Cornflower Witch

Chapter 378 The Dilemma of Sylvia

Amidst the grand and sacred tolling of bells, many people closed their eyes in prayer. Although the monks did not believe in external gods, that custom had become ingrained in their lives.

As the bells slowly fell silent, the second half of the Silver Bell Festival began. While the first half was led and guided by the officials, the second half was a time for visiting guests to socialize freely. Some reminisced with old friends they hadn't seen in a year, some shared their recent experiences, and some made new friends during the event.

"Does Hedra have any plans?" After the most exciting part of the festival had passed, Tiqis's grandmother asked the girl.

"No, this is my first time at Rolik Academy, I'm not familiar with it yet."

"How about I show you around? It just so happens that this is Tiqisi's first time here, so I'll show her around too."

"Okay, thank you, Grandma," Hiltiya replied gratefully, her voice sweet and clear.

Tikkiss was delighted to hear that Hiltia was with her, so she held her grandmother's hand with one hand and Hiltia's hand with the other.

The three then left the magnificent gilded hall to visit other parts of Rorick College.

"The Loric Academy, or the 'Phantom School,' is based on the three aspects of 'Secret Words, Golden Steam, and Nightmare,' and is further divided into three major branches: working puppets dominated by 'Golden Steam and Secret Words,' killing golems dominated by 'Golden Steam and Nightmare,' and puppet magic dominated by 'Nightmare and Secret Words.'"

"The show we just watched in the Gilded Hall mainly featured 'Golden Steam and Secret Words' dolls. These dolls are mostly constructed with intricate mechanical parts and can lifelike mimic human movements, thus they can also perform many tasks," the old man explained to Xilutiya as they walked.

"Then there's the 'Killing Golem.' The scarecrow battle at the beginning was actually a technique of this school. They can use threads to drive inanimate objects and infuse them with power and abilities, so that inanimate objects made of metal, wood, and stone can immediately unleash amazing combat power."

"Finally, there's 'Puppet Spells,' which is extremely difficult to master, has the fewest practitioners, and is also the most difficult to defend against," she said as she walked.

"There are many legends that say if you hide a person’s hair or blood or other objects that can be connected to that person into a doll, and then destroy the doll, you will suffer the same harm as the person. In the supernatural world, the 'puppet spell' can achieve the same effect."

"Of course, the uses of this kind of puppet spell are not limited to this. High-level 'puppet spells' can also be reversed, allowing the spell doll to take harm in place of the person, or to know the person's current state, and so on."

“Nightmare is the reflection of the radiant moon, and also a part of the illusory moon. Among the things we often encounter in life, the reflection in the water is the closest to the meaning of nightmare. It is not real, but it is closely related to reality and has an ambiguous connection.”

“In ancient times, mirrors were considered ominous. People said that seeing oneself in the mirror was a terrifying thing that would cause a series of mental disorders and cognitive abnormalities. Although this concept is rarely mentioned now, it still shows that mirrors, reflections, and nightmares are closely related.”

The old man led Silti and Tikis through the streets of Rolik College, introducing each building and its purpose along the way.

"As you can see, Rolik Academy can be roughly divided into three major areas. The one in the middle is the 'Sealed Zone,' where not only outsiders but even students of the academy cannot approach at will. It is inhabited by the leaders and core figures of the school, most of whom do not wish to be disturbed, and security management is extremely strict."

"It is said that the sacred texts and relics of the founding of the school are sealed under the 'Forbidden Church' at the very center, and a large number of the school's classic texts are also sealed here."

“Aside from the central ‘Sealed Area’, what remains is the ‘Research and Study Area’, which occupies nearly 60% of the academy’s area. Here, three magnificent buildings form the core, spreading outwards like a spider web. These three buildings are the iconic buildings of the three major branches that I just introduced to you. They are the ‘Hall of Memories’, the ‘Hall of Suspended Threads’, and the ‘Hall of Phantoms’.”

"Finally, there is the outermost 'workshop area,' where many outsiders live. The numerous workshops surrounding the academy are staffed and operated by people from the 'Phantom School,' who provide the outside world with all kinds of puppets and creations they need."

With the old man's explanation, Hilti quickly gained an understanding of the entire Rolik Academy and felt that the layout design embodied the school's years of hard work and experience.

The 'Golden Hall' where they first set off is located between the 'Sealed Zone' and the 'Study Zone'. The three of them mainly visited the 'Study Zone' afterwards, but in just a few hours, they couldn't possibly see everything and could only choose to visit the three most important core buildings.

"Does Hedra want to learn a secret technique from the 'Phantom School'?" the old woman asked as they walked down the street.

"Yes, but I don't know which one to choose." She was already overwhelmed by all the different things she had seen along the way.

"Hehe, they are indeed useful in their own way, but it also depends on what you need."

"What skills do you hope to improve, or what needs do you have?" the old man asked the girl.

Hiltia was lost in thought. In fact, she had many means to improve her combat power, and her other attributes were already sufficient, so she didn't lack this aspect. However, if she had enough mechanical dolls to help her farm, tend her garden, and do chores, it would be much more convenient and would also suit her quiet lifestyle, where she preferred not to be disturbed by outsiders.

“I want to learn the art of doll making, but it seems very complicated,” Hiltia asked.

"Yes, you have to learn about mechanics first, then the crafting of memory containers, and finally a series of adjustments and improvements."

"If I want to use the doll to do some simple things in my life, is there a quicker way?" Hilti asked curiously.

"Many people have this idea, haha. It seems that you are actually more suited to the 'Killing Golem' branch."

"That is, directly manipulating the puppet golem with silk threads to make it move and give it various abilities. Its advantage is that it can quickly form combat power and does not have high requirements for the golem to be manipulated. Wood and cotton golems are both fine. However, the disadvantage is that it requires constant mental energy and attention to be diverted to control it. Once you lose focus or are disturbed, the puppet golem to be manipulated will also lose its vitality."

"This is equivalent to giving a superhuman dozens of extra arms, which he can control to perform multiple complex and dangerous tasks simultaneously."

Even though the old man pointed out many drawbacks of this branch of the sect, such as the high requirements for mental strength, the great consumption of energy, and the inability to be distracted, Hiltiya became more and more interested as she listened. Her mental strength had always been very high. Previously in the woods, she could not even improve further with basic meditation techniques, reaching her limit. Only by adopting advanced meditation techniques could she continue to improve.

Although her sexual phase level has decreased, mental strength is a manifestation of soul strength, so she still maintains her previous level, roughly above the fourth level, or even close to the fifth level. With such an innate advantage, learning the secret techniques of the 'Slaughter Golem' branch should be exceptionally easy.

“I understand.” Hilti nodded and told her grandmother that she wanted to choose the secret technique of the 'Slaughter Golem' branch.

“In that case, we’ll go to the ‘Hall of Suspended Threads,’ where many secret techniques of this branch of the sect are treasured. All techniques below the fifth rank can be found there. However, as a visitor, you can only choose to learn the secret techniques of the third rank at most.”

After identifying their destination, the three boarded a carriage within the academy and headed towards the 'Hall of Suspended Threads'.

Inside a tower in the academy, two figures sat in a room, looking at a mirror on a table that displayed images, and talking to each other.

"It seems she has made her choice."

“The secret arts of the Killing Golem branch are something we both happen to have some knowledge of,” the two professors discussed again.

"My life's work is 'Steel Shadow Demon Hand.' Learning this skill requires at least the fourth rank. However, at the third rank, there is a secret technique called 'Phantom Flying Sword.' Its principles and application methods are the foundation of 'Steel Shadow Demon Hand.' If she can easily learn 'Phantom Flying Sword' and apply it proficiently, then learning 'Steel Shadow Demon Hand' in the future will not be a problem for her." The old man tapped his fingers on the table and spoke slowly.

"Your 'Steel Shadow Demon Hand' is indeed powerful, but I think it's not flexible enough and too slow to activate." The woman opposite her shook her folding fan.

"The core secret technique I inherited is 'Dream Substitute,' which is even more difficult to learn than your 'Steel Shadow Demon Hand.' It is estimated that it takes five levels to master it. The only technique that three levels can access is probably 'Sympathy,' which is one of the prerequisites for learning 'Dream Substitute.'"

"The 'Phantom Flying Sword' I mentioned is still within the normal learning range. As for the 'Synergy Technique' you mentioned, I remember the complete version should be the 'Secret Words: Nightmare' composite secret technique. You want her to learn it at the third level? That's completely asking too much." The old man couldn't help but laugh after hearing this. "There's no way around it. The 'Phantom Dream Substitute' technique I inherited is just that difficult. Back then, my teacher took in twenty exceptionally talented students, and I was the only one who learned it completely. The others had to give up in the end and learn other high-level secret techniques instead." The woman replied with a slight complaint.

"That's why I'm so eager to find students with exceptional talent; otherwise, the tradition will be lost in my generation."

"So it seems you're not going to back down."

"Of course, let's each rely on our own abilities."

After saying that, the two stood up and went to a corner inside the tower, where there was a small but complex magic array. As soon as they stood on it, their figures flashed and they disappeared instantly.

A few minutes later, Hilti arrived at the 'Hall of Suspended Threads'. After explaining her purpose to the staff, they nodded and led her to the library on the side.

"The four rows of bookshelves here are filled with secret techniques below the third rank. They contain information about the effects, functions, difficulty of learning, precautions, and so on. After you have made your selection, come to the front desk to register. We will take you to a special inheritance room to retrieve the inheritance gem of the secret technique so that you can experience and memorize it on the spot."

So that's how you learn. No wonder you can learn it in just a few hours, Hiltiya thought to herself.

After that, she began to browse under the tall bookshelves, looking at the various secret techniques recorded inside.

The 'Erbius Flying Serpent' requires 'Serpent Bone Powder' and a suitable long artifact to awaken and control it, allowing it to fight like a flying serpent.

The 'Flame Scarecrow' requires only a simple scarecrow, which can be manipulated and connected with silk threads. During battle, the scarecrow can be set ablaze, amplifying its heat and increasing its lethality.

'Iron Golem Manipulation' requires a well-crafted iron golem. Once manipulated, the golem can use weapons in combat. Its movements are heavy and slow, but its power is immense, easily able to withstand second-tier beasts.

The 'Killing Red Bee' requires bred wasps or bees, which are then manipulated and connected with silk threads to obey commands and unleash even greater combat power.

'Infusion of Frenzied Thought' is ineffective when used alone. It allows the controlled creature to overcome its instinctive fear and dread, and intensifies its sexuality, greatly increasing its combat power for a short period of time. The consequence is that the creature will suffer great damage after the battle ends.

The 'Nightmare Technique' can be used on other living beings to disrupt their will, causing them to experience immense fear and lose their fighting ability.

'Sobis Magic Thread Skeleton', a universal arcane technique, allows your magic threads to penetrate deep into the skeleton of the object you manipulate, giving you greater precision and control over the golem or creature you control.

……

Various secret techniques were presented before Hilti's eyes, making her curiously flip through them, searching for the parts that suited her best and that interested her the most.

At this moment, two young people in college uniforms walked over. They were a man and a woman, both looking to be in their twenties and handsome and beautiful.

"Little sister, are you looking for a suitable secret technique to learn?" The two asked with a smile when they saw Hiltiya rummaging through the items.

“Uh, yes.” Hiltiya put down her book and nodded.

"Judging from your appearance, you're probably not a student at the academy, but rather a guest invited to the Silver Bell Festival, right?"

Yes, that's right.

"It's alright. When we first came to the academy, we were also overwhelmed by all the various secret techniques. It was indeed difficult to find one that we liked or wanted at first."

"What kind of need do you want to fulfill by learning this secret technique, or is it simply to improve yourself? We can give you a general direction." The two spoke with a caring and concerned tone.

“I see… I’ve already mastered the manipulation of magic threads. I’m not in a rush to improve my combat abilities. My main concern is that I want to be able to control various puppets to accomplish many things in my daily life,” Silti explained her needs.

The two men's eyes lit up after hearing this, and they began to introduce themselves.

"In that case, I suggest learning 'Magic Hand Manipulation'. It allows you to conjure magical hands to accomplish all sorts of complex tasks. It's much easier than manipulating bulky puppets, and you can manipulate many 'Magic Hands' at the same time. Imagine, you can complete incredibly complex experiments and potion adjustments all by yourself."

"If controlled properly, it won't tremble like a human hand, and it can easily pick up various powdery materials that can't be touched, such as high-temperature or corrosive materials."

"However, this secret technique is a bit difficult. You can learn the simple 'Phantom Flying Sword' first. It is a basic simplification of 'Demon Hand Control', which is to use 'magnetic sand' prepared in advance to condense the flying sword."

"If you learn 'Phantom Flying Sword', you can come here to exchange for the 'Demonic Hand Manipulation' basic study manual when you reach the third tier."

"Huh? There's such a system? After learning it, I can switch to another one." Hiltiya didn't know much about Rolik Academy; this was the first time she had heard of it.

The male senior in front of me held up a finger and replied with a smile, "Of course there are, but it only started recently, so it's normal that you haven't heard of it."

“Alright then.” Upon hearing that the ‘Demon Hand Manipulation’ had so many uses, Hilti was as excited as a child who loves candy.

Just as she was about to choose the 'Phantom Flying Sword', the girl on the other side coughed a few times, interrupting their conversation, and then interjected.

“Although ‘Magic Hand Manipulation’ has many uses, I suggest you learn ‘Synesthesia’ first, as it’s more practical,” she continued.

"The so-called 'synesthesia' means that the golems or living things you control can transmit what they perceive and see to your own senses. For example, you can use threads to make a bird fly high, and you can also gain the vast field of vision it sees."

"Also, since you're still a student and have many classes to attend, you can have the doll you made sit in the classroom, and what it sees and hears will be transmitted to your mind."

"In addition, during battle, although a puppeteer can command many puppets, if he cannot see the opponents fighting in the distance and the details of the battle, his combat power will be greatly reduced. But if he learns the 'Sympathy Technique,' it will be different. Each puppet is an extension of his own body, just like a substitute." She introduced another beautiful scene to the girl.

Now Hilti's attention shifted, and she became interested in the 'synesthetic technique' that she had mentioned.

These two seniors are indeed insightful. The two secret techniques they introduced are very useful. If one can learn them, it can greatly improve one's life. At this moment, Hilti is also caught in a dilemma of choice.

Under the eager gaze of her two senior classmates, Hilti felt like a doll that was constantly shrinking, enveloped by some kind of invisible pressure.

Oh no, they're both so good, she doesn't know which one to choose.

(End of this chapter)