Huh?
Me, teach you? Are you serious?
Even without seeing the full picture, Sellen's sharp eyes could tell Frieren's power was unfathomable; the impression her magic gave was as vast as the sea.
Among all the powerful individuals she had encountered, only the Full Moon Queen could compare. Who was stronger wasn't clear, as they both belonged to a supreme realm utterly beyond Sellen's comprehension.
However, having such a sorcerer willingly become her student was quite prestigious, and she was happy to accept. Looked at another way, teaching magic was the rightful reward for defeating the guard. Before that, though, one question needed asking:
"So, what kind of sorcery are you pursuing?"
"All of it. The more, the better. I accept all kinds of magic," Frieren answered immediately.
"Surely you have a general direction?"
"Soul sorcery is the subject I'm currently researching. In my homeland, besides numerous common spells, there were many conceptual minor magics and personal, exclusive spells, often possessing great power. I want to develop soul-related sorceries, and for that, I need to absorb different knowledge."
In reality, exclusive magic was rare, or rather, those who truly mastered it were few. Frieren believed she could develop soul sorcery.
To reach the high level of incomprehensible magic, akin to that of the Demon Sages.
Coincidentally, the underlying logic of magic from her previous 'game' world revolved around the element of the [Soul]. She might as well continue researching it.
Turn it into her exclusive magic.
During her recent battle with the Farron Undead Legion, she had experimented with enhancing spells by infusing them with soul power, achieving remarkable results. So, the research was feasible, and it would also allow her to more fully utilize the First Flame within her.
The knowledge system of the Lands Between could surely supplement this.
"...I already have some ideas. For example, this Homing Crystal Soulmass – could it completely drive the soul from the body?" The silver-haired girl manifested a crystal in her hand. "Would that mean it must return to the Erdtree?"
"A kind of repatriation mechanism? Could a soul struck by you, under the lingering effects of your magic, return to the Erdtree and be reborn?"
"Perhaps."
"Then couldn't that solve many instances of Hollowing?" When discussing academics, Sellen's voice grew excited. "This would be a revolutionary academic breakthrough! Success would change the world!"
"Yes. I've also thought of another method: healing the soul to reflect upon the body, allowing those suffering from Hollowing to regain a normal form."
"But sorcery stems from understanding. The soul is related to emotions, and your emotions... are not particularly ardent."
"In any case, I greatly need the magical systems of the Lands Between."
"Unfortunately, my area of expertise lies within the Glintstone system, leveraging its power to achieve great feats. You can experiment with its effects on the soul, so I will teach it to you."
The opportunity for a subversive breakthrough lay before Sellen. What sorcerer could resist? Compared to this, Academy faction disputes paled in comparison. If soul sorcery grew strong enough to save many, millions upon millions of lives could be restored.
Healing the soul with magic?
Usually, one can only heal the body at most, right? It seemed almost unnatural, going against the grain, yet the underlying principle felt somewhat plausible.
Setting aside those thoughts, she produced various sorcery scrolls, explaining them like an advertisement, "This is Glintstone Stars, Glintstone Arc..."
"I want them all. Please teach me everything."
Frieren's eyes lit up. Merely knowing the basic principles, she instantly replicated the corresponding spells, perfectly, even potentially deducing other forms.
Throughout her weathered journeys, she had witnessed too much magic crossing systems and even worlds. She was adept at summarizing, generalizing, and quickly utilizing new knowledge. This level of learning was actually no trouble at all, quite easy for her.
Even Sellen's sculpted mask seemed to convey a stunned expression.
A genius!
Did the Academy's history ever record a genius who learned just by looking? And she stumbled upon one, as a student no less.
Frieren, a Tarnished from outside the Lands Between carrying different knowledge, was destined to bring about immense change. If even souls could be altered before her, who could remain unshakable? It's possible; such an ability must exist.
Imagine, if universal soul-healing and soul-repatriation sorceries were developed, wouldn't that supplement the Erdtree system?
While not as grand as repairing the Elden Ring and establishing new Laws, patching up existing flaws was incredibly difficult yet valuable. It would at least save many people, potentially more practical than fixing the Ring itself.
The two began to happily exchange insights, losing track of time.
During this period, Auluo came down to the basement once to inquire. Frieren replied she'd be as quick as possible, asking her to wait a little longer, then continued the discussion...
A Black Knife Assassin!
That iconic attire is unmistakable anywhere in the Lands Between. To command her allegiance, what kind of person must Frieren be? It seems my student isn't just someone who will stand out, but someone who already has.
They continued their exchange, touching upon the developmental direction of Glintstone sorcery.
"The masters of this school believe one should transform their body towards Glintstone, similar to the form of a Graven Mass. Is this feasible according to your theories, Frieren?"
"No. Pursuing magic shouldn't be like that. If one cannot maintain a normal form, how can they truly delve into research?"
"All life originates from the Crucible of Life, not necessarily adapted to Glintstone's properties, hence the need for transformation."
"Then make it adapt to us."
Sellen shook her head, not delving deeper into the topic. Disagreements in research were inevitable. Clearly, teacher and student had different views on the future direction of the Primeval Current school. Neither right nor wrong, and neither was someone easily swayed by just a few words.
Hearing the keyword "Graven Mass," Frieren's heart sank. Based on player comments, it was likely nothing good, an ending to be avoided. She needed to keep this in mind.
Setting aside the dispute, the topic shifted to Frieren's research direction. Sellen saw infinite potential in soul sorcery.
"...You don't understand humans, Frieren. Your magic, though of the soul, is full of ingenuity but lacks spirit, lacks life."
"That might be true."
"It doesn't matter. You have surely been loved by many along your journey, and will be in the future. Carefully feel that vibrant connection between souls, and the system you personally create will advance further."
"However, that might require a very long time. Too long."
"Why not try another method? What if you spread your own belief? Invent an Incantation for soul healing, allowing the caster's emotions to power it, while you merely serve as the anchor point."
The silver-haired girl nodded. She finally opened her mouth to ask a question, but saw Sellen spread her hands helplessly.
"Unfortunately, Incantations are not my area of expertise. I wouldn't dare lead a student astray. You should find an Incantation teacher with rich experience."
"Any recommendations?"
"In the Liurnia of the Lakes region, at the Church of Vows, there resides an old turtle. He is a wise beast with considerable experience in Incantations. Go chat with him, share knowledge, and he should be very willing to offer experienced support."
"I understand. By the way, Teacher, is there anything else you can teach?"
"It's you who learns too quickly. If you could collect some Royal House Scrolls or Academy Scrolls for me, perhaps other discoveries could be made. After all, without teaching materials, it's difficult for me as well."
Frieren didn't find this troublesome. If she could command the Limgrave region, collecting some minor artifacts wouldn't be hard.
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