touchnovel Chapter 9 Glowing Moss Worms, The Formal Wizard's Task
Chapter 9 Glowing Moss Worms, The Formal Wizard's Task
Instantly, a small glob of dark green acid shot from his fingertip, landing on the thick stone slab in front of him with a hissing sound.
Looking around, a wisp of white smoke rose from the stone slab, leaving a shallow pit and traces of corrosion.
[Spell: Acid Splash (Beginner)]
It wasn't very powerful, its range was only two or three meters, and its accuracy was poor, but at least it was a success.
Rowling estimates that to reach a level of proficiency suitable for actual combat, a great deal of practice is needed, along with finding a suitable and safe training ground.
Practicing in the stone house is obviously not feasible.
In contrast, learning the [Weak Force Field Armor] skill went more smoothly.
This spell model focuses more on the stable output and maintenance of mental energy. Although it is not easy to construct, the requirements for simulating energy characteristics are not as demanding as those for [Acid Splash].
With the help of the "Highly Efficient Scholar," Luo Lin successfully built it after two days and more than ten failures.
With a thought, a nearly invisible, semi-transparent force field with faint ripples covered his entire body, continuously draining his magical power.
[Spell: Weak Force Field Armor (Beginner)]
He tried to gently slice his arm with the bone dagger. The force field pulsated slightly, dispersing most of the force and leaving only a faint white mark on his skin.
The defensive effect does exist, but it is very weak. It is estimated that it can only withstand ordinary punches and kicks or slashes from weapons that are not very sharp, and it consumes mana quite quickly.
The successful learning of the two new spells gave Roland a qualitative leap in his combat abilities, even though they were still in their most basic stages.
He sets aside a fixed amount of time each day to practice building and maintaining the [Weak Force Field Armor] in the stone house.
As for [Acid Splash], he could only practice building models with it and dared not launch it casually.
Besides his magical training, Rowling also continued his work on potions.
He tried to further optimize the [Stamina Recovery Potion], hoping to improve its quality to good, or to research other low-level practical potions.
However, progress is slow. Improving potions is no easy task; it requires a great deal of knowledge and inspiration, and cannot be accelerated infinitely by simply relying on [Efficient Scholars].
In addition, Rolin used his surplus contribution points to begin systematically learning [Basic Rune Identification].
Runes are the foundation for constructing spell models, creating enchanted items, and even setting up magic circles; their importance is self-evident.
He purchased more detailed rune basics textbooks and set aside time each day to memorize and understand those complex and mysterious symbols and their meanings.
The progress of [Basic Rune Identification] began to improve slowly but steadily.
During this period, he also went to Gray Tower Grocery Store to make transactions several times.
Mason was very satisfied with the sales of his [Stamina Recovery Potion], and even subtly suggested that the supply could be increased, but Rolin declined, citing limited energy.
He knew that the identity of "Lin" could not be too high-profile, and maintaining the current supply volume was the safest option.
He had also seen Flak and his group from afar once; they seemed to still be monopolizing the Moonmoss missions and hadn't come looking for trouble with him.
Luo Lin was happy to have some peace and quiet and focused on improving himself.
On this day, while browsing the mission lobby, Rowling noticed a newly appeared long-term commission:
Long-term acquisition:
Live fluorescent bryozoans are required, with intact bodies. Purchase price: 15 contribution points per insect.
Posted by: Insect Studies Lab.
bioluminescent bryozoans?
Rolin recalled his knowledge of [Basic Magical Plant Science].
This is a tiny insect that lives in specific damp, dark environments and feeds on certain mosses. It has little value and is extremely fragile, easily dying when captured.
So even though the acquisition price was not low, very few people were willing to take it.
A thought struck Luo Lin.
Capturing live animals requires patience and meticulous operation, not sheer force.
This suits him perfectly.
Moreover, the Entomology Lab sounds like a formal and pragmatic laboratory, and if we can establish a connection, there might be more opportunities in the future.
He accepted the commission and received a breathable crystal bottle specifically designed for holding live insects.
Following the location indicated in the mission prompt, Rowling arrived at a shady canyon behind the academy.
The air here is very humid, and the stone walls are covered with all kinds of moss.
He carefully searched and soon found several tiny, rice-grain-sized, translucent insects with fluorescent substances flowing inside, slowly wriggling under a patch of moss that emitted a faint glow.
They are indeed very fragile; they will curl up when slightly frightened, and can be crushed to death if you apply too much force.
Lorin held his breath, and quietly activated [Hand of the Mage].
Under his precise control, the translucent energy palm became extremely gentle, like invisible tweezers, carefully approaching one of the glowing moss worms.
He then very steadily "pinched" the insect off the moss, the whole process being gentle and quick, without causing the insect to struggle violently.
He carefully placed the insect into the crystal bottle.
Successfully grasped the first point!
The precise control provided by the "Highly Efficient Scholar" once again proved its worth.
He is far more efficient at catching insects than the average person, and he can preserve the insects' vitality to the greatest extent possible.
In one afternoon, he successfully captured five intact bioluminescent bryozoans.
Submit the task and receive 75 contribution points.
The income is good, and the process is relatively safe.
The successful capture of the glowing moss worms brought Rolin a steady source of extra income and also allowed him to further refine his control over the [Mage Hand].
He maintained a weekly supply of twenty Stamina Recovery Potions to the Gray Tower General Store, while alternating between processing other less common materials and capturing glowing moss bugs. His contribution points steadily increased, exceeding 2000 points.
That day, he went to the Entomology Laboratory again to hand over the five fluorescent bryozoans he had captured.
The person who greeted him was no longer the expressionless assistant from before, but a middle-aged man wearing a dark gray robe, with sharp eyes and a deep aura.
Luo Lin could sense that the mental energy fluctuations emanating from the other party far exceeded those of an apprentice.
This is a formal wizard!
"You're the apprentice who's been submitting perfect fluorescent bryozoans lately? Your name is Rolin?"
The gray-robed wizard spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an invisible pressure.
"Yes, Your Excellency Wizard."
Luo Lin answered respectfully, his heart tightening slightly.
"Hmm, the capture technique is good, and the control over mental energy is very precise."
The grey-robed wizard sized him up, his gaze seemingly able to see through appearances.
"I am Wizard Eric, the head of the Insect School."
"I noticed that the insects you submitted maintained their activity very well, far exceeding the level of a typical apprentice."
"You have a lot of experience handling these kinds of fragile living organisms?"
"The students are just more patient and good at some fine motor skills," Rowling replied cautiously, without mentioning the "highly efficient scholar."
Wizard Eric remained noncommittal, then continued, "How are your skills in Basic Botany and Basic Potion Material Processing?"
Luo Lin's mind raced, and he answered truthfully: "I have some knowledge of [Basic Magical Plant Science], and I think I'm fairly competent in [Basic Magical Potion Material Processing]."
He didn't say directly that he had reached a professional level.
"My lab recently needed to process a batch of dream spider silk glands. The requirement was to completely remove them without damaging their internal structure, and the work had to be completed within a certain timeframe, which was quite a lot."
"The reward for the task is 500 contribution points, or resources of equivalent value."
"Would you be interested in giving it a try?"
Eric the Wizard looked at Rowling.
"Of course, if you cannot handle it, or if there is excessive damage, you will need to pay for it at cost."
The silk glands of a spider in a dream?
Rowling recalled that this was a very rare demonized spider. Its silk glands were an important material for making certain mental potions, but they were very fragile and extremely difficult to peel off. If not handled carefully, the glands would rupture, the essence would be lost, and the spider would become worthless.
This is a challenge, but also an opportunity.
If he can complete this task, it means he may gain the favor of a formal wizard.
"Students are willing to try."
Luo Lin didn't hesitate for long and readily agreed.
High risk, high reward.
"very good."
A hint of admiration flashed in Eric the Wizard's eyes.
"Come with me."