Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 117 (Part 2)

The Towers already knew how to convert mana into energy. Approximately dozens of institutions, including the Four Great Towers, possessed this knowledge.

However, they hadn’t figured out how to remove impurities. Despite ongoing research, there had been no significant progress.

“Purification… it must be difficult, right?”

“Think of it like training in magic. A magician accumulates purified mana within themselves. The human body filters out impurities as it absorbs mana.”

“So, we need to replicate what the body does in another way.”

“Exactly, and that’s why it’s difficult.”

While Rodin conversed with Betner, preparations for departure were completed.

Daniel, the head of the trading company, looked at Rodin and Betner, waiting for their discussion to end so they could depart.

“I learned something invaluable today.”

“Think nothing of it.”

The conversation ended. Betner returned to the company’s carriage, and Rodin entered the carriage driven by Jena.

Two days passed.

It was a peaceful journey. There was one more monster attack, but it involved small beasts. Their numbers were so few that the mercenaries easily dealt with them.

During that time, Rodin transformed Jena’s carriage into a mana training room. Just like the carriage driven by Karis, he also integrated a mana accumulation magic circle.

“Hmm.”

Perhaps it was the satisfaction of completing one task, but his mind began to wander, especially towards his curiosity about Refined Mana Crystals.

“Looking back, I was lucky.”

Rodin recalled the significant mistake he made at the special forces training center when crafting potions. The problem was that he consistently produced potions without fail each month.

He only learned that potion creation had a success rate after speaking with merchants of magical goods outside.

Luckily, there weren’t many who knew the actual success rates. Even among merchants, only those from major shops who handled large quantities of goods were aware.

They mentioned that potion success rates hovered around 70%. Though it seemed low, this was considered high for potion creation.

The success rate for continuous-effect artifacts was about 30%. For activation-type artifacts, the rate dropped to a mere 20%, even for simple 1st-circle spells.

The higher the spell, the lower the success rate.

The shock-absorbing carriage of Tracia Tower succeeded only once out of ten attempts. Their recently developed freezing carriage succeeded only three times in twenty attempts.

The absence of Refined Mana Crystals was the main reason for this disparity in success rates.

“I thought they were unnecessary.”

To Rodin, creating artifacts wasn’t a game of chance. He only failed when he miscalculated the runes or magic circle combination. He had never failed due to the mana stones.

When there were no mistakes, he always succeeded, so he never felt the need for Refined Mana Crystals.

However, his conversation with Betner two days ago had sparked a change in his thoughts. He wanted to create a proper artifact using a Refined Mana Crystal at least once.

‘What would be the difference between an artifact made with a real Refined Mana Crystal and one made with a raw mana stone?’

To Betner, Rodin had explained the difference in terms of success rate, efficiency, and lifespan.

Rodin hadn’t been interested in the success rate, as it hadn’t been relevant to him.

“Lifespan isn’t that significant.”

He didn’t plan on making artifacts that would last generations. As long as they lasted a few years, that was enough.

Once they expired, he could always create new ones. Lifespan wasn’t a critical factor.

“Improved efficiency means greater power. How much of a difference would that make? Have I underestimated Refined Mana Crystals?’

Perhaps the benefits of a Refined Mana Crystal were far greater than he had imagined. Even a 20% increase in power would be worth researching.

‘No, even a 10% increase would be significant.’

Rodin wasn’t starting from scratch with this research.

In The Frouval’s illusion lessons, the topic was briefly mentioned, but the books from the Empire of Magic contained substantial information on the principles of Refined Mana Crystals.

‘This isn’t something I’d have to research from the ground up. It’s doable.’

The core of a Refined Mana Crystal was converting mana to energy and purifying it.

Converting mana to energy was surprisingly simple. The Towers had already mastered this ages ago, and several methods came to Rodin’s mind instantly.

“I need to focus more on this research.”

He was just beginning to plan out his research. However, things don’t always go as planned.

“Stop.”

Just as the caravan was moving, Rodin shouted urgently. Jena pulled the reins, and Karis halted her carriage as well.

“What’s wrong?”

“It looks like trouble. We’re surrounded. Hah, it seems they don’t plan to just let us pass.”

“Karis.”

“Understood.”

Karis maneuvered the carriage to the left, positioning it between the company’s carriage and Jena’s, forming a defensive line to protect Matthew, Larry, and Bianca.

There was no question about Rodin’s declaration.

Though his combat skills were not at the level of a master, his sensory abilities were second to none. If Rodin said they were surrounded, they were.

“Mage Rodin, what is it?”

“Beasts, I think. About 200 of them. Small beasts, but we’re already surrounded.”

“Beasts! Defensive formation!”

“Beasts incoming!”

The formation was established in an instant.

The carriages with people were positioned in the center, with supply wagons forming an outer ring. Mercenaries stood between the wagons, while Betner climbed onto the roof of a carriage.

“Rodin, another beast attack?”

“Yes, there are quite a few of them. But it shouldn’t be too dangerous. No need to worry.”

“Why are there so many beasts?”

“Good question. I’m curious about that myself.”

Rodin glanced at Daniel, the head of the trading company, seeking any insight he might have.

“No, it’s not usual. This is the first time we’ve encountered them this frequently. Typically, we run into beasts once every ten days or so.”

“Could it be related to those monster sightings you mentioned before?”

“Yes, I believe so.”

This final answer came from Cant, the mercenary leader. He was a veteran known for holding his own against a troll single-handedly for an extended time.

(T/N: Hello, everyone! This is Hyung Otaku. I’m excited to announce that I’ve launched a Patreon for Embracing Magic! If you’d like to support the novel and help it grow, I invite you to join the Patreon community. Your support means a lot and will help bring even more content to life! Here!)