Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 56 - 53

The commotion persisted for a quarter of an hour, but with the intervention of Dragon Instructor, the situation was brought under control.

The runaway Magic Wand fell from the sky like a crashing plane, losing its vigor, and was caught by its owner.

One by one, the students in black robes returned to their places, as still as meditating monks. Had it not been witnessed with one’s own eyes, it would be hard to imagine that these brooding figures had been running and jumping just moments earlier.

The Dragon Instructor on the stage gestured with his hand, and the four Bone Rods returned to his pocket like swallows to their nest, leaving only a standard Magic Wand, as long as his eyebrow, in his hand.

The dragon touched the ground lightly with its claw, refocusing everyone’s attention back to him. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"Without understanding your level of ability, I allowed you to proceed with casting spells—that was my mistake," Dragon Instructor stroked his chin, "The number of newcomers has surged recently, and coupled with the outstanding performance in the last lesson, I misjudged your average level. After all, times have changed, and I should also change the outdated teaching methods."

Although Dragon Instructor’s words were sincere and heartfelt, the message was clear: you are the worst students I have ever taught. He did not intend to blame them, but it was precisely this lack of intent that showed the greatest malice.

"The practice lesson is over; now, let’s continue with the theoretical course."

"Lesson two, Spiritual Incantation."

This involves a ritual to attach a soul to inanimate matter. The materials are the soul and the object it possesses. The result—often referred to as Spiritual Objects—varies in degree of sentience based on the caster’s effort. The soul can be one’s own or another’s, with the former being much easier to control.

It is best to perform the casting alone and maintain emotional stability, as this directly influences the outcome. The emotions of those around you can also be a disruptive factor since emotions are contagious. This is especially sensitive for Spiritual Objects that are in the process of developing sentience. Negative emotions, like rage, are the primary cause of Spiritual Objects running amok. Once the spell concludes, the sentience of the Spiritual Objects is largely fixed, akin to a child reaching adulthood, no longer swayed by a few words.

However, these factors can be disregarded when the caster’s magical power and will are strong enough. This is also why these conditions weren’t initially given much attention. According to Dragon Instructor, such unrest had never occurred in all his years of teaching.

After the disturbance, regaining control was not difficult. One simply needed to repeat the comforting ritual, provided their emotions were calm; otherwise, it would only add fuel to the fire.

Dragon Instructor explained with great detail and, after ensuring that the students with the runaway wands were all right and offering some advice, he announced the end of the class.

Lyle and Dragon Instructor walked back together. Dragon Instructor inquired about Lyle’s absence from the previous night’s class and then emphasized some key points about handling the Spiritual Incantation.

"Has Plague Doctor’s talent awakened?"

"Yes, it’s a talent called Delusional Egg, an egg that can change its shape to some extent based on my thoughts."

"An egg?" Perhaps the initial structure of a living being had attracted the biologist’s interest, for Dragon Instructor showed deep interest in the egg’s form. Upon learning that Lyle hadn’t brought it with him but left it to Alianna, he eagerly inquired about specific details, seemingly more vested than Lyle.

Urged on by Dragon Instructor, the two quickly returned to the Cup of Luxury.

......

Alianna gently stirred her teaspoon in the tea cup; maintaining this motion had become a comforting habit from an unknown time in the past. Watching the iron handle cut through the liquid surface, creating swirls of yellow and white, she felt a serene quietude within.

But today, she found a new habit.

Her gloved fingers caressed the orb, and with a gentle pressure, small ripples spread out in all directions like waves.

The pleasure rendered her consciousness somewhat hazy, and Alianna began to hum "Snow Fairy Lady," a nursery rhyme she adored in childhood and had not heard for a long time.

The intoxicating sensation was like incense rising to the top of her head, tempting her to fall into a sleep from which she might never wish to awaken.

That was until Plague Doctor’s abrupt voice reached her ears.

"Alianna, stop singing."

She looked over to see Plague Doctor sitting opposite her, separated by a table. He held the edge of the table with one hand while resting his elbow on it, his body trembling slightly.

Dragon Instructor stood between them, his gaze fixed on this side, or more precisely, on the egg resting on his own knee.

A hint of irritation surfaced in her heart—she might have to let go.

......

Lyle swallowed hard, managing to repress the stomach acid rising in his throat, and subconsciously tasted the sour flavor in his mouth.

Initially, watching Alianna so engrossed in stroking the "egg" and swaying her head to the rhythm of her delight, he didn’t want to disturb the atmosphere and chose to sit aside, planning to let her indulge.

But then Alianna started singing while stroking... and he had to interrupt her.

There was no choice; his guts were dancing wildly with her singing.

"Alianna, have you discovered anything?" though he realized she was likely just fulfilling a personal emotional need.

"Nothing discovered," she set the egg on the table, "it hasn’t been long enough."

It seemed to hint at the brevity of the experience, but Lyle was skeptical of this assertion.