or mechanical enhancement paths by carving the corresponding Rune Branding.
"Third is the Secret Technique system. This system... requires the coordination of multiple 'Origin Sub-entities.' The more Sub-entities there are, the more comprehensive the Magic system becomes.
"It is precisely because of these three directions that Wizards within our school exhibit such diverse development. So much so that, in most cases, our school faces relentless criticism and attacks from other Wizard Schools, including the Spiritual Mystery, Mechanical, and Blood Spirit Schools.
"Because they suspect us of stealing their Magic systems... The answer to that is obvious: if there are ready-made ones to learn from, why go out of our way to do something so difficult and thankless?"
Wei'en was speechless.
Only the Ghost Soul School could describe blatant robbery in such a refreshingly refined manner.
At the same time, he finally understood the underlying principles of the Ghost Soul School's Magic systems. It essentially meant inscribing a Rune Branding inside the Origin Sub-entity—namely, "Xiaoxi"—and supplementing it with other methods to eventually form one's own Magic system.
This made the choice quite easy for Wei'en. Since he had multiple Origin Sub-entities, he was definitely going to pursue the broader and more powerful Secret Technique system. He would have to be kicked in the head by a donkey to choose anything else.
"Hmm?"
Just as Wei'en was about to continue studying the Level-Zero Magic, he felt that his body had reached its absolute limit. Exhaustion—a crushing double blow of physical and mental fatigue!
Wei'en rubbed his temples, but it didn't relieve the tension in the slightest. His eyelids only felt heavier and heavier...
This forced him to halt his studies.
He wondered, "What a shame I couldn't finish imprinting the Magic... Why am I so tired?"
Perhaps it had something to do with the "lost secrets" he had just acquired. The history of the distant past and the lost secrets of the slumbering Ancient Gods carried a heavy weight that he found difficult to bear.
Furthermore, studying the two parchment scrolls, *Gonzalez (Beginner)* and *Basic Theory of Magic and Detailed Explanation of Level-Zero Magic*... Although they brought him tremendous improvement, they also drained a vast amount of his energy.
And maybe... he also had to factor in that nauseating Sound of Divinity.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, he struggled into bed and fell into a deep, heavy sleep.
Meanwhile, the two Xiaoxis exchanged a look, simultaneously curled their lips, and turned their faces away from each other.
"Rexi."
"Papa!"
"Apu..."