Using the Moonlight Stone to forge space is certainly not easy.
A mage of only 4th circle cannot even attempt it.
This is because there is a lack of authority for enchantment.
To exercise authority over space, one must achieve the enlightenment of the 8th circle.
With the authority of only a 4th circle, which at best allows for smoother use of elemental magic, one cannot even dare to approach such a realm.
However, Luke knew another way.
It was a system entirely different from the past, known as “Class.”
Based on a perfect understanding of magic, this method allows one to exercise authority using a catalyst called a cane instead of a circle.
He thought that using this method would make it sufficiently possible even if the circles were lacking.
As of now, that was the only option left for Luke.
Of course, it wouldn’t be easy.
“Ha… Is this formula really asking too much?”
Luke ripped the paper off, crumpling the formula he had been writing for quite some time.
Crumpling it also cleared the information from his mind.
The place where he tossed that crumpled paper was already full of other crumpled papers in the trash can.
He must have gone through that many failures.
The table was quite messy, unlike Luke, who usually kept everything clean and organized.
Reference books, problem sets laid out for inspiration, sketches of the ideas Luke had been consistently presenting on his notes, stationary casually placed nearby, half-finished formulas, roughly written notes, and ink bottles that had spilled a little with black stains on his fingertips.
It was truly a jumble.
Just like the complex thoughts in his head.
Currently, Luke was struggling to figure out the “laws of space organized in the class method.”
Well, it wouldn’t be surprising if there were papers or resources that summarize such laws; the problem was that those resources were incredibly advanced knowledge, which meant they couldn’t be easily accessed through simple searches.
Moreover, he was merely a commoner permitted to view up to the 4th class of class magic.
He might wonder if he could obtain materials through a mage with a higher authority, but that was also not easy.
In this era where knowledge is power, in a society where even a child could wield dangerous magic as long as they have knowledge, the restrictions on magical knowledge felt a bit excessive.
It’s understandable.
If a 10-year-old child unwittingly learned a powerful destruction spell, or if someone with malicious intent learned about mass destruction magic, it would indeed be a huge problem.
The restrictions placed upon the cane wouldn’t be enough.
Thus, for now, Luke had to tackle everything himself, from start to finish, to figure out the “laws of space.”
However, it was not easy to change the trends that had been passed down for over a hundred years with the mindset and common sense aligned with circle magic.
Problems were constantly arising with his verification formulas.
From simple calculation errors to significant premise mistakes.
A variety of issues kept surfacing.
Although Luke had proven even the miracle formulas, there was a massive difference between proving existing magic formulas and creating new ones.
Moreover, even if he completed this formula, he still questioned how to construct a cane of sufficient quality to utilize it.
However, Luke did not stop doing what he could do right away.
“Another mistake, again.”
He began to write the formula on paper again.
And soon realized that this was also incorrect and crumpled the paper again, tossing it aside.
-Tuk.
Even though the trash can was already stuffed with crumpled paper, the paper bundle he threw landed on the floor due to the rebound, rolling away.
At that moment, Yerna came in through the door of the inner room, holding some cut fruit.
“Hey, Luke. Sorry to interrupt your studying, but how about eating some fruit?”
“Thanks, but I really can’t think right now. Can you leave it for later?”
“……”
Yerna sighed at Luke’s response.
Luke had suddenly started studying, saying he had to repay the Moonlight Stone.
At first, she thought he was doing this to match Shirud.
Indeed, lately, Luke hadn’t been studying as hard as he used to, even with the upcoming International Mage Competition, nor had he been playing the cello diligently.
He had just been hanging around, taking leisurely naps and walks.
So when Luke suddenly started studying, Yerna willingly offered her room so he could create an environment conducive to focus.
Since they hadn’t found a new house yet, Luke didn’t have a room, and if Pyris or she kept hanging around nearby, it would undoubtedly disrupt his concentration.
Luke even slept on the living room floor with a blanket.
She had firmly instructed Pyris not to disturb her brother, and she also tried not to call out to him as much as possible.
She knew very well how disruptive it felt when a mother called while one was studying.
She believed Luke wouldn’t slack off.
However… this was rather excessive.
After returning from a few days working as a Forest Keeper, Luke had become so focused on studying that she worried he might collapse from exhaustion.
Why did Luke have to be all or nothing?
Yerna looked at the trash can overflowing with crumpled paper and the messy hair that Luke hadn’t tended to for days, speaking up with concern.
“Luke. Aren’t you pushing yourself too hard?”
“I’m fine, so don’t worry.”
Luke smiled lightly as if it was nothing.
To be honest, he wasn’t pushing himself at all.
If he found it too much or distasteful, he would have already taken care of himself.
No one was more sensitive about their body than a mage, after all.
On the contrary, he felt happy to have something to focus on after a long time.
Luke was experiencing such a strong interest in magic formulas that nothing else crossed his mind.
When he’s truly interested in something, a mage prioritizes that interest above all else and becomes absorbed in it.
Of course, Luke was no exception.
He even forgot to wash himself.
Watching Luke with concern, Yerna suddenly remembered that he had plans to meet with a friend today.
“Hey, Luke, weren’t you supposed to meet a friend today? You said you were going to study together.”
“Ah, was that today?”
Only then did Luke quickly turn his head to look at the calendar.
Oh gosh, it was indeed today.
He had gotten so absorbed that he even forgot the date.
How could he forget that he promised Helena he would personally teach her how to study for the exam!
He couldn’t become the kind of mage who fails to keep promises he made himself, so Luke hurriedly checked his appearance.
But no matter how he looked, he couldn’t go out in his current state.
Luke quickly unbuttoned his pajamas and rushed into the bathroom.
Seeing him like that, Yerna quietly smiled and said.
“Make sure to wash up quickly, I’ll get your clothes and bag ready.”
“Got it, thanks!”
As Luke began to wash up, Yerna looked over the messy desk.
She had to prepare things for studying with his friend.
‘But… what is even on the exam?’
Yerna tilted her head as she picked up the formula papers, notebooks, and reference books that Luke had written.
She hadn’t studied in a long time, so she didn’t know the content well.
It seemed that the curriculum was different from when she attended the Academy.
Plus, Luke had his own unique handwriting and characters which made it hard for her to read his notes.
Luke had a habit of jotting down summaries so only he could understand when studying alone.
“I guess I’ll just pack everything.”
Yerna packed all the items on the table neatly into the bag.
———
Helena watched Luke rush over from a distance, panting.
She put her phone in her pocket and looked at Luke with a glare as she said,
“You’re late.”
Luke gathered his hands and slightly bent his knees, looking up at Helena, and said, “Haha… I’m really sorry for keeping you waiting. I mistook the date for a moment. But I’ll cover the meal and drinks, how about that?”
“…Fine, as long as you teach me properly.”
Helena thought as she avoided Luke’s expression and actions.
‘After all, we are ‘rivals.’
To Helena, Luke was someone she must defeat.
Essentially, he was like a nemesis.
Initially, she almost became friends because she was a bit weak to compliments, but now she had steeled her resolve.
And if this was to be considered business,
Luke just had to teach her properly.
So she wasn’t going to get carried away with feelings.
“Thanks, Helena! You’re such a nice person. How can you be so lovely?”
“…Hmph, flattery doesn’t make me happy at all, you know?”
Don’t get carried away with feelings, don’t get…
