Thousand-Faced Dragon

Chapter 67 Magic
"First, put aside the misconception that 'spells are just about making gestures and chanting spells.' Trying to learn the knowledge of a new system with overconfidence and the arrogance of a transmigrator is doomed to failure, given the accumulation of countless years in a world."

Kuku's little paws are drawing and writing in mid-air.

When Rean was unable to cast spells, his "favorite" easily created an illusionary blackboard, using Rean's magic power.

"In terms you can understand, the magic of this world is essentially the scientific system of this world; it's the natural laws summarized by our predecessors and the ways to transform nature."

Once Kuku entered teaching mode, it seemed to switch to a completely different line of thinking, and the grammar became more complete.

This gentle yet rapid speech seems quite suitable for teaching.

His habitual way of speaking, which leads to fragmented and inaccurate information, is somewhat dangerous for the spellcaster.

Rean suspected that if there were language packs available in this era, he, being a pragmatist, would probably switch to the gentle female teacher's voice for the sake of teaching effectiveness.

But what he said left Rean somewhat bewildered.

Magic equals science? This is something that perhaps only time travelers can understand and articulate.

But soon, Kuku made Rean understand what was going on.

This is not to say that magic and earth science are the same, but that their development histories and their effects on the world are somewhat similar.

Science is the way humankind understands and transforms nature; it is a collection of countless categories of knowledge.

In the process of understanding and transforming nature, the intelligent beings of this world naturally attributed the knowledge they gained to magic.

Conversely, they use magical knowledge to transform the world and solve problems, such as the magical steam engine, the city's water supply system which is actually powered by magical devices, and the magical oil lamps that are periodically lit on the city's main roads.

Many monks are renowned scholars, and much of their specialized knowledge can only be shared among monks.

A scholar is not necessarily a Dharma master, and a Dharma master is not necessarily a qualified scholar, but a great Dharma master is definitely a great scholar!
"Therefore, in my opinion, learning magic is actually learning knowledge and how to apply that knowledge."

"Uh, we don't have to learn math, do we?" Rean was more concerned about this, as his math skills were quite poor.

"Yes, this is the general foundation. Most spellcasting requires a coordinate system, and a complete spell requires the caster to provide various information, including coordinates."

Noticing that Rean was a bit overwhelmed by the information, Kuku gave an example.

"A standard fireball spell should provide the element with the information: 'Fireball spell model, standard mana cost, spatial coordinates based on me (the caster), position coordinates 61.68, elevation angle 37', launch in two seconds'."

The basic prerequisites for casting spells are gestures, incantations, and spell models. Before casting a spell, the coordinates and range must be determined, and calculations and information transmission are completed through gestures and incantations.

Rean began to understand why warlocks were so hated. They would painstakingly calculate while simultaneously hitting their targets with a single shot, unable to explain why they hit, and their accuracy even surpassed Rean's calculations.

By this point, Rean realized that Kuku's initial warning was correct; his previous attitude towards studying had been problematic.

The idea that magic can be cast simply by reciting incantations, as depicted in fairy tales, is not realistic.

According to Kuku's explanation, the mage's incantations and gestures all have specific meanings, either commanding elements to form the desired arrangement or executing a contract with the elements.

Some of those gestures help complete the spell model, some guide the spell attack coordinates, and some are just simple hand cramps. It is said that some system mages, after getting used to extremely complex high-speed casting, will twitch their hands even when they have nothing to do, which is commonly known as "nervous chicken claw hands".

"Is this similar to those programmers who casually type on the keyboard every now and then?"

"It's heartbreaking, but that's about it."

It seems the spellcaster is acting strangely, with his hands and feet cramping and jumping around like a shaman. Maybe he's already sent a telegram to the elementalist, used auxiliary tools to aim and calculate, and even spent a long time haggling with the elementalist over the price of the magic he'll pay.

Even a basic first-level spell requires several months of study and supplementary learning in several related subjects for a caster of average aptitude.

The more you start, the more extra knowledge you need to catch up on. The initial stage is the slowest because most of the time is spent catching up. When you're trying to calculate how a fossil turned into mud, trying to understand the structure of soil and rock, and trying to learn how to work as a construction worker on cement for half a year, it's unlikely you won't go crazy.

Slightly more advanced spells require a thick book of study materials, while top-tier magic might even provide you with an entire library of materials.

“I only have half a month.” Rean was stunned. In such a short time, what could he possibly learn?

"Even if it were me, I could only teach you one or two first-level spells." Kuku was indifferent when it came to teaching.

This thing really can't be fast. Rean's current temporary spell list has a bunch of low-level spells that he can't use, and that's why.

Now Rean understands why mages need smart people. It seems like you really can't succeed if you're not a top student.

“If it’s just modern, conventional magic.” Kuku produced a monocle from somewhere and pushed it up.

"Instead of using this time for teaching, it's better to use it for enlightenment and to guide you into the field."

Do you know what the origin of magic is?

How could Rean possibly know? He simply shook his head.

"They are the ancient dragon race. The ancient dragon king was the master of the elements, and the ancient dragons were the children of the elements. They could naturally command the elements, and their language could become what is known as dragon language magic. This is why mages must diligently study dragon language."

Ancient beasts are the children of the world, and ancient dragons are the children of the elements? These ancient creatures truly have a natural advantage.

"Dragonborn are the children of dragons who inherit and acquire dragon language magic suited to their own nature. The elves stole and modified these magics from the dragonborn, creating ancient elven magic, the progenitor of modern magic. Later, mages acquired it, and in the process, with the change of owners, it transformed into several systems."

This line of reasoning seems quite clear. "Magic has never been a single system. In fact, each race and each group has its own system of spells based on its own aptitude and history. Magic is a collection of knowledge about how a race views and transforms nature, and how it shapes the world it needs."

Rean understood why Kuku wanted to tell him stories.

“Every race has its own magic system, or rather, its extraordinary system. The existing professional system and soul system are suitable for ‘humanoid’ species that are willing to learn and improve. But although you are a humanoid species, you are also a dragonborn.”

If the normal magic system isn't fast enough, then try the magic systems of other races.

Dragonborn are hybrids of dragon blood and other races, so it's not wrong to say that Rean, being an orc, is also a dragonborn.

But Kuku's ability to teach according to individual aptitude is perhaps the reason he is known as a sage.

"For modern magic, you can learn it from your fiancée's teacher, but that will take a lot of time. However, if it's just about awakening your bloodline and teaching you true dragon language magic, it won't take much time."

"After all, for dragons and dragonborn, spellcasting is just instinct, and they don't have much culture."

"Dragon language magic isn't necessarily better than modern magic. To be precise, magic is always evolving, just like civilization. However, dragon language magic and dragon speech magic are generally extremely powerful and consume relatively little energy, making them very suitable for combat."

Then what are you waiting for? Start learning!

"Can I learn it in two weeks?"

"Impossible. Every magical system is a way for different races to view and transform the world. I can only help you gain the qualifications to learn and get you started."

Learning is always a personal matter; even the best mentor can only guide you through the basics.

To what extent one can learn and whether one can achieve results mainly depends on oneself.

"The special thing about dragon language magic is that after you get started, you don't really need a teacher anymore. You can learn and master it yourself. It is the source of dragon vein magic, and every dragon's dragon language/dragon language magic is unique."

But in the end, Kuku regained his original tone of voice.

"Ha, after all, dragon magic is more about qualifications and bloodline than about so-called knowledge. Those arrogant people naturally possess everything and have the privilege of commanding elements! Bad dragon! Cheating bad dragon!"

Rean fell silent. "So you're also a Dragon Speech Mage, and a Dragonborn?"

"Dragon magic isn't something you learn, it's something you steal! You'll understand later! You'll understand!"

Rean felt increasingly uneasy. Why did these so-called ancient species seem so outrageous? Was the world completely unbalanced?

“I’ve recently come into contact with beasts… Could there be beast magic?” Rean subconsciously thought of that gravity field; wasn’t it similar to the effect of magic?

"Yes, but never touch mortals, especially beastmen! Absolutely not!"

One night of teaching completely changed Rean's restless mindset and taught him a lot.

At least, it has determined the direction for the future, rather than recklessly regarding it as a kind of supernatural witchcraft.

Kuku was no longer talking about simple magic, but about the world's civilization and extraordinary systems.

Having gained so much, Rean naturally felt a little guilty. After thinking for a moment, he asked.

"Is there anything you want?" Even though Kuku said he didn't need anything, Rean still felt he had to say something.

Kuku seemed to have been waiting for this place all along.

"Gaga, take Kuku to your fiancée's teacher's library! Kuku, go see the new magic! The new magic!" Kuku is already ready to add the new magic to his register.

“Steam! Alchemy, Kuku is also very interested.” In fact, Kuku is interested in all new technologies.

"Alchemy potions, and new industrial products!" This is the pride of a master alchemist.

"Beast, the beast you hit! Kuku wants a specimen, he wants to study it!" This is going to be a bit difficult.

Okay, Rean is exhausted. These are all quite troublesome.

But for some reason, Rean himself also had some expectations for Kuku's research results.

While Rean was working late into the night, a slender figure was also traveling through the wilderness of Radiant City.

From the perspective of a traveler, her elaborate robes were perhaps too ornate for a young woman.

The style of dress was that of an immaculate, openwork dress that was more decorative than protective, and ribbons that covered the body more than the fabric itself.

Her black boots were casually splayed outwards. She sat sideways on a chair atop a large snake, looking at the towering city gate, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Is the 'deer' still not awake? Looks like we made it in time."

On her ornately decorated staff, coiled a large, multicolored serpent, the contracted beast remarked.

"There's some smell, but not much. Hmm, there's even the smell of other 'beasts'."

"The scent of other beasts? Is it another Beast Order or a magical girl? In any case, we must hurry!"

(End of this chapter)