Chapter 69: Visiting The Shopping Pavilion…

The instructor advised, “Listen closely to my next words because I won’t repeat myself. Crafting an array requires a few steps. The first is that you have to stabilize your mind and be focused; distractions can cause the array structure to destabilize.

“Secondly, you have to visualize the array mentally in order to avoid errors. Channel your mana into the array brush or pen you will purchase later on. In my case, I can use my fingers to draw arrays because I am already at the advanced stage.”

“Next, you have to note that every array begins with its core symbols that determine its fundamental nature. From that, you will then add the energy lines which the mana will flow through; think of them like circuit wires.” The instructor began drawing another array as she explained, this time slowly.

“The final runes decide the activation of the array. You can add runes for manual trigger, time delay, make it activate upon touch by an enemy, and so on. Finally, you have to infuse the array with the final mana to seal it. If the array glows slightly and stabilizes, it is successful. Do you all understand?”

The instructor stared at everyone as soon as she finished explaining about arrays. Kranos pondered for a moment, lost in thought. The words of the instructor left him contemplating; he had to take his time to carefully recall everything so as not to miss anything.

Seeing that everyone was engrossed in their comprehension, the instructor decided to give them a thirty-minute break for those who were slow-witted.

Soon, thirty minutes went by in a flash. The instructor cleared her throat and proceeded to begin the explanation on formations.

“In the case of formations, the step you should take is to study the terrain where you want to place the formation, after which you measure the exact distance you are to place the exact formation points. Any misplacement can lead to the collapse of the whole formation.”

She paused for a moment after warning sternly, then continued, “Next, you engrave the primary symbols. These symbols, just like the core symbols in arrays, define the formation type. Just like with arrays, you use mana threads or inscriptions to connect the formation points.”

She then started drawing on the ground as she explained, “These mana threads act as conduits between formation points, after which you insert the core of the formation if needed. You can choose to make it visible or otherwise, depending on the kind of formation you are setting up.”

She displayed the method of inserting the core as well as how to make it visible or invisible. Then, infusing her mana into the formation, she explained, “Next, you infuse mana into the formation to charge it. Mana stones can also be used in this situation, just like what I used to alter the density of mana in the room with the previous advanced formation.”

“The more mana stones or mana used, the stronger the array becomes; however, note that if it becomes too much for the formation points to handle, the formation will collapse,” she warned. “Finally, just like before, you can seal the formation and set a trigger, hide its traces, and so on.”

After the instructor was done explaining, she gave them some time to digest the information. After barely thirty minutes passed, she interrupted, “That should be all for now. These are just superficial knowledge. Purchase books on arrays and formations to study more, and also buy some array brushes, pens, and papers; they make the flow of mana easier.”

“While studying, choose an array and a formation to practice. In a week’s time, I will see how much progress you’ve made in the study of both. The price for today’s lesson is one thousand merit points, as it always is with the first lesson of the year, after which any other lesson is just one hundred merit points.”

The instructor smiled, after which she took out what seemed like a mana device, similar to the one Kranos had seen in the lower realm. “Come, place your token here. The corresponding points will be automatically deducted.” She pointed at a student while speaking. The student did as she said; soon after, another student followed.

Then, one by one, they all went up and paid the corresponding points. Kranos went up as well. Upon closer look, he noticed the mana device was very similar to the one he had seen, though this one seemed to be the advanced version. He placed his jade token on it, and it flashed, displaying the words “-1000.” After the whole ordeal, the instructor bid them farewell. Immediately after he was out of the classroom, Kranos pondered on what he should do next.

After some thought, he decided to head to the shopping pavilion and purchase the things he wanted to buy before, and in the meantime, purchase the corresponding arrays and formations books as well.

With that, his figure flickered, and he appeared a few meters away. Once again met by the familiar door, Kranos didn’t hesitate and entered. A few minutes later, he came out with a satisfied smile. He had bought some array brushes, pens, and papers. Aside from that, he was satisfied with buying the elemental techniques and so on… However… 200 thousand points gone just like that? He frowned. It seemed his points weren’t as much as he thought.

However, this was only so because Kranos bought the book containing the most advanced knowledge on basic arrays and formations for first-years. After everything was done, he rushed back to his home. He had also bought the trigger for shielding his dorm from prying eyes. As soon as he reached, he immediately activated it. Although some who stayed nearby were slightly surprised, they didn’t think too much about it, just taking it as someone who loved their privacy.

In his room, Kranos sat cross-legged. He realized that he had so little time, yet so much to do: learning arrays, cultivating, mastering elemental techniques, comprehending time-related abilities—they were overwhelming. Besides, there’s alchemy I want to master as well. Kranos had decided to take on two side professions. With alchemy, he could quickly concoct a medicinal pill in case he fell into danger. That was a priority; his life always came first.

“Let’s just take things one step at a time,” he muttered to himself as he opened the array book in front of him.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep