Training-Addicted Mage In A Progression Fantasy-Chapter 69: Advanced Study of the Secret of Creation

During his weekly visits to the Valley of Souls to inspect the Defense Magic Circle, Leon assisted with Arpina’s research.

Once Arpina’s primary research concluded, Leon gathered the Mana Stones he’d received as payment and made his way directly to the Mineral Shop.

“Ah, procuring that quantity of minerals will take some time.”

The shop owner’s brow furrowed upon hearing Leon’s substantial mineral request.The amount far exceeded typical orders.

This was understandable, given that the Golems were considerably larger than standard ones.Even the Armor Golem stood taller than a human.

Left with no alternatives, Leon purchased what minerals were immediately available along with an appropriately sized cauldron before heading to the Valley of Souls.

Upon arriving in the desolate wasteland through the Teleportation Magic Circle, he immediately cast Levitation Magic.

This allowed him to inspect the Defense Magic Circle while surveying his designated area.

Without warning, Leisia materialized beside Leon.Her sudden appearance startled him enough to briefly halt his flight.

“...When did you get here?”“I was waiting for you because I was bored.”“I told you to signal the Golem if you needed anything......”“Leon, you’re always so formal.”

Leisia simply offered a meaningful smile without further comment.

Leon tilted his head slightly, continuing his inspection in silence.

After some time passed, Leisia spoke again.

“Have you finished helping with Master’s research?”“Yes... for now.”“I’m jealous, when will I get to help with Master’s research?”“Couldn’t you just ask Her directly?”

At Leon’s casual response, Leisia gave him a look of pure disbelief.

“Do you think it’s that simple? Do you realize how many people want to assist with Master’s research? Master’s work is in a unique field that even other Schools are interested in. Very few Mages in the Empire can create Six-Element Multi-Attribute Magic.”

Pride filled Leisia’s voice as she praised Arpina.

“That kind of achievement is only possible with novel insights, regardless of one’s Realm. It’s a special talent entirely.”

Soon after, Leisia’s gaze toward Leon brimmed with envy.

“There aren’t many people who can assist with research to Master’s satisfaction. Can you imagine my shock when Master asked you to help? She’s always researched alone without taking assistants, and then She chose you?”“...I see.”

This sentiment didn’t particularly resonate with Leon, who had joined the research purely for the Mana Stone compensation.However, hearing both Glios and Leisia speak so highly of Arpina, it became clear she wasn’t just another Advanced Mystic Mage.

Their conversation had carried them through most of the inspection.They gradually descended to the ground.

“Will you be staying in the Valley of Souls from now on?”“It seems that way.”

Though he’d agreed to continue supporting Arpina’s research, this wouldn’t be another intensive month-long project, but rather a steady, ongoing effort.

Therefore, Leon decided to remain in the Valley of Souls for the duration to serve as Security.He planned to craft Golems with his newly acquired minerals during his free time.

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“That’s good, it’s quite dangerous to go into the Defense Magic Circle alone to observe the Beasts.”

As she spoke, she slightly lifted her light blue Robe to reveal her shoulder.

“...!”

Leon, who was about to quickly avert his gaze, froze when he noticed a not-quite-healed scar on her snow-white shoulder.

“I recently encountered an Arcane Grade Beast. It was a close call.”“......”

Though she mentioned it casually, her words filled Leon with regret.After all, she had been observing and documenting the Beasts’ movements by herself all this time.

“......Let’s work together from now on.”

When Leon spoke, unable to mask his apologetic expression, Leisia’s face lit up with a bright smile.

“Thank you.”“There must be many powerful Beasts here. Are there even stronger ones deeper inside, like in the Beast Forest?”

Leisia smoothly pulled her Robe back into place and responded calmly.

“Do you know why this place is called the Valley of Souls?”“No.”“Before other Mages discovered it, this place was known as the people’s graveyard. Anyone who ventured here would vanish without a trace. After its excavation and subsequent subjugation, it became a Beast cultivation ground.”

Leon surveyed the surroundings.Indeed, the Mana here was unique.Though thick and dense, an unstable energy lingered beneath the surface.

This phenomenon typically occurred when Mana had been artificially manipulated.

“So occasionally, unexpectedly powerful Beasts emerge. Either they’ve evolved by consuming other Beasts, or they’re born as mutants.”“Was that the case with the Beast you encountered?”“Most likely. We keep detailed records of Beast habitats. Usually, they rarely leave their designated areas, so I just had bad luck.”“How do they handle such Beasts?”“Once reported, they’re eliminated, naturally. The Beast I encountered has already been dealt with by another Mage.”

Leisia offered a gentle smile to ease his concerns before continuing.

“That person was quite impressed by your Golems.”

She gestured toward the Golems moving systematically within the Defense Magic Circle.

“It’s rare to see someone with so many Golems, unless they’re a Magic Engineer specializing in Golem research.”“I see. Did they mention anything else?”

Wondering if they might have recognized the Ancient Golem, Leon asked, but Leisia shook her head.

“We didn’t discuss much else. But word has likely spread among the Security Mages here. It will probably reach all of Asteria soon.”

That made sense.Naturally, people would take interest when unprecedented Golems appeared in an area under Mage surveillance.

They made their way toward a quiet dwelling after completing the Magic Circle inspection.

The dwelling contained individual rooms designed for rest and training.Each room radiated tranquility and Magic Power, with Asteria’s massive walls visible in the distance through the windows.

Before entering their respective rooms, Leisia inquired.

“There’s a Personal Disciple sparring match in 6 months. There’s a banquet beforehand, will you attend?”“A banquet?”“It’s a social gathering for Personal Disciples to build connections.”

Upon hearing this, Leon declined without hesitation.

“I won’t be going.”“I figured as much. Well, suit yourself.”

She gave a casual wave before disappearing into her room.One of Leisia’s best qualities was her ability to accept Leon’s decisions without pressing the issue.

****

During his stay in the Valley of Souls, Leon devoted himself to Golem manufacturing.The process took longer than before since he now had to create the Golems’ bodies from scratch.

The true first step in Golem manufacturing was mineral refinement.This process required the Fire of Creation.This method, detailed in the Secret of Creation, produced flames capable of melting even the hardest minerals, making any material workable.

In a way, it’s similar to the process of creating Essence.

Refining minerals and preparing molds for Golem bodies proved more intricate than anticipated.

Leon carefully manipulated the Fire of Creation while monitoring the melting minerals.He repeated the process multiple times until achieving optimal mineral purity.

Next came preparing molds for the Golem bodies.

But the work didn’t end with mineral melting and mold creation.

The most crucial body component was the Mana circuit.

This circuit formed the core structure enabling Golem movement and command comprehension.It ranked second in importance only to the Core itself.

Until now, he had worked with bodies recovered from Ancient ruins, making this his first experience with body manufacturing.

Naturally, there were numerous trials and errors.

Since the Armor Golem’s body was particularly large, he decided to practice body manufacturing with Scorpion Golems first.

After a week of gaining experience, Leon attempted creating bodies for Armor Golems and Gargoyle Golems.

The workshop overflowed with Golem parts of various shapes.

Another month passed in this manner.Leon remained at the Valley of Souls dwelling, as Security duty typically lasted at least a year.

During this period, Leon rarely left the dwelling except for regular Defense Magic Circle inspections or Beast habitat observations with Leisia.While immersed in his work, he occasionally visited Arpina’s research lab or ventured out for mineral supplies.

Leon’s assigned duties weren’t particularly complex.Beyond inspecting the Defense Magic Circle and monitoring Beast movements, he could use his time freely.This helped him understand why Arpina had recommended this position.

Sometimes other Security Mages would visit the dwelling, but they’d leave after brief exchanges with Leisia.This was thanks to her effectively communicating that Leon was preoccupied.

His progress toward 2-star Secret of Creation proceeded smoothly.

He regularly visited the Mineral Shop, purchasing all available White Obsidian.

By now, Leon’s Golem count exceeded 200.

Upon achieving 2-star Secret of Creation, Leon eagerly retrieved the Advanced Study of the Secret of Creation.

Finally, he could examine the Ancient Magic Spell Formulas while decoding the Runic Script.

Leon became deeply absorbed in methodically decoding the Advanced Study’s Runic Scripts.

The Advanced Study of the Secret of Creation contained detailed information about mysterious Magic revealing hidden Golem blueprint sections, enhanced Fire of Creation, sophisticated Mana circuit technology, and methods for creating the Core, the Golem’s heart.

Leon immediately examined the concealed portions of the Golem blueprints.

Beyond the familiar Scorpion, Armor, and Gargoyle Golem designs lay their evolved forms.

The front sections contained blueprints for Scorpion, Armor, and Gargoyle Golems.The back sections revealed advanced versions of these initial designs.

The Scorpion’s advanced form resembled a fairy-like winged insect.While its tail-mounted stinger posed a threat, its primary purpose appeared to be covert reconnaissance.

The Armor Golem evolved into a more compact but significantly more agile Knight Golem.More precisely, it resembled a Magic Knight equipped with magical capabilities.

The Gargoyle Golem’s advanced form had transformed into an even more massive Drake.

Finally, most impressive was the Gigantes, a colossal Golem whose blueprint alone suggested it could pierce the heavens.

These advanced Golems all wielded Magic freely and required even rarer, premium minerals for their creation.Their defensive capabilities had increased proportionally.

However, some aspects proved disappointing.All Golems focused solely on combat or reconnaissance.

Should I create a new Golem?

Leon considered designing a precise Golem capable of providing auxiliary support.

One day, as Leon studied the Advanced Study of the Secret of Creation, an unexpected visitor arrived at his dwelling.

Opening the door revealed an elderly man with frost-white hair and a back bent by years, who bowed politely.

“Might you be Leon, creator of these remarkable Golems?”

Outside the door, Golems too large for Leon’s room lay scattered about.

“......Yes, that’s me.”

As Leon nodded hesitantly, the Elder’s face brightened with a smile as he introduced himself.

“I am Chief, a Magic Engineer. I was hoping to gain your insights on my current Golem research. Would you be willing to assist me?”