The Eleven-Tone Bronze Umbrella gave Simon a completely different feeling from the External Armor.
big ivan was like a violent puppet; Simon could borrow its strength, while the Eleven-Tone Bronze Umbrella was a scepter that gave him the power to command magic energy, amplifying his spellcasting ability.
Simon's magic energy core had been in a state of debt for years, but now with the tuning fork, he could completely disregard his magic energy reserves; as long as his spirit was strong, he could freely mobilize raw magic energy.
Simon flipped through his quest log and found an item under 'Miscellaneous': [Craft a Mage Set], a quest set a year ago that he had completely forgotten about.
He certainly didn't need a Mage Set now, but he could make one for Serana.
Their journey continued; after leaving Aftnand, they headed west, planning to visit Whiterun, and if it was on the way, they could first go to the monastery to pay their respects to the Greybeards.
...
Jonas and a group of apprentices followed Faralda, wandering through the College of Winterhold courtyard. The High Elf sorceress would speak casually, sharing some of her understanding of spells, and the apprentices could also freely communicate while walking.
These discussion classes took place, on average, twice a week, sometimes once every two weeks. Of course, there were other courses as well, but those were not Faralda's responsibility.
After an hour of walking around, Faralda grew a little tired and prepared to dismiss the class. Before that, she had one more announcement.
Faralda: "In a few days, the College will organize an archaeological expedition. Students who wish to go can sign up with Master Tolfdir. He will be leading the team again this time."
Her words caused a flurry of excited whispers. A Khajiit girl, with her wonderfully accented imperial language, asked, "Etarri wants to know the location of this expedition?"
Faralda: "It hasn't been decided yet; it might be Saarthal, or it might be Elven Tooth. However, we've been to Saarthal several times, and there's not much left to see, so it's more likely we'll go to Elven Tooth. There are only ten spots, and this time, it's said we'll delve a bit deeper into this Dwemer ruin."
The apprentices scattered, rushing to find Tolfdir, leaving only Jonas behind.
Faralda pinched her brow and asked the Breton Boy kindly, "What's wrong, boy? Do you have any concerns you'd like to share with me? While I may not be able to answer, I should be able to offer reasonable advice."
Jonas: "Mentor, what is the ultimate secret of Destruction magic?"
"Oh! That's an unexpected question," Faralda was visibly surprised. "What, do you believe you're already an experienced expert?"
Jonas's face was embarrassed, "No, I still have a lot to learn, but I'm still very curious."
Faralda smiled, "Alright, it's certainly right for a mage to maintain a passion for knowledge, but I must warn you, never be overly ambitious, and never show arrogance towards any spell. Magic can make you, but it can also easily destroy you."
"Yes, Mentor, I understand." Jonas respectfully bowed his head, staring at Faralda's toes. He had long been accustomed to such old adages, and he often reflected on these golden rules for mages, always maintaining a sense of reverence.
Faralda silently scrutinized Jonas's posture, her High Elf golden eyes seemingly flickering with bright electric light. Wherever her gaze fell, countless goosebumps rose on the boy's skin, and restless, suppressed magic energy taunted him maliciously in his ears, making him uneasy yet full of anticipation.
Ten seconds, a long ten seconds, before Faralda finally spoke, "Your cleverness has always been surprising: precocious, steady, full of passion, and joyful. You, indeed, are qualified to walk that path."
Jonas wondered inwardly, *What path?*
"Destruction magic is about manipulating the elements, but we are merely pitiful people drawing water from a river with kettles. True Destruction masters possess the power to navigate that perilous river. I can tell you, next, you should seek inspiration to control the elemental power," Faralda coughed, "Come with me, I can give you some advice, a book; the path is hidden within it."
Jonas followed Faralda to the Hall of Countenance, which, like the Hall of Attainment, was a resting place for mages. It was circular, two-storied, with a magic energy well in the center of the ground floor. Fan-shaped rooms were arranged in a circle, and the semi-arched doorways were sealed by hazy magical barriers that could only be opened with the mage's permission or an emergency command from the Arch-Mage.
Faralda led Jonas to her room.
As a High Elf, she had decorated her dormitory quite meticulously. Special spells had forcibly expanded this narrow space to about one-fortieth of an acre, making it quite spacious. The carpet was woven from yellow cashmere, and there were colorful Magnus emblem embroidery paintings. The cleansing spell's enchantment was excellent, making it so spotless that housewives would die of envy. Besides this, the various wooden furniture was also quite refined. The room came with an enchanting table and an alchemy lab, with various materials neatly arranged. Many green branches grew naturally on the walls, separating the drab stone walls and creating the wonderful feeling of a deep forest. Magic lamps overhead simulated natural light and the cycle of day and night.
Jonas stood in the reception area, where there were comfortable recliners and fruits and vegetables on the tea table. However, the boy, out of politeness, did not sit down without the host's permission.
Faralda walked to a bookcase and softly chanted a spell. Jonas stood still, watching the scene. A strong sense of ritual surged through him. He thought to himself: *This bookcase must be very important, otherwise Mentor Faralda wouldn't have specifically set up a magic trap to protect it. What knowledge is stored inside?*
Faralda opened the cabinet door gently, knelt down, lifted the bottom shelf, and then took out a key. This series of actions made Jonas can't help but stand on tiptoe to peek.
"Ahem." Faralda coughed twice, and Jonas immediately straightened up, adopting a serious demeanor.
"Alright, I found it." The High Elf mage closed the bookcase layer by layer, then walked to the boy with a large, green-bound book in her arms. "Here."
Jonas solemnly accepted the tome.
The ancient book cover had a bronze texture, and one side bore the symbol of the Eye of the Sun, the emblem of Magnus, God of Magic. The pupil seemed to contain profound power, and Jonas felt his blood rush, a dizzying sensation.
"This... this is?"
Faralda softly said: "An ancient legacy. This book is called elemental power. It contains maxims. Go, uncover its mysteries, and it will also unlock the mysteries of magic."
"Don't worry, Mentor, I will definitely unravel the secrets of this book!" The boy bowed and hurried away.
Faralda grinned and laughed. Just then, the barrier at the door rippled, and a Dark Elf girl stood outside, tapping on the barrier.
Faralda recognized her, Brelina Maryo, a talented Destruction mage.
"Come in."
The Dark Elf girl looked shy, "Mentor, I wish to inquire about the path to mastery in Destruction magic."
Faralda nodded profoundly, "Oh! That's an unexpected question..."
A moment later, Brelina departed, full of confidence.
Faralda's final instruction to her was: "Seven days from now, that mysterious key will await here."
"Thank you, Mentor, I remember!"
Faralda showed the benevolent smile of a strict teacher, glancing sideways at her bookcase, which was completely filled with copies of elemental power.
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