Chapter Seven: The Application of Supermagic

In the reading room, Patrick noticed the book “On the Synergy of Spell Enhancement and Metamagic Simplification,” authored by Dathwither. The cover bore arcane runes for authenticity, location tracking, and resistance to wear.

“If you wish to learn metamagic techniques,” Ellen’s voice echoed, “I recommend starting with Fatigue Immunity and Arcane Inspiration. Use the transmutation school to alter material properties, supplement your enchantment skills, and understand the mechanics of arcane operations. This will greatly benefit you at your current stage. Additionally, I possess memories of metamagic practice that I can transfer to you. After accepting them, flexible mastery will depend on your own application.”

Memories began to flow gently into Patrick’s mind, gradually manifesting arcane techniques. Guided by Ellen’s recollections, his mental realm awakened, and the arcane energies in the reading room grew lively.

A protective membrane formed in Patrick’s spiritual world, shielding his thoughts. The arcane magic became vitalized, shifting freely under his mental direction. Where his heart moved, so did the arcane; the energies fused entirely with his mind. Cognitive modeling commenced, and the arcane grew ever more active. Blue roses, crafted entirely from arcane energy, blossomed in his mind and began to project outward.

Everyone in the reading room of the mage’s tower felt it—the arcane energy had changed. A phantom of a rose appeared briefly, then vanished; the drifting arcane energies left the elves feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Patrick found himself powerless; with only the arcane capacity of a four-circle mage, it was impossible to fully vitalize the surrounding arcane energy. He continued activating his mind, sketching arcane sigils as described in Ellen’s memories.

Within his mental perception, Patrick discovered that the mage tower was engraved with countless runes, channeling abundant magical energy. Multiple magical effects filled the tower, both inside and out—barriers, temperature regulation, enhancement spells covered the walls. The levitation system had established a partitioned barrier, rendering its structure imperceptible from the outside.

“The tower’s levitation—can you explain its structural principle?” Patrick asked.

“The principle of levitation boils down to three methods,” Ellen replied. “Comparing with your knowledge of physics, levitation techniques fall into three categories: spatial deconstruction and reconstruction, altering the gravitational constant, and exerting anti-gravity force. Spatial manipulation demands high skill and stability, plus protection against spell collisions and spatial fluctuations, but its practical effect is poor. Second, changing the gravitational constant of the floating tower or city eliminates its gravity. This method is most feasible, as the conditions are simple; as long as the core power system remains unaffected, the tower’s safety is essentially assured. Third, using anti-gravity force means applying an upward force to counter gravity, consuming enormous energy and being highly inefficient.”

So, if I were to create a gravitational field to forcibly attract nearby objects, or generate one to counter Azeroth’s own gravity, it would be achievable.

According to the physics formula F = G × m1 × m2 / r^2, if this holds true in Azeroth, then as long as G × m1 × m2 / r^2 > m2g, it’s possible. Thus, m1 = 2.7 × 10^24 kilograms. Calculating like this, the mass one would need to create is astronomical—no amount of arcane energy could suffice. With Patrick’s current abilities, it was impossible.

“Controlling gravity is possible in Azeroth,” Ellen advised. “You might consider starting with compression magic—use mental force to compress the volume of a gravitational sphere, simulate the earth element’s form to increase mass with arcane. In magical theory, the evocation school manipulates magical energy and refines elemental control; transmutation alters physical properties and creates energy fields. Master these schools, and you’ll achieve gravity manipulation.”

Between thought and achievement lies action.

He began immediately, practicing magic.

Patrick concentrated arcane energy, shaping it in his palm, striving to control the sphere’s volume and stabilize it. He slowly began modifying the elemental form of the magic, while using mental force to constrain the sphere, causing it to contract. The prolonged strain left Patrick mentally exhausted; training mental strength could only proceed gradually.

After several weeks of practice, Patrick’s face was covered in stubble, his expression weary. The laboratory and study were in disarray, seemingly untouched by any hand, but Patrick knew his mental strength and control had leapt forward in this time.

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Dathwither’s Tower, Office

“The speed and efficiency of logistics delivery this time was impressive. We have ample time to process the materials before sending them to the front lines. Unlike the usual council logistics teams, arriving only as the deadline approaches, this is a pleasant surprise.” Loratalis handed the material report to Dathwither.

“That young elf from the Cabron family did well. How is his learning in the levitating tower?” Dathwither inquired.

“He’s very diligent—more so than most of our kin. The elves of Silvermoon pursue pleasure as their life’s goal, but he is exceptional.”

“Rather than diligence, I’d call it focus—a devotion to arcane knowledge. Perhaps I should write him a letter of recommendation for the Royal Arcane Academy, to serve as Magister Selavor’s assistant,” Dathwither said, glancing at Loratalis.

“To let him enter the Royal Arcane Academy directly? Even with your recommendation, he’s only just reached the fourth circle—a chance to study at the academy is slim.”

“I’ll give him the letter and let him decide when to use it.”

In Quel’Thalas, rule is by mages; the nation’s politics are a parliamentary monarchy, power shared among noble clans in council. The royal Sunstrider family serves as the nation’s representative, yet within the land they “rule but do not govern.” The royal family embodies the people’s interests and spirit, maintaining unity among the high elves.

The Cabron family is a mid-level clan, attached to the Silvermoon Council. Their main enterprises are alchemy and herbalism, relying on annual state procurement and trade. The clan leader, Phil Cabron, is a fifth-circle arcanist; Patrick’s elder brother, Patterson Cabron, is a fourth-circle mage; his spouse, Nasalan Cabron, is a herbalist, not a spellcaster, apprenticed to Senior Botanist Frewin.

For the Cabron family, the emergence of a high-level spellcaster would mean a chance to enter the Silvermoon Council, joining the highest ranks of Quel’Thalas—a direct path to the apex of power.

For thousands of years, the royal family has held sole control of the Sunwell, while the Silvermoon Council governs all else, both sides respecting their boundaries, ensuring stability for over six millennia.

Yet the royal family must consolidate its position, recruiting talent to serve its interests, ensuring prosperity and internal stability.

Dathwither believed young Cabron would not let this opportunity slip by. High elves live long lives; entering the Royal Arcane Academy for advanced study, in a few centuries he could serve in the council or become the king’s confidant, gradually understanding and mastering the core powers of Quel’Thalas.

For King Anasterian, recruiting high-level arcane talent greatly benefits the Sunstrider monarchy, strengthening royal influence and enhancing control over all aspects of Quel’Thalas society, ensuring the Sunstrider line never loses power.

Thus, once Patrick enters the Royal Arcane Academy, he will inevitably be marked as a royalist. Even if he gains seniority to hold public office, he will face council resistance—the council will not allow royalists to share power, nor will royalists permit the council to meddle in the Sunwell.

Dathwither considered Patrick’s arcane talent exceptional; he intended to have him enter the academy early, to become a royalist.