Embracing Magic - E.M Chapter 152 (Part 1)
All tasks in the Richmond Marquisate were now complete.
As promised to Larry and Bianca, Rodin prepared to depart the next day.
“Not leaving anything behind, right?”
“I’ve packed everything.”
“But, Big Brother, are we just going to leave the warehouse with the Preservation Magic behind?”
“If I need one again, I can just make another.”
The key material used to create the warehouse imbued with Preservation Magic was the wood from the staff obtained underground after killing Councilor Elrov. It was a rare blue wood called Arovaine, which could only be found in the Beast Forest of the Western Continent.
However, Rodin now had materials that could serve as substitutes. Among the artifacts sent by the Landes Magic Tower, several materials were just as exceptional as Arovaine.
There was also the option of using Magic Stones.
Since he had bought plenty of mithril the day before, it wouldn’t be difficult to mass-produce Magic Stones. By embedding a large quantity of these Magic Stones, it was possible to create a warehouse imbued with Preservation Magic even without Arovaine.
“Ah, so you can just make another one.”
“We don’t need it when we’re traveling together. I can store things myself.”
“Yeah, that’s true. If Big Brother Rodin is around, there’s no need for Preservation Magic.”
Not just ingredients, but even cooked food could be stored piping hot within a subspace.
It was on a different level compared to Preservation Magic, which merely prevented spoilage.
“Brother, I’m ready.”
“Young Master, we may depart.”
“Let’s go.”
“Hee-yah! Sister Jena, let’s go!”
The carriage picked up speed slightly. They wanted to leave the somber atmosphere of the territory as quickly as possible.
“Whoa, whoa.”
The carriage, which had been moving faster than usual, stopped at the castle gate—not due to an inspection, but because of someone waiting there.
“What brings you here, Mr. Hamilton?”
“I greet Grand Mage Rodin.”
“Such excessive formality is a bit uncomfortable. Please don’t bow so deeply.”
“Understood.”
The person waiting was Hamilton. A few knights stood nearby, seemingly there to escort him.
“So, what brings you here?”
“I was waiting here to offer our gratitude to Mage Rodin for the great help you’ve provided over the past two days.”
Hamilton raised his hand, signaling one of the knights, who then approached carrying a box. Though only a handspan wide, the box was nearly two meters long.
“What is this?”
“A small token of thanks. It may seem modest compared to what you’ve done, but the Marquis personally took great care in selecting it.”
The box was placed in front of him. Without hesitation, Rodin opened it.
“A staff?”
“Yes. After considering what might be useful to a mage, the Marquis chose this staff.”
“Isn’t the Richmond Marquisate a family of knights?”
“The Richmond Marquisate is a prestigious family with a history spanning over 700 years.”
Given its long-standing history, it was no surprise that they possessed all manner of treasures. It made sense when one considered the character of the Central Continent—back when the family was first establishing itself, it must have fought numerous territorial wars. Naturally, they would have clashed with mages as well, and it wouldn’t be unusual for the equipment those mages left behind to have ended up in the family’s storage.
Moreover, the Richmond Marquisate was renowned for having produced quite a few sword masters over the generations. They had often aided other territories during wartime and received rewards in return.
“Please convey my thanks to the Marquis.”
“I will do so.”
Hamilton stepped aside to let them pass. Karis and Jena started the carriage again, and it rolled through the castle gate.
“Big Brother, is it a good staff?”
“I’m about to find out.”
Bianca scooted close beside Rodin, clearly coveting the staff.
The moment Rodin saw the staff, he recognized it as a relic—its embedded magic was beyond the capabilities of modern artifact craftsmanship.
“How peculiar.”
“Why?”
“Hold still for a bit. I’m going to give it to you anyway, so don’t get impatient.”
Rodin had never used a staff before and didn’t plan to start now. Using hand signs was more advantageous in many ways.
“Really?”
“Yeah, really. So let me focus, alright?”
“Okay, I’ll stay quiet.”
Bianca obediently closed her mouth. Before analyzing the magic circles carved into the staff, Rodin examined its material.
‘What is this wood called?’
Unlike Arovaine, which could be easily identified by its blue color, the material of this staff was unfamiliar. This was the limit of a book-learned scholar.
While he had studied various materials through books, reading about them in text was one thing—matching them to their real-life appearance was another.
‘Could it be Upello wood? Or maybe Shaipart wood?’
Both were high-grade materials—dense, highly mana-conductive, and capable of holding a large amount of magical energy.
‘The orb is quite large, too. The color is bluish-white…’
Orbs were generally considered best when red since most mages specialized in fire magic.
‘Bianca’s elemental affinity is still unknown, though.’
First Circle mages typically didn’t have a specialty. Their spells were all relatively basic, so those with a certain degree of talent could use them proficiently regardless of elemental type.
However, upon reaching the Second Circle, a mage’s affinity for lightning magic became apparent.
Those with talent in the lightning attribute could manage a decent Lightning Bolt. Conversely, those without talent couldn’t even grasp the sensation of controlling lightning magic.
“This one’s Heal, this one’s Restore, and there’s Anesthesia, too. Vital Sign and Clean Up as well…”
The staff contained five inscribed spells. Clean Up, Restore, and Vital Sign were Third Circle spells, while Heal and Anesthesia were Second Circle spells.
Judging solely by the spell levels, the staff wasn’t particularly outstanding.
Yet, the fact that all the spells leaned toward a specific category was both curious and impressive.
Anesthesia numbed the body to eliminate pain, while Vital Sign infused the target with vitality. Alongside Heal, Clean Up, and Restore, every spell was of the healing variety.
“Now I see why they used bluish-white Elviaz.”
“Big Brother! So, how is it?”
“All the spells are for healing. It’s a pretty rare staff.”
Since the orb was made from blue Elviaz, it could provide some amplification for water-based spells. Combined with the five embedded healing spells, it was bound to be cherished by one’s companions.
However, such a uniquely specialized item had to be used by someone whose abilities aligned with its nature.
If Bianca awakens her talent as a combat mage, this staff won’t be much help. In that case, even a cheap staff with a red orb embedded in it would be better.
But if she grows into a support-type mage? There wouldn’t be equipment as well-suited as this staff.
“Really? Why’s it rare?”
“There are more mages who can’t use healing magic than those who can.”
“Yeah? But I want to help people.”
“You can check when you reach the 2nd Circle. Here, take it.”
Rodin handed the staff to Bianca. Bianca beamed brightly and hugged the staff tightly.
‘Though, the blue-white orb should also amplify lightning attribute magic.’
It wasn’t something to worry about right now. Lightning attributes could only be accessed from the 2nd Circle onward.
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